Your guide to dining and bars on Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruises – flavour-packed dining and casual fun

Fairly Good

Included Dining

Specialty Restaurants

Bars & Lounges

Coffee & Desserts

Beverage Packages

Allergy & Diet Options

On a Carnival cruise, great food does not have to be a formal affair. Whether a guest is grabbing a burger by the pool or settling in for a steakhouse dinner, there is a sense of indulgence and fun in equal measure.

The dining experience is big on flavour, generous with portions, and unpretentious to its core. It strikes a balance between laid-back American dining and the kind of quality that makes a meal feel like a real event.

Included dining

The main dining rooms, which bear names like Scarlet or Silver Restaurant depending on the ship, offer thoughtfully crafted three-course meals every evening. The service is surprisingly polished for such large-scale dining, with staff who remember preferences and add a personal touch to the experience. Dishes range from timeless classics like prime rib and grilled salmon to regional specials inspired by the cruise itinerary. Carnival’s own signature dishes, particularly the legendary Melting Chocolate Cake, have become a beloved tradition for returning cruisers.

Beyond the main dining room, the casual dining options are a true standout and are included in the fare. Venues such as Guy’s Burger Joint, a collaboration with celebrity chef Guy Fieri, and the ever-popular BlueIguana Cantina for tacos and burritos, consistently draw crowds. On newer ships, Shaq’s Big Chicken serves up crispy chicken sandwiches that have quickly become a favourite. For those seeking variety, the Lido Marketplace buffet remains a reliable hub, serving a vast array of dishes from morning until well into the evening. Expect queues at these popular spots during peak lunchtime, a sure sign that the food is worth the short wait.

Speciality dining

For occasions that call for something a little more special, Carnival’s speciality restaurants are both well-priced and wonderfully diverse. The Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse delivers a classic, old-school dining room atmosphere, complete with quality cuts of beef and an impressive wine list. For a taste of Italy, Cucina del Capitano brings homely comfort food to the table, with family-style dishes and meatballs that taste like they came straight from a nonna’s kitchen.

Newer ships have expanded the fleet’s culinary horizons even further. Rudi’s Seagrill, from master chef Rudi Sodamin, offers an elegant seafood experience, while Emeril’s Bistro 1396 or 1397 infuses the menu with vibrant Creole flair from chef Emeril Lagasse. The pricing for these venues is reasonable, making it an accessible treat, and the food consistently exceeds what one might expect for the modest supplement.

Bars and lounges

The bar scene across the Carnival fleet is lively and varied, without ever tipping into chaos. The Alchemy Bar has become a fleetwide favourite, where lab-coat-clad mixologists concoct custom cocktails with a dash of theatre. By the pool, the RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar bring a spirited, sun-drenched party atmosphere to the deck.

For those seeking a more relaxed evening, the classic Piano Bar offers singalongs and requests, while the Havana Bar transports guests to pre-revolutionary Cuba with its vintage décor and Latin rhythms. On the newer Excel-class ships, themed venues like the Brass Magnolia and the mystical Fortune Teller Bar blend clever, immersive design with superb, inventive drinks menus that tell a story with every sip.

Allergy and dietary options

Carnival handles special dietary needs thoughtfully, although the process may feel less formal than on some premium lines. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and low-sugar options are readily available in the main dining rooms and are clearly marked in the Lido Marketplace buffet. The crew are always quick to assist with requests or suggest suitable substitutions. For a smoother experience, it is always recommended that guests notify the cruise line of any dietary requirements before sailing, allowing the chefs to prepare accordingly.