If it’s your first time on a Carnival Cruise, you might wonder, do Carnival Cruises include food?

The short answer is; yes, they do!

Carnival offers plenty of dining options included in the price of your cruise, so you can be sure you’ll never go hungry onboard.

All-Inclusives: Dining Options on Carnival Cruises

When you ride with Carnival Cruise, your fare covers a wide variety of meals and snacks for the duration of your stay.

From sit-down dinners to casual snacks in-between, here’s what’s included:

Main Dining Room

The main dining room is the go-to spot for meals on a Carnival Cruise.

It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

You can order appetizers, main courses, and desserts from a full menu.

Classic dishes like grilled salmon, steak, and pasta are common options, along with the daily specials.

It’s a sit-down experience with waitstaff service, which makes it the perfect choice for passengers who want a chill, relaxing dining experience.

Lido Marketplace

Lido Marketplace is the buffet-style restaurant available on most Carnival cruise ships.

It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a wide variety of dishes at different times, like barbecue platters and salad bars.

You’ll find everything from classic pasta and soft serve ice cream to unique global cuisines and familiar comfort food.

So do Carnival Cruises include food?

Yes, and it helps that their food options are excellent.

Casual Dining Spots

Carnival’s casual spots are perfect for grabbing a bite between activities.

These include:

Guy’s Burger Joint: Known for flavorful burgers and crispy fries; also created by Food Network personality Guy Fieri.
BlueIguana Cantina: Offers build-your-own tacos and burritos.
Pizza Pirate: Serves hot, fresh pizza almost 24/7.
Soft Serve Ice Cream and Yogurt Stations: Available all day for a sweet treat.
Mongolian Wok: Select ships offer made-to-order stir-fry dishes.

These on-ship venues give you plenty of options without any additional cost.

Signature Dishes to Try

Carnival’s included dining spots offer signature dishes that are worth a try.

These dishes make your dining experience feel special, even at no extra charge.

Main Dining Room

The filet mignon comes highly recommended, as do the nightly specials.

Many passengers also speak highly of their chocolate melting cake — a must-try if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

Guy’s Burger Joint

You can’t go wrong with The Classic burger, which is a fan favorite.

For more adventurous passengers, The Loaded burger might be up your alley.

And, finally, if you don’t eat red meat, they do serve delicious veggie burgers.

BlueIguana Cantina

Their Tacos al Pastor are a standout, as are their build-your-own burrito bowls.

There’s also a salsa bar to help you customize your spice and seasoning.

Pizza Pirate

Carnival Cruise passengers are big fans of their pepperoni pizza.

Specialty Dining Options (Additional Cost)

While there’s plenty of food included in your fare, Carnival also offers specialty dining for those who want something extra.

These restaurants are optional and cost a little more.

But if you have the budget for it, many reviews say they’re worth a taste:

Chef’s Table

This exclusive experience includes a multi-course gourmet meal prepared by the ship’s chef.

It also features a behind-the-scenes galley tour.

Prices range from $106 to $140 per person.

Cucina del Capitano

Enjoy Italian favorites like chicken parmigiana and housemade burrata.

It’s $24 for adults and $11 for kids, but some ships include a complimentary visit.

Bonsai Teppanyaki

This hibachi-style dining experience is interactive and fun.

Chefs prepare your meal right at the table.

It costs $35–$38 per person, depending on the meal.

Other Specialty Dining Options

Rudi’s Seagrill: Known for upscale seafood dishes.
JiJi Asian Kitchen: Offers Asian-inspired flavors in a casual setting.
Bonsai Sushi Express: Affordable sushi options starting at $2.50.

These restaurants are great for celebrating special occasions or adding variety to your cruise meals.

Are Beverages Included?

We have our answer to, do Carnival Cruises include food.

But what about beverages?

Thankfully, that’s a yes, too.

Carnival Cruise fare includes basic beverages like water, iced tea, lemonade, hot chocolate, and coffee.

If you want specialty coffees, sodas, or alcoholic drinks, those will cost extra.

Carnival offers drink packages like CHEERS! for alcohol or Bottomless Bubbles for unlimited sodas, which can save you money if you plan to indulge.

Tips for Maximizing Your Dining Experience

To make the most of your food options on a Carnival Cruise, keep these tips in mind:

Mix It Up: Try different venues to experience the full range of included options.
Budget for Extras: If specialty dining interests you, set aside some extra cash for the experience.
Pre-Purchase Drink Packages: Buying these ahead of time can help you save.
Check Out the Specials: Main dining rooms often feature rotating dishes, so don’t skip the daily specials.

These tips will ensure you get the most out of your cruise dining experience.

Let Team Thompson Travel Help Plan Your Carnival Cruise Meals!

Team Thompson Travel is here to make your cruise experience seamless and enjoyable.

From securing your cruise reservations to helping you choose dining options, we handle every detail at no extra cost to you.

Do Carnival Cruises Include Food? A Guide to Dining at Sea