Who doesn’t love a slice of pizza as a late-night snack after a full day of activity on a cruise ship? It’s the ultimate comfort food, after all, and it’s just plain fun to eat.
However, some guests sailing aboard two Carnival Cruise Line ships from Australian homeports are disappointed at the lack of complimentary late-night food, particularly pizza.
The situation prompted one cruiser to post a petition on Change.org, calling for the cruise line to provide free pizza through midnight.
“Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter offer exciting voyages and unparalleled experiences. However, as passengers, it’s disheartening to see that there are no free food options available after 9 PM,” states the petition created by Jonathon Hurrell.
“This petition is a call to action for Carnival Cruise Lines to extend free food services on their ships, specifically providing complimentary pizza until midnight. This change would not only enhance the guest experience on board but also align with Carnival’s reputation as the most fun cruise line,” the petition adds.
Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure joined the fleet in March 2025 after sister brand P&O Cruises Australia was absorbed into Carnival Cruise Line. The ships, each with capacity for 2,600 guests in double occupancy, are based in Brisbane and Sydney, respectively.
But the rebranding of the ships into the Fun Ship fleet did not mean that all of the policies and services offered on the transferred ships would mirror those in place across the Carnival fleet.
For instance, the Lido Marketplace buffet is typically open until about 2 a.m. on other Carnival ships, and the Carnival Deli until 11 p.m., depending on the vessel. Neither of the former P&O ships has these options.
“Join us in urging Carnival Cruise Lines to provide free pizza until midnight on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. Sign this petition to make late-night munching a memorable part of the cruise experience,” the petition concludes.
It has so far amassed over 400 signatures from people who have sailed on the ships and also were frustrated at the lack of late-night options, or guests who are booked to sail on future cruises.
As one future guest commented on the petition site: “I booked the Carnival Adventure ship, as I was expecting to get the Carnival value and experience that I’ve enjoyed on Carnival Splendor. Now I’m worried that my Carnival cruise will be ruined because of ‘penny pinching’ and not receiving the Carnival experience that I expected when I booked my cruise.”
Another post chastised the cruise line: “Carnival, you can do better! Aussies are loyal customers who deserve a wonderful cruising experience.”
Earlier Change Limited Late-Night Pizza to Buffet Only
In addition to the Lido Marketplace, Carnival Cruise Line ships have two pizza counters where guests can indulge in the cheesy delight, including Pizzeria del Capitano and Pirate Pizza, both included in the cruise fare.
Read Also: How Not to Overeat on a Cruise – And Why It Matters
The cruise line made a big change in November 2024 when both venues, which had traditionally remained open until 2 or 2:30 a.m., began closing at midnight.
Under the new policy, late-night pizza became available only at the Lido Marketplace, and the style of pizza was limited to deep-dish only, which disappointed some guests. This policy did not impact either Carnival Encounter or Carnival Adventure since they were not yet part of the fleet.
All Carnival Cruise Line ships, including Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure, do serve pizza and other snacks like sandwiches, wraps, and salads via room service on a 24-hour basis, but fees apply. Pan pizza costs $6.
Carnival Encounter operates Australia and South Pacific voyages, including cruises to the Great Barrier Reef and Papua New Guinea, while Carnival Adventure sails to destinations such as New Caledonia, Fiji, and Vanuatu.
