princess cruise specialty dining prices

A Cruise Dining Experience That's Something Extra

Reconnect over a meal in our award-winning specialty restaurants.

Celebrate a birthday, anniversary or just the simple joy of sitting down with your favorite people – over steaks cut on board by our butchers in Crown Grill, handmade pasta in Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, or French bistro-style dining at Bistro Sur La Mer. Whatever cruise restaurant you choose, you’ll enjoy the meal and the moments spent together.

Specialty restaurant cover charge applies. Specialty restaurants, pricing, and menu items vary by ship and are subject to change.

A refined steakhouse that serves aged and hand cut, cooked-to-order steaks and premium seafood, including grilled shrimp and lobster. With a rich wood décor and a theater-style open kitchen, no wonder this specialty restaurant was named among the "Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses" by USA TODAY .

Watch Crown Grill Restaurant Video

Sample Menu: Crown Grill Menu (PDF)

Love Sabatini’s? (Or really good Italian dinners?) You’ll be happy to hear this popular specialty restaurant has returned to its roots. Think traditional Italian comfort cuisine. We have a new menu that embraces the old: tried-and-true family recipes our chefs brought with them from Italy, plus exquisite Italian wines and cocktails. You can even enjoy some shareable plates exclusively at Sabatini’s Trattoria on Enchanted Princess®. ​

Learn more about Sabatini's Italian Trattoria

Watch Sabataini's Italian Trattoria Video

Sample Menus: Dinner Menu (PDF) | Beverage Menu (PDF)

Seafood lovers, rejoice! Chef Rudi Sodamin, head of culinary arts, created a restaurant that’s just for you. It’s a celebration of our connection with the sea, featuring a menu with everything from broils to bakes to bisques. Choose from seasonal dishes made with local ingredients (and love), a catch of the day, lobster and raw seafood bar. ​

Sample Menu: The Catch by Rudi Menu (PDF)

Available on Enchanted Princess®, Majestic Princess®, and Sky Princess®.

This is more than just a traditional steakhouse, serving the highest quality cuts of beef, including New York strip steak, Porterhouse and Filet Mignon. Voted among the "Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses" by USA TODAY .

Available on Sapphire Princess®

Sample Menu: Sterling Steakhouse Menu (PDF)

Exclusively on Discovery Princess ® and Enchanted Princess ® .

Learn more about 360: An Extraordinary Experience

The Chef’s Table and Chef’s Table Lumiere are extraordinary treats for both gastronomes and gourmet novices. Enjoy chatting with the Executive Chef and other guests with Champagne and hors d'oeuvres, followed by an extravagant multicourse dinner complete with wine pairings. The Executive Chef hosts the evening and provides culinary details about the menu as well as stories about career experiences.

Learn more about the Chef's Table

Available on Diamond Princess®. 

Sample Menu: Kai Sushi Menu (PDF)

Watch O'Malley's Irish Pub Video

Available on Enchanted Princess®.

Additional charge applies.

Seafood lovers, the Shack is back! This fan favorite returns in Alaska in all its shell-cracking glory with casual seafood options you won’t want to miss. Tuck into a four-course meal of whatever tickles those taste buds – popcorn shrimp, clam chowder, even an Alaska-inspired steamer pot full of crab legs, shrimp, clams and mussels. You’ll find this pop-up dining event in the World Fresh Marketplace on select ships.

Available on the Discovery Princess®, Majestic Princess®, Royal Princess®, Crown Princess®, Ruby Princess®, Grand Princess®, and Sapphire Princess® on Alaska voyages.

Harmony, a Chinese culinary journey dining experience, features an innovative menu of contemporary Chinese cuisine with a masterful balance of ingredients and flavors.

Available on Majestic Princess®.

Sample Menu: Harmony menu (PDF)

A warm, inviting and easygoing gastropub. Try one of our innovative gourmet creations inspired by local pub favorites or devour a signature crafted burger. Offering a unique variety of beer, whiskey and cocktail selections, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Sample Menu: The Salty Dog Gastropub menu (PDF)

Available on Discovery Princess®, Crown Princess®, Emerald Princess®, and Ruby Princess®.

Enjoy classic steakhouse cuisine and premium seafood in a casual setting that recalls New Orleans. Relax with a crafted cocktail or glass of wine while settling in for live musical performances on select evenings.

Available on Coral Princess® and Island Princess®. 

Sample Menu: Bayou Cafe menu (PDF)

Choose a luxurious breakfast or experience the "ultimate" romantic dinner at sea: a sumptuous four-course meal, including succulent lobster tail and juicy steak, your beverage of choice, hors d’oeuvres, all served right on your balcony served by our dedicated waitstaff.

This experience may be purchased pre-cruise in Cruise Personalizer online or on board by contacting room service or inquiring with a member of Food & Beverage team.

Learn more about Ultimate Balcony Dining

Available on Enchanted, Regal, Royal and Sky Princess® in the piazza, Diamond Princess® while in Japan (served in the dining room).

Take your sweet tooth on a trip to the cafés of Florence with our authentic Italian gelato. (How authentic? It’s the only one at sea certified by “Ospitalita Italian.”) Handcrafted and prepared fresh daily, this yummy treat honors Bernardo Buontalenti, the man who created it, in a shop with hand-painted tiles and other Florentine flourishes.

Learn about our Certified Italian Gelato

*Gelateria currently on board Enchanted Princess. Gelato currently on board Discovery, Regal, Royal and Sky Princess®. Additional charge applies

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Food & Dining

Award-winning and made from scratch.

What's Included

A world of dining options at no extra cost.

Beverage Packages

Quality packages at a great value!

Princess Cruises Specialty Dining

(Nominal Charges apply. Specialty Restaurants vary by ship and are subject to change.)

SHARE, By Curtis Stone $39 per person

Chef Curtis Stone’s first restaurant at sea, SHARE, gives you an exclusive opportunity to enjoy the world-class cuisine of this award-winning chef and restaurateur. Featuring the finest ingredients at sea, Chef Stone’s exquisite menu offers enticing charcuterie, composed salads, handmade pastas, premium quality meats and decadent desserts, for a meal you’ll savor for years to come.

(Available on Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess and Sun Princess.)

Salty Dog Gastropub $12 per person

A warm, inviting gastropub developed in collaboration with Ernesto Uchimura, a founding chef of the original Umami Burger. Try one of our innovative gourmet creations inspired by pub favorites or devour The “Ernesto,”  a savory rib eye burger crafted exclusively for Princess by Chef Uchimura. Offering a unique variety of beer, whiskey and cocktail selections, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Sabatinis  $29 per person

Across the Princess fleet, more Executive Chefs hail from Italy than from any other nation. Savor signature Italian pastas and delicious seafood specialties inspired by these Italian culinary experts at arguably one of the “Best Cruise Ship Specialty Restaurants” at sea (USA Today).

Crown Grill $29 per person

A refined steakhouse that serves aged and hand cut, cooked-to-order steaks and premium seafood, including grilled shrimp and lobster. With a rich wood décor and a theater-style open kitchen, no wonder this specialty restaurant was named among the “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses” by USA Today.

Sterling Steakhouse $29 per person

This is more than just a traditional steakhouse, serving the highest quality cuts of beef, including New York strip steak, Porterhouse and Filet Mignon. Voted among the “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses” by USA Today.

Chefs Table (Please check with your travel agent for the per person cost)

The Chef’s Table is an extraordinary treat for both gastronomes and gourmet novices. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes galley tour with Champagne and hors d’oeuvres, followed by an extravagant multi-course dinner created and hosted by the executive chef.

Kai Sushi (Items sold a la carte)

An exquisitely decorated traditional sushi bar, serving up sushi and sashimi expertly prepared before your eyes. Dine at the sushi bar or enjoy an elegant restaurant experience.

(Available on Diamond Princess and Sun Princess.)

Bayou Cafe $29 per person

The first New Orleans-inspired specialty restaurant at sea, Bayou Café offers fresh and authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, N’Awlins crawfish “mud bug” bisque, peel-and-eat shrimp, smothered gator ribs, chicken and chorizo jambalaya, and Porterhouse steak.

(Available on Coral Princess and Island Princess. )

Ultimate Balcony Dining (There are different packages that can be purchased, price varies)

Choose a luxurious breakfast or experience the “ultimate” romantic dinner at sea: a sumptuous four-course meal, including succulent lobster tail and juicy steak, your beverage of choice, hors d’oeuvres, all served right on your balcony served by Princess’ dedicated waitstaff.

Premium Chocolate Experiences – With Love

Norman Love—whose exquisite, silky, rich confections have been recognized by InStyle Magazine, Martha Stewart Living, and O, the Oprah Magazine—has designed some of the most decadent, hand-crafted treats in partnership with Princess for its exclusive Chocolate Journeys program, available onboard fleetwide. Trained in France, and named the Inaugural Inductee into the Chocolatier Hall of Fame by Dessert Professional Magazine, Love’s creations blend premium quality chocolate, unique flavors and artful designs that are perfect for any chocolate lover!

Please note that dining choices may vary by ship and prices are subject to change so check with your travel agent for details.

All Things Cruise is dedicated to the joy of travel. Specializing in ocean, river, ultra-luxury, small ship and expedition cruises.

We would love to have you subscribe for travel updates, news and great offers directly from the cruise lines!

Princess Cruises: What Food is Included and What’s Extra?

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If you’re planning a Princess Cruise, you might be wondering which food is included or “free”, what drinks are included, and what extra charges you can expect at specialty restaurants.

While most meals and snacks are included on Princess Cruises , there are also few extras to be aware of. That said, the specialty restaurant options are quite good, and you might enjoy the experience and find the extra cost worth it.

In this post, I’ll share the Princess dining options that you’ll definitely want to be aware of!

What Food is Included on Princess Cruise Ships?

Out of all the mainstream cruise lines, Princess Cruises has some of the best choices of food available, for “free” or included. Most meals and snacks are included on Princess. As well, there are some drinks included with your cruise fare.

In this post you’ll find:

• Restaurant choices – fine dining and casual options
• Special food “events”
• Specialty Dining (not included) 
• Free drinks available

Please note that restaurant and food venues can vary from one cruise ship to another, as well as by itinerary.

Princess Dining Options – Our Experience

It’s no secret that my husband and I are Princess Cruises fans. We’ve had some amazing cruise experiences both as a couple, as a family with children and even on a large multi generational cruise .

One of our favorite parts about cruising is the cruise food! We love trying different meals and appetizers in the dining room, enjoying dessert at the International Cafe, and even ordering the free room service on occasion.

Princess Cruises is one of our favorite cruise lines, in part because the “free food” is really so good and the choices are plentiful.

While we occasionally go a specialty restaurant, we know most of our breakfasts, lunches, dinner and snacks will be the restaurants that are included.

We definitely have our favorite meals and dishes, and look forward to having them on every cruise!

I hope you’ll find this list of restaurants and foods which are included on a Princess Cruise helpful, as you plan your own cruise vacation.

Princess Cruises Dining – What’s Included

Main dining room – fine dining.

On Princess ships, you’ll have a choice of both traditional seating (early or late) or Anytime Dining, a flexible open dining option. The main dining room serves a 4 course meal each evening between about 5 and 9 pm. 

You’ll have a choice of several menu items that change nightly – appetizers, soups and salads, main dishes and desserts. There’s always a “heathier” option available as well as a vegetarian dish.

In addition to the nightly menu, you’ll find a few “Princess favorites” which are available each night.

Some Princess classics include the famous Fettuccine Alfredo, which can be ordered as a main meal or appetizer portion, Ceaser salad, and delicious broiled salmon.

Pro tip – If more than one option appeals to you, feel free to order more than one meal, appetizer or dessert. You may even want to order an item to share with your table.

Main Dining Room Lunch

If you enjoy a more leisurely midday meal, lunch is served in the main dining room on sea days. In contrast to the dining room in the evening, there isn’t a dress code , and resort casual is perfect.

Pro tip – Avoid the buffet on embarkation day , and instead, head to the Main Dining Room (MDR) for a more relaxing and delicious first day lunch.

The main dining room is open for a sit down breakfast. If you enjoy being served and taking your time, I think you’ll appreciate breakfast in the MDR ( cruise lingo acronym ).

Menu items include tradional American breakfast items like pancakes, omelets, and my favorites eggs benedict and bagels and smoked salmon or lox. As well, fresh fruit, cereals, yogurt and pastries are available.

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International Cafe

The International Cafe is located in the Piazza, the beautiful Atrium and central hub on Princess Cruise ships. It’s an absolute favorite for for Princess cruisers! 

Open 24 hours a day (yes, perfect for night owls and early risers), the International Cafe serves some of the most delicious casual food at sea.

In the morning you’ll find pastries and other baked goods, hot egg sandwiches, yogurt parfaits and fresh fruit bowls.

Don’t miss the “Chocolate Journeys” pastries by Norman Love.

My favorite? The nutella donuts!! While unfortunately not available every day, they are worth every single calorie!

At lunch, there is an excellent choice of salads, such as shrimp with fennel, greek salad, waldorf chicken salad, watermelon and goat cheese and more. As well, you can grab a sandwich or delicious grilled panini, just like at a cafe at home, except you won’t be charged!

Don’t you love that feeling?

Of course, there are also desserts and treats served through the day and evening.

Almost everything at the International Cafe is free, so no need to pay extra.

The exception is that there is Gelato available for a small charge as well as chocolate covered strawberries – so these items aren’t included with the cruise fare.

International Cafe – Beverages

While coffee and tea is available free of charge in the buffet, the main dining room and even in room service, the specialty and brewed coffee at the International Cafe has an additional charge .

If you’re a coffee lover, I highly suggest buying a New Grounds Coffee Package . The package includes a limited amount of specialty coffees or teas, and unlimited brewed coffee throughout your cruise vacation.

If you love fresh brewed coffee, this is well worth it!

Recommended:   Princess Cruises Drink Packages (with bar menus and drink photos)

The Buffet: Horizon Court/World Fresh Marketplace

On Princess cruise ships, you’ll have a large choice of food available at the buffet. Depending on the ship, the buffet may be called Horizon Court Buffet, Caribe Cafe or World Fresh Marketplace.

There’s a large choice of food available at breakfast, lunch, dinner, daytime and late night snacks. Desserts including ice cream and pastries are also available.

The choices at the buffet are plentiful for breakfast, and include an omelet station, bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon, pancakes, french toast and bacon, fruits, cereals, and yogurts.

You can also find vegetarian choices as well as gluten-free options.

Lunch and Dinner

Lunch and dinner will have hot food choices including roast meats, fish, pasta and other side dishes, pizza and a good size salad bar. Often, there will be an Italian or German theme, with regional food specialties.

24 hour Free Room Service

Princess Cruises FREE room service is really worth noting. While many mainstream cruise lines have started charging a fee for room service, this is still included on a Princess Cruise.

In your cruise cabin, you’ll find a menu of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options. You can also order from your Ocean Medallion app right from your phone.

Poolside Grill

The poolside grill offers fresh “fast food” like hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, veggie burgers, chicken burgers, nachos and chili fries. It’s a very popular place for casual food from noon through evening.

Pizzeria (by the Pool)

Princess Pizza has been voted the “best pizza at sea” by USA Today, and more importantly (in my opinion), by many real Princess Cruisers!

Each day, the poolside pizzeria serves amazing freshly made pizza. 

On a recent cruise, they also had stromboli, california flatbreads and meatballs, so do take a look for what’s new on the menu.

Soft Serve Ice Cream

Also by the pool, soft serve ice cream in vanilla, chocolate and twist is available free of charge.

However, milkshakes are not included in your cruise fare. Consider one of Princess’ beverage packages , where this is included.

Alfredo’s Pizzeria

Alfredo’s Pizzeria is one of our all-time favorite cruise ship restaurants. Beyond pizza, Alfredo’s has a delicious menu which includes a caprese salad, veal stuffed baked ravioli, a very flavorful calzone, tiramisu and more!

Alfredo’s isn’t available on all Princess Cruise ships, but we were fortunate to have one on Regal Princess.

If you are going on Regal Princess or another ship with an Alfredo’s, I highly suggest reading my review here for tips you can use.

Afternoon Tea on Sea Days

Have you ever wanted to have afternoon tea in the main dining room during your cruise? We had for several years, but somehow we were always busy on sea days.

Finally, on a Back to Back cruise on Regal Princess , we tried it.

We were so glad we did!

During afternoon tea, small tea sandwiches were served, along with scones and cream and jam, as well as petites fours and small pastries.

It was really lovely and worth going.

To note, for an even more “special” experience, you may want to reserve a more intimate afternoon tea option. While there’s an extra charge, it was definitely more “fancy”. There was an option for champagne included, which was a nice touch.

Read our Regal Princess cruise review HERE

Princess Cruise Video

Here’s a video where I share 10 things we love about Princess Cruises , including the cruise food. If you enjoy cruise related content, please consider subscribing to the Life Well Cruised channel.

British Pub Lunch on Sea Days

It seems not many people know about this. On sea days, Princess cruise ships have a British Pub Lunch which is often served in the Wheelhouse Bar.

Some of the menu items include fish and chips, prawns and chips (this is breaded shrimp and french fries), bangers and mash and some other traditional British Pub food.

It’s a nice change from the buffet and poolside grill, and is a fun casual food option that we’ve only found on Princess.

Pro tip – Make sure to check your Princess Patter and arrive a few minutes early, as there will be a line up.

Vines Sushi and Tapas

While not officially a free food option, Vines Wine Bar does offer complimentary sushi and tapas with a wine purchase. It has a wonderful  atmosphere and a great place for a pre-dinner stop.

Princess Cruises Specialty Dining – Not Included in the Cruise Fare

While specialty restaurants aren’t included in your Princess cruise fare, these options might be worth splurging on during your cruise. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a romantic dining experience , I think you’ll enjoy these options.

Here are some favorite Princess Cruises restaurants and food options that have an extra charge:

Sabatinis is an elegant restaurant with a delicious menu of traditional Italian dishes; antipasti, fresh pasta dishes, meat and fish dishes, and decadent dessert. It’s a favorite for special occasions.

Price: $29 USD per person, $14.50 per child ages 3-12.

Crown Grill

A favorite cruise ship steakhouse, Crown Grill serves the best cuts of steak, chops and seafood. The side dishes, soups, salads and desserts are also delicious.

When dining at Crown Grill, you’ll also have a choice of sea salt blends to complement your steak or main meal.

*Menus will be at the bottom of this post

Share by Curtis Stone

The Curtis Stone restaurant on Princess Cruises, SHARE, serves a 6 course meal with a “fresh approach to fine dining”. Not available on all Princess Cruise ships, Curtis Stone dishes are available, for free, on the main dining room menu nightly.

Price: 29$ USD per person

Ultimate Balcony Dining (Breakfast & Dinner)

Ultimate Balcony Dining is a very special experience on Princess Cruises! This upgraded room service experience is available for both breakfast and dinner and is perfect for a romantic couples cruise .

Ultimate Balcony Dining Dinner

The Ultimate Balcony Dinner includes a gourmet 4 course meal, served elegantly on your private balcony by your very own waiter. The dinner menu includes steak and lobster dishes, although menu options can be substituted for preference and dietary restrictions.

Also included, is a glass of champagne or wine to start, and a decadent dessert to finish the meal. You’ll even have some fresh flowers to set the mood.

Price: $100 USD per couple

Ultimate Balcony Breakfast

Although continental breakfast is available for free on Princess, the Ultimate Balcony Breakfast is a little bit of extra luxury!

You’ll be served an expanded menu of pastries, fresh fruit, smoked salmon and quiche, as well as a half bottle of chilled champagne.

Price: $45 USD per couple

Princess Cruises Chef’s Table

For a very special experience, consider signing up for the Chef’s Table Lumiere.

You’ll visit the ship’s galley for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, and enjoy a multi-course dinner hosted by the executive chef. Guests rave about this!!

The Chef’s Table experience is limited capacity at 12 people per seating, so sign up early if you’d like to be partake.

*Price: $90-$110 USD p/p

*Price with wine/alcohol: $110-125 USD p/p

*The price may vary depending on the cruise ship

Crab Shack is a pop up restaurant of sorts that is usually located in the Horizon Court Buffet. It features a wide selection of seafood, including clams, shrimp, crab legs and more!

Crab Shack will be offered on select nights of your sailing, so check once you board to reserve a place.

Price: $29 USD per person

Free Drinks on Princess Cruises

Many people ask what drinks are included on Princess Cruise ships.

Coffee, tea, unsweetened ice tea, lemonade and water (not bottled) are included on Princess Cruises. As well, milk and fruit juice is available in the morning in the buffet.

Soft drinks, all alcohol including wine, beer and cocktails, milkshakes, bottled water, and specialty coffees are not included on Princess Cruises.

Please be aware that brewed,  as well as specialty coffee and tea served in the International Cafe is not included, and has an additional charge.

Princess does have several drink packages available to suit your preferences.

I highly recommended reading this post for more info: What’s Included in Princess Cruises Drink Packages

Bringing Wine Onboard

Princess cruises allows you to bring your own wine onboard. While you can bring 1 bottle per adult in your carry on bag on embarkation day, Princess actually will allow you to bring additional bottles, and will simply charge a $15 corkage fee as you board.

A corkage fee may be applied if you bring your wine bottle to the main dining room or any restaurants.

Bringing water bottles and soft drinks is permitted. Bringing hard alcohol (liqueur and spirits) is not allowed and can be confiscated if you do.

Are there any “free drinks” on Princess?

Complimentary cocktails and sparkling wine are served at Captain’s Club parties (invite only). You can also head to an art auction where sparkling wine is often served. On a formal night, you’ll find the Champagne Waterfall in the Piazza and sparkling wine is often served as well.

Always check your Ocean Medallion app or Princess Patter for activity details and so you don’t miss a thing!

If you’re going on a Princess Cruise, check out this blog post or YouTube video with the Best Princess Tips & Secrets.

A BIG thank you to members of the Princess Cruise Lovers Facebook Group and Life Well Cruised Community who contributed some wonderful and delicious looking photos!

Recap: What Foods are included on Princess Cruises?

In this this post I shared food and restaurant options that are free or included on Princess Cruise ships. Beyond the main dining room and buffet, there are many great options for breakfast, lunch and dinner – and snacks!

The 24 hour International Cafe has something delicious to eat literally all day and night! Plus, don’t forget to try the afternoon tea or British Pub Lunch.

In addition to the food options that are included, Princess has some amazing specialty restaurants and experiences that have an additional charge. These specialty dining options offer a more romantic experience , and are perfect for celebrating a special occasion.

Related Princess Cruises posts to read next:

Princess Cruises: 15 Tips, Tricks and Insider Secrets

21 Things You Need to Know About Ocean Medallion

Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion: Updates & New Features

12 Top Reasons to Cruise with Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises Drink Packages (with bar menus and drink photos)

Princess Plus: What’s Included and Is it Worth it?

Have you cruised with Princess before? What’s one of your favorite restaurants or food options on board? If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below.

*Please see below for sample menus (more added over time so please check back)

Happy cruising!

P.S. If you’ve enjoyed this, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-)! Please share it with a friend, on Facebook or save for later on Pinterest. Thanks so much!

Let’s connect:

Follow me on YouTube at Life Well Cruised

Follow me on Facebook at Life Well Cruised

Follow me on Pinterest at Life Well Cruised

Follow me on Instagram at Life Well Cruised

Princess Cruises Crown Grill Menu

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Well written and a joy to read. I miss cruising and I am looking forward to cruising resuming soon. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks May! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I’m missing cruising as well… Hopefully it won’t be too much longer

Thanks for all your advise! I’ve been on 17 cruises (5 with Princess) and I still learn new things from your posts and videos. Now if we could actually go on a ship and sail somewhere that would be great. I have a cruise tour booked on the Enchanted Princess in June 2021 to Italy and the Western Med that I hope doesn’t get cancelled or not allow Americans. This cruise has been on my bucket list for a long time. Keep up the good work and I enjoy the pictures of you and your family.

So glad you enjoyed this and it could be helpful, even for a seasoned cruiser like you! That cruise sounds amazing,and I sincerely hope things improve and you’re able to go!

Thanks so much for your kind words and for taking the time to comment.

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• Princess Cruises

Specialty Dining Price Increase??

By ninka26 , January 29 in Princess Cruises

Recommended Posts

Was just checking the new Princess app and it looks like the specialty dining prices have increased if you do not have Princess Premier/Plus. Crown Grill is showing as $63 per person and Sabatini's is $55 per person.

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Share on other sites.

14 minutes ago, ninka26 said: Was just checking the new Princess app and it looks like the specialty dining prices have increased if you do not have Princess Premier/Plus. Crown Grill is showing as $63 per person and Sabatini's is $55 per person.  

Are you on the new App?  Since it was downloaded, some of the cruise dates showed these increases, such as Dec 2024.  Yet, 2025 and 2026 cruises I have show, the current) $39 and $35.

Just waiting to see, are these real increases or just

more errors from IT?

What date is your cruise?

BTW, I went on the old App and the website version of the App and purchased the SD that I wanted on the current rates. 

just checked my cruise personalizer for Sky princess in May and still $39 pp for Catch by Rudi and Crown Grill and $35 for Sabatini's

maybe yours is showing different currency and not usd?

Abercrombie2019

22 minutes ago, ninka26 said: Was just checking the new Princess app and it looks like the specialty dining prices have increased if you do not have Princess Premier/Plus. Crown Grill is showing as $63 per person and Sabatini's is $55 per person.    

This problem was reported in another thread awhile ago.  It looks like the correct amounts for Specialty Dining in Australian dollars.  People have speculated that the ships that are currently sailing from Australia are still showing the Australian pricing for Specialty Dining for future cruises that don't originate in Australia.  (Check which ship you are trying to book for and see if that ship is currently sailing from Australia.)

IDK.  Looks like OP may be on Royal and that comes from a

TP Aust/Japan/Canada.  So,

yes they may have loaded AUD from April.  Unreal!

Mine is a different ship Majestic,

which would have been in Australia several months prior also.   

Currency shouldn’t affect the prices months after it has sailed in an area.  SMH

5 minutes ago, Abercrombie2019 said: This problem was reported in another thread awhile ago.  It looks like the correct amounts for Specialty Dining in Australian dollars.  People have speculated that the ships that are currently sailing from Australia are still showing the Australian pricing for Specialty Dining for future cruises that don't originate in Australia.  (Check which ship you are trying to book for and see if that ship is currently sailing from Australia.)

Several months before.  They can’t seem to update some of these ships on the new App.  Old App and website version of the App are correct.

Rick&Jeannie

And...here we go with a whole new round of problems with a new app!

1 hour ago, Rick&Jeannie said: And...here we go with a whole new round of problems with a new app!    

steep learning curve 

Tonsoffun44

Friends have the Old Plus package, we have the New Plus package - Sailing on Sky - Both say Sabatini's is $35 and $39 for the other two options. 

If your source for this "supposed" price increase is *only* the app....well, take that with a huge grain of salt!

41 minutes ago, Rick&Jeannie said: If your source for this "supposed" price increase is *only* the app....well, take that with a huge grain of salt!

Hence the question mark LOL. Just found it odd and wanted to see if anyone else experienced the weird pricing.

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Ultimate Guide to Princess Cruises Drinks Prices & Menus

In this post you’ll find the  Princess Cruises drinks menus and prices , correct as of 2022. Is a drinks package worth it? Making a decision about purchasing a drinks package can be difficult, so this post is designed to help you.

I was fortunate to sail on Sky Princess in August 2021 and April 2022. I took photos of the Princess Cruises drinks menus with prices whilst onboard to help you to plan your budget.

Princess Cruises Drinks Guide

On Princess, drinks can be purchased individually or with a drinks package. Princess Cruises drinks packages can be purchased in advance or within the first two days of getting onboard. If you decide to wait until you get onboard, the beverage package price is added to your onboard account and paid at the end of your cruise.

Take a look at my Complete Guide the Princess Cruises Drinks Packages 2022

There are no advantages to waiting until you get on your cruise to buy the drinks package. The price is the same whether you purchase in advance or on embarkation day.

Instead of a beverage package, you may want to consider Princess Plus or Princess Premier. In almost all cases, Princess Plus offers the best value to cruisers as it includes a drinks package along with WiFi and crew gratuities/incentives.

Take a look at my guide to Princess Plus to find out when it might not be the best choice.

Princess Premier is a new package that has been introduced in 2022 so I’d recommend taking a look at my breakdown of what’s included in the Princess Premier Package to see if it’s worth it.

This Princess Cruises drinks guide provides you with the individual prices, sourced from bar menus onboard. Although these prices are from Sky Princess, the prices seem to be the same across all Princess Cruises’ ships.

The Plus Beverage Package includes all drinks up to $12, the Premier Beverage Package includes all drinks up to $18. all alcoholic drinks by the glass

If you choose a drink that is greater than the beverage package limit, you must pay the individual drink’s price in full (new change to package rules).

Beer on Princess Cruises

There’s only one non-alcoholic lager available – Heineken 0.0 at $5.50.

Princess Cruises Drinks Menu: Ciders

There are only two ciders available on Princess ships. There are no berry fruit ciders at present on any of the menus.

White Wine List on Princess Cruises

Most of the wine on Princess Cruises can be purchased from the bars by the glass or by the bottle. If you have the Plus or Premier Beverage Packages, wine by the glass is included but you can only get a 25% discount when buying a bottle.

Princess Cruises Drinks Menu: Red Wine List

The best place to enjoy wine on Princess ships is at Vines Wine Bar, usually located on Deck 5 of the Piazza. Here you have access to wines you cannot find anywhere else on the ship.

Red wine prices range from $9 to $21 per glass.

Princess Wine List: Rose Wine

Wine flights from vines wine bar.

If you like to taste a range of different wines, wine flights are available from Vines Wine Bar in the Piazza. Wine flights are not part of the exclusions from the beverage packages are therefore are included in the Plus Package (up to $12) and Premier Package (up to $18).

The Norman Love Wine Flight pairs wine with chocolate for those who love both!

Champagne and Sparkling Wines

Champagne Cocktails

In certain bars you will be able to order Champagne cocktails. It’s more likely the inside bars will do these such as Take Five, Bellini’s and Vines.

Remember, the Plus Beverage Package covers drinks up to $12 and the Premier Beverage Package covers drinks up to $18.

Exclusive to Bellini’s Bar

Princess cruises cocktail list.

Different venues around the ship will offer signature cocktails and therefore not every bar offers the same menu but there are classic cocktails you can get pretty much everywhere.

Frozen Cocktails List on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises Margarita Menu

Blood Mary Menu

Crown grill cocktails.

Many of the following cocktails can be found in the Crown Grill Bar . You don’t need a reservation in the Crown Grill to use this bar.

Cocktails in Take Five

Take Five is the jazz lounge on Sky Princess and is a great venue to enjoy a drink and jazz music every evening.

Princess Cruises Martini List

The widest selection of martinis can be found in the Crown Grill Bar, Take Five and Crooners.

Mocktails on Princess Cruises

The Princess Cruises drinks list is limited but it’s worth asking the bar staff if you can make a cocktail alcohol free e.g. Virgin Pina Colada, Virgin Bloody Mary.

Mocktails are included in the following beverage packages:

• Premier Beverage Package  ($79.99 USD pppd incl. 18% gratuities)
• Plus Beverage Package  ($70.79 USD pppd incl. 18% gratuities)
• Premier Coffee and Soda Package  ($23.59 USD pppd incl. 18% gratuities)
• Classic Soda Package  ($11.79 USD pppd incl. 18% gratuities)

Scotch Menu on Princess Cruises

The Plus Beverage Package includes all drinks up to $12, the Premier Beverage Package includes all drinks up to $18.

If you choose a drink that is greater than the drinks package limit, you simply pay the difference.

The sodas onboard Princess ships are fountain or cans. Fountain sodas are included in the following beverages packages:

If you have one of these packages, cans of soda are not included but you can get a 25% discount on them.

Bottled Water

Bottled water may or may not be included in your drinks package depending on the size of bottle and the package you have.

A 500ml bottle of natural spring water is included in the Premier and Plus Beverage Packages but is not included in the non-alcoholic beverage packages (a 25% discount is included).

If you choose the Plus or Premier Beverage Package you have a 25% discount on 1 litre bottles of natural spring water.

Coffee and Tea Prices on Princess Cruises

The biggest selection of coffee and tea can be found at the International Cafe in the Piazza. There is a small choice of coffee and tea in the buffet.

These can be ordered in small or large sizes.

Final Thoughts on Princess Cruises Drinks

These  Princess Cruises drinks menus and prices , will hopefully give you a useful way to calculate whether a drinks package is needed.

The majority of the drinks are covered in the Plus Beverage Package and the cheapest option is purchase the Princess Plus add-on package , which includes drinks up to $12, unlimited WiFi and crew appreciation (tips) for $50 / £40 per person per day.

If you don’t plan to drink more than 5 or 6 alcoholic drinks a day you may be better off paying for drinks individually – it all depends on what you like to drink.

Laura is a UK cruise blogger based in Cornwall, UK. She founded Cruise Lifestyle in 2016 to share useful advice about cruising, destinations and food. Last port visited: Bridgetown, Barbados Next port of call: unknown, but she can’t wait for cruising to resume safely!

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The 12 Best All-Inclusive Cruises for 2024

When it comes to all-inclusive cruises, there are a few different options:

• Luxury cruise lines: All-inclusive cruise rates are available on luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea. While more expensive than traditional cruise rates , the fares cover nearly everything, including door-to-door transfers, luxurious suite accommodations, specialty dining , premium alcoholic beverages and excursions. Plus, you don't need to show your cruise card every time you order a latte or a pre-dinner cocktail. You'll disembark the ship with very few, if any, additional charges on your final bill.
• Cruise lines with inclusive pricing: Alternatively, you can consider an upscale cruise line like Viking, which offers fares with more-inclusive pricing and some of the amenities found on board the fully inclusive lines. However, you'll still have to budget for a few expenses, such as immersive excursions and alcoholic beverages beyond wine or beer at lunch and dinner.
• Packages and add-ons: Other cruise lines like Oceania, Windstar and Norwegian offer add-on drink packages and other promos so you can create a more all-inclusive experience.

After comparing the costs between a truly all-inclusive cruise and a sailing with package pricing for the extras, the total price may be closer than you think.

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All-Inclusive Cruises

Regent seven seas cruises.

Regent Seven Seas touts its six ships – with the newest vessel, Seven Seas Grandeur , which debuted in late 2023 – as "the world's most luxurious fleet." The line's intimate ships accommodate up to 750 guests. They feature all ocean-view suites, prestigious museum-quality art collections (including a prized Fabergé egg on the new Grandeur), and itineraries that call on more than 500 destinations around the world.

With Regent's "every luxury included" philosophy and 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares, passengers receive round-trip airfare and transfers between the airport and ship, as well as unlimited shore excursions, two- or three-night land programs (based on the itinerary), and a complimentary pre-cruise hotel package for concierge suites and higher. On the ship, enjoy a fully stocked in-suite minibar; specialty dining; unlimited fine wines, spirits and other beverages; prepaid gratuities; unlimited Wi-Fi; and free valet laundry service.

On top of personalized service, guests sailing on Regent Seven Seas cruises will enjoy immersive exploration ashore – with overnights in some ports of call – and enrichment programs. Top-notch dining includes French cuisine at Chartreuse (on select ships), Pan-Asian fare at Pacific Rim (also on select ships) and Italian fare at Sette Mari at La Veranda.

Cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen (available on Grandeur, Splendor and Explorer ), some tours and bespoke excursions, spa treatments, unique offerings, and certain wines and top-shelf liquors come with an additional cost.

Explore Regent Seven Seas Cruises on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Silversea Cruises

Sailing on board one of Silversea's 13 ultra-luxury cruise or expedition ships commences with the line's new chauffeur experience. This door-to-door service transports guests from home to the airport and back home on the return trip. The line's all-inclusive pricing also encompasses international or domestic flights (with business class upgrades in certain destinations), pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations, butler service in every suite, all gratuities, gourmet dining, and complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, including Champagne.

Guests will also enjoy a staff-to-guest ratio of nearly 1-to-1 – and with no more than 728 guests. Other all-inclusive perks include at least one shore excursion in each port plus onboard lectures and programming. On expedition sailings in destinations like Antarctica , all guided Zodiac tours and landings are included in the fare.

When it comes to dining on Silversea ships, gourmet options feature French, Asian and Italian cuisine along with other international fare. For a special evening, S.A.L.T. Kitchen is a new destination-focused concept on Silver Ray, Nova , Moon and Dawn . This immersive dining experience, Sea And Land Taste, was developed in partnership with the former editor-in-chief of "Saveur Magazine," Adam Sachs. The culinary offerings with S.A.L.T. also include shore excursions, where guests can tour a 500-year-old family winery and vineyard in Croatia, visit an organic farm in Denmark, or learn to make gelato in Sicily.

Expenses not covered in Silversea's fare include salon and spa services, personal training sessions, select excursions, upgraded internet packages, and special bottles of wine or liquors.

Compare Silversea Cruises deals on GoToSea.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn's seven purpose-built expedition vessels and intimate luxury cruise ships accommodate between 264 and 600 guests. The club-like atmosphere on board its ships comes with highly intuitive and personalized service with about a 1-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio. Each suite also has a dedicated personal suite host and a suite attendant that will cater to your every whim.

All-inclusive fares include oceanfront suites with walk-in closets, living areas and luxurious bathrooms. All Seabourn Encore and Ovation accommodations feature private verandas, while 90% of the suites on Seabourn Odyssey , Sojourn and Quest have balconies. Premium and penthouse suites offer additional amenities and perks.

While aboard Seabourn Cruise Line , guests will enjoy complimentary fine wines and premium spirits, welcome Champagne, and a fully stocked in-suite bar with your personalized selections. Dining is a real treat, with several venues in partnership with renowned chef Thomas Keller, such as the line's signature restaurant, The Grill by Thomas Keller. Seabourn is also a member of the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international association of gastronomy.

Other complimentary amenities on Seabourn's cruise ships include special evenings with dinner and live entertainment; a marina and complimentary water sports; "Caviar in the Surf" on select voyages; movie nights; a chance to shop with the chef at local markets; personal valet luggage shipping service; enrichment lectures; and more.

Additional expenses include a wide selection of epicurean, mindfulness and wellness excursions as well as cultural and historical bespoke tours. You can also book the ultimate underwater adventure on one of the line's high-tech submarines on the two expedition vessels, Seabourn Venture and Pursuit. Programs and treatments at Seabourn's Spa & Wellness are also at an additional cost.

Find a Seabourn Cruise Line cruise on GoToSea.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages features "always included" cruise fares on its two purpose-built yachts, World Navigator and World Traveller. The line recently welcomed a third ship to its fleet for the 2023-24 Antarctica season, World Voyager. Atlas' high-end boutique ships cater to just 198 passengers and feature spacious staterooms and suites with panoramic windows or private balconies and beautiful public spaces and lounges. These small ships also have several options for dining, depending on the sailing and destination.

The all-inclusive fares cover complimentary dining; unlimited wines, craft beers and spirits; 24-hour bar service with canapes; a free in-room minibar; afternoon high tea; fresh-pressed juices and specialty teas and coffees; butler service; 24-hour room service; prepaid gratuities; cultural immersion in every port; and other perks.

Polar expedition fares cover private charter jet service, group transfers from the airport to the yacht, an Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest to take home, Zodiac sightseeing safaris, expert guided shore landings, and destination lectures and briefings.

If you're on one of the line's Epicurean Expeditions, the cultural immersion program offers complimentary special tastings, market visits and cooking demonstrations. In addition to use of the marina's water toys (on select sailings, weather permitting), guests can enjoy an authentic Portuguese dinner and an alfresco Josper Grill dining experience at 7-AFT Grill. On select voyages, culinary presentations, wine tastings and other special events are hosted by an expert.

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More-Inclusive Cruises

Cruise fares with these lines include many of the amenities and perks that you'll find with the all-inclusive cruises. However, you'll still need to budget for some expenses, such as alcoholic beverages, excursions and specialty dining, depending on the line.

Viking's ocean fleet of nine 930-passenger all-veranda ships offers a nearly all-inclusive experience for guests. The upscale Scandinavian-inspired ships feature king-bed staterooms and suites with many amenities, including luxurious linens and plush robes, 24-hour room service, and free Wi-Fi – plus an in-room minibar with soft drinks, water and snacks. Higher-category staterooms on Viking Ocean Cruises come with additional perks like priority dinner and spa reservations, early stateroom access, and a welcome bottle of Champagne.

Cruise fares also include complimentary dining at all the venues; one free shore excursion in every port; beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner; specialty teas, coffee and bottled water; access to the spa; lectures and performances; port taxes and fees; and more.

Viking also has two 378-passenger Polar Class 6 expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. These ships also offer a mostly all-inclusive experience with the same amenities as their oceangoing vessels. Pricing on the expedition sailings includes Zodiac safaris, the use of kayaks, a keepsake Viking jacket, and essential gear for excursions and landings.

Select excursions, pre- or post-dinner cocktails, spa treatments, special bottles of wine, and other optional purchases come at an additional expense.

Book a Viking cruise on GoToSea.

Azamara's four upscale boutique ships carry a maximum of 702 guests and offer immersive experiences around the world, calling on many smaller, lesser-known ports. The line also boasts more than 380 overnights and 850 late nights in port, so guests can have dinner in town and experience more of the destination's local culture and cuisine.

Azamara's cruise fares include all meals (other than the specialty dining restaurants) with water, tea and coffee. A selection of complimentary wine, sparkling wine, beer and spirits is available throughout the voyage. Cultural evenings ashore or on board the ship and gratuities are also included in the basic cruise fare.

If you'd like to enhance your onboard experience, Azamara offers inclusive "Experience More" packages that are discounted and based on the length of the voyage.

For example, on a seven-day or shorter sailing, solo travelers can add a package for $799 that's valued at $1,114 (a savings of 28%). This value-add bundle includes $350 of onboard credit to use for shore excursions; unlimited Wi-Fi for one device; a drinks package featuring premium wines, spirits and bottled water; a $150 spa credit; and a dinner at the Chef's Table or a total of three nights of specialty dining at Prime C or Aqualina. Three bags of laundry are also included.

Guests can book similar packages for double occupancy staterooms and longer voyages. You can also choose individual beverage, dining or internet packages if you don't need the extra amenities or features of the bundled options.

Compare Azamara cruises on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages' four superyacht-inspired ships are designed with adults in mind and feature 1,330 cabins (most with balconies) and 78 RockStar Quarters suites, where guests have access to Richard's Rooftop, an exclusive outdoor deck space. Pricing with the adults-only cruise line includes stateroom or suite accommodations and meals at more than 20 eateries serving up international cuisine and dishes created by Michelin-starred chefs. Guests also have access to complimentary Wi-Fi; unlimited group exercise classes; nonalcoholic drinks such as water, tea and coffee; and plenty of lively entertainment.

Virgin does not offer beverage packages, but the line at times advertises special promotions that include voyage credits to cover expenses like airfare and drinks. Shore excursions and spa treatments – including skin care offerings on board Scarlet Lady in partnership with Jennifer Lopez, Virgin's chief entertainment and lifestyle officer – are some of the additional expenses not covered in the base fare.

Find a Virgin Voyages deal on GoToSea.

Add-on Packages and All-Inclusive Fares

These five cruise lines offer basic cruise fares that cover accommodations and some amenities – and you can typically find special pricing and promotional deals throughout the year.

With the optional packages, guests can create a mostly all-inclusive voyage with bundles of add-on extras, such as shore excursions, beverage packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities or shipboard credit to cover miscellaneous personal expenses such as spa treatments or a bottle of wine for a special celebration.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania's eight small luxury ships carry between 648 and 1,238 guests. The line's newest ship – Vista , the first Allura Class vessel – debuted in Rome in May 2023. The beautifully appointed vessel features four new dining concepts, spacious standard staterooms at 290-plus square feet in size, new Concierge Level veranda accommodations for solo cruisers, an elevated mixology program and more.

Oceania's culinary program is touted by the line as "The Finest Cuisine at Sea" under the tutelage of Jacques Pépin, executive culinary director and master chef. Complimentary specialty dining is included in cruise fares on Oceania sailings. Pricing also covers airfare, still and sparkling water, specialty teas and coffees, soft drinks, and Wi-Fi on the ship.

Oceania's "OLife Choice" package provides additional value to your cruise with 2-for-1 cruise fares, free round-trip airfare and airport transfers – plus one free amenity you'll choose out of eight complimentary shore excursions, a beverage package or up to $800 in shipboard credit.

Explore Oceania Cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity offers special rates and packages throughout the year that save money over a la carte pricing – and elevate your onboard experience to be more inclusive. You'll be able to access the best deal on the added perks if you book the upgraded package before you sail, saving up to 40 to 50 percent of the actual cost.

The line's "All-Included" package bundles the most popular add-ons for cruisers: a standard beverage package for alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, unlimited basic Wi-Fi, and gratuities for the staff and crew. Pricing depends on the stateroom or suite category and sailing.

There are other options when booking a cruise with Celebrity to create a more upscale and all-inclusive experience. Guests staying in all-suite The Retreat have exclusive access to a sundeck (on select ships), a lounge and Luminae – a private restaurant that features Global Culinary Ambassador Daniel Boulud at the helm. Guests of The Retreat booking the "All-Included" package receive a premium beverage package, premium unlimited Wi-Fi, gratuities and an onboard credit.

If you book AquaClass accommodations, you'll also have access to complimentary amenities and perks, such as unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite, discounts on spa treatment packages and complimentary fitness classes. In addition, you'll also find a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival (by request) and two bottles of water refreshed daily in your room. AquaClass guests also have exclusive access to the restaurant Blu. You can add the "All-Included" package to your booking, which will include the Classic Drinks Package, basic Wi-Fi and gratuities.

Passengers who want to book this "All-Included" package and are sharing a stateroom or suite will need to book the same package.

Compare Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian also offers promotional fares and special deals throughout the year that feature similar amenities and perks to what you'll find on an all-inclusive cruise. The "Free at Sea" deal bundles discounts on the cruise, free specialty dining, unlimited open bar privileges, shore excursion credits, savings on Wi-Fi access, discounts on the third and fourth guests in the stateroom, and a 2-for-1 deal on airfare.

"Free at Sea Plus" takes the package up a notch with a more comprehensive beverage selection, including top-shelf cocktails, Champagne by the glass, bottles of select premium wines at dinner and signature Starbucks coffee drinks. This option also includes unlimited Wi-Fi, additional nights of specialty dining and shore excursions.

Prices for both packages on Norwegian Cruise Line will depend on the dates, length and destination of the cruise.

Book a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise on GoToSea.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line's "Have It All Premium Cruise Package" is available to book for cruises six days or longer, excluding the line's Grand Voyages. The benefits vary depending on the length of the trip but include credits for shore excursions; the Signature Beverage Package; specialty dining at Tamarind, Pinnacle Grill or Canaletto; and a Wi-Fi Surf Package. The cost starts at $50 a day per person. 

An early booking bonus for this package includes an Elite Beverage Package upgrade, covered crew appreciation charges and a premium Wi-Fi upgrade. Holland America has other special promotions throughout the year. One of these is an early booking bonus of up to $400 in onboard credit per stateroom for Mariner Society members.

Find Holland America deals on GoToSea.

Princess Cruises

"Princess Plus" and "Princess Premier" packages offer guests two options to upgrade their onboard amenities from the standard Princess Cruises plan, which covers accommodations, dining, entertainment and the line's signature MedallionClass experience.

"Princess Plus" perks include a beverage package with drinks up to $15 each, Wi-Fi on one device per guest, gratuities for the crew, two premium desserts a day (think hazelnut gelato at the onboard gelateria), two fitness classes per cruise (such as Pure Barre or YogaSix) and unlimited trips to the juice bar. The cost is $60 per day per person for this middle-tier package.

Additional benefits of the highest-tier option, at $80 per person per day, include the Premier Beverage Package, which covers drinks up to $20 each, and Wi-Fi for up to four devices per guest. Other features of the "Princess Premier" upgrade are two specialty meals, a photo package, Princess Prizes, reserved theater seating and a Medallion accessory.

Explore Princess Cruises on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts and traditional masted sailing ships. Most recently, she traveled on a small expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Kids Sail Free Cruises
• First-Time Cruise Tips: Mistakes to Avoid
• Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees
• The Best Cruise Insurance Policies
• Cruise vs. All-Inclusive Resort: Which One Is Right for You?

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

Sun Princess Cruise Ship Review: What We Love—and What Needs Work

May 8, 2024

Sun Princess , the latest addition to the Princess Cruises fleet, is the line’s largest ship to date, weighing in at 177,882 gross tons and able to accommodate 4,300 passengers. By comparison, the company’s Discovery Princess , which made its maiden voyage in 2022, is a mere 145,000 gross tons and can sleep almost 1,000 fewer cruisers. 

Sun Princess , the first in the line’s Sphere class of ships, is a 21-deck, next-level Love Boat with an innovative design aimed at bringing the outdoors inside and connecting passengers to the sea—and giving them some spectacular views. 

Additionally, the ship’s grand total of 30 dining and drinking venues outnumber the food-and-beverage offerings on any other Princess vessel, while a number of upgrades to suites, staterooms, entertainment, and kid-friendly attractions seem geared toward attracting more families and expanding the line’s appeal to a younger, hipper demographic. 

To find out what works—and what needs work—on Sun Princess , I took a weeklong cruise (at the invitation of the cruise line) from Rome to Barcelona, where the ship had its naming ceremony in April 2024. 

Read on to find out where the Sun shines brightest—and where its light is dimmed.  

Sun Princess Quick Facts

Launched : February 2024 Passengers : 4,300 (double occupancy) Crew : 1,600 Size : 177,882 gross tons, 1,133 feet long, 139 feet wide Booking : Princess.com , 800/774-6237

1. The ship’s unique design—and dazzling views

The ship’s most striking design elements are its two “sun-inspired” concepts:

• a nine-deck-tall bubble in the middle of the vessel ( visible on the ship's exterior ) that has lots of windows to give wraparound ocean views and centers on the Piazza (pictured at the top of this story), an open and airy central atrium that spans three levels; 

• and the Dome  (pictured above), a glass-enclosed structure that sits at the top of the ship and is being dubbed the first-ever geodesic dome at sea.

Due to its placement and design, the multilevel glass dome (decks 17 and 18) shows off expansive ocean views from its indoor and outdoor areas, where you’ll find cushy lounge chairs, an indoor-outdoor pool, and the Sea View Bar . Outdoors, the spacious terrace also offers seating with a view, and because the terrace is partially covered, there’s shade that makes this a perfect spot for relaxing during days at sea.

You’ll find some of the best views from inside the ship around the Piazza, including at International Café (deck 9), Bellini’s Cocktail Bar (deck 7), Alfredo’s Pizzeria (deck 9), and Makoto Ocean (deck 8), a new collaboration with renowned Japanese chef Makoto Okuwa. 

Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizons , the beautifully designed main dining room (decks 6, 7, and 8), supply a look at the ship’s wake from the back of the vessel. Step out onto the Wake View Terrace (deck 8) and you’ll feel like you’re in an exclusive area (though it’s not), with loungers, a bar, and an infinity pool suspended over the back of the ship. 

2. Elevated staterooms and suites

As visually appealing—and view-enhancing—as the spherical atrium and geodesic dome are, it’s worth noting that the ship’s interior décor has a more modern and upscale feel than other Princess ships, thanks in part to a subtle color scheme with natural wood tones in staterooms and suites . 

I stayed in a Cabana Mini-Suite (pictured above),   a new stateroom category for Princess that comes with a larger balcony than the next cabin category down (Deluxe Balcony) as well as more space (329 square feet compared to 235) and a few other perks, such as access to an exclusive outdoor lounge area on deck 9. At lower price points, there are Premium Oceanview and Interior staterooms, neither of which have balconies. (And at the other end of the price spectrum, Princess has launched with this ship a new set of luxury accommodations and amenities the line calls the Sanctuary Collection .)

Passengers on previous Princess ships will note that changes on the Sun involve   closets (no longer walk-in) with frosted glass doors, lots of storage, plenty of hanging space, and large drawers. You’ll also find a plush robe and slippers inside. 

In the bathroom, another welcome addition awaits: a glass door to the shower—goodbye, shower curtain! Bath and skin care products are by Beekman 1802. 

On the tech front, there are plenty of U.S. electrical and USB/USB-C outlets in the room. A thoughtful touch you’ll discover after dark: a motion-detecting nightlight. 

3. Tech that works

While we’re on the subject of staying connected, the Wi-Fi on Sun Princess was some of the fastest and best I’ve experienced at sea. Glitches were nil and I never had trouble doing anything online that I wanted to do—a first at sea for me. 

That said, connectivity comes at a price. The line’s MedallionNet Wi-Fi is available to purchase pre-cruise for $24.99 per device per day. For four devices, the cost (pre-cruise) is $44.99 per day. That's competitive with what you'll find on other cruise lines . 

[It might be more cost-effective to purchase a package such as the Princess Plus option, which goes for $60 a day per person and comes with Wi-Fi for one device, a beverage package, and other perks.]

In addition to being impressed with the quality of the Wi-Fi, I found that Princess’s Medallion technology worked flawlessly. I was “Ocean Ready” when I checked in, having completed my paperwork on the Princess app days before, so it took just minutes to receive my Medallion—a quarter-sized, wearable doodad (pictured above) to be used in many of the ways that key cards are employed on other ships.

The device makes ordering stuff like lattes or glasses of wine seamless (you don’t have to hand over a card every time), and you don’t have to fumble around in your pockets or handbag for a key to get into your stateroom, either; as long as you’ve got the Medallion on you, the door will unlock automatically as you’re coming down the hallway. 

4. New flexibility in complimentary dining

The ship’s complimentary dining venue—the three-level Horizons (pictured above)—features a unique and new-to-Princess flexible dining concept, offering guests a choice among traditional, reservable, or walk-in anytime dining.

Americana Diner on deck 8 is the anytime option, serving casual comfort food such as an all-day breakfast, old-fashioned chipped beef on toast, buffalo wings, chicken parmigiana, pub-style fish and chips, burgers, milkshakes, and apple pie. 

Alternatively, guests can have the classic cruise dining experience, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the same table with the same dining companions for every meal, on deck 6. For a quiet evening for two, make a reservation on deck 7 for a leisurely meal amid the space’s panoramic aft views from two-story windows. 

The three new complimentary dining options have been such a hit that Princess is rolling out this enhancement across the fleet. 

5. Exciting new specialty restaurants—and solid standbys

Sun Princess maintains an impressive roster of new dining venues for cruising foodies along with longtime Princess faves, such as the Crown Grill steakhouse (deck 7), where I had one of the best meals of my cruise, thanks to well-prepared staples such as surf and turf and baked Alaska with cherries jubilee.

A fun addition is the line’s first Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, Umai Teppanyaki (pictured above; deck 8), which shares space with Umai Hot Pot . Lively meals here are overseen by talented, spatula-wielding chefs whose bag of showy cooking tricks don’t overpower the fresh, flavorful results. 

Another favorite: The Catch by Rudi (deck 9),   a collaboration with award-winning master chef Rudi Sodamin, the line’s head of culinary arts. The menu features fresh seafood and showstopping desserts, such as a piled-high croquembouche.

On the other side of The Catch, The Butcher’s Block by Dario is a carnivore’s delight, with one meat course served after another—the Florentine steak is the mouth-watering highlight—engineered by Dario Cecchini, the “world’s most famous butcher.” 

Dining at any of the specialty restaurants comes at an additional cost unless you’ve sprung for the Princess Premier package, which includes a dinner at two specialty restaurants and a long list of other amenities, including Wi-Fi for up to four devices, a premium beverage package, reserved seating for theater shows, unlimited fitness classes, and more. The package costs a pricey $80 per day per person, so before you purchase make sure you’ll actually use the various components to make it worth your while. 

6. A magical evening at Spellbound

Sun Princess 's immersive dining-and-entertainment experience is an exclusive collaboration with L.A.’s Magic Castle, a club for expert magicians and their most devoted fans. On the ship, the evening begins with dinner in a private room at the back of the Horizons dining room. Afterward, guests are led by a caped and top hat–sporting gatekeeper through a nondescript door into a seabound version of the Magic Castle, a sexy and mysterious space where bartenders serve elaborate cocktails in cages and smoky boxes as a wandering magician performs close-up card tricks.

After drinks in the lounge, guests are ushered to a performance area for a display of more masterful magic from a headliner "handpicked from around the world," according to Princess (performers change about once a month). The top-notch skills of the magicians, the inventive drinks, and the overall floating-speakeasy vibe add up to an experience that's mesmerizing in every sense of the word. 

The price for the evening, including dinner, drinks, and entertainment, is $149 per person—not too bad, considering all that you get. There are three seatings each night and space is limited. I recommend booking one of the earlier seatings, at 5pm or 7pm, so you can linger at the bar after the show.

7. Expertly mixed cocktails at a huge variety of bars

The fact sheet for Sun Princess lists 12 different bars, but that doesn’t include one of my favorite spots, O’Malley’s Irish Pub (deck 7). It’s classified as a restaurant since it serves pub fare, including bangers and mash, a Guinness-braised beef stew, and drunken mussels. Situated just off the Piazza, the space is handsome and the food is hearty, but perhaps the best thing about O’Malley’s is that it's glass-enclosed, so you can enjoy your traditional Irish fare with a side of traditional Irish music without being disturbed by noise from the lively atrium.

I’m also a fan of the sophisticated air and ocean views of  Bellini’s Cocktail Bar (deck 7) for a glass of champagne or a well-made Aperol spritz. For more complicated cocktails, the expert mixologists at Good Spirits at Sea (pictured above; deck 7) prepare tasty drinks inspired by destinations around the world during the space’s Cocktail Experience. Check the ship’s daily schedule for times. 

Outside, some of the best spots to toast the view are the Wake View Terrace Bar (deck 8), the Sea View Terrace (deck 17), and the Sun Bar (deck 18).

1. Noise levels in The Piazza 

With the focus on attracting a younger demographic and new-to-cruising guests, Princess has amplified the amount of games and entertainment in the Piazza, installing a three-story LED screen, pumping out lots of music, flashing a lot of lights, and scheduling activities around the clock. 

Throughout the day, this area hosts game shows, dance classes, Zumba classes, live music of all genres, parties, a silent disco, and much more. Seating along the glass periphery on all three levels of the Piazza makes it easy to watch, listen, and play along. 

But all this action makes a lot of noise—and the commotion can feel inescapable, especially when you’re trying to have lunch at Alfredo’s Pizzeria during a dance class (one, two, cha, cha, cha), or enjoy a quiet pre-dinner cocktail at Crooners (where the live music at the bar has to compete with the noise from the Piazza), or eat your sushi in peace at the specialty Makoto Ocean restaurant.

2. Not enough seating in the Princess Arena

The Princess Arena (deck 7) is the line’s most technologically advanced theatrical space, offering three different configurations for shows (the ship's April 2024 naming ceremony is pictured above). But since the venue can accommodate only 990 spectators, it fills up quickly when the ship is at its full capacity of 4,300 passengers—well over four times the number of people the theater can hold.  

The only production show that was ready for our sailing, Vallora, A Pirate Quest , was sold out when we arrived about 45 minutes before the performance, so we (and many other guests) were turned away. Two nights later, we took advantage of the reserved seating that comes with the Princess Premier package so we could catch the swashbuckling production. That worked, but even with the package, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis—and when seats are gone, they’re gone. 

That means that if you have your heart set on seeing a popular show during your cruise, you could be out of luck, especially when the full slate of productions isn’t available.

In addition to Vallora , future passengers can expect two new shows— Stage Struck and Viva La Música , neither of which was ready during my voyage—and Fiera! , a reimagined Princess staple. 

3. Not enough seating in The Dome and Princess Live!, either

The same seating issue applies to The Dome, where evening acrobatic performances are staged by Québec’s renowned Cirque Éloize. This space has seating capacity for just 250 people, leading to more potential for disappointment—and cramped quarters. On the night I attended, crew members brought in extra chairs to squeeze in more people, but that can make things feel crowded and create terrible sight lines. My view of the performers, for example, was almost completely blocked by the person seated in front of me. 

Similarly, the venue on deck 7 known as Princess Live! (pictured above) often has only standing room available for its lineup of live music, comedy, trivia, and lectures. Not to mention that the spot’s close proximity to the Piazza means that punchlines are often drowned out by noise from the ship’s central gathering area. 

4. Smoke from the casino

To an unusual degree, cigarette smoke wafting down the corridor from the casino (deck 8) toward the Piazza was an issue on my sailing. Many guests commented on the noxious smell—something I don’t recall encountering on other cruise ships. Maybe Princess needs to take a second look at the ship’s air filtration systems? 

5. The Eatery is congested.

With the ship at full capacity, I found The Eatery buffet (deck 9) to be congested, especially in the morning on port days when everyone was trying to grab breakfast before getting off the ship. Finding a place to sit can be challenging. Pro tip: Try looking near The Catch by Rudi and The Butcher’s Block by Dario (pictured above) at the back of the ship. Seating options should be better on warm days when more passengers opt to eat outside on the deck. 

To avoid the morning madness in The Eatery, consider room service, especially if you have an early excursion. If you have a leisurely morning planned, go for breakfast in Horizons. You can also grab a quick bite and a latte or cappuccino at International Café. 

Related : 10 Tips and Tricks for Dining on a Cruise

With Sun Princess , the cruise line is making a stronger push to appeal to families with kids. A central piece of the strategy is a top-deck activity zone called Park19 (decks 19 through 21). 

The area was not yet open during my sailing. When it’s complete and passes muster with the regulators at sea, Park19 will feature Sea Breeze, a ride that takes cruisers suspended in harnesses around an electric track at speeds up to 11 mph. Park19 also has a climbing wall that leads to an observation deck with 360-degree views. Additionally, you can try out a ropes course, set the kids loose in a splash zone, or hit a multifunction sports court for fitness classes, ping-pong, and other activities. 

Park19 joins other expanded family offerings onboard, including kids clubs for three different age groups (preschoolers to teens), more connecting staterooms and suites for families traveling together, and a bunch of dining options for younger palates at The Eatery (deck 9) and on the Lido Deck (deck 16). 

Still, Sun Princess doesn’t match the extensive kid-centered activities on other megaships, where you’ll find go-kart tracks, 10-story slides, futuristic arcades, and elaborate stage shows for youngsters. It will be interesting to see whether Princess’s expanded but still comparatively modest pitch for family travelers is enough to compete with rival lines that are better established in the kid-friendly game. 

Altogether, Sun Princess is a good-looking, cutting-edge vessel with many top-notch dining and beverage experiences. The outward-facing design and light-filled spaces feel modern and upscale, and have a way of showcasing the ocean views as more ships should do. 

An effort to liven up the Princess image, though, won't always impress loyal fans of the line. Too often, especially in the central Piazza area of the ship, a nonstop frenzy of activity generates more noise than anything else. And it’s not yet clear whether an expanded slate of kid-friendly activities will be enough to compete with rivals that go all out in that regard.

What’s more, as impressive as the ship’s design is, the crucial matter of providing enough seating in theaters and other performance spaces appears to have been overlooked. While I was on board the ship, Princess announced a delay in the delivery of its next vessel, Star Princess , by about two months. Here’s hoping the delay will be used to address some of the capacity issues in the Princess Arena and The Dome. 

Some relatively small fixes would go a long way toward pushing this next-level Love Boat to, well, the next level.

After sailing in the Mediterranean and Europe this summer, Sun Princess will debut in the U.S. in October 2024 with 7- and 14-day Caribbean itineraries sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida . Visit Princess.com for more information . 

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Princess Cruises Ocean Princess Review

The smallest ship in the princess fleet has big ideas on where to sail..

Updated February 14, 2016

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

About Our Cruise

Haves and have nots, our cabin: oceanview, cabin amenities, other cabins, club restaurant, panorama buffet, sterling steakhouse, trident grill, in-room dining, tahitian lounge, lotus spa & gym, other recreation, shows & entertainment, other venues, kids programs, ship communications, internet facilities, dress codes, laundry facilities, general health & safety, smoking policy, general policies.

Of the mainstream cruise lines, perhaps no other ship attains a greater variety of passport stamps in a given year than Ocean Princess.

With short and long itineraries across Asia, around Africa, and canvassing the South Pacific, Ocean Princess travels the globe, touching virtually every continent every year. It’s also a smaller vessel, with a more limited range of amenities and activities than other Princess cruise ships. We went for a spin to see if the quieter, more intimate experience offered by Ocean Princess was our cup of tea.

Ocean Princess was built in 1999, serving as one of the eight original “R-class” ships for Renaissance Cruises, a line that went under with the tourism implosion that followed the 9-11 attacks. The 672-passenger ship was acquired by Princess in 2002 (along with an identical sister, Pacific Princess). Originally called R Four, the vessel was renamed Tahitian Princess; then, in 2009, she was renamed Ocean Princess.

The balance of the Princess fleet is comprised of ships that carry three or four times the passengers of Ocean Princess and Pacific Princess—these two vessels are true outliers (the line calls them the Small Ships of Princess). While not really an expedition-sized ship, Ocean Princess is put to work on a diverse range of itineraries, reaching ports that see few calls (and usually from the more upscale lines).

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The interior décor of Ocean Princess retains much of the aristocratic air Renaissance Cruises conceived for its ships—lots of dark woods, faux bookcases and fireplaces, and wrought iron railings for the staircases. There are Oriental-style carpets in the hallways and lobby, and lush murals in unexpected areas of the ship. Overall, the décor is less neutral than the usual Princess canvass, though it’s certainly not edgy. Common areas offer the backdrop of an English country club—a style some might feel recalls classic ocean liners of a half-century back. Overall, we were happy to bid adieu to Princess’ usual (and tired) coral-and-teal color scheme.

Our cabin, an Oceanview unit, was typically compact, with a bathroom and shower that was tighter than usual; but it was also less bland than the usual Princess styling. The upbeat service we experienced was comfortably casual; after a few days, waiters and bartenders got to know us and our preferences. Similarly, it was easy to get to know fellow passengers, which included a fairly large contingent of British guests. Senior staff was mostly invisible during our cruise.

For a smaller ship, the range of dining options was okay. In addition to the main dining room and buffet, there were two specialty restaurants—Sterling Steakhouse and Sabatini’s, an Italian venue. They weren’t both open at the same time, instead alternating days of operation, which we found to be a logical arrangement (obtaining reservations for each posed no problem on our cruise). On the other hand, for the Club Restaurant, the ship’s main dining room, there was no flexible seating option available—guests could only get tables for the early or late seatings. We prefer being able to select a different dining time each evening, based on the day’s activities. Food was unexceptional, but about on par with what we’ve experienced on most other Princess ships.

We didn’t expect showroom entertainment to be on as large a scale as other Princess ships, and though there was nothing on stage we haven’t seen and heard before we weren’t disappointed. Guest enrichment programs were concentrated on sea days, with such offerings as morning and afternoon trivia sessions, Zumba workouts in the Tahitian Lounge, Bingo, and slot tournaments in the casino. While the gym was small it was adequate for the number of guests. On the other hand the pool was, well—dinky.

Overall, we find Princess Cruises does a decent job keeping its fleet clean and polished, with regular dry docks every three years. But Ocean Princess felt its age (1999), and general wear and tear seemed a bit more obvious than it should have been. While replacing the elegant Regency styling would probably be anathema to some (and it is charming), we think a wholesale makeover of the ship is overdue—something that might breathe new life into a vessel that feels dated.

That said, Ocean Princess still has its limitations. It’s a middle-aged ship, and we were disappointed that an October 2012 dry dock had not spiffed up the ship more obviously. With consecutive sea days common on most voyages, the constraints of a smaller ship can become apparent. Although dining and a few other aspects will strike a familiar chord for those who are previous Princess passengers, Ocean Princess otherwise offers a very different cruise than the fleet’s newer and larger ships provide.

Would we sail on Ocean Princess again? Perhaps. As a way to visit faraway ports well off the beaten track, we certainly would not rule out this ship. Prices vary widely, but cruises on Ocean Princess usually cost a good bit less than luxury lines plying the most eclectic itineraries. But we’d keep our expectations tempered and bring a good selection of books for the sea days. On the other hand, for a more conventional Mediterranean or Caribbean itinerary, we’d opt for a newer ship of this size, or for a larger one with a greater array of diversions.

With just 338 cabins, Ocean Princess offers a diverse range of accommodations, with décor that will be new (if slightly outdated) to anyone familiar with cabin design on other Princess ships. Sixty-eight percent of the accommodations have balconies—a good quantity for an older ship—but only four units are designated as wheelchair accessible.

Interior cabins, 26 in all, are fairly consistent in size, and located on decks 7 and 8 (plus one on Deck 4)—none of these have windows of any kind. There are 80 Oceanview cabins (what we stayed in), and these range in size, configuration and view. For this category in particular it’s worth examining deck plans carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises. Half the accommodations on the ship are Balcony cabins, which are 216 square feet including the balcony. For a little more real estate, consider one of Princess’ Mini-Suites , 322 square feet and located on Deck 8 (the highest cabin area). Suites on Ocean Princess are all corner units on decks 6 through 8 and encompass a generous 786 square feet or more (including the balcony). Perhaps next time.

For our cruise we stayed in what appeared to be a fairly typical Oceanview cabin, at least based on collateral material from Princess, measuring about 163 square feet. The size seemed okay—other Oceanview units on Ocean Princess range 146 to 206 square feet, and some have obstructed views. The floor plan of the cabin was conventional, and not too snug except for the bathroom (more on this in a moment). There was a big mirror facing the bed that helped open up the space, and another large mirror over the desk.

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The beds could be configured as two twins, or as a single queen, sharing a single padded headboard. We found the mattress and bedding sufficiently comfortable for sleeping. There were two small nightstands with lamps for each side of the beds; the lighting was not quite adequate for reading in bed. The main cabin lighting was controlled by a switch at the entrance and by a switch in the middle of the headboard.

Our cabin had a small wood desk with a stool. Next to it was a mini fridge—empty except for an ice bucket, which was filled by our cabin attendant on request (on the desk was a small collection of sodas and bottled water that could be purchased). At the desk were two NEMA (North American) style electrical outlets, for 110V, 60-cycle AC power, along with two Schuko (European 230V) outlets.

Above the mini fridge was a safe—too small for even a small-sized laptop. Above this was the TV, a 22-inch ViewSonic—a bit small for viewing from the far side of the bed, but adequate from the couch. The couch was 50 inches wide—just big enough for two. The coffee table was large enough only for a couple drinks or maybe a single plate of food. The window for our cabin measured 31 by 35 inches in size, and there were sheers plus a curtain that could be pulled closed to block out the light.

Though storage space was not as generous as we find on most Princess ships, a couple that packs sensibly will find sufficient closet and drawer space. The main closet was 35 inches wide, with 18 wood hangers on a rod. Next to it was an additional space, 17 inches wide, with another clothes rod (but no additional hangers); this space was open for the top half, with four drawers below for storing loose items. Additional storage was found in the small drawers on either side of the desk, in a cubbyhole between the safe and the TV, and there was space to store luggage under the beds. We also found the “shelf” under the window to be handy.

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The cabin bathroom was tightly configured. The shower stall—41 inches by 24 at its widest and deepest points—was so small there was barely any room to turn around. The awkward space was made worse by a flimsy shower curtain that clung to our legs like a bad dog. There was little shelving around the sink, so our toiletries were jammed into the small cabinet shelves next to the mirror. There was no makeup mirror, and the hairdryer was mounted above the toilet; inside the shower was a retractable laundry line. There was a bottle each of shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, branded to Princess’ Lotus Spa. These were thin products, nothing we felt like pocketing at the end of the cruise.

Our cabin had a 22-inch ViewSonic TV. In addition to the usual ship channels there were four news stations, a channel devoted to TV shows and three channels for movie programming, one of which was for family oriented fare. The TV shows and movies shown on our cruise were highlighted in a printed guide and there were three or four different movies on each channel repeated through the day—a decent selection overall.

We also had a phone, a small safe, a mini fridge, cans of soda and bottled water, bottles of Princess branded shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and two pool towels stocked under the sink (replaced on request by cabin attendant). Waffle-weave cloth bathrobes were available on request. Fresh fruit was delivered on request—we asked for banana and pear, one was overripe, the other too crunchy.

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We did not stay in the rest of these cabins, but we have summaries here provided by Princess Cruises. Note that photos below have been provided by the cruise line and not our reviewer.

Interior The Interior stateroom is approximately 158 square feet and richly appointed with fine amenities. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

Oceanview (Obstructed) The Obstructed Oceanview stateroom is approximately 146 to 165 square feet and features the same fine amenities as our Oceanview stateroom, but either the view from the picture window is obstructed or the stateroom features a porthole instead of a picture window.

Premium Oceanview The Premium Oceanview stateroom is approximately 206 square feet and features a picture window for memorable views. The Premium Oceanview stateroom is richly appointed with fine amenities.

Obstructed Balcony Stateroom The spacious approximately 216-square-foot Obstructed Balcony stateroom is appointed with the same fine amenities as our Balcony stateroom but features outstanding views from either a forward-facing or rear-facing 36-square foot balcony.

Balcony The spacious approximately 216-square-foot Balcony stateroom is appointed with fine amenities and outstanding views from an approximately 36-square-foot private balcony.

Mini-Suite with Balcony The luxurious Mini-Suite offers approximately 322 square feet of comfort and a separate seating area with a sofa or double sofabed for sleeping a third or fourth passenger. The spacious balcony is approximately 55 square feet and the bathroom offers a combination tub and shower.

Suite with Balcony Premium accommodations and luxurious appointments are the signature of our expansive approximately 750 to 932-square-foot Suites. Suite staterooms include a spacious cabin and large approximately 288-square-foot balcony, along with special suite-only benefits. Suites include a separate seating area with a sofa or sofabed, walk-in closet, full bathroom and deluxe amenities.

{{photo_gallery "Ocean Princess p2 g4"}} For a ship carrying fewer than 700 passengers, the range of dining options was pretty decent. There was the Club Restaurant , the main dining room, offering two seatings nightly, at 6 and 8:15 p.m. (no flexible seating option was available). Breakfast was available here daily, and lunch was offered on embarkation day and sea days.

In addition to the Panorama Buffet , serving breakfast and lunch daily (and dinner on port days), there were two specialty restaurants with a surcharge for dinner: Sterling Steakhouse and Sabatini’s . Located on opposite sides of Deck 10 aft, these venues alternated the nights they were open. With just a few dozen seats at each, we were a little concerned about getting a reservation, but securing a table turned out to be no problem. The cover charge for the steakhouse was $20 per person, the Italian Sabatini’s was $25—both were worth it. Also offered at Sterling Steakhouse on one sea day was a British-style pub lunch; there was no surcharge for this meal.

Encompassing a single deck—Deck 5 aft—the 338-seat Club Restaurant served as the main dining room aboard Ocean Princess. There was a limited number of two-tops, but otherwise shared tables dominated and there was no flexible seating plan allowing us to dine anytime. Whatever dining booking you made prior to embarkation was what you got. While meals were a bit uneven in quality, our waiter team was on the ball and engaging—together they were a cheerful yin and yang and welcomed us warmly each night.

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For dinner each evening there would be a nightly selection of three appetizers, four soup/salad choices, a pasta that could be served in an appetizer or entrée portion, and a selection of six entrées, one of which was always vegetarian. In addition there was a roster of “always available” items that included shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, fettuccini Alfredo, grilled salmon and spice rubbed tri-tip roast. Every dinner started with basket of nicely varied breads.

Among the starters, some of the items we particularly liked were the red snapper mojito, a ceviche with mango and avocado served in a martini glass; a soufflé that was rich and satisfying without being overwhelming; and an appetizer portion of the ever-popular fettuccini Alfredo (the entrée size is served in a Parmesan basket). The salads we tried seemed a bit uninspired, and the gnocchi one night was starchy and unappetizing. Entrées we enjoyed included orange roughy that was lovely, delicately seasoned; chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms and root vegetable was satisfying; and prime rib arrived exactly as ordered (medium rare)—if only the half ear of corn hadn’t been steamed beyond recognition. But desserts were disappointing—panna cotta was stiff and flavorless, a cheese plate was uninspired with supermarket wedges, chocolate soufflé was a nothing—only a warm apple crumble was worth a second bite.

Breakfasts were inconsistent. One morning the frittata with mushrooms was delightful, with good Italian sausage on the side; the next, eggs ordered over-medium were hard through and through. Something called James Beard’s French toast was more akin to a donut, fried hard with a corn flake coating. Lunches were better and featured a couple pastas of the day (tagliarini primavera was surprisingly hearty). A meal of Portuguese sardines and deviled eggs followed by potato and pea samosas was a tasty change of pace.

Afternoon tea was served here, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. daily. There was a nice selection of cakes, pastries and small sandwiches.

Located on Deck 9 aft, the buffet restaurant on Ocean Princess offered a smaller lunch selection than we’re used to on most cruise ships. And although some decent food was offered, we didn’t care for the layout—cold and hot items were interspersed, desserts were located in two or three different areas. Indoor seating was on either side of the deck, while additional tables were on the outside deck—a great perch when the weather was right.

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We took most of our breakfasts at the buffet, and the spread was satisfying. We found a good array of fruits—whole, sliced and poached—cold meats and fish, packaged cereal, muesli and oatmeal, yogurt; the range of pastries and baked goods was always pleasing. The omelet station had a small list of ingredients (cheese, onion, tomato, bell pepper, mushroom, ham), and there was an omelet of the day; eggs could also be cooked to order.

Lunch had a few intriguing items, but the limitations of a small selection began to emerge. Cold items included such fare as eggs “upside down” with Thousand Island dressing, roast turkey, a salad bar plus a rotating selection pre-made salads such as cucumber and dill salad, salmon salad, and Indian garbanzo bean salad. Among the hot items we saw were fried calamari, cheese and spinach quiche, a Mexican chili beef wrap (we might call it a burrito), breaded fish sticks, stir fried bok choy, Bangalore-style tilapia.

There were always two soups—such as chicken broth with spinach and rice, or Manhattan clam chowder—and several pre-made sandwiches like ham and cucumber, turkey and spinach with remoulade, garden frittata, etc. Pizzas were available by the slice—always Margherita and pepperoni, plus a slice of the day, such as prosciutto fungi. Most of the desserts we tried here were fine (better than at the Club Restaurant), including tasty little fruit tarts, cupcakes, pineapple upside-down cake, fruit crumbles, and more.

Panorama Buffet offered light afternoon snacks every day from 3 to 5 p.m., but dinner was available only on port days, with a spread that was similar to what was served at lunch.

Open four nights (out of seven) on our cruise, Sterling Steakhouse sits on Deck 10 aft, with generously spaced tables lining windows that offer a floor-to-ceiling view. While neither the food nor service was quite on par with the best steak house at home, the meal was solid, the wood-paneled ambience intimate and quiet. The $20 up-charge seemed reasonable.

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We started with the seared Pacific scallops, a trio of bivalves interspersed with wafers of crispy bacon—they sat atop sautéed mushrooms and a potato confit. The dish tasted as good as it looked. The Grill Salad was a cornucopia of flavors—mesclun greens, marinated bell pepper, asparagus spears, slices of avocado, diced radish and croutons, tossed in a bold vinaigrette.

Steaks on the menu included an 8- or 10-ounce filet mignon, a 12-ounce New York strip, 14-ounce rib eye, a 16-ounce Kansas City strip, and the bone-in 22-ounce Porterhouse. But instead we ordered the lamb rack—three double chops with a breaded rosemary and mustard crust. The chops were cooked exactly to order (medium-rare), and served with sautéed mushrooms, asparagus and potatoes. We also tried the pan roasted sea bass which was served with a leek and mushroom ragout; the kitchen threw on a pair of unadvertised grilled tiger prawns, which we didn’t mind—in fact, this dish was possibly our favorite entrée for the entire cruise.

For dessert we tried the caramel cheesecake parfait, with a coconut Madeleine and candied pineapple on the side—it was another winner.

Once each cruise Sterling Steakhouse is home to a British pub-style lunch. There’s no surcharge for the meal (other than for drinks), and it offers a change of pace. We tried the fried prawns and chips which were heavily breaded, and the chicken curry, an Indian stew served atop rice. Other offerings on the short menu were fish and chips, a Scotch egg and salad, and sherry trifle—the latter was very thick and heavy.

Open on the three nights that Sterling Steakhouse was closed, Sabatini’s is a Princess staple, found on all but three ships in the fleet. Our meals here have been hit-and-miss on other ships, but our experience here on Ocean Princess was fine, heightened by the floor-to-ceiling windows offering wonderful views and the relaxed ambience, due in large part to generously spaced tables. The menu, of course, is Italian, with a good range of appetizers and desserts, and a minimum of pasta dishes.

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Our meal began with a basket of bread, including focaccia, and a bottle of olive oil and vinegar. The oil was perhaps our only complaint—it wasn’t as flavorful as it could be, perhaps tainted by the bottle being refilled repeatedly (and never fully emptied out). There was also a modest plate of antipasti—prosciutto, crostini and olives. We ordered the mixed green salad, a modest dish but graced with sheets of pecorino cheese. Fried calamari was okay—tender, but not as hot and crispy as we like—served with a lemon-garlic dip. However, an appetizer-sized portion of linguini with clams was just perfect. It was as good (maybe even better) than what mom used to fix.

For entrée we opted for the branzino (striped bass) baked in an herbed salt crust, a portion large enough for two, according to the menu. The whole fish was brought to the table on a platter in its baked salt crust and filleted for us. Divided between two and snuggled up to a few veggies, it was a modest portion, but the fish was succulent. Other entrée options included grilled scampi, chicken with polenta, a 10-ounce strip steak with rosemary and garlic, and duck with pancetta and fava beans.

The desserts we had were outstanding, starting with the citrus tart, which was redolent with lemon and orange. The Sinfonia di Sapori was truly a decadent symphony of flavors—a Napoleon of almond, hazelnut and pecan with praline mousse and caramel pecan brittle. We wolfed that down in no time and only narrowly avoided licking the plate.

Located near the pool, the Trident Grill offered a limited selection of lunch items—cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, grilled chicken breast, hot dogs, beef knockwurst with sauerkraut, bratwurst and French fries. Basic fixings were available, along with a topping of the day—we tried the grill when guacamole and salsa was offered. All-in-all, a good burger and the fries were fresh.

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Room service meals were available 24 hours, with no charge for delivery. The breakfast menu was continental (cold) except for an English muffin with egg, bacon and cheese, served hot in a foil wrapper. The balance of the menu was cold package cereals, yogurt, fruit, bread roll, croissant or Danish (with preserves), along with juices, coffee and tea. Breakfast was available any time from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m., and we used the door tag (set out the night prior) to order our meal. It was delivered right at the appointed hour, and there were no surprises.

The all-day menu included three salads (mixed garden greens, Caesar with chicken strips and Chef’s), soup of the day, a half-dozen sandwiches ranging from vegetarian to club house, hot dog, hamburgers, croquet monsieur, lasagna and a Moroccan vegetable crock pot with pita. Desserts included flan, chocolate fudge cake and a chocolate chip cookie. We ordered the beef chili with black beans and tortilla chips, which was topped with melted cheddar cheese and reasonably tasty (a few more chips would have been nice), along with the tuna salad sandwich, which was served on toasted white bread.

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Other room service options incurred a surcharge. Twelve-inch pizzas were available 11:30 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. (pepperoni, cheese or the daily special), for a $3 delivery charge. Hors d’oeuvres could be ordered with 6 hours’ notice: vegetable sticks with blue cheese dip for six, assorted canapés, chilled shrimp on ice with cocktail sauce, guacamole with chips, and chocolate dipped strawberries were available, at prices ranging $6-$14. Another option was a champagne breakfast ($32 per couple), which included a half-bottle of chilled French champagne, pastries, cold smoked salmon, fruit, and quiche. The lobster balcony dinner ($100 per couple) required 24-hour notice and includes a cocktail, a half-bottle of champagne, canapés, flower bouquet, an 8x10 photo and a four-course dinner including surf and/or turf. Given the limited counter space in our cabin, most of these didn’t make much sense to us. Ocean Princess had just four dedicated bars sprinkled around the ship. Bar service could also be ordered at the pool area, or inside the theater. A 15-percent service charge was added to all drink orders. The minimum age for drinking was 21.

Martinis were priced $7.95 and included the traditional “007 Classic,” plus Key Lime Pie, Cosmopolitan and Passionada. The list of signature margaritas were all $7.95, as were other mixed drinks such as the Moscow Mule, Raspberry Collins, Caipirinha, Lynchberg Lemonade and the Ultimate Mai Tai. Simpler rum, tequila and whiskey concoctions (made with house brands) such as Bahama Mana, Pina Colada, Manhattan and Tequila Sunrise were $5.50. House spirits were $5, while call brands started at $5.50 for Canadian Club bourbon, Dewar’s White Label scotch, Beefeater gin and Absolut vodka. Bombay Sapphire gin, Johnnie Walker Black Label scotch and Grey Goose vodka were $6.95.

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Wines available by the glass included Chateau St. Michelle Riesling, Simi chardonnay, Rosemont shiraz, and Kenwood Jack London cabernet sauvignon, at prices ranging $7.25-$10.50. Korbel brut reserve was available in 187ml bottles for $7.25 and Nicolas Feuillatte brut reserve by the glass for $13. An expanded wine list was available at both the Crown Grill and Sabatini's dining rooms. The beer selection included the usual domestic favorites for $4.25, plus Bass, Dos Equis, Blue Moon and Beck’s for $4.95, and Grolsch swing-top and Guinness for $5.95.

Serving as both the coffee bar as well as the lounge for the main dining room, the Club Bar opened early to catch the java junkies, with espresso drinks as well as fresh-brewed coffee. Prices ranged $1.25 to $1.75 for brewed coffee (regular and large), $2.50-$3.50 for cappuccino or café latte and $2.75-$3.75 for mocha, white chocolate latte or caramel latte. Iced blended drinks were also available ($2.50-$3.75). The Princess coffee card was a good deal: $29 for 15 drinks and unlimited brewed coffees (it could be shared by two passengers).

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The location wasn’t used much during the day, but when the restaurant wasn’t open it was a good spot for reading or informal card play against the faux cabinets and fireplace. Leading up the evening’s first seating, the Club Bar would fill and the ship’s full bar menu was available.

After the Cabaret Lounge this was the ship’s secondary entertainment venue, though scheduled activities were all over the map. There’s a hardwood dance floor, and at night a DJ would materialize to transform the space into the Studio 54 Nightclub. The lack of attendees wasn’t the only thing that kept us from mistaking it for the storied New York disco. In fact, the Princess Patter referred to an hour of recorded music each afternoon dedicated to particular artists. We came by and heard a collection of Earth Wind and Fire’s least greatest hits. (Ship-wide, the only consistency we found to recorded music offered as a backdrop seemed to be total disregard for who was in what venue when.)

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The Tahitian Room is also, of course, a bar, serving the ship’s full drink menu. On sea days, afternoon rays were a pleasure to soak in while reading, though scheduled activities would shift the focus every hour or two: Morning and afternoon trivia sessions, ballroom dance class, and Zumba sessions were among the diversions held here.

Only drawback: The starboard corner of the lounge, next to the entrance, was one of the ship’s dedicated smoking areas. We didn’t like having to pass through a haze in order to enter, and the smoke sometimes filtered through most of the space.

Located on the opposite end of the pool from the Trident Grill, this bar had the ship’s full drink menu. Waiters served the loungers around the pool.

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Though located within the casino (and open only when the casino was operating), this bar also serviced the adjacent lounge, a drawing room-style area with an ersatz fireplace and piano. Entertainment included a vocal-piano due, and a guitarist. This was also a kind of overflow area for the Club Bar just prior to the evenings seatings at the Club Restaurant.

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The ship’s spa facilities on Deck 9 forward are operated by Steiner Leisure, the dominant player in spa services for the cruise industry. Prices are in line with Steiner services on other ships, and somewhat higher than at most quality resorts. But there were discounts on port days, and other specials and packages offer discounts for one-off treatments that were not on the regular menu.

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The list of services was a bit shorter than we find on most ships, but they included a variety of massages, starting at $149 for the 50-minute aroma stone massage (most massages were offered as 75-minute treatments only). Facials started at $119 for the 50-minute La Therapie Hydralift. Also available were acupuncture and salon services for men and women. There was a Thalassotherapy pool and relaxation area—a private outdoor deck forward of the spa, which had communal loungers and a saltwater hot tub. A one-week pass to use the facilities was $99 per person, or $149 for a couple.

The Fitness Center offered a decent variety of weight and cardio equipment using newly installed Precor equipment. The facility wasn’t large, though the amount of equipment seemed adequate for the number of passengers. Changing rooms offered lockers, and there were separate steam rooms for men and women.

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Fitness classes were available. Daily stretching and abs workout sessions were free, while Pilates, Yoga, and Spinning classes were $12 each ($30 for three); the Body Sculpt Boot Camp was $69 for two sessions or $120 for all four. Personal training was $85 for a 60-minute session; a package of three sessions was $209. Also on offer were body composition analysis ($35, or $50/couple) and nutritional consultation ($85 for one or two). There were also the usual free seminars—Detox for Health and Weight Loss, Secrets to a Flatter Stomach—which culminated in pricey product pitches.

There is just one pool on Ocean Princess and it is decidedly petite—more like a plunge pool, really. At five-and-a-half feet deep it was, at least, good for a quick dip when the sun sweltered. There were a few dozen loungers around the pool, some shaded by Deck 10; our cruise may have been an anomaly, but we were able to find loungers on sea days pretty easily. There were two elevated whirlpool tubs flanking the pool. Showers for rinsing were available poolside but they weren’t enclosed, allowing the wind to carry the spray.

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Live music was played on a small stage on sea days, and drink service by waiters was available from the Pool Bar. One corner of the pool deck was dedicated to smokers, and ashtrays were set out on the tables.

Recreational opportunities were limited, but the Cruise Director staff did their best. A jogging track circled the pool on Deck 10—thirteen laps equaled a mile. On Deck 11, we found a shuffleboard court and a golf practice cage.

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Other options included Ping Pong (a table was set up on Deck 9 near the pool), Zumba (on two of our sea days only), and Pool Volleyball on one day.

Ocean Princess had a couple inviting open-air spaces to enjoy, and our favorite was Deck 5 . Effectively, this was the Promenade Deck, but it didn’t circle the ship; it was just a wide corridor on either side of this deck, lined with loungers. It was little used, so it was a good place for enjoying the sun and sea air, or diving into a book.

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Deck 10 overlooked the pool, and there were loungers here as well. This was also home to the jogging track. A forward staircase was the only access for Deck 11 , a small area above the Tahitian Lounge that was also home to the Shuffleboard Court and a golf practice net. Although there were plenty of loungers here, this deck was little visited during our cruise.

The 350-seat Cabaret Lounge serves as the showroom on Ocean Princess, and it’s a fairly simple, one-deck affair—quite a bit smaller than the Princess fleet’s other theaters. There’s a stage, fronted by a round hardwood dance floor, so it’s suited for light dance band performances and cabaret acts. A few movies were shown here as well, but the presentation was subpar.

There were two stage shows, the first a Motown review that featured two singers, a cast of six dancers, and live musicians. They were all good performers, but there was nothing here we haven’t seen and heard quite a few times before; the stage set was more streamlined than a Podunk high school’s. The other show was a decent review of dance in all its variety—tap, Indian, etc. but featured a recorded track rather than live musical backing. On our cruise there were several acts brought aboard for one-off shows—a singer backed by the ship’s four-piece band, another singing duo also backed by the band, a comedian, and a singing and tap-dancing couple. None of these acts were bad, but they weren’t barn burners, either.

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A few other events took place in the Tahitian Lounge, including beginner dance lessons (swing, ballroom, salsa), twice-daily trivia sessions, and the ship’s band played here most nights starting at 9:30 p.m. There were also port lectures under Princess’ Scholarship@Sea program—one preceding each port. These were recorded and re-broadcast on the cabin TVs later in the day. X-Box was set up in the Casino on sea days.

Reserved for guests age 21 or older, the casino on Deck 6 is fairly perfunctory. There were 30 slot machines along with tables for Poker, Blackjack and a Roulette wheel. A Blackjack tournament was held one afternoon; Bingo sessions were conducted (in the Cabaret Lounge), but on only two days of our cruise.

The casino is a designated smoking area on Ocean Princess, one of only two indoors. However, on five nights of our seven-night cruise the Princess Patter newsletter announced the casino would be non-smoking after 6 p.m.

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One of the ship’s most charming spaces is the Library on Deck 10. The room isn’t an afterthought, as is often the case on newer ships—it’s a dedicated and inviting area with a domed, trompe l’oeil ceiling depicting an Amazonian rain forest, along with an ersatz fireplace, comfy sofas and leather wing-back chairs. The book collection isn’t extensive, but it’s at least as good as the libraries on larger Princess ships. A jigsaw puzzle or two was always out, in some stage of completion. Next to the Internet Café on Deck 9, the Card Room had four card tables set up for informal play—no activities were scheduled for this venue during our cruise.

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The Lobby was another appealing space, where the Passenger Services and Shore Excursion desks were found. A staircase framed with wrought iron and potted plants lead up to Deck 5, where the Future Cruise sales desk was located.

Ocean Princess is not designed for children. There is no dedicated kids program, facility or staff. However, a Princess call center representative said that if at least 20 children are booked on a particular cruise, activities will be organized. To our knowledge there was no one under age 20 or so aboard our sailing.

There were two shops onboard that packed a lot of merchandize into a pair of small boutiques next to the atrium on Deck 5. Facets carried jewelry and watches from Citizen, Guess, Fossil, Effy, Swarovski, etc. Next door at Calypso Cove there was an assortment of Princess logo merchandize, sundries such as sun block, toiletries and snacks, a few paperbacks, and a collection of liquor and tobacco, fragrances and cosmetics. There was a small selection of casual attire for men and women from Tommy Bahama and Puma.

There was a crew of photographers that snapped away on the ship, revealing their masterworks at the Photography and Video Gallery , on Deck 5 forward. In addition to photos, there was a limited array of consumer cameras here, plus camera cases, memory cards, photo books, etc.

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The crew was just fine, offering upbeat service that was comfortably casual. Owing to the size of the ship it wasn’t hard, after a few days, for waiters and bartenders to get to know us and our preferences, especially in the main dining room, where we were looked after by a charming duo. Our cabin steward was efficient, but a little over-bearing and needy when it came to our attention.

The ship’s daily newsletter, Princess Patter , arrived in our room each evening, revealing the schedule of activities and promotions for the following day. We found the schedule to be hard to navigate and stay on top of, despite a reduced number of activities onboard. In fact, the newsletter actually filled space by announcing what movies would play on cabin TVs and thinly conceived “events” like Enjoy the Recorded Hits of the Earth, Wind and Fire played in the Tahitian Lounge!

Each day at noon, the captain gave the ship’s positioning and a weather forecast, but little else. There was not a lot of interaction between guests and the senior officers.

Located on Deck 9 next to the spa, the Internet Café has 8 PCs available for guests to check email or websites. The basic rate for internet access—using the café’s computers or our own laptop anywhere on the ship—was a stiff .79 per minute, plus a $3.95 activation fee. Packages reduced the per-minute rates—100 minutes for $69 (.69/min), 200 minutes for $99 (.49/min), etc. There was an embarkation special that awarded a 40-minute bonus to those who signed up for packages on the first day of the cruise (extended to the second day as well). A bargain “last day” package was also available for the last full day of the cruise: 15 minutes for $8.99.

Although computers could be accessed anytime, the station was staffed several hours in the morning, afternoon and evening.

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Overall, guests dressed fairly casually on our cruise. Princess Cruises recommends sports wear and casual attire by day, with swimwear discouraged from public rooms and lounges. During the evening, Smart Casual attire was recommended—skirts/dresses, slacks and sweaters for ladies; pants and open-necked shirts for men.

Some nights are designated as Formal (two nights of our seven-night cruise), and suggested attire was evening gown, cocktail dress or elegant pant suit for women; tux, dark suit or dinner jacket and slacks for men.

Pool and beach attire, shorts, baseball caps, and casual jeans were not permitted in the dining room at any time; shoes were required.

There was one self-serve, coin-operated laundry facility, located on Deck 7, midship, and it was usually busy (especially on the last sea day).

A Muster Drill held just before embarkation. We were asked to attend with our life jackets in hand, and key cards were scanned as we entered the meeting area. We found the drill to be more detailed than on much larger ships, and we didn’t mind.

Hand sanitizers were present at all restaurant entrances and their use was encouraged.

A medical center was located on Deck 4 midship. It was staffed 9 to 11 .m. and 5 to 6 p.m. daily.

Indoor areas, including cabins and balconies, were designated as non-smoking on Ocean Princess. Exceptions were a corner of the Tahitian Lounge on the starboard side (next to the bar’s entrance) and the casino. However, the casino was designated as non-smoking on five nights out of our seven-night cruise. Outside, smoking was permitted in a designated area on the pool deck.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Holland America drink packages: Cost, inclusions and what to know before you buy

Beverage packages aren't for everyone, but they can be a nice way to give your cruise vacation a more luxurious, all-inclusive feel. If you're sailing Holland America , drink packages are available as optional add-ons to your cruise fare. Choose from four different packages, ranging from a simple soda package to an option that includes premium alcoholic beverages.

Sorting out the differences between the packages and understanding what you are actually paying for can be confusing. Most cruisers want to know what exactly they're getting with each drink package and whether or not the packages will save them money.

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If you're considering a Holland America drink package for your next cruise, here's everything you need to know before making your purchase.

What's included in Holland America drink packages?

Holland America alcohol packages aren't the only drink packages available. The line offers two nonalcoholic packages and two options with alcoholic beverages.

All packages allow you to order beverages at most bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and poolside. Exceptions include self-serve draft beer where available and drinks in the Chocolate Seduction and Honor Bar. Packages do not include drinks consumed from in-cabin minibars, ordered from room service or purchased on Half Moon Cay. All packages except the Coca-Cola package have quantity limits.

Related: Cruise ship drink packages: A line-by-line guide

Coca-Cola package

Sodas are not included in your cruise fare, and passengers may not bring them on board. That leaves soda drinkers with the choice to buy a beverage package, pay per drink or get their soft drink fix in ports of call.

The Coca-Cola package covers fountain drinks from bars and bar servers on all ships in the fleet. Three ships — Koningsdam, Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam — have Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain machines that allow you to mix and match your flavors at will. Canned soft drinks are not included in the package, but fountain drinks are unlimited.

You might consider this package if you're the person who relies on soft drinks to quench your thirst throughout the day and drink few, if any, cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine or spirits. It works great for tweens and teens who regularly drink soda.

Quench package

The Quench package includes unlimited fountain soft drinks and up to 15 specialty coffees, bottled water (still and sparkling), fresh juices or mocktails per day.

With this package, you can order your favorite coffee each morning at Explorations Café, drink sodas with your lunch, chill with a frozen mocktail by the pool in the afternoon and grab bottled water before you head out on a day of exploring in port— all without worrying about the individual cost.

Quench would be the Holland America drink package for someone who dives into the vacation spirit with beverage treats throughout the day and evening, but mostly enjoys them sans alcohol.

Signature beverage package

The Signature beverage package is the mainstay Holland America alcohol package. It covers beer, wine, spirits and cocktails priced under $11, plus everything from the Quench package. There is a 15-drink limit, whether alcoholic or non, not counting fountain soft drinks.

You can order a drink with a price higher than the $11 maximum and will be charged only the price difference plus gratuity.

The Signature package satisfies the beverage needs of most cruisers. Unless you prefer top-shelf liquor, you'll be fine with this package. Even the quantity limit of 15 drinks takes care of the average cruiser. If you party into the wee hours of the night, you'd have to order a drink from the package every hour and a half almost around the clock to use all 15.

All adults of legal drinking age within a cabin must buy the same alcoholic drink package. If one person does not drink, they can be granted special permission to buy only the Quench package.

Related: The best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package

Elite beverage package

For those who want to eliminate some of the limits on their drink package, Elite is the way to go. This package includes everything from the earlier packages but raises the price limit to $15 per drink. That covers premium beer, wine and spirits.

The daily limit is also removed for nonalcoholic drinks. That means you can drink all the fountain drinks, specialty coffee, bottled water and mocktails you want without touching your 15-drink limit on alcoholic beverages, which for most cruisers, means you're not likely to reach the limit at all.

What does a Holland America drink package cost?

Here are the standard Holland America drink package prices:

Coca-Cola package : $9.44 per person, per day ($8 plus an 18% gratuity) for unlimited fountain sodas, including from Freestyle machines on select ships

Quench package: $21.18 per person, per day ($17.95 plus an 18% gratuity) for unlimited fountain sodas and up to 15 nonalcoholic drinks per day

Signature beverage package: $64.84 per person, per day ($54.95 plus an 18% gratuity) for unlimited fountain sodas and up to 15 alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks up to $11 each

Elite beverage package: $70.74 per person, per day ($59.95 plus an 18% gratuity) for unlimited fountain sodas, unlimited nonalcoholic beverages and up to 15 alcoholic drinks up to $15 each

I was hard-pressed to find any discounts off the advertised Holland America drink package prices. Even in the midst of Black Friday sales, the only beverage-related discount I found was for the line's Have It All package that upgrades your cruise fare to a more inclusive experience by bundling the Signature beverage package with Wi-Fi, specialty dining and shore excursion credit (with the last two based on the length of the cruise).

It should be noted, however, that the Holland America website states drink package pricing as "starting at." That would imply that the prices could increase from time to time, though I could not find anyone who said they had paid more than the posted prices.

Related: The best cruise ship bars

Drink discounts beyond the drink packages

Before you settle on a drink package, know that it's not your only option for discounted alcohol or inclusive pricing. Holland America offers some add-on items that can be used to supplement or entirely replace a drink package under certain circumstances.

The first is an option to purchase a bundle of wines by the bottle called The Sommelier Suite. You can choose from three different wine lists at three different price points. You can then opt to buy four, six or eight bottles from your preferred list.

Prices start at $119 for a four-bottle package on the lowest-priced list and go as high as $329 for eight bottles on the highest-priced list. These prices are advertised as "up to 25 percent off" the menu price before the 18% gratuity.

Frequent cruisers who are members of Holland America's Mariner Society are offered a 25% discount on the Sommelier Suite packages after 75 cruise days and 50% off after 200 cruise days. Even without the Mariner discounts, the package price makes sense for anyone who enjoys wine on multiple nights of their cruise. You can drink the bottles in any restaurant, share them with friends and even take them to your cabin.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

The final alternative to beverage packages on Holland America is to purchase pay-as-you-go drink cards. These are not discounted but offer the ability to control drink spending or simplify drink accounting by pre-purchasing what is essentially a drink debit card. Funds left on the card at the end of the cruise are refundable to your onboard account.

Holland America cruisers I found on social media report buying the drink cards with cruise line gift cards bought at a 10% discount at some grocery stores and websites, essentially gaining a 10% discount on the drinks they purchase with the drink card. (By the same token, you could use the discounted gift cards to buy your standard drink package, as well.)

You can also purchase gift cards with credit cards, such as the American Express® Gold Card , that give you extra points per dollar spent at grocery stores to get additional value from your purchase.

Is a drink package worth it on your Holland America cruise?

Now that you have the facts, it's time to decide if the packages are worth the price. Remember that free drinks on board include drip coffee, hot and iced tea, water, lemonade, milk and punch, available at meals and drink stations. The ship's water is drinkable, and you can bring a refillable water bottle, which is particularly useful on port excursions.

Fountain soft drinks ordered from a bar are cheap on Holland America at $2.50 (plus tip) each, but that's for a small glass. Serious soda drinkers (me included) could suck down a couple of these in a flash on a hot day in the Caribbean.

Since Holland America does not allow even canned soft drinks to be brought on board at embarkation, this package price seems easy to match for those who regularly drink one or more large sodas at home, especially when cruising in a warm destination. On the three ships offering Freestyle machines, the purchase is definitely a no-brainer.

Related: Are cruise line drink packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

This is my favorite package for making me feel like I'm really on a cruise vacation. I'm a lightweight drinker when it comes to alcoholic drinks, but I can slurp frozen mocktails (which average around $8 each) all day long on a sea day.

Since the package also includes unlimited soft drinks, you can have soda with your hamburger at lunch, followed by a virgin mudslide for dessert if that's what makes you happy. Add in the bottled water, which is the only part of any drink package you can take with you to Half Moon Cay, and it all starts to look quite convenient.

If you drink one specialty coffee per day at around $4.50, two or three of the skimpy fountain sodas, and at least one mocktail per day, you'll top the $17.95 package price without even counting the bottled water, which can be as high as $4.50 for sparkling brands.

Holland America's main alcohol package packs in quite a bit for the money, allowing you to enjoy a nice combination of nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks. At $54.95, if you don't drink anything but the $11 drinks allowed by the package, you'd need to drink five per day to break even.

But factor in a specialty coffee every morning, some bottled water on port days and a soda now and then, and your break-even alcoholic drink tally drops to three or four. If that looks like your typical cruise consumption, you'll at least break even on this package.

The best way to get this package, however, might be by purchasing what Holland America calls the Have It All package , which includes not only the drink package, but Surf Wi-Fi, shore excursion credit ranging from $100 for a six- to nine-night sailing up to $300 for cruises longer than 21 nights, and at least one specialty dining night. It is not available on every cruise, but when it is, the $55 price per person, per day is an incredible bargain, essentially throwing in freebies on top of the beverage package.

This package bumps up the price by a mere $5 per day over the Signature package, so if you prefer premium alcohol in your cocktails, or if the beer and wine on the Elite list are more to your liking, you'll cover the difference with just a handful of drinks. It's your vacation, why not splurge a little, right?

I found cruisers on social media who said you can upgrade to the Elite package from the Signature bought within the Have It All package. They said as long as nobody in the cabin has ordered a drink on the Signature Package, it can be upgraded at embarkation at any bar.

Is a Holland America beverage package right for you?

Drink packages are a personal preference. You can certainly cruise with Holland America without one, combining drinks included in the cruise fare with a pay-as-you-drink routine for everything else. If that's what you are most comfortable with, you can easily keep an eye on your drink expenditures using the cruise line app or checking your daily expenses on the in-room interactive TV screen.

You can also earn a discount by buying bottled wine packages or paying with discounted Holland America gift cards.

If, however, you prefer to pay for as much of your cruise experience upfront as possible and not worry about the spending once you are on board, the package that most closely matches your drinking habits will be the one that makes your cruise most enjoyable.

Drink packages allow you to pay once and forget about the price of each individual glass. Even the tipping is bundled into the purchase price for you, though you can add additional tips if you wish.

The bottom line is that Holland America drink packages, while not designed to save you a fortune, certainly allow you to enjoy beverages on your cruise in an all-inclusive fashion if that's the vacation experience you'd prefer.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Pack your bags and leave the kids behind for your next cruise adventure.

Top Adults-Only Cruises

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

If your idea of getting away from it all includes a vacation without the kids, consider booking an adults-only or adults-oriented cruise . While some lines provide a fully adults-only experience (i.e., children are not allowed on board), others offer adult-focused venues and activities on the ship to keep you separate from younger patrons.

The following cruise lines provide upscale amenities, immersive excursions, sophisticated dining options, lively nighttime entertainment and time for relaxation among like-minded – and similarly aged – travelers.

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Viking Ocean Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

Travelers ages 18 and older are welcome aboard Viking 's adults-only ships, which feature destination-focused itineraries around the world. The line's 11 oceangoing ships carry between 930 and 998 guests (at double occupancy) and offer luxurious, comfortable Scandinavian-style spaces. The line will add Viking Vesta to its ocean fleet in 2025.

Viking's exploration program boasts special access to behind-the-scenes experiences curated for travelers who are interested in history, food, the arts or science. Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a traditional family farm near Bergen, Norway, or spend an evening dining on Chinese specialties at a home-hosted dinner in Shanghai .

In addition to these off-the-beaten-path excursions, guests can visit iconic sites like the ancient city of Ephesus (Kuşadasi) in Turkey and the Acropolis in Athens, Greece . Viking also hosts onboard enrichment programs like cooking classes and lectures by historians. Cruise fares include stateroom accommodations with a private veranda, all meals (including specialty dining venues), wine and beer at onboard lunch and dinner, 24-hour room service, one free excursion per port, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and access to onboard amenities such as the Nordic Spa and fitness center.

In addition to its ocean vessels, Viking offers river cruises in destinations around the world – including Mississippi River cruises aboard Viking Mississippi. The line also has two Polar Class 6 expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, which traverse waterways from Canada, the U.S. and South America to remote destinations in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages offers an adults-only retreat for guests ages 18 and older. The line currently has three sister ships: Scarlet Lady (the first in the fleet), Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady . The line's fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, is set to debut in September 2025.

All the ships in this adults-only cruise line feature 1,404 cabins (most with balconies) and RockStar Quarters suites, where guests have access to Richard's Rooftop, an exclusive outdoor deck space. The superyacht-inspired vessels boast 20-plus eateries, including restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs, and a variety of onboard fitness and wellness spaces. At Redemption Spa, relax and recharge in the mud room or salt therapy chamber – and then take rejuvenating dips in the hot and cold plunge pools. You can even order a bottle of bubbly anywhere on the ship via the Virgin Voyages app's secret "Shake for Champagne" feature.

Itineraries on Virgin Voyages span destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and Morocco, as well as trans-Atlantic crossings. The line will also feature 21 new ports across its global fleet in 2025, including destinations in Iceland, Turkey, Oman, Italy, Portugal, the Cayman Islands and more. Cruise fares cover meals at all the dining venues and basic beverages such as soda, water, tea and coffee. Gratuities for the crew, Wi-Fi access, entertainment and group fitness classes are also included. While on board, be sure to indulge in a swanky dinner at The Wake and an immersive show at The Red Room, a unique multiform theater at sea.

P&O Cruises

Courtesy of P&O Cruises

Two ships in P&O Cruises' U.K.-based fleet – Arcadia and Aurora – are exclusively for adults 18 and older. Arcadia, the slightly newer of the two ships (debuted in 2005), carries 2,094 guests at double occupancy, plus 866 crew. The ship departs from Southampton in the U.K. and sails to a variety of European destinations, ranging from Spain and the Canary Islands to Norway and Iceland; some cruises visit the U.S. and Canada. The ship will also sail world cruises in January 2025 and 2026.

Arcadia's 15 restaurants, cafes and bars include Indian cuisine with a British twist at Sindhu, as well as steaks and seafood by renowned British chef Marco Pierre White at Ocean Grill. Passengers can take a class to sample the line's branded gins; sip Champagne at Intermezzo, the ship's cocktail and Champagne venue; or enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif at the yacht-inspired Spinnaker. After exploring exciting ports of call, head back on board to enjoy Arcadia's elegant interiors and top-notch service. You can splurge on a stone therapy treatment and a visit to the thermal suite at the spa for some extra pampering, followed by a live show at the three-tiered theater, The Palladium. Then, finish off the evening dancing the night away at The Globe.

Aurora is a slightly more intimate ship, carrying 1,874 passengers (double occupancy) and 850 crew members. A four-level atrium gallery sits at the heart of the vessel. Itineraries include destinations in the Mediterranean, the Baltic, the British Isles, Iceland, the Caribbean and South America. There are 19 restaurants, bars and cafes on the ship, including club-style restaurant Alexandria and casual spots like The Beach House. After dinner, live entertainment and dancing await you at the show lounge Carmen's, as do larger productions at the ritzy 660-seat Curzon Theatre.

Top Cruises Designed for Adults

While some all-inclusive – or mostly all-inclusive – boutique and luxury cruise lines are family-friendly, many of the onboard venues and activities are adult-by-design. Since there are few (or no) activities geared toward younger cruisers and no babysitting services, you typically won't find parents with young children on these ships.

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara's four upscale boutique ships provide immersive travel experiences geared toward adults. These smaller ships – accommodating a maximum of 702 guests – sail waterways and rivers that larger ships can't access, docking in city centers and unique ports of call around the globe.

Many Azamara voyages also offer longer stays and overnights in port, unlike some competitors' itineraries. Some even feature special events, such as a 12-night voyage from Rome to watch the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2025, or a 25-night cruise in February 2025 from Buenos Aires, Argentina , to attend Carnival in Rio de Janeiro . In addition, the line is extending its offerings on Country Intensive voyages in 2024 and 2025 with itineraries in various continental European countries, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Iceland and Australia.

On board, you'll find a wide selection of casual and formal dining options ranging from Windows Cafe to the main dining room, Discoveries Restaurant. Specialty restaurant offerings include top-notch steak and seafood at Prime C and Italian fare at Aqualina. Atlas Bar is a unique venue on Azamara Onward (the line's newest ship), though its artisanal cocktail menu is also available on the line's other ships. Discoveries Lounge is another guest-favorite spot, and wine aficionados will enjoy pairing limited-production and rare vintages from the Wine Cellar with dinner.

Cruise fares include stateroom accommodations; select spirits, wine and beer; gratuities; 24-hour room service; and nonalcoholic beverages. You'll also have access to complimentary AzAmazing Celebrations with special evening and daytime events ashore and on the ship. You can purchase a package that includes additional amenities like unlimited Wi-Fi, specialty dining, shore excursion credits and other perks. Butler service and other extras come with suite accommodations.

Courtesy of Scenic

When it launched in 2019, Scenic Eclipse I was touted as "The World's First Discovery Yacht." The intimate vessel offers an all-inclusive, ultra-luxurious experience for just 228 guests (double occupancy). The line's second luxury yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, which is nearly identical to its sister ship, debuted from Lisbon, Portugal , in April 2023. The Polar Class 6 rating enables these two yachts to sail to destinations like Antarctica; on these expedition-style voyages, the ship carries only 200 guests and offers a nearly one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio.

All suite accommodations include a private veranda or terrace; butler service; state-of-the-art amenities; a king-size Scenic Slumber Bed; and an in-suite minibar stocked with wine, spirits and other personally selected beverages. You'll also find indulgences like onboard helicopters for intimate excursions and the line's submersibles for underwater exploration.

Guests can enjoy up to 10 dining experiences on the ship, including French fine dining at Lumière; innovative Asian flavors at Koko's Asian Fusion; Italian, steak and seafood specialties at Elements; or an immersive dining experience at Chef's Garden @ Epicure. When it's time for an after-dinner drink, sample craft cocktails or the impressive selection of whiskeys available at Scenic Lounge Bar. Other onboard activities include getting an invigorating treatment at Senses Spa or just relaxing with Champagne and spectacular views on deck 10 at the Sky Bar.

Scenic's ships sail to destinations in Australia and the South Pacific; Europe and the Mediterranean; Asia; the Americas and the Caribbean; and the polar regions of Antarctica and the Arctic.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Following Seven Seas Grandeur's launch in December 2023, this line now has six luxury vessels in its fleet. Regent Seven Seas ' all-inclusive fares include round-trip business class or coach airfare (depending on the destination); complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays; two- or three-night land packages; all meals and beverages; free shore excursions; prepaid gratuities; and more. Seven Seas Grandeur is a sister ship to the elegant Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor ; it features 372 luxurious all-balcony suites and an impressive ratio of 548 crew members to just 744 guests (double occupancy).

In the evenings, diners can choose between French cuisine at Chartreuse; creative Asian fare at Pacific Rim; steaks and seafood at Prime 7; Italian dishes at Sette Mari at La Veranda; or design-your-own-entree options at the ship's largest specialty restaurant, Compass Rose. For a casual evening, plan to dine alfresco at the Pool Grill. Adults can also enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in one of the lounges and nightly entertainment at the Constellation Theater. For a nightcap, sip a fine cognac in one of the ship's favorite hideaways, Connoisseur Club. There are also plenty of options for exercise, fitness and relaxation at Serene Spa & Wellness.

If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the high seas, consider booking the Regent Suite. Situated on deck 14 – and boasting more than 4,400 square feet of indoor and outdoor space – this luxurious accommodation features an impressive balcony with a minipool spa, in addition to two bedrooms, a living room and dining room, and a private in-suite spa. Cruise fare for the suite also includes a long list of high-end amenities such as access to a private dining room called The Study, a personal car and guide in every port, free in-suite spa services, a complimentary cocktail party for eight guests, a private butler and more.

Regent's 2025-2026 Legendary Voyages include sailings to destinations like Barcelona, Tokyo and more. If a world cruise is on your bucket list, you can circumnavigate the globe for 154 nights beginning in January 2026 aboard Seven Seas Mariner.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Silversea's all-inclusive luxury ocean and expedition cruises offer voyages to more than 900 destinations across the seven continents. Silversea's 11 ultra-luxury ships and expedition vessels range in size from 51 to 364 suites and boast spacious ocean view accommodations – most with private verandas. Cruise fares cover door-to-door transfers from home to the ship, including airfare (business class in some destinations) and pre- and post-cruise hotel stays. On board, guests will have butler service, a nearly one-to-one ratio of guests to staff, 24-hour gourmet dining, premium alcoholic beverages, one complimentary shore excursion in each port, gratuities and more.

Silver Ray is set to become the 12th ship in the Silversea fleet when it debuts in summer 2024. The luxury vessel adds more open spaces and top-notch cuisine. Silver Ray is also the second vessel in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is billed as a more sustainable cruise ship.

Four of the line's ships are purpose-built expedition vessels that sail to the farthest reaches of the Earth, including Antarctica, the Arctic and Greenland, French Polynesia and the Pacific, Asia, and more. On these sailings, guests will experience immersive exploration with as many as 28 expedition staff per cruise. Unique upcoming itineraries visit Greenland and the Arctic Circle, as well as remote locales like Robinson Crusoe Island, Tahiti and more.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn features an all-inclusive adult-focused experience on its five luxury ocean vessels and two expedition ships. One of the line's newest ships, Seabourn Pursuit, is an ultra-luxury Polar Class 6 purpose-built expedition vessel with 132 oceanfront veranda suites. The ship is equipped with two submarines for underwater exploration, kayaks and 24 Zodiacs. There's also a 24-person expedition team to assist guests with exploring far-reaching destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, the Kimberley region of Australia, the Amazon and the Northwest Passage.

The new Seabourn Ovation accommodates up to 600 guests (double occupancy) and offers amenities found on most of Seabourn's ships: well-appointed oceanfront suites, living areas with dining tables, verandas and nearly a one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Guests can try Seabourn's new Mediterranean venue, Solis, on four of the line's ships, including Ovation. You'll also find health and wellness programs curated by Dr. Andrew Weil.

The Seabourn Conversations program is another highlight. Accomplished experts host adventures ashore, participate in meals and chat with guests on board. For a special treat, don't miss the Caviar in the Surf beach party. This event (available in select destinations) includes chilled Champagne, caviar, music and a barbecue set against a backdrop of white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Windstar Cruises

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Windstar's six intimate ships accommodate between 148 and 342 guests. Passengers can choose between cruising on one of the line's three-masted Wind Class vessels or one of its three Star Plus Class ships.

Windstar just announced the addition of two new ships to its fleet; Star Seeker is expected to launch in December 2025, followed by Star Explorer in December 2026. These two vessels will feature 112 suites with private verandas and infinity windows, two Owner's Suites with wraparound balconies, a water sports platform, a two-story spa and fitness center, and more. The ships are constructed with ice-strengthened hulls that position them for exploration in remote destinations like Antarctica.

Windstar's adult-focused and casual – but still elegant – onboard experiences feature locally inspired top-notch dining, guest lecturers, a water sports platform on all ships, an open bridge policy and an engaging social environment. If you're looking for a romantic getaway, Windstar is also regarded as one of the most romantic cruise lines for a wedding, honeymoon , vow renewal or anniversary trip, especially in magical destinations like the South Pacific or Europe.

Windstar's smaller ships can reach ports, coves, harbors and villages that are not accessible by larger vessels. They also offer more than 2,000 immersive cultural experiences in port, many with small groups. You'll find culinary-themed voyages in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, as well as wine-focused itineraries around the world. What's more, Windstar's itineraries offer late evenings and overnights in its ports of call, allowing guests to experience local culture and cuisine after dark.

Windstar will begin sailing in South America in December 2025 with the 312-passenger (double occupancy) Star Pride, offering excursions to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the town of Cusco , Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands .

Other Top Adults-Only Cruise Options

While these larger ships offer activities for families and children of all ages, adults can also find hidden retreats and venues just for grown-ups. These spaces are typically quieter and situated away from the crowds.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers spaces created with adult guests in mind. On Celebrity Beyond and the newest addition to the fleet, Celebrity Ascent , adults can have a unique dining experience at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud. The world-renowned Global Culinary Ambassador for the line, Daniel Boulud created the menu at this elegant venue, incorporating dishes inspired by his travels. You'll also find an impressive wine list to accompany your dining experience.

When it's time to relax, The Solarium is a popular adults-only area located on the Resort Deck of all Celebrity ships. This light-filled pool area encased by a glass dome is the perfect quiet space for reading a book or taking a nap. While there, you can also grab a light breakfast or lunch at the Spa Cafe and Juice Bar, or order your favorite cocktail while lounging in the hot tub.

Other adult-focused venues to check out on Celebrity Ascent, Beyond and Apex are the new elevated bar spaces. The Edge series World Class Bar – a popular spot on other Celebrity Cruises ships – features craft cocktails in a beautiful setting. And don't miss the two-story Sunset Bar on Celebrity Ascent, a reimagined space by interior designer and TV personality Nate Berkus. The aft location of the bar offers almost twice the space as previous iterations and beautiful wake views.

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

The Sanctuary, a retreat for guests ages 18 and older, offers an escape from bustling public spaces. The relaxing top-deck venue is available on all Princess Cruises ships and features plush lounge chairs, a spa-like setting and Serenity Stewards, who serve light bites and other refreshments. To fully unwind, consider reserving a private cabana, where you can book an open-air massage. The child-free venue varies from ship to ship, with some offering the exclusive Retreat pool, cabanas and a bar area, and newer iterations featuring more space.

Spellbound by Magic Castle is an exciting new venue aboard the line's newest ship, Sun Princess, for adults 21 and older. The collaboration with The Magic Castle private club in Hollywood offers guests an evening of magic, illusions and theatrical cocktails in a Victorian-inspired space.

If you're heading off the ship for an excursion to Princess Cays (the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas), plan to chill out for the day in an adults-only Sanctuary Bungalow. Located just minutes from the ocean and beach, the rentals accommodate four people, and the price includes two complimentary float rentals. You can also order a gourmet picnic to enjoy while lounging on shore.

Back on the ship, adults can reserve a spot for the line's new Winemaker Dinners, a partnership with Caymus Vineyards. These 12-guest evenings are offered fleetwide, two to three times during each cruise. Winemaker Chuck Wagner personally selected the wines from the notable Napa Valley winery to pair with the elevated five-course menu.

Carnival Cruise Line

The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat is located on all of Carnival Cruise Line 's ships. Access to this tranquil outdoor hideaway is complimentary for passengers 21 and older. While there, guests can enjoy relaxing loungers, daybeds and whirlpools. Take in the warm sun and ocean breeze with a signature sangria in hand, or stop for a healthy meal at the Fresh Creations salad bar (available on select ships) for an alfresco lunch.

Disney Cruise Line

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Though Disney Cruise Line tends to attract families and younger travelers, it also offers multiple spaces and activities for adults 18 and older. Disney's newest ship, Disney Wish , boasts several luxurious adults-only venues featuring characters and scenes from "Beauty and the Beast."

For top-notch steaks, contemporary Italian cuisine and panoramic ocean views, make a reservation at the Cogsworth-inspired Palo Steakhouse. If you prefer French-style fare and world-class wines served in an elegant and shimmering setting, Enchanté by three-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement is the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two. Before dinner at either venue, enjoy a signature cocktail at The Rose. After dinner, you won't want to miss the galactic libations and ever-changing views of faraway galaxies at the adults-only Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge bar.

Depending on the ship, adult travelers can also dance the night away in a trendy club, watch live entertainment or a cabaret show, catch a sports game on satellite TV, or relax with an after-dinner cocktail at a bar or lounge. Outdoors, the kid-free Quiet Cove Pool is a tranquil place to relax on all the ships. For even more pampering, Senses Spa & Salon boasts treatment rooms with ocean views, luxurious spa villas and other amenities. On Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line 's private island, adults can head to Serenity Bay – a scenic, adults-only stretch of the beach.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has three adults-only outdoor venues for guests 18 and older (though specific spaces vary by ship). On Norwegian 's Bliss, Escape, Getaway and Breakaway ships, the Vibe Beach Club sun deck invites guests to relax in oversized hot tubs and comfy daybeds, adding perks like a full-service bar and chilled towels. Guests can enjoy two-story beach clubs on Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore, while the clubs on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva include the line's first infinity hot tubs. You can purchase a multiday pass in advance for the club, and cabana rentals are available for more privacy.

At Norwegian Epic's two-level Posh Beach Club, complimentary perks include fruit skewers, cold water spritzers and a snack menu. Multiday passes are available to all adult cruisers, while travelers who book a Haven suite can access Posh Beach Club for free. Spice H2O is another adults-only venue on the Norwegian Bliss, Joy, Escape, Getaway, Breakaway, Epic, Star and Spirit vessels; access is complimentary. At night, the space becomes an open-air dance club where you can spend the evening partying under the stars.

Royal Caribbean International

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Solarium is Royal Caribbean International 's complimentary, child-free space open to guests 18 and older. Located at the front of every ship in the fleet, this indoor-outdoor oasis (or indoor-only on Quantum Class ships) offers impressive vistas and endless views of the sea. Thanks to a full glass canopy over the interior space, adult passengers can enjoy quiet lounging areas, swimming pools and whirlpool tubs with a view, no matter the weather. Select ships feature a cascading lagoon for further relaxation.

Be sure to grab a tropical cocktail or zero-proof drink at Solarium Bar (or Sunshine Bar, on Quantum ships) to sip poolside while enjoying the ocean vistas. Guests of both bars must be at least 21 years old when sailing from North America or a minimum of 18 when departing from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Adult cruisers (18 and older) can relax and chill out at the first suspended infinity pool at sea at The Hideaway on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Icon of the Seas. The beach-vibe neighborhood, perched eight stories above the sea at the back of the ship, features Champagne cocktails, a DJ spinning tunes, full-size daybeds, a wraparound bar, and endless ocean and sunset views from the multilevel terrace.

Frequently Asked Questions

"Adults-only cruise ships – or adults-only spaces on cruise ships – have become increasingly popular over the years," says Chris Gray Faust, executive editor at Cruise Critic. "That's not only because fewer people are having families. It's also because parents themselves often want the chance to get away, either by themselves for a romantic trip or with friends to celebrate a special occasion, girls' or guys' weekend, or milestone birthdays."

"I seek out adult spaces on cruise ships primarily because I want my experience on a ship to mirror my life on land – a little quieter, with more sophisticated food and drink options," she explains. "I also appreciate the opportunity to connect with my friends who are parents in a space where we can have personal one-on-one conversations or let loose a bit with some drinks. Adults with children are more than just their kids, after all – and they also appreciate a space where they don't have to worry about their little ones."

Anne Scully, a partner at the luxury travel company EMBARK Beyond, says, "With so many cruise lines and sailings, it's always a good idea to have options – and adults-only cruises are very popular." She adds, "Viking and Virgin have always focused on adults-only cruises and most river cruises also cater to adult passengers."

Adults-only cruises are designed with guests ages 18 and older in mind, from the staterooms and dining venues to the onboard entertainment and shore excursions. What you typically won't find on board are water or theme parks, climbing walls, game rooms, and restaurants serving kid-friendly foods.

If you're looking for a relaxing, fun and romantic vacation without the kids in tow – and you don't want to deal with the other passengers' children on your getaway – consider booking a sailing specifically for cruisers at least 18 years old. Alternatively, select a cruise line or ship that caters to mostly adults and doesn't offer any services, kids clubs, babysitting or activities for children.

You don't have to be a kid to be a Disney Cruise Line fan. While the line does not have an adults-only vessel within the fleet, there are plenty of kid-free spaces for adults only. Adults can enjoy cocktails, dinner and entertainment in several venues and relax at designated pool areas on the ship. There's also private, adults-only stretch of beach, Serenity Bay, on the line's private island, Castaway Cay.

In addition, Disney offers one of the best programs to keep youngsters entertained at sea, so you'll find that many of the children hang out in the kids club during the day and in the evening. These club spaces are divided by age groups, and they're typically open until midnight or 1 a.m. so parents – and even adults without kids – can enjoy a night out on the ship sans kids.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and Vietnam and Cambodia and an expedition vessel in Antarctica. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines for Couples
• The Best Party Cruises
• The Best Gay Cruises
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts

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