When ordering a steak form a steak house, I always ask if they put "stuff" on top of it. If they do, I always ask for it to be "barefoot". The only thing I want on it is salt. I don't think I've had any restaurant meat covered or smothered in anything. And when it comes to potatoes ... the only potato I eat at a restaurant is baked with NOTHING on it. I add my own stuff, mostly just butter and salt. I want the flavor of my food to be the food, not smothered with artificial gunk that takes away the true flavor. If the food is bad, I send it back.
EDIT: I've been on 2 different Carnival Cruises and never had any issues with the food. Formal dining was nice, food good. At the buffet, you select your own. They will fix it the way you want it, no problems at all.