Carnival Steakhouse Menu Prices

Carnival steakhouse menu prices offer a premium dining experience with surf and turf options that feel like a special night out at sea. If you are planning a cruise and want to know what the steakhouse costs, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. You will find exact prices, what dishes are included, and how to get the best value for your money.

The steakhouse on Carnival ships is an extra-charge restaurant that serves high-quality cuts of meat and fresh seafood. Unlike the main dining room, this venue has a more upscale atmosphere and a focused menu. Many cruisers wonder if the price is worth it, and the answer usually depends on what you order and how much you enjoy a fine dining experience.

This article covers the full menu with current pricing, including appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts. We also explain how to make reservations, what drinks cost, and if there are any discounts available. By the end, you will know exactly what to expect when you step into the steakhouse.

What Is The Carnival Steakhouse Experience

The steakhouse is a specialty restaurant found on most Carnival ships. It is not included in your cruise fare, so you pay a separate cover charge to eat there. The ambiance is dimly lit with white tablecloths, and the service is more attentive than in the main dining room.

You can expect a multi-course meal that starts with bread and butter, followed by an appetizer, soup or salad, your main course, and dessert. The menu changes slightly from ship to ship, but the core items remain the same. The steakhouse is open for dinner only, usually from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Reservations are highly recommended because the restaurant is popular and has limited seating. You can book online before your cruise or once you board the ship. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted if there is space, but it is risky to rely on that.

The cover charge for the steakhouse is currently $38 per person for adults. This price has remained steady for several years, though it may increase slightly in the future. Children aged 12 and under pay $18, and kids under 2 eat for free. The cover charge includes all food items on the menu, but drinks and gratuity are extra.

Gratuity is automatically added to your bill at 18%, so you do not need to tip separately unless you want to add more. Some cruisers prefer to tip extra for exceptional service. The total cost for one adult, including the automatic gratuity, comes to about $44.84.

If you have a drink package, like Cheers!, you can use it for alcoholic beverages in the steakhouse. However, the cover charge is not included in any drink package. You pay the $38 separately regardless of your package.

Appetizers And Starters

The appetizer selection is generous and includes both cold and hot options. Each guest can order one appetizer, but you can ask for multiple if the restaurant is not too busy. Some servers allow it, but do not count on it.

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail – Classic starter with large shrimp and cocktail sauce
French Onion Soup – Rich broth with melted Gruyere cheese on top
Caesar Salad – Romaine lettuce with parmesan and croutons, made tableside
Bacon and Blue Cheese Salad – Crisp bacon bits with blue cheese dressing
Spicy Alligator Bites – Fried alligator meat with a spicy dipping sauce
Seared Ahi Tuna – Thin slices of tuna with soy and ginger
Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese – Fresh mozzarella with basil and balsamic

Most appetizers are included in the cover charge. The only exception might be the jumbo shrimp cocktail if you order extra, but the standard portion is covered. The tableside Caesar salad is a popular choice because the server prepares it right in front of you.

Soup And Salad Options

In addition to appetizers, you get a soup or salad course. This is separate from the appetizer, so you do not have to choose between them. You can have both a starter and a soup or salad if you want.

Lobster Bisque – Creamy soup with chunks of lobster meat
French Onion Soup – Also available as a soup course if you did not order it as an appetizer
Mixed Greens Salad – Simple salad with vinaigrette dressing
Caesar Salad – Same as the appetizer version, but you can have it as a course

The lobster bisque is a favorite among regular cruisers. It is rich and flavorful, though some find it a bit salty. You can ask for it without the sherry if you prefer a milder taste.

Main Course Entrees

The main course is the highlight of the meal. You choose one entree from the menu, and it comes with your choice of side dishes. The steakhouse is known for its beef, but there are also seafood and poultry options.

Filet Mignon – 9-ounce cut, tender and cooked to your preference
New York Strip Steak – 12-ounce cut, more flavor than the filet
Ribeye Steak – 14-ounce cut, marbled and juicy
Surf and Turf – Filet mignon paired with lobster tail
Broiled Lobster Tail – Single or double tail, served with butter
Grilled Salmon – Atlantic salmon with lemon butter sauce
Roasted Chicken Breast – Herb-crusted chicken with vegetables
Vegetarian Pasta – Seasonal vegetables with your choice of sauce

The surf and turf option is the most expensive item on the menu if you were paying a la carte, but it is included in the cover charge. This makes it a great value if you want both steak and lobster. The filet mignon is cooked perfectly medium-rare if you order it that way, but you can request any doneness.

If you want a larger portion, you can order the 18-ounce Porterhouse steak for an additional $20. This is not included in the cover charge. The porterhouse is huge and meant for sharing, but you can eat it alone if you are very hungry.

Side Dishes

Sides are served family-style, meaning they come in small bowls for the table to share. You can order as many sides as you want, but the portions are modest. Popular sides include:

Baked Potato with sour cream and chives
Mashed Potatoes with garlic butter
Grilled Asparagus with lemon
Creamed Spinach with parmesan
Sauteed Mushrooms in red wine sauce
Mac and Cheese with three cheeses
Steamed Broccoli with hollandaise

You can mix and match sides. If you want both baked potato and asparagus, just ask. The sides are not listed on the menu as separate choices, so you need to tell your server what you want. Most servers will bring a selection without asking, but it is better to specify.

Desserts

Dessert is included in the cover charge, and you get one per person. The dessert menu changes occasionally, but the staples remain the same.

Warm Chocolate Melting Cake – Rich chocolate cake with a liquid center
New York Cheesecake – Creamy cheesecake with berry compote
Crème Brûlée – Classic vanilla custard with caramelized sugar
Key Lime Pie – Tart and sweet pie with graham cracker crust
Ice Cream and Sorbet – Vanilla, chocolate, or mango flavors
Cheese Plate – Selection of cheeses with crackers and fruit

The warm chocolate melting cake is the most popular dessert on Carnival ships, and the steakhouse version is even better than the one in the main dining room. It is served with vanilla ice cream. If you cannot decide, ask for two desserts. Some servers allow it if the restaurant is not full.

Drink Prices At The Steakhouse

Drinks are not included in the cover charge. You pay separately for alcoholic beverages, sodas, and specialty coffees. The prices are similar to other bars on the ship.

Glass of House Wine – $9 to $12
Bottle of Wine – $35 to $100 depending on label
Cocktails – $10 to $14
Beer – $6 to $8
Soda – $3.50
Specialty Coffee – $4 to $6

If you have the Cheers! drink package, you can order any drink up to $20 without extra charge. This includes most wines by the glass and cocktails. The package does not cover bottles of wine, but you get a 25% discount on bottles.

Non-alcoholic drinks like soda and juice are not covered by any package unless you have the Bottomless Bubbles soda package. That package costs about $7 per day and includes unlimited soda and juice at all bars and restaurants.

How To Get The Best Value

Paying $38 per person might seem steep, but you can maximize the value by ordering strategically. Here are some tips to get your money’s worth:

Order the surf and turf – This is the most expensive combination and is included in the cover charge
Ask for extra appetizers or sides if the server allows it
Skip the bottled water and drink tap water or soda if you have a package
Go on the first night of the cruise – Some ships offer a discount on embarkation day
Book during a promotion – Carnival sometimes offers discounted steakhouse dinners for loyalty members
Share a porterhouse steak with someone – The $20 extra charge is split between two people

Another way to save is to use your Carnival VIFP Club points. Platinum and Diamond members sometimes get a free steakhouse dinner as part of their perks. Check your account before booking to see if you qualify.

If you are traveling with a group, consider going on a port day when the restaurant is less busy. The service might be faster, and you might get more attention from the staff. Some cruisers report getting extra courses on quiet nights.

Comparing The Steakhouse To Other Dining Options

The steakhouse is not the only specialty restaurant on Carnival ships. There are also options like the Italian restaurant, the sushi bar, and the seafood shack. Each has its own cover charge and menu.

Steakhouse – $38 per person, includes surf and turf
Italian Restaurant (Cucina del Capitano) – $15 per person for dinner, free for lunch
Sushi Bar (Bonsai Sushi) – A la carte pricing, around $5 to $15 per item
Seafood Shack – A la carte, around $5 to $12 per item
Guy’s Burger Joint – Free, included in cruise fare
BlueIguana Cantina – Free, included in cruise fare

The steakhouse is the most expensive specialty restaurant, but it also offers the highest quality ingredients. If you are on a budget, the Italian restaurant is a good alternative at $15 per person. The sushi bar is cheaper if you only order a few rolls.

For comparison, a similar steakhouse meal on land would cost $60 to $80 per person, so the cruise version is actually a good deal. The cover charge includes multiple courses, which is rare in land-based restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the steakhouse worth the extra cost?

Yes, if you enjoy high-quality steak and seafood. The cover charge includes a full multi-course meal that would cost more on land. Many cruisers say it is the best meal they have on the ship.

Can I use my drink package in the steakhouse?

Yes, the Cheers! package works at all bars and restaurants on the ship, including the steakhouse. You can order cocktails, wine by the glass, and beer without extra charge.

Do I need to dress up for the steakhouse?

Smart casual attire is required. Men should wear pants and a collared shirt, while women can wear dresses or nice tops. Shorts, flip-flops, and swimwear are not allowed.

Can I bring my own wine to the steakhouse?

Carnival allows you to bring one bottle of wine per adult on embarkation day. You can bring that bottle to the steakhouse, but there is a $15 corkage fee. It is usually cheaper to buy wine onboard.

Are there vegetarian options at the steakhouse?

Yes, there is a vegetarian pasta dish, and you can also order sides like vegetables and salads. The menu is not very extensive for vegetarians, but you can ask the chef to prepare something special.

Final Thoughts On Carnival Steakhouse Menu Prices

Carnival steakhouse menu prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food you recieve. The $38 cover charge covers a full meal with appetizers, soup, main course, sides, and dessert. If you order the surf and turf, you get even more value.

Make a reservation early to avoid disappointment, especially on formal nights when the steakhouse is busiest. Check for discounts if you are a loyalty member or if you book on embarkation day. The steakhouse is a highlight of many cruises, and it is worth trying at least once.

Remember that gratuity is added automatically, so you do not need to worry about extra costs. Bring your appetite and be ready to enjoy a relaxing evening with excellent food and service. The steakhouse is one of the best dining experiences on Carnival ships, and the prices are fair for what you get.

If you have any dietary restrictions, inform the staff when you book. They can accommodate most allergies and preferences. The kitchen is happy to adjust dishes to meet your needs.

Overall, the steakhouse is a great choice for a special night out during your cruise. The atmosphere is romantic, the food is delicious, and the prices are transparent. You will not find any hidden fees or surprises on your bill.

Enjoy your meal and have a wonderful cruise. The steakhouse is just one of many dining options on Carnival, but it is certainly one of the best. Book your reservation today and look forward to a memorable evening at sea.

What Is The Carnival Steakhouse Experience