Dining
The Bacchus Dining Room, named for the Greek god of wine (justly done up in purple hues with grape motifs on the ceiling and walls) is the main restaurant for dinner and probably the only room on the ship that struck me as too visually "loud" (though I did like the pale pink linens on the tables). I was surprised that there is only one dining room on Spirit-class ships (while Carnival Valor and even the older Celebration feature two main restaurants), but at two decks high, Bacchus comfortably accommodates all passengers in two seatings, the earlier at 5:45 and the later at 8:15.
Tip: With nearly half of the ship's capacity heading to dinner in one place at one time, a line of people forms that eventually grows so long it snakes into the Metropolis Lounge. If you don't want to feel herded (or be asked repeatedly if you want formal or casual portraits taken), grab a seat and a drink, and mosey on in after the crowd has dispersed.
Still, even with so many hearty appetites in one place, dinner runs like a well-oiled machine; service was prompt and attentive (after accepting an offer for lemons from my waiter on the first night, I arrived each evening thereafter to find a plate of lemon wedges waiting for me), and aside from generally boring salads (iceberg lettuce and a few random tomatoes generally don't interest me), food consistently met or exceeded our expectations -- particularly high-quality, hearty cuts of meat that were brought out exactly as requested.
Menus feature Spa Carnival and low-carb entrees daily, as well as special selections for children and vegetarians. We noticed that many evenings, the low-carb choices mirrored the main menu choices -- fish, steak, chicken -- but were often prepared with lighter sauce or accompanied by healthier sides like steamed vegetables. I have a hard enough time choosing greens over potatoes or pasta on dry land, and so stuck with the regular menu throughout the cruise (which I suppose contributed to the eight-pound gain). Breakfast and lunch is also served here in an open-seating fashion every day. The breakfast menu is the same each morning, offering standard fare: French toast, pancakes, omelets, eggs benedict, etc. Lunch choices often reflect what's available in Horatio's, the buffet area.
Dinner at Nick & Nora's, nestled under a skylight in Carnival's signature red funnel, is truly unforgettable and worth the $25 per-person charge considering the quality of the meals, exquisite atmosphere and extra-attentive service. If you make reservations, be sure to take the glass-backed elevator up -- there is a gorgeous black and white photo of the 1930's Manhattan skyline that pops into view as you arrive, and it aptly feels as if you are leaving the cruise ship behind for something entirely different. There are plenty of cozy tables for couples and small groups. After seating my boyfriend and me in a dimly lit corner, our hostess offered to bring over another candle, but I declined, joking with her that my sunburn would be less visible in the dark. It was truly intimate and lovely, with prime cuts of meat, delicious Caesar salad prepared tableside and Versace china to boot. Leave room for dessert -- the trio of chocolate treats was almost too beautiful to eat (almost).
The lido dining option is Horatio's, a sprawling, one-level restaurant offering full breakfast and lunch buffets, as well as a casual dinner alternative and a late-night "bistro." Among the plentiful tables and chairs are cozy booths, which make it feel more like a restaurant than a cafeteria (there are also tables set up poolside for those who prefer dining al fresco). Breakfast options include eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, grits, Cream of Wheat, bagels and (under-ripe) fruit. There is an omelet station each morning for made-to-order egg dishes, and separate islands for juice, coffee, fruit and yogurt. Assorted pastries and juices are brought around on carts by staff, a nice touch (fancier than usual for Carnival). Lunch options include hot buffet items (one afternoon featured surprisingly tender pork chops), a salad bar, an Asian station, a carving station and sweets. We never had to wait in line more than a few minutes and always found a place to sit.
The 24-hour pizzeria and 24-hour ice cream/frozen yogurt station are located here, along with a deli offering a variety of hot and cold items from tuna sandwiches and roast beef subs to gooey Reubens and Indian-spiced chicken tikka wraps (which we returned for several times during the week). There is also a poolside grill offering burgers, hot dogs and the like. Hot coffee is available at drinks stations throughout at no cost, but the offerings at the specialty coffee bar near the pizzeria, as well as The Fountainhead Cafe in the lower promenade area, are extra.
Room service is available around the clock. Tasty sandwiches are a nice touch (try the mozzarella with grilled veggies and basil aioli), though mainstays like juices, breads and pastries, salads, veggie platters, cookies and brownies, cakes, yogurt, fruit salad, and beverages (including bar service at regular bar prices) are also on the menu. Service was prompt; I called in a mid-afternoon order and it arrived in about 10 minutes. Full stateroom bar service is available 9 a.m. until 3 a.m. In-stateroom continental breakfast is available by hanging a checked-off menu on your doorknob -- and being that this is a "Fun Ship" and you're not exactly expected to turn in at a reasonable hour, the deadline for this is a generous 5 a.m. There are no hot dishes on the list, just fruit, cereals, yogurt, breads and pastries, juice, milk, and tea and coffee.
Still hungry? Each afternoon, a sushi cart is set up outside of Maguire's Bar offering salmon, shrimp and assorted rolls (free of charge), but that's not even the best part -- sake is available (unfortunately not free of charge) in Maguire's to accompany your Japanese snack. Yum.
|
Sophisticated dining
Carnival has set the table for a first-class dining experience in the Destiny Dining Room. The meals, including aged New York steaks, fresh seafood, low-fat Spa Carnival entrees and superb wines will be a celebration for your taste buds. The attentive service and delightful presentation complete these true culinary events. |
|
Supper Club
Every meal is a celebration in Nick & Noras, our reservations-only Supper Club. For a nominal fee, you can spend a special evening in elegant style. Order top quality steaks and seafood favorites off of our fabulous menu reminiscent of an upscale steakhouse. Enjoy fine wine and live entertainment with your meal. Bon Appetit! |
|
Casual dining
For a more relaxed atmosphere with a spectacular view, sample the cuisine and the scenery at the Paris Restaurant. Dine, either indoors or outdoors, on favorites such as: salads, pasta, chicken, shrimp and savory steaks. The food is delicious and the view is amazing. Enjoy! |
|
Satisfy every appetite
We haven’t forgotten about our youngest cruisers. Our children’s menu features plenty of kid-pleasing selections including” spaghetti with meatballs, hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza, roasted turkey, assorted desserts and much more. For added convenience, we also offer the “Fountain Funcard” which, for a one-time fee, provides unlimited soft drinks throughout the cruise. |
Some of our newest ships, notably those in the Spirit class, will feature late
night supper clubs, offering reservations-only dining, live entertainment and a
romantic ambiance. Starting in the late afternoon on some ships, sushi is served
along the Promenade deck.
Total Choice Dining provides the best of what our guests have come to expect - more flexibility, more attentive service and more choices than ever before.
|
 |
