Cucina del Capitano - an establishment that Carnival Cruise Line has turned into a specialty and it is very popular among the passengers. Its cozy and casual environment is perfect for those who are having a meal together on the ship. The filling and comforting food and the Italian-like mood are the main reasons why cruisers come to the restaurant and it feels like an Italian home kitchen which is why it attracts so many people during a cruise.
This guide provides you with all the information you need: the menu, the method of pricing, and the ships that have this popular restaurant.
What Is Cucina del Capitano?
Cucina del Capitano, translated “The Captain’s Kitchen,” is the name of the signature Italian restaurant of Carnival—almost a third of the fleet has access to it. It was formally on board the Carnival Magic in 2011 after Carnival had taken a survey of its Italian captains’ favorite hometown recipes—many of which still inspire the menu today.
The restaurant boasts a wide selection of indulgent desserts, specialty dishes, and pasta favorites that are definably Italian among others. The interior design will depend on the ship, but usually, you will be dining with the red-and-white checkered tablecloths, cozy corners that better imitate an inviting family dining room, and the Carnival’s captains as well as family photos of their own on the wall.
Cucina del Capitano is situated in most of the ships as a standard specialty restaurant. Only Carnival’s Excel Class ships (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee) offer the restaurant area as an overflow space during peak hours to reduce the capacity of the main dining room. Everyone is allowed to dine there, but those using Your Time Dining have the most flexibility of choice. Only diners who opt for pre-drawn seating can come by dinner after 7:45 pm.
The best would be to sequentially reserve a table in advance.
Cucina del Capitano Menu
The meals are divided into four principal classes:
- Starters, Soups & Salads
- Mains & Pastas
- Sides
- Desserts
Throughout the menu, captain-based recommendations will also appear.
Starters
Among the options that are in great demand are:
- Cured tuna
- Meatballs
- Shrimp (deep-fried)
- Minestrone (soup)
- Caprese (salad)
Main Courses & Pastas
Get ready to indulge yourself in a whole array of bowls of warmth stating with:
- Linguine with clams
- Spaghetti carbonara
- Grilled fish
- Veal Marsala
- Pork chop
- Chicken Parmesan (the captain’s choice)
For an additional $23 one could choose from premium steakhouse options such as filet mignon, surf and turf, or a grilled lamb chops to be served together with the standard main courses.
Side Dishes
- Roasted broccoli and cauliflower
- Lentils
- Spinach
- Potatoes crispy
- Crispy potatoes
Desserts
- Tiramisu (another favorite)
- Frozen lemon tart
- Apple pastry
- Baba (Italian rum cake)
Kid’s Menu
- Spaghetti with meatballs
- Chicken fingers
- Fish sticks
- Mac and cheese
- Dessert choices consist of cannoli or lemon sherbet.
Cucina del Capitano Prices
The pricing is determined by the particular ship you are on.
Excel Class Ships
- (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee)
- First visit: All guests complimentary
- Subsequent visits: $8 per person
- Carnival Jubilee: Free for all visits during the inaugural season.
All Other Ships
- Adults: $24
- Children aged 11 and under: $11
- Premium steakhouse entrées are subject to an additional charge of $23 each.
Alcoholic drinks are billed à la carte unless a qualifying drinks package is purchased. A gratuity of 18% is automatically added to the bills, and $5 fee is imposed on guests for each main dish they order over and above the first two.
The Captain’s Pasta Bar (lunch only) remains free of charge always.
Which Carnival ships have Cucina del Capitano?
Cucina del Capitano is present on the Carnival Cruise Line’s ships, which are as follows: Carnival Magic, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance, and Carnival Sunrise. Furthermore, it is included in Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee, and Mardi Gras, providing customers with one complimentary dinner each cruise.
Conclusion
Cucina del Capitano offers Italian cuisine at its best, whether you want a huge platter of spaghetti, a chicken Parmesan that is a comforting classic, or a teaspoon of tiramisu as a sweet finish. It has received the best recommendations from those who sailed with Carnival during its lifetime, considering its superb menu, the warm atmosphere, and being very family-friendly and catering to all kinds of eaters, including picky ones. If you see it on your next cruise, it is the place to make a reservation for and to relive a meal inspired by the captains!
FAQs About Cucina del Capitano Menu
1. Is Captain's Pasta Bar available on all ships?
No. It is only available during the lunch hours on six ships, which are Breeze, Horizon, Magic, Panorama, Sunshine, and Vista.
2. Is Cucina del Capitano an optional service?
During the first time on board Excel Class ships, it is completely free (and during Carnival Jubilee’s inaugural season, it is totally free).
3. Are kids okay with the food?
Absolutely. The kids’ menu really includes their favorite things, such as pasta, chicken fingers, mac and cheese, along with other items.
4. What dress code is required?
The restaurant follows Carnival’s usual cruise-casual dress code.
