Restaurant and Dining Guide For Carnival Cruises

There are some affiliate links below, but they are all products I highly recommend. For more info, view my disclosure here.

One of the top reasons to take a Carnival Cruise is that you are aboard a floating smorgasbord of delicious cuisine. If you’ve never cruised before chances are that your first few days on ship will revolve around food.

Carnival has so many options when it comes to tasty culinary creations. You can choose your meals to be quick, lengthy, formal or casual. The number of choices may make you feel overwhelmed if you are new to cruising.

You’ll want to pay attention to what is included in your cruise fare and what costs additional money as well as the dress code for each place you choose to dine.

Use this restaurant and dining guide to help plan your perfect cruising menu! 

Best Places For Breakfast On Carnival Cruises

For breakfast on ship head to the Dining Room for a made to order meal. If you miss breakfast, don’t worry, you can grab Seaday Brunch! It’s a vacation, so sleep in and enjoy a delicious assortment of breakfast favorites and this included brunch spot. Dine on scrumptious favorites like huevos rancheros, french toast, or loaded mac-n-cheese. For a special morning on ship, kids will love the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast. For an additional fee you can sit down for breakfast in the world of Dr. Suess.  

Best Places For Lunch On Carnival Cruises

There are an incredible number of options for lunch on Carnival Cruise ships. These include quick grabs like Big Chicken, Guy’s Burger Joint, and Street Eats. All feature classics like fried chicken, juicy burgers, and street food favorites. For something a little different try Mongolian Wok, where you can create your own stir-fry. At Masala Tiger enjoy fantastic Indian cuisine, while Carnival Deli provides juicy cuts of meat piled high, just like your neighborhood deli.    

Best Places For Dinner On Carnival Cruises

Although you won’t find Carnival Cruise ships lacking in dinner options, many of them are specialty and are not included in your cruise fare. The Dining Room offers a three course meal each night without being pretentious. Other dinner options included in cruise fare are Big Chicken, Lido Marketplace, Carnival Deli, and the Kids Meal for Campers. 

Best Restaurants Included In Cruise Fare 

Big Chicken

Ships: Radiance, Mardi Gras – Coming Soon: Celebration, Jubilee 

Meal: All Day 

Shaq’s Big Chicken is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant features chicken favorites like crispy chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, and a juicy fried chicken basket. Breakfast is served until 3 pm and includes chicken biscuits and three cheese omlettes. 

Lucky Bowl

Ships: Carnival Sunrise 

Meal: Lunch 

This lunch cart culture eatery brings you to the streets of the Far East. At Lucky Bowl you’ll find Asian favorites like crisp veggies, or rice and noodles topped with fresh meats. The finishing touch is a delicious broth or sauce depending on the dish. The menu rotates daily making the Lucky Bowl perfect for lunch no matter the day. 

Guy’s Burger Joint

Ships: All Ships 

Meal: Lunch 

Famous Food Network personality Guy Fieri brings you Guy’s Burger Joint. This cool poolside burger joint is perfect for grabbing a quick classic lunch of burgers and fries. Try your burger Guy’s way or head to the massive topping bar to make it all your own. 

BlueIguana Cantina

Ships: All Ships 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch 

If you’re looking for Mexican food on a Carnival Cruise then the BlueIguana is the perfect spot for you. Their freshly made burritos and tacos will have you saying yum! This casual eatery also has delicious guac, salsa, and homemade tortillas. 

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que

Ships: Breeze, Dream, Horizon, Magic, Panorama, Radiance, Sunrise, Vista, and Mardi Gras. Coming Soon: Celebration, Jubilee 

Meal: Lunch 

Follow the delicious smell of smoke to Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse. This open air spot features mouth watering authentic BBQ. You’ll find all of your BBQ favorites including Championship Pork Butt, Blue Ribbon Chicken, Smoke Andouille Sausage, and Smoke Round Of Beef. Classic BBQ fixin’ sides include Mac Daddy Mac-N-Cheese, Old Skool Potato Salad, and Collard Greens. 

The Captain’s Pasta Bar

Ships: Breeze, Horizon, Magic, Panorama, Sunshine, Vista 

Meal: Lunch 

At the Captain’s Pasta Bar you’ll find that they’ve got a winning combination of fresh ingredients, a great blend of spices and sauces, and perfect al dente prep. You can choose whatever pasta you are in the mood for, whether that’s penne, linguine, spaghetti, and farfalle. The rustic Italian decor will make you feel as if you are in the Italian countryside as you enjoy your delicious pasta.

Pizzeria del Capitano

Ships: Dream, Horizon, Magic, Panorama, Radiance, Sunrise, Sunshine, Vista, Spirit, Splendor, and Mardi Gras

Meal: 24 hours a day 

On select Carnival Cruise ships the Captains have their own Pizzeria aboard the ship. Since Carnival Captains tend to be Italian, you know the pizza will be stellar. You’ll love the hand tossed dough, fresh mozzarella, and your choice of fresh toppings to put the finishing touches on your pie. 

Masala Tiger

Ship: Carnival Splendor 

Meal: Lunch 

You’ll catch the aromatics of Masala Tiger before you reach this great lunch spot. This restaurant serves up a variety of signature Indian delights that are wonderfully spiced and flavorful dishes. Classics such as tandorri chicken, beef kabobs, and sweet chutney with naan bread are offered daily at Masala Tiger. 

Best Specialty Restaurants

Specialty restaurants on Carnival Cruise ships come at additional costs and are not included in your cruise fare. 

Emeril’s Bistro 1936

Ships: Mardi Gras 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cost: Additional $

Of course, the French Quarter is alive and well on one of Carnival’s newest ships, the Mardi Gras. Carnival has Emeril’s first ever restaurant at sea, where he shares his hometown favorites with a creole flare. Some restaurant favorites include BBQ shrimp, fried oysters, duck and sausage gumbo, and jambalaya. The breakfast menu includes breakfast po-boys, bananas forest crepes, and shrimp and grits. 

Rudi’s Seagrill

Ships: Mardi Gras 

Meal: Dinner 

Cost: Adults – $38, Kids – $12 

This Carnival exclusive is the brainchild of Rudi Sodamin, this restaurant presents seafood feasts with curated flavors. Rudi wants Carnival guests to experience the best that the ocean has to offer. Try the elegant seafood bisque or the delicious crab stuffed lobster tail. Dishes are served with an elegant spin that is meant to celebrate the beauty of the ocean. 

Bonsai Teppanyaki 

Ships: Horizon, Panorama, Mardi Gras. Coming Soon – Celebration, Jubilee 

Meal: Lunch, Dinner 

Cost: Adult – $32 

This intimate restaurant seats 167, so make sure to make lunch or dinner reservations here. You’ll find dinner at Bonsai Teppanyaki is one part meal and one part performance. Your experience at this eatery will begin with a curated selection of traditional tastes. You can expect an interactive and satisfying meal filled with surprises at this restaurant. 

Cucina del Capitano 

Ships: Breeze, Horizon, Magic, Panorama, Radiance, Sunrise, Sunshine, Vista, Mardi Gras 

Meal: Dinner 

Cost: Adult – $15, Kids (11 and under) – $5

Aboard select Carnival ships you can experience a neighborhood Italian trattoria. Enjoy Italian favorites atop classic red and white checkered tablecloths. Chow down on antipasto, pasta, entress, and delectable desserts. Everything is served family style and the ambiance transports you to a perfectly rustic Italian eatery. 

JiJi Asian Kitchen

Ships: Horizon, Panorama, Sunshine, Vista

Meal: Dinner 

Cost: Adult – $15, Kids (11 and Under) – $5 

This eatery immediately transports you to another world as you dine among Asian prayer rolls and Mongolian-inspired fabrics. The full service menu features an enticing mix of exotic and familiar that are specifically designed to delight your senses. Reservations are not required at JiJi, but to get the best seating reservations are highly recommended. 

Steakhouse

Ships: Breeze, Conquest, Dream, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Legend, Liberty, Magic, Miracle, Panorama, Pride, Radiance, Spirit, Splendor, Sunrise, Sunshine, Valor, Vista, Mardi Gras

Meal: Dinner 

Cost: Adults – $38, Kids (11 and Under) – $12 

Attire: Cruise Casual, Elegant 

The Steakhouse is one of the most desirable dinner spots on Carnival Cruises. The menu features mouthwatering cuts of beef cooked to your preference. You’ll also find gourmet appetizers, seafood, and delicious entrees. The Steakhouse also has an award winning wine list that you won’t want to miss. Each meal includes an appetizer, salad, entree, side, and delicious dessert. Reservations are highly recommended for this popular eatery. 

RedFrog Pub & Brewery

Ship: Vista 

Meal: Drinks, Snacks 

Cost: Additional $

Must be 21 years of age or older 

The RedFrog Pub & Brewery, aboard Carnival Vista, gives you the unique ability to experience North America’s first brewery at sea. Beer lovers can delight in a great selection of craft brews including IPAs, Stouts, and Pale Ales. The brewmaster also has small batch season brews that are made aboard the ship. You’ll love the drinks but you’ll stay for the atmosphere including live music, delicious small bites, and fun pub games. 

Chibang!

Ships: Mardi Gras. Coming Soon – Celebration, Jubilee 

Meal: Lunch, Dinner 

Cost: Additional $

This elegant modern restaurant screams fun with its unique mix of Chinese and Mexican traditions. Chibang! brings together favorites from both Mexican and Chinese cuisine in an interesting fusion that will keep you guessing. You can mix and match anything you would like. Lunch at Chibang! is casual and features favorites like noodles and burrito bowls. 

Bonsai Sushi

Ships: Breeze, Dream, Horizon, Legend, Panorama, Pride, Radiance, Spirit, Sunrise, Sunshine, Vista, Mardi Gras. Coming Soon – Celebration, Jubilee 

Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Cost: Additional $

You’ve never had sushi on a cruise quite like you will at Carnival’s Bonsai Sushi. You’ll dine among expertly-pruned bonsai trees while enjoying an affordable menu and sit down service. Try delectable sushi and sashimi, not to mention rolls, soups, and saki. 

Chef’s Table

Ship: All Ships 

Meal: Dinner 

Cost: Adults – $75-$95

Attire: Cruise Casual, Elegant 

The top dining experience on any Carnival Cruise is a meal at the Chef’s Table. This is a culinary experience of a lifetime in a meal prepared by the Master Executive Chef. Reservations are necessary for this small group experience as seating is limited to 14 guests total. This VIP experience will begin with hor d’oeuvres and cocktails, followed by a full service dinner of amazing appetizers, entrees, and delicious desserts. 

Drink Packages

Carnival offers several drink packages to cruisers. 

Bottomless Bubbles

Adults – $8.50 per day 

Kids – $5.95 per day 

This is Carnival’s unlimited soda program, making it possible to enjoy ice cold refreshments during meals, shows, or anytime at all. You can purchase Bottomless Bubbles in the Lobby, Casino, and at the Pool Bars. 

Restrictions On Bottomless Bubbles

Bottomless Bubbles are non-transferable and may not be shared, even between family members. 

Each guest and family member will need to purchase their own Bottomless Bubbles sticker. 

Soft drinks are served by the 16 oz glass, juice is served by the 10 oz glass 

This drink package cannot be used through room service. 

Cheers!

$51.95 per day 

Must be 21+ years old 

Cheers! drink package includes all spirits (including cocktails), beer, wine by the glass with a $20 or lower menu price, and soda. Cheers! also applies to every available non-alcoholic drink on board including coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks. You’ll also get discounts on beverages that don’t apply to the program including 

25% discount off menu prices for spirits and wine above $20 a glass 

25% off menu prices for wine and champagne from the bottle 

25% off beverage seminars and classes 

Cheers! Excludes 

• All beverages sold in souvenir glasses 
• Bottles of liquor 
• Beverages offered at gangway 
• Beverages in room service, mini bar, and staterooms 
• Sharking buckets, pitchers, tubes, floaters, and cocktails 
• Food items of any kind

At this time there are only a few dining programs available on Carnival Cruise ships and they are ship specific. When choosing a ship be sure to ask if they have dining packages available. 

Dining on Carnival Cruise ships will take you on an exciting trip around the world as you sail the high seas! Whether you are looking for quick bites, beer brewed right on the ship, or a culinary experience Carnival has something for you!