While there are many restaurants include in the cruise fare, there are several that are an additional cost. I initially thought "What?! I already paid all this money for the cruise. I'll just stick to the places already included." But, then, of course, I got curious. I wanted to try every place.

Prime Steakhouse



"Turn your special vacation in the direction of delicious — book a table for an unforgettably delectable evening at the onboard Steakhouse. Our menu features mouthwatering premium cuts of beef cooked to your exact specifications, as well as a fantastic selection of seafood, entrées, gourmet appetizers... and even a wine list that got the nod from Wine Spectator. (They actually call it the Award of Excellence.) The Steakhouse’s atmosphere pairs remarkably well with, and perhaps even enhances, the culinary creations of our gourmet chefs.



Tip: Like any destination restaurant, reservations are highly recommended, and can be made online after booking your cruise. Your meal includes an appetizer, salad, entrée, side, and dessert.



This meal began with a parmesan bonbon. I love a little amuse bouche, no matter the place.



Then, complimentary bread - one of which is thin, cracker-type - served with regular and spinach-dusted butter.



I ordered the stuffed mushrooms for my appetizer, which had spinach and parmesan. These felt decadent with tons of parmesan.



This filet was lightyears better than the main dining room broiled steak... though I think my lobster was a bit over.



The sides of baked potato and mac & cheese were over-the-top good - and a feast.



Finally, some sorbet to finish up a wonderful meal.




Cucina del Capitano



"The iconic red and white checkered tablecloth in your neighborhood Italian trattoria means you’re in for a certain kind of dining experience. At a table such as this, who’s gathered around is just as important as what’s being served, and we see these as the two halves of the experience at Cucina del Capitano®. Atop our tablecloth you’ll enjoy courses of dishes — antipasti, entrées, pasta and desserts — inspired by our Italian captains’ and officers’ childhoods.



It’s all served famiglia-style, because we know that sharing tales of your day’s adventures is best with large plates and great company. Speaking of which, the walls are not only adorned with old snapshots from the crew’s family albums, but you might even find the captain dining at his own table in the corner… all evidence that the rustic Italian country-home atmosphere you see is no façade. Tip: Reservations aren’t required, but to get the best seating and times, we recommend making a reservation. You can make one online after booking your cruise."



This Italian restaurant is the general version of the free lunch restaurant. So, there are a lot of other Italian options here besides the pasta at lunch.



I started with the freshly shredded cheesy bread and butter.



Then, it was Barada with poached cherry tomatoes. This was so simple and so divine.



The side of polenta was less exciting, but fine.



The penne was one of the best dishes of the trip. I was so pleasantly surprised by the mega flavorful meat sauce.



Like, I still dream of this dish and I've tried to recreate it.



The dessert was actually my least favorite course. It was a bit dry and bland.




Seafood Shack



"A good seafood dish is quite the catch. However you like yours served — whether it’s on a roll or a platter — Seafood Shack’s™ the place to cast your net. Imagine a New-England-style seaside spot where you can take it all in, enjoying a great meal complete with a side of ocean view. On a Carnival cruise is where you’ll find this shack by the sea, wherever in the world you happen to be!"



When I saw a lobster roll, I was sold.



It was a larger portion than I expected, but I do wish it was more buttery than mayo.




Sushi at Sea



A California roll and shrimp roll hit the spot.




Plaza Cafe



Plaza Cafe offers speciality coffees, freshly brewed tea or milkshakes along with a selection of pastries, cakes, cookies and ice cream sundaes.



there were a number of desserts that did look enticing, but not enough for me to splurge.



I went for a milkshake, which was a winner.




Cherry on Top



"A cruise is the perfect time to treat yourself to something sweet, and Cherry On Top™ happens to be the perfect place. You'll find this well-stocked candy-and-more-store not only great for enjoying some of your confectionery favorites, but the place to pick up food and apparel gifts for that special someone, even if — admit it — that someone happens to be you!"



"Scream for the cool stuff? Visit the ice cream counter at the Cherry On Top shops aboard Carnival Vista® and Carnival Horizon® for a signature ice cream creation, or build your own with tons of mix-ins and topping options. And if you get the urge to eat ice cream with your hands, we won’t judge… we’ll just suggest one of our ice cream cookie sandwiches. We’ll build you one by hand, and stuff it full of whatever ice cream and toppings you scream for."



I definitely stopped here early on and mixed and matched a bag of candy to enjoy in my cabin.



It lasted me the whole trip and I took it home with me.



Too bad this ship did not have the ice cream on it.


Towel Animals
Finally, I just wanted to share all the cool towel animals I had on the trip.

So far, I've shared all the food available in the Carnival Main Dining Rooms AND Lido Marketplace on the Magic ship.

But, there 's even more food than that. There are a number of additional food spots included in the cost of the cruise. Here are some of those:

Guy's Burger Joint



"When we went looking for someone to help us grill up the best burgers at sea, we found just the guy. Carnival teamed up with best-selling author, restaurateur and Food Network personality Guy Fieri to bring all the authentic appeal of a roadside burger shack to Guy’s Burger Joint, the cool poolside spot for hot burgers and hand-cut fries.



Try a fresh-off-the-grill burger Guy’s way, or take it off-road to our toppings bar and truly make it your own.



And since Guy’s vision for burger perfection knows no borders, our Fun Italian Style ships each feature a Guy’s Burger Joint location that adds exclusive Italian flavors to the menu. (We’re talking a pepperoni pizza burger, plus the Super Melty Mootz, which comes smothered in — you guessed it — mootzarella cheese!)"



These burgers themselves are pretty simple, but then there's a topping bar to take it to the next level. Pretty tasty overall.




Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que



"When the cool ocean breeze hits your nose with the sweet smell of smoke, you know you better follow it to Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse. At this onboard, open-air spot, Guy's doin’ his authentic, real-deal barbecue, his way.



The Barbecue Hall of Famer is bringin’ some big time meats like Championship Pork Butt, Smoked Round of Beef, Smoked Andouille Sausage and his famous Blue Ribbon Chicken as well as rockin’ sides like Mac Daddy Mac n Cheese, Old Skool Potato Salad and Collard Greens. Throw in his signature line of barbecue sauces and you’ve got a rockin’ sea day on deck"



This one is only open on Sea Days and during lunch, so I had to make sure to schedule this one out. And, then there was a bit of line, but it was worth it.



Pork butt, mac & cheese, potato salad - it was all tasty.




BlueIguana Cantina



"Nobody knows Mexican dining like a blue iguana. Well, our blue iguana, at least.



That’s why it should come as no surprise that the BlueIguana Cantina™ features freshly made tacos and burritos stuffed specially for your enjoyment.



Throw our homemade tortillas and salsa into the mix, and you have a casual dining experience that will make you say “mmmm” (which is actually Iguanese for “more, please”).



This location offers both breakfast and lunch, so I had to hit up both. I had a breakfast burrito in the morning and fish tacos in the afternoon. Both pretty tasty - but the salsa bar is where it's at.




Pizzeria del Capitano



"On Carnival ships, the captain tends to be kind of a big deal — almost a celebrity. On select ships, they’ve even got their own pizza spot. The best news? Pizzeria del Capitano is open morning, noon, and late into the evening… and you’re invited. And since our captains tend to be Italian, you know we’re talking primo ingredients. We start with hand-tossed dough, made from imported Italian flour, and add fresh mozzarella to form a solid base. Then there's a choice of toppings, to put the finishing touches on this piping hot, fresh-from-the-oven mealtime — or snacktime — classic. (Also, try our caesar salad — buono, capisce?)"



Pasta Bella



The pasta restaurant is an added cost and is only open for dinner BUT there is a scaled down version of it available for lunch.



It's a single sheet of paper where you can determine how you want your pasta cooked. And it's great!




Last, but not least, some room service is included in the cruise cost.



Only breakfast is included, and it's fairly limited, but boy is it nice to have it brought right to your room.



I called the night before to get some cereal and bagel with cream cheese.



Room service is available outside of breakfast hours, but it comes at a cost.



Next, and finally, I'll share the restaurants that are an additional cost.