Dining
In a nod to lines that offer at-will dining, Paradise, which still has set-time dining for supper, is now offering four seatings in its two main dining rooms, the midship Elation and the aft Destiny. Which dining time you are assigned will dictate which room you are in and which floor you are on. We, for example, had the 8 p.m. slot, downstairs in the Destiny dining room, while the 5:45 p.m. crowd was able to finish upstairs without being rushed (Ecstasy's dining times are 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.).
A three- or four-night cruise still offers the same dining traditions as any longer cruise, with a Captain's Gala formal night dinner (complete with lobster tails) on the second night, an excellent wine selection, a well-rounded menu each night and crazy, wonderful entertainment by cheerful waitstaff who stop service for a few minutes each evening to make people smile, sing, dance, and laugh.
The menu selections were excellent each evening, with a fresh fish option, beef, chicken and a specialty of lamb or pork. The breads and rolls were warmed, salads creative, and desserts -- usually the weakest part of any shipboard meal -- were excellent as well. The food was appropriately spiced and arrived hot and quickly. The four dining times help in this regard, as the galley staff has fewer meals to prepare at any one time. We particularly loved the cream of pumpkin soup and the mixed lamb dish, a deliciously spicy mix of stewed shank and grilled loin with vegetables. There is also a low-carb option and a low-fat option for those who are really disciplined.
The Paris Cafe on the Lido deck is one of the prettiest of this type of cafeteria-style restaurants at sea, and the way the stations are broken up makes for few lines and few bottlenecks. Lines flow well, and the fare, typical buffet food, is nonetheless quite good, whether it's omelets for breakfast or roast pork loin and fresh pasta for lunch. At night it is transformed into the Seaview Bistro, a more upscale version of the same cafeteria-style service, but with menu items from the main restaurants, presented to those who prefer to dine casually.
We did have to wait for service on one day; no one was behind the counter at a busy lunchtime for quite some time while the line backed up and guests began to grumble, but once served, the meal was excellent. The salad and dessert bar are located in a circular station in the middle of the room, away from the hot food counters, which allows people to pick through the little tomatoes and cucumber slices without causing a backup for hot meals.
Carnival's light-as-air, bubbly-hot pizza is served at the back of the Paris Restaurant, 24 hours a day, with freshly made Caesar salad.
Hint: If the pizza that is pre-sliced looks like it is a bit old, ask for a fresh one. It takes about five minutes, and is worth the wait. The server behind the counter will happily oblige.
Hint Number Two: For a real treat, choose to sit outside on the covered aft deck right behind the pizza bar. There are two of these promontories, one on each side of the ship, overlooking the children's pool. They are little known and little used, and offer a haven of privacy overlooking the stern wake.
Carnival remains one of the few cruise lines to still offer midnight buffet every night of the cruise. One of the nights is the Grand Gala Buffet, a beautiful display of culinary craft with exquisite chocolate confections, fruit and vegetable carvings and ice sculptures. Another night had crepes and sundaes as the late-night offerings, along with hot and cold savory items. These buffets are held in the Paris Cafe, which also has a bar at the back, opposite the 24-hour pizza station.
On the Lido Deck, in front of the Paris Cafe and behind the main pool, there is a daytime (noon to 6 p.m.) grill for hamburgers, hot dogs, cold sandwiches, fruit, salad and sweets which include pastries and cakes. Most are self-serve, although the hot sandwiches are presented upon order. There is a condiment station and a drink station in the same area.
One of the nicest little bonuses on this ship is the sushi stand, open from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. every evening. It's small, with only one server, and the line forms early and lasts quite awhile. Californians tend to be familiar with and really enjoy sushi, so this is just an added benefit (complimentary sushi? WOW!), even if the offerings are fairly standard tekka maki (tuna roll), California roll and spicy tuna hand rolls. They are served fresh with ginger, wasabi and shoyu and the little stand was a huge hit with everyone who tried it.
The Ile de France Cafe, location on Carnival Boulevard, offers great specialty coffees for an a la carte charge, along with cookies and chocolate confections (dipped strawberries and milk shakes).
Room service is streamlined and efficient, with excellent continental breakfasts (including smoked salmon and bagels) and cold items for the rest of the day. Carnival's room service menu is standardized fleetwide, so our favorites were on it, including the usually wonderful roast beef and brie on a baguette sandwich. Why someone in Paradise's kitchen would choose to slather half a jar of yellow mustard on it is beyond us, but otherwise the 24-hour service is a great benefit and luxury.
Suite guests are entitled to an expanded room service menu that includes a choice of hot breakfast items and dishes from dining room offerings.
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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. |
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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! |
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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. |
With Carnivals Total Choice Dining, versatility is an under statement. We're
capable of gratifying the pickiest taste buds and that largest of appetities. If
you're in the mood for a little fine dining, you'll become interested in our two
formal dining rooms. If the casual atmosphere of a buffet is what you're in the
mood for the ship is also equip to accommodate. Come challenge our expertise if
you dare.
- Elation Dining Room - fomal dining
- Destiny Dining Room - formal dining
- Paris Restaurant - casual buffet-style
- 24 hour Pizzeria
- Snack Bars
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