Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruise Lines is not just a place to grab a quick bite—it’s a full-on flavor sensation cruisers rave about. Imagine this: juicy beef patties hot off the grill, super melty cheese, sauteed onions, and a side of Guy’s famous signature fries and onion rings. Sounds tempting? That’s because it is. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Guy’s Burger Joint is a must-visit on any Carnival Cruise ship.
What makes Guy’s Burger Joint the hottest food sensation on Carnival Cruises? Is the sizzle of the grill or the irresistible hot burger toppings keeping cruisers coming back for more? Get ready to sink your teeth into the juicy details of this floating culinary hotspot.
In this article, I’ll dish out all you need to know about Guy’s Burgers, plus some mouth-watering insights from the buzz on social media of how fellow cruisers rate the delicious hand-crafted burgers.
Introducing Guy’s Burger Joint
Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruise ships is a highly rated, complimentary dining venue created by Food Network’s Guy Fieri. Known for mouth-watering beef patties, customizable toppings, and signature hand-cut fries, this fun, casual venue is a cruiser favorite. It’s one of the most talked-about food venues at sea.
The Popularity of Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruises
Delicious burger patties and rave passenger reviews on social media have made Guy’s Burger Joint one of the most popular food destinations at sea. Known for bold flavors, mouthwatering toppings, and tasty sides, it’s no wonder cruisers can’t stop talking about it.
One cruiser put it perfectly: “Guy’s Burger Joint may not be the fanciest restaurant onboard, but it’s certainly the most flavorsome.” I couldn’t agree more.
But do cruisers choose Carnival Cruise because of Guy’s Burgers? For some, it seems they do. Many passengers say that the presence of a Guy’s Burger Joint could be the deciding factor when deciding between similar ships and itineraries. It’s not just a meal—it’s a reason to cruise with Carnival.
What is Guy’s Burger Joint?
Guy’s Burger Joint is a dynamic partnership between Carnival Cruise Line and celebrity chef Guy Fieri. The burger venue brought Guy’s burger experience to cruisers on the Carnival Liberty in 2011. Since then, it’s been a staple on all Carnival ships. The concept of fun, cheerful comfort food quickly became a hit with cruise passengers.
Guy Fieri is famous for his bold flavors and passion for grilled and barbecue cuisine. On Carnival Cruise Lines, this comes to life with a complimentary dining experience featuring hand-crafted burgers topped with fresh, flavorful ingredients, and Fieri’s legendary “Donkey Sauce”—a zesty, creamy blend that adds the perfect kick. Today, it’s a celebrated highlight of the Carnival cruise experience, combining Fieri’s signature culinary flair with the fun, laid-back vibe Carnival is known for.
A unique feature of Guy’s Burger Joint is the special condiments at the two self-serve topping bars. At each topping station, Fieri offers suggestions for the perfect topping for your delicious, moist patty.
In 2023 alone, Guy’s Burger Joint served over 10.5 million burgers—an impressive feat that highlights its popularity among cruisers. It’s no wonder Guy’s has become a must-visit spot on every Carnival cruise.
The Guy’s Burger Joint Experience
Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruise Line ships offers a fun, relaxed, and tasty dining experience. Passengers love its laid-back vibe, vibrant retro décor, and top-notch service. It’s typically near the pool deck, making it ideal for a quick, satisfying meal.
Let’s dive in to learn more about what eating at Guy’s is like.
Décor
Guy’s Burger Joint brings a retro, American diner 50s feel to the open seas. Get ready for bright colors, stainless steel accents, and retro signage. The walls are decorated with car grilles, license plates, surfboards, and road signs. Words used to describe the feel at Guy’s are “roadside diner,” “California cool,” “roadside burger shack,” “1950s throwback,” “old-school American Diner,” and “retro-chic.”
The seating area is comfortable and welcoming, with plenty of space for groups. On most cruise ships, you can get tables with ocean views for one of the most unique burger experiences ever.
Service
I’ve always found Guy’s Burger Joint service fast and friendly. The staff work fast and have a remarkable turnaround, meaning you rarely must wait long in line. Even during peak hours, the waiting time is never more than ten minutes. The staff are also happy to personalize requests. I even heard about people ordering vegan burgers, but you’ll need to wait extra time as this is done per order.
Locations
You’ll find Guy’s Burger Joint in the heart of the action—usually right by the pool on the Lido deck. It’s the perfect spot to grab a burger after a swim or soak up the sun. Whether heading to the RedFrog Rum Bar or just lounging nearby, it’s always within reach if you’re at the pool.
What I love about Guy’s is that you can enjoy your burger anywhere on the ship. So, why not ditch the classic burger experience and head to the upper deck? You can enjoy the sea breeze and ocean views there as you devour your decadent burger.
Menu Highlights
Experienced cruisers rave about Guy’s Burger Joint, thanks to its mouthwatering menu. Social media is filled with praise, with passengers calling the burgers “real beef,” “the freshest,” and “above average for fast food.” Some even admit to craving Guy’s burgers long after the cruise is over.
The menu features juicy beef burgers made from 80/20 ground chuck, along with a unique pork burger topped with crispy bacon. At the toppings bar, you’ll find creative condiments with fun acronyms. Here’s a quick guide:
- L.T.O.P.: Lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle
- S.M.C.: Super melty cheese
- Donkey sauce: Jacked-up secret sauce
- Rojo ring: Crispy spicy onion ring
With options to satisfy every craving, it’s no wonder Guy’s Burger Joint is a cruiser favorite. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic burger or something with a twist, this spot has you covered.
Burger options
Here are burger descriptions of the must-try offerings from Guy’s Burger Joint that will have your taste buds dancing to a symphony of flavors:
Plain Jane: The Plain Jane is simplicity at its best—just a juicy beef patty served on a grilled roll waiting for a generous helping of burger condiments. Perfect if you love classic burgers.
Straight Up: The Straight Up takes it up a notch with a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, melted cheese topping, and a generous dollop of Donkey Sauce for an extra kick.
Pig Patty: If you’re a bacon lover, the Pig Patty is your go-to grill burger. It features strips of crispy bacon arranged into a patty, smothered with melted cheese, and served with all the traditional condiments.
Chilius Maximus: This bold choice is topped with spicy chili, cheese, and onions. It’s a hearty option that packs a punch and tingles in your mouth where other burgers fail.
The Ringer: Not for the faint-hearted or calorie watchers, The Ringer has it all. A pure beef patty topped with Guy’s famous Bourbon and Brown Sugar BBQ sauce, super melty cheese, and crowned with a Rojo Ring.
Customization
The beauty of Guy’s Burger Joint is the extra toppings you can use to customize the beef patty in a grilled bun. One of my favorite options is to order the Plain Jane classic burger and add the toppings I fancy from the topping and condiment station. It means that no two burgers are ever the same.
Famous Guy’s Burger Joint fries
At Guy’s Burger Joint, the fries are hand-cut and expertly seasoned with a secret blend reminiscent of salt, paprika, and garlic powder. To me, it’s kind of like Cajun-style seasoning. The fries stay crispy for a long time. However, I noticed that some passengers complain about soggy fries. So, maybe there’s a quality issue on some ships.
Sides
After picking up your burger, it’s time to head to the fantastic condiments and toppings bar. Here is a selection of what toppings are on offer:
- Chili
- Caramelized onions
- Raw white onions
- Jalapenos
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- Onion rings—order at the counter
- Crispy bacon strips—order at the counter
- Super Melty Cheese (S.M.C.)
Some people were disappointed that Guy’s took their fried mushroom toppings off the menu. From what I read online, they weren’t popular with most passengers, and they removed them to cut down on food waste.
You can choose from the usual types of burger sauces at the condiments bar. These include:
- A1 sauce
- Ketchup
- Mayo
- Mustard
Specialty diets
Guy’s Burger Joint also caters to cruisers with special dietary needs. Although not on the menu, you can order a delicious veggie burger and load it with all the toppings and condiments you want. Do you need gluten-free options? No worries. Just ask at the counter when ordering your burger, and you’ll get a grilled gluten-free bun.
Special menu items
Guy’s Burger Joint on some Carnival Cruise ships has unique menu items. I’ve found these on Mediterranean cruises on the Carnival Venezia and learned they are also on the Carnival Firenze. You can get Italian-style burgers with mozzarella and pepperoni pizza toppings on these ships.
What’s the Great Fries Controversy?
The controversy about Guy’s Burger Joint fries started around 2021 when they swapped traditional hand-cut fries for frozen ones. Experienced cruisers noticed the drop in quality and started an email campaign to get the hand-cut fries back.
One passenger wrote, “Different texture, different taste, didn’t like the seasoning.” Another commented, “They are far inferior to the fresh-cut fries that Guy’s Burgers used to serve.”
However, reports in 2024 indicate that John Heald, Carnival Cruise’s brand ambassador, said they are gradually returning to the original hand-cut fries recipe.
Guy’s Burger Joint Breakfast
If you want to skip the traditional cruise buffet, you’ll find breakfast options on some of the newer Carnival Cruise ships. The three options feature the same bold flavors and secret sauce recipes that made Guy’s famous. Here’s what you can expect:
The Plain Joe Sandwich: This breakfast offering will prepare you for the day. It’s the same ground chuck burger for regular dining with some twists. It comes with two fried eggs, melted cheese, and Guy’s maple donkey sauce.
All American: This breakfast option has a turkey sausage patty topped with maple gravy, provolone cheese, a hash brown, and bacon.
Good Morning Morgan: This vegan breakfast sandwich is a roasted veggie frittata with hash browns, tomatoes, and maple donkey sauce in a toasted bun.
Insider Tips
How can you ensure the best burger experience when dining at Guy’s Burger Joint? I’ve read many forum discussions on Carnival Cruise Line and compiled the best tips to ensure your cruise is one to remember.
To avoid long lines, many seasoned cruisers make Guy’s Burger Joint their first stop right after boarding— the excitement to grab one of those famous burgers is real! If you miss the initial rush, don’t worry; head back in the late afternoon when the crowds die down, and you can enjoy your burger in peace.
Try the Ringer: One popular suggestion is to give the Ringer burger a try. Its crispy onion ring and BBQ sauce make it a fan favorite that offers a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
Pair with the right drink: Head over to the nearby RedFrog Rum Bar or BlueIguana Tequila Bar for a refreshing drink to go with your burger. Personally, I love an ice-cold frosty beer with my Straight Up burger and an extra portion of crispy onion rings.
Be mindful of portions: Portions at Guy’s Burger Joint are generous. If you plan to sample other dining options on the ship, consider sharing a burger or skipping the fries to save room for more treats later.
Why Guy’s Burger Joint is a Social Media Sensation
As one of the best cruise ship complimentary restaurants, it’s no surprise that it’s a big hit on social media. For some people, it’s the first port of call after embarkation. Others love to share their experiences on TikTok or Instagram.
On TikTok, the consensus is that the juicy burgers are the best from any cruise line. Some comments that get repeated are “Mouth-watering,” “Juiciest burger ever at sea,” “So worth the wait,” “Addictive, and I ate ten burgers on my seven-day cruise,” and “A must-try.”
How Guy’s Burger Joint Compares to Other Cruise Lines
How does Guy’s Burger Joint compare with the burger restaurants on the other major cruise lines? Here are comments from experienced cruisers that I’ve curated from cruise forums and discussion groups.
Guy’s Burger Joint vs. Johnny Rockets (Royal Caribbean)
Guy’s Burger Joint offers a more laid-back, complimentary experience than Johnny Rockets, which typically charges an extra fee. While Johnny Rockets provides a classic diner atmosphere with a broader menu, Guy’s focuses on a few high-quality, customizable burger options, often described as “the best at sea.”
Guy’s Burger Joint vs. MSC Yacht Club
Guy’s Burger Joint is a casual, accessible option for all cruisers, while the MSC Yacht Club offers a more luxurious, exclusive dining experience. So, this is like comparing oranges and apples. The Yacht Club’s gourmet burgers are delicious; however, there are fewer options for toppings. Guy’s relaxed vibe and comfort food focus appeal to different cruising styles.
Guy’s Burger Joint vs. Impossible Burger (Virgin Voyages)
Guy’s Burger Joint emphasizes classic beef burgers, while Impossible Burger is known for its plant-based patties. For vegetarians or those seeking a meatless alternative, Impossible Burger stands out. But if you crave a traditional, juicy burger, Guy’s delivers with its robust, meat-centric menu.
Guy’s Burger Joint vs. The Salty Dog Gastropub (Princess Cruises)
The Salty Dog Gastropub (SDG) offers a more sophisticated pub atmosphere with gourmet burger options, compared to the casual, fast-service vibe at Guy’s Burger Joint. While both focus on delivering great burgers, The Salty Dog is known for its artisanal flair, whereas Guy’s is all about straightforward, bold flavors. The cover price for SDG is around $15, and drinks are extra.
Conclusion
Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruises is a must-try for any cruiser craving bold, flavorful burgers in a fun, casual setting. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser, this iconic spot delivers every time. Have a favorite cruise burger joint? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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