cruise lines unveil new dining options and itineraries
As cruise lines work to broaden their offerings, various key players have rolled out new dining options and itineraries, designed to suit the changing preferences of travellers. Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Holland America Line are introducing innovative culinary choices and revised routes, giving passengers enhanced anticipation for their journeys.
Carnival Cruise Line plans to launch its exclusive private destination in the Bahamas, Celebration Key, in July 2025. This unique getaway will host over 30 food and beverage establishments, providing a wide array of dining experiences. From local Bahamian cuisine to beachside favorites, seafood, and barbeque, guests will have access to full-service restaurants, food trucks, snack shacks, and 12 bars. The destination will be part of Carnival’s expanded itineraries from Galveston, Texas, and Jacksonville, Florida, in 2026 and 2027.
Alongside the new dining alternatives, Carnival is also amplifying its cruise options from Galveston and Jacksonville. The Carnival Miracle will operate four- and five-day Mexico cruises, along with 10-day Caribbean voyages, making stops at Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove. Western Caribbean routes will touch down in Belize, Mahogany Bay, and Montego Bay, while Panama Canal itineraries will stop at Limón, Costa Rica, and Colón, Panama. Before commencing the 2026 season in Galveston, the Carnival Miracle will undertake a 16-day voyage from Seattle, traversing the Panama Canal and visiting Cabo San Lucas and Puntarenas.
From Jacksonville, the Carnival Elation will provide four- and five-day Bahamas cruises, with stops at Celebration Key, Nassau, and Bimini. Some five-day itineraries will also feature visits to Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays.
MSC Cruises is also making headlines with the launch of the first Eataly restaurant at sea. Slated to open on the MSC World America in April 2025, this new dining establishment will treat guests to authentic Italian fare. Known for its high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes, Eataly’s onboard restaurant will showcase exclusive offerings not found elsewhere. The MSC World America will sail from Miami to the Caribbean, providing a distinct culinary adventure for passengers.
Holland America Line is emphasizing holiday-themed dining experiences for the upcoming festive season. Guests can look forward to a classic Thanksgiving dinner, a “Breakfast with Santa,” and a Nutcracker Afternoon Tea Service. Christmas Eve and Day will feature special menus inspired by the various destinations the cruise line visits, such as Norway, Thailand, Spain, and the Caribbean. For New Year’s Eve, diners can indulge in a special meal at the Dining Room or Pinnacle Grill, including premium options like a Colossal Crab Tower with Caviar and Sterling Beef Fillet with Butter-basted Lobster.
disney cruise line revises dress code for adult-only dining
Disney Cruise Line has recently updated its dress code for adult-only dining venues, signaling a shift towards a more casual yet still sophisticated dining atmosphere. The updates apply to establishments such as Palo, Remy, Palo Steakhouse, and Enchanté, which are celebrated for their upscale vibe and gourmet selections. While formal or semi-formal attire continues to be suggested, the new guidelines now allow polished, dress-casual wear, providing guests with greater flexibility in their clothing choices.
With the modified dress code, guests may choose dress pants, well-maintained jeans, collared shirts, dressy tops, and lifestyle shoes. This represents a shift from the earlier, more rigid standards, allowing for a wider variety of attire while preserving the restaurants’ elegant ambiance. Nevertheless, specific items remain restricted, such as T-shirts, swimwear, and athletic wear, to ensure the dining experience retains its refined character.
For brunch at Palo and Palo Steakhouse, the guidelines are even more accommodating, with dress shorts now permitted. This change caters to guests who prefer a more casual yet still polished dining experience during the daytime. The updated dress code demonstrates Disney Cruise Line’s dedication to delivering a luxurious yet accessible environment for its adult patrons, ensuring the dining experience remains both stylish and comfortable.
