Carnival’s New 45 Minute Dinner Trial Is Dividing Cruise Guests

After a long day exploring a port, sometimes you just want to sit down, eat, and get on with your evening, without spending over an hour in the dining room. Carnival seems to get that.

That’s why they’re testing a brand new 45-minute express dinner on Carnival Vista. It’s still a sit-down meal in the main dining room, just streamlined with a shorter menu and faster service. And if it proves popular, it might be coming to more ships.

Why the Change?

Cruisers aren’t short on food options, but they are sometimes short on time. After a full day ashore, not everyone wants a drawn-out dining experience. Whether you’re catching a show, putting the kids to bed, or just knackered, a quicker option can be a game-changer.

Carnival knows not every guest wants a two-hour dinner every night. By offering a faster alternative, they’re giving more flexibility, without forcing anyone to miss out on a proper sit-down meal.

What Is My Time Dining?

If you’re new to cruising with Carnival, My Time Dining (also known as “Anytime Dining”) means you’re not tied to a fixed dinner time. Instead, you can show up when it suits you — usually between 5:30pm and 9:00pm — and be seated when a table is ready.

The new 45-minute express dinner is available within this flexible dining option. You’ll head to a designated section of the main dining room and choose from a smaller, faster-to-prepare menu. Same table service, just without the long wait between courses.

What’s on the Menu?

To keep things moving, the express dinner menu is short and to the point, but still features solid crowd-pleasers.

Starters include classics like Shrimp Cocktail, Caesar Salad, Roasted Duck Rolls, and Tomato Soup. For mains, you’ve got options like Braised Short Rib, Sirloin Steak, Cornish Game Hen, or Shrimp — all easy to plate and quick to serve. And yes, dessert is still part of the deal, with favourites like Carnival’s famous Chocolate Melting Cake and a slice of Cheesecake on offer.

Carnival hasn’t said yet whether the menu will rotate or expand, but it’s safe to assume they’ll be testing different combos depending on how guests respond. The goal here is speed without sacrificing flavour, and judging by the picks, they’re sticking with proven hits.

Guest Reactions So Far

As soon as the 45-minute dinner idea hit the internet, the comment sections lit up and let’s just say people weren’t shy about their opinions.

Some cruisers are all for it. They love the idea of a faster meal without having to fight for a table at the buffet. “We usually skip dessert just to make the show,” one person said. Another added, “This might actually get me back in the main dining room — I’m not into those two-hour marathons.”

I’ll be honest, I’d welcome this. Dinner can feel a bit too drawn out, especially on port days. There have been plenty of times we’ve found ourselves clock-watching so we don’t miss the evening show, live music, or just a chance to sit out on deck and enjoy the warm air. A quicker dinner without sacrificing the dining room experience sounds like a smart option.

That said, plenty of cruisers weren’t convinced. “I’m not on my lunch break — I’m on holiday,” one person wrote. Others questioned the timing altogether: “It already takes 30 minutes just to get your starter,” someone pointed out. And of course, the classic: “If you want to eat fast, there’s always the buffet.”

Bottom line? Some love it, some hate it and some just want their cheesecake without watching the clock.

How It Compares to Other Quick Dining Options

Carnival already offers plenty of casual spots for a fast bite, such as Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, the buffet, and more. If you just want to grab food and go, you’re already well covered.

What makes this express dinner different is that it still gives you the full sit-down experience, just quicker. White tablecloths, waitstaff, and a proper meal, but without the usual wait between courses. It’s not about replacing the buffet or changing the vibe of the dining room entirely — it’s simply another choice.

Think of it as a happy middle ground. You still get the restaurant feel, but you’re out in time for trivia, karaoke, or a sunset on the Lido Deck. And really, isn’t cruise life all about choosing your own adventure?

Wrap-Up

At the moment, this 45-minute dinner is only being trialled on Carnival Vista, and only for guests with My Time Dining. But if it takes off, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it pop up on more ships soon.

Would you give it a go — or are you firmly in the “don’t rush me” camp?

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