If you’ve sailed Carnival in Australia before, you probably noticed the dining lineup felt slightly different compared to the U.S.-based ships. That’s about to change in a big way.
Carnival Cruise Line is rolling out a fresh wave of restaurant updates on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, replacing familiar venues with fan-favorite concepts from across the fleet.
Here’s what’s coming:
- Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse is replacing Luke’s Bar and Grill.
- Bonsai Sushi Express is now open onboard.
- A brand-new Carnival Topside Grill is replacing Luke’s Burgers.
- A shift toward fleet-wide Carnival dining experiences.
And yes — Australian guests are finally getting one of Carnival’s most loved specialty restaurants.
Fahrenheit 555 Is Officially Heading Down Under
If you’ve ever dined at Fahrenheit 555 on a Carnival cruise, you know it’s not just dinner — it’s an experience.
Carnival is replacing Luke’s Bar and Grill on both ships with its signature steakhouse, bringing the Australian-based vessels in line with the broader Carnival fleet.
From May 4, 2026, guests sailing on:
- Carnival Adventure’s 12-night Fiji & South Pacific cruise from Sydney
- Carnival Encounter’s 4-night Airlie Beach sailing from Brisbane
…will be among the first to try the new venue.
The steakhouse is already a hit on:
- Carnival Luminosa (seasonally sailing from Australia)
- Carnival Splendor (homeported in Australia year-round)
So this move was honestly only a matter of time.
What’s on the Menu at Fahrenheit 555?
This isn’t your casual cruise buffet dinner. Fahrenheit 555 is Carnival’s premium steakhouse, and it comes with a surcharge of $77 AUD (around $55 USD) per person.
Expect elevated dining options like:
- New York strip loin
- T-bone steaks
- Filet mignon
- Surf & turf combinations
- Fresh seafood selections
- Curated sides
- An expanded wine list
- Decadent desserts
Reservations are required, and guests can book:
- Pre-cruise via Carnival’s website.
- Once onboard through the HUB App.
Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, confirmed Australian guests will get the same premium steakhouse experience the rest of the fleet has been enjoying for years.
Dry Dock Timeline and Rollout Details
Carnival Encounter is currently undergoing an extensive dry dock in Singapore and will return to service on March 5, 2026.
Carnival Adventure, meanwhile, has a shorter dry dock scheduled in early 2027.
However, the steakhouse won’t wait for that 2027 refresh. Fahrenheit 555 will debut on both ships starting with sailings on May 4, 2026.
Guests who already booked Luke’s Bar and Grill will receive email notifications explaining:
- The venue replacement.
- How existing reservations are impacted.
- Steps to modify or rebook dining plans.
Sushi Lovers Get a Quick-Serve Upgrade
Steak isn’t the only addition.
Bonsai Sushi Express has already launched on both ships, offering a grab-and-go option for guests craving something lighter or quicker between activities.
The venue features:
- Made-to-order sushi rolls.
- Sashimi.
- Small plates and Japanese-inspired bites.
It’s already a popular concept across the Carnival fleet, especially for cruisers who want something different from burgers and pizza during the day.
And let’s be honest — having a sushi option by the pool hits differently.
Luke’s Burgers Out, Carnival Topside Grill In
Another change that might surprise repeat Aussie cruisers: Luke’s Burgers is being removed.
In its place, Carnival is introducing Carnival Topside Grill — a new burger-focused venue.
Now, before you get too excited, this is not Guy’s Burger Joint.
Details about Topside Grill are still limited, and Carnival hasn’t yet confirmed:
- Whether there will be an extra charge.
- What specific menu items will be offered?
- How will it differ from other Carnival burger concepts?
But it signals another step toward aligning these ships more closely with Carnival’s broader onboard dining strategy.
Why Carnival Is Making These Changes
These updates come after the integration of the former P&O Cruises Australia brand into Carnival’s fleet structure.
Luke’s Bar and Grill and Luke’s Burgers were tied to a partnership with well-known Australian chef Luke Mangan.
With P&O Australia now retired, Carnival is transitioning the ships to reflect its global brand identity.
The goal?
- Standardize guest experiences.
- Bring fan-favorite venues fleet-wide.
- Create consistency across homeports.
- Strengthen brand recognition.
If you’ve cruised Carnival in North America and then sailed one of the Australian ships, you probably noticed the difference. That gap is closing.
