Carnival Cruise Line is giving travelers something delicious to look forward to with The Next Course, a fresh wave of culinary experiences coming to sea. From new specialty restaurants debuting on Carnival Festivale in 2027 and Carnival Tropicale in 2028 to fleetwide menu upgrades rolling out now, Carnival is making it clear that dining will remain one of the most joyful parts of the cruise vacation.
And honestly, this is the kind of cruise news food lovers can sink their fork into.
Carnival serves more than 100 million meals each year to over six million guests, so the brand has a front-row seat to what travelers are craving. With The Next Course, Carnival is using those insights to bring more variety, flavor, convenience, and creativity across its ships.
The announcement was unveiled in New Orleans during an immersive culinary event with Carnival’s Chief Culinary Officer, Emeril Lagasse, giving guests a behind-the-scenes taste of what is coming next.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said the company’s dining approach, combined with its team’s service, continues to be a driving force behind Carnival’s success. She described the new culinary adventure as a bold step forward designed to give guests unforgettable experiences filled with vibrant flavors.
New Restaurants Coming to Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale
The new specialty dining lineup brings a passport of flavors to the table. Emeril’s Coastal Seafood will highlight coastal-inspired cuisine from Emeril Lagasse, while Uku Lei Lei will serve Hawaiian specialties and Asian classics. Fetaccine will blend Mediterranean inspiration with Italian favorites and Greek specialties.
One of the most charming additions is Le Bistro Musicale, a relaxed French restaurant with a music-filled Parisian atmosphere. This concept will be exclusive to Carnival Festivale, giving that ship its own little slice of floating France.
Carnival Festivale will also introduce new bar concepts, including The Spark, a vibrant lounge with live performances and cocktails inspired by iconic songs. Mix will invite guests to play with flavor and even craft their own drinks, while Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar will serve specialty coffees and cocktails in a lively gathering space.
Fleetwide Dining Gets a Flavor Glow-Up
Beyond the new ships, Carnival’s fleetwide culinary enhancements will touch several guest favorites. Refreshed menus are coming to the Main Dining Room for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. The Lido Marketplace will add new options, including a Lido Family Menu with daily kid-approved favorites. BlueIguana Cantina will also feature daily rotating specials.
Carnival is also adding Bagels @ Sea, freshly baked bagels with assorted toppings, plus a revamped Chef’s Table experience with elevated multi-course dinners and regionally inspired flavors.
Excel-class ships will see fast-casual pop-ups such as Fruity & Frosted Breakfast Bars and Ice Cream and Milkshake Bars, while mobile coffee ordering and pickup will make grab-and-go mornings easier. Carnival is also introducing Express Dining in the Main Dining Room for guests who want a quicker, more convenient meal.
From coastal seafood to Parisian bistro vibes, Carnival’s The Next Course feels like a floating food festival with a passport, a playlist, and a sweet tooth. For travelers who believe the best memories are made around the table, Carnival is setting the table beautifully.