So what's a foodie to do then? (long)

[mrsbean1990]

I don't know how anyone could be disappointed with the food on a cruise. :confused:

 

I agree with the above poster who said that you are over thinking this.

 

I highly recommend the steakhouse though for something extra special.

[kwagmyre]

You're certainly putting a lot of thought and effort into what you're going to be eating in the dining rooms.

 

For my honeymoon, I'd be thinking more about what I was going to be eating in the cabin.:cool:

 

Gigity

 

LOL... yeah, that's already pretty well covered... I don't go by the screen name "kwagmyre" for nothing...

 

And besides, not to threadjack my own thread, but that's a different topic that I've also been meaning to post about, in terms of what toys/restraints are allowed on board - I hear handcuffs are a no-no, so that also concerns me regarding the whips and chains... :eek: :cool: ;)

[kwagmyre]

are you planning on getting a table for two for the cruise? It may not be pleasant for table mates if you are putting so much thought in to the food as for many it is highly enjoyable.

 

It's a honeymoon, so yes, a table for two.

 

Unless, that is, it turns out to be a table for three!

 

GIGGITY!!! :D

[jbhcw]

You will enjoy the steakhouse and the chef's table:). On carnival I really love the kingklip they serve in the MDR for lunch, and the brassa is good too. Their lamb is usually good, and as you said you could just eat off the apps if nothing appeals.

 

My son and his wife cruised with friends this fall, all foodies and a table for 6 ordered 36 apps one night, don't think the waiter was too happy but they took care of him for all his extra work:rolleyes:eek:

[kwagmyre]

Ok, so I'm going to let you know, I am also a big foodie,

 

We likes the Penne and also the Newburg,

 

Please also tell the wife that the Lobster tail in the Steakhouse is not Maine lobster, it's african and I am such a lobster freak that I order them and have the sent live on very special occasions since shipping cost more than the lobster themselves, from Maine.

So the meat isn't as sweet and as tender as from Maine, some people like it, I didn't. I believe the lobster in the surf and turf is Maine lobster, it was good.

The steak house Lamb is to die for,

 

Another thing to remember is High Tea in the afternoon of sea days, really nice little finger sandwichs and sweets.

 

Interesting to hear about the seafood dishes from someone who sounds like they should know - haven't read too much praise for them, but then maybe they were different than expected.

 

Great info on the lobster, you obviously know much more about lobster than me, but that's her thing, not mine. I will be sure and have her read your comments.

 

Also great to hear about the lamb! Now you just made my decision harder, so thanks a lot! :D Wife also loves lamb, so we may just have to make two trips...

 

I did hear about the high tea, but thanks for the reminder. I keep forgetting about it, hopefully I remember on the boat.

[nybumpkin]

When we sailed on Glory this past July, they had a cooking demonstration in the steakhouse - I think, the first sea day. Aside from the demonstration, they had samples for everyone. I didn't need lunch that day.:)

[CourtneyLovesCruising]

oh my goodness.. I think you are WAAAYYY over thinking the food.

[kellieann5]

I have never heard of the Indian food order-ahead. I love Indian food and I would like to take advantage of the fact that many of the chefs seem to be Indian. Please post more info on how this works!

 

Thanks!

[rybreadsmomshubby]

Sorry, but you are waaaaaay over-thinking this.

Yeah, just slightly.;)

 

I just get on the ship and see what they have. I won't be going hungry on a cruise.

[scgamecock]

Now, I *am* an absolute steak snob, so to avoid even setting myself up for disappointment, I’ll actually be ordering one of the seafood dishes.

 

I have enjoyed many a good steak in my lifetime and the absolute best one I have ever had was a 24 oz. porterhouse at Carnival Valor's Steakhouse a few months ago. It was cooked perfectly and very tender. My Valor steakhouse experience ranks in my top 10 most memorable meals of all time. I had a similarly enjoyable steakhouse experience on Liberty in 2008. I can't imagine being disappointed with a Carnival Steakhouse steak.

 

Now, I’ve heard great things about the lasagna – and, in fact, may order a starter portion.

 

The lasagna on fascination recently was horrible according to my tablemates. 5 people at our table got it and when the waiter came by and saw that they weren't enjoying it, asked them what else they wanted and brought them all an alternate entree.

[Daisydaisy20]

Just off a 6-day and will offer the following. Some of the food is good, most of it is average. Here are a few things I noticed:

 

In the MDR, the appetizers were generally good. The soups were nice, as others have said. After a couple of underwhelming entrees on previous evenings, I ordered 3 appetizers one night -- one for the first course and two for the entree. Others at my table followed suit later on, and our waiter didn't bat an eyelash. One exception to the general rule of good appetizers -- there was some sort of chips and spinach dip thing that everyone hated. I didn't try it, as I am never ordering chips and dip when I have the option of tuna tartare. But that's just me.

 

The seafood was generally better than the meat entrees. The beef generally came out a degree or two closer to well-done than ordered, so I'd recommend ordering it less cooked than you prefer. This is pretty standard at a banquet-type setup, IMO, so I can't really fault Carnival (much) for it. With respect to the beef, my table mates said the filet was disappointed but were pleased with the chateaubriand a few nights later. I had a couple bites of the chateaubriand, and it was pretty good. You probably are more adventurous and will be happier with some of the other options, though.

 

I liked the martini basa that was billed as having won an award cruise line culinary competition. Others hated it, though. I wasn't wowed by the tomato-based sauce that topped it, but the fish was fresh and moist. The spicy sauce and pesto used to accent the plate added more to the dish than the tomato sauce. I'd recommend trying this entree, at least.

 

Entrees that were heavy on sauce were generally hiding some lower quality meat/main ingredient. IMO, that's the case most places, though.

 

I am not much of a dessert eater, but my table mates raved about the desserts. All I had was the fruit plate and sorbet. The fruit was generally fresh and well presented, although it's nothing too exotic -- melon, pineapple, grapes, etc. The table mates also liked the cheese plate. I didn't try it because my waiter couldn't tell me which cheeses were sheep's or goat's milk (which I can have) and which were cow's milk (which I can't). My own fault for not speaking to the maitre d' before the next night's dinner -- just wasn't ever important enough to me to get to the dining room early to do so.

 

The produce seemed very fresh at the beginning of the cruise, less so towards the end. I suspected some of the vegetables served at dinner the last night were canned or frozen. (A lot of peas on night six.) To that point, I'd been impressed with the overall quality of the produce. The salad bar at the buffet was very fresh and was kept well stocked with fruits and vegetables. Only the tomatoes scared me, but what can you expect in December. The citrus sections were a nice addition.

 

The Mongolian Wok is a good option. The chefs were friendly and didn't mind special requests (extra spicy, well done, etc.) I wasn't a big fan of the Thai barbecue sauce, but the Mongolian sauce was good. This may be your haven if you hate the rest of it.

 

I also hit the sushi bar for a quick bite a few afternoons (service started at 5pm, so a good option with your pre-dinner cocktail). The standard drill here is the chefs prepare you a plate with once piece each of three different rolls/nigiri pieces, which change nightly. You can ask for more than one plate or for only one type if you want. The sushi was a little heavy on rice and contained the more pedestrian/generic fish, like tuna and salmon. Also a bit heavy on the cream cheese when that was an ingredient of one of the rolls. I am an adventurous sushi eater, though, and I understand that most people wouldn't want some of the things I'd order at a sushi restaurant. Do try the spicy green apple wasabi they have as one of the condiments. That was a nice addition.

 

I wasn't a big fan of the buffet, especially at lunch. That kind of food just isn't my thing, though. Fortunately I was in port 3 of the 6 days, and I had the Mongolian wok and salad bar for the other days.

 

Treat yourself to a nice lunch in one of your ports if you need a foodie fix. If you are in Key West, the blackened fish tacos with spicy cole slaw at Rooftop Cafe are worthwhile.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[Cruzin2paradise09]

Ok, I have to say it ... with food being such an extremely subjective 'issue' why would anyone be so fixated on it especially if they haven't even been on a cruise in 30 years? Besides, you will be on your honeymoon .... hmmm.... my priorities would most definitely be elsewhere!

 

Maybe ordering chocolate covered strawberries with some whipped cream for the room ....

 

Enjoy your cruise and just let it all happen!

[llachance]

had a steak done right on any Carnival cruise but that doesn't mean other people have the same experience. Even at the Chef's table (x2) my steak was overdone. On the Dream last week hit the steak house again and had the lamb. It was pretty good. Service however, was lackluster.

 

Lately I have stuck to the Indian food (last two cruises were the Magic and the Dream) was not disappointed at all. Agree the appetizers are better then the entrees!

[staceyeileen]

Ok, so I too need more info on this Indian option...

 

I've gathered that there is an Indian option that is now listed on the menu every night, aside from the Indian veg option, but you have to order it a day in advance? Where might one see copies of these menus with the Indian entrees?

[llachance]

is an Indian option every night and it does not have to be pre ordered. At least this was the case on the Legend, the Magic, the Ecstacy and the Dream.

[VirtualCEO]

I sailed the liberty back in october and I will tell you the steakhouse was the absolute worst meal I have ever had anywhere in my life. My NY strip was 80% fat and unedible, was undercooked by 2 temps and the servers were rude about having to fix the issue (never got a new steak). Another person at our table had the ny strip and it was also 80% fat/grizzle but cooked to the right temp. My fiances filet was undercooked but atleast edible. We did complain and were sent 6 chocolate covered strawberries for our $100+ bill. I'd rather eat at the MDR or buffet.

[MissKIA]

Since you can order as many dishes as you want, why don't you just order a couple of different dishes each night each. That way you can try things out for yourself and decide - for yourself - if you like them or not.

 

One person's lobster is another person's liver.

[floatingaway2525]

I suggest you don't miss the short ribs in the MDR, and ALL the soups, and the prime rib, and the veal, and the chateaubriand...if you like it med rare order rare, just like any large group set-up...I wasn't crazy about the filet mignon this last time (on Miracle) but that was a first I usually love it!

 

The Steakhouse steaks are fabulous, go for the delmonico or the filet mignon and like a previous poster said, the lobster bisque is perfect and spoils you!

 

Enjoy your honeymoon!:D

[Chigirlcruzin]

oh my goodness.. I think you are WAAAYYY over thinking the food.

 

Totally agree....waaaaaay overthinking. OP, it is a huge mistake to skip the steak in the steakhouse if you are a steak person. Very high quality of meat prepared perfectly. I've eaten at some of the top steakhouses in the world; I love my steak.

[Melismass]

Sorry, but you are waaaaaay over-thinking this.

 

I put way more thought and planning into my excursions. I literally spend countless hours reading and planning and re-planning activities for the ports. If the OP is into planning meals, more power to em! Everyone on these boards over thinks something! In fact I have never seen so much obsessive compulsive behavior as I do on here! I love it!:D

[staceyeileen]

I did some more digging on the Indian option and found this most helpful thread for others that are interested:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1331370

[jgr8fulbear]

I did very much the same thing as you before my first cruise, and I have to tell you that all that planning went down the drain when action finally called. Prior to, what sounded good didnt necessarily fit my appitite on the cruise. One of my favorite past times is checking out the menus and food porn, I think going on the cruise with knowledge about what you like and how you like it is much more importent. If you require a great steak, go to the steakhouse. The soups in MDR are awesome, I loved the french onion. Be adventurous, you may not like somthing...so what throw it back and send your line out for something else, (new wife not withstanding) Happy honeymoon, and enjoy!

[sjn911]

I've only read page one, I love food done right and think maybe i am a foodie too but put up with my lazy fast cooking too that is not always great..back to my more rural home state and more good "home cooking family" I never go missing a good meal once in awhile..i think it is fun to read this thread from people who think it over more than I and just be more aware of options on our good "mainstream" lines and remember the fine food in Pacific NW..saving lots of money eating out here with good grilling...love your synopsis and posing of question op...it was fun..happy honeymoon..Sarah

[sjn911]

I put way more thought and planning into my excursions. I literally spend countless hours reading and planning and re-planning activities for the ports. If the OP is into planning meals, more power to em! Everyone on these boards over thinks something! In fact I have never seen so much obsessive compulsive behavior as I do on here! I love it!:D

 

LMAO..only reason we nuts are here, dreaming and redreaming and scheeming our cruise travels..LOL..Sarah..well said...

[aidansaunt2004]

I understand food is a big deal for you, but I think you're putting too much thought into it. The menus you are basing your meals off of may not be the same menus that are offered on your cruise. I'm a picky eater and I managed to find something to eat every night. If all else fails, they have the dishes that are offered every day just in case. Someone else posted something about not being hungry on port days and it's true. Even if you sit outside by the pool on a hot day, it affects your appetite.

 

One recommendation I have is that you get to know your "servers". They work really hard and often provide you conversations and experiences that you will remember long after you've left the ship. They help mold your cruise into a great experience.

 

As far as what you can bring onboard, I have no idea. Just keep in mind your room is not soundproof so you can hear your neighbors and people in the hall and they will be able to hear you ;)