When you're cruising with Carnival Cruise Line, the main dining rooms are a highlight of the onboard experience. These venues are included in your cruise fare, offering port day breakfast, Sea Day Brunch, and dinner every night without additional charges. Each evening brings a new dinner menu, ensuring there's always something different to try. All menu details shared below are based on our firsthand cruises aboard Carnival ships, so you’ll find accurate, up-to-date information—not outdated or recycled content like on some other blogs. The meals span everything from comfort classics to globally inspired dishes, with options to suit a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional brunch or a multi-course dinner, the main dining room provides a consistent experience each day. The setting is both relaxed and elegant, with friendly staff who go out of their way to ensure your meal is enjoyable. There’s no need to reserve a table in advance, and the dress code is cruise casual, though many guests like to dress up a bit on Elegant Night. It’s a great space whether you’re dining solo, with a partner, or in a large group.

What You’ll Find on the Menus

Carnival Cruise Line’s main dining room menus rotate daily and recently received a major refresh, with nearly 60 new entrées rolling out across the fleet. Dishes are made with quality ingredients and presented in a way that balances comfort food with creative flair. The menu includes plenty of vegetarian options, and guests with dietary needs can request accommodations.

Port Day Breakfast

On port days, the main dining room opens for breakfast with a classic menu featuring eggs any style, pancakes, French toast, fresh fruit, oatmeal, sausage, and more. It’s a quieter alternative to the buffet and a good way to start your day before heading ashore.

Port Day Breakfast - Carnival Main Dining Room Menu

Sea Day Brunch

When the ship is at sea, Carnival replaces breakfast with its popular Sea Day Brunch. The menu blends breakfast and lunch favorites like steak and eggs, huevos rancheros, omelets, loaded mac & cheese, and desserts like banana cream pie or seven layer cake.

Sea Day Brunch - Carnival Main Dining Room Menu

Main Dining Room Dinner

Dinner is served every night in the main dining room with rotating menus and table service. Appetizers and desserts are unlimited, and each guest may order up to two complimentary entrées. A third entrée or more can be added for $5 each. Menus typically feature choices like braised beef short rib, grilled mahi mahi, pasta dishes, and Carnival’s signature Warm Chocolate Melting Cake.

Night 1 - Carnival Main Dining Room Menu

Night 2, Elegant Night - Carnival Main Dining Room Menu

Night 3 - Carnival Main Dining Room Menu

Night 4 - Carnival Main Dining Room Menu

Night 5 - Carnival Main Dining Room Menu

Night 6, Elegant Night - Carnival Main Dining Room Menu*

Night 7 - 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. On select holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, the main dining room features themed menus with festive classics such as roast turkey, glazed ham, and seasonal desserts, served alongside the regular dinner selections.

Vegan / Plant-Based Main Dining Room Menus

Gluten-Free Main Dining Room Menu

Kids Main Dining Room Menu

New Year’s Eve Main Dining Room Menu

Easter Sunday Main Dining Room Menu

Thanksgiving Main Dining Room Menu

Christmas Main Dining Room Menu

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of food are served in Carnival’s main dining rooms?

Menus change daily and feature a variety of American, Italian, French, and international dishes. Options are available for vegetarians and guests with dietary restrictions.

Do I need reservations?

No reservations are required. Guests with traditional dining have fixed times, while Your Time Dining allows flexible seating through the Carnival Hub app or host stand.

Are there kid-friendly meals?

Yes, children can enjoy dedicated kids’ menus with familiar favorites like cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, and ice cream.

Do they accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes. Carnival offers dedicated vegan/plant-based and gluten-free menus. They are also able to accommodate other dietary needs and food allergies. Be sure to inform your server at the start of each meal so they can assist accordingly.

Why choose the Main Dining Room?

The main dining room is a great place to enjoy a sit-down meal in a more formal setting without any extra cost. It’s ideal if you prefer full service over buffets or fast-casual venues, and it offers a consistently strong dining experience every night of your cruise.

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