Gulf of Mexico From Carnival Ecstasy Carnival Cruise Line announced in May 2022 some temporary changes due to an ongoing crew staffing shortage. In May 2022 Carnival announced the closure of Cucina Del Capitano, Chef's Table, and stopping of the Platinum & Diamond VIFP Party. John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador, recently announced the Chef's Table & Platinum & Diamond VIFP Party are making a return!
Chef's Table
The Chef's Table experience is a reservation required experience where a small group of guests have a muticourse dinner hosted by the Master Executive Chef. John Heald announced starting on cruises departing June 30th and onwards the Chef's Table will return. Guests that already had a reservation booked through Carnival's Booking Manager will keep their reservation as planned. If space remains for the event guests can book onboard. Carnival's website advertises only 14 guests per night can purchase a reservation for this experience.
Platinum & Diamond VIFP Party
John Heald announced on June 24th that cruises departing that day and onwards would have the Platinum & Diamond Party. According to the VIFP Benefits page, this party is held only on cruises that are 5+ nights in length.
Diamond Lunch/Event
Carnival is also bringing back the Diamond Lunch/Event that is held for VIFP Diamond guests onboard. John Heald announced the event re-started on June 24th for cruises that departed on that day.
Although these onboard experiences are returning, Carnival has decided to keep Cucina Del Capitano closed for now. Ships that have the Captain's Pasta Bar at lunch will continue having this offered.
Chef's Table
The Chef's Table experience is a reservation required experience where a small group of guests have a muticourse dinner hosted by the Master Executive Chef. John Heald announced starting on cruises departing June 30th and onwards the Chef's Table will return. Guests that already had a reservation booked through Carnival's Booking Manager will keep their reservation as planned. If space remains for the event guests can book onboard. Carnival's website advertises only 14 guests per night can purchase a reservation for this experience.
Platinum & Diamond VIFP Party
John Heald announced on June 24th that cruises departing that day and onwards would have the Platinum & Diamond Party. According to the VIFP Benefits page, this party is held only on cruises that are 5+ nights in length.
Diamond Lunch/Event
Carnival is also bringing back the Diamond Lunch/Event that is held for VIFP Diamond guests onboard. John Heald announced the event re-started on June 24th for cruises that departed on that day.
Although these onboard experiences are returning, Carnival has decided to keep Cucina Del Capitano closed for now. Ships that have the Captain's Pasta Bar at lunch will continue having this offered.