3 minute read

A Floating Feast Worth the Hype

When you board the Royal Princess, the air doesn’t smell like saltwater and suntan lotion—it smells like sizzling steak, fresh-baked dough, and garlic butter wafting from somewhere near midship. Princess Cruises’ crown jewel has just been named the World’s Best Culinary Cruise Ship by the 2025 World Culinary Awards, and after reading through the lineup of dining experiences onboard, it’s easy to see why.

This isn’t your typical “cruise buffet and call it gourmet” setup. The Royal Princess has quietly become a floating food destination where each restaurant feels more like a chef’s passion project than a corporate concept.

The Culinary Highlights

At Crown Grill, aged beef and lobster tails meet open flames in a dining room that channels an old-school supper club at sea. Down the corridor, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria serves a refreshed menu inspired by Tuscany’s legendary Frescobaldi winemakers—complete with reds, whites, and rosés to match. Once per voyage, guests can attend the “Grand Tuscan Dinner,” a multi-course tasting that’s basically a love letter to Italian cuisine.

For a dose of theater, Chef’s Table Lumiere surrounds diners in a curtain of light as the executive chef leads an extravagant tasting paired with Champagne. Seafood lovers will gravitate toward Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar, where sushi and sashimi are served with panoramic ocean views. And wine enthusiasts can’t miss the Caymus Winemaker’s Dinner, where Napa Valley vintages are expertly paired with chef-curated courses.

Of course, no culinary roundup is complete without Alfredo’s Pizzeria, crowned Best Pizza at Sea. Overseen by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, it’s casual, open-kitchen perfection that turns a simple pizza lunch into an art form.

Beyond the Table

What makes Royal Princess stand out isn’t just the quality of its food—it’s how each meal feels connected to the destinations it visits. This winter, she sails roundtrip from Los Angeles to the California coast and Mexico, bringing local flavors and seasonal ingredients aboard. Next summer, she’ll head to Alaska, where guests can enjoy fresh salmon, crisp air, and glacier views that make any meal unforgettable.

So yes, World’s Best Culinary Cruise Ship might sound like a bold claim, but Royal Princess earns it. When you can enjoy a truffle filet one night, a Tuscan risotto the next, and a world-champion pizza for lunch, this isn’t just another cruise—it’s a moveable feast.