As Floridians stocked up on hurricane snacks and supplies in preparation for Hurricane Helene this week, cruise lines also had food and storm prep top of mind.
While making itinerary changes to keep ships safely out of the storm’s path, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Carnival’s Holland America Line all announced new dining and menu options coming soon for passengers to enjoy.
Related: Hurricane reroutes Carnival, Margaritaville ships from Tampa
Carnival Cruise Line also released new itineraries for 2026 and 2027 cruises sailing from Galveston, Texas and Jacksonville, Fla.
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Carnival Cruise Line unveils Celebration Key dining options
As Carnival Cruise Line prepares to welcome passengers to its new private destination in the Bahamas, Celebration Key, the cruise line shared a preview of the extensive dining options coming to the Grand Bahama Island retreat.
The destination will feature more than 30 food and beverage outlets serving local Bahamian specialties, beachside classics, seafood, barbeque and more. Celebration Key dining opportunities will include full-service restaurants, a food hall, food trucks, snack shacks and counter-service kiosks, plus 12 bars.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line passengers push back on dining question
Travelers will be able to visit Celebration Key on a variety of cruise itineraries beginning in July 2025. Carnival cruises visiting the destination will include an expanded schedule of sailings released this week departing from Galveston and Jacksonville in 2026 and 2027.
Carnival is expanding its presence in two key cruise ports.
Image source: Carnival Corporation.
Carnival expands cruise options from Galveston and Jacksonville
One of four ships sailing from Galveston, Carnival Miracle will offer four- and five-day Mexico cruises and 10-day Caribbean cruises in 2026 and 2027. The 10-day Eastern Caribbean sailings will visit Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas as well as Grand Turk and Amber Cove.
Western Caribbean sailings will visit destinations including Belize, Mahogany Bay and Montego Bay. Additional Panama Canal itineraries also include visits to Limón, Costa Rica and Colón, Panama.
Related: Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises add new itineraries
Before arriving in Galveston for the fall 2026 season, Carnival Miracle will sail a new 16-day Carnival Journeys voyage from Seattle featuring a transit of the Panama Canal as well as visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
From Jacksonville, Carnival Elation will offer a variety of four- and five-day Bahamas cruises with Thursday and Saturday departures featuring visits to Celebration Key and Nassau. Select itineraries include a stop in Bimini and five-day options also offer an additional call at either Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays.
New MSC cruise ship to feature first Eataly restaurant at sea
When MCS Cruises’ new MSC World America ship begins sailing in April 2025 offering cruises from Miami to the Caribbean, passengers will have the opportunity to dine at the first Eataly restaurant at sea.
Eataly is well known worldwide for its high-quality Italian food, and passengers sailing on MSC World America will get to enjoy the renowned brand’s authentic Italian flavors on board. Eataly at Sea will also feature exclusive dishes only available on the ship.
Related: Royal Caribbean, MSC, Margaritaville offer family cruise deals
Holland America Line shares holiday menus
Travelers sailing with Holland America Line during the upcoming holiday season will have the opportunity to enjoy variety of holiday-themed culinary experiences. Holiday offerings announced this week include a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, a new “Breakfast with Santa,” a Nutcracker Afternoon Tea Service, Christmas Eve and Day feasts, and special Hanukkah treats.
The Christmas Eve menu in the Dining Room will feature holiday dishes from destinations Holland America ships visit around the world including Norway, Thailand, Spain and the Caribbean. Specialty dining restaurant Canaletto will feature an Italian-inspired holiday dinner.
Related: Carnival’s Holland America makes key onboard menu changes
New Year’s Eve celebrations will include a special dinner in the Dining Room, or at Pinnacle Grill for $69 per person where guest can enjoy a Colossal Crab Tower with Caviar, Sterling Beef Fillet with Butter-basted Lobster and a Chocolate Countdown.
Disney Cruise Line updates dress code for adult-exclusive restaurants
Disney Cruise Line has revised the dress code for its specialty, adult-exclusive restaurants on board its ships including Palo, Remy, Palo Steakhouse, and Enchanté.
The updated dress code states that guests are requested to dress in a manner consistent with the restaurant’s elegant atmosphere. Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended, but polished, dress-casual attire is permitted, such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts, dressy tops, and lifestyle shoes.
For brunch at Palo and Palo Steakhouse, dress shorts are acceptable. T-shirts, swimwear, and sports attire are not permitted.
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