What To Expect On A Carnival Cruise During Thanksgiving: A Fun-Filled Holiday Experience!

by | Nov 14, 2023 | Cruise Planning & Cruiser Lifestyle

Carnival Cruise Line offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those who want to celebrate Thanksgiving on the high seas. With a variety of activities and special menus, guests can enjoy the holiday without the stress of cooking and cleaning up.

One of the highlights of a Thanksgiving cruise with Carnival is the special dinner menu. Cruisers can expect a traditional Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings, including turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. But Carnival also offers unique twists on the classic dishes, such as cranberry sauce with a Caribbean twist or sweet potato casserole with a pecan crust.

In addition to the delicious food, Carnival provides a range of activities to keep guests entertained throughout the holiday. From turkey scavenger hunts to football watch parties, there's something for everyone. And with the festive decorations and lively atmosphere on board, guests can truly embrace the holiday spirit while enjoying the beautiful views of the ocean.

What is a Carnival Cruise?

A Carnival Cruise is a vacation experience like no other. It is a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and indulge in some much-needed relaxation. Carnival Cruise Line is one of the largest cruise companies in the world, offering a wide range of itineraries to destinations all over the globe.

Carnival ships are known for their fun and lively atmosphere, with a variety of activities and entertainment options available for guests of all ages. From water parks and mini-golf courses to Broadway-style shows and comedy clubs, there is never a dull moment on a Carnival cruise.

But a Carnival cruise is not just about the onboard experience. It is also a chance to explore some of the most beautiful and exotic destinations in the world. Whether you are looking to soak up the sun on a Caribbean beach, explore the glaciers of Alaska, or discover the culture and history of Europe, Carnival has a cruise for you.

So whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or just a chance to unwind and recharge, a Carnival cruise is the perfect choice. With so much to see and do both on board and on shore, you are sure to have the time of your life.

Experiencing Thanksgiving on a Carnival Cruise

Thanksgiving is a special holiday that brings families together to share a traditional meal and reflect on their blessings. However, preparing and cooking a Thanksgiving dinner can be time-consuming and stressful. That's why many families are choosing to celebrate Thanksgiving on a Carnival cruise.

Onboard a Carnival cruise, guests can expect a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with all the traditional trimmings. The menu usually includes roasted turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, among other tasty dishes. The dinner is served in the main dining room, and guests can enjoy the meal with their loved ones while taking in the stunning views of the ocean.

In addition to the Thanksgiving dinner, Carnival also offers a variety of Thanksgiving-themed activities for guests of all ages. Guests can participate in a turkey trot, a turkey hunt, or a turkey scavenger hunt. There are also Thanksgiving trivia games and other fun activities that will keep everyone entertained.

For those who prefer a more relaxed Thanksgiving, Carnival offers spa treatments and other wellness activities. Guests can unwind and recharge their batteries while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the ocean.

Overall, celebrating Thanksgiving on a Carnival cruise is a great way to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. With delicious food, fun activities, and stunning views, a Carnival cruise is the perfect way to experience the holiday.

Dining Options

Carnival Cruise offers a wide range of dining options to its guests during Thanksgiving. The main dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a variety of dishes to choose from. The dining rooms are decorated with Thanksgiving colors and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. The chefs take care of all the dinner fixings, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

For appetizers, guests can choose from a variety of options such as deviled eggs, crab salad, beef tartare, and baked brie with pecan crumble and olive crostini. The Short Rib and Yam Croquette is a delightful option, complemented by pimento aioli and pear and mustard relish. Roasted pumpkin soup is another popular option.

The main course includes a holiday roasted tom turkey with Thanksgiving stuffing, sweet potato casserole, cauliflower and cheese pie with wild mushroom sauce, and spinach. The steakhouse selections are also available, including ahi tuna salad, surf & turf, filet mignon, New York strip steak, and lamb chops.

The desserts are equally delicious, with options such as pecan pie, fig and olive crostini, and salted caramel sauce. The dining room staff is always ready to serve and make sure guests have a memorable Thanksgiving dinner.

Overall, guests can expect a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with a Carnival Cruise twist. The dining options are plentiful, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.

Onboard Activities

Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of onboard activities during Thanksgiving to keep guests entertained and in the holiday spirit. Some of the activities may include:

  • Thanksgiving Day Parade: Guests can enjoy the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcasted on the giant poolside LED screen or TV screens spread across the ship's bars.
  • NFL Games: Football fans can catch the Thanksgiving Day NFL games on the ship's screens.
  • Trivia Games: Guests can participate in Thanksgiving-themed trivia games and win prizes.
  • Turkey Scavenger Hunt: The entertainment staff may host a turkey scavenger hunt, where guests can search for hidden turkeys throughout the ship.
  • Thanksgiving Duck Hunt: Another fun activity for guests may be the Thanksgiving duck hunt, where guests can search for rubber ducks hidden throughout the ship and win prizes.
  • Big Game: Guests can watch the big game on the ship's screens and enjoy the game with fellow passengers.
  • Other Cruise Activities: In addition to Thanksgiving-themed activities, guests can also enjoy the ship's regular onboard activities, such as live music, comedy shows, dance parties, and more.

Overall, there are plenty of onboard activities to keep guests entertained and in the holiday spirit during their Thanksgiving cruise with Carnival.

Destinations

Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of destinations for Thanksgiving cruises, including the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Mexico.

The Caribbean is a popular destination for Thanksgiving cruises, with ports of call such as Grand Turk and Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. These destinations offer beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and other water sports.

The Bahamas is another popular destination for Thanksgiving cruises, with ports of call such as Nassau and Princess Cays. These destinations offer white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a laid-back island vibe. Visitors can explore local markets, sample traditional Bahamian cuisine, or simply relax on the beach.

Mexico is also a popular destination for Thanksgiving cruises, with ports of call such as Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas. These destinations offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, swim with dolphins, or simply relax on the beach with a margarita in hand.

No matter which destination you choose, a Thanksgiving cruise with Carnival offers a unique and memorable way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.

Additional Amenities

In addition to the festive atmosphere and special Thanksgiving menu, Carnival cruises offer a variety of amenities to make your holiday even more enjoyable.

For those looking to relax and unwind, the onboard spa offers a range of treatments and services to help you feel pampered and rejuvenated. From massages and facials to manicures and pedicures, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

If you're looking for a place to grab a drink and socialize, Carnival's bars and lounges offer a variety of options. Whether you prefer a cozy pub atmosphere or a lively nightclub scene, there's a spot onboard to suit your preferences.

For movie lovers, the Seaside Theater is the perfect place to catch a flick under the stars. With a giant screen and comfortable seating, you can enjoy your favorite films while taking in the beautiful ocean views.

In addition to movies, the Seaside Theater also hosts a variety of other events and activities throughout your cruise. From live music and comedy shows to sports games and dance parties, there's always something fun happening onboard.

Overall, Carnival's Thanksgiving cruises offer a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the holiday in a unique and memorable way. With delicious food, festive decorations, and a variety of amenities to enjoy, it's the perfect way to spend time with loved ones and create unforgettable memories.

Celebrating with Family and Friends

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and what better way to do so than on a Carnival cruise? With a range of activities and entertainment options, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the highlights of a Thanksgiving cruise with Carnival is the traditional Thanksgiving evening meal. Guests can look forward to a delicious spread featuring roasted turkey, yams, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, giblet gravy, and pumpkin pie. It's the perfect way to enjoy a holiday feast without having to worry about cooking or cleaning up.

In addition to the meal, there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Carnival staff organizes a Thanksgiving Duck Hunt and Thanksgiving Trivia game, which are both fun for kids and adults alike. And for those who want to relax and unwind, there are plenty of lounges and bars where you can kick back and enjoy the company of your loved ones.

Of course, Thanksgiving is also a time to reflect on what you're grateful for. Carnival provides a Gratitude Box where guests can write down what they're thankful for and drop it in the box. It's a great way to take a moment to appreciate the good things in life and share your gratitude with others.

Overall, a Thanksgiving cruise with Carnival is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. With great food, fun activities, and plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind, it's an experience you won't forget.