Carnival Horizon, the latest ship from Carnival Cruise Line, celebrated her Miami homecoming on September 20, 2018, and we were onboard for a special two night inaugural sailing. I’ll be providing insight into my experience onboard with a series of blog posts focusing on all aspects from activities to staterooms and just about everything else. In this post, I present the many dining options onboard Carnival Horizon.
Carnival Cruise Line does not skimp on the food choices onboard their ships, and on the Carnival Horizon, guests have almost endless places to get their dining on. I felt it was my official duty to try out as many of the available options as possible. We managed to eat our way through 9 of the 18 dining venues onboard.
BlueIguana Cantina
One of my favorite breakfast options on Carnival Cruise Line, BlueIguana Cantina is open for breakfast with burritos, arepas, huevos rancheros and lunch with freshly made to order tacos and burritos and awesome salsa bar.
Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse ($35 per person)
The menu choices at Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse are vast with several starters, entrees, sides and desserts. I had the caesar salad and Maine lobster bisque as my appetizers. The salad was fresh and the dressing flavorful. The lobster bisque was so rich in flavor but velvety smooth. For my entree I chose the Australian Wagu steak. It was cooked perfectly and so tender it almost cut itself. For sides I selected mashed potatoes (seemed like equal parts butter and potato) and the garlic rapini (the slender cousin to broccoli). Of course, I saved room for dessert. My son and I decided to share the “Art at Your Table” dessert. This dessert is an experience as you watch the chef create an edible masterpiece right in front of you.
Also Watch: Carnival Vista – “Art at the Table” Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse
Guy’s Burger Joint
Simply the best burgers at sea. There are several Guy Fieri creations to choose from all of which are good. You can also customize options from one burger to another and finish it off with selection for the toppings bar. My favorites are The Ringer (Bourbon & Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce, Super Melty Cheese and Rojo Onion Ring) and Pig Patty (Super Melty Cheese & Bacon Patty)
JiJi Asian Kitchen ($15 per person)
We were treated to an unbelievable meal served family-style at JiJi Asian Kitchen. Anyone who likes Asian cuisine will find their favorites on the menu. You’ll find crispy spring rolls, spicy beef, duck, chicken dumplings, egg drop soup, short rib, noodles and rice dishes and much more.
Lido Marketplace
Every cruise line offers a buffet, and the Lido Marketplace on Carnival Horizon offers seemingly endless varieties for breakfast, lunch & dinner. I was even surprised to see that they offered a late night selection from 11pm to 1am.
Main Dining Room
Like other Carnival Ships, there are two main dining rooms onboard Carnival Horizon. The Reflection Restaurant offera traditional early (6pm) or late (8:15pm) seatings. The flexible Your Time Dining is offered at the Meridian Restaurant which is a two-level aft dining room. Both restaurants share the same menus featuring international cuisines that change on a daily basis.
Mongolian Wok
Located within JiJi Asian Kitchen, and free of charge, guests can enjoy Mongolian Wok dishes for lunch daily. Each person fills out an order sheet with selections for protein, sauces, noodles and vegetables. I enjoyed the rice noodles with chicken, szechuan sauce and assorted vegetables.
Pizzeria del Capitano
If you have a craving for some for some of the best pizza at sea, Pizzeria del Capitano is open 24 hours per day. It’s not uncommon to find a line even at 1am. On our sailing they offered 5 types of pizza, Cheese, Mushroom, Pepperoni, Four Cheese and Prosciutto.
Seafood Shack ($) A la carte pricing
A relatively new option onboard Carnival Cruise Line is the Seafood Shack. With its simple New England inspired decor, you’ll find fresh seafood selections at reasonable prices. My son and I planned to share a lobster roll, since this was stop one of a two stop lunch crawl, but to my surprise, they actually give you two rolls along with a side of fries. The roll was perfect and the fries were nice and crispy.
Wow, did I really eat at all those places on a two night cruise? We’ll, while the above dining choices may seem like quite a lot for a two night cruise, there are plenty of other offerings below onboard the Carnival Horizon waiting to be explored during a full seven night sailing.
Bonsai Sushi ($) A la carte pricing
Found on many of the newest and recently refurbished Carnival ships, Bonsai Sushi features fresh sushi choices ina a casual atmosphere.
Bonsai Teppanyaki ($32 per person)
Available only onboard Carnival Horizon, Bonsai Teppanyaki features two hibachi tables where the show from your chef is almost as good as the food. Onion Volcano anyone?
Captain’s Pasta Bar
Located inside Cucina del Capitano, the Captain’s Pasta Bar is a free option for lunch. Select your favorite type of pasta (Linguini, Penne, Farfalle), choice of sauces (Pomodoro, White Clam Sauce, Bolognese, Alfredo, Butter Sauce) and other ingredients like grilled chicken, sausage, shrimp, pepper, onions, mushroom and more. They also offer Caesar salad, garlic bread and other features.
Carnival Deli
Located within the Lido Marketplace, the famous Carnival Deli recently received a new menu featuring tempting selections like the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Cuban Sandwich, Meatball on Focaccia, Falafel Wrap and sides like potato & egg salad or french fires. Do you want a pickle with that?
Chef’s Table ($75 per person)
If you’ve got the time and appetite for a multi-course dining extravaganza, the Chef’s Table offers a select few an opportunity for a curated experience hosted by one of Carnival’s Master Chefs. Dinner is served!
Cucina del Capitano ($15 per person)
Feel like family when you dine at Cucina del Capitano. Dine at tables with checkered tablecloths and select from an extensive menu of Italian antipasto, pastas, entrees and desserts. Featuring favorites like Calamari Fritti, Minestrone Soup, Chicken Parmigiana, Risotto and more. Buon Appetito!
Fresh Creations
Those looking for a lighter option for lunch can find it within the Serenity Adult Only Retreat. At Fresh Creations, guests can order from a menu of catchy named salads like the “Just Arugula Guy” or “Serenity Now” or create a custom salad with all the fixings.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que
Fans of Guy Fieri or just good BBQ, must head down to Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que. Located on Deck 5 Plaza Promenade, feast on classic QUE like Championship Pork Butt, Blue Ribbon Chicken, Smoked Beef and Smoked Andouille Sausage along with sides like Mac Daddy Mac N Cheese, Scratch-Made Slaw, Old Skool Potoato Salad. Don’t forget Guy’s signature sauces. Come and Get it!
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse | Brewhouse ($) A la carte pricing
A new concept onboard Carnival Horizon, is Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse. This venue open for dinner, replaced the RedFrog Pub found onboard Carnival Vista and other ships. Guests will enjoy a selection of BBQ favorites like Baby Back Ribs, Pulled Pork and Beef Brisket along with Guy inspired appetizers like Trash Can Nachos, Ain’t No Thing Butta Chicken Wing and Dragon Chili Cheese Fries. Plus, you’ll be to wash down all that great food with Pig & Anchor’s very own beer selections that are brewed right onboard the Carnival Horizon.
Unless you are fasting (not recommended to do on a cruise ship btw), you will be able to satisfy your taste-buds with countless included or specialty dining options anytime of the day or night.
Also Watch: Best Free Eats on Cruise Ships