Carnival Glory Embarkation Day Lunch Guide: Every Place to Eat After Boarding
Updated: Aug 9
One of the first questions cruisers ask after stepping aboard Carnival Glory is, "Where should we eat?"
If you've never sailed on Carnival before, it's tempting to head straight to the buffet. While the Red Sail Lido Marketplace is certainly an option, it's also where you'll find the biggest crowds during the first few hours onboard.
Fortunately, Carnival Glory offers several complimentary lunch options on embarkation day, giving you plenty of choices for your first meal at sea.
Whether you're craving burgers, tacos, fried chicken, waffles, pizza, sandwiches, or a little bit of everything, here's every complimentary place to eat after boarding Carnival Glory.
Embarkation Tip: Most guests board before their staterooms are ready. Lunch is a great way to spend your first hour onboard while you wait for cabins to open. Afterward, grab a drink, explore the ship, or find the perfect spot for sail away.
Carnival Glory Embarkation Day Lunch at a Glance
Venue | Deck | Cuisine | Typical Crowd |
Guy's Burger Joint | Deck 9 | Burgers & Fries | ⭐⭐⭐ High |
BlueIguana Cantina | Deck 9 | Tacos & Burritos | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
Chicken, Waffles & Waves | Deck 10 Aft | Fried Chicken, Waffles & BBQ | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
Carnival Deli | Deck 9 | Sandwiches & Wraps | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
Pizza Pirate | Deck 9 | Pizza | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
Red Sail Lido Marketplace | Deck 9 | Buffet | ⭐⭐⭐ Very High |
Guy's Burger Joint 🍔
Location: Deck 9 Lido
Cost: Complimentary
Guy Fieri's Burger Joint is one of Carnival's most popular dining venues, and for good reason. Every burger is cooked to order, served with fresh-cut fries, and customized at the toppings bar.
BlueIguana Cantina 🌮
Location: Deck 9 Lido
Cost: Complimentary
BlueIguana Cantina is one of my favorite embarkation day lunch spots. Choose freshly made tacos or burritos, then load them up with toppings from the salsa bar.
Chicken, Waffles & Waves 🍗🧇
Location: Deck 10 Aft
Cost: Complimentary
One of Carnival Glory's newest complimentary dining venues is Chicken, Waffles & Waves, and it's a fantastic option for embarkation day lunch.
Because many guests head straight to Guy's Burger Joint or the buffet, this can be a great place to enjoy a more relaxed lunch while you settle into vacation mode.
Carnival Deli 🥪
Location: Deck 9 Lido
Cost: Complimentary
The Carnival Deli serves freshly made hot and cold sandwiches throughout lunch and dinner.
Pizza Pirate 🍕
Location: Deck 9 Lido
Cost: Complimentary
Pizza Pirate is always a reliable choice if you want something quick while exploring the ship.
Lido Marketplace Buffet 🍽️
Location: Deck 9 Midship
Cost: Complimentary
The Red Sail Lido Marketplace offers the largest variety of food onboard. If your travel party can't decide what to eat, the buffet is the easiest choice since everyone can grab exactly what they're craving. Just keep in mind it's also the busiest lunch venue on embarkation day.
My Final Thoughts
Your cruise vacation begins the moment you step onboard, and your first meal is part of the experience.
While the buffet is convenient, Carnival Glory offers several delicious complimentary alternatives that are worth trying. Whether you're craving a juicy burger, crispy fried chicken, waffles, fresh tacos, made-to-order sandwiches, or a hot slice of pizza, you'll have no trouble finding a great lunch before sail away.
Take a few minutes to explore beyond the buffet, and you might just discover a new Carnival favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lunch free on embarkation day on Carnival Glory?
Yes. All of the venues listed in this guide are complimentary and included in your cruise fare. Specialty beverages and alcoholic drinks are additional.
What is the least crowded lunch option?
The Carnival Deli and Chicken, Waffles & Waves are often less hectic than Guy's Burger Joint and the buffet, especially if you board early or a little after the initial lunch rush.
Is Chicken, Waffles & Waves open on embarkation day?
Yes. Chicken, Waffles & Waves is open for lunch on embarkation day aboard Carnival Glory, making it another excellent complimentary option after boarding.
Is the Main Dining Room open for lunch on embarkation day?
No. The Main Dining Room generally opens for dinner service on embarkation day but does not serve lunch.
What time do cabins open?
Cabins typically open in the early afternoon (around 1:30pm), although the exact time varies by sailing.
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