For some cruise travelers, fall dishes taste better when paired with a carefree Caribbean vacation. Carnival Cruise Line chefs are gearing up for a busy Thanksgiving across the cruise line’s U.S.

As winter weather sets in across much of the U.S., many cruise vacationers are counting the days until they set sail on a Christmas cruise to warm, tropical destinations that glow with holiday spirit.

Heading to sea? Cruise ship dining isn’t all tuxedos and tasting menus, nor is it limited to burgers and fries by the pool. Modern ship dining sits somewhere in the middle. ByDavid Nikel, Senior ...