Dining on a Princess Cruise: From Buffets to Fine Dining (and Everything in Between)

Let’s be honest: one of the biggest questions people have before booking a cruise isn’t about the ports of call, the size of the stateroom, or whether Wi-Fi will actually work in the middle of the ocean. Nope. The real question is: How’s the food?

Good news: Princess Cruises delivers big in the dining department. Whether you’re a steak-and-potatoes type, a sushi lover, or the kind of person who considers dessert a mandatory food group, there’s something waiting for you onboard. Let’s break it down—menus, specialty spots, casual bites, and yes, my personal “must-try.”

The Main Dining Rooms (aka the MDRs)

The main dining rooms are where many passengers start their foodie adventure, and they do not disappoint. Step inside and you’re greeted by warm lighting, white tablecloths, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve instantly leveled up in life. The aroma wafting from the kitchen? That’s the smell of chefs working overtime to make you happy.

The main dining room is the classic cruise venue.

Menus here rotate daily, so there’s always something new to tempt your taste buds. Breakfast might include everything from made-to-order omelets to fluffy pancakes. Lunch leans more relaxed, with hearty soups, fresh salads, and tasty sandwiches. But dinner is where the magic happens: multi-course meals featuring fresh seafood, pastas that taste like they came straight from Italy, vegetarian specialties, and international favorites that keep things interesting.

And here’s the kicker: all of this is included in your cruise fare. Yes, you can order that extra appetizer without worrying if your credit card will cry later.

Specialty Dining (for When You Want to Feel Fancy)

Of course, sometimes you want to step it up a notch—and Princess has you covered with specialty restaurants. These come with an extra fee, but trust me, the experience is worth it.

• Crown Grill: A steakhouse that makes you question why you ever thought supermarket steak was “good.” Juicy cuts, cooked exactly how you want them. The sides? Just as crave-worthy.

• Sabatini’s: For when you’re craving authentic Italian. Think homemade pastas, rich sauces, and tiramisu that may bring a tear to your eye.

• Kai Sushi: Perfect for sushi lovers, with rolls, sashimi, and Japanese-inspired small plates. It’s fresh, light, and makes you feel very sophisticated—right before you go grab a slice of pizza by the pool.

• Chef’s Table Lumiere: The crème de la crème. This is an exclusive multi-course gourmet dining experience with wine pairings and chef-led magic. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to take photos of every plate before you even take a bite (don’t worry, everyone else is doing it too).

If food is a highlight of your vacations, budget a little extra for at least one specialty dinner—you won’t regret it. (Note, all of these "Fine Dining" options are extra and not included in the cruise fare.

Casual Dining (aka Where Elastic Waistbands Come in Handy)

Not in the mood to dress up? No problem. Princess offers plenty of casual options where you can grab a bite without changing out of your poolside attire.

• World Fresh Marketplace: The buffet that has something for everyone. Want fresh fruit and salad? Done. Want fries, carving stations, and international dishes? Also done.

• International Café: Open nearly 24/7, this spot is a lifesaver. Specialty coffees, pastries, sandwiches, and light bites—basically fuel for when you’re trying to stay awake for karaoke night.

• Slice Pizzeria: Poolside pizza that somehow always tastes better when you’re in a swimsuit with ocean breezes in your hair.

  
  

Some casual venues are included, while others depend on the package you book. But overall, you’ll never go hungry—and you’ll definitely never have to wait long. (Some of these venues are also extra, so make sure you check prior to ordering)

Quality & Service: The Secret Ingredient

Here’s the thing about dining on Princess: it’s not just about the food. It’s the whole experience. The presentation is beautiful—meals look as good as they taste—and the service is consistently warm and attentive. You’ll quickly get used to being greeted by name, asked about your day, and offered suggestions as if you’re dining at a favorite neighborhood spot rather than on a ship with thousands of other people.

My Personal Favorite (Drumroll, Please…)

If I had to pick just one highlight? Easy. A perfectly cooked steak at the Crown Grill. Juicy, flavorful, and paired with a glass of red wine—it was one of those meals that made me pause mid-bite and say, “Yep, this is vacation.”

And because balance is important, dessert followed: a rich, chocolatey masterpiece that made me grateful elastic waistbands exist.

Final Thoughts: Dining Is Part of the Cruise Adventure

On a Princess cruise, the dining is more than just fuel for your next excursion—it’s an adventure all its own. Between the main dining rooms, specialty venues, and casual grab-and-go options, you’ll never run out of choices. In fact, the hardest part might be deciding what not to eat.

So here’s my advice: go in with an open mind (and maybe some stretchy pants). Try something new every day, treat yourself to a specialty dinner or two, and don’t forget to stop by the International Café for a late-night pastry. After all, calories don’t count at sea… right?