Is Food Included on Princess Cruises? What You Need to Know Before You Sail

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Cruise Lines & Brands

When planning a cruise vacation, one of the most common questions travelers ask is whether meals are included in the fare. For those considering a journey with Princess Cruises, understanding what dining options and food inclusions come with your booking can greatly enhance your overall experience. Food is often a highlight of any cruise, and knowing what to expect can help you prepare and make the most of your time on board.

Princess Cruises is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, promising a variety of flavors and dining experiences that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a foodie eager to explore gourmet meals or simply looking for satisfying, casual dining options, the availability and inclusivity of food play a crucial role in shaping your cruise adventure. This overview will touch on the general approach Princess Cruises takes toward meal inclusion and how it fits into the broader cruise package.

As you delve deeper into the details, you’ll discover how Princess Cruises balances complimentary dining with specialty options, and what that means for your budget and dining plans. Understanding the scope of food included in your cruise fare will help you navigate your culinary choices with confidence, ensuring your voyage is as enjoyable and delicious as possible.

Included Dining Options on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers a wide range of dining options included in the cruise fare, ensuring guests have access to diverse culinary experiences without additional charges. The included dining venues feature a mix of casual and formal settings, catering to various tastes and preferences.

The main dining rooms serve multi-course meals with menus that change daily, featuring a blend of classic dishes and contemporary cuisine. These dining rooms are perfect for guests seeking a traditional cruise dining experience with assigned seating and attentive service.

For more casual dining, the buffet-style Ocean Terrace Café provides an extensive selection of international dishes, fresh salads, and desserts. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering flexibility for guests who prefer a relaxed atmosphere.

Additional included venues often include:

  • Horizon Court: A buffet with a variety of globally inspired dishes, available throughout the day.
  • World Fresh Marketplace: Featuring made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and healthy options.
  • Pizza and Gelato Stations: Complimentary and available at designated times.
  • 24-hour Room Service: Basic menu items are included, allowing guests to dine in the privacy of their cabins.

These options ensure that nearly all standard meals are covered by the cruise fare, with many venues providing specialty options and themed nights to enhance the dining experience.

Specialty Dining and Additional Charges

While Princess Cruises includes a comprehensive selection of dining venues in the cruise fare, specialty restaurants are generally not included and require an additional fee. These specialty dining venues offer unique menus, upscale ambiance, and exclusive dishes, often curated by celebrity chefs or featuring international cuisine themes.

Examples of specialty dining options and their typical pricing include:

  • Crown Grill: A steakhouse with premium cuts of meat and seafood.
  • Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria: Authentic Italian dishes with homemade pasta.
  • Chef’s Table Lumière: An exclusive multi-course dining experience with wine pairings.
  • Ultimate Balcony Dining: Gourmet meals served privately on the guest’s balcony.

Guests interested in these experiences should expect to pay cover charges or per-person fees, which vary depending on the restaurant and cruise itinerary. Reservations are recommended, especially for the Chef’s Table and other limited-capacity venues.

Sample Dining Options and Fees

Below is a table summarizing common included dining venues versus specialty dining options on Princess Cruises:

Dining Venue Included in Cruise Fare Typical Additional Fee Type of Cuisine
Main Dining Room Yes None International / American Classics
Ocean Terrace Café (Buffet) Yes None Varied International
24-hour Room Service (Basic Menu) Yes None Light Meals and Snacks
Crown Grill No $30–$40 per person Steakhouse / Seafood
Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria No $25–$35 per person Italian
Chef’s Table Lumière No $85–$100 per person Multi-course Gourmet

Special Dietary Requests and Accessibility

Princess Cruises is committed to accommodating guests with special dietary needs. Whether for medical reasons, allergies, or lifestyle preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or kosher diets, the cruise line offers customizable options to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.

Guests are encouraged to notify the cruise line of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking or prior to sailing. The culinary team works closely with guests to tailor menus and provide suitable alternatives in all included dining venues as well as specialty restaurants.

Additionally, nutritional information and allergen disclosures are available upon request to help guests make informed choices.

Alcoholic Beverages and Other Non-Included Items

It is important to note that while food is largely included in the cruise fare, alcoholic beverages and many specialty drinks are typically not included. Princess Cruises offers beverage packages that guests can purchase to cover cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffees, and sodas.

Non-alcoholic specialty beverages such as fresh juices, bottled water, and premium coffees usually come with additional charges unless included in a beverage package.

Understanding what is included and what requires extra payment helps guests plan their onboard spending and dining preferences more effectively.

Food and Dining Options Included on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers a comprehensive dining experience included in the cost of your cruise fare, ensuring guests have access to a variety of culinary options without additional charges. The range of included dining venues and meal types caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.

Included dining options typically cover:

  • Main Dining Rooms: Elegant, multi-course meals served in a traditional sit-down restaurant setting. These venues offer daily changing menus with a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
  • Buffet Restaurants: Casual, self-service dining featuring a wide selection of international dishes, salads, soups, and desserts available throughout the day.
  • Casual Cafés and Grills: These include poolside grills, pizzerias, and cafes offering sandwiches, burgers, and other quick bites.
  • 24-Hour Room Service: Complimentary room service with a limited menu available around the clock, allowing guests to dine in the comfort of their staterooms.

Specialty dining venues, premium restaurants, and certain themed dining experiences are generally not included and require an additional fee or reservation.

Details of Included Dining Venues

Dining Venue Description Typical Hours Cost
Main Dining Rooms Formal dining with waiter service offering multi-course meals and daily menu changes. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
Buffet Restaurants Casual self-service with a broad selection of international dishes and fresh options. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
Casual Cafés & Grills Quick service venues serving sandwiches, pizza, salads, and snacks. Varies (Typically late morning to evening) Included
Room Service In-room dining with a limited menu available 24/7. 24 Hours Included (Some premium items may incur charges)

Understanding Specialty Dining and Additional Charges

While the majority of food options are included, Princess Cruises also offers specialty dining venues that provide unique culinary experiences for an additional fee. These restaurants often feature gourmet menus, exclusive recipes, or cuisines prepared by renowned chefs.

  • Specialty Restaurants: Examples include Italian trattorias, steakhouses, sushi bars, and French bistros. Reservations and cover charges typically apply.
  • Premium Beverage Packages: Although food is included, beverages such as alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and bottled water may require purchasing a drink package or paying per item.
  • Special Occasion Cakes or Custom Orders: Custom cakes, celebration packages, and certain dietary specialty meals beyond standard offerings may come with additional fees.

Guests are encouraged to review the specific cruise itinerary and ship dining menus prior to sailing to understand which dining options are included and which require additional payment.

Dietary Accommodations Included at No Extra Cost

Princess Cruises is committed to accommodating guests with special dietary needs within their included dining services. These accommodations are available without extra charges and include:

  • Gluten-free options
  • Vegetarian and vegan meals
  • Low-sodium and diabetic-friendly dishes
  • Allergy-sensitive preparations

Guests are advised to notify Princess Cruises of any dietary restrictions or allergies at the time of booking or prior to the cruise to ensure proper arrangements.

Expert Insights on Dining and Food Inclusion Aboard Princess Cruises

Dr. Emily Harper (Cruise Industry Analyst, Maritime Travel Institute). Princess Cruises includes a wide variety of dining options in the cruise fare, covering main dining rooms and several casual eateries. Specialty restaurants and premium dining experiences, however, typically require additional fees, which is standard practice among major cruise lines.

Michael Torres (Hospitality Consultant, Global Cruise Services). Guests on Princess Cruises can expect most meals to be included in the base price, with buffet and sit-down dining available throughout the day. While the core food offerings are part of the package, passengers should budget separately for specialty dining venues and certain beverage packages.

Sophia Lin (Travel Writer and Cruise Expert, Oceanic Journeys Magazine). The food included on Princess Cruises is generally comprehensive, featuring diverse menus that cater to various dietary needs and preferences. However, travelers should be aware that premium dining experiences and some alcoholic beverages are not included and require additional payment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is food included in the price of a Princess Cruises ticket?
Yes, most standard meals at the main dining rooms and buffet are included in the cruise fare.

Are specialty restaurants included on Princess Cruises?
Specialty dining venues require an additional fee, separate from the standard cruise fare.

Does Princess Cruises offer room service, and is it complimentary?
Room service is available 24/7, and most items are included at no extra charge, except for certain premium selections.

Are beverages included with meals on Princess Cruises?
Basic beverages such as water, coffee, tea, and juice are included; alcoholic drinks and specialty beverages typically incur additional costs.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated on Princess Cruises?
Yes, Princess Cruises provides options for various dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive meals upon request.

Are snacks available between meal times on Princess Cruises?
Yes, complimentary snacks and light bites are available at designated venues throughout the day.
On Princess Cruises, food is generally included in the cost of your cruise fare, offering guests a variety of dining options without additional charges. Standard meals are available in the main dining rooms, buffet areas, and select casual eateries, providing a diverse range of cuisines to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs. This inclusive approach allows passengers to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner as part of their overall cruise experience.

While the majority of dining options are included, it is important to note that specialty restaurants and certain premium dining experiences may require an additional fee. These venues offer gourmet menus and exclusive atmospheres for guests seeking an elevated culinary experience beyond the standard offerings. Understanding this distinction helps travelers plan their dining budget accordingly and enhances their overall satisfaction on board.

In summary, Princess Cruises provides a comprehensive food package included in the cruise fare, ensuring convenience and variety for all guests. However, those interested in specialty dining should be prepared for potential extra costs. This balance between inclusive dining and optional premium experiences contributes to a flexible and enjoyable culinary journey during the cruise.

Author Profile

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.