Carnival Cruise Line is testing a new dining concept onboard Carnival Vista, and if you’re someone who thinks dinner in the main dining room takes a little too long, this just might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
The new Express Dining option is currently in the testing phase—and it’s just a test, so don’t get too excited and start expecting it on other ships just yet. This trial is only happening on Carnival Vista, and it’s aimed at cruisers who want to enjoy a sit-down dinner without committing to a full 90-minute affair.
The idea came from guest feedback—people saying they enjoy dining in the main dining room, but not the extended timeline that often comes with it. Some passengers report staying at the table for over an hour and a half, which, depending on your evening plans, might feel like a bit much. Carnival is responding with a quicker option, and they’re calling it Express Dining.
So, how does it work?
First, it’s only available to those on Your Time Dining (YTD), and a special section of the Horizon dining room is set aside for it. You simply select the Express Dining option when you check in for dinner. Once seated, your meal is served at a much brisker pace, with the goal of getting you in and out in about 45 minutes.
To make this possible, the menu is a bit more limited than the usual main dining room fare, but it still features a solid selection. Here’s a sample Express Dining menu from one of the test nights:
Appetizers:
- Roasted Duck Rolls
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Caesar Salad
- Tomato Soup
Entrées:
- Szechuan Shrimp
- Cornish Game Hen
- Braised Short Rib
- Sirloin Steak
Desserts:
- Cheesecake
- Orange Cake
- Carnival’s signature Chocolate Melting Cake
The goal is simple: streamline service, offer a satisfying meal, and let guests enjoy more of their evening—whether that means catching a show, heading to the comedy club, or just relaxing.
And no, this doesn’t replace traditional dining. It’s just an option for those who want to dine quickly and move on with their night. If you love a leisurely dinner with multiple courses and extended table chatter, you can stick with the regular experience.
It’s too early to say whether Express Dining will roll out to other ships, but if the test goes well, Carnival may consider expanding it. For now, if you’re sailing on Carnival Vista, it’s worth checking out—especially if you prefer your dinner served at a faster clip.
Stay tuned for updates, and remember: this is a test, not a fleetwide change (yet).