It's no secret the food on the Carnival Breeze is amazing and there are endless options for all tastes. But what about those special places you can enjoy for just a few dollars extra? My family and I took one for the team and tried a few out ... just for you guys :) Ehhh... not really. We were dying to do this, but it sounds good right?
The first option we tried out was Cucina del Capitano. It is a specialty Italian restaurant onboard. It is decorated beautifully and what I like about the décor is they use vintage photographs of not only Carnival Ships, but family photo's of the captain. Cucina is free at lunch and a limited menu is served. We have gone many times and feasted on caesar salad's and lasagna. You can also fill out a menu and basically pick your own pasta. The price for dinner is $15 per person. I had always heard it was well worth the $15 so it was something I have always wanted to try.
We called ahead and made a reservation, but then quickly realized it was for the night we were in Curacao. We were there from 1pm-10pm. I had made an early reservation, but ended up calling back to cancel. We were not sure what we were doing for an excursion and I was afraid we might not be back on the ship and cleaned up in time for dinner. Things worked out for the best though and we were ready to go to dinner around 6:30. The majority of our other cruising companions had not returned to the ship so it was just Mark, T and Me. We decided to walk up to Cucina and just see if we might be able to get in. That was a success because not only did they have an empty table... ALL the tables were empty. With it being a late port day they were sure happy to see us!!
We were served some wonderful Italian bread while we looked over the menu. I have to say I was somewhat concerned because with the new American Table menu we had ordered several Italian dishes in the Main Dining Room and I was curious if I was ordering the same thing upstairs and paying $15 for it that I could have gotten downstairs for free. We started with a Calamari appetizer and my fears were but to rest. It was a different recipe and it was definitely delicious! I ordered Nonna's Dish which was a family recipe of the captain's Grandmother. It is a pasta dish of crispy shrimp and Prosciutto tossed in a vodka cream sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes. Mark ordered Bistecca Alla Griglia which was an Italian expression of a New York Strip Steak seared and served with grilled tomato, pearl onions, garlic confit, fried thyme an parsley. Trenton ordered his famous Spaghetti Carbonara which I was extremely distraught when he cleaned his plate because it was A-Mazing!! Beware your side dish orders are served family style and were more than our little of family of 3 could even begin to eat. It was a very pleasant dinner with fabulous service. More people trickled in after us, but it was definitely worth the $15 per person and we will be going back on our next opportunity.
The next option we headed for was the Steakhouse. I called in the beginning of our cruise and inquired on a reservation and was told they were completely booked. I was a little sad about it, but figured it was my fault for not taking care of it the first day. One afternoon we were exploring the ship and showing Mark the places we had found when we ventured upon the Steakhouse. He wanted to go in just to see if perhaps there had been any cancellations. We were told they still had no reservations available, but would be happy to put us on the waiting list. At that point Mark pulled out his card to give her his folio number and she said "Oh, you are platinum". How many were you wanting in your party? We decided on 5 so Trenton could bring his friend. She said "Do you think you could be here at 5:30?" We said sure. They literally set up an extra table and accommodated our party. We were not expecting that and were very appreciative!
The Steakhouse never disappoints and the service is just as incredible as the food. For appetizers we ended up with Lobster Bisque with vintage cognac and Escargots Bourguignonne. Salads we ordered the Classic Ceasar, Baby Leaf Spinach and Fresh Mushrooms with blue cheese dressing and warm bacon bits, and Sliced Sun Ripened Beefsteak Tomato with gorgonzola crumbles. Main courses we tried out the Grilled Prime Cowboy Steak (18oz Prime Rib), Broiled Filet Mignon, Broiled Lobster Tail and Grilled Lamb Chops. Everything was amazing. Oh... there are also side dishes which as Baked Potato with trimmings, Sauteed Medley of Fresh Mushrooms, Creamed Spinach and Steamed Broccoli. Price for the Steakhouse is $35 per person. You cannot order a much as you want like in the main dining room. You have your choice of 1 appetizer, 1 salad, 1 main course and 1 dessert and I promise you.... you can't eat it all!
We continually filled our tummies with awesome dinners so we had to give the Dr. Suess breakfast a try. The price for this is $5 per person. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made at the Steakhouse, though I do think if there is availability walk ins are welcome. I was somewhat concerned it would be a little corny as the boys are almost 13... or that it would be over run with unruly children, but it was really a pleasant experience. It was held in the dining room and the center had been completely transformed complete with an awesome ice sculpture as you walked in. The tables were fun and the characters came by for pictures with everyone.
I had to order the green eggs and ham and they were delicious! I was wondering if I could get past the green eggs and they tasted so fantastic it really wasn't an issue. Also pictured above are the pancake stacks and French toast fruit loops. The kids had a great time and I think the adults did too! It was definitely something fun and different to do.
For the record, I am not really in favor of having to pay for a lot of extra's while cruising. I don't like to feel like I am being nickeled and dimed here and there and I really like the all inclusive factor... However, I enjoyed each of these things. We have done the steakhouse multiple times and I would definitely do dinner at Cucina and the Dr. Suess breakfast again!
