Posted on Nov 14, 2018
by in Cruise News
Following a $200 million refurb in 2020, Carnival Radiance will return to the sea with a new addition: the first seagoing Big Chicken restaurant by Shaquille O’Neil, of NBA fame. The menu will be packed with homestyle chicken favorites - all for free.
Bringing home cooking to the open sea
While the Lido Deck-based Big Chicken will be the first of its kind at sea, Shaq has already opened the first land-based restaurant in late October. The Las Vegas eatery features fried chicken recipes and reinterpreted traditional sides, all based on the NBA Hall of Famer’s own recipes.
“As Chief Fun Officer, I want to bring even more fun to every aspect of a Carnival cruise, including what guests eat,” said O’Neal. “Big Chicken has been a dream of mine and now that our land-based restaurant is open, it’s only natural to bring it to sea, as well.”
Fried chicken on the house
Playfully named sandwiches, traditional sides with a twist, and breakfast plates will tantalize patrons on board Carnival Radiance - and the best part? It’s all free of charge.
Shaq says he’s “really excited that Carnival Radiance guests will be able to enjoy [his] own delicious creations alongside all the other great food offerings on board.”
Big Chicken meets big fun on Carnival Radiance
Shaq’s Big Chicken will join the ranks of other Carnival favorites, including fellow celebrity-inspired Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, developed by longtime partner Guy Fieri.
Carnival Radiance will reprise fun spots like the RedFrog Pub, while adding new offerings to the food and beverage lineup. An Italian restaurant, Cucina del Capitano, will offer family-style meals. Fahrenheit 555, a classic American steakhouse, will give guests a taste of the mainland.
The 2020 refurb will also add a new AquaTunnel slide and an open-air recreation space for cruisers looking to work off a hearty meal. Staterooms aboard Carnival Radiance will also receive a makeover.
No specific dates have been announced for Carnival Radiance’s return to the seas, but Carnival has promised to release updates and homeport info shortly.