Carnival Unveils Thanksgiving Menu for Main Dining
Carnival Cruise Line announced a one-day Thanksgiving menu for its main dining restaurants on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Cruises
Live Poll
Do you think cruise lines charge fair extra fees for additional dining entrees?
Carnival Cruise Line revealed its Thanksgiving dinner menu for main dining restaurants in a Facebook post on November 9, 2026, with brand ambassador John Heald presenting it. The one-day-only menu is offered on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and was developed by Executive Head Chef Roshan and his culinary team.
Why it matters
The menu gives cruisers a holiday dining option aboard ships, while specialty restaurants keep their regular menus. Extra charges for additional entrees and desserts add to the cost for guests who order more.
The additional entree fee is $5 per guest after the first two, with Australia-based ships charging $7 per entree, and the mile-high gelato pie costs an extra $6. It is unclear whether the holiday menu will be offered on ships not departing from U.S. homeports.
The players
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is a major cruise operator known for its large fleet of ships sailing from ports around the world.
John Heald
John Heald serves as brand ambassador for Carnival Cruise Line and presented the Thanksgiving menu to the public.
The details
The special menu is served in Carnival's main dining restaurants, while specialty dining restaurants keep their standard menus for the holiday. The Lido Marketplace buffet generally offers some seasonal choices similar to the special menu.
Timeline
November 9, 2026: Carnival revealed the Thanksgiving menu in a Facebook post.
November 2022: Carnival implemented the $5 additional entree fee.
November 26, 2026: The one-day-only Thanksgiving menu is offered.
Industry Dynamics
Carnival's additional entree fee follows a pattern set by Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, both of which have implemented similar charges for extra dining selections. The trend reflects cruise lines unbundling food options that were once included in the base fare.
Guests who want the holiday menu should plan around the one-day offering on November 26, 2026. Budget for the $5 additional entree fee and the $6 gelato pie if ordering beyond the included courses.
The takeaway
Reviewing onboard fee schedules before sailing helps cruisers estimate the true cost of dining beyond the included meals. Checking menus ahead of time can also prevent surprises at the dinner table.
Further reading
For more on ship dining and onboard pricing, explore our Cruises coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cruise Hive.
Live Poll
Do you think cruise lines charge fair extra fees for additional dining entrees?
