Carnival's food has improved greatly over the years and now compares favourably to that of more expensive cruise lines. You'll marvel at how well managed the everything is, especially considering that there are apt to be 3,400 passengers aboard. No one at sea serves better pizza, and available any time of day at that! Both the breakfast and luncheon buffets offer specialty food stations where you can make a custom order. The lunch buffet offers a marvelous salad bar. New Carnival menus include such upscale favourites as chateaubriand, lobster and rack of lamb. Dessert is usually a choice of cheesecakee, apple pie, and chocolate in the form of mousse or pudding. Rather bland at times. Ice cream is always available.
Travelers with elegant tastes in cuisine are likely to be disappointed on the Carnival Destiny. The food is fair-to-good, but usually less than great. For example, some of the desserts (even in the dining room) were similar in quality to what you would find in the frozen food section at the supermarket. Those who don't want a sit-down dinner can eat hearty fare at the ship's buffets. At poolside, we enjoyed the grilled Reuben sandwiches and hamburgers. You'll never go hungry, and you're bound to find something tasty. Board Carnival Destiny with that kind of expectation and you'll be happy.
Service is another matter. Expect greatness. Whether in the dining room, on the lido deck or back in your room, the waiters and stewards appear very well trained and cheerfully attend to your requests. One example: my wife enjoys a certain brand of tea. After stating her preference the first night, the waiter brought it every night thereafter without further reminder.
Each night, dining room waiters stop their service long enough to perform a short song-and-dance show. They seem to enjoy this part of their work, as do the diners.
Room stewards make animal shapes from the towels and place them on the bed each night with an assortment of mints and the next day's schedule.
One complaint: The carpeting in our stateroom had been scheduled for replacement the week of our trip. The work was completed while we were ashore. Upon our return, a thick layer of dust covered much of the stateroom.
24 hour room service
Hungry, but don't feel like leaving your stateroom? Relax. 24/7 complimentary room service is avaible 24 hours a day.
So you’re in the mood for some good eats, but you’re not in the mood to leave your comfy, cozy stateroom? Just pick up the phone and order off our tasty room service menu, available around the clock and featuring all kinds of delicious dishes guaranteed to satisfy any appetite. One of our attendants will bring it right to your door in no time. Best of all? Our 24-hour room service is included in your fare.
Casual dining
Unlike land resorts, our kitchens never close. From pizza to ice cream, there's always something tasty to eat.
Like your meals low-key? You’re in luck, ’cuz there’s lots of awesome options for casual. First, try the Lido Buffet. Grab some delicious food and sit anywhere you like … fancy an ocean view? There’s the kid’s menu with all their faves, like chicken fingers, hot dogs and more. Then there’s the Pizzeria. It’s open 24 hours a day so it’s perfect for those 2 a.m. calzone cravings. And if it’s total comfort you’re looking for, order some complimentary room service, available 24/7.
Chef's table
Get a backstage pass to what's cooking in our kitchen with this private tour and meal featuring our chef's best dishes.
Treat your taste buds to the experience of a lifetime, culminating in a sumptuous multicourse dinner hosted by one of our master chefs. Your VIP experience starts with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for a select group of 12, followed by a tour to see the galley in operation. The evening concludes with a mind-blowing full-service dinner of amazing appetizers, entrees and desserts not found on our regular dining menus. Reserve early because this once-in-a-lifetime experience has limited seating. It’s just $75 per person and can be booked on board through the ship’s guest information desk.
Coffee bar
Take a break and revive in style at coffee bar, stocked with premium coffees and delicious pastries.
Our coffee bar is just like a trip to one of Europe’s most decadent cafés – except you don’t need to master a foreign language to order. (Although if you want to try one out, s’il vous plaît, be our guest.) Treat yourself to a well-deserved break with a specialty coffee drink or freshly brewed tea and some delicious homemade pastries. Or, if it’s a sweet tooth you’re looking to satisfy, stop by for a milk shake, ice-cream sundae, slice of cake or cookies.
Kids menu
Wheather your kid loves to try new things or stick to few faves, we've got something on their menu guaranteed to be a big hit.
Our kids’ menu features delicious, fun foods to keep even the pickiest eaters happy. We’ve got all the familiar options they love from home, like spaghetti & meatballs, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, mac & cheese, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, and fresh fruit and veggies. And save room for dessert, because with sweet stuff like banana splits and chocolate brownies, your young’uns are going to be pretty excited. There’s even 24-hour pizza and ice cream, as well as kids’ items available on the in-room dining menu.
Signature dining
After a full day of fun, get ready for a delicious dinner, including fresh lobster and an extensive wine list.
Chances are, you’ve worked up an appetite after a day of awesome onboard activities or exploring one of our beautiful destinations. Now it’s time to feast on amazing culinary delights in one of our dazzling main dining rooms. If you'd rather eat early (6:00 p.m.), choose the “Early Dining” option when booking your cruise. If your appetite doesn’t get going until later in the evening (8:15 p.m.), then our “Late Dining” option is perfect for you. Prefer to munch to the beat of your own drum? “Your Time Dining” is for you! Either way, we’ll have your table waiting. And a meal that’s out of this world.