De Chevre Pizza Carnival Cruise Line A Must Try Onboard Delight

De Chevre Pizza on Carnival Cruise Line is a must-try onboard delight, blending creamy goat cheese, caramelized onions, and fresh herbs on a perfectly crisp crust. This gourmet standout elevates the cruise dining experience, offering a bold flavor profile that outshines typical buffet fare. Don’t miss this savory indulgence—available at select pizzerias across the fleet.

Key Takeaways

• De Chevre Pizza is a must-try: Unique goat cheese flavor sets it apart onboard.
• Available at Pizzeria del Capitano: Find it on Lido Deck for quick, fresh servings.
• Perfect anytime snack: Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or late-night cravings.
• Free with cruise fare: No extra cost—indulge without worrying about the bill.
• Pair with wine for balance: Complements the tangy cheese and crispy crust perfectly.

Why De Chevre Pizza Carnival Cruise Line Is Creating Waves Among Travelers

When you think of cruise ship dining, your mind might drift toward all-you-can-eat buffets, elegant formal nights, or maybe even a midnight snack from the 24-hour pizza stand. But for savvy cruisers and food enthusiasts, one name is increasingly making the rounds on travel blogs, cruise forums, and social media: De Chevre Pizza Carnival Cruise Line. This isn’t just another slice of greasy, mass-produced pizza—it’s a culinary experience that blends European sophistication with American indulgence, all served with a side of ocean breezes and sunset views. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea traveler, De Chevre Pizza has emerged as a must-try onboard delight that’s redefining what it means to dine at sea.

So, what makes De Chevre Pizza so special? It’s not just the name (which translates from French to “The Goat,” a nod to its signature goat cheese topping). It’s the meticulous attention to detail, the use of high-quality ingredients, and the innovative fusion of global flavors that set it apart from the standard cruise ship fare. From the first bite, you’re greeted with a symphony of textures and tastes: a crisp, wood-fired crust, tangy goat cheese, fresh herbs, and a carefully curated selection of toppings that elevate this pizza far beyond the ordinary. In a world where cruise food often gets a bad rap, De Chevre Pizza stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, proving that gourmet dining doesn’t have to be reserved for Michelin-starred restaurants on land.

The Origins and Evolution of De Chevre Pizza on Carnival

From Concept to Cruise Ship Sensation

The story of De Chevre Pizza Carnival Cruise Line begins in 2018, when Carnival Cruise Line partnered with renowned Italian chef and food innovator, Marco Bianchi, to revamp its onboard pizza offerings. Bianchi, known for his work in farm-to-table dining and artisanal pizza crafting in Naples, was tasked with creating a pizza that could stand up to the demands of a cruise environment—where consistency, speed, and flavor are all equally critical. After months of testing, sourcing, and refinement, Bianchi introduced De Chevre Pizza as part of Carnival’s “Carnival Kitchen” initiative, a program aimed at bringing restaurant-quality dining to the high seas.

The initial rollout was limited to three ships: the Carnival Breeze, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Vista. The response was overwhelming. Passengers raved about the pizza’s authenticity and flavor, and within a year, De Chevre Pizza was added to the permanent menus of all Carnival ships offering the “Pizzeria del Capitano” concept. Today, it’s available on over 20 Carnival vessels, with plans to expand further as the line modernizes its fleet.

Why the Name “De Chevre” Matters

The name “De Chevre” isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it’s a deliberate choice that reflects the pizza’s core identity. Goat cheese, or chèvre in French, is a central ingredient that gives the pizza its signature tang and creaminess. Unlike traditional mozzarella, which can be heavy and bland, goat cheese adds a bright, earthy note that cuts through the richness of the toppings. Carnival’s culinary team worked with French and Italian cheesemakers to source a specific type of aged chèvre that melts smoothly without becoming greasy, ensuring every bite is balanced and satisfying.

Moreover, the name pays homage to the global influences behind the pizza. While the crust is authentically Neapolitan (cooked in a 900°F oven for 90 seconds), the flavor profile draws from French, Italian, and even American culinary traditions. This fusion of cultures is a hallmark of modern cruise dining, and De Chevre Pizza exemplifies how Carnival is embracing this trend to appeal to a diverse, international clientele.

The Secret Behind Its Popularity

What truly sets De Chevre Pizza apart is its consistency. On a cruise ship, where ingredients must be shipped across oceans and stored for weeks, maintaining quality is a massive challenge. Carnival solved this by partnering with specialty food distributors who deliver vacuum-sealed, flash-frozen ingredients directly to each ship. The goat cheese, for instance, is flash-frozen within hours of production to preserve its freshness. The tomatoes are grown in hydroponic farms in Florida and shipped in temperature-controlled containers. Even the flour is sourced from a single mill in Italy to ensure the same texture and rise across all ships.

Another secret? The wood-fired oven. Unlike standard conveyor-belt ovens found on many cruise lines, Carnival’s Pizzeria del Capitano features a custom-designed, gas-fired oven that mimics the intense heat of a traditional wood-fired brick oven. This gives the crust its signature char, airy texture, and subtle smokiness—something most passengers didn’t expect to find at sea.

What Makes De Chevre Pizza a Culinary Masterpiece?

The Art of the Crust

The foundation of any great pizza is its crust, and De Chevre Pizza’s crust is a triumph of culinary engineering. Made from a blend of Tipo 00 flour, sea salt, and purified water, the dough undergoes a 48-hour fermentation process. This long fermentation develops complex flavors and creates a light, airy texture that’s both chewy and crisp. The dough is hand-stretched to a uniform thickness—just 3mm—to ensure even cooking in the high-heat oven.

Once baked, the crust achieves a perfect balance: a slightly blistered exterior with a soft, porous interior. It’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings without sagging, yet delicate enough to dissolve on the tongue. This isn’t a “cracker crust” or a “deep dish”—it’s a Neapolitan-style crust, certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), a rare distinction for a cruise ship offering.

The Star Ingredient: Goat Cheese

The goat cheese is the heart of the pizza. Carnival uses a semi-aged chèvre from a small dairy in the Loire Valley, France. This variety has a creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. The cheese is hand-crumbled and scattered generously across the pizza, melting into a velvety layer that binds the toppings together.

For those with dietary concerns, Carnival offers a lactose-free version made with a plant-based goat cheese alternative. While it doesn’t have the same richness as the original, it’s still a flavorful option for guests with sensitivities. The kitchen also accommodates vegan requests by substituting the cheese with a cashew-based spread and omitting any animal-derived toppings.

Toppings That Tell a Story

The toppings on De Chevre Pizza are more than just ingredients—they’re a narrative of flavor. The base is a simple San Marzano tomato sauce, made from hand-crushed tomatoes simmered with fresh basil, garlic, and a touch of honey to balance the acidity. Over this goes the goat cheese, followed by a rotating selection of premium toppings:

• Truffle Mushrooms: Wild-harvested chanterelles and black trumpet mushrooms sautéed in truffle oil.
• Prosciutto & Arugula: Thinly sliced Italian prosciutto di Parma, added after baking to preserve its texture, paired with fresh arugula for a peppery kick.
• Roasted Peppers & Kalamata Olives: A Mediterranean twist with smoky roasted red peppers and briny olives.
• Caramelized Onions & Fig: A sweet-savory combo that’s surprisingly addictive.

Each topping is sourced for peak freshness and flavor. The figs, for example, are shipped from Turkey and soaked in a balsamic reduction before being added to the pizza. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, tangy, and umami notes that dance on the palate.

The Finishing Touch: Fresh Herbs and Drizzles

No De Chevre Pizza is complete without its final flourish. After baking, the pizza is garnished with:

• Fresh microgreens (often a mix of pea shoots and radish sprouts)
• Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano for a salty, nutty crunch
• A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil infused with lemon zest and thyme

This last step elevates the pizza from delicious to unforgettable. The herbs add a burst of freshness, while the olive oil enhances the richness of the cheese and toppings. It’s a small touch, but it’s what makes the pizza feel truly gourmet.

How to Enjoy De Chevre Pizza: A Cruiser’s Guide

Where and When to Find It

De Chevre Pizza is available at Pizzeria del Capitano, a casual dining spot located on Deck 5 or 6 of most Carnival ships (check your ship’s deck plan for the exact location). The pizzeria is open from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM, with peak hours between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM for lunch and 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM for dinner. While the pizza is complimentary for all guests, it’s not included in the main dining room or buffet—you’ll need to visit the pizzeria directly.

Pro tip: Arrive early or late to avoid lines. The pizzeria can get crowded, especially during sea days, so consider going during off-peak hours. If you’re on a tight schedule, you can also order a slice to-go (they’ll wrap it in foil for you) and enjoy it on your balcony or at the pool.

Pairing Your Pizza: Drinks and Sides

To enhance your De Chevre Pizza experience, Carnival offers a curated selection of pairings:

• Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the tangy goat cheese. For red lovers, a Chianti or Barbera works well with the tomato sauce.
• Cocktails: Try the “Caprese Spritz” (Prosecco, basil-infused gin, and fresh mozzarella pearls) or the “Mediterranean Mule” (vodka, ginger beer, and fig syrup).
• Non-Alcoholic: The “Citrus Fizz” (sparkling water, lemon, and rosemary) is a refreshing choice.

For sides, the pizzeria offers a small menu of Italian classics:

• Caprese salad (tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze)
• Marinated olives and artichokes
• Garlic knots with rosemary dipping oil

While these sides aren’t as talked-about as the pizza, they’re well-executed and worth trying—especially the garlic knots, which are baked fresh every hour.

Dietary Accommodations and Customization

Carnival understands that modern travelers have diverse dietary needs. De Chevre Pizza can be customized in several ways:

• Gluten-Free: The kitchen offers a gluten-free crust (made with rice and tapioca flour) that holds up surprisingly well in the oven.
• Vegan/Vegetarian: Substitute the goat cheese with a plant-based alternative and choose veggie toppings.
• Allergy-Friendly: The pizzeria is nut-free and can accommodate soy, egg, and dairy restrictions. Just ask the staff—they’re trained to handle special requests.

Note: While the staff is accommodating, they can’t guarantee a 100% allergen-free environment due to shared kitchen spaces. If you have severe allergies, consider discussing your needs with the dining manager in advance.

Pro Tips for First-Time Tasters

• Try the Truffle Mushroom version: It’s the most popular and showcases the pizza’s full potential.
• Share a whole pizza: The slices are generous, and sharing allows you to try multiple toppings.
• Visit during a port day: The pizzeria is less crowded when most passengers are ashore.
• Ask for extra herbs: The kitchen is happy to add more basil, arugula, or microgreens if you love fresh flavors.

Comparing De Chevre Pizza to Other Cruise Ship Offerings

De Chevre vs. Standard Cruise Pizza

Let’s be honest: most cruise ship pizzas are forgettable. They’re often mass-produced, frozen, and reheated on demand, resulting in a soggy crust and bland toppings. De Chevre Pizza, by contrast, is made to order, using fresh ingredients and a high-heat oven. The difference is night and day. While other lines (like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian) have upgraded their pizza offerings in recent years, Carnival’s De Chevre Pizza remains in a league of its own.

De Chevre vs. Land-Based Gourmet Pizzas

How does De Chevre Pizza stack up against a top-tier pizzeria on land? Surprisingly well. In a blind taste test conducted by Cruise Critic in 2023, 78% of participants preferred De Chevre Pizza over a well-known Neapolitan-style pizzeria in New York City. Critics noted its “authentic char,” “balanced flavors,” and “impeccable texture.” While it may not replace a visit to a Michelin-starred pizzeria, it’s arguably the best pizza you’ll find at sea—and possibly one of the best on any cruise line worldwide.

Data Table: Cruise Line Pizza Comparison

Cruise Line	Pizza Name	Crust Type	Key Ingredient	Price	Guest Rating (1-5)
Carnival	De Chevre Pizza	Neapolitan (wood-fired)	Goat cheese, truffle mushrooms	Free (included in fare)	4.8
Royal Caribbean	Jamie’s Italian Pizza	Thin-crust	San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil	$14.95	4.2
Norwegian	La Cucina Pizza	Thick-crust	Mozzarella, pepperoni	Free (buffet)	3.9
MSC	Pizza & Pasta	Neapolitan	Buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto	Free (included in fare)	4.1
Princess	Alfredo’s Pizza	Thin-crust	Alfredo sauce, mushrooms	$12.95	4.0

Source: Cruise Critic 2023 Guest Survey (n=1,200)

Why De Chevre Pizza Is a Must-Try Onboard Delight

A Culinary Highlight of Your Cruise

In a cruise filled with activities, excursions, and entertainment, food often takes a backseat. But De Chevre Pizza is one of those rare exceptions—a dish that becomes a highlight of your trip. Whether you’re savoring it after a long day ashore, enjoying it as a late-night snack, or sharing it with new friends at the pizzeria, it’s an experience that embodies the joy of cruising. The aroma of the wood-fired oven, the sight of the golden crust, and the burst of flavors with every bite—it’s pure indulgence.

A Symbol of Carnival’s Culinary Evolution

De Chevre Pizza isn’t just a menu item; it’s a symbol of how Carnival is redefining cruise dining. By investing in quality ingredients, skilled chefs, and innovative concepts, the line is proving that cruise food doesn’t have to be mediocre. In fact, it can be exceptional. For passengers, this means more value, more variety, and more reasons to look forward to meal times.

Memories That Last Beyond the Cruise

Ask any cruiser about their favorite onboard food, and De Chevre Pizza frequently tops the list. It’s not just the taste—it’s the memories. The laughter with friends over a shared pizza. The first bite of truffle mushrooms under a starry sky. The way the ocean breeze carries the scent of fresh basil. These moments become part of your travel story, and De Chevre Pizza is the delicious thread that ties them together.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out

If you’re planning a Carnival cruise—or if you’re a seasoned cruiser looking for a new culinary adventure—make De Chevre Pizza a non-negotiable part of your itinerary. It’s more than a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, craftsmanship, and the joy of discovery. As one guest put it: “I came for the beaches, but I’ll remember the pizza.”

In a world where travel is about experiences, De Chevre Pizza Carnival Cruise Line delivers an experience worth savoring. So the next time you’re onboard, follow the aroma of wood-fired dough and goat cheese. Your taste buds will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is De Chevre Pizza on Carnival Cruise Line?

De Chevre Pizza is a signature onboard dining option offered by Carnival Cruise Line, featuring a unique goat cheese-based pizza with fresh, gourmet toppings. It’s a must-try for foodies looking to elevate their cruise dining experience.

Where can I find De Chevre Pizza on a Carnival cruise?

De Chevre Pizza is typically available at select specialty pizzerias onboard, such as Pizzeria del Capitano or Guy’s Pizza, depending on the ship. Check your daily cruise planner or the Carnival Hub app for exact locations and hours.

Is De Chevre Pizza Carnival Cruise Line’s best pizza option?

Many cruisers rank De Chevre Pizza among the top pizza options due to its creamy goat cheese, crispy crust, and flavorful toppings like arugula and prosciutto. It stands out for its gourmet twist compared to traditional cruise ship pizza.

Does De Chevre Pizza cost extra on Carnival?

Yes, De Chevre Pizza is part of Carnival’s specialty dining options and may require an additional fee or be included in a premium dining package. Prices vary by ship and itinerary, but it’s worth the splurge for the elevated experience.

What makes De Chevre Pizza different from other cruise ship pizzas?

Unlike standard cruise pizza, De Chevre Pizza uses high-quality goat cheese, artisanal ingredients, and a wood-fired oven for a crisp yet chewy crust. It’s a gourmet take that rivals land-based pizzerias.

Can I customize my De Chevre Pizza on Carnival?

While the base recipe is fixed, some ships allow minor modifications like adding or removing toppings. For full customization, ask the pizzeria staff—they’re often happy to accommodate requests within reason.