Guests dining at one of Carnival's specialty restaurants may notice an updated menu.
Carnival's onboard steakhouse, a brand staple found on nearly every ship in the fleet (minus Carnival Elation and Paradise), is testing a new menu to see if it speeds up service and reduces food waste. The test menu is available on Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Vista, Horizon, Sunshine, and Glory.
John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador, formally announced the test during a Facebook livestream after quietly confirming it in the comments of another post.
"None of the courses have changed," Heald explains, "It's still exactly the same...but listed underneath that, for example, will [say], 'California Surf & Turf. Succulent lobster paired with tender filet mignon, a medley of fresh mushrooms, Yukon Gold mash, and roasted baby carrots.' It comes with all of that."
However, suppose you dislike one of the options. In that case, you can still choose from the other sides that are "available upon request," including baked potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, buttered broccoli, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, onion rings, or french fries.
"Believe it or not, the old days of people relaxing in the steakhouse and enjoying a two-and-a-half-hour dinner there, people don't want that these days. They want it now; they want it yesterday," he adds.
At this time, no changes have been announced for the appetizer or dessert menus. Guests may choose between classics like the Lobster Bisque, Caesar Salad, and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail for their first course. The dessert menu contains heavenly chocolate desserts, as well as indulgent cheesecake and fresh fruit.
It's not uncommon for cruise lines to test new menus onboard their ships in hopes of offering passengers a better dining experience.
In mid-2023, for example, Carnival began testing new Main Dining Room menus on Carnival Dream. The changes were done in consultation with Emeril Lagasse, Carnival's "Chief Culinary Officer" and were soon rolled out fleetwide.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean tested new menus aboard Symphony of the Seas in late 2022. After receiving positive feedback from guests, the company said they were going to permanently change the Main Dining Room menus on all their ships.
Read more: Carnival menus 2024: Main dining room, specialty restaurants & more
Mixed response
Despite Carnival simplifying the menu after increasing the price of the steakhouse in 2023, fans seem to support this change.
"Love the steakhouse!!! Can't wait to book on celebration. Love that those items come as standard," commented Pauline Cunningham.
Sharron Dupuis wrote, "Love the small change to the steakhouse menu."
"It is fine with me. We didn't get [a] side because we didn't know that we had to order them. So our meal was a steak," said Lisa Peltenburg.
Marianne Giardina McGee noted, "I don't like mushrooms or carrots but wouldn't complain and just ask for substitution. No big deal!"
Of course, some don't understand why the change is necessary.
"My son and I would have to choose from the additional sides at the steakhouse as the [sides] that are listed for each entree are not something we would like to have. We don't understand how choosing your sides would slow down service," remarked Chuck Fraser.
"[W]e really enjoy the long relaxing dinners In the steakhouse," added David R Britton.
Read more: 11 foods you must eat on a Carnival cruise
Carnival's onboard steakhouse costs $49 per adult and $15 per child
Compared to other cruise lines, Carnival's steakhouse is an affordable specialty restaurant. For just $49, you can get one appetizer, an entrée with sides, and dessert. Plus, the cover charge includes gratuity. It's hard to beat that price, especially considering many land-based steakhouses charge upward of $40 or $50 for a prime cut alone.
While Carnival has plenty of complimentary dining options, specialty restaurants remain popular for those seeking a more intimate experience. Not only that but many focus on one cuisine or cooking style, such as Teppanyaki, Italian, or Seafood, and use higher quality ingredients than food prepared for the Main Dining Room or buffet.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line Specialty Dining Guide
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
