For many travelers, vacations are no longer just about rest, relaxation, and having a good time. Today’s travelers are increasingly seeking enriching vacation experiences that offer opportunities for personal growth, cultural connection, and learning new skills.
“Skillcations,” or vacations that pair travel with exploring a hobby or learning a hands-on skill, are trending as we head into 2026. According to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, 72% of travelers say they want to dive into a personal passion, skill, or hobby during their time off.
On its newest cruise ships, Carnival Cruise Line is tapping into that trend with popular cooking classes that invite vacationers to explore culinary arts and learn techniques that they can take home to use in their own kitchens.
Here’s what to know about the classes if you’re interested in making your next Carnival cruise a culinary “skillcation.”
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Carnival Kitchen cooking classes are offered on three Carnival cruise ships.Image source: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Kitchen cooking classes now available to book for 2026
Carnival Kitchen cooking classes offer hands-on instruction from Carnival chefs in pizza and pasta making, sushi rolling, grilling, cake decorating, and more. Prices for the classes start $47 per person. Space is limited for these small group classes, so booking in advance of a cruise is recommended to secure a spot.
Carnival Kitchen cooking classes are now available to book for 2026 cruises on the cruise line’s Excel Class ships — Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee.
Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, shared that news with loyal Carnival cruisers in a Dec. 10 Facebook post.
Related: This Carnival cruise dinner always sells out. Here’s why cruisers love it
“With many thanks for your patience I am glad to say that the Carnival Kitchen cooking classes are now available to pre-book online for those ships that have them in 2026. And they are of course Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee,” Heald posted alongside a photo of the schedule for the classes.
Passengers who have taken the classes on past cruises say they’re not just helpful for those who want to return from vacation with a new skill to use in their home kitchen, they offer a fun and delicious way to spend time at sea.
“We did the ice cream class on Mardi Gras. It was so much fun. We learned a lot and the ice cream with the fresh waffle cones was amazing,” Jean Gottleber Doolittle wrote in the comments on Heald’s post.
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2026 Carnival Kitchen cooking class schedule
Different Carnival Kitchen cooking classes are offered each day of a cruise, with multiple classes available on sea days. Classes are offered according to the following schedule:
Sea Day 1:
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Pasta Master: 10 – 11 a.m.
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It’s an Ice Cream Kinda Day: 3 – 4 p.m.
Sea Day 2:
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Cake Workshop: 10 – 11 a.m.
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Pit Grill and Smoke: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
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Tailgate Party: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Port Day 1:
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Pizza Master: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
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Chef’s Table: 6 – 10 p.m.
Port Day 2:
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Morning Hustle: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
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Chef’s Table: 6 – 10 p.m.
Sea Day 3:
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Pasta Master: 10 – 11 a.m.
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Cupcake Academy: 12 – 1 p.m.
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Bake Shop & Pie Town: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
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Chef’s Table: 6 – 10 p.m.
Port Day 3:
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Cupcake Academy: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line provides update on popular new breakfast menu
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This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.