Get Exclusive Cruise Deals on MSC Short Sailings!
Find a cruise and book cruises direct - no booking fee!
  • Book Now
Deal of the Week
Group Booking

Need Multi Cabin? Click Here

Carnival Cruise Line Food Guide

What to expect from Carnival cruise food? Learn about restaurants, food options, packages, and what’s included in your fare.

By Cruise Booking Team

One of the most comforting things of any trip is food. And when travelling, we often say - Travel calories don’t count. Food tops the list of travellers when they visit or explore a new place. If you’re planning a Carnival Cruise and wondering what kind of carnival food options will be available? Look no further, we’ve got you covered.

On Carnival Cruise, food takes the center stage. From Guy Fieri burgers to fancy steaks at Fahrenheit 555, every carnival restaurant offers different options to satisfy different tastes.The Carnival Cruise Steakhouse menu also offers a variety of steak, seafood, and many other selections. With so many carnival food options, it is impossible to taste everything in just one sailing. While certain dining options remain standard, Carnival Cruise keeps adding new dining options by testing and launching new concepts frequently.

This guide will help you find the most suitable dining options to enjoy during your cruise vacation and gives your taste buds a chance to discover what’s standout.

Is Food Included on a Carnival Cruise?

Yes, the food is definitely included on a Carnival Cruise. There are plenty of options available for guests without any additional cost. One of the biggest perks on a Carnival Cruise that you can eat several times without paying extra.

Carnival Cruise food covers a wide range of dining venues including buffet, quick service spots etc. Carnival Cruises also offers elevated dining experience with different restaurants with an additional cost which is optional and as per the guests interests.

Top Carnival Restaurants

There are some Carnival Restaurants, offering some great food options that are available fleetwide. Let’s check some of them:

Guy´s Burger Joint

Are you a big burger fan like me? If yes, then together with celebrity chef Guy Feri, Carnival Cruise delivers the ‘Best Burger Experience’. Guy’s Burger also allows the guest to customize their burger bar at sea with some crispy fries. Try the "Plain Jane" or a "Chillus Maximus" served hot and juicy. The best of all is Guy’s Burger, which is available on almost all ships.

Blue Iguana Cantina

On a Carnival Cruise, guests can enjoy delicious burritos, wraps, tacos - everything freshly prepared. Blue Lguana Cantina allows their guests to customize their meals with a varied options for toppings and fillings such as ground beef, beans, rice, tomatoes and more. The lively atmosphere adds to the overall experience, making it a favorite for Tex-Mex lovers. Blue Iguana Cantina is available on all Carnival ships except Carnival Splendor. For those who enjoy Tex-Mex flavors, this is a must-try Carnival cruise food option.

Cucina del Capitano

This Carnival Cruise food offers an unforgettable dining experience similar to a favourite Italian restaurant with rich aromas and classic flavors in the air. The menu features dishes inspired by traditional family recipes, delivering an authentic Italian experience for guests. During lunch, the restaurant offers a live pasta bar, allowing guests to customize their own pasta plates. This Carnival cruise restaurant is available on the following ships: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Magic, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Vista, and Mardi Gras.

Emeril's Bistro 1396

Emerils’ Bistro 1396 named celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse is a specialty dining venue on Carnival Cruise Line, serving New Orleans. Emeril’s Bistro is located exclusively in the Carnival Mardi Gas, features a diverse menu of small plates, po-boys, seafood, hearty mains, and Southern-style desserts.

Emeril’s Bistro is a standout culinary option available in Carnival Cruise, sailing Mardi Gras. Some of the food options include Crispy Boudin Sausage Balls, Fried Oysters with Vietnamese vegetable salad, Yellowfin Tuna Wrap with ponzu and jalapeño, and Grilled Louisiana Oysters in garlic butter, Fried Shrimp & Oyster Po-Boy, Cochon de Lait Po-Boy with pickled vegetables and mustard, Emeril’s Signature Jambalaya and more.

Rudi's Seagrill

Each chef uses carefully selected ingredients to make every dish stand out. At the newly introduced Seagrill, chef Rudi Sodamin brings creativity to his dishes by blending the ingredients and flavors perfectly. Chef Rudi Sodamin is known for his love for sea and food, and he is bringing the same fun thate Carnival is famous for. Every bite of his dish lobster or crab feels like a celebration with the sea. This Carnival food option is available on the following ships: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee, and Mardi Gras.

Shap's Big Chicken

Shaquille O’Neal may be famous for his fun-loving personality, but he is just as serious about good chicken. Big Chicken on Carnival Cruise Line serves chicken meals paired with flavorful sides. The menu includes popular picks like chicken sandwiches, fried chicken baskets, and crispy chicken strips. Breakfast and dinner are served daily, and breakfast runs until 3 PM perfect for late sleepers or guests who partied a little too hard the night before. Big Chicken is available on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Radiance, and Mardi Gras.

Dining Room

Guests can enjoy a full three-course, all-inclusive meal in the main dining room. The menu rotates daily with options such as scallops, roasted duck, prime rib and steak. One of the highlights is the lively atmosphere, complete with singing and table-dancing waiters often paired with a complimentary dessert. Guests can choose between early dining, late dining, or flexible dining times based on what suits their schedule best.

Lido Marketplace

All the staple food stations are located on the Lido Deck, keeping guests well fed from morning to night. Options include a deli counter, barbecue station, pasta bar, Asian noodle station, pizza, and more. One of the biggest highlights is that the Lido Marketplace is open 24 hours a day. It is also a great choice for families, as the menu includes plenty of kid-friendly food options.

Carnival Cruise 24-Hour Room Service

Hunger doesn’t have a schedule, and Carnival Cruise Line understands that. Guests have access to 24-hour room service, making it easy to enjoy a meal at any time of day or even late at night on the balcony while chatting.

All it takes is a quick call from the cabin phone to place an order. While the 24-hour room service menu has an additional charge, breakfast is included and available from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., making it a convenient and complimentary start to the day.

Bringing Snacks on a Carnival Cruise: What Guests Should Know

Yes, guests are allowed to bring snacks on a Carnival Cruise but there are some important pointers/guidelines that need to be followed strictly. Carnival permits pre-packaged, unopened snacks and other non-perishable food items, as long as they are carried onboard in hand luggage. Popular choices include chips, crackers, granola bars, cookies, and packaged candies. It is always advisable to check with the authorities of the cruise to be sure on the guidelines.

While a Carnival Cruise offers ample food options throughout the day and night. Guests wanting to bring snacks can do so if they are meeting the aforementioned guidelines. Bringing snacks on the cruise helps especially for the families with children or guests with specific dietary preferences.

Carnival Cruise Line Food (More Than Just Meals at Sea)

Carnival Cruise Line understands the role good food plays in a perfect cruise vacation. Dining is a major part of the onboard experience. Dining experience is a combination of comfort, enjoyment, and memorable moments.

Whether the craving is for a juicy and spicy burger, a slice of pizza at midnight, or tacos enjoyed on the balcony, Carnival delivers. For travelers who prioritize food while cruising, Carnival Cruise Line never disappoints. Carnival cruise Line food is both satisfying and enjoyable, making dining one of the highlights of the journey.

MSC Seaview Cabins to Avoid

MSC Seaview should not be dismissed as just another MSC Cruise ship. That is because this innovative Seaside-class ship launched in 2018 and redefined cruising. It continues to do so. It has many [...]

February 02, 2026

Izumi Sushi and Hibachi on Royal Caribbean

Izumi ranks among the most preferred dining establishments which Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer to their guests who enjoy both sushi and Japanese food. Many visitors inquire about things like [...]

February 02, 2026

Bad Neighbors on a Cruise: Tips to Handle Noisy & Rude Cruise Passengers

Stuck With Bad Cabin Neighbors on a Cruise? Here’s What to Do A cruise is supposed to be relaxing, with ocean views, comfortable cabins, and restful nights between port days. But if you are [...]

February 02, 2026

Le Bistro on Norwegian Cruise Line

Dining is one of the highlights of a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation, and among its specialty restaurants, Le Bistro stands out as a refined and elegant option for guests craving classic French [...]

February 02, 2026

Our cruise experts will help you to plan your perfect cruise vacation!
phone number with country code (hyphen allowed)
0 / 500