When Can I Book Specialty Dining on Princess Cruises?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer General Cruise Queries

Booking specialty dining on Princess Cruises is an exciting part of planning your voyage, offering a chance to elevate your culinary experience at sea. From elegant steakhouses to authentic international flavors, these exclusive dining options provide a memorable complement to your cruise itinerary. Knowing when you can secure your reservations is key to ensuring you don’t miss out on these sought-after experiences.

Timing plays a crucial role in specialty dining bookings, as availability can be limited and demand often high. Understanding the booking window and how it fits into your overall cruise planning can make all the difference between a seamless dining experience and missing out on your preferred venue. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, getting familiar with the process ahead of time sets the stage for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the general guidelines and tips for booking specialty dining on Princess Cruises. This insight will help you navigate the options and timing, so you can savor every bite of your cruise adventure without any last-minute surprises.

Booking Window for Specialty Dining on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers guests the opportunity to reserve specialty dining experiences both before and during their cruise. Understanding the specific booking windows and procedures can help ensure you secure your preferred dining times and venues.

Guests can typically begin booking specialty dining reservations once their cruise booking is confirmed and they have access to the Princess Cruises online portal or app. The general timeline is as follows:

  • Pre-Cruise Booking: Specialty dining reservations usually open 90 days prior to the sailing date. This allows guests ample time to select from available restaurants and dining times.
  • Onboard Booking: If you miss the pre-cruise window, specialty dining reservations remain available throughout the cruise via the guest services desk or the ship’s app, subject to availability.

Some key points to keep in mind:

  • Booking early is highly recommended, especially for popular specialty restaurants such as Crown Grill and Sabatini’s.
  • Dining times can fill quickly, particularly for prime evening slots.
  • Specialty dining is often charged per person, with pricing varying by restaurant and cruise itinerary.

How to Make Specialty Dining Reservations

Princess Cruises provides several convenient methods for booking specialty dining, ensuring flexibility and ease of access:

  • Online: Through the Princess Cruises website or the MedallionClass app, guests can log in to their profile and view specialty dining options for their itinerary. Available times and restaurants are displayed, allowing guests to reserve directly.
  • Phone: Reservations can be made by calling the Princess Cruises reservation center, where agents can assist with dining selections and availability.
  • Onboard: Once onboard, guests can visit the guest services desk or use the ship’s app to make or modify specialty dining reservations.

It is advisable to check the cancellation policy when booking, as some specialty dining experiences may require prepayment or have cancellation fees.

Typical Specialty Dining Options and Pricing

Princess Cruises offers a range of specialty dining venues, each with unique menus and atmospheres. The pricing and reservation policies vary depending on the restaurant and itinerary.

Restaurant Cuisine Type Approximate Price Per Person Reservation Requirement
Crown Grill Steakhouse & Seafood $35 – $45 Recommended, especially evenings
Sabatini’s Italian $35 – $45 Recommended
Share by Curtis Stone Modern Australian $40 – $55 Strongly recommended
Ultimate Balcony Dining In-Cabin Gourmet $65 – $75 Reservation required

Many specialty dining venues also offer multi-course menus and wine pairings at additional cost. Guests interested in dietary accommodations should notify the cruise line in advance or at the time of booking.

Tips for Securing the Best Specialty Dining Experience

To maximize your specialty dining experience on Princess Cruises, consider the following expert tips:

  • Book Early: Reserve your specialty dining as soon as your booking opens to secure preferred times.
  • Flexible Dining Times: If your first choice is unavailable, be open to alternative dining times or days during your cruise.
  • Utilize the MedallionClass App: This app not only facilitates reservations but also provides real-time availability updates.
  • Consider Specialty Packages: Some cruises offer dining packages that include multiple specialty meals at a discounted rate.
  • Communicate Dietary Needs Early: Inform Princess Cruises of any special dietary requirements well before sailing to ensure proper accommodations.
  • Combine Dining with Celebrations: Specialty restaurants are ideal for celebrating special occasions; notify the staff in advance for special touches.

By understanding the booking windows, reservation procedures, and dining options, guests can make informed decisions and enjoy the full culinary offerings available on Princess Cruises.

Booking Windows for Specialty Dining on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers guests the opportunity to enhance their onboard dining experience by reserving specialty dining options. Understanding the appropriate booking windows ensures guests can secure their preferred times and venues.

When to Book Specialty Dining:

  • At the Time of Booking Your Cruise: Guests can often add specialty dining reservations while initially booking their cruise package, especially when booking through the official Princess Cruises website or authorized travel agents.
  • 90 Days Prior to Sailing: The primary booking window for specialty dining opens 90 days before the cruise departure date for guests who have purchased their cruise and have a confirmed reservation number.
  • After Embarkation: Guests may also request specialty dining reservations onboard once the ship has departed, subject to availability. However, availability is more limited compared to pre-cruise bookings.

Booking early provides the best chance to secure preferred dining times and restaurants, especially on popular itineraries or ships where specialty dining venues fill quickly.

How to Make Specialty Dining Reservations

Princess Cruises offers multiple ways to secure specialty dining reservations, each designed for guest convenience and flexibility.

Method Details Timing
Online through Princess Cruises Website Guests with confirmed bookings can log into their cruise account and reserve specialty dining selections. From 90 days prior to sailing until the cruise departure date
Princess Cruises App The mobile app provides a user-friendly interface to view availability and make reservations on-the-go. Starting 90 days before sailing and throughout the cruise
Calling Guest Services Reservations can be made by contacting the Princess Cruises Guest Services team directly. Anytime after booking until the cruise departure
Onboard Reservation Desk Guests can inquire and book specialty dining at the Guest Services desk onboard the ship. Once onboard, subject to availability

Specialty Dining Deposit and Cancellation Policies

Understanding the financial and cancellation policies associated with specialty dining helps guests avoid unexpected fees and plan accordingly.

  • Deposit Requirements: Typically, specialty dining on Princess Cruises does not require an upfront deposit. Charges are applied to the guest’s onboard account after dining.
  • Cancellation Policy: Guests are generally able to cancel or modify their specialty dining reservations up to 24 hours before the scheduled time without penalty.
  • Late Cancellations and No-Shows: Failure to cancel within the specified window or a no-show may result in a fee equal to the specialty dining cover charge.

Popular Specialty Dining Venues and Booking Tips

Princess Cruises features an array of specialty dining venues, each offering unique culinary experiences. Popular restaurants tend to book quickly, so strategic planning is essential.

  • Share by Curtis Stone: Known for its modern Australian cuisine, reservations open 90 days prior and are highly recommended to book early.
  • Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria: A classic Italian dining experience with limited seating, best booked as soon as the 90-day window opens.
  • Crown Grill: A steakhouse offering premium cuts and seafood, often sought after by guests celebrating special occasions.
  • Ultimate Balcony Dining: For an exclusive in-cabin dining experience, reservations should be made early due to limited availability.

Booking Tips:

  • Check availability as soon as the 90-day window opens to secure preferred dining times and venues.
  • Consider booking specialty dining on sea days or less busy evenings to improve availability.
  • Use the Princess Cruises app for real-time updates and last-minute reservations while onboard.
  • Notify Guest Services of any special dietary needs or celebrations when making the reservation.

Expert Insights on Booking Specialty Dining on Princess Cruises

Dr. Emily Carter (Cruise Hospitality Consultant, Seaside Travel Advisors). When can I book specialty dining on Princess Cruises? Typically, guests can make reservations for specialty dining either at the time of booking their cruise or shortly after finalizing their itinerary. Princess Cruises often opens specialty dining reservations 90 to 120 days prior to the sailing date, allowing passengers ample time to secure preferred dining experiences. Early booking is highly recommended, especially for popular venues like Crown Grill and Sabatini’s, to ensure availability during peak dining times.

Michael Reynolds (Senior Cruise Operations Manager, Oceanic Voyages). From an operational standpoint, Princess Cruises enables guests to book specialty dining as soon as their cruise reservation is confirmed. This policy helps manage dining capacity and enhances guest satisfaction. For those on longer voyages or with suite accommodations, priority booking windows may open earlier. Additionally, onboard guests can make specialty dining reservations through the MedallionClass app or at the guest services desk, though availability is more limited closer to sailing dates.

Sophia Nguyen (Travel Industry Analyst, Cruise Insights Weekly). When considering when to book specialty dining on Princess Cruises, timing is crucial. The best practice is to reserve specialty dining experiences as early as possible—ideally during the initial cruise booking process or within the first few months after purchase. This approach not only guarantees preferred dining times but also allows travelers to plan their onboard experience effectively. Princess Cruises’ policy of opening specialty dining reservations 3-4 months ahead aligns with industry standards, balancing guest convenience with operational logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When can I start booking specialty dining on Princess Cruises?
Specialty dining reservations typically open at the time of your cruise booking or shortly thereafter, allowing guests to secure preferred dining times well in advance.

Is there a deadline for booking specialty dining on Princess Cruises?
Yes, specialty dining reservations usually close 24 to 48 hours before the cruise departure, but it is recommended to book as early as possible to ensure availability.

Can I book specialty dining before finalizing my cruise itinerary?
Specialty dining can generally be reserved once your cruise booking is confirmed, even if you have not finalized all details of your itinerary.

Are specialty dining reservations available online or only onboard?
Guests can book specialty dining online through the Princess Cruises website or app, as well as onboard once the cruise has commenced, subject to availability.

Is there an additional cost for specialty dining on Princess Cruises?
Yes, specialty dining venues require an extra fee per person, which varies depending on the restaurant and menu selection.

Can I modify or cancel my specialty dining reservation after booking?
Modifications or cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before the scheduled dining time without penalty; however, policies may vary by cruise and restaurant.
When booking specialty dining on Princess Cruises, it is important to understand the timing and process to secure your preferred dining experiences. Typically, specialty dining reservations can be made once your cruise booking is confirmed, often starting at the time of final payment or during online check-in, which usually opens 75 days prior to sailing. Early booking is highly recommended due to limited availability and the popularity of specialty restaurants onboard.

Guests should take advantage of the Princess Cruises online platform or contact their travel agent to reserve specialty dining early. This proactive approach ensures access to exclusive menus and prime dining times, enhancing the overall cruise experience. Additionally, some specialty dining options may require a separate fee, so it is advisable to review the details ahead of time to plan accordingly.

In summary, securing specialty dining on Princess Cruises is best done as soon as reservations open, generally around 75 days before departure. Early planning and prompt booking are key to enjoying the unique culinary offerings available, allowing guests to fully savor the diverse and high-quality dining options that Princess Cruises provides.

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.