Navigating the various dining options on a Princess cruise can sometimes feel like solving a delicious puzzle, especially when considering the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages. Are you wondering exactly what’s included with Princess casual dining and Princess premium desserts, and how these options enhance your cruise experience? This comprehensive guide builds upon the valuable information provided in the video above, offering deeper insights into maximizing your culinary adventures at sea.
Princess Cruises offers a wide array of dining choices designed to satisfy every palate, ranging from complimentary options to exclusive specialty restaurants. Understanding the nuances of casual dining and premium desserts is crucial for passengers looking to get the most value from their cruise package. Let’s delve into the details, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your next Princess voyage.
Decoding Princess Dining: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the specifics of casual dining, it’s helpful to quickly understand the four main types of dining experiences available on Princess Cruises. This overview helps situate casual dining within the broader culinary landscape of the ship. Each category offers a distinct experience, catering to different preferences and occasions throughout your cruise journey.
First, complimentary dining includes options like the Main Dining Room, buffet, and poolside pizza, all included in your base fare. Next, casual dining provides a step up from complimentary options without the full specialty dining price tag, often included with packages. Specialty dining offers an elevated experience with unique menus and an additional charge, perfect for a special evening out. Finally, paid dining encompasses various à la carte options, from gelato bars to select individual items, offering flexibility for specific cravings.
The Value of Casual Dining on Princess
Casual dining venues represent a fantastic middle ground, offering a more personalized and often more relaxed experience than the main dining room or buffet, yet without the higher cost of specialty restaurants. These venues are typically smaller and provide a distinct atmosphere, making them ideal for a leisurely lunch or a more intimate dinner. They contribute significantly to the overall dining diversity on board.
The key benefit of casual dining is its inclusion in Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages. With the Princess Plus package, guests receive two casual dining experiences per cruise, providing an excellent opportunity to sample these unique venues. Upgrading to the Princess Premier package unlocks unlimited casual dining throughout your entire cruise, allowing you to enjoy these spots as often as you wish without any additional charges. Imagine enjoying a gourmet burger one day and authentic Italian pizza the next, all seamlessly covered by your package.
Exploring Casual Dining Venues
Princess ships typically feature two or three distinct casual dining venues, though this can vary by ship class and size. These venues offer a delightful three-course prix fixe menu, meaning you can enjoy an appetizer, a main entrée, and a dessert as part of your casual dining credit. This structured menu provides a satisfying and complete meal, often highlighting specific culinary themes. Let’s explore some of the popular choices you might encounter on your cruise.
- Alfredo’s Pizzeria / Gigi’s Pizzeria: These beloved pizzerias are consistently praised for their authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, baked fresh in a stone oven. The menu often begins with a selection of salads or antipasto, followed by a wide array of gourmet pizza choices, from classic Margherita to more adventurous toppings. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed meal overlooking the ship’s Piazza.
- Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar: For seafood lovers, the Ocean Terrace offers a tantalizing selection of fresh catches and sushi. This venue provides an elegant yet informal setting, often with stunning views. You can enjoy expertly prepared sushi rolls, sashimi, and other seafood delights, making it an excellent lunch option for those craving oceanic flavors.
- Vines Wine Bar & Charcuterie: While primarily a wine bar, Vines also offers delicious charcuterie boards and light bites designed to pair perfectly with their extensive wine selection. Although not specifically mentioned as a full casual dining option in the video, its upscale snack offerings provide a lovely complement to a relaxed afternoon. Passengers often find themselves lingering here, enjoying the sophisticated atmosphere and delectable small plates.
- Salty Dog Gastro Pub: This popular venue redefines pub fare, serving up elevated comfort food in a lively atmosphere. Beyond their famous “Ernesto” burger, the menu features unique dishes like poutine and other creative potato preparations. The Salty Dog Gastro Pub is perfect for those seeking a hearty, flavorful meal with a fun, social vibe.
It is important to note the exceptions for Island Princess and Coral Princess. These particular ships do not have dedicated casual dining venues in the same way other ships do. However, Princess cleverly adapts by opening Sabatini’s, usually a specialty restaurant, for Alfredo’s Pizza on select evenings. Additionally, the Wheelhouse Bar transforms into a Salty Dog Gastro Pub experience, ensuring guests on these ships can still enjoy similar casual dining benefits.
Indulging in Princess Premium Desserts
Beyond full meals, Princess Cruises also elevates your sweet tooth experience with premium desserts, a highlight for many cruisers. These are far more elaborate than standard soft-serve ice cream, offering a true treat. Like casual dining, premium desserts are included with specific cruise packages, making them an accessible luxury.
With a Princess Plus package, you are entitled to two premium desserts per day, providing ample opportunity to sample different treats. For those with the Princess Premier package, the indulgence is unlimited, allowing you to enjoy as many premium desserts as you desire throughout your cruise. Imagine having a gourmet gelato every afternoon or a decadent cake slice after dinner, all included in your package.
A World of Sweet Delights
Princess premium desserts extend beyond the colossal sundaes often showcased in advertisements, although those are certainly a delightful option. The variety ensures there’s something for everyone, from rich cakes to refreshing gelatos. Many different venues across the ship will offer these premium dessert choices, so it’s always worth exploring and asking staff what’s available.
- Gelato Bar: A standout favorite, the gelato bar offers an impressive array of flavors and is a truly authentic Italian experience at sea. You can choose a single scoop or a small sundae, all counting as a premium dessert. The quality and selection of gelato are consistently praised by passengers, making it a must-try.
- Decadent Cakes: Beyond gelato, you can find slices of elaborate cakes, such as multi-layer chocolate cakes or fruit tarts, at various cafes or even through room service. These offer a more traditional dessert experience, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.
- Specialty Sundaes: While not the only option, the giant premium sundaes are undeniably impressive and perfect for those looking for a truly indulgent treat. These are often made with premium ice cream, topped with a generous assortment of sauces, whipped cream, and other delightful garnishes.
A crucial point for cruisers departing from or arriving in Galveston, Texas: be aware of local sales tax regulations. If you order a premium dessert while the ship is docked in Galveston, a small sales tax, typically around $1.50, will be applied. However, once your ship is in international waters, these premium desserts are completely free as part of your Princess Plus or Princess Premier package benefits, offering full value for your entitlement to Princess premium desserts.
Princess Dining Delights: Your Questions Answered
What is ‘Casual Dining’ on a Princess cruise?
Casual dining venues offer a more personalized and relaxed meal experience than the main dining room or buffet, typically providing a three-course menu. They are a step up from complimentary options without the full specialty dining price tag.
How can I access Casual Dining and Premium Desserts?
You can access these options by purchasing a Princess Plus or Princess Premier cruise package. Princess Plus includes a limited number of experiences, while Princess Premier offers unlimited access throughout your cruise.
What types of food can I expect at Casual Dining venues?
Popular casual dining spots include Alfredo’s Pizzeria for authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, the Salty Dog Gastro Pub for elevated comfort food, and the Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar for fresh seafood and sushi.
What are ‘Premium Desserts’ and where can I find them?
Premium desserts are elaborate treats like authentic Italian gelato, decadent cakes, and specialty sundaes. You can find them at venues such as the Gelato Bar and various cafes around the ship.