// what to expect
The Waterfront Restaurant is a main dining venue offering seated meals in a structured yet casual setting. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a rotating menu that includes a variety of international and familiar dishes. Guests are seated by staff, and meals are ordered from a printed or digital menu rather than self-service. The dining room features large windows, allowing for natural light and sea views, with tables arranged to accommodate both small and large groups. Service is paced and organized, providing a relaxed dining experience without rush. The Waterfront Restaurant offers a balanced atmosphere suited for everyday meals, combining attentive service with a straightforward and comfortable environment.
// on the menu
The Waterfront Restaurant offers a rotating menu that includes a variety of international and familiar dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
// know before you go
Pricing
At Waterfront Restaurant, additional charges will only be applied to specialty items, like alcoholic drinks, premium food options, etc.
Attire
Waterfront Restaurant recommended attire, according to Carnival, is "cruise casual" - including collared shirts, slacks, or jeans (no rips) for men, and blouses, sundresses, or pants for women, with no swimwear, tank tops, or flip-flops.
How to reserve
Main dining on Carnival cruise ships is included in your cruise fare and offers two flexible options: Your Time Dining (YTD) for open seating (typically 5:45 p.m.–9:30 p.m.) or Assigned Dining with fixed early (around 6 p.m.) or late (around 8 p.m.) seatings and the same table/waitstaff nightly. Reservations are not required for Assigned Dining—just arrive at your set time—but are strongly recommended for Your Time Dining to avoid long waits, especially on sea days or formal nights. All main dining rooms serve the same rotating menu of appetizers, entrees (including steak, seafood, pasta, and vegetarian options), and desserts, with “Didja” alternatives like grilled chicken or salmon always available. Before your cruise, select your preferred dining style during online check-in on carnival.com (under “Manage My Booking” > “Dining Preferences”) or via the Carnival Hub App up to 48 hours before sailing—Assigned times are auto-assigned if not chosen, while YTD requires no pre-selection but allows early reservations. Book YTD slots in advance through the app or website for specific nights/times (ideal for popular evenings); changes are easy until embarkation. Onboard, make or modify YTD reservations via the Carnival Hub App (fastest), at the dining podium outside the main dining room, or with Guest Services. Assigned diners can switch to YTD at the maître d’ stand on embarkation day if space allows. Walk-ins are accepted for YTD but may face 15–45 minute waits; check the app for real-time availability.
How to purchase
Premium items are available for purchase at Waterfront Restaurant. Your waiter will offer this option at the time of your dining experience. Charges will be applied to your sail card and charged at the end of the cruise. Upcharge items are clearly shown on the Waterfront Restaurant menu and include premium dining options (steak, lobster, etc) as well as alcoholic and other specialty beverages.
Age restrictions
Waterfront Restaurant, like most public areas of your Carnival ship, requires that children under 13 years old must be supervised by an adult, especially during late-night hours.
Good to know
Waterfront Restaurant serves breakfast from 7 to 9am, lunch from noon until 2pm, and dinner seats from 5:30 to 9:30pm.