Good food is a big part of a Carnival cruise, and the line is giving its dining a refresh. Its new program, called The Next Course, brings new restaurants, bars, menus and dining services across the fleet, pairing ideas for its upcoming Excel-class ships with updates guests can see on the ships sailing today.

Four new restaurants are planned for the next Excel-class ships, Festivale, scheduled to debut in 2027, and Tropicale, expected in 2028. Look for Emeril’s Coastal Seafood, inspired by the coastal cooking that shaped Emeril Lagasse’s career; Uku Lei Lei, mixing Hawaiian influences with bold Asian flavors; Fetaccine, blending Italian and Greek Mediterranean dishes; and Bistro Musicale, a Parisian-style spot serving French favorites with music. Festivale will also add music-themed bars such as The Spark and Mix, a coffee venue that turns into an evening cocktail destination, and an expanded Alchemy bar.

You do not have to wait for a new ship to notice changes. Across the existing 29-ship fleet, Carnival has adjusted dining times for guests who prefer to eat earlier and introduced Express Dining, a shorter three-course dinner for evenings packed with entertainment. Familiar favorites are staying, while new dishes join the menus, along with more health-conscious choices, expanded Bagels at Sea offerings, and extra comfort-food selections on longer cruises.

Key takeaways

  • The Next Course adds new restaurants, bars, menus and dining services across Carnival’s fleet
  • Four new restaurants are planned for Festivale in 2027 and Tropicale in 2028, including Emeril’s Coastal Seafood and the Parisian-inspired Bistro Musicale
  • Existing ships get earlier dining times and a new Express Dining option — a shorter three-course dinner
  • Menu favorites will remain, with new dishes, health-conscious choices and expanded Lido and Bagels at Sea offerings being added
  • Carnival says the goal is a broad range of complimentary dining that is delicious, approachable, timely and consistent

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Source: Cruise Industry News