What’s Free to Eat on a Carnival Cruise? A Complete Guide to Included Dining Options
Carnival Cruise Line is known for offering a wide variety of free dining options, ensuring guests can enjoy delicious meals without spending extra on specialty dining. Whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal in the Main Dining Room, a quick bite from Guy’s Burger Joint, or a casual buffet experience at Lido Marketplace, there is plenty to eat at no additional cost.
In this guide, we’ll break down all the complimentary dining venues on a Carnival cruise, so you know exactly where to go when hunger strikes.
Is Food Free on a Carnival Cruise?
Yes! Most food on a Carnival cruise is included in your cruise fare, meaning you don’t have to spend extra to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. However, some specialty dining restaurants and premium menu items cost extra. This article focuses on the dining venues and food options you can enjoy without any additional charges.
Main Dining Room: Sit-Down Dining at No Extra Cost
Carnival’s Main Dining Room (MDR) offers complimentary multi-course meals for breakfast, brunch (on sea days), and dinner. This is a great option for those who prefer a sit-down meal with waiter service over buffet-style dining.
What’s Included in the Main Dining Room?
Breakfast – Eggs, pancakes, French toast, pastries, bacon, sausage, fruit, yogurt, and more.
Sea Day Brunch – A mix of breakfast and lunch options, including steak & eggs, huevos rancheros, and the famous 12-hour French toast.
Dinner – A rotating menu with appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Guests can order up to two entrees for free, but additional entrees cost $5 each. 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 $5.00/each
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 Venues: Free Quick Bites
Carnival offers several complimentary fast-casual dining options, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Included Casual Dining Options:
Guy’s Burger Joint – A guest favorite, serving juicy burgers with unlimited toppings and hand-cut fries, created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
BlueIguana Cantina – Freshly made burritos and tacos with customizable fillings and salsas, available for breakfast and lunch.
Pizzeria del Capitano – Freshly baked, thin-crust pizza available 24/7 with classic options like pepperoni, margherita, and quattro formaggi.
Deli – Hot and cold sandwiches, including turkey, corned beef, pastrami, and grilled cheese.
Fresh Creations Salad Bar (available on some ships) – A build-your-own salad bar with fresh toppings.
See All The Menus for Casual Complimentary Dining Venues here
Late-Night & 24/7 Dining Options
If you get hungry late at night, Carnival has you covered.
Pizzeria del Capitano – Available 24/7, serving hot, made-to-order pizza.
Room Service (limited free menu items) – Some options, like sandwiches and salads, are free, while premium items come with a small charge.
What’s Not Free? Specialty Dining & Extras
While many dining venues are included, Carnival also offers specialty dining restaurants and premium menu items that require an extra charge. Some of these include:
Steakhouse (e.g., Fahrenheit 555) – A fine dining steakhouse with an extra charge.
Bonsai Sushi – A la carte pricing for sushi rolls, sashimi, and ramen.
Chef’s Table – A VIP multi-course dining experience with wine pairings.
Seafood Shack – Premium seafood options like lobster rolls and shrimp baskets.
Milkshakes & Specialty Coffees – Available at JavaBlue Café for an additional cost.
See All The Menus for Specialty Dining Venues here
Carnival Cruise Line offers a huge variety of complimentary dining options, from sit-down meals in the Main Dining Room to quick bites at Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. While some specialty dining venues cost extra, guests can enjoy delicious meals, snacks, and desserts throughout their cruise without spending a dime.
Whether you’re craving a burger, burrito, pizza, or soft-serve ice cream, there’s plenty of free food to enjoy on your next Carnival cruise.
