"It is going to be a very, very big year for food": Carnival begins testing new main dining room menus

Carnival is preparing to make major changes to its food offerings, starting with the classic main dining room. 

Last month, the popular cruise line began testing new dining room menus aboard the Carnival Magic on sailings out of Miami, Florida. 

John Head, Carnival's Brand Ambassador, confirmed that the test is part of a broader effort to refresh and modernize the line’s dining experience. 

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"We are...testing new menus on the Mardi Gras [and] Carnival Magic. [We are] testing new Lido Deck menus on some of the ships, different things going on [in] different places," Heald explained in a short 3-minute Facebook video. 

"We'll put it all together; we'll find out what you like and perhaps what you want to see changed, but it is going to be a very, very big year for food."

Unfortunately, he could not confirm an official rollout schedule for the new dinner menus. However, he promised to share more information as it became available. 

Carnival Cruise Line menu changes

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Whereas the old menus had special "Emerli Selects" options to highlight that night's featured dishes, the new test menus shift the spotlight to two categories: "Our Chef’s Favorite Picks" and "Carnival Crew Favorites."

The previous "Emeril Selects" dishes were curated by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. Although Emeril-inspired selections are still available, the new dining experience feels more personal with dishes chosen directly by Carnival’s chefs and crew members.

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Classics like the shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, and famous melting cake aren't going anywhere. However, based on the pictures shared on social media, guests can expect more variety and creativity alongside these classic favorites. 

The steakhouse premium selections will continue to be offered each night for a $25 upgrade, along with the Bonsai Sushi Ship for $34. Moreover, a $5 surcharge for every three entrée or more still applies. 

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Carnival is changing its dinner menus to improve the dining experience for cruisers. The last time the cruise line refreshed its main dining room menus was in mid-2023, when they begin testing the menus aboard the Carnival Dream. 

All of the dining room changes were done in consultation with Emeril Lagasse, Carnival's "Chief Culinary Officer," who helped evaluate every aspect of its dining room offerings to tweak them to ensure the best dining experience possible.

Read more: Carnival menus 2026: Main dining room, specialty restaurants & more

New menu reactions

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Although the new Carnival dinner menus are still in the early phases are being tested, those who have gotten to sample some of the new dishes have taken to social media to share their honest thoughts. 

"[I was] on the Magic first week of the month and there was some of the chilled soups. I didnt try them but the new menu was awesome. I liked everything I got," Margaret Brown- Harrod commented on a Facebook post. 

What is the Carnival main dining room?

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The main dining room on a cruise ship is the heart of the vessel's culinary scene. Dinner is by far the most popular meal served in the main dining room, though Carnival's SeaDay Brunch is a close second. 

Whether you show up at 11:00 a.m. for a morning feast or in the evening for a multi-course meal, nearly everything in the main dining room — minus the steakhouse selections — is included in your Carnival cruise fare. 

This means that you can enjoy a chilled shrimp cocktail, strip steak, and ooey-gooey melting cake for no extra charge every night of your vacation.