Carnival Cucina del Capitano Menu 2025 Prices and Reviews

One of the best dining options on Carnival Cruise Line is Cucina del Capitano, an Italian specialty restaurant that brings the warmth of homestyle cooking to sea. Inspired by the Italian heritage of Carnival’s captains, it offers a cozy family-style setting where guests can enjoy hearty classics like pasta, chicken parmesan, and more. 

Guests can sit down for a relaxed family dinner or stop by during the day to enjoy the popular pasta bar, making Cucina del Capitano a favorite for many cruisers.  

In this guide, we’ll explore the Carnival Cucina del Capitano menus with prices, share our personal reviews and tips, and highlight which Carnival Ships feature this popular restaurant. 

What is Cucina del Capitano on Carnival Cruise Ships?

Cucina del Capitano is a specialty Italian restaurant found on select Carnival Cruise Ships. The name means “The Captain’s Kitchen” in English. First introduced on Carnival Magic in 2011, it has since become a popular dining venue across the fleet. 

The restaurant is usually located near the Lido Deck or upper decks. Its design reflects a cozy Italian countryside kitchen, with warm colors, rustic wooden décor, and family photos that honour Carnival’s Italian captains. 

Seating is arranged for both couples and larger groups, making it a welcoming spot for families or friends dining together.  

During lunchtime, Cucina del Capitano works as a complimentary pasta bar where guests can create their own pasta bowls. In the evening, it transforms into a full-service specialty restaurant with an extra charge, serving delicious Italian classics in a homestyle setting. 

Carnival Cucina Del Capitano Menu

Keep in mind that Carnival Cucina Del Capitano menu prices are subject to change. Following are the Carnival Cucina Del Capitano Menu with prices: 

Carnival Cucina Del Capitano Dinner Menu

Here is the Carnival Cucina Del Capitano dinner menu:

Carnival Cucina del Capitano Lunch Menu

On some Carnival Cruise Ships, there’s a free Cucina del Capitano lunch option called the Captain’s Pasta Bar.  At the pasta bar, you can create your own pasta dish from the given Carnival Cruise Cucina Del Capitano Lunch Menu.  

Here is the Cucina Del Capitano lunch menu: 

Carnival Cucina del Capitano Kids Menu

Cucina Del Capitano Food menu for kids includes Spaghetti with meatballs, Chicken fingers, Fish sticks and Macaroni and cheese. For dessert, children can choose between cannoli or lemon sherbet. 

Here is the Cucina del Capitano kids menu: 

Carnival Cucina del Capitano Drink Menu

Here is the Cucina del Capitano menu for bar: 

Carnival Cucina del Capitano Cost

Carnival Cucina del Capitano’s pricing varies depending on the ship: 

Excel Class ships 

The first visit is free for all passengers on Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Mardi Gras but additional visits cost $8 per person.

Eight Other Ships with The Cucina del Capitano restaurant 

• Adults pay $24 
• Children 11 and under pay $11 for the kids’ menu 

Additional Charges 

• Steakhouse menu items cost $20 to $23 extra each. 
• Alcohol is not included unless covered by a beverage package. 
• An 18% tip is added to paid meals except for free meals. 
• After the first two main courses per person, there’s a $5 surcharge for each additional one. 

Note: The Captain’s Pasta Bar, available for lunch on some ships, is free.  

Which Carnival Ships Have Cucina del Capitano?

Cucina del Capitano an Italian restaurant is a popular dining option on these specific ships in the Carnival fleet.  

• Carnival Breeze 
• Carnival Celebration 
• Carnival Horizon 
• Carnival Jubilee 
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Panorama 
• Carnival Radiance 
• Carnival Sunrise 
• Carnival Sunshine 
• Carnival Vista 
• Carnival Mardi Gras

Which Carnival Ships Have Captain’s Pasta Bar?

The Captain’s Pasta Bar is a free lunchtime option available in Cucina del Capitano, but only on some Carnival Ships. Out of the 11 ships that have Cucina del Capitano, 6 offer this complimentary pasta bar for lunch. The following have the Captain’s Pasta Bar for lunch: 

• Carnival Breeze 
• Carnival Horizon 
• Carnival Magic 
• Carnival Panorama 
• Carnival Sunshine 
• Carnival Vista 

Where is Cucina del Capitano on Carnival Cruise Ships?

Let’s find the Cucina del Capitano locations on different Carnival Class Ships: 

• Carnival Excel Class Ships: Cucina del Capitano is on Deck 8 of Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Mardi Gras. It is near other popular eateries on the same deck, including ChiBang, Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Rudi’s SeaGrill, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor.

• Carnival Sunshine Class Ships: Cucina del Capitano is on Deck 10 on Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise and on deck 9 on Carnival Sunshine.

• Carnival Vista Class Ships: Cucina del Capitano is located on Deck 11 of Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama, near Ji Ji Asian Kitchen.       

• Carnival Dream Class Ships: Cucina del Capitano is on Deck 11 on Carnival Breeze and Carnival Magic.  

When Does Cucina del Capitano Open on Carnival Cruise Ships?

Cucina del Capitano on Carnival Cruise Ships operates as follows: 

Lunch: On many ships, it’s open for lunch as a complimentary pasta bar. This runs from noon to 2:30 PM but the exact hours can vary by ship. 

Dinner: It functions as a full-service Italian restaurant for dinner. The Dinner hours are from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM but exact dining hours can vary by ship. 

On Excel Class ships 

• “Your Time Dining“ passengers can dine there anytime during dinner hours. 
• Set-seating diners can only eat there after 7:45 PM. 

Remember, exact times can vary by ship and sailing. It’s always best to check your ship’s daily program Carnival Fun times or ask guest services for the most up-to-date information on your specific cruise.  

What is the Dress Code for Carnival Cucina del Capitano Restaurant?

The dress code at Carnival Cucina del Capitano is cruise casual, so you don’t have to dress too formal. At lunch, comfortable outfits like shorts, t-shirts, or sundresses are perfectly fine. For dinner, the restaurant asks guests to follow a slightly neater look with casual evening wear such as jeans, polos, or casual dresses.  

Swimwear, gym clothes, or overly casual items are not allowed, but overall, the atmosphere remains friendly and comfortable for families and couples alike. 

Is a Reservation Required at Carnival Cucina del Capitano?

Reservations are not required for lunch since it works more like a casual pasta bar. For dinner, reservations are usually needed because it becomes a specialty dining restaurant. Walk-ins may be accepted if tables are available, but booking in advance is the best way to secure your spot and enjoy a smooth dining experience.

Carnival Cucina Del Capitano Reviews

On different Carnival cruises I’ve tried many dining options, but Zoe wanted us to try Cucina del Capitano during our Carnival Vista cruise. She had read different reviews and suggested a few dishes, so even though it wasn’t my first choice, I decided to go along and after the meal, I have to admit she was right.  

The restaurant has a warm, homely atmosphere and the staff are welcoming, which made the whole dining experience feel relaxed. I ordered the Pappardelle, which was perfectly cooked and full of flavor, while Zoe went for the Grande Braciola Di Maiale, which was juicy and delicious.  

We paired dinner with a glass of Chianti and a cold Peroni, and later shared tiramisu with cappuccino, which rounded out the evening beautifully. 

At lunch, Zoe was excited to try the pasta bar. She built her own plate of penne Alfredo with chicken, while I went for spaghetti marinara with meatballs. Both were freshly made and full of flavour. Drinks added to the experience too. Zoe chose an Aperol Spritz while I stuck with Peroni again, simple but refreshing. 

Other cruisers also spoke highly of Cucina del Capitano. Families mentioned how much their kids enjoyed spaghetti and meatballs with lemonade, while parents preferred braised short ribs paired with a glass of Prosecco.  

One couple that I came across shared that they celebrated their anniversary dinner here. Another cruiser described their meal as feeling like a traditional Italian Sunday dinner. 

What started as Zoe’s suggestion on Carnival Vista turned into one of the best dining experiences of our cruise. I’d definitely recommend Cucina del Capitano to fellow cruisers, especially trying the pasta bar at lunch, which is freshly made and full of flavor. I’m looking forward to trying it again on my next cruise. 

FAQs – Carnival Cruise Cucina Del Capitano Menu 2025