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The Ultimate Menu Guide to Carnival’s Main Dining Room

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Doug Parker

  • March 12, 2019
  • 6.0K shares

The main dining rooms on Carnival Cruise Line’s ships are a staple for guests. They add to the overall cruise experience, as cruisers generally value food and service.

Carnival’s dining rooms consist of varied menus and experienced and attentive staff. Having dinner in the main dining room (otherwise known as MDR to the seasoned cruiser) is a three-course affair.

Should you choose not to eat in the main dining room, you’ll also have plenty of other options, free or for fee, around the ship, as various dining venues are available. In other words, you will not be hungry during your sea vacation.

This menu guide to Carnival’s Main Dining Room will provide insightful information about where to dine, what dishes to eat, and an overview of the cruise line’s main dining rooms!

Where it’s located

main dining room carnival

Carnival offers both Set-Time Dining and Time Dining, which gives guests more flexibility, making it an excellent option for those who don’t necessarily want to be on a set schedule.

READ MORE: 31 Carnival Main Dining Room Tips

Most Carnival ships have two dining rooms, but although the Spirit-class ships ( Carnival Pride , Carnival Spirit , Carnival Legend , and Carnival Miracle ) have only one dining room, they still offer traditional Set-Time and Your Time Dining options.

Carnival’s signature “Sea Day Brunch” is also served in one of the main dining rooms. Because of its popularity, it’s typically served in the larger dining room, which is located in the aft (back).

What to Expect in the Main Dining Room

Now and then, Carnival tinkers with the menus. O ne thing’s for sure, though: any change, no matter how small, will surely be appreciated by guests.

Given that Carnival ensures that people have a great experience, they take the feedback they receive on changes very seriously.

Currently, the Carnival fleet offers two separate menus: the American Table menu and the American Feast menu.

  • American Table : This is your typical main dining room menu with a selection of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. This is the rotating menu you’ll find each cruise night, except on formal nights.

American Feast Carnival Cruise Line

  • American Feast : This is the menu offered in the main dining room on formal nights, and it’s not all that different from the American Table menu. This menu will be provided once or twice per cruise, depending on the length of your sailing. Formal nights are also the only evenings in which tablecloths are used in the main dining rooms.

Menu Download

  • Download a sample American Table menu here
  • Download a sample American Feast menu here

The experience usually takes 90 or so minutes. If you are crunched for time, you should consider eating dinner at the Lido deck buffet or another venue offering a more casual experience.

Dining times

American Table Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival offers two different dining programs, and you’ll generally select one when you book your cruise. Traditional Dining, which allows you to eat at the same table with the same people at the same time each night, is generally served at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Your Time dining lets you decide what time you’d like to eat. But be aware that because Your Time dining is in demand, you must request this option as soon as possible.

If you find it unavailable on your sailing, recheck it once you’re on board to see if there are openings.

In 2020, Carnival moved on its HUB app to allow guests to check in for Your Time dining and receive an alert when the table is ready. This avoids the long lines at the entrance of the dining room.

  • Pros and Cons of Traditional Dining  vs. Your Time Dining

What should I wear?

Carnival breaks dinner up into two evenings: cruise casual and cruise elegant.

Carnival’s website says the main dining room does not permit cut-off jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, tee shirts, gym or basketball shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops, or bathing suit attire.

For men, they may wear khakis, collared shirts, and dress slacks suits in the main dining room. Tuxedos, a sports coat, and a tie are not required. However, cruise elegance is a great photo opportunity, and you can dress as fancy as you’d like.

Carnival also lists jeans forbidden for elegant evenings, but in our experience, they tend to look the other way as long as the jeans are excellent. You can read their dining room dress code policy here .

Summer dresses, blouses, casual dresses, pantsuits, and capris are all acceptable for casual cruise nights.

Carnival Main Dining Room menu explained

Carnival Breeze dining room

The menu in the main dining room is pretty straightforward, but it can be overwhelming, given all the options available.

Since we know a lot of people want to know at least the basics of what will be available, we thought it might be helpful to take a look at both the American Table and American Feast offerings and break down the menus.

Keep in mind that selections change periodically, so what you’ll find below is more an example of what you’ll discover than a written-in-stone guide.

shrimp cocktail carnival

If you’re the type of person who loves kicking things off with an appetizer (or three), Carnival’s menus have you covered. Generally speaking, you’ll find about 10 different options in Carnival, with the always-popular shrimp cocktail available every night.

Some of the other tasty treats they offer to start your meal include:

  • Fried Calamari
  • Chilled Vietnamese Roll
  • Strawberry Bisque
  • Smoked Chicken Quesadillas with salsa
  • Smoked Poblano and Corn Soup
  • A variety of salads

Dishes to try

carnival cruise line escargot

While this is one of our favorite menu sections, it’s not for everyone. However, what you’ll find here are items that, as the name suggests, aren’t exactly everyday fare.

Found just beneath the appetizers, you never know precisely what you’ll discover. But for folks who are open to trying something new, this is a tasty option.

Some items you will find on this menu are:

  • Blood Sausage
  • Escargot (snails)
  • Alligator Tail
  • BBQ Pulled Wild Boar
  • Philadephia Pepper Pot (with Honeycomb Tripe)
  • Braised Frog Legs

READ MORE: Carnival Cruise Food Reviews

Nightly entree menu

delicious entree menu

When it comes to entrees, you’ll find plenty of options from both land and sea. The portion sizes are generous, but don’t be shy if you want to order two entrees.

As with every menu section, you can order as much as you like. If there’s one department in which the menus might be lacking, it’s the vegetarian options.

Some of the entrees you’ll find on the menu include:

  • Veal Parmesan
  • Pan-Seared Tilapia
  • Rosemary Lamb Shank
  • Southern Fried Chicken
  • Salmon Cakes
  • Crisp Portobello Mushrooms
  • A Featured Indian Vegetarian dish (lentils, basmati rice, papadam, and raita)

If you want prime rib and lobster, you’ll find them on the American Feast menu. So yes, you’ll have to dress up if you wish to have your lobster!

From the grill menu

If none of the regularly listed entrees appeal to you on any given night, give this section a look. It offers some great selections and a bit of variety with the two main items — the beef and fish selections — usually changing daily.

Like the other menu sections we’ve discussed, these are complimentary. People sometimes confuse these for the upcharge items, which we’ll discuss a little bit later on.

Here are some menu items you’ll find on the From The Grill menu:

dinner at Carnival Vista

  • Salmon Filet: Citrus and pepper rubbed salmon served with broccoli, carrots, and red potatoes
  • Flat Iron Steak: Cooked with herbs and peppers, served with broccoli and baked potato
  • Chicken Breast: Roasted with garlic and herbs, served with peas and carrots with red potatoes
  • Pork Chop: Cooked with caramelized onions and served with stewed apples and mashed potatoes

The beef dish comes with a selection of BBQ Sauce, Béarnaise, Peppercorn, or Wild Mushroom sauce.

Side dishes

mac and cheese carnival cruise line

Every night, you’ll find six sides offered at the bottom of the main dining room menu. These are served in addition to whatever sides you have with your meal.

They’re individual-sized, not family-style. So, if you’re the kind of person who likes a whole lot of creamed spinach with your beef, make it a double order.

The selections can vary nightly, but they typically include items such as these:

  • Baked Potato
  • Broccoli, Carrots, and Onions
  • Mac n’ Cheese with Bacon
  • French Fries
  • Ratatouille
  • Creamed Spinach

Port of call menu

port of call menu carnival

The port menus are unique to every destination. This can be found in the regular menu, which gives you information about the port of call. Some days, this section will feature a specific port, depending on your itinerary and sea days.

Sample Port of Call Menus 

  • Download a sample St. Maarten Port of Call Menu 
  • Download a sample Eastern Caribbean Port of Call Menu

Here’s an example of what you might find on the port of call menu.

Port: St. Maarten

The whole island is known for its excellent cuisine, partly due to its French influences. Creole, French, and West Indian cooking are particularly renowned. Many other nationalities have influenced the fare of St. Maarten because of its heavily diverse roots.

  • Featured Drink:  Island Martini. A refreshing mix of Bacardi Limon, Pineapple, and Orange Juices, and a touch of Grenadine. $9.50
  • Featured Appetizer:  Caribbean Bouillabaisse. Local Fish and Seafood in a Saffron Broth with Tomato, Fennel, and Sauce Rouille.
  • Featured Entree:  Coq au vin. Chicken Marinated and Cooked in Red Burgundy Wine with Mushrooms, Silver Onions, and Bacon, Finished with some aged Brandy.

Steakhouse Selection

steakhouse selection main dining room

The Steakhouse Selection is available for a $20 upcharge and offers guests a chance to get a cut of beef served in the steakhouse while in the main dining room. The steakhouse selections are available across all of their cruise ships.

Featured items here generally include:

  • Broiled Maine Lobster Tail served with drawn butter
  • Surf & Turf, Maine Lobster Tail with Grilled Filet Mignon
  • Filet Mignon, 9 oz premium aged beef
  • New York Strip Loin Steak, 14-oz

Dessert menu

warm chocolate melting cake

The main dining room’s dessert menu consists of three selections rotating every night. One of the selections offered each night is usually a low-cal, no-sugar treat. There are also coffees and teas available to complement your dessert.

Sample dessert menu

  • Download a sample dessert menu

Some examples of desserts you might find on the menu are:

  • Boston Cream Cake
  • Orange and Almond Baked Cake
  • Chocolate and Cheese Brownie
  • Carnival Melting Chocolate Cake
  • Fresh Tropical Fruit Plate
  • Cheese Plate
  • Selection of Ice Creams

Tropical fruit plate carnival cruise

Not too long ago, Carnival brought Baked Alaska back to their ships. It’s typically served on the final night of the cruise. And if a banana split is more your speed, ask to see a kid’s menu.

For an added cost, you’ll find a selection of dessert drinks listed at the bottom of the menu, along with cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, and the “Art of Tea” selection.

carnival main dining room ultimate menu guide

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Rudi's Seagrill menu: What you can order from Carnival Cruise Line's upscale seafood restaurant

Ashley Kosciolek

"What's cooking, good looking?" No, I'm not being flirty. If you're familiar with chef and pop artist Rudi Sodamin, you'll know that's his catchphrase. (If you're not familiar with him, you're about to be.)

Sodamin's larger-than-life personality and whimsical "food faces" — funny visages made from plated food — have led him to partnerships with several brands in the Carnival Corporation portfolio . Such partners include Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, whose ships boast seafood eatery Rudi's Sel de Mer.

However, Sodamin truly shines with his latest venture, Rudi's Seagrill on Carnival Cruise Line 's Excel Class ships, which are the newest in the fleet.

Here, I'll go over what you need to know — from menu items and pricing to the ships on which you'll find Rudi's Seagrill — so you can decide if dinner at this upscale seafood restaurant is right for you.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What is Rudi's Seagrill on Carnival cruise ships?

carnival cruise 5 day menu

Rudi's Seagrill, Carnival Cruise Line's high-end seafood restaurant, offers a menu of delicious and beautifully prepared dishes, served in a dining room that's light and airy. Glass fish accents and pops of blue color enhance the nautical vibe.

Although Carnival has had onboard seafood options for years, this is a far cry from the pool deck's Seafood Shack (which recently sold me a mediocre crabcake). Instead, at Rudi's, you'll find a don't-miss lobster mac and cheese, plenty of meat and seafood selections, and crabcakes that are actually worth the price of admission.

Related: Carnival cruise food: The ultimate guide to restaurants and dining on board

Although the official dress code is "cruise casual," you might want to dress up a bit for dinner at Rudi's, given the atmosphere.

Reservations are highly recommended.

Rudi's Seagrill menu

carnival cruise 5 day menu

The Rudi's menu includes five sections from which you can choose your meal's three courses: starters, soups and salads, entrees, grill items and desserts. For your first course, you can choose an item from starters, soups or salads. For your second course, select from entrees or the grill. Follow it up with a dessert for course number three.

Starters include blue mussels, seared shrimp, oysters and the aforementioned lobster mac and cheese. Soup and salad choices include seafood bisque, fisherman's stew, house tossed salad or baby romaine with cauliflower and honey nut squash.

If you want to stick to seafood, go with one of the entrees like roasted halibut, red snapper, Dover sole, broiled lobster tail or the crabcake about which I was raving earlier. If meat is more to your liking, pick something from the grill — free-range chicken, a pork chop or prime New York strip steak — instead.

To top it off, enjoy dishes such as apple cheesecake with limoncello whipped cream, chocolate truffle cake, white chocolate bread pudding or key lime pie for dessert.

Wines and cocktails are also available for sale. Choose from sparkling, white, red and rose wines or unique-to-Rudi's cocktails, such as Seagrill Sangria and the Santorini Martini.

carnival cruise 5 day menu

For cruisers 11 and younger, a special menu offers smaller portions and kid-friendly fare. They can choose macaroni and cheese or shrimp cocktail as a starter. For mains, children can order beef sliders with Parmesan fries; a 4-ounce filet mignon with vegetables; fish and chips; or chicken fingers. Tasty dessert options are either a banana split or a chocolate and Nutella pizza.

Note: Menu items were accurate at the time of publication, but they're subject to change without notice.

Rudi's Seagrill price

carnival cruise 5 day menu

How much does it cost to eat at Rudi's Seagrill? Adults can dine there for $49 per person, which includes a starter, main and dessert. Kids 11 and younger can order from the children's menu for $15.

Gratuity is included in the cover charge. Alcoholic beverages are charged a la carte unless you have a drink package that covers the price.

Which Carnival ships have Rudi's Seagrill?

carnival cruise 5 day menu

Rudi's Seagrill is on all ships in Carnival's Excel Class :

  • Carnival Celebration
  • Carnival Jubilee

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries
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What dining and beverage options are available on Carnival?

Downloadable Menus

Carnival Cruise Line Menus

View & Download all of Carnival Cruise Lines' Menus using the links below.

The menus listed below are updated frequently. If you have found a menu not listed or an updated menu please send it to us so we can share it with others.

Main Dining Room Menus

Alcohol / Beverage Menus

Alternative Dining Menus

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Royal caribbean vs. carnival: quick comparison chart.

Decide which line is best based on costs, food, onboard entertainment and other key factors.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas ship in front of the Sydney Opera House at sunset.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line have quite a bit in common.

Trying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas side by side at sea.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

The Ultimate Family Suite in Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas.

SBW-Photo | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

A plate of sushi at Izumi Hibachi on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas.

Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

A group of friends enjoying drinks at Lime and Coconut on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas.

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

A waterslide on Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas.

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

"Ice Spectacular" show on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

Explore cruise deals on  GoToSea .

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Kids programming

A child playing with an object at a table on a Carnival Cruise Line ship.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

A group of adults drinking and laughing at the Serenity Retreat on Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras.

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

A person taking an underwater photo of fish while snorkeling.

Getty Images

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Aerial of Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay private island.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Three women talking at the Serenity Retreat on Royal Caribbean's Mardi Gras.

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

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  • Cruise Line Restaurant, Room Service, and Bar Menus / Cruising / Food and Drink

Carnival 6 Night Dinner Menus (updated)

by Prof. Cruise · Published December 8, 2023 · Updated February 23, 2024

A photo of a Carnival dinner menu with text that reads: Carnival dinner menus 6-night cruises.  Updated menus!

Introduction

I’ve received a lot of questions about the updated menus on 6-night Carnival cruises (will there be one formal night or two, will lobster be served, which of the new menus will be offered and in which order, etc), so I figured a dedicated post on the topic would be appreciated by those booked on or considering a 6-night itinerary. First, to clear up those common questions:

Will there be one formal night or two on a 6-night Carnival cruise? There will be two formal (“elegant”) nights on all 6-day Carnival itineraries. They will take place on night 2 and either night 4 or 5 (keep reading for further explanation of this).

Will lobster be served on a 6-night Carnival cruise? Yes! Complimentary broiled lobster tail (note there will be a $5 charge for each lobster tail ordered after the first two) will be served on the second elegant (formal) night, either night 4 or night 5 depending on your itinerary.

Which of the new menus will be offered and in which order on a 6-night Carnival cruise? See below for the updated menus currently being offered on 6-night itineraries. Note that nights 4 and 5 may be swapped depending on your itinerary – the 2nd formal night usually takes place on the night (either night 4 or night 5) with the earlier “all aboard” time if you’re at port both days. If either night 4 or night 5 is a sea day, formal night usually takes place on that night. If both nights 4 and 5 are sea days OR if your “all aboard” time is the same for both days, it will almost always take place on night 5. I know, confusing! You can double check with the maître d’ in the main dining room on embarkation day if you want to be 100% sure of the order of the menus (for planning nights you may want to dine at a specialty restaurants). Here are the menus:

Carnival 6-Night Dinner Menus

Carnival’s dinner menu for 6 day cruises, night 1.

Carnival's Dinner Menu for 6 day cruises, night 1a

Carnival’s Dinner Menu for 6 Day Cruises, Night 2 (elegant night)

Carnival's Dinner Menu for 6 day cruises, night 2a

Carnival’s Dinner Menu for 6 Day Cruises, Night 3

Carnival's Dinner Menu for 6 day cruises, night 3a

Carnival’s Dinner Menu for 6 Day Cruises, Night 4

If you missed my note above, keep in mind that nights 4 and 5 may be swapped depending on your itinerary.

Carnival's Dinner Menu for 6 day cruises, night 6a

Carnival’s Dinner Menu for 6 Day Cruises, Night 5

Carnival's Dinner Menu for 6 day cruises, night 4a

Carnival’s Dinner Menu for 6 Day Cruises, Night 6

Carnival's Dinner Menu for 6 day cruises, night 5a

Looking for Additional Carnival Menus?

Carnival Menus 2024
Carnival Bar Menus and Drink Prices 2024

And with that…

Class Dismissed!

Today’s Bonus Cruising Tip

I ALWAYS buy travel insurance (especially during these uncertain times) to cover my cruises, but I NEVER purchase it through Carnival . It costs more and usually covers less than policies you purchase on your own. I go through sites like  travelinsurance.com  to compare plans and prices and get the best deal for the coverage I want. Spend less on insurance and spend more on excursions, special onboard cruise experiences and…future cruises!

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 by Prof. Cruise · Published April 2, 2020 · Last modified June 6, 2021

4 Responses

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[…] NEW Carnival Dinner Menus for 7 and 8 Night CruisesNew Carnival Dinner Menus for 6 Night Cruises […]

[…] menus for 3-night cruises HERE, the menus for 4-night cruises HERE, the menu for 6-night cruises HERE, and the menus for 7 or 8-night cruises HERE). While this is usually the order of the menus on […]

[…] the menus for 3-night cruises HERE, 4-night cruises HERE, 5-night cruises HERE, 6-night cruises HERE, and 14-night cruises HERE). All ships have now received these new […]

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About Prof. Cruise

carnival cruise 5 day menu

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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Buckle up for big adventure on the Space Coast when you book a Carnival cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida. Fun in the sun is a mission easily accomplished in Port Canaveral: before or after your cruise, take time to blast off from the Kennedy Space Center, hug the turns in a stock car at the world famous speedway, and zoom through the screaming roller coasters of Orlando's theme parks. In addition to all these man-made thrills, cruises from Port Canaveral depart from a coastline of sugary sand beaches and protected islands for native wildlife.

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  • Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

Moscow Excursion

By HistoricRoswell , June 1, 2019 in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

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Cool Cruiser

HistoricRoswell

Has anyone ever purchased the Moscow excursion on the 2 day Saint Petersburg port of call. Would love to see if anyone thought it was worth it. I would really like to do it.

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gnome12

17 minutes ago, HistoricRoswell said: Has anyone ever purchased the Moscow excursion on the 2 day Saint Petersburg port of call. Would love to see if anyone thought it was worth it. I would really like to do it.

There is another thread on the topic you might want to check out.

Aus Traveller

Aus Traveller

I suggest you spend the two days in St Petersburg rather than taking the tour to Moscow. There is so much to see in St Petersburg that two days are hardly enough. It is a very long drive to Moscow and you would not have much time in the city - not enough to see even the highlights.

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COMMENTS

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    Find the latest menus for 5-night cruises on Carnival ships, including appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Learn about the elegant night, the lobster option and the travel insurance tips.

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  11. Carnival Menus

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  19. Carnival 6 Night Dinner Menus (updated) · Prof. Cruise, Ship Tour

    Carnival's Dinner Menu for 6 Day Cruises, Night 1. Carnival's Dinner Menu for 6 Day Cruises, Night 2 (elegant night) Carnival's Dinner Menu for 6 Day Cruises, Night 3 . Carnival's Dinner Menu for 6 Day Cruises, Night 4. If you missed my note above, keep in mind that nights 4 and 5 may be swapped depending on your itinerary.

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