Carnival Is Putting a Guitar-Shaped Bar on Its Next Ship

Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled a culinary strategy called The Next Course, announced October 22 by Juan Fernandez, its vice president of food and beverage. It covers new venues for the upcoming Excel-class ships and changes across the existing 29-ship fleet.

The new restaurants debut on Festivale in 2027 and Tropicale, expected in 2028. They include Emeril’s Coastal Seafood, developed with Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse, Uku Lei Lei blending Hawaiian and Asian flavors, Fetaccine mixing Italian and Greek cooking, and Bistro Musicale, a Parisian menu with live music.

Festivale also gets themed bars. The Spark offers song-inspired cocktails, a guitar-shaped bar and live performances, Mix takes its cues from electronic music, and Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar turns from daytime coffee into evening music and cocktails. Carnival also plans to expand its Alchemy bar concept.

Guests on existing ships will notice changes too. Dinner times were adjusted for earlier diners, Express Dining offers a shorter three-course dinner, and menus add dishes such as lamb, Beef Wellington and grilled salmon, informed by data from more than 100 million meals served a year. Bagels at Sea expands, Lido Marketplace adds chicken and waffles, and milkshake pop-ups arrive on Excel-class ships, all under a goal of food that is delicious, approachable, timely and consistent.

Sources: Cruise Industry News