Are Meals Included on Princess Cruises Ships?

One of the most exciting parts of booking a cruise vacation is the opportunity to indulge in delicious food throughout your journey. Princess Cruises, one of the world’s leading cruise lines, is renowned not only for its breathtaking itineraries but also for its outstanding culinary experiences at sea. If you are planning a trip with Princess Cruises, you might wonder: Are meals included on Princess Cruises ships?

The short answer is yes—a wide range of meals are included in your cruise fare. However, Princess Cruises also offers additional specialty dining options and premium experiences at an extra cost. In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about included meals, specialty restaurants, beverage packages, and tips to make the most of your dining experience on board.

What Meals Are Included in Your Princess Cruises Fare?

When you purchase a ticket with Princess Cruises, your fare includes daily meals, snacks, and dining experiences in several restaurants. These are designed to ensure that every guest has access to quality dining without paying extra.

Here’s what’s included:

1. Main Dining Rooms

Princess Cruises ships feature elegant main dining rooms where passengers can enjoy multi-course meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menus rotate daily and often include a mix of international dishes, regional specialties, and vegetarian or lighter options.

Guests can choose between:

Traditional dining: Fixed dining times with assigned seating.
Anytime dining: Flexible dining times where you can eat whenever you prefer.

Both options are included in your fare.

2. Buffet Restaurants

The World Fresh Marketplace (or Horizon Court, depending on the ship) is the buffet-style restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks. These buffets feature international cuisines, salads, pasta, seafood, desserts, and more.

3. Casual Dining Venues

Princess Cruises ships have several casual eateries, all included in your fare:

International Café: Serves pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks.
Pizzerias: Freshly baked pizza by the slice or whole.
Burger & Hot Dog Grills: Poolside dining with burgers, fries, and more.
Ice Cream Bar: Soft-serve ice cream and frozen treats.

4. Room Service (Select Options)

Princess Cruises offers 24-hour room service. While some premium items come with a charge, many breakfast and snack items are complimentary.

5. Afternoon Tea

Guests can enjoy traditional afternoon tea service with scones, sandwiches, pastries, and tea—all included in the fare.

Specialty Dining Options (Additional Cost)

While the included meals provide more than enough variety for most guests, Princess Cruises also offers specialty restaurants that deliver elevated dining experiences for an extra fee.

Some of the specialty restaurants include:

Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria – Handmade pasta, authentic Italian dishes, and family-style meals.
Crown Grill – A classic steakhouse with premium cuts of beef and fresh seafood.
Bistro Sur La Mer – French-inspired fine dining by award-winning chefs.
Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar – Fresh sushi and sashimi with a la carte pricing.
Chef’s Table Experience – An exclusive multi-course dinner hosted by the ship’s executive chef.

These venues typically charge between $25–$45 per person, depending on the restaurant and menu.

Beverages: What’s Included and What’s Extra?

Meals are included in your Princess Cruises fare, but beverages follow a slightly different rule.

Included Beverages:

Water
Iced tea
Lemonade
Coffee and tea
Hot chocolate (self-service)

Extra Cost Beverages:

Soft drinks (soda)
Fresh juices and smoothies
Specialty coffees (espresso, cappuccino, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cocktails, spirits)

Princess Cruises offers drink packages such as the Plus Beverage Package or Premier Beverage Package, which may be worth considering if you plan to enjoy multiple premium drinks each day.

Dining Experience by Time of Day

To better understand what to expect, here’s a breakdown of the dining schedule on Princess Cruises:

Breakfast

Served in both the buffet and main dining rooms.
Options range from pancakes, waffles, omelets, pastries, fresh fruit, and cereals.

Lunch

Buffets with hot and cold dishes.
Casual venues offering pizza, burgers, and salads.
Dining rooms with full-service lunch menus.

Dinner

Multi-course meals in the main dining room.
Buffet with global cuisine themes.
Optional specialty dining for an upgraded experience.

Snacks & Late Night

International Café for light bites 24/7.
Poolside pizzerias and grills for quick meals.
Room service with round-the-clock availability.

Benefits of Dining on Princess Cruises

Variety of Options – From buffets to formal dinners, you’ll never run out of choices.
Flexibility – Eat at traditional meal times or enjoy anytime dining.
Dietary Accommodations – Princess Cruises caters to vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sodium, and other dietary needs.
Global Cuisine – Menus feature international flavors and locally inspired dishes from the destinations you visit.
No Extra Cost for Essentials – Most meals are included, allowing guests to dine without worrying about extra charges.

Tips to Maximize Your Dining Experience

Try multiple venues: Don’t limit yourself to just the buffet—explore all the complimentary dining options.
Reserve specialty dining early: Popular specialty restaurants can book up quickly.
Mix casual and fine dining: Enjoy a casual pizza lunch by the pool, then savor a three-course dinner in the main dining room.
Check daily menus: Princess Cruises provides daily dining menus through the MedallionClass app or stateroom TV.
Consider a beverage package: If you enjoy soda, coffee, or cocktails, a package can save money.

FAQs About Meals on Princess Cruises

1. Are all meals free on Princess Cruises?

Most meals in dining rooms, buffets, and casual venues are included. Specialty dining costs extra.

2. Can I eat at specialty restaurants without paying?

No, specialty restaurants always carry an extra charge.

3. Is room service free on Princess Cruises?

Basic room service is free, but some items have a small charge.

4. Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes, Princess Cruises accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly meals.

5. Do I need to make reservations for included restaurants?

For the main dining rooms, reservations may be required depending on your dining style (traditional vs. anytime dining).

Conclusion

So, are meals included on Princess Cruises ships? Absolutely. From elegant main dining rooms and abundant buffets to casual cafés and poolside snacks, passengers enjoy a wide variety of included meals as part of their fare. While specialty dining and premium beverages cost extra, the included dining options are more than enough to satisfy most travelers.

Dining on Princess Cruises is more than just eating—it’s an experience that enhances your entire journey. With global flavors, high-quality service, and endless variety, you can indulge in culinary delights throughout your voyage without worrying about hidden costs.

Whether you choose to stick with included meals or splurge on a gourmet specialty dinner, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a memorable dining experience on board.