Elegant Night on Carnival Cruise Line is a special evening where guests are invited to dress up and enjoy an upscale dining experience while sailing. This tradition is part of many Carnival cruises and gives passengers a chance to enjoy a more refined atmosphere with a menu that goes beyond the typical nightly offerings. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy something a little different, Elegant Night is a highlight of the cruise.

When Is Elegant Night on Carnival Cruises?

Elegant Night typically takes place once on cruises that are 2–5 days in length, and twice on cruises that are 6 days or longer. The exact night varies by itinerary, but it's usually scheduled on a sea day to give guests plenty of time to get ready and enjoy the evening events.

Dress Code for Elegant Night on Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival suggests a dress code that encourages guests to wear formal or semi-formal attire. While it’s not strictly enforced, most guests choose to dress up. Common choices include cocktail dresses, slacks and dress shirts, jackets, and evening gowns. Some guests go all out with tuxedos or long dresses, while others keep it simple but polished.

Jeans, shorts, and swimwear are discouraged in the main dining rooms during Elegant Night. If you prefer to dress casually, the buffet and casual dining venues remain open with no dress code requirements.

Dining Experience on Elegant Night

The main dining rooms transform on Elegant Night, offering a more elevated ambiance and an exclusive menu. The culinary team puts together a selection of dishes that reflect the occasion, including premium appetizers, hearty entrees, and gourmet desserts.

Night 2, Elegant Night - Carnival Main Dining Room Menu

Night 6, Elegant Night - Carnival Main Dining Room 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

Special Menus

Carnival offers several alternate menus to accommodate different needs and occasions. Vegan and gluten-free menus are available upon request and include a variety of plant-based or allergen-friendly dishes. A kids’ menu is also offered nightly, with familiar options like cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, and ice cream.

Vegan / Plant-Based Main Dining Room Menus

Gluten-Free Main Dining Room Menu

Kids Main Dining Room Menu

Elegant Night Dinner Menu on Carnival Cruise Line

Starters Include:

Crispy buttermilk calamari, crawfish fettuccini, shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, spinach salad, corn chowder, and cream of mushroom soup. More unique options like beef carpaccio and chilled strawberry chia seed yogurt are also available.

Main Course Options:

Guest favorites like herb-crusted salmon, chicken cordon bleu, grilled jumbo shrimp with fish cake, slow-cooked prime rib, roasted vegetable lasagna, and broiled striploin steak are featured. For those who prefer vegetarian dishes, options include navratan pulao with dal makhani and spiced okra.

Carnival also offers premium steakhouse selections for an added charge, such as broiled filet mignon, grilled lamb chops, New York striploin, and surf & turf with lobster tail and filet mignon.

Dessert Options:

The dessert menu includes Carnival’s famous melting chocolate cake, crème brûlée, panna cotta, tropical fruit, assorted ice creams and sorbets, and a cheese plate.

Additional Tips for Elegant Night

Reservations are not required for Elegant Night if you are dining in the main dining rooms with either Your Time Dining or a set dining time. Specialty dining venues may also offer special menus for the evening, but they operate separately from the main dining room experience.

Photos are often taken by Carnival’s professional photographers on Elegant Night, so many guests choose this evening to get a formal picture taken.

Final Thoughts

Elegant Night on Carnival Cruise Line offers a chance to enjoy a fine dining experience while dressed in your best. It's a popular night for couples, families, and groups of friends alike. With delicious food, a lively yet upscale atmosphere, and the opportunity to dress up, it's a memorable part of the cruise experience.

If you're planning your first Carnival cruise or preparing for your next sailing, make sure to pack accordingly and enjoy everything Elegant Night has to offer.

Recent Posts

Featured