One of the reasons many people go on cruises is due to the quality of food and service on board. I can testify to this, with some of the best food I’ve ever eaten having been on a ship. Crown Princess is no exception, with some amazing offerings on board. In fact, Princess Cruises is known for the quality of its food. In this blog, we canter through the various options. Yum!
Complimentary Dining
Main Dining Rooms
Crown Princess offers three main dining rooms on board. These are open for a sit-down breakfast, lunch and across the evening. Expect a range of offerings from night-to-night that cater for all tastes and needs. You can also expect special nights, such as formal night, where a gala menu is offered – lobster is a must!
Like most lines, during the evening Princess offer both set dining times and anytime dining between 530pm and 10pm. There are also a variety of table sizes, which is always personally welcomed – so whether you want an intimate experience as a couple, or socialise with a bigger group, you can be accommodated.
International Café
Open 24-hours a day, the International Café is an enticing place situated in the heart of the Piazza and is a great place to grab a pastry, sandwich and a coffee and people watch.
Horizon Court
Horizon Court is the buffet on board. It features a variety of cuisine from across the world, all set within casual setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I found it to never be overly busy on board, with attentive staff and some really great food. This is due to be updated and replaced with the World Fresh Marketplace, a newer take on the buffet experience, during her next dry dock.
Slice Pizzeria
This on-board pizzeria is located near the main pool and features a whole range of pizzas from classics, to deep dish focaccia and Stromboli. It’s all seriously yummy. By far some of the best pizza at sea.
Salty Dog Grill
Also found near the main pool on board, the Salty Dog Grill offers a range of mouth-watering burgers, including award winning burgers. It also offers a number of street tacos, including a choice of grilled chipotle-lime chicken or roasted sweet potato-green chile. I can testify that they are really good. And don’t miss the Classic Hot Dogs, plus loaded fries in tempting varieties including chilli cheese and bacon & cheese.
Speciality Dining
Princess Cruises has some of the best speciality dining at sea and frequently wins awards for the quality of its offering.
Crown Grill
Crown Grill is Princess’ signature steakhouse. Set within a comforting environment, with dark, rich woods and an open kitchen, expect aged (and delicious) beef steaks and seafood. If you get the chance, it’s something not to be missed on board.
Sabatinis Italian Trattoria
My favourite Italian on any cruise ship, Sabatinis has been voted again and again as one of the best cruise ship speciality restaurants. Expect authentic Italian offerings, from freshly made pasta, yummy wines and gorgeous desserts. Did anyone say tiramisu?!
Salty Dog Gastropub
A relatively new introduction to Princess is the Salty Dog Gastropub. Set within the Wheelhouse bar, this is an inviting and casual pub-experience. Why not try the ‘best burger at sea’, a mouth-watering rib eye burger, the Ernesto Burger, after chef Ernesto Uchimura.
Vines Wine and Seafood Bar
Located in a corner of the piazza on board, this wine bar boasts a significant range of delicious wines from across the World to suit every pallet. On top of this, why not try some of the antipasti, tapas and sushi on offer as you watch all the bustling action in the piazza.
Chef’s Table Experience
Taking dining to a new level, the Chef’s Table Experience includes pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the galley for you and a limited number of fellow guests. After your executive chef describes the specially designed menu for the night, participants are escorted to an intimate table for the main course, including pairing suggestions.
Service with a smile
I’d heard many positive things over the years about Princess and the service that’s offered. So, in many ways, my expectations were high coming on board. Put simply, I wasn’t disappointed at all and cannot fault it in any way. I can genuinely see why so many love the brand.
Across the ship all the staff are engaging, positive and friendly. What more could you want from an experience? During meal-times, staff want to get to know you and your wants, wishes and tastes. I found this to be particularly so within the speciality restaurants, such as Sabatini’s where the staff were on hand to be able to talk through the menu, offer alternatives for whatever allergy or requirement, as well as provide a friendly service which truly enhances the ambience of the restaurant and experience. The same can be said in bars and in the spa, for instance. Coming away from the experience I was so impressed.
As I’ve spoken about before, the overall service offering is enhanced through Ocean Medallion. For instance, at each bar there are screens that detect guests as they approach and provide key pieces of information to try and personalise the service offered. Clever!
Coming away from my first Princess Cruises experience, I can truly say I was impressed with the offering found on board- whether that’s the food, the service, or the unique entertainment, and not to mention the incredible Ocean Medallion. I’ll definitely be booking a holiday soon!
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