Some of The Best Food Options on Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruise Lines is known for its fun and lively atmosphere, but it also offers some of the best dining options at sea, with everything from casual buffets to fine dining restaurants.
This blog post will cover many dining options available on Carnival cruises, including the location and if added cost.
If you ever go hungry on a cruise, you’re doing it wrong. ~ Author Unknown
Main Dining Room
The main dining room (MDR) is the heart of any Carnival cruise. This is where you’ll enjoy delicious, freshly made meals with your fellow cruisers.
On most Carnival-branded ships, there are two main dining rooms: one traditional set-time dining room and one AnyTime Dining room.
For the smaller Spirit Class ships, there is only one main dining room, but it offers both Your Time Dining (set-time dining) and AnyTime Dining.
Carnival main dining room location
The main dining rooms are usually located midship and aft, on decks three, four, and/or five. For example, on Carnival Panorama, the main dining room is called the Vista Restaurant.
Main dining room hours
The main dining room is open:
- breakfast
- lunch
- dinner
- SeaDay Brunch
Cost: included
Did you know: Carnival cruise ship can prepare up to 30,000 meals per day.
| Main Dining Room Beverages | Free Beverages Ship Wide | Extra Charge Beverages | Beverage Packages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tap ice water | Iced tea | Bottled water | Can be used in the main dining room or any bar around the ship, including the coffee bar. |
| Lemonade | Hot tea | Soft drinks | |
| Hot tea | Brewed coffee | Wine | |
| Brewed coffee | Specialty coffees (additional cost) | Beer | |
| Fruit juices (breakfast) | Cartons of milk (breakfast) | Fresh pressed juices (breakfast/seaday brunch) | |
| Cocktails | |||
| Energy drinks | |||
| Seltzers |
Main dining menu
- Bread
- Starters
- Entrees
- Rare finds
- Desserts
Nightly Shot Specials
Each night, a bar waiter will come around with a different drink and collector shot glass for purchase. These shot glasses come in all sorts of colors and designs, and some even have flashing lights! The Lemoncello shot glass is a popular choice, and it’s definitely worth trying. Cost: additional.
Finding Your Dining Location
Your dining location and time are printed on your cruise card. You will either have a set dining time of 5:30 or 6:00 PM or late seating of 8:00 PM. You can also request Your Time seating, which allows you to eat as early as 5:15 PM or as late as 9:15 PM.
During breakfast, brunch, and lunch, seating is openb in the main dining room.
You can choose to sit at the next available table, which may be a large table with other cruisers, or wait for a table with just your group.
If you are on the fence about sharing a table with strangers, breakfast or lunch is a good chance to test drive seating with others.
Ready to eat your way across the sea?
For more information about Carnival Food, check the website to book your cruise online or by contacting a travel agent.
Happy cruising!
From prime cuts of beef and Italian food to Cajun. You’ll find it on a Carnival Cruise.
A few Casual Dining options
If you’re looking for a more casual dining option, Carnival has a variety of options to choose from. These restaurants are perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat or for enjoying a leisurely meal with friends.
Lido Marketplace
This buffet offers a wide variety of food options, including nightly international dishes, pizza, pasta, burgers, salads, and more. The Lido Marketplace is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it’s a great place to find something to satisfy your appetite. Cost: included
Big Chicken
This restaurant is a must-visit for chicken lovers. The menu features fried chicken, chicken fingers, and chicken sandwiches. Big Chicken is currently available on the Carnival Celebration, Carnival Radiance, Mardi Gras, and soon to Carnival Jubilee. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it’s a great place to get your fill of crispy, juicy chicken. Cost: Included
Mongolian Wok
This is a popular food station on Carnival Cruise Line ships. It’s a build-your-own stir-fry station where guests can choose from a variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces to create their own custom dish. The Mongolian Wok is located on the Lido Deck of several Carnival ships, including Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Breeze. It’s only open at lunch, so be sure to get there early to get your fill. Cost: Included.
Guy’s Burger Joint
This is a counter-service restaurant on Carnival Cruise Line ships. It’s a partnership between Carnival Cruise Line and Food Network celebrity chef, Guy Fieri. The restaurant serves burgers and fries. Guy’s Burger Joint is located on the Lido Deck of most Carnival ships. It’s open for lunch and (early) dinner, and it’s a popular spot for families and groups. Cost: Included.
BlueIguana Cantina
If you are looking for a casual Mexican restaurant head to BluIguana. It’s found on all Carnival cruise ships. It is usually located on or near the Lido deck and is open for lunch and dinner. Cost: Included.
Fun Fact: on a seven day Carnival Cruise Pizza Pirate makes 10 to 15 thousand pizzas.
Pizza Pirate or Pizza del Capitano
This restaurant is a great place to grab a slice of pizza or a Caesar Salad. Open late.
| Ship | Pizza Pirate | Pizza del Capitano |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Victory | Yes | No |
| Carnival Triumph | Yes | No |
| Carnival Glory | Yes | No |
| Carnival Legend | Yes | No |
| Carnival Freedom | Yes | No |
| Carnival Valor | Yes | No |
| Carnival Liberty | Yes | No |
| Carnival Dream | Yes | No |
| Carnival Magic | Yes | No |
| Carnival Breeze | Yes | No |
| Carnival Horizon | No | Yes |
| Carnival Panorama | No | Yes |
| Mardi Gras | No | Yes |
| Celebration | No | Yes |
Carnival Deli
Carnival Deli is a casual, quick-serve, order-and-take-away sandwich bar serving sandwiches and wraps, with extended hours for lunch and dinner.
Location: all Carnival cruise ships, usually in or near the buffet area on the Lido deck.
Carnival Deli offers a variety of sandwiches and wraps, including:
* Hot sandwiches: Pastrami on rye, grilled Reuben, roast turkey breast on a country roll, and more.
* Cold sandwiches: Tomato and mozzarella, classic chicken salad, tuna salad, and more.
* Wraps: Southwestern chicken wrap, buffalo chicken wrap, and more.
All sandwiches and wraps are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and served on your choice of bread.
Side dishes:
- french fries
- potato salad,
- cookies*
- When placing your order let the employees know if you don’t want fries.
The Carnival Deli is a great option for a quick and casual meal on a Carnival cruise. It is also a good option for families with children, as the menu offers a variety of kid-friendly items.
You can order more than one sandwich.
Take all you want, but eat all you take.
Hours: The Carnival Deli is open late and one of the first restaurants to open on port days. Check the Carnival HUBB App for hours.
Cost: Included.
Room Service
Carnival Cruise Line offers 24-hour room service, so you can get anything you’re craving at any time of day. The menu has both free and for-fee items.
Free items:
- Continental breakfast items: coffee, tea, juice, toast, bagels, muffins, cereal, yogurt, and fruit. Continental breakfast is free and served from 6 AM to 10 AM.
- Other items include buckets of ice, cookies, and brownies.
For-fee items:
- Salads $4-5
- Hot & cold sandwiches $6-7
- Snacks $3-8
- Cakes & cookies $3-5
- Juice by cup $2 each
- Coffee by the pot $3
- Soda, beer, and other drinks. Bar prices.
- Tip your server. Room service staff are not included in shipboard gratuities, so be sure to tip them accordingly.
Specialty Dining
Looking for a dining experience that’s a little bit more special? Carnival offers a variety of specialty restaurants that are sure to please.
These restaurants offer a more upscale dining experience, and they’re a great way to try something new. For a complete listing of Carnival Speciality restaurants check the Carnival website.Cost: Extra
Here are some of the specialty restaurants on Carnival cruises:
-
Emeril’s Bistro 1397
This restaurant offers classic American cuisine with a Cajun twist. The menu features dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp, and grits. Emeril’s Bistro 1397 is currently only available on the Carnival Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.
-
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse
This restaurant is a collaboration between Guy Fieri and Carnival, and it features smoked meats, craft beer, and live entertainment. The menu includes dishes like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse is currently available on the Carnival Panorama, Carnival Horizon, Mardi Gras, Celebration, and soon on Carnival Jubilee.
-
Rudi’s Seagrill
This restaurant offers fresh seafood dishes, including lobster, shrimp, and fish. The menu also includes a raw bar with oysters, clams, and other seafood. Rudi’s Seagrill is currently available on the Carnival Mardi Gras, Celebration, and coming soon to Carnival Jubilee.
-
Bonsai Teppanyaki
This restaurant offers a traditional Japanese teppanyaki experience. Guests can watch as their food is cooked right at their table. The menu includes dishes like steak, chicken, and seafood. Bonsai Teppanyaki is available on select Carnival ships.
-
Cucina del Capitano
Cucina del Capitano is an Italian specialty restaurant on Carnival Cruise Line ships. It offers a variety of authentic Italian dishes, inspired by the recipes of Carnival’s Italian captains and officers. The menu includes dishes such as pasta carbonara, chicken parmigiana, and lasagna. Cucina del Capitano also has a signature dish that is different on each ship.
-
Steakhouse
The Steakhouse on Carnival cruise ships is a classic American steakhouse that offers a variety of mouth-watering cuts of beef, as well as seafood, chicken, and vegetarian options. The steakhouse is a popular choice for cruisers, so it is recommended to make reservations in advance. Reservations recommended. Carnival Cruise steakhouse-menu
-
Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast
The Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast on Carnival Cruise Line is a fun and interactive breakfast experience for kids of all ages. The breakfast is based on the popular Dr. Seuss book “Green Eggs and Ham.“
The breakfast is held in the main dining room and is hosted by Dr. Seuss characters, including the Cat in the Hat. The characters interact with the kids and help them to have a fun and memorable time.
-
Seafood Shack
The Seafood Shack on Carnival Cruise Line is a casual restaurant that serves up fresh and delicious New England-style seafood dishes. It is a popular choice for cruisers who are looking for a quick and easy bite to eat, or for a more leisurely meal.
The Seafood Shack has a variety of seafood dishes to choose from, including fish and chips, lobster rolls, and crab cakes. There are also a variety of sides available, such as french fries, coleslaw, and hush puppies.
The Seafood Shack is located on the lido deck of most Carnival cruise ships. It is open for lunch and dinner, and it is often crowded during peak times.
-
Bonsai Sushi or Bonsai Sushi Express
Bonsai Sushi on Carnival Cruise Line is a Japanese sushi restaurant that offers a variety of fresh and delicious sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. It is a popular choice for cruisers who are looking for a delicious and authentic Japanese meal. Open: lunch and dinner.
Specialty Dining
Looking for a dining experience that’s a little bit more special? Carnival offers a variety of specialty restaurants that are sure to please.
These restaurants offer a more upscale dining experience, and they’re a great way to try something new. For a complete listing of Carnival Speciality restaurants check the Carnival website.Cost: Extra
Here are some of the specialty restaurants on Carnival cruises:
-
Emeril’s Bistro 1397
This restaurant offers classic American cuisine with a Cajun twist. The menu features dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp, and grits. Emeril’s Bistro 1397 is currently only available on the Carnival Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.
-
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse
This restaurant is a collaboration between Guy Fieri and Carnival, and it features smoked meats, craft beer, and live entertainment. The menu includes dishes like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse is currently available on the Carnival Panorama, Carnival Horizon, Mardi Gras, Celebration, and soon on Carnival Jubilee.
-
Rudi’s Seagrill
This restaurant offers fresh seafood dishes, including lobster, shrimp, and fish. The menu also includes a raw bar with oysters, clams, and other seafood. Rudi’s Seagrill is currently available on the Carnival Mardi Gras, Celebration, and coming soon to Carnival Jubilee.
-
Bonsai Teppanyaki
This restaurant offers a traditional Japanese teppanyaki experience. Guests can watch as their food is cooked right at their table. The menu includes dishes like steak, chicken, and seafood. Bonsai Teppanyaki is available on select Carnival ships.
-
Cucina del Capitano
Cucina del Capitano is an Italian specialty restaurant on Carnival Cruise Line ships. It offers a variety of authentic Italian dishes, inspired by the recipes of Carnival’s Italian captains and officers. The menu includes dishes such as pasta carbonara, chicken parmigiana, and lasagna. Cucina del Capitano also has a signature dish that is different on each ship.
Carnival Cruise steakhouse-menu
-
Steakhouse
The Steakhouse on Carnival cruise ships is a classic American steakhouse that offers a variety of mouth-watering cuts of beef, as well as seafood, chicken, and vegetarian options. The steakhouse is a popular choice for cruisers, so it is recommended to make reservations in advance. Reservations recommended.
-
Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast
The Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast on Carnival Cruise Line is a fun and interactive breakfast experience for kids of all ages. The breakfast is based on the popular Dr. Seuss book “Green Eggs and Ham.“
The breakfast is held in the main dining room and is hosted by Dr. Seuss characters, including the Cat in the Hat. The characters interact with the kids and help them to have a fun and memorable time.
-
Seafood Shack
The Seafood Shack on Carnival Cruise Line is a casual restaurant that serves up fresh and delicious New England-style seafood dishes. It is a popular choice for cruisers who are looking for a quick and easy bite to eat, or for a more leisurely meal.
The Seafood Shack has a variety of seafood dishes to choose from, including fish and chips, lobster rolls, and crab cakes. There are also a variety of sides available, such as french fries, coleslaw, and hush puppies.
The Seafood Shack is located on the lido deck of most Carnival cruise ships. It is open for lunch and dinner, and it is often crowded during peak times.
-
Bonsai Sushi or Bonsai Sushi Express
Bonsai Sushi on Carnival Cruise Line is a Japanese sushi restaurant that offers a variety of fresh and delicious sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. It is a popular choice for cruisers who are looking for a delicious and authentic Japanese meal. Open: lunch and dinner.
Conclusion
With so many dining options to choose from, you’re sure to find something to your taste on a Carnival cruise. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a fine dining experience, Carnival has you covered.
Here are a few tips for making the most of your dining experience on a Carnival cruise:
- Make reservations for any specialty restaurants that you want to try. This will ensure that you get a table and that you don’t have to wait long for a seat.
- Try new things. There are so many different dining options available on Carnival cruises, so don’t be afraid to try something new. You might just find your new favorite food.
- Tip your servers. Carnival servers work hard to make your dining experience enjoyable, so be sure to tip them accordingly.
- Relax and enjoy yourself. Dining on a Carnival cruise is supposed to be fun, so relax and enjoy the experience.
Don’t be afraid to:
- Talk to your server. They can give you recommendations based on your preferences and what’s available that day.
- Ask for substitutions. If you don’t like something on the menu, your server can usually make a substitution for you.
- Take advantage of the buffet. The buffet is a great way to try a variety of different foods without having to commit to a full meal.
- Have fun! Dining on a cruise is a great way to meet new people and make memories that will last a lifetime.
I hope you enjoy your dining experience on your Carnival cruise!
Are you a foodie?
If so, you’ll love the dining options on a Carnival cruise. With so many different restaurants to choose from, you’re sure to find something to your taste. From casual buffets to fine dining restaurants, there’s something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Book your cruise today and start planning your culinary adventure!
Carnival Dining FAQs
1. What are the different dining options on a Carnival cruise?
There are a variety of dining options on a Carnival cruise, including the main dining room, specialty restaurants, buffets, and room service. The main dining room is a traditional sit-down restaurant with a rotating menu. Specialty restaurants offer a more upscale dining experience, and they often have a theme, such as Italian, Brazilian, or Asian. Buffets offer a wide variety of food options, and they are a great way to try a variety of different dishes. Room service is available 24 hours a day, and it is a great option for late-night snacks or breakfast in bed.
2. What are the dress codes for the different dining options on a Carnival cruise?
The dress code for the main dining room is Cruise Casual or Cruise Elegant depending on the night. This means that men should wear slacks and a collared shirt, and women should wear a dress or skirt and a blouse or pants. The dress code for specialty restaurants is whatever the dress of the night is. The dress code for the buffet is casual, and you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Please no wet swim suits and cover up before coming inside.
3. What are some of the most popular specialty restaurants on Carnival cruises?
Some of the most popular specialty restaurants on Carnival cruises include Emeril’s Bistro 1397, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, Rudi’s SeaGrill, and Bonsai Teppanyaki. Emeril’s Bistro 1397 offers classic American cuisine with a Cajun twist. Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse offers smoked meats, craft beer, and live entertainment. Rudi’s Seagrill offers fresh seafood dishes, and Bonsai Teppanyaki offers a traditional Japanese teppanyaki experience.
5. What are some tips for making the most of your dining experience on a Carnival cruise?
Here are some tips for making the most of your dining experience on a Carnival cruise:
- Make reservations for any specialty restaurants that you want to try. This will ensure that you get a table and that you don’t have to wait long for a seat.
- Try new things. There are so many different dining options available on Carnival cruises, so don’t be afraid to try something new. You might just find your new favorite food.
- Tip your servers. Carnival servers work hard to make your dining experience enjoyable, so be sure to tip them accordingly.
- Relax and enjoy yourself. Dining on a Carnival cruise is supposed to be fun, so relax and enjoy the experience.