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    Home » Blog

    Cruise Food - Dining on the Sea Princess

    February 29, 2016 By Sara McCleary Updated May 7, 2021 - This post may contain affiliate links

    Dining on the Sea Princess, what is cruise food really like? An in depth look at the food served on Princess Cruises' Sea Princess.

    Be assured that when you head off on a cruising vacation that you are not going to go hungry. I discovered that dining on the Sea Princess could be an endless affair to satisfy endless tastebuds. It was quite possible to eat from the time you woke until the time your head hit the pillow again.

    Thank goodness there is also a gym on board!

    Most dining is included on the Sea Princess. There are a couple of exceptions, but basically you can forget about budgeting for food expenses once you are on board.

    The choice is quite endless, casual dining in the Horizon Court, a pizza from Café Corniche, or you could go all out celebrity chef with Curtis Stone’s offerings in the Rigoletto and Traviata Dining Rooms.

    What is dining on the Sea Princess like? Let’s have a closer look at all your options and what culinary delights await you on your next Princess cruise.

    Our dining experience was during a 10 day cruise around Papua New Guinea. To read a day by day itinerary of where we visited and experience read my cruising with Princess Cruises to Papua New Guinea post.

    Rigoletto & Traviata Dining Rooms

    The Rigoletto and Traviata are identical dining rooms, which are the two main evening dining options. The Rigoletto is open for dinner only, but Traviata is also open for breakfast and lunch.

    Sea Princess Traviata Dining Room
    Sea Princess Traviata Dining Room

    These dining rooms provide a more formal dining experience. You will be assigned one of two dining rooms for dinner. With is a specific dining time, table and waiters looking after you for the duration of their cruise. You may choose to eat there every night, or enjoy some of the other options offered.

    Traviata Breakfast
    There isn’t dedicated seating as per dinner, instead you will be show to a table by staff. Generally these are tables of four and up, but if you are a couple and wish to dine alone, then mention this to them and they will do their best to place you on a table of two.

    Sea Princess Traviata Dining Room
    Sea Princess Traviata Dining Room
    Sea Princess Traviata Dining Room

    It’s generally the same menu each day, but there are also a couple of specials of the day. The breakfast offerings are typical café/hotel fare. You will find old favourites like eggs Benedict and pancakes, as well as healthier options like fruit and bircher muesli. Freshly baked pastries are brought to the table for you to pick and choose from. Coffee and tea from pots are included, specialty beverages or coffee cost extra.

    Traviata Lunch
    Like breakfast you will be shown to a table, either shared or just for your group. Traviata is the formal lunch offering on the cruise. It is totally up to you how big a lunch you would like. Feel free to just have a main, or you can have a starter, main and dessert. There are no rules, feel free to pick and choose from the menu as you wish.

    Sea Princess Traviata Dining Room
    Sea Princess Traviata Dining Room
    Sea Princess Traviata Dining Room

    Again there will be menu staples that stay the same during the cruise, but there will also be daily specials to change things up a little.

    Rigoletto & Traviata Dinner
    For the duration of your cruise you will be allocated one of the two dining rooms for dinner. You will have either an early or late dinner seating, as well as the same table each night. I found that having your “spot” and the same fantastic wait staff each evening gave a sense of belonging and familiarity. Each night you will be greeted like family as you make your way to your way to your table.

    Sea Princess Rigoletto Dining Room
    Sea Princess Rigoletto Dining Room
    Sea Princess Rigoletto Dining Room

    You are welcomed to eat as much or as little as you like. Every night could be a multi course affair of four to five dishes if you wished. Generally most opt for three courses.

    There are a few staples on the menu that are there every night. This includes the Princess favourites which have been on the Princess Cruise menus over the years; classic Caesar salad, prawn cocktail, artisan cheese and chilled seasonal fruit plate.

    Sea Princess Rigoletto Dining Room
    Sea Princess Rigoletto Dining Room
    Sea Princess Rigoletto Dining Room

    The rather new and exciting menu staples are the Crafted by Curtis Stone dishes. Curtis Stone created a few dishes that appear on menu. When we dined these were; chicken & leek pot pie, roasted pork belly and veal osso bucco.

    The rest of the menu changes nightly offering soups, salads, signature pasta dishes, mains, desserts, cheese and fruit.

    Of course there are also the specialty nights in the dining room. Depending on the length of your cruise there will be at least one formal night. In addition to these there will be cuisine themed nights.

    Where: Rigoletto Deck 5/Traviata Deck 6
    When: Rigoletto dinner only/Traviata breakfast, lunch & dinner

    Sea Princess Rigoletto Dining Room
    Sea Princess Rigoletto Dining Room

    Note: Quite a few of the ships in the Princess fleet offer anytime dining in their main dining rooms, this isn’t an option on the Sea Princess in Pacific waters.

    Sterling Steakhouse (extra cost)

    Sterling Steakhouse is the Sea Princess’ signature restaurant. During the day it doesn’t exist, but come evening part of Horizon Court is cornered off and transformed in to Sterling Steakhouse.

    Bookings are essential, and there is a $25 cover charge per person, but I highly recommended dining there at least once during your voyage.

    Sea Princess Sterling Steakhouse
    Sea Princess Sterling Steakhouse
    Sea Princess Sterling Steakhouse

    What will your extra $25 buy you? As the name suggests Sterling Steakhouse is all about beef, premium aged beef and other steakhouse favourites.

    Sea Princess Sterling Steakhouse
    Sea Princess Sterling Steakhouse
    Sea Princess Sterling Steakhouse
    Sea Princess Sterling Steakhouse
    Sea Princess Sterling Steakhouse
    Sea Princess Sterling Steakhouse

    You don’t eat meat but are being dragged along by your meat eating? There are seafood and poultry options to choose from. If you are vegetarian you will probably want to give Sterling a miss. If you are vegetarian and you have to eat there due to a special occasion with your group, I am sure they will cater for you (talk to them at the time of booking to see what they can do for you). Otherwise your only option on the menu is a salad.

    Other than that, carnivores rejoice! As you walk in to Sterling Steakhouse you will be greeted with a platter showcasing the cuts of beef on offer. It is as simple as choosing what you would like, how you would like it cooked, what sauce (if any) to have with it and select some side dishes. There are also starters and desserts on offer. If you don’t feel like beef there are also some stellar seafood offerings.

    My suggestion is to eat a light lunch, as you will waddle out of there. They cook their beef to perfection and servings are generous.

    Sea Princess Sterling Steakhouse
    Sea Princess Sterling Steakhouse
    Sea Princess Sterling Steakhouse

    Where: Deck 14
    When: Dinner 6 – 10pm

    Horizon Court

    Horizon Court is the Sea Princess’ buffet. It is self-service and you can sit wherever you like, including a small outdoor seating area on either side. Even though it is a rather large area, during peek times on sea days it can be a little bit of a search mission to find somewhere to sit.

    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet
    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet
    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet
    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet
    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet

    Breakfast
    The variety on offer is extensive, and you will find something to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. There are both cold and hot dishes on offer, cereal, fresh fruit, cheeses, right through to pancakes, quiche, bacon and eggs.

    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet
    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet
    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet

    Lunch
    Like breakfast a variety of dishes to choose from. Feel free to have a light option of salad or sandwich, or a heartier meal from the hot dish selections.

    Dinner
    You will have themed nights to look forward to like Mexican and Indian. Again it is a buffet and self-service so you can pick and choose as you feel.

    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet
    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet
    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet
    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet

    Where: Deck 14
    When: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Coffee available 24 hours

    Café Corniche

    Sea Princess Cafe Corniche
    Sea Princess Cafe Corniche
    Sea Princess Cafe Corniche

    Cafe Corniche hold the title of best pizza on the sea, and a mighty fine pizza they do make. They have five pizzas that are permanently on the menu, plus a specialty pizza of the day. On top of this you can create your own pizza, order calzone or focaccia.

    Pizza can be delivered to your cabin for and added fee of $3. You can order it and pick it up yourself at no charge.

    Sea Princess Cafe Corniche
    Sea Princess Cafe Corniche

    Where: Deck 8
    When: Lunch & Dinner

    Terrace Grill

    Self serve casual dining out by the pool on the Lido Deck. Here you will be able to make yourself a hamburger, hot dog or have a gourmet sausage on a roll.

    Sea Princess Terrace Grill
    Sea Princess Terrace Grill
    Sea Princess Terrace Grill

    Where: Deck 14
    When: 11am – 8pm

    New Zealand Natural Ice Cream Bar (extra cost)

    Have a hankering for an ice cream cone, sundae or milk shake? The New Zealand Natural Ice Cream bar has you covered. Ice cream scoops and milk shakes start from $5 and sundaes start from $9.50.

    Sea Princess New Zealand Ice Cream
    Sea Princess New Zealand Ice Cream
    Sea Princess New Zealand Ice Cream

    Where: Deck12
    When: 11am – 11pm

    Feel that you may miss out on a decent cup of coffee while travelling the high seas? Don’t panic my caffeine addicted friends, Princess Cruises has you covered with a couple of cafes where the baristas know their stuff. There is also a coffee card on offer which will save you some money.

    Amuleto Italian Café (extra cost)

    Is located in Horizon Court and you will be able to pick up specialty coffees. These aren’t included in your cruise fee. But feel free to pick up a pastry or two from Horizon Court to enjoy with your coffee.

    Sea Princess Amuleto Cafe
    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet

    Where: Deck 14
    When: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

    La Patisserie (extra cost)

    Besides Amuleto, La Patisserie is where you can also satisfy your coffee cravings. Both hot and iced coffees are on offer for an extra cost. You can also enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail (extra cost). There is a small selection of pastries and sandwiches on offer, which are self serve and free.

    Where: Deck 5
    When: 6am – 11pm

    Sea Princess Room Service

    Sick of your fellow travellers? Needing some time out in your cabin? Just want to watch the ocean roll by from your balcony or stateroom window? Yes, you can have room service and most of it is included in your cruising fare.

    In Your Cabin

    Breakfast Room Service
    Don’t feel like getting dressed for breakfast? That’s completely okay you can have breakfast delivered to your room for no extra cost. Simply fill out the Stateroom Breakfast card the night before and place it outside your cabin before heading to the land of nod. The menu resembles most hotel in room dining options, a choice of juice, beverages, fresh fruit, yoghurt, cold cereals, bread, pastries, egg & bacon muffin, and preserves.

    Sea Princess Deluxe Breakfast for 2
    Sea Princess Deluxe Breakfast for 2
    Sea Princess Deluxe Breakfast for 2
    Sea Princess Deluxe Breakfast for 2

    Deluxe Breakfast for Two (extra cost)
    You can also arrange a deluxe breakfast for two to enjoy in your stateroom. The cost is $45 for two people and the amount of food received would feed an army. There are oven fresh pastries, cold smoked salmon with dill cream cheese and toasted lemon brioche, a medley of fresh fruits and forest berries served with clover honey Chantilly cream and quiche Lorraine. As well as coffee, tea, juices and a half bottle of sparkling white wine.

    Room Service Other Times
    There is quite an extensive room service menu if you do wish to dine in your cabin. There is a choice of soups, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, lasagne and desserts as a sample included in your cruise fare.

    Entertaining & Alcohol Room Service (extra cost)
    You can arrange to have specialty entertaining food items delivered to your cabin at an arranged time. Before boarding the Sea Princes I organised some guacamole and corn chips to be delivered one afternoon so we could enjoy sailing through Milne Bay (PNG) from our balcony. For $8.50 we received an enormous serving for six. Other items can be ordered like canapés etc.

    Sea Princess Room Service
    Sea Princess Room Service

    Beer, wine, spirits and soft drink can also be delivered to your cabin for an extra charge.

    An important public announcement…. BE WISE SANITISE!

    Sea Princess Horizon Court Buffet

    The above is Purell, he is your friend. You will find him outside the entrance to every dining venue on the Sea Princess, or on any of the other ships in the Princess Cruises fleet. Make use of Purell, get to know him well and sanitise your hands before entering the dining room.

    Why? Because not all people's general hygiene levels aren't created equal.

    I am sure that you wash you hands after you visit the bathroom and other key moments during your day, but sadly a lot of people don’t. Don’t look at using Purell to protect others against you, look at him as your protector against others. Mr Purell is part of cruising life for a reason, so embrace him.

    Dawn Princess Galley

    As you can see you will definitely not go hungry when dining on the Sea Princess. The photos above are just the tip of the tip of the tip iceberg of the Sea Princess' food offerings. There are a great variety of options to suit your mood and hunger level.

    What was my stand out dining on the Sea Princess experience? There were a couple, Sterling Steakhouse was definitely well worth the extra $25 for food and service. Formal nights in the Rigoletto Dining Room, and sipping sparkling white and eating guacamole on our balcony as we watched the world go by.

    Food isn't the only aspect to a meal, the food on the Sea Princess is great, but it is the staff that made our many meals, meals to remember.

    Sara xxx

    The above photos were taken during our 10 day cruise around Papua New Guinea. You can also read a day by day account of our Princess cruise experience.

    Princess Cruises Dawn Princess

    Belly Rumbles travelled as a guest of Princess Cruises.
    Majority of the photos above were taken on the Canon EOS 7D Mark II using the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 and EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lenses

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    1. Steve Prendergast

      November 21, 2016 at 3:32 pm

      A really good read, my wife Chrissy and I were on the Sea Princess World Cruise 2013. I can honestly say even after 104 nights aboard we still enjoyed the fabulous food. I agree with your comment about having your own table assigned each night in the dining room. We now have some very special friends after meeting each night. Even the Captain and his wife joined us one evening.

      Sea Princess has a unique atmosphere and they are very proud of what you are served. We have traveled on other ships.
      I am happy to hear the best pizzas at sea are still there, great when you are in a cabin on deck 8.
      Regards Steve Prendergast

      Reply
      • Sara

        November 21, 2016 at 6:07 pm

        Hi Steve, so glad you enjoyed my write up and really happy to hear of all your positive experiences! How wonderful it would have been to have sailed on the Sea Princess World Cruise in 2013!

    2. Vicky and Buddy

      March 07, 2016 at 12:38 pm

      I went on a cruise to the Bahamas and I could have easily gained 10 pounds! There was definitely a lot of food, but I also felt that the only spectacular meals were the ones you had to pay extra for. But I guess it also depends on the cruise line. I've been wanting to go on another cruise, guess I'll have to look into Princess Cruises!

      Reply
    3. Aileen Adalid

      March 07, 2016 at 10:58 am

      I've only been to a short cruise (of around 3 hours) so that only involved snacks. I have yet to go on a longer one and looking at how it went for you guys — I'm excited! Everything looks so awesome!!!

      Reply
    4. Wandering Carol

      March 07, 2016 at 3:05 am

      I'd do a cruise on the Sea Princess just for the food! Sterling Steakhouse would be my top choice and I'd gladly pay the premium for a good filet mignon.

      Reply
    5. Brenda Tolentino

      March 06, 2016 at 7:25 pm

      I haven't been to a cruise yet, I never expected the food to look so delicious! I particularly like the looks of the pork belly! I like Curtiss Stone's tv shows, so I'm sure I'd really enjoy his food too. You're right, thank goodness there's a gym because I'm sure we'd eat most of the time with what's on offer on-board!

      Reply
    6. Jenna

      March 06, 2016 at 7:14 pm

      Wow--a cruise around Papua New Guinea would be fantastic in general and then add in the food--it looks even better!! Everything looks so delicious, especially the desserts! You seriously made me hungry with all the tasty food photos!

      Reply
    7. Darlene

      March 06, 2016 at 5:08 pm

      Wow! Your post made me hungry! Especially for the desserts. When I finally get to go on a cruise, I'll probably be eating all the time too hehe. Good to know Princess takes food safety and hygiene very seriously. it's hard to get sick onboard! 🙂

      Reply
    8. Carol Colbornc

      March 06, 2016 at 4:26 am

      Oh my gosh, I remember our 2-week cruise in summer 2014! I miss all the fun and, of course, the mouth-watering food available 24x7! Thanks for reminding me!!!

      Reply
    9. The London Mum

      March 06, 2016 at 1:28 am

      I find that cruise ships offer so much food choice, and for that special treat the pay for restaurants are just an added bonus. Your pics are great!

      Reply
    10. Julie

      March 06, 2016 at 12:07 am

      When I travel, I have a tough time picking a restaurant. My husband and I literally wander around, up and down streets, trying to find the best of the best (as if that's possible from a window). It's torture. I always thought of cruise dining as the 'easy way' - no choice, tons of food, something for everyone. But with all these options, I wonder how much time we would spend wandering up and down the boat, trying to pick the perfect place to eat. And now I want some ice cream 🙂

      Reply
    11. Michelle

      March 06, 2016 at 12:02 am

      I can't go on a cruise, I know I would spend the entire time eating and gain 20 pounds. Looks delicious, and just made me a little hungry!

      Reply
    12. John | heneedsfood

      March 02, 2016 at 4:27 pm

      That hand sanitiser reminds me of the ones I saw in Hong Kong. Great idea, really. As for the food on the ship, you've definitely proven that an empty stomach wouldn't exist onboard. Struggling to spot a vending machine for motion sickness tabs in your pics. That's what I'd be needing, as well!

      Reply

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