What Is There to Eat on a Carnival Cruise? Everything You Need to Know About Food on Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line is known for its fun atmosphere, exciting destinations, and, of course, great food options for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, a quick grab-and-go snack, or a specialty dining experience, there’s no shortage of choices onboard.
From complimentary dining venues included in your cruise fare to premium specialty restaurants, this guide covers everything you need to know about what there is to eat on a Carnival cruise.
Dining on a Carnival Cruise: What’s Included and What Costs Extra?
Carnival offers a mix of free dining options and specialty restaurants that require an additional charge.
Complimentary Dining – These venues are included in your cruise fare and offer a variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options.
Specialty Dining – These restaurants and premium menu items come with an additional cost.
Let’s take a closer look at all the food options available on a Carnival cruise.
Main Dining Room: Classic Cruise Dining with Multi-Course Meals
Carnival’s Main Dining Room (MDR) is the primary sit-down restaurant onboard, serving breakfast, brunch (on sea days), and dinner. Guests can expect a multi-course menu with appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
Main Dining Room Highlights:
Breakfast – Eggs, pancakes, bacon, pastries, and fruit.
Sea Day Brunch – Favorites like steak & eggs, French toast, and huevos rancheros.
Dinner – A rotating menu with options like prime rib, lobster (on select sailings), and pasta dishes.
Important Note: As of 2025, guests are limited to two free entrees at dinner. Additional entrees cost $5 each, but appetizers and desserts remain unlimited.
Main Dining Room Menus:
Night 1 - Main Dining Room Dinner Menu
Night 2 - Elegant Night - Main Dining Room Dinner Menu
Night 3 - Main Dining Room Dinner Menu
Night 4 - Main Dining Room Dinner Menu
Night 5 - Main Dining Room Dinner Menu
Night 6 - Elegant Night 2 - Main Dining Room Dinner Menu*
Night 7 - Main Dining Room Dinner Menu
*Please note: For cruises 7 days or longer, the second Elegant Night will be happen on the second to last night of the cruise with lobster being added to this menu. At this time that is the only difference between the two Elegant Night Menus. Two lobsters are complimentary, each additional lobster ordered will be charged extra.
Port Day Breakfast - Main Dining Room Menu
Sea Day Brunch - Main Dining Room Menu
Kids Menu - Main Dining Room Dinner Menu
Lido Marketplace: The Buffet
Located on the Lido Deck, Lido Marketplace is Carnival’s main buffet-style dining venue, offering an impressive selection of hot and cold dishes throughout the day.
What’s Included at Lido Marketplace?
Breakfast Buffet – Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, fresh fruit, pastries, and made-to-order omelets.
Lunch & Dinner Buffet – A variety of options, including meats, salads, pasta, seafood, and desserts.
Dessert Station – Cakes, pies, soft-serve ice cream, and cookies available all day.
Casual Dining: Quick & Tasty Options Throughout the Day
Carnival is known for its fast-casual dining venues, offering a mix of American classics and international flavors.
Guy’s Burger Joint – Legendary juicy burgers with hand-cut fries, created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
BlueIguana Cantina – Fresh tacos and burritos made to order with customizable fillings and salsas.
Pizzeria del Capitano – Thin-crust pizza, available 24/7 with classic flavors like margherita and quattro formaggi.
Carnival Deli – Hot and cold sandwiches, including grilled cheese, turkey, pastrami, and Reuben sandwiches.
Lido Marketplace Buffet – A rotating buffet with salads, meats, seafood, pasta, desserts, and more.
Mongolian Wok (on select ships) – Stir-fried noodles and vegetables, made to order.
See All The Menus for Complimentary Dining Venues here
Menus by Carnival Ship
Specialty Dining: Premium Restaurants for a Fee
While most food on a Carnival cruise is included, there are several specialty dining options that require an additional charge.
Steakhouse (Fahrenheit 555 or similar) – A fine dining steakhouse experience, featuring filet mignon, lobster tail, and premium sides.
Bonsai Sushi – A la carte sushi, sashimi, and ramen bowls.
Rudi’s Seagrill – High-end seafood, including lobster tail and crab cakes.
Chef’s Table – An exclusive VIP multi-course tasting experience with wine pairings.
Emeril’s Bistro 1396 (on select ships) – New Orleans-inspired dishes from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse.
Seafood Shack – Classic New England-style seafood, including lobster rolls, fried shrimp, and fish & chips.
Prices vary by restaurant, with steakhouses and Chef’s Table being the most expensive.
See All The Menus for Specialty Dining Venues here
Breakfast and Brunch Options
Carnival offers several breakfast choices, ranging from a quick bite at the buffet to a full sit-down meal.
Main Dining Room Breakfast – Traditional breakfast items with waiter service.
Sea Day Brunch – Available only on days at sea, offering steak & eggs, omelets, French toast, and huevos rancheros.
BlueIguana Cantina – Breakfast burritos with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and meats.
Lido Marketplace Buffet – A variety of eggs, pancakes, sausage, pastries, and fruit.
JavaBlue Café (extra charge) – Specialty coffees, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Carnival has plenty of dessert options to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Lido Buffet Dessert Station – Cakes, pies, cookies, and pudding.
Swirls Soft-Serve Ice Cream – Available 24/7 at no extra cost.
Main Dining Room Desserts – Options like molten chocolate cake, cheesecake, and fruit sorbet.
Cherry on Top (extra charge) – Carnival’s candy store with chocolates, gummies, and ice cream sundaes.
Late-Night and 24/7 Dining Options
If you’re hungry late at night, Carnival has plenty of food options available around the clock.
Pizzeria del Capitano – 24-hour pizza with unlimited slices.
Room Service (limited free items) – Basic sandwiches and salads at no extra cost. Premium items, like wings and cheesecake, cost extra.
Late-Night Snacks at the Buffet – A small selection of comfort food and desserts.
What About Drinks? Are They Free?
Carnival offers a variety of complimentary and paid beverage options.
Free Drinks:
Water
Lemonade
Iced Tea
Hot Tea & Coffee
Milk
Drinks That Cost Extra:
Specialty Coffees (JavaBlue Café)
Soda & Energy Drinks
Alcoholic Beverages (Beer, Wine, Cocktails)
Freshly Squeezed Juices
Bottled Water
Guests who want unlimited soda, specialty coffee, or alcohol can purchase a drink package for a daily fee.
Learn More About The Cheers Beverage Package
Carnival Cruise Line offers an impressive variety of dining choices, from free casual options like Guy’s Burger Joint to high-end specialty restaurants like the steakhouse and Chef’s Table. Whether you prefer a sit-down meal, a quick grab-and-go snack, or a late-night slice of pizza, there is always something delicious to eat onboard.
With so many options, it’s easy to find something for every craving, no matter the time of day.
