Carnival Is Removing Luke’s Restaurants From Two Ships — Here’s What’s Replacing Them

Carnival Cruise Line has revealed new dining changes coming to its Australia-based ships Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure, and the updates will feel very familiar to guests who’ve sailed the wider Carnival fleet. While several fan-favorite venues are arriving, the move also marks the end of the ships’ long-running partnership with celebrity chef Luke Mangan.

Here’s everything we know so far about the dining shake-up.

Major Dining Overhaul Coming to Both Ships

Carnival is introducing multiple new venues to align the ships more closely with the rest of its fleet. The changes will roll out as part of dry dock upgrades, beginning with Carnival Encounter, which is currently in dry dock in Singapore. Carnival Adventure will follow with its own dry dock in early 2027.

Carnival Encounter is scheduled to return to service on March 5, 2026, and guests sailing from May 4, 2026 will be among the first to experience the new dining lineup on both ships.

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse Replaces Luke’s Bar & Grill

The biggest change is the arrival of Fahrenheit 555, Carnival’s signature specialty steakhouse, which will replace Luke’s Bar & Grill on both ships.

This marks the end of Carnival’s dining partnership with Australian chef Luke Mangan, which originated during the ships’ time with P&O Cruises Australia.

Carnival says the goal is to bring Australian sailings in line with guest-favorite experiences across the fleet.

Anton Loeb, Carnival Cruise Line Assistant Vice President Sales & Marketing, said:

“We are delighted to be bringing Fahrenheit 555 to all of our Australia-based ships, so guests can experience Carnival’s signature premium experience no matter where or when they sail with us.”

What Guests Can Expect at Fahrenheit 555

The steakhouse already operates across much of the Carnival fleet, including Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor in Australia. It’s a premium specialty restaurant with a $77 AUD (~$55 USD) per person surcharge.

Menu highlights typically include:

• Premium cuts like filet mignon, New York strip, and T-bone steaks
• Surf & turf and seafood dishes
• Elevated sides and desserts
• Curated wine selections

Reservations will be required and can be made before sailing or through the Carnival Hub app onboard.

Guests who already booked Luke’s Bar & Grill will receive updated details about how the change affects their reservations.

Bonsai Sushi Express Expands to Australia Sailings

Another fleet favorite arriving on both ships is Bonsai Sushi Express.

The grab-and-go venue offers made-to-order sushi, sashimi, and quick snacks, and has already proven popular across many Carnival ships. On Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure, it will replace the former P&O venue Lily’s.

This gives Australian cruisers another casual dining option that fits Carnival’s broader onboard experience.

New Burger Spot Replaces Luke’s Burgers

Luke’s Burgers is also being removed from both ships.

In its place, Carnival is introducing a new venue called Carnival Topside Grill, a specialty burger restaurant that will debut exclusively on Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure.

While details are still limited, Carnival has confirmed:

• It will not be Guy’s Burger Joint
• Menu and pricing have not yet been announced

This new venue is expected to offer a fresh burger experience designed specifically for these ships.

Not All Changes Guests Wanted Are Happening (Yet)

One update that many cruisers hoped for will not be arriving — at least for now.

Despite strong guest demand, the ships will not add 24/7 complimentary pizza or soft serve like many other Carnival ships.

Instead:

• Free pizza will remain available 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
• Ice cream will continue to be offered through New Zealand Ice Creamery, but not as an included perk

These items were among the most requested upgrades from Australian cruisers, but Carnival has chosen to keep the current offering unchanged for the time being.

First Sailings With the New Dining

The new venues are expected to debut on May 4, 2026 sailings:

• Carnival Adventure’s 12-night Fiji & South Pacific cruise from Sydney
• Carnival Encounter’s 4-night Airlie Beach sailing from Brisbane

Guests booked on these voyages will be the first to experience the refreshed dining lineup.

Bringing the Ships Closer to the Carnival Brand

Carnival has been gradually “Carnival-izing” the former P&O Cruises Australia ships since they joined the fleet in 2025. These dining updates continue that transition, replacing Luke Mangan’s venues with Carnival’s signature restaurants.

For Australian cruisers, the changes bring a mix of excitement and nostalgia — offering new fleet favorites while saying goodbye to a familiar dining era.

More details about additional updates are expected as Carnival continues revealing plans for both ships.