Here are updated fleet-wide dinner menus for 5-night cruises on Carnival. These menus are current as of the posting date. Carnival revamps menus every few years. I will update these ASAP when they change again.
While this will almost always be the order of the menus for 5-night itineraries, if you’re using these to plan for specialty restaurant nights, I highly recommend stopping by the MDR on embarkation day and double checking with the maître d,’ as occasionally on certain itineraries the order will be different.
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions followed by the menus.
There is one “elegant” (formal) night on a 5-night Carnival cruise. This will usually take place on night two.
Complimentary lobster is NOT offered in the main dining room on a five night Carnival cruise. Only cruises 6 nights and longer offer complimentary lobster. However, you can pay extra for lobster from the “Steakhouse Selections” portion of the menu in the main dining room.
Yes, dinners in the main dining room (MDR) are included as part of your cruise fare on Carnival. However, note that there will be an additional $5 charge for each entree over two (so the first two entrees per person are included at no extra charge). Appetizers and desserts are unlimited. There are some sushi and steakhouse items you can order for an upcharge as noted on the menus below.
No, these items are included as part of your cruise fare at no extra charge.
No. Except for a few rare exceptions, Carnival does not allow “to go” or leftover items to be taken from the MDR. This policy is primarily due to the logistical difficulty of getting MDR-specific dishes and cutlery back into service if they’re removed.
Bonsai Sushi selections have recently increased on some ships from $32 to $34. This change will be rolled out to all ships soon. Similarly, Steakhouse Selections have increased from $23 to $25.
*Note that the Bonsai Sushi selection has increased in price on most ships from $32 to $34 and that the Steakhouse Selections have increased from $23 to $25.
*Note that the Bonsai Sushi selection has increased in price on most ships from $32 to $34 and that the Steakhouse Selections have increased from $23 to $25.
*Note that the Bonsai Sushi selection has increased in price on most ships from $32 to $34 and that the Steakhouse Selections have increased from $23 to $25.
**Note that sometimes the night 3 and 4 menus are swapped on the 5-night itineraries. You can double check with the maître d’ in the MDR on the first day.
*Note that the Bonsai Sushi selection has increased in price on most ships from $32 to $34 and that the Steakhouse Selections have increased from $23 to $25.
**Note that sometimes the night 3 and 4 menus are swapped on the 5-night itineraries. You can double check with the maître d’ in the MDR on the first day.
I always buy travel insurance to cover my cruises, but I never purchase it through Carnival. It costs more and usually covers less than policies you purchase on your own. I go through sites like travelinsurance.com* to compare plans and prices and get the best deal for the coverage I want. It’s a simple process – just enter your travel dates, total travel costs (airfare, cruise fare, hotel, etc), and a few bits of information about yourself and see quotes and read reviews. Spend less on insurance and spend more on excursions, special onboard cruise experiences and…future cruises!
*I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you purchase products and services through links on my site. All funds go to maintain the blog. Thanks for your support!
Homework (10 points): What are you most looking forward to on these menus? Share to the comments!
And with that…
CLASS DISMISSED!
Carnival's updated "everyday" dinner menu for 2026.
NCL menus updated for 2026. MDR, fast casual, and specialty.
Everything you need to know about cruising from Seattle in 2026. Hotels, transportation, safety, and…