Carnival Leads the Cruise Industry In Trans-Fat-Free Cuisine

[Jason]

Carnival Leads the Cruise Industry In Trans-Fat-Free Cuisine

MIAMI (Carnival Cruise Lines) – Carnival Cruise Lines, which led the cruise industry by initiating measures two years ago to remove trans fats from its menus, is taking that program to the next level in 2007.

The world’s most popular cruise line stopped using cooking oils containing trans fats in 2005 and also currently offers trans-fat-free salad dressings, Spa Carnival Fare, vegetarian entrees and dinner breads. Designated by a special menu symbol, the Spa Carnival dishes are available on all lunch and dinner menus in the ships’ main dining rooms and are lower in fat, sodium, cholesterol and calories. Poultry and meats are broiled or roasted, salads are prepared with low-fat or fat-free dressings and desserts with sugar substitutes. Carnival also offers delectable vegetarian selections and a diverse array of warm, delicious breads at each meal, all free of trans fats.

Additionally, while most items among Carnival’s tantalizing cuisine choices are already trans fat free, the cruise line is conducting a detailed analysis of remaining items that can be replaced with trans-fat-free variations and is working with vendors to find suitable alternatives. Pastries, buns, certain cheeses and dessert icings (cake mixes are already trans fat free) are all among the items currently being examined.

“We quietly began moving away from ingredients containing trans fats two years ago, motivated simply by a desire to take the healthiest possible approach to food preparation and menu offerings in the interest of our guests’ well-being,” said Natko Nincevic, senior vice president of hotel operations, who oversees Carnival’s food and beverage operations. “With the recent surge in consumer awareness on the risks associated with trans fats, we want to assure our guests that we’re not only ahead of the curve on this important issue, but we’re now taking it to the next level,” Nincevic added.

Carnival’s latest initiative to eliminate trans fats is slated to advance over the course of the next six months as the company continues to identify and replace additional items.

Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is the most popular cruise line in the world with 21 "Fun Ships" operating voyages ranging from three to 16 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Greek Isles.

The company currently has four new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011. The first of those, Carnival Freedom, is slated to debut in Europe March 5, 2007.

[TheSkipper]

Good move, Carnival.. Will be boarding the Glory in about a month.

[teacp]

That is what I love about their menu....the low carb, the vegeterian and the sugar free desserts

[GottaCruz]

I'll feel a lot better when I'm pigging out on my next Carnival cruise, knowing that the food is trans-fat-free.

[SCIROCCO]

Sounds good to me too Ill try it out when we go on the Conquest In October,The DR. Told me to keep my Fat Intake down for a Year,Then I can Pig out! Me and Annie havent been on Carnival for 4 Years Now, we took Two cruises in 2001 and 2002 I beleive somewhere around those Years! Ill try out their Food. Skipper let us know how the food is!

[Suzila]

Does this mean we can EAT MORE?

[SCIROCCO]

Lets go for it SUE!

[Mebert]

Suzila,

It certainly is good news and makes can possibly make us feel less guilty.

I don't know how I can possibly eat more. I always eat as much as I can. I wonder if the diningroom staff regrets seeing me board the ship.