... Read moreWhen planning a Carnival Conquest cruise, one of the most exciting parts is often anticipating all the delicious food you'll get to try! Based on my recent journey, I've got some practical tips and insights to help you navigate the dining scene and make the most of your culinary adventure.
First off, let's talk breakfast. While the buffet always has options, I highly recommend exploring other venues. My top pick was definitely the shrimp & grits, which truly stood out as the best breakfast item I had onboard, earning a solid 8/10. It was flavorful and comforting – a perfect start to a sea day. Don't be afraid to try different spots for breakfast; sometimes the hidden gems like the Blue Iguana Cantina can surprise you, even if my particular breakfast burrito (1/10 for freezer-burned hashbrowns) wasn't a winner across the board. However, their pico de gallo (8/10) was always fresh and delicious, so it's worth checking out for other items!
For lunch and casual dining, you’ll find plenty of options on the Lido deck. The classic burger and fries are cruise mainstays. My burger was a 6/10, decent but not spectacular, and the fries with sauce were a nice touch. I also tried the fried calamari and fries, which I rated 7/10. The calamari was a bit chewy, but the crinkle-cut fries were spot on. My advice here is to manage your expectations for these casual eats; they're convenient and satisfy a craving, but might not be gourmet. If you’re looking for something lighter, a Caesar salad might seem like a good idea, but mine was a disappointing 3/10 with wilted lettuce and insufficient dressing. Always inspect your salad options carefully!
Dinner in the main dining room or specialty restaurants offers a more varied experience. I tried the fettuccine alfredo with crawfish, hoping for a rich, flavorful dish, but it unfortunately lacked flavor for me, coming in at a 4/10. This highlights that even in more formal settings, consistency can vary. Don't hesitate to order something else if your first choice isn't hitting the mark! On the dessert front, the crème brûlée (5/10) was too sweet with a thick layer of sugar, so if you have a sweet tooth, it might be for you, but I prefer a more balanced dessert.
One thing I learned is to always be open to trying new things, but also to learn from what works and what doesn't. For instance, my peach French toast (5/10) was hit-or-miss, and while the bacon was a respectable 7/10, making a note of these details helps you plan your next meal. Don't be shy about asking for recommendations from fellow cruisers or even the staff – they often know the hidden gems.
Finally, remember that dining on the Carnival Conquest is part of the adventure. While not every dish will be a 10/10, there are definitely some standout items to enjoy. Use the Carnival Hub app to check daily menus, and if you have dietary restrictions, communicate them clearly. By mixing and matching options, you’re sure to find some fantastic meals that make your cruise even more memorable.