Carnival Vista Foodie’s Paradise: Your Ultimate Guide to Dining & Drinks at Sea

Embarking on a Carnival cruise soon? Make the Carnival Vista your choice for an unforgettable voyage. This isn’t just a ship; it’s a floating gastronomic wonderland waiting to be explored. With breathtaking destinations and an array of culinary delights, the Vista promises an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Dive into this ultimate Foodie Guide to the Carnival Vista, and you’ll be booking your next adventure before you even finish reading!

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Carnival. All opinions are my own, as usual. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

Cruising has evolved far beyond simply reaching a destination. Today, the journey itself, especially the ship’s offerings, is as significant as the ports of call. While this may have been my inaugural cruise, the Carnival Vista has undoubtedly set an incredibly high benchmark for any future voyages. Its blend of stunning design, diverse activities, and, most notably, its extraordinary food and beverage program, makes it a formidable contender in the world of cruise ships.

The Carnival Vista is more than just a massive, beautiful vessel; it’s a culinary dream. Every dining experience, from the most casual grab-and-go counter to the most elegant specialty restaurant, is executed with precision and passion. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly crafted burger, an authentic Asian feast, or a customized burrito, the Vista caters to every craving, ensuring a delightful gastronomic adventure at every turn. The sheer variety and quality of options are truly phenomenal, promising that you’ll always find something to satisfy your palate, no matter your mood.

To help you navigate this culinary wonderland, I’ve crafted this ultimate foodie guide to the Carnival Vista. It will unveil the secrets of my favorite dining and drinking establishments on board, along with insider tips on when to visit them, what to order, and where to uncover hidden gems (like the best place to find an exquisite glass of wine!). Prepare to drool – by the end of this guide, your next cruise booking will likely be for the Carnival Vista!

Pro tip: Ensure you secure your reservations for all additional-cost restaurants on the very first day you board. While phone bookings are an option, my advice from the Cruise Ship Secrets for Millennials post still stands: take advantage of that initial day to explore the ship. As you wander, perhaps with a refreshing drink in hand, stop by the restaurants to make your bookings in person. This approach often secures more desirable dining times.

To Eat

Lunch

Guy’s Burger Joint

Without a doubt, Guy’s Burger Joint stands out as one of my top two lunch destinations on the entire ship. The reason? These burgers are simply unbelievably good! Each one is a succulent, slightly greasy masterpiece, served on those wonderfully soft, squishy buns that are pure perfection. You have the option to personalize your burger at the extensive toppings bar, or you can dive into one of their specialty creations – my partner, for instance, was particularly fond of the burger crowned with a crispy onion ring. Complementing these incredible burgers are the perfectly crispy fries, so addictive that the mere thought of them makes my mouth water.

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que

Keep a close eye on the ship’s schedule for Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, as it’s not open every day. When it is, be prepared for a queue, because the word is out: the barbecue here is exceptional! I was particularly enamored with the pulled pork, and the vast selection of sauces provides an exciting opportunity for flavor experimentation. The best part? You can revisit for as many servings as your heart desires. And let’s not forget their collard greens – they are absolutely sensational, a true highlight of this incredible barbecue spot.

Pizzeria del Capitano

Whether you’re looking for a late-night snack or a casual dinner while enjoying a “Dive In” movie on the Lido deck, Pizzeria del Capitano is your go-to spot. While the pizza menu might seem straightforward with its classic flavors, the simplicity is precisely what makes it so delicious. Served piping hot straight from the oven, these pizzas are utterly addictive. As a fan of classic tastes, the pepperoni was my favorite, but the margherita also delivered a wonderfully satisfying experience.

BlueIguana Cantina

My love for Mexican food is profound, and the BlueIguana Cantina completely lived up to my expectations. Offering freshly prepared burritos and tacos right by the poolside, you’ll be amazed by the endless array of flavor combinations you can craft with each visit. Not only can you choose your fillings, but you also have a fantastic selection of sauces and hot sauces to customize your meal. There’s truly nothing quite like savoring a delicious, personalized meal with the breathtaking backdrop of the sparkling blue ocean.

P.S. After a satisfying lunch, make sure to swing by Cherry On Top for one of their incredible ice cream sandwiches! They are exceptionally good, and absolutely worth the momentary brain freeze if you devour it too quickly.

Dinner

JiJi Asian Kitchen

JiJi Asian Kitchen offers an extraordinary culinary journey across various regions of Asia, from Mongolia to Indonesia, all served family-style. For just $15 per person, I was utterly astonished by the decadence and authenticity of this multi-course Asian feast, encompassing flavors from six distinct countries. The staff’s attentiveness was remarkable; they even went out of their way to fetch my preferred wine from the Steakhouse across the ship. A testament to their culinary skill, they even managed to incorporate egg into dishes in a way that my partner, who notoriously dislikes eggs, not only ate but genuinely enjoyed it – a truly monumental achievement!

Recommended Bites:

• Nanjing-Style Duck: A truly special dish with perfectly crispy skin and a vibrant green chili sauce.
• Jade Shrimp Har Gow: Sometimes referred to as a shrimp bonnet, these delicate dumplings are served with JiJi’s signature sauces.
• Chicken Spring Rolls: Bursting with bold flavors and accompanied by a delightful yellow marmalade.
• Kung Pao: A spicy and expertly balanced sauce with a satisfying crunch of nuts, designed to awaken your taste buds.
• Wagyu Short Rib: This dish is an absolute marvel; so tender it melts in your mouth – simply incredible!
• Haksua Noodles: These thin noodles soak up a deep, rich flavor that I still dream about and hope to recreate at home.
• Fried Wontons for Dessert: Filled with tangy lychee fruit and served with coconut and tapioca pearls, this dessert is stunningly delightful, offering a perfect balance of acidity and subtle sweetness.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit JiJi Asian Kitchen for lunch, as it’s included in your cruise fare! While it operates as a noodle bar for lunch, it offers a fantastic introduction to their incredible flavors and represents excellent value. Just be sure to arrive early, as the line tends to form very quickly.

Main Dining Room

With an abundance of tempting dining options on the Carnival Vista, it might be easy to overlook the Main Dining Room. However, I strongly recommend experiencing it at least a couple of times for dinner during your cruise. It truly shines, especially on the elegant dress-up nights, offering a classic cruise dining experience with an incredible menu. On one such evening, an appetizer of pimento cheese puff had me absolutely delighted – it was a moment of pure culinary happiness.

We were fortunate enough to get a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse of both the main dining rooms and the exclusive Chef’s Table. We even enjoyed a tasting of the Chef’s Table menu, engaging in delightful conversations with the talented chefs who shared insights into their inspirations and culinary philosophy. Dishes like a refreshing and light Bing Cherry Soup stood out, alongside local flavors such as a plantain and chorizo dish that truly amazed my taste buds. The dessert course was equally spectacular, with Boston Cream Cake, Orange and Almond Cake, and a Chocolate and Cheesecake Brownie that left me jumping for joy.

Steakhouse

For a truly special date night on board, the Steakhouse is an absolute must-visit. With its intimate low lighting, sophisticated ambiance, and incredibly attentive waitstaff, it rivals any high-end steakhouse on land. Boasting the ship’s most impressive wine list, perfectly cooked tender steaks, and a dessert experience you’ll recount for years, this restaurant is the ultimate indulgence. If you order nothing else, you simply must try the dessert board. The chef meticulously crafts a stunning dessert masterpiece right before your eyes on a cold slab, featuring an assortment of sauces, homemade candies, cookies, and a white chocolate sphere encasing an ice cream center that you get to dramatically crack open. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime culinary spectacle!

Recommended Bites:

• Parmesan Three Ways: An intriguing opener featuring parmesan as a foam, crisp, and mousse, offering a playful and sophisticated start.
• Smoke & Ice Fresh Oysters: Presented gorgeously with an apple mignonette, these oysters deliver an unforgettable smoky, sweet, and tart flavor experience.
• Baked Onion Soup: Rich, flavorful, and incredibly comforting, overflowing with Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and sourdough.
• Surf and Turf: For the ultimate steakhouse experience, this classic dish is served with exquisite sauces that elevate every bite.

Recommended Sips: If there’s one thing to drink here, it’s the wine. The Steakhouse boasts an incredible wine list, making it a truly indulgent experience. Their servers are genuine connoisseurs and provided us with some truly outstanding recommendations. It is, without a doubt, the best wine selection available on the entire ship.

Bonsai Sushi

Bonsai Sushi delivers fresh, beautifully plated dishes that are every bit as flavorful and high-quality as what you’d find in top sushi establishments in any major city. The sashimi was remarkably simple and fresh, and the entire meal offered incredible value for sushi – a pleasant surprise given typical cruise expectations! While not included in the standard fare, it’s absolutely worth the additional cost for a delicious and reasonably priced dinner that will leave you fully satisfied. We had heard rumors of small portions on cruise sushi, but Bonsai’s rolls were generously sized, comparable to premium rolls on land, but at a fraction of the cost.

Recommended Bites:

• Wagyu Beef: Served on soft, fluffy steamed buns with tender, glazed meat – a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Spicy Edamame: Perfectly seasoned with a generous sprinkle of coarse salt, adding a delightful crunch.
• Spicy Tuna Roll: Packed with an abundance of fresh tuna, featuring beautifully layered flavors.
• Tempura Roll: Crispy and delicious, topped with a zesty yuzu mayo for an extra burst of flavor.

Recommended Sips:

• Geisha Cocktail: A perfectly balanced drink that’s not overly sweet, offering a pleasant alcoholic kick.

To Drink

Alchemy Bar

The Alchemy Bar was, hands down, our absolute favorite spot on the entire ship. The two Romanian bartenders were not only exceptionally skilled but also incredibly lively and witty, making every visit a festive and enjoyable occasion. Their cocktail concoctions were always spot-on, so my best advice is to simply pull up a stool, tell them your preferred flavors, and let them work their magic. You’ll be thoroughly entertained by their banter and impressed by their mixology, leaving with a cocktail that exceeds your expectations every single time. I only wish I had found the time to attend their captivating mixology course!

RedFrog Pub & Brewery

Attention, beer lovers! If there’s one defining feature that should draw you to the Carnival Vista, it’s the fact that it houses an entire brewery floating on the open ocean. Beyond amazing food, wine, and cocktails, the RedFrog Pub and Brewery offers a fantastic spot for a casual beer or cocktail, tasty snacks, and endless entertainment. Even better, you can take a brewery tour and tasting session with the brewmaster himself! It’s truly fascinating to learn about the intricate process of brewing beer at sea and how they supply other ships in the fleet with their exceptional frothy creations.

They even feature a convenient self-serve station along the window-side high-top tables, allowing you to pour your own beer to your heart’s content with just a swipe of your cruise card. In the back, you’ll find shuffleboard and darts for some friendly competition, and out on the deck, the amazing swinging tables offer a perfect vantage point to take in the ocean views while enjoying a card game with cold beers.

JavaBlue Cafe

The ship’s coffee shop, JavaBlue Cafe, was surprisingly impressive! A major bonus is that many of its specialty drinks are included in the alcohol beverage package – a purchase I highly recommend for anyone cruising with Carnival, as it offers exceptional value. I particularly enjoyed starting each morning with a delicious dirty chai, the perfect way to kickstart the day.

Steakhouse Bar

Undoubtedly, the best place on the ship to enjoy a glass of wine is the Steakhouse. While you likely won’t dine there daily, popping into the bar area when it opens at 5 PM is an ideal choice for a sophisticated pre-dinner drink. You can linger as long as you wish, provided the tables aren’t needed for guests with dinner reservations. We enjoyed several glasses before heading to the main dining room, reveling in the romantic ambiance that’s perfect for a date night. It’s truly amazing how a complete, elegant date night experience can be had all on one ship!

Serenity Adult Only Retreat

Seeking a tranquil spot with delectable drinks and an escape from children? The Serenity Adult Only Retreat is your perfect haven. We especially loved their selection of incredibly tasty “skinny” cocktails served here. So, whether you’re relaxing in the hot tub or lounging on a day bed, you can indulge without any guilt about your drink choices – a welcome relief, given the delightful abundance of food consumed on this cruise!

Lobby Bar

The Lobby Bar is the quintessential pit stop for a refreshing drink before catching a show. It’s a vibrant central hub where you can easily grab a seat at the bar for a cocktail or a glass of wine to take with you into the performance venue (for beer, I’d suggest heading to the Red Frog Pub). It’s also an excellent spot for people-watching, particularly on fancy nights when everyone is dressed in their evening best. You might even catch groups traveling together showcasing their themed attire – we once saw a large family all adorned in epic flapper garb!

Havana Bar

Inject some lively rhythm into your evening at the Havana Bar! With its authentic Cuban cocktails and an energetic live band, you’ll be treated to incredible music and an atmosphere that transports you directly to the heart of Havana itself. It’s the perfect place to dance the night away and immerse yourself in vibrant Caribbean culture.

To See

To truly master your Carnival Vista experience, or any Carnival cruise ship for that matter, make sure to check out my comprehensive Cruise Ship Secrets for Millennials guide. Beyond the incredible food and drink, the Vista offers a plethora of activities and entertainment options that ensure every moment on board is filled with excitement and relaxation.

For a quick rundown of noteworthy mentions that will enhance your cruise experience:

• Dive In Movies: Imagine a drive-in movie experience, but instead of cars, you’re lounging by the pool under the stars! It’s a unique and fun way to enjoy films.
• Spectacular Shows: Don’t underestimate the onboard entertainment. The stage shows are genuinely high-quality productions and are well worth attending.
• The Punchliner Comedy Club: Prepare for endless laughter! Every comedic act we saw was absolutely hilarious and guaranteed a good time.
• RedFrog Pub: This isn’t just for beer; it’s a hub for games, lively karaoke sessions, and a great place to socialize.
• Nightclub: Who could resist the allure of dancing the night away in the middle of the ocean? The onboard nightclub offers an energetic atmosphere to let loose.
• Art Auction: This is surprisingly entertaining and offers free champagne, making it a fun and sophisticated way to spend an afternoon.
• Top Deck Games: Head to the top deck for mini-golf, cornhole, and a variety of other games, all while enjoying absolutely breathtaking 360-degree ocean views.

So, who’s ready to hit the high seas and embark on this incredible culinary and entertainment journey with me?

Pin this Foodie Guide to the Carnival Vista for later and start planning your delicious adventure!