How To Successfully Navigate A Carnival Cruise Buffet
Food is an important part of any Carnival Cruise, and many passengers enjoy eating in both the buffet and dining room during their trip.
The Lido Buffet and Main Dining Room are two popular places to eat on a Carnival cruise. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The buffet is a more casual dining experience with a wide variety of food options, while the Main Dining Room is a more traditional sit-down restaurant.
While on your Carnival cruise, you will likely need to decide between the buffet and dining room for most meals.
Here is a quick overview of the buffet to help you make the most of your dining experience. We will also cover some important etiquette and hygiene tips so you can be a courteous guest.
What to expect at the buffet
The buffet on a Carnival Cruise is called the Lido Marketplace. It is located on the Lido Deck and offers a wide variety of food options, including hot and cold dishes, salads, desserts, and drinks.
The chow hall on a cruise ship is a huge, self-service dining area with a wide variety of food options.
The Lido Buffet is one of the dining venues that will be open when you embark on your cruise. You will find this a casual, cafeteria-style eatery on the Lido Deck.
Throughout your cruise, this casual dining will be one of your go-to areas to get many of your meals that will be included in the cost of your cruise.
The other included venue is called the main dining room. In this dining room, you will be assigned a dining room location and an assigned time to come to eat.
When is the Lido Buffet open? The Carnival cruise buffet hours are:
Breakfast Buffet
7:30 AM-noonLunch Buffet and Specialty Stations
12:00 PM – 2:30 PMPizzeria
9:00 AM- 4:00 AMCarnival Deli
11:00 AM – 11:00 PMDinner
6:00 PM– 9:30 PMPizza Plus
11:30 PM – 1:00 AMSwirls, Self-Serve Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt
11:00 AM – midnightHours may vary depending on ship, or itinerary.
Direction
How to get around
The buffet is usually located on the Lido deck of the ship. There will be signs directing you to the buffet.
Walking from the front of the ship to the aft you will find that the buffet area on Carnival ships is broken down into 2 or three sections depending on which ship you are on.
From either side of the ship, you will be able to enter the food lines. Each will be set up the same. At the beginning of the line will be stacked plates, bowls, and a basket with silverware wrapped in cloth napkins. Grab your needed utensils now.
You will not find trays to use at a Carnival buffet. Instead, you can put all foods on one plate, carry two plates, or return for additional food later.
Some guests have found a way around this and have got creative. They order something from room service and keep the tray for the duration of the cruise.
Special Needs
If you are traveling with small children, have special needs yourself, and cannot carry your plates, or cannot reach your own food, just ask one of the employees.
Any staff member will be more than happy to help you carry plates or grab food for you. If you become a regular to this food hub, you may find that after day one, you don’t even need to ask for help.
Near the buffet area, you will find ample indoor and outdoor seating. If you want to be near the food, seating can be found on either side of the buffet and near the buffet area on the sides facing the window. The Lido Market place windows go from floor to ceiling. This is a great place to sit and enjoy the view passing by.
You will find tables that are labeled for wheelchair access. If you see these please do not sit here unless you actually need this type of table.
Table sizes can range from two top tables to large booths.
If you need a high chair or booster seat, ask a staff member and they will find one for you.
Did you know:
According to Carnival Cruise Line, each of their ships serves an average of 30,000 meals per day. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. The number of meals served can vary depending on the size of the ship and the length of the cruise. For example, a longer cruise will have more meals served because there is more time for passengers to eat.
What to eat
The Lido buffet has something for everyone. If you’re looking for something hearty, you can try the chicken parmesan or the roast beef. If you’re looking for something lighter, you can try the salad bar or the sushi.
And of course, no buffet would be complete without dessert. There are always a variety of cakes, pies, and ice cream to choose from.
Once you’re in the buffet, you’ll see that it’s divided into different sections. There will be a section for hot entrees, a section for cold salads, a section for desserts, and so on. The buffet area is further divided up during each meal.
Breakfast
At breakfast, you will find the omelet station. Here you can order eggs cooked to order. Feel free to order scrambled eggs if you don’t care for what’s on the other side of the buffet. Fried eggs over easy or hard are common, as well as omelets with every item. Don’t forget the cheese!
Been there done that tip: The omelet station has two lines. So pick your line wisely!
Behind this egg-making station is where employees will be making toast. You can request to have toast well done, or even choose a different bread for your toast.
On either side of the omelet station, you will find a large kettle with a lid. This is where the oatmeal lives. You will also find butter, peanut butter, jams, and syrups here.
Also, at breakfast at the beginning of the line, you will find dry cereals, several kinds of milk, yogurt, lunch meats, and cheese.
Moving further down the line you will find traditional American hot breakfast foods like ham, sausage, eggs, and breakfast potatoes.
Bacon is also here, but since COVID, you may only find bacon available every other day, and it may be served by an employee, who I fondly call the Bacon Police.
The bacon-serving employee will dole out a few pieces at a time, but if you ask for more nicely, you may get more.
Once you’re in the buffet, you’ll see that it’s divided into different sections. There will be a section for hot entrees, a section for cold salads, a section for desserts, and so on.
Also, at breakfast there near the beginning of the line, you will find dry cereals, several kinds of milk, yogurt, and even lunch meats and cheese.
Moving further down the line you will find hot breakfast foods like ham, sausage, eggs, and breakfast potatoes.
Bacon is also here, but since COVID, you may only find bacon every other day, and it may be served by an employee, who I fondly call the Bacon Police.
The bacon serving employee will give a few pieces at a time, but if you ask for more nicely, you can get more.
Lunch & Dinner
At lunch, the buffet line is divided into stations. You will see a station for salads, a station for pasta, and a station for main dishes. Look for signs that say international to find new foods to try.
Each day or evening some items will remain the same, but you’ll always find some sort of meat that is being carved by the kitchen staff.
Heads up: Lunch and dinner offerings may be similar. With enough variety, the buffet has something for everyone.
Lighter offerings like lettuce, and sliced veggies such as cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers are found in the salad bar area.
Bottled salad dressings, oil, vinegar, croutons, and shredded cheese will be next to each other.
Before you being assembling your salad, decide if you want it in a bowl or on a plate. Plates and bowls are found at the entrance of the buffet.
If you’re looking for something filling, you can try the chicken parmesan or the roast beef and mashed potatoes. If you’re looking for something lighter, you can try the salad bar or head to the sushi bar.
And of course, no buffet would be complete without dessert. There are always a variety of cakes, pies, and ice cream to choose from.
I noticed that some of the items that were on the dinner menu in the main dining room were also found on the buffet.
This is great because maybe you didn’t make it to the main dining room but still want to try some of the great entrees, you won’t miss out!
Where can I find dessert?
The sweat spot is where you will find dessert selections during lunch or dinner and is located in the middle section of the buffet areas. If you are not in the middle sections, you can also find desserts on the main buffet line.
Pro tip: Not to miss: on the last sea day, look for the Chocolate Extravaganza. A variety of desserts made with chocolate, a chocolate fountain, and an assortment of pastry and ice creams can be found at lunchtime. This once-per-cruise event is not to be missed. Price: included.
Pizza Pirate
When every other food joint is closed, head to Pizza Pirate the open late pizza joint. The pirate can be found on all ships and is located at the very back of the ship. It is often opposite the Seafood Shack, additional cost. Closed 5 AM to 9 AM.
Different types of foods
At breakfast, you will find cold cuts like turkey, ham, and cheese. You will also find baked beans and bangers (British breakfast sausages).
Contentinal Breakfast
Early risers will find assorted types of pastries, cut fruits, and juices.
What drinks are available at breakfast?
Included Drinks
During breakfast hours you will find drip coffee, assorted tea bags, hot water for tea and hot chocolate, and several types of juices as well as ice and water. The sugars and creamer are here for your coffee.
Milk in cartons is only found at breakfast. If you like milk later in the day, be sure to grab a carton or two and take it up to your refrigerator in your room. You may be able to ask staff for a carton, but it is not on the buffet at lunch or dinner.
Blue Iguanna Cantina
Some may debate whether BlueIguana is actually part of the buffet, but for all intents and purposes, it is. BlueIguanna is open for breakfast. You will find Arepas, Juevos Rancheros, tacos, and breakfast burritos made to order. They also have a good assortment of salsas and sauces. Keep this in mind if you like salsa on your eggs from the buffet.
At lunch you can find tacos with choices of chicken,beef, or fish,and burritos. They may even make quesadillas if asked.
Mongolian Wok
Unfortunately not on every ship, but on most of the older ships, Mongolian Wok is your go-to location for Asian-inspired made-to-order fare.
Been there done that tip: on ships that have the Mongolian Wok, it will be found in the same location as the Omelet station during breakfast. On other ships that have JiJi’s, during lunch it will be the free Mongolian Wok. The concept is the same for both, but at the JiJi’s you will write down your order of ingredients compared to Lido locations,where you will just tell the chef your order.
Carnival Deli
Craving a sandwich or wrap, head over to Carnival Deli where you can try one of fourteen or more freshly made sandwiches. On our recent Carnival Glory and Carnival Valor trips we tried all 14 sandwiches. You can see which ones were our favorites.
On some ships, the deli may be located directly inside the buffet, while on other ships it may be in one of the halls just off the buffet.
Ichibon Sushi Express
On the opposite side of the hall (Conquest class ships) to the Carnival Deli you will find ichiban Sushi Express. Additional charge.
Guy's Burger Joint
What beverages can I find at the Lido?
Beverages
At breakfast, you will find several types of juice, as well as coffee, tea, and water.
At lunch, your included drinks at the drink stations include drip coffee, tea, lemonade, Ice tea, water, and ice.
The lemonade and tea are in the same machines that you found the juice in the morning.
I’ve got a drink package, do I have to go to a bar to get my drink?
If you would like to order a drink at an extra charge, you can find waiters wandering through the area taking drink orders.
Drink orders can be paid with a drink package or the charge will be added to your sail and sign card.
What about sodas? You can order soda from any waiter at an extra charge or by using your Cheers, Bubbles package, or added to your Sail and Sign account. Additionally, Soda can be ordered at any bar at extra cost. Carnival ships serve Pepsi-branded products.
I’ve got food allergies. What can I do?
Food Allergies-Menu Mate
If you or a family member have food allergies or food intolerances, make sure to look for Carnival’s new Menu Mate system.
Located in the Lido Marketplace, you will find a tablet where you can enter your food allergies or intolerances and either search for a desired food or have the program tell you what foods are safe for someone with your particular food allergy.
You might be wondering can I eat here if require gluten-free? To find out about Carnival Cruise buffet gluten-free items, visit the Menu Mate kiosk.
The software will then sort through all available options and display which items are allergen-free, which options can be modified to exclude the specified allergen and which selections should be avoided. If preferred, guests can also use the Menu Mate designated tablet themselves to enter in their own allergy/dietary information and then order from the options curated to meet their needs. Guests will also be able to find a Menu Mate tablet on display near the Lido buffet stations as well.
Are there rules at the Lido Buffet?
Etiquette
I’m not sure if there are actual rules. Let’s just call them etiquette.
Here are a few tips to help you be a courteous guest at the buffet:
When traveling with small children, please do not send them through the line alone. Always company them.
* **Be mindful of others.** The buffet is a shared space, so be sure to be mindful of other diners. Don’t block the line, and be careful not to spill food or drinks.
* **Clean up after yourself.** Please leave used dishes and glasses on your table.
* **Don’t take more than you can eat.** The buffet is all-inclusive, but that doesn’t mean you should take more food than you can eat. Remember, there are other people who want to enjoy the food too.
* **Be respectful of the staff.** The staff is there to help you, so be sure to be polite to them. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Lido Buffet Hygiene and Sanitation
In addition to the etiquette tips above, here are a few things to keep in mind to help ensure the safety of the food:
* **Wash your hands before eating.** This is especially important if you’re going to be eating finger foods. There is hand sanitizing gel available at each entrance to the buffet use it before touching any items, even if you just washed your hands.
* **Use a clean plate for each trip to the food bar.** This will help prevent cross-contamination.
* **Don’t put your hands inside the serving dishes.** Use a clean utensil to serve yourself. Place serving utensils back on the holding plate where you found them. If a dish is missing a serving spoon, ask for another. Do not just use a utensil from another dish. Many passengers have food allergies and this can lead to unknown cross-contamination.
* **If you’re not going to eat something, don’t put it back on the serving dish.** Take it back to your table or throw it away. Do not grab food with your fingers or sample food while in line.
Why eat at the buffet and not the main dining room?
There are many reasons why you might choose to eat at the buffet instead of the main dining room on a cruise ship. Here are a few of the most common reasons:
- Flexibility. The buffet is open for most of the day, so you can eat whenever you’re hungry. The main dining room, on the other hand, has set dining times.
- Quicker service. When dining in the buffet, you can eat as quickly as you can decide what foods to eat. Many times you can be eating your food in less than 15 minutes compared to a sit-down dinner in the dining room that may take from 60 to 90 minutes or more.
- Variety. The buffet offers a wider variety of food than the main dining room. You’ll find everything from traditional American fare to international cuisine.
- Eat as much as you like. If you find that one item that you really like, you can go back and get more, at no extra charge. In the main dining room, you may be charged extra for a second or third helping.
- Casual atmosphere. The buffet is a more casual dining experience than the main dining room. You can come as you are, no need to dress up.
- Enjoy the view. Sometimes you just want to look out the window and enjoy the view. Eating at the Lido gives you the option to choose your own seat, whereas, in the main dining room, your seat is assigned.
- More options for picky eaters. Overall, cruise ship buffets are a great choice for picky eaters. They offer a variety of food, choice, control, and comfort. If you have a picky eater in your family, consider taking them on a cruise ship. They are sure to enjoy the buffet!
- The price is right! carnival cruise buffet prices the food is all included in the cost of your cruise.
Final thoughts
Navigating the buffet on a Carnival Cruise can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these simple tips, you can make the most of your dining experience and avoid any potential pitfalls.
- Plan ahead. Take a few minutes to browse the buffet before you start filling your plate. This will help you avoid making impulse decisions and overeating.
- Start with a light hand. It’s easy to get carried away at a buffet, but it’s important to start with a light hand. This will help you save room for more food later on.
- Take all you want, but eat all you take. There’s no need to pile on loads of food. If you don’t know if you are going to like it, start with a small amount and come back for more.
- Be mindful of your surroundings. Be aware of the people around you and make sure you’re not blocking the buffet line.
- Clean up after yourself. After you’re finished eating, be sure to stack your plates and cups so that the employee knows you are done.
By following these simple tips, you can make the most of your dining experience at a Carnival Cruise buffet
We hope this blog post has helped you feel more confident about navigating the buffet on your cruise. Just remember to relax, have fun, and enjoy the food!
Do you have tips for the buffet? Let me know by clicking the button below.
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