Are Meals Included on Carnival Cruise Line Ships?

One of the biggest questions travelers ask when booking a cruise is: “Are meals included on Carnival Cruise Line ships?” The answer is yes—Carnival Cruise Line includes a wide variety of meals in your standard ticket price, ensuring you’ll never go hungry while sailing. From casual buffets to elegant dining rooms and late-night snacks, food is a central part of the Carnival experience.

However, not everything onboard is complimentary. While most dining venues are included in your fare, Carnival also offers specialty restaurants and premium dining experiences for an additional charge. Understanding what’s included versus what costs extra will help you budget wisely and make the most of your cruise vacation.

This article provides a complete breakdown of meals on Carnival Cruise Line ships—from complimentary dining venues to specialty restaurants, included drinks, and insider tips.

Are Meals Included in the Cruise Fare?

Yes, your Carnival Cruise Line ticket price already covers three main meals a day plus snacks and desserts. This means you don’t have to spend extra money to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and in-between bites.

Meals are available in multiple locations across the ship, and the options are designed to suit different tastes, dietary needs, and preferences. Whether you enjoy a sit-down multi-course meal, a casual buffet, or a quick snack by the pool, you’ll find plenty of included dining options.

Complimentary Dining Options on Carnival Cruises

1. Main Dining Rooms

Carnival’s main dining rooms offer a restaurant-style experience included in your fare. You can choose between:

Early Dining – A fixed time each evening.
Late Dining – A later seating time.
Your Time Dining – Flexible dining between open hours.

Here, you’ll enjoy multi-course meals including appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Menus change daily, featuring international cuisine, vegetarian dishes, seafood, and meat options.

2. Lido Marketplace (Buffet)

The buffet is one of the most popular included dining spots. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it offers:

Fresh salads.
Hot entrees and sides.
Carving stations.
International dishes.
Desserts and fruits.

The buffet is casual and great for guests who want variety and convenience.

3. Casual Poolside Dining

Carnival offers several complimentary poolside eateries, such as:

Guy’s Burger Joint – Famous burgers and fries created in partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
BlueIguana Cantina – Fresh tacos, burritos, and Mexican-inspired fare.
Pizzeria del Capitano – Hand-tossed pizzas available 24/7.
Deli Counter – Sandwiches, paninis, and wraps.

4. Sweet Treats

Carnival also satisfies your sweet tooth with:

24-hour ice cream and frozen yogurt stations.
Rotating dessert selections in main dining rooms and buffets.

5. Room Service (Partially Included)

Carnival’s 24-hour room service offers free continental breakfast and a small selection of sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Some premium items (like chicken wings or steak sandwiches) cost extra.

Specialty Dining Options (Not Included in Base Fare)

While many meals are free, Carnival also offers specialty restaurants for an additional fee. These provide upgraded menus and unique dining experiences.

Steakhouse – Premium cuts of beef, seafood, and fine dining experience.
Seafood Shack – Lobster rolls, fried shrimp, and fresh seafood at a la carte pricing.
Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki – Japanese dining experience with sushi, sashimi, and grilled dishes.
Cucina del Capitano – Italian pasta and family-style dishes.
JiJi Asian Kitchen – Asian-inspired flavors with a modern twist.
Chef’s Table – An exclusive multi-course gourmet experience with a behind-the-scenes galley tour.

Specialty dining is optional and designed for those who want variety beyond the included meals.

Drinks: What’s Included and What Costs Extra

When it comes to beverages, some are included in your fare, while others require additional purchase.

Included Drinks:

Water (non-bottled).
Lemonade.
Iced tea.
Hot chocolate.
Regular coffee and tea.
Juices at breakfast.

Extra Cost Drinks:

Sodas and soft drinks.
Specialty coffees (lattes, cappuccinos).
Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cocktails).
Bottled water.
Freshly squeezed juices.

Carnival offers drink packages like Cheers! Beverage Program (for alcohol) and Bottomless Bubbles (for sodas).

Dining for Kids

Carnival Cruise Line is family-friendly, and meals for kids are fully included. Children can enjoy:

Kid-friendly menus in main dining rooms (pasta, chicken tenders, pizza).
Buffet selections.
Ice cream and desserts.
Camp Ocean dining experiences for supervised kids’ meals.

Dietary Accommodations

Carnival accommodates a variety of dietary needs:

Vegetarian dishes in all dining venues.
Gluten-free options available on request.
Low-sugar and low-fat options for health-conscious travelers.
Kosher meals (must be requested in advance).

Tips to Maximize Your Dining Experience

Try All Complimentary Venues – Don’t stick to just one; explore buffets, dining rooms, and poolside eateries.
Enjoy Late-Night Eats – Carnival offers free pizza and snacks around the clock.
Mix in Specialty Dining – Splurge on one or two nights for a premium experience.
Bring a Refillable Cup – Use free drink stations for water, lemonade, and iced tea.
Plan Around Show Times – Dine earlier or later to avoid missing entertainment.

FAQs: Meals on Carnival Cruise Line

Q1: Are all meals free on Carnival Cruises?Most meals are included, but specialty restaurants and certain menu items cost extra.

Q2: Do I need to book dining times in advance?Only for specialty dining and Your Time Dining reservations. Main dining and buffets don’t require advance booking.

Q3: Can I get free food at any time of day?Yes, with 24/7 pizza, deli items, and ice cream, there’s always something available.

Q4: Are kids’ meals included?Yes, children can enjoy free meals from dedicated kids’ menus or standard dining options.

Q5: Are drinks included with meals?Basic beverages are included, but soda and alcohol require purchase or a beverage package.

Conclusion

So, are meals included on Carnival Cruise Line ships? The answer is a resounding yes—Carnival provides a wide variety of complimentary dining options as part of your cruise fare. From main dining rooms and buffets to casual eateries like Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, you’ll have access to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks without spending an extra dime.

However, for those seeking something more, Carnival also offers specialty dining experiences at an additional cost. While not necessary, they can add a unique touch to your trip.

Overall, Carnival Cruise Line ensures that food is never something you have to worry about. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or on your own, the included dining options guarantee you’ll always have something delicious to enjoy.