Carnival Cruise Food Menu: Food is an essential part of any vacation, and Carnival Cruise Lines has elevated dining to an experience that travelers remember long after they’ve disembarked. With a wide variety of complimentary offerings, specialty restaurants, and options for dietary preferences, Carnival ensures every guest enjoys world-class meals while exploring the seas. This guide provides a detailed look at everything Carnival has to offer, helping you make the most of your onboard dining experience.
Complimentary Dining Options on Carnival Cruises
Carnival offers an impressive range of complimentary dining venues that cater to all tastes. These options are included in your cruise fare, making it easy to indulge without worrying about extra costs.
Main Dining Rooms
The main dining rooms serve as the heart of Carnival’s dining experience, offering elegant settings with full-service, three-course meals.
- Appetizers: Kick off your meal with options like a Shrimp Cocktail, Roasted Duck Rolls, or a crisp Caesar Salad.
- Entrees: Choose from mouthwatering dishes like Pappardelle with Braised Lamb, Szechuan Shrimp, or a perfectly tender 12-Hour Braised Short Rib with creamy mashed potatoes and truffle au jus.
- Desserts: End your meal with Carnival’s famous Melting Chocolate Cake, a classic Cheesecake with strawberry sauce, or a lighter Navel Orange Cake made with no added sugar.
Dining here is a mix of sophistication and comfort, perfect for both special occasions and casual evenings.
Lido Marketplace
Lido Marketplace is Carnival’s buffet-style dining venue, offering a wide variety of cuisines in a relaxed, self-serve environment.
- Breakfast: Enjoy freshly made omelets, pancakes, pastries, and fruit.
- Lunch and Dinner: Choose from an array of options, including carved meats, international dishes, fresh salads, and pasta stations.
- Desserts: A dedicated dessert bar features cakes, puddings, cookies, and sugar-free alternatives.
Lido Marketplace is a great option for travelers who love variety and flexibility.
Casual Eateries
Carnival’s casual dining spots are perfect for quick bites or laid-back meals. These venues combine convenience with delicious flavors.
- Guy’s Burger Joint: Crafted by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, this venue serves up massive, juicy burgers with creative toppings and hand-cut fries.
- BlueIguana Cantina: Stop by for freshly made tacos and burritos, complete with homemade tortillas and a salsa bar.
- Pizzeria del Capitano: Open 24/7, this spot satisfies pizza cravings anytime with freshly baked pies and a side of Caesar salad.
- Room Service: Whether it’s a midnight snack or breakfast in bed, room service offers sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beverages at no extra cost for select items.
Is Food Included on Carnival Cruises?
Specialty Dining Options: Worth the Splurge?
For those looking to elevate their dining experience, Carnival’s specialty restaurants offer unforgettable meals and unique culinary adventures. While these venues come with an additional cost, the quality and experience are unmatched.
Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse
An upscale steakhouse offering a refined menu of premium cuts and seafood.
- Menu Highlights:
- Filet Mignon, aged to perfection.
- New York Strip Steak for steak purists.
- Surf & Turf features a lobster tail paired with filet mignon.
- Grilled Lamb Chops, served double-cut with savory sides.
Dining at Fahrenheit 555 is perfect for special occasions or indulgent evenings.
Cucina del Capitano
Step into a warm, family-style Italian restaurant that celebrates Carnival’s Italian roots.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Spaghetti Carbonara, with pancetta and Parmesan cream.
- Chicken Parmigiana, topped with marinara and mozzarella.
- Tiramisu, a decadent dessert of mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers.
Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki
Experience Japanese cuisine at its finest with expertly crafted sushi and live teppanyaki cooking.
- Menu Favorites:
- Bonsai Sushi Ship, a platter for two featuring sushi, sashimi, and signature rolls.
- Crawfish Strudel, wrapped in phyllo and served with sweet corn remoulade.
Carnival’s specialty dining venues transform every meal into a celebration.
What’s New on the Carnival Menu?
Carnival frequently updates its menus to reflect seasonal ingredients and global culinary trends. Recent changes include:
- Seasonal Dishes: Special items featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Themed Menus: Exclusive offerings for holidays, events, and themed cruises.
- Expanded Vegan and Vegetarian Options: New plant-based dishes that don’t compromise on flavor.
Keep an eye out for special events like Chef’s Table, which offers an intimate, multi-course dining experience.
Kids’ Menu: Fun and Tasty Options for Little Cruisers
Carnival understands that kids deserve exciting and delicious meals too. The dedicated kids’ menu features options like:
- Favorites: Chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, and cheese pizza.
- Healthy Choices: Fresh fruits, veggie sticks, and yogurt parfaits.
- Custom Requests: Options for kids with food allergies or specific dietary needs.
Dining becomes an adventure for young cruisers with fun presentations and a welcoming atmosphere.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Highlights
Breakfast Menu Highlights
Start your day with a hearty breakfast from the buffet, main dining room, or casual eateries. Popular items include:
- Made-to-order omelets.
- Pancakes, waffles, and pastries.
- Fresh fruit and smoothies.
Lunch Menu Highlights
Midday meals range from light bites to filling plates:
- Salads, soups, and sandwiches for a lighter option.
- Grilled items, pasta, and international dishes at the buffet.
Dinner Menu Highlights
Dinner is the highlight of the day, with a mix of fine dining and casual options:
- Signature dishes in the main dining room.
- Specialty menus at restaurants like Fahrenheit 555 or Cucina del Capitano.
Desserts and Sweet Treats to Indulge In
Carnival doesn’t skimp on desserts, offering a variety of sweet treats to satisfy every craving.
- Signature Desserts: Carnival Melting Chocolate Cake, Cheesecake with strawberry sauce.
- Ice Cream Stations: Available 24/7 for a quick sugar fix.
- Sugar-Free Options: Ideal for health-conscious guests.
Dining for Large Groups and Families
Traveling with a group? Carnival makes it easy:
- Request tables large enough for your group during reservations.
- Opt for family-style meals at venues like Cucina del Capitano.
- Flexible seating arrangements ensure everyone dines together.
Beverages: Pairing Your Meals Perfectly
Bars and Lounges
Enjoy handcrafted cocktails at venues like Alchemy Bar or tropical favorites at RedFrog Rum Bar.
Specialty Coffee and Tea
Stop by JavaBlue Café for your caffeine fix and enjoy freshly baked treats.
Beverage Packages
Choose from options like Cheers! for unlimited beverages or Bottomless Bubbles for soda and juice.
Late-Night Dining and Midnight Snacks
Hunger doesn’t stop after hours, and neither does Carnival’s dining:
- Pizza Station: Freshly baked pizzas available 24/7.
- Room Service: Sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more are delivered to your door anytime.
Dining Tips for Carnival Cruises
- Timing: Avoid peak hours by dining early or late.
- Reservations: Book specialty restaurants as soon as possible.
- Variety: Try different venues to experience all Carnival has to offer.
Conclusion
From complimentary dining options to specialty experiences, Carnival Cruise Lines promises a culinary journey as exciting as your travels. With something for everyone, including kids and guests with dietary restrictions, you’ll enjoy every bite of your vacation.
Bon appétit and happy cruising!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bring my own food or drinks onboard?
Carnival allows guests to bring limited snacks and beverages, such as pre-packaged food and non-alcoholic drinks like water or juice. Alcohol and large quantities of beverages are not permitted, except for one bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21+), which must be carried onboard during embarkation.
2. How do I make reservations for specialty dining?
You can make reservations for specialty restaurants through the Carnival Hub app, on Carnival’s website before your cruise, or by visiting the restaurant after boarding. Booking early is recommended, as popular venues like Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse or Bonsai Teppanyaki fill up quickly.
3. Are there extra charges for room service or beverages?
Room service is complimentary for many items, but some specialty dishes may come with a fee. For beverages, water, tea, and coffee are included in your fare, but alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and soft drinks require an additional charge or a beverage package.
4. Are there options for guests with dietary restrictions?
Yes, Carnival accommodates a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-sodium diets. Notify the cruise line in advance about allergies or restrictions, and inform your server upon arrival. Special menus can also be requested.
5. What is included in the Cheers? beverage package?
The Cheers! package includes a wide selection of alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cocktails), non-alcoholic drinks (specialty coffees, sodas, energy drinks), and discounts on wine and bottled water. The package has a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages.
6. Can kids eat in specialty restaurants?
Yes, kids are welcome in specialty restaurants, and many offer reduced pricing or dedicated kids’ menus. For example, Cucina del Capitano charges $6 for children under 11, while other venues may provide smaller portions at a lower cost.
7. What dining options are available late at night?
Late-night options include 24/7 pizza at Pizzeria del Capitano and room service. Some ships also host late-night buffets or snack stations. Check the Carnival Hub app for ship-specific offerings.
8. Do I need to dress up for dinner?
Carnival’s dining dress code is typically casual, but formal nights, known as “Elegant Nights,” occur on most cruises. For these nights, guests are encouraged to wear semi-formal attire such as dresses, suits, or dress shirts. Specialty restaurants often recommend smart casual attire.
9. How do I know what’s on the menu each day?
The Carnival Hub app provides daily menus for all dining venues, allowing you to plan your meals in advance. Printed menus are also available in the dining rooms and buffets.
10. Can I order multiple dishes in the main dining room?
Yes! Guests are welcome to order multiple appetizers, entrees, or desserts in the main dining room at no extra charge. This is a great way to try a variety of dishes.