Do Carnival Cruise Lines Steakhouses Have a Kids Menu Find Out Now

Yes, Carnival Cruise Lines steakhouses do offer a kids menu, making fine dining enjoyable for the whole family. Designed with younger palates in mind, the menu features familiar favorites like grilled chicken, mac and cheese, and mini burgers—all served with the same quality as adult dishes. This ensures kids are happy while parents savor the steakhouse experience.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival steakhouses offer kids menus at select specialty dining venues—confirm onboard.
• Kids menus feature familiar favorites like burgers, chicken tenders, and pasta dishes.
• Menu availability varies by ship—check your vessel’s dining guide before booking.
• No extra cost for kids meals when dining at included steakhouse venues.
• Customization is limited—options are fixed but accommodate basic dietary preferences.

Do Carnival Cruise Lines Steakhouses Have a Kids Menu? Find Out Now

When it comes to family vacations, few experiences are as universally loved as a cruise. Among the many cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Lines stands out for its fun, relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly amenities. One of the highlights of any Carnival cruise is dining, especially when it comes to their specialty steakhouses—elegant, intimate venues like Fahrenheit 555 and Steakhouse on the Edge. These restaurants offer gourmet steaks, fine wines, and an upscale ambiance that many adults dream of enjoying during their vacation. But for families with children, a critical question often arises: Do Carnival Cruise Lines steakhouses have a kids menu?

This is a common concern for parents who want to treat themselves to a special dining experience while ensuring their children are also well-fed and happy. After all, a cruise vacation should be enjoyable for the entire family, not just the adults. The good news is that Carnival Cruise Lines has thoughtfully designed its specialty dining experiences with families in mind. While steakhouses are marketed as adult-oriented, they do accommodate younger guests—with some important nuances. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about kids’ dining options at Carnival’s steakhouses, including menu availability, age policies, pricing, and practical tips to make your family’s steakhouse experience a success. Whether you’re planning your first cruise or are a seasoned Carnival traveler, this guide will help you make informed decisions about dining with kids at sea.

Understanding Carnival’s Specialty Steakhouses: What to Expect

Carnival Cruise Lines offers several specialty steakhouses across its fleet, each with a slightly different name and ambiance, but all sharing a core commitment to high-quality steaks, seafood, and premium service. These restaurants are designed to provide a more refined alternative to the main dining rooms and casual buffet-style venues. Let’s take a closer look at what defines these steakhouses and how they operate.

Types of Specialty Steakhouses on Carnival Ships

• Fahrenheit 555: The most well-known steakhouse brand on Carnival, found on many of the newer and larger ships. It features a modern, upscale interior with a temperature-controlled wine cellar and a menu focused on USDA Prime steaks, dry-aged beef, and premium seafood.
• Steakhouse on the Edge: Available on select ships like the Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama, this venue offers a more intimate, ocean-view experience with a slightly different menu and ambiance.
• Other branded steakhouses: On some older or smaller ships, you may find steakhouses branded under different names (e.g., “The Chef’s Table” or “The Supper Club”), but they follow a similar format and pricing structure.

Target Audience and Atmosphere

These steakhouses are primarily designed for adults seeking a romantic or celebratory dining experience. The ambiance is dimly lit, with soft music, linen tablecloths, and attentive service. The menu emphasizes high-end ingredients, wine pairings, and multi-course dining. As such, they are not marketed as “family restaurants,” and children under a certain age may not be the primary focus. However, Carnival recognizes that families often want to enjoy these venues together, so they have implemented policies and menu options to accommodate younger guests.

Reservations and Access

All specialty steakhouses require reservations, which can be made online before your cruise or onboard via the Carnival Hub app or Guest Services. While the restaurants are open to all guests, children are welcome, provided they are accompanied by an adult and adhere to the restaurant’s dress code (typically smart casual or formal). This inclusivity is a key part of Carnival’s family-friendly philosophy.

Do Kids Have a Dedicated Menu at Carnival Steakhouses?

The short answer is: Yes, but it’s not always a standalone kids menu in the traditional sense. Instead, Carnival steakhouses offer a flexible approach to dining for children, combining elements of the adult menu with kid-friendly adaptations and access to the main dining room’s children’s menu. Let’s break this down.

Kid-Friendly Options on the Adult Menu

Many items on the Fahrenheit 555 and other steakhouse menus can be easily adapted for children. For example:

• Smaller portions of steak: While the menu lists full-sized cuts (e.g., 16 oz ribeye), servers are trained to offer smaller cuts or half-portions upon request. A 4-6 oz filet mignon or sirloin is often sufficient for a child.
• Grilled chicken or fish: These items are typically available and can be prepared with mild seasoning or no sauce to suit a child’s palate.
• Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and baked potatoes: These sides are universally loved by kids and are included with many entrées or available à la carte.
• Salads and soups: Simple options like Caesar salad (without anchovies) or tomato bisque can be kid-approved with minor modifications.

Access to the Main Dining Room Kids Menu

One of the most important policies Carnival has implemented is that children can order from the main dining room’s kids menu even when dining in a specialty steakhouse. This is a game-changer for families. For instance, if your child wants mac and cheese, chicken tenders, or a grilled cheese sandwich, the steakhouse staff will coordinate with the main dining room to have those items prepared and brought to your table. This ensures that picky eaters or younger children aren’t forced to eat adult-oriented dishes.

Customization and Dietary Needs

Carnival prides itself on accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences. If your child has allergies (e.g., gluten, dairy, nuts) or simply dislikes certain textures or flavors, the steakhouse staff can work with the kitchen to customize dishes. For example, a grilled chicken breast can be prepared plain, without sauce, and served with steamed broccoli and plain rice. Always inform your server about any special needs when you arrive or make your reservation.

Age Policies and Pricing: What Parents Need to Know

When it comes to bringing kids to a specialty steakhouse, age and cost are two critical factors. Carnival has clear policies in place to ensure fairness and transparency.

Age Restrictions and Supervision

• No strict age limits: Unlike some cruise lines that restrict children under 12 or 13 from specialty dining, Carnival allows children of all ages to dine at its steakhouses. A 3-year-old or a 16-year-old is welcome as long as they are with a parent or guardian.
• Supervision required: Children must be well-behaved and supervised at all times. The restaurant is not a play area, and disruptive behavior may result in being asked to leave (though this is rare and handled with discretion).
• Stroller and car seat policy: Most steakhouses do not allow strollers inside due to space constraints. You may be asked to fold and store it in a designated area. High chairs or booster seats can usually be provided upon request.

Cost and Cover Charges

Specialty steakhouses on Carnival are not included in the standard cruise fare and require a cover charge. As of 2024, the average cover charge is:

• Adults: $45–$55 per person (varies by ship and steakhouse)
• Children ages 12–17: $25–$30 per person (approximately 50% of adult price)
• Children under 12: Free (no cover charge, but food is not complimentary)

Important note: While children under 12 don’t pay the cover charge, they do pay for the food they eat. This includes any items from the kids menu or customized dishes. For example, if your 8-year-old orders a $12 grilled cheese from the main dining room menu, that cost will be added to your bill. However, this is still a great deal compared to paying the full adult cover charge.

Tips for Cost-Effective Dining

• Order one adult entrée and share: If you have a younger child, consider ordering one adult-sized steak or entrée and splitting it. Most steakhouses will provide extra plates at no charge.
• Use the kids menu for most items: Let your child order from the main dining room kids menu for the main course, but enjoy steakhouse sides or desserts (like the famous chocolate cake).
• Book during promotions: Carnival occasionally offers “Buy One, Get One Free” or discounted specialty dining during onboard sales or pre-cruise promotions. Check the Carnival Hub app regularly.

Real-World Examples: What Families Say About Kids at Carnival Steakhouses

To get a true sense of the experience, let’s look at real feedback from families who have dined at Carnival’s steakhouses with children.

Example 1: The Johnson Family (Carnival Horizon, 7-night Caribbean)

The Johnsons, a family of four (two adults, 9-year-old and 14-year-old), booked a dinner at Fahrenheit 555. They were initially concerned about their 9-year-old’s picky eating. “We told the server upfront that she doesn’t like steak or fish,” said Mrs. Johnson. “They immediately offered to bring her mac and cheese from the main dining room. She also got a small portion of mashed potatoes and green beans from our meals. The staff even gave her a coloring book while we waited!” The 14-year-old opted for a half-portion of ribeye with a side of truffle fries. Total cost: $98 for the adults (cover charge + food), $30 for the teen, and $14 for the child’s food (no cover charge).

Example 2: The Patel Family (Carnival Breeze, 5-night Mexico)

The Patels brought their 6-year-old and 10-year-old to Steakhouse on the Edge. “We didn’t want to miss the ocean view,” said Mr. Patel. “Our server was amazing—she suggested a plain grilled chicken breast for our youngest and a small salmon fillet for the older one. Both were cooked perfectly and served with steamed carrots. We all shared a chocolate soufflé for dessert.” The family appreciated that the staff didn’t rush them and even offered crayons and paper to keep the kids entertained.

Example 3: The Lee Family (Carnival Vista, 10-night Transatlantic)

The Lees have three children (ages 5, 8, and 13). They dined at Fahrenheit 555 on their anniversary. “We wanted a special night, but didn’t want to leave the kids in the kids’ club,” said Mrs. Lee. “We called ahead and asked about kids’ options. On arrival, our server already had a kids menu ready from the main dining room. The 5-year-old had chicken fingers, the 8-year-old had a mini burger, and the 13-year-old had a half-filet with asparagus. The staff was so accommodating—we felt like VIPs!”

These examples highlight a consistent theme: communication is key. Families who proactively inform the staff about their children’s needs tend to have the best experiences.

Practical Tips for Dining at Carnival Steakhouses with Kids

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable steakhouse experience with your children, follow these expert-backed tips.

1. Make Reservations Early

Specialty steakhouses book up quickly, especially on sea days or during holidays. Use the Carnival Hub app to make reservations as soon as you board (or even during the pre-cruise check-in process). Mention in the reservation notes that you’ll be dining with children, so the staff can prepare accordingly.

2. Call Ahead or Email

If you have specific requests (e.g., allergy concerns, need for high chairs), call Carnival Guest Services before your cruise or email the cruise line. You can also speak with the dining manager once onboard.

3. Dress the Part

While Carnival steakhouses are more relaxed than formal dining, they still expect smart casual or formal attire. For kids, this means:

• No flip-flops, tank tops, or swimwear
• Nice shorts or slacks, collared shirts or blouses
• Dresses or skirts for girls (optional)

Bring a change of clothes if your kids have been at the pool or water park.

4. Bring Quiet Entertainment

Meals at steakhouses can last 90 minutes or more. Pack small items to keep kids occupied: coloring books, travel games, or a tablet with headphones (no loud sounds). Avoid toys that make noise or take up space.

5. Order Strategically

• Start with kid-friendly appetizers (e.g., bread, soup, salad)
• Use the main dining room kids menu for entrées
• Share sides or desserts to save money
• Ask for kids’ portions or half-sizes of adult dishes

6. Be Mindful of Behavior

Remind kids to use quiet voices, keep hands in their laps, and avoid running or shouting. If your child becomes restless, a quick walk around the deck (with a parent) can help reset the mood.

Summary Table: Kids Dining at Carnival Steakhouses – Key Facts

Feature	Details
Kids Menu Available?	Yes – via main dining room kids menu (coordinated by staff)
Age Restrictions	None – all ages welcome with adult supervision
Cover Charge (Under 12)	Free (but food is charged)
Cover Charge (12–17)	$25–$30 per person
Adult Cover Charge	$45–$55 per person
Kid-Friendly Dishes	Mac and cheese, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, plain grilled chicken, mashed potatoes
Customization	Available for allergies, texture, or taste preferences
Reservations	Required – book via Carnival Hub app or Guest Services
Dress Code	Smart casual or formal (no swimwear, flip-flops)
Entertainment for Kids	Staff may provide crayons/paper; bring small quiet toys

So, do Carnival Cruise Lines steakhouses have a kids menu? The answer is a resounding yes—just not in the traditional format. By combining access to the main dining room’s kids menu, customizable adult dishes, and attentive service, Carnival ensures that families can enjoy a premium dining experience together. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply want a night of fine dining, you don’t have to leave the kids behind. With proper planning, communication, and a few smart strategies, your family can savor the best of both worlds: gourmet steaks for the adults and kid-approved meals for the little ones. Bon voyage and bon appétit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Carnival Cruise Lines steakhouses have a kids menu?

Yes, most Carnival Cruise Lines steakhouses, such as Fahrenheit 555, offer a dedicated kids menu with familiar options like chicken tenders, mini burgers, and pasta. The menu is designed to appeal to younger diners while parents enjoy the steakhouse experience.

What kind of food is on the kids menu at Carnival’s steakhouse?

The kids menu typically includes kid-friendly favorites like mac and cheese, grilled chicken, and fries, often served in smaller portions. These options are available alongside the regular steakhouse menu to accommodate families.

Is there a charge for kids to eat at Carnival Cruise Lines steakhouses?

Yes, Carnival’s steakhouses are specialty dining venues with a cover charge for all guests, including children. However, the kids menu ensures younger guests have suitable meal choices during the experience.

Can I request a kids menu at Carnival’s steakhouse if it’s not automatically offered?

Absolutely! Crew members are happy to provide a kids menu upon request, even if it’s not initially presented. Don’t hesitate to ask your server for family-friendly options.

Are vegetarian or allergy-friendly options available on the kids menu at Carnival steakhouses?

Yes, Carnival Cruise Lines steakhouses can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. The kids menu can often be modified for vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly needs—just inform your server when ordering.

Do all Carnival ships’ steakhouses have the same kids menu options?

While most Carnival steakhouses follow a similar kids menu format, specific dishes may vary by ship or season. It’s best to check with the steakhouse staff onboard for the most accurate and up-to-date offerings.