Will Foodies Enjoy the Offerings on Carnival Cruises?
Are you a foodie who travels to taste the world? If so, you might wonder if a Carnival Cruise delivers on the culinary front. The answer is yes.
Carnival Cruise Line has significantly enhanced its food offerings. They provide a range of options, from gourmet to casual, designed to satisfy diverse tastes. Whether you seek fine dining or a great burger, Carnival caters to every palate. Let’s explore.
Diverse Dining Options Foodies Will Love
Carnival understands that dining preferences vary. You’ll find options for every mood and mealtime, from buffets and delis to elegant dining rooms and poolside eateries. This variety allows foodies to explore different cuisines without leaving the ship.
Specialty Restaurants Worth Trying
To elevate your dining, explore Carnival’s specialty restaurants. Options like Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano (Italian), and Bonsai Sushi offer enhanced menus with fresh ingredients and stylish settings. These venues provide meals comparable to top land-based restaurants for an additional fee. Discover other specialty dining experience on Carnival.
Included Dining That Surprises
Don’t underestimate Carnival’s included dining options. The Main Dining Room offers a rotating nightly menu with dishes like prime rib, grilled mahi-mahi, and Indian curries. The Lido Marketplace buffet also surprises with a diverse array of global and American favorites daily, ensuring satisfying meals without extra cost.
Global Flavors Without Leaving the Ship
Carnival understands its diverse guests, and the menus reflect that. Expect dishes inspired by Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. You might find dishes like butter chicken, jerk pork, or even classic spaghetti readily available. The buffet offers a variety of global cuisine daily, and you may also find a “Ports of Call” section in the main restaurant.
Enjoy Food Inspired by a Food Network Star
Burger fans, Guy’s Burger Joint (all Carnival ships) is a must-try. Celebrity chef Guy Fieri crafts these juicy, customizable burgers served with hand-cut fries. Pro Tip: Try “The Ringer,” topped with barbecue sauce and an onion ring. On select ships, find more of Guy Fieri’s flavors at Guy’s Pig & Anchor for delicious BBQ.
Additionally, look for dishes by Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse. On select ships, Emeril’s Bistro offers a stand-alone specialty dining experience (at an additional cost). You might also find Emeril Selects dishes featured in the Main Dining Room.
Shaq’s Big Chicken
Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, partnered to launch Big Chicken, and it delivers. This venue is comfort food heaven, offering everything from crispy chicken sandwiches to juicy tenders and tasty breakfast biscuits. (Select Ships)
I don’t know about you, but I love me a good chicken sandwich. This is one of my personal awaited food joints to try!
Hitting the Sweet Spot
Got a sweet tooth? Carnival Cruise Line is your dream come true. While the legendary Chocolate Melting Cake—a Carnival classic—is exclusively found in the Main Dining Room, you’ll still find plenty of other delightful options. Enjoy 24/7 soft serve near the buffet, daily choices of cakes,cookies, and pastries in the Sweet Spot area of the Lido, or treat yourself to an enticing selection of specialty pastries at JavaBlue Café. It’s like having a bakery right on board, ready whenever a craving hits!
Pro Tip: If the main dining room’s dessert menu isn’t quite hitting the spot, head straight to JavaBlue Café. For just a few dollars, you can grab a generous slice of rich chocolate cake or creamy cheesecake. They also offer ice cream perfect for making your own floats, shakes, or sundaes. Plus, adults might even be able to spike their ice cream creation for a small extra charge.
Plant-Based & Dietary Options
Worried about plant-based options? Don’t be. Carnival offers a variety of vegetarian and even vegan meals in both the main dining room and specialty venues. You can also request special dietary menus with advance notice. Find out more about dining on a Carnival Cruise with Food Allergies.
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Foodie Events & Tastings
Carnival offers more than just daily dining for food enthusiasts.
Experience events like Chef’s Table, an exclusive, multi-course dinner with exquisite wine pairings (additional cost). This unique experience is offered once per sailing to a select group of 12-16 guests. You can also enjoy cooking demonstrations, where you’ll watch and taste culinary magic unfold (included). These experiences are ideal for those looking to elevate their dining beyond the standard buffet.
For a more immersive experience, reminiscent of a Food Network Chopped-style challenge, consider booking a session at Carnival Kitchen. These exclusive, hands-on cooking classes are an additional cost and are held on select sea days, offering a fantastic opportunity to sharpen your culinary skills. Find information and book these classes within the Hub App under “Specialty Dining.” Learn more about the Carnival Kitchen experience in our review: Pasta Fun Cooking Class.
Room Service and Late-Night Eats
Sometimes, a foodie just wants to enjoy a snack before bed. Carnival offers 24-hour room service with options like sandwiches, salads, cookies, and more. Some items are free, while others have a small charge — all worth it for that midnight craving. Still hungry? Look for the late night snack buffet, Good Eats. Items like pizza, sandwiches, and chicken tenders etc.
Bars and Beverage Delights
Cocktail connoisseurs, rejoice! Carnival’s mixology bars like Alchemy Bar serve handcrafted drinks with flair. Beer lovers will enjoy the onboard brewery on select ships. And don’t forget the wine lists and mocktail options for every kind of cruiser. Look for Cocktail Classes, competitions, and Brewery Tours in the Hubb App. (additional Cost)
Ready to Feast Your Way Across the Seas?
From gourmet experiences to casual bites, Carnival Cruise Line offers a culinary journey designed to delight every palate. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Carnival cruise today and embark on an unforgettable foodie adventure!
Breakfast Delights
Mornings on a Carnival cruise are far from boring. A wide array of choices awaits to start your day. Choose from custom omelets at the buffet, hearty plated breakfasts in the Main Dining Room, or chicken and waffles at Big Chicken. Kids and kids-at-heart will also enjoy the whimsical Dr. Seuss Breakfast (additional cost).
Sea Day Brunch Experience
Available in the main dining room on sea days, this brunch is a foodie favorite. Expect dishes like huevos rancheros, steak and eggs, skillet breakfasts, and even chocolate cake or banana cream pie for dessert (included). Fresh-squeezed juices and mimosas can be ordered at an additional cost. The full bar is also available for those seeking a wider selection of beverages (additional cost). To see if a drink package is right for you, check out our guide: Do you need a drink package?
Foodie Conclusion & Final Thoughts
So, will foodies truly enjoy the offerings on Carnival Cruises? The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, you might discover your inner foodie on board, even if you didn’t realize it existed before. With world-class dining options, exciting celebrity-chef partnerships, diverse global dishes, and tempting sweet treats around every corner, Carnival genuinely caters to those who travel with their taste buds leading the way. It’s more than just a vacation; it’s an immersive culinary adventure at sea, inviting you to explore flavors and experiences you might not find anywhere else.
Cruise Ship Foodie FAQs:
1. Are there options for picky eaters on Carnival Cruisers
Yes! Carnival offers a wide variety of dishes at every meal, so even picky eaters will find something they love.
2. Do you need to pay extra for the best food on Carnival?
Many amazing options are included in your cruise fare, but specialty restaurants and events like Chef’s Table have an extra cost — and are well worth it!
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3. Is Carnival good for vegetarian or vegan foodies?
Absolutely. Carnival has expanded its vegetarian and vegan offerings in recent years and is happy to accommodate dietary needs.
4. What’s the best time to eat on a Carnival Cruise?
Any time! With 24-hour room service, late-night pizza, early morning breakfast, and scheduled dining, food is available around the clock
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5. Can I try foods from other cultures on Carnival Cruises?
Yes, and that’s part of the fun! Carnival serves a rotating global menu and offers port excursions that celebrate local cuisines.
6.Do I have to eat in the Main Dining Room?
No, there is no requirement to eat in the Main Restaurant. Options such as the buffet, room service, and Speciality Restaurants are available. (May be extra cost)
7. Can foodies with food allergies enjoy the food on Carnival?
Yes, Carnival has many different diet options available as well as a helpful source called Menu Mate.
8. Is there a kids menu in the main Dining Room?
Yes, a Kids menu is available. Kids can order from either the Kids Menu or Regular Menu. Adult can order from Kids menu too!
9. Is the luggage carry-on compliant?
Yes, the carry-on bag meets international carry-on size restrictions. Check with your airline website to be sure!
10. Are Cooking Classes Offered on Carnival Cruise?
Cooking Classes called, Carnival Kitchen are available on select ships. Look for these in the Carnival Hubb in the Speciality Dining Section.