Carnival Guests Upset Over $5 Hot Chocolate — Here’s What the Cruise Line Says

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has once again stepped in to clear up confusion — this time about a surprisingly heated topic: hot chocolate.

After a recent guest complaint went viral, Heald confirmed that the beloved warm beverage is still available onboard, just not all day long.

A Guest’s Concern Over a Missing Favorite

The discussion started when a passenger sailing aboard Carnival Liberty noticed the hot chocolate machines on the Lido Deck were gone, replaced by a coffee shop charging $5 for the same drink. The cruiser expressed disappointment to Heald, saying, “For those of us that don’t drink coffee, we are all very sad.”

The Carnival Liberty, based year-round in New Orleans, had just returned from a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing visiting Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

While the comment might sound lighthearted, it sparked a wave of responses from fellow cruisers who also missed their free cocoa fix.

Carnival’s Clarification: It’s Still Free — Just Later

Heald quickly addressed the confusion, reassuring fans that Carnival hasn’t eliminated complimentary hot chocolate at all.

“We still have the free hot chocolate. It’s still there,” he explained. “It’s available after 6 p.m. on the Lido Deck.”

That means while you won’t find free hot chocolate machines running all day, you can still cozy up with a cup in the evening.

Morning Hot Chocolate Options

For guests craving hot chocolate earlier in the day, there are still several options:

• Coffee Shop: You can grab a rich, café-style hot chocolate from the onboard coffee shop (like Jardin Café on Carnival Liberty or JavaBlue Café on other ships). These versions are made to order — topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle — though they do come with a small charge.
• Room Service: Guests can also enjoy complimentary hot chocolate with the continental breakfast room service menu, available from 6–10 a.m. Delivery fees apply only for certain items, but the continental menu itself is free.

A Sweet Ending to the Day

So while free hot chocolate isn’t an all-day treat anymore, Carnival cruisers can still sip it in the evening on Lido or start the morning with a cup in their cabin.

For those willing to splurge a few dollars, the upgraded version from the café offers a little extra indulgence — perfect for enjoying at sea.

In short, Carnival’s hot chocolate hasn’t gone anywhere — it’s just waiting for you after sunset.