Category: Cruise Planning

 Carnival Cruise Lines announced that they will introduce a new seafood restaurant onboard their newest mega ship Mardi Gras when she debuts in August 2020. This new seafood restaurant, “Rudi’s Seagrill” is designed by award winning culinary artist Rudi Sodsmin. Rudi’s Seagrill will showcase a wide variety of options, both flavorful and playful. With his artistic flare the menu will include dishes uniquely presented as fun “Food Faces”. Rudi’s Seagrill will offer a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts presented as food faces including big eye tuna, grilled branzino, seared scallops and apple cheesecake, as well as a full menu of dishes including crab cake, salt-roasted prawns, broiled lobster tail, and chocolate truffle cake. They will also offer alternate options for the non-seafood lovers. It will be located on Deck 8 between La Piazza and Summer Landing, Rudi’s Seagrill will feature an 80-seat indoor dining room with warm lighting and stylish decor as well as an al fresco area on The Lanai.

“We wanted to offer our guests a new and exciting dinner-time option that is as sophisticated as our steakhouses but takes our tradition of fun to the next level,” said Cyrus Marfatia, vice president of culinary and dining for Carnival Cruise Line. “Rudi’s Seagrill will feature next-level seafood delicacies and showcase Rudi’s innovative artistry and “plates with personalities’” where guests can feast their eyes on a new personable presentation every time they dine”. “I’ve spent decades perfecting dishes for my restaurants both onboard and ashore, but it has been such a special experience to partner with Carnival to bring this exciting restaurant concept to life,” said Sodamin. “I believe the quality of a restaurant starts on the plate, so with Rudi’s Seagrill, I want guests to enjoy the food and feel connected to their meals in a fun and engaging way.”

Sodamin began his culinary apprenticeship in Austria at age 14 where he earned the title as the youngest chef at sea leading a team of 260 culinary professionals. Sodamin, one of the industry’s most innovative chefs, serves as Holland America Line’s Master Chef. He is the author of a dozen cookbooks including “Food Faces” which features 150 vibrant images of his edible creations. The book as well as other merchandise will be sold onboard Mardi Gras.

Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is scheduled for her inaugural sailing in Europe on Aug. 31, 2020. She will then reposition to New York for a series of voyages then move to her home port of Port Canaveral for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning in Oct. 2020.