majestic princess cruise food

Princess cruise food: The ultimate guide to restaurants and dining on board

Booked on a Princess cruise ? Then it's time to start figuring out your dining strategy. With everything from casual seafood shacks and barbecue joints to refined steakhouses, sushi bars and even experiential, sensory dining, the food on Princess Cruises has something to pique everyone's palate, from those looking to indulge to guests who want to stick to a healthy diet at sea .

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Alfredo's/Gigi's Pizzeria by Alfredo/Alfredo's Pizzeria

Fixed price or a la carte

If one pizzeria isn't enough, Princess has another option. Alfredo's and Gigi's are sit-down pizzerias with decor inspired by the colors and vibe of Amalfi Coast. The venues serve authentic Neapolitan pizza made from scratch.

Available on: Coral, Diamond, Discovery, Enchanted, Grand, Island, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Sapphire, Sky, Sun Princess

Related: Which line has the best cruise pizza? I tasted slices from 7 brands

Burger & Hot Dog Grill

Included, but a la carte pricing applies for a few menu items on select ships

This poolside American grill serves up hamburgers, hot dogs and french fries.

Available on: Coral, Diamond, Island, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Sapphire

Chopsticks Noodle Bar

Chopsticks is a casual spot with a rotating menu of cooked-to-order Asian fare. Options include wonton noodle soup and wok-fried dishes like Sichuan dan-dan noodles.

Available on: Majestic Princess

Horizon Court/World Fresh Marketplace

All Princess cruise ships feature a buffet restaurant, called World Fresh Marketplace on some ships and Horizon Court on others. Either way, the buffet is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The ever-changing options include regional specialties, comfort food, fresh fruit, salads, vegetables and desserts.

Available on: All ships

Related: Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

Sushi and sashimi specialties, appetizers, nigiri and maki rolls including tempura shrimp, spicy tuna and hamachi scallion are available separately or in a set menu or combination at Kai Sushi.

Available on: Diamond Princess, Sun Princess

Main dining room

Princess Cruises' main dining rooms offer a waiter-served, sit-down dining experience. Multicourse menus of global cuisine are offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some options change daily, but a selection of "Princess Favorites" signature dishes is always available.

Ocean Terrace Sushi/Seafood Bar

Overlooking the Piazza, this sushi and sashimi bar was inspired by the view of the ocean. Starters, sushi, sashimi, raw, cooked and torched rolls are available a la carte.

Available on: Discovery, Enchanted, Regal, Royal, Sky Princess

O'Malley's Irish Pub

A contemporary Irish pub with traditional tunes and interactive entertainment, O'Malley's serves pub fare like pan-fried Guinness chicken, ribeye burgers, Scotch eggs and fried pickles.

Available on: Enchanted Princess, Sun Princess

This casual, rustic eatery serves ample portions of barbecued meats, including pulled pork, tri-top, smoked sausage, smoked chicken and pork ribs, along with sides, sauces, salads and more.

Available on: Caribbean Princess, Emerald Princess

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Reserve Collection dining

Included for guests in Reserve Collection cabins

Passengers booked in Reserve Collection cabins can access an exclusive area of the main dining room with a private entrance, expedited seating, no reservations required and a dedicated waitstaff. On Star Princess and Sun Princess, Reserve Collection Dining also includes access to a private restaurant.

Salty Dog Gastropub

The Salty Dog Gastropub features handhelds like burgers, chicken sandwiches and grilled cheese, as well as elevated takes on comfort food including lobster mac and cheese and stout-braised short ribs. It's located inside the Wheelhouse Bar on certain days.

Available on: Crown, Discovery, Emerald, Ruby Princess, Sapphire, Grand, Coral, Island Princess

Salty Dog Grille/Cafe

The famous Hilton Head, South Carolina eatery takes to the seas on Princess Cruises. This casual poolside restaurant is a great pitstop between dips. Order from their menu of craft burgers (including a veggie burger), sandwiches, chicken strips, street tacos, loaded fries and hot dogs.

Available on: Caribbean, Crown, Discovery, Emerald, Enchanted, Grand, Ruby, Sky Princess

Related: Which line has the best cruise burger? Here are TPG's top picks

This poolside pizzeria has plenty of pie options, including thin crust and deep dish, as well as stromboli and avocado and caprese toasts.

Steamers Seafood

At this casual eatery, you can satisfy your seafood craving with steamed shellfish pots with mussels, scallops, kielbasa and corn on the cob. The most popular pot arrives with broiled scallops, shrimp and crab-stuffed flounder; lobster and crab can be added to any dish.

Vines Wine Bar

Located in the Atrium, with an extensive list of wines and Champagnes, Vines Wine Bar serves light bites, including antipasti and tapas.

Available on: Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Grand, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sapphire, Sky Princess

Bayou Cafe & Steakhouse

Fixed price

Prime steaks and seafood are served in a laid-back, New Orleans-inspired setting, with live music on select nights. Highlights include Chilean sea bass with king prawns, New York strip and New Zealand rosemary double lamb chops.

Available on: Coral Princess, Island Princess

Related: The best cruise ship steakhouses and steak-serving restaurants

The Catch by Rudi

Seafood-focused collaboration with renowned Austrian chef Rudi Sodamin featuring playful takes on sustainable seafood like Asian-fried calamari, lobster with garlic butter crust and tiered shellfish towers. Order the Salzburger Nockerl for dessert; it's a can't-miss Austrian souffle baked over tangy fruit jam.

Available on: Discovery, Enchanted, Majestic, Sky, Sun Princess

Churrascaria Brazilian Grill

Servers carve grilled meats including picanha, sirloin, lamb, linguica and sausage tableside at this South American-inspired steakhouse. Round out your meal with options from the teeming salad bar.

Available on: Diamond Princess

A rustic seafood pop-up, Crab Shack will serve casual starters including popcorn shrimp and Manhattan clam chowder, as well as steamed and boiled pots of shellfish, potatoes, corn and herbs.

Available on: Forthcoming, ships to be announced

Crown Grill

Princess' signature steak and seafood house with a theater-style open kitchen is a perennial favorite with guests. On the menu are aged and hand-cut steaks and chops, seafood and a selection of salts curated from around the world to sprinkle on dishes.

Available on: Caribbean, Crown, Discovery, Emerald, Enchanted, Grand, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sky, Sun Princess

Related: 7 reasons you should treat yourself to a cruise ship specialty restaurant

Harmony is a contemporary Chinese restaurant with a five-course menu of dishes. Highlights include Peking duck salad, braised pork belly ribs with star anise and fried rice with scallops.

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria

At the cruise line's signature Italian restaurant, traditional flavors meld with regional influences. Handmade pastas like pappardelle alla Bolognese are joined by ossobuco Milanese, heirloom cheeses and air-cured salume.

Available on: Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Discovery, Emerald, Enchanted, Grand, Island, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sapphire, Sky, Sun Princess

Sterling Steakhouse

This premium chophouse features high-quality cuts of meat from corn-fed beef, including Kansas City strip, filet mignon, Madeira-glazed veal and surf and turf, served with shareable sides like loaded baked potatoes and sauteed wild mushrooms. (Sterling Steakhouse is similar to the Crown Grill, but the two steakhouses have different menus.)

Available on: Sapphire Princess

Love by Britto

Princess Cruises has collaborated with Romero Britto, the Brazilian artist known for his bold and joyful style, to create a seven-course, prix fixe artistic-inspired dining experience on its newest ship. Standout dishes include oysters with Champagne pearls, Wagyu Chateaubriand Rossini and hot chocolate souffle with hot Bing cherries.

Available on: Sun Princess

Umai Teppanyaki

Your meal at Umai Teppanyaki is a three-act show of Japanese cuisine prepared on an iron teppan grill. Starters include pork belly yakitori and spicy tuna on the rocks, followed by dishes like black cod in soy reduction and filet mignon with Champagne Cognac flambe and a chocolate bento box.

Related: 12 dining mistakes you must fix on your next cruise

The Butcher's Block by Dario

The Butcher's Block is another collaboration, this time a partnership with renowned eighth-generation butcher Dario Cecchini, who owns a butcher shop and restaurants in the Tuscan village of Panzano, Italy. Enjoy a meal of his signature cuts of meat at one large shared table with friends old and new.

360: An Extraordinary Experience

This seven-course, wine-paired dinner is enhanced by immersive technology, including a 360-degree projection screen displaying scenes of the Mediterranean and additional images projected onto the tabletop. You'll find yourself as captivated by the food as the music and storytelling that will virtually transport you to Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, Barcelona and Provence. The dining experience is invite-only, so if you're not some kind of VIP (suite guest, top-tier loyalty program member, casino high roller and the like), don't expect you will be able to dine here.

Available on: Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess

Chef's Table/Chef's Table Lumiere

Fixed price (with or without wine)

The Chef's Table is a unique culinary experience that kicks off with Champagne and hors d'oeuvres and a stroll through the kitchen to meet the executive chef, followed by a multicourse dinner paired with wines. For Chef's Table Lumiere, the table is surrounded by a curtain of lights after guests are seated.

Available on: Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Emerald, Grand, Island, Ruby, Sapphire Princess (Chef's Table); Discovery, Enchanted, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Sky Princess (Chef's Table Lumiere)

Balcony Breakfast/Dinner

Start or end the day with an intimate, romantic meal for two served on your cabin balcony. Dinner is a four-course affair including hors d'oeuvres, lobster and steak and your choice of beverages.

Caymus Winemaker's Dinner

During this intimate dining event, a five-course dinner is paired with wines from Chuck Wagner's Napa Valley winery, Caymus Vineyards. This recently launched experience for just 12 guests is offered two to three times per sailing.

Silverado Winemaker's Dinner

A collaboration with winemaker Jon Emmerich of Silverado Vineyards, this dinner pairs five courses (not including a palate cleanser) with the Napa Valley winery's sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon.

Available on: Discovery, Enchanted, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Sky Princess

Princess cruise dining FAQ

Is food on Princess Cruises included?

Sit-down meals in the main dining room, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, are always included on a Princess cruise, and the menu varies somewhat daily. Also included is a buffet, either called World Fresh Marketplace or Horizon Court, depending on the ship, as well as fast casual and grab-and-go spots on board that serve pizza, tacos, burgers, pastries and ice cream.

Specialty restaurants including Crown Grill, Princess's steak and seafood house, and Sabatini's, the signature Italian restaurant, require a surcharge that's priced at a flat rate per adult or child; some menu items also require an additional surcharge no matter the age of the guest.

Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships and itineraries

Are drinks included on Princess cruise ships?

Select beverages are always included: iced tea, hot tea, brewed coffee, hot chocolate, milk, fruit juice, lemonade and tap water. Everything else, including soft drinks, wine, beer, cocktails, spirits and specialty coffees, must either be purchased a la carte or through one of the cruise line's beverage packages .

Do I need reservations?

Reservations are encouraged for the main dining room and the specialty restaurants, and it's best to make them as early as possible ; walk-in parties will be accommodated on a space-available basis. Guests can make reservations via the Princess MedallionClass app or at guest services once you're on board. If you wish to eat at the same time every night, you can do so by reserving your tables in advance.

Platinum and Elite Captain's Circle members have early access to reservations. Passengers booked in a Full Suite or Reserve Collection Mini-Suite don't need to make dining reservations as they will always be accommodated; they also have access to a dedicated space in the main dining room with expedited seating and an expanded menu.

Does Princess Cruises have an evening dress code?

"Smart casual" attire will be appropriate for the main dining room, buffet and fast-casual restaurants. You might want to pack something dressier for the specialty restaurants or one of the more upscale dining experiences like Chef's Table, 360 or a winemaker dinner.

On sailings that are five nights or longer, there will be one or more formal nights, which do require adhering to a dress code in the dining venues . Cocktail dresses, evening gowns or dressy pantsuits are appropriate for women, while dark suits, tuxedos or dinner jackets and slacks are required for men , along with dressy footwear. If you don't want to dress up or forgot appropriate attire, you're welcome to dine at the buffet or any of the other casual dining options on board during formal night.

Is there assigned seating in the main dining room?

There is no assigned seating at any dining venues on board Princess ships. However, if you are a solo diner or part of a couple or small group, your host might ask if you would like to sit with another party of a similar size in the main dining room; the choice is up to you.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

You can use the Cruise Personalizer to indicate your dietary preferences, including requests for low-sodium, low-fat, low-sugar and vegetarian diets. Kosher meals and baby food are available with advanced written requests. If you have allergies or medical needs related to food, you must inform Princess in writing — check the line's website for more details. Princess Cruises also recently introduced a series of vegan menus for dinner in the main dining room, including starters, soups, salads, pastas and main dishes.

Where can I get snacks on board?

You'll find lots of spots to grab a quick bite, dessert or coffee, including Coffee & Cones, Patisserie, Swirls Ice Cream Bar, The Pastry Shop, International Cafe and Gelateria — options vary depending on the ship. Food at these venues is included, but there is a charge for specialty coffees and teas unless you have a beverage package.

Is room service included on Princess Cruises?

Guests can use the designated button on their cabin's phone to order room service 24 hours a day; each order incurs a $5 delivery fee, which is waived for those with Princess Plus or Princess Premier status.

You can also use the OceanNow feature in the Princess Medallion Class app to order food to be delivered to your cabin or anywhere else on the ship, like the pool deck. This feature is included with Princess Plus and Princess Premium; otherwise, there is a one-time access fee of $14.99 per person per voyage and a $5 delivery fee per order. Food and beverage surcharges may apply for some items ordered via room service.

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Majestic Princess Dining – A Helpful Food Guide

We recently took a cruise on the Majestic Princess, a 7-day adventure to the Mexican Riviera. While I always had good service, great food, and many choices on Princess Cruises pre-pandemic, I wanted to see if things changed after the shutdown.

It was our first post-pandemic cruise and first international travel experience with new restrictions. The Majestic Princess has many options for dining, and her dining areas never seem crowded.

While I  cruise with food allergies, my review of cruise food may differ from other opinions because cruise lines only provide limited choices of food. Even though I wanted to try out all the specialty restaurants, sometimes I can’t because the kitchen lacks the necessary ingredients to prepare a meal.

So, this is my food review as a Celiac to expand on our full ship review.

Majestic Princess Dining Choices

Unlike most cruise ships with one large main dining room, the Majestic has three. We were assigned the Concerto Dining Room, mid-ship on deck 6.

At the aft, the Allegro Dining Room also has complimentary food. These dining rooms were open from 5 pm to 9:30 pm for dinner.

The Symphony Dining Room on deck 5 was closed to passengers during our cruise and was used by the staff. Of the three, the Concerto Dining Room also offered breakfast from 7 am to 9:30 am and lunch between 12 pm and 1:30 pm.

Other complimentary options included the Burger and Lobster Grill, Swirls Ice Cream, and Noodle Bar on deck 16 or Lido. Also, on the Lido deck, the Worlds Fresh Marketplace provides a large buffet area for those who prefer not to eat in the dining room.

At the Burger and Lobster Grill, passengers have the option to purchase New England Lobster Rolls for USD 15.

On deck 6, Alfredo’s Pizzeria allows passengers to enjoy complimentary pizza. However, it’s easy to mistake it for an a la carte venue with its prime location. Vines on deck 5 have complimentary appetizers with the purchase of a drink or cocktail.

Open 24 hours, the International Café offers specialty coffees, teas, and snacks for a nominal fee. They also had breakfast sandwiches and wraps.

Never Judge The Food By The First Night

Since I have life-threatening food allergies, I don’t have the luxury of doing anytime dining. Instead, I find it safer to eat at the same time, the same place, and with a consistent waiter. Before my cruise, I notified Princess of my allergies so they could add them to my booking.

On the first night, I always make an effort to connect with the Maitre D, who takes my food orders for the following day. I never saw the Maitre D or restaurant manager on embarkation day.

In fact, my waiter confused my food allergies with the lady beside me. It worried me that he kept repeating the wrong food allergies back to me.

In the end, while the meal wasn’t fantastic, it didn’t contain my allergens. Since I know turnaround day often comes with chaos, I never judge the food or the service the first night.

On my second evening, I met Dorde, the assistant restaurant manager. He became my food lifeline to eating safely onboard. Each evening, he’d provide the menus for both lunch and dinner.

Then, I would place my orders for appetizers and an entrée. The pastry chef would provide a dessert surprise, which they called the “pastry chef’s choice.”

Majestic’s Concerto Dining Room Food

Although the complimentary food menu was limited, the food got better as the days progressed. I was surprised the menu had no symbols for gluten-free, lactose-free, or sugar-free items. The cruise line marked only vegetarian choices.

The menu contained a lot of seafood choices which made me a happy camper. My favorite meal was the herb-crusted leg of lamb, served with lamb jus and mint sauce. I ordered lamb twice, and both times, the lamb was cooked to perfection.

Some of the stand-out dishes included a seafood entrée of shrimp and scallops, a seafood appetizer with a fantastic aioli, and the surf and turf. Brian’s favorites were escargot, prime rib, surf and turf, and onion soup.

On our second formal night, the dining room served lobster, a popular choice for cruise passengers. While my husband, Brian enjoyed his lobster entrée, mine was disappointing. My steamed lobster arrived dry with a baked potato.

Since the Majestic Princess carried no lactose-free spread, meals with a butter-based or cream sauce arrived dry, without flavor. I sent back the baked potato and requested some steamed vegetables instead.

On our last night, we enjoyed one of the best meals onboard; surf and turf. While some surf and turf entrees come with lobster, shrimp accompanied our filet mignon.

The galley cooked our meals perfectly, and mine even had gravy. For dessert, guests could choose Baked Alaska, a cruise favorite.

The Desserts

I felt Princess Cruises excelled in their presentation when it came to desserts. They are known for their Chocolate Journeys, so it was no surprise many of the desserts had chocolate embellishments.

Brian had a lime slice at the Crown Grill, which was exquisitely displayed on the plate. Another stand-out was his chocolate mousse. Since I needed desserts that were gluten-free, lactose-free, and nut-free, mine lacked the presentation.

Majestic Princess Specialty Restaurants

We wanted to try out the specialty restaurants during our cruise, which charge a cover fee of USD 29. However, due to my milk, gluten, and nuts allergies, Dorde recommended that I only try the Crown Grill, a steak and seafood restaurant.

The day before our reservation, I didn’t have to pre-order my food from the Crown Grill menu . I was told the kitchen could adapt the dishes to eliminate my allergens.

We didn’t try the Harmony Asian Restaurant. While I had read, they served an unusual Jellyfish appetizer; that item was no longer on the menu.

Instead, it had starters like Crab Rangoon, Peking Duck Salad, and Shrimp Spring Roll. Entrees consisted of Braised Pork Belly Ribs, Lemon Chicken, and Mongolian Beef.

The French restaurant Bistro Sur La Mer’s menu consists of pasta with cream sauce. I found the layout of this restaurant rather odd. 

Instead of being in an enclosed, intimate space like the Harmony, the Bistro covered an open area on deck 7 near the panoramic lifts. When guests were dining at dinner, others walked through as it was the main thoroughfare.

While Bitsro Sur La Mer couldn’t accommodate my allergies on this ship, I eventually tried it on the Discovery Princess. You can read about the dining options on the Discovery.

Before our cruise, I had heard the Majestic Princess pizzeria made the best pizza, so I wanted to try it. While they had a gluten-free crust, they didn’t have lactose-free or vegan cheese. Well, you can’t eat a pizza without cheese.

So, I spoke to Dorde, who ordered a package of goat cheese to be sent to the Concerto Dining Room one night. If it was lactose-free, I could take it to the pizzeria and request they make a pizza with it.

Unfortunately, the goat cheese was mixed with cow’s milk making it unsafe to eat. I appreciate that Dorde went above and beyond to find a way for me to eat outside the main dining room. Princess should give this man a raise!

Tip:  If you’re a big fan of specialty restaurants, sometimes the cruise lines offer discounts on the first night.

Dining In The The Crown Grill

We tried booking the Crown Grill using the Ocean Medallion, but it didn’t work. So, we called guest services early in the morning and requested dinner seating at 6:30 pm on our Mazatlan port day.

Unfortunately, Brian got sick from something he ate in Mazatlan. We assumed it was the ice in his drink since I had none. By the time we arrived at the Crown grill, he didn’t have much of an appetite.

So, he passed on his usual selection of rib-eye steak in favor of the Maine Lobster tail with peppery butter. I chose the New Zealand double lamb chops with rosemary essence.

Brian requested a garden salad as an appetizer, and I had the Jumbo Sea Scallops with Salmon Caviar.

For me, the appetizer was the best part of the meal. While Brian thought his lobster main was adequate, my entrée came with three stalks of asparagus and a bowl of fries.

Fries at a specialty restaurant, really? My waitress told me that since I couldn’t have gluten or lactose, that was the only item they could make.

However, the waitress offered a salt menu to accompany my fries. The choices were Himalayan Mountain Pink Salt, Smoked Applewood Salt, and Hawaiian Black Salt. I chose the Black Salt, which was really good!

Even though Brian wasn’t hungry, I asked him to order the Key Lime Pie Bar. We were blown away by the presentation, and he said it had a fantastic flavor. I received a tapioca pudding that was so bad that I couldn’t eat it……….that’s a first for me.

Tip:  Don’t leave your specialty dining reservation to the last sea day. On our cruise, the Crown Grill was constantly booked.

The World Fresh Marketplace

The Majestic Princess has one of the largest buffet areas I’d ever seen. The World Fresh Marketplace has two sections with a Bakery in the middle. Only one side was open during our cruise, which sailed at 68% capacity.

With both the bakery and one side closed, the buffet became congested with guests not always following the one-way system. We ate some breakfasts and some lunches in the buffet, but I found the selection limited and the dishes unappealing.

I could eat fresh fruit, eggs, and bacon for breakfast. The first morning, I tried the omelet station and requested fresh eggs (because carton eggs have other ingredients). My omelet arrived uncooked in the middle, so I stuck to boiled eggs after that.

Lunch was not much better. So, I stuck with the salad and baked chicken or fresh fruit. While we had read many negative reviews about the World Fresh Marketplace, we agreed it has lots of room for improvement.

Room Service

Since we had a couple of early port days (at 7 am), we decided to try room service. While I have taken more than a dozen cruises, I had never ordered room service once. We also had a Princess mini-suite with an extended balcony, so it was the ideal area to enjoy breakfast.

Breakfast had a limited menu with no bacon and eggs. Instead, there was cereal, fruit, a breakfast muffin, pastries, croissants, yogurt, juices, tea, and coffee. Our breakfast always arrived on time, and one morning, it came 15 minutes early.

I was happy to have just fruit, and Brian had yogurt and cereal. We ordered both orange juice and tea. On the day we arrived in Cabo San Lucas, we opened our curtains to see the famous Arch outside our stateroom.

With a bottle of Prosecco in our stateroom, we decided to have an impromptu Mimosa breakfast on the balcony in our bathrobes. It was a great way to add a little romance to our cruise.

Pre-Covid, Princess Cruises offered an Ultimate Balcony Dining experience, but this service was no longer available. No problem! We created our own memorable Champagne breakfast with a million-dollar view to boot.

Tip:  Since I had an empty mini-fridge in my stateroom, I could stock it with fresh fruit from the buffet. I could also get boiled eggs which I could eat for breakfast. While I could heat them, I was happy to have some protein.

Princess Cruises Afternoon Tea

The Majestic Princess offers complimentary afternoon tea in the Concerto Dining Room. Since I’m half British, I couldn’t resist the urge to go.

Being Celiac and lactose-intolerant, I didn’t expect I could eat anything. However, I wanted to enjoy a good cup of tea and watch Brian enjoy the tasty treats.

I was surprised there was no selection in tea, just Orange Pekoe. Having been to many high teas in England, there’s usually a tea menu. Even the Lake Agnes teahouse that you have to hike to in the Canadian Rockies has over 100 selections of tea.

However, when they came around with the sandwiches and pastries, I was astonished they had fresh scones with strawberry jam and English clotted cream. While I couldn’t eat one, I ensured Brian had one for me! All the pastries and sweet treats looked terrific, and Brian said they were fresh and tasty.

As the tea progressed, my waiter presented a plate of gluten-free sandwiches with grilled vegetables. While the bread was dry, I appreciated the extra effort to serve me something.

Ordering Food With The Medallion

Since we were sailing a MedallionClass cruise, we had to order food through the app to test the speed of the service. The option to order food and drinks meant we could keep our prime seating spot in the Hollywood Conservatory.

Unless you’re purchasing alcoholic beverages (without a drinks package) or requesting food from a specialty restaurant, it costs nothing to order. We wanted to keep the order simple.

So, we ordered a Pepsi, a Sprite, two salads, and a fruit bowl using the Ocean Medallion . Since our ship was sailing at 68%, we hoped the food would come fast. But it took 14 minutes to get our drinks and an astonishing 52 minutes to receive the food. It’s a good thing, we weren’t that hungry.

Final Thoughts

While we thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on the Majestic Princess , we felt the food choices were limited, and maybe this is due to worldwide shortages of ingredients. We wouldn’t rate the food as the best, but it wasn’t the worst.

We understand that times have changed, and we must adjust to the new “norm.” We also understand that post-pandemic cruise ships are understaffed, and lines have made cutbacks to recover losses.

We found some dishes were outstanding and others were ok. Some of Brian’s desserts were extraordinarily presented, and I’d comment that they were too good to eat.

Presentation is half the joy of eating because we eat with our eyes first. We loved the layout of the Majestic Princess, and I was thankful to have Dorde help me with my meal choices.

Happy travels ~ Karen

Melinda Stites

Thursday 4th of May 2023

Loved the article! We are sailing to Alaska in August. We're bringing my twin sister and her family along as well. They've never been to Alaska. I used to live and work in Glacier Bay. My family and I cruised to Alaska on Carnival and Norwegian last year. This is our first time cruising on a Princess ship. Although, in Glacier Bay, I climbed aboard many alongside the park rangers. But nothing as nice as the Majestic. It's nice to know what to expect.

Forever Karen

How wonderful that you got to experience Glacier Bay by living there. Have a wonderful cruise on the Majestic.

Monday 24th of April 2023

Karen I really love fruit gelato do they have that on the majestic. I have the plus package and it comes with two dessert a day. When I was on the Regal the only way I was able to us it was hug dessert of cake and gelato. I only want the the gelato. Any advise.

Debby, it's not offered on the Majestic, but it's available on her sister ship, the Discovery.

Janis Baucom

Tuesday 17th of January 2023

Thank you for this! We take our 1st cruise on this ship in May to Alaska. I’m a light sleeper and our room is directly across from the laundry room…should we change?

Wednesday 1st of June 2022

Karen, Your information was terrific. I will look for Dorde onboard. Thank you for the romantic breakfast on the balcony idea. I have cruised at least 30 times and never had room service. I hope our paths cross on a ship someday.

Susan, the romantic breakfast was an impromptu idea that we plan to do again in Alaska. Sometimes, it's the simple things that can make a vacation memorable.

Privacy Overview

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Majestic Princess dining room menu in 2023 for dinner food + restaurants

So, what’s the Majestic Princess dining menu like?!

I was on the Majestic Princess in 2023, and I got screenshots of the main dining room menu. This is below!

In general on a cruise, you will get free food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

There are “ specialty restaurants ” on Princess cruise ships for which there is an added fee.

The specialty dining options on the Majestic Princess are Harmony (Chinese), Bistro Sur La Mer, Crown Grill, Chef’s Table Lumiere, the Catch by Rudi , and Ultimate Balcony Dining.

See the updated list at princess.com under “specialty dining” section of the Majestic Princess cruise ship info .

There is a “ juice bar ” for extra health and wellness drinks for which there is an added fee.

But there are always free food options for every meal, plus snacks in between meals.

You can get pizza any time , and you can get ice cream any time during the day for free.

There are “ premium desserts ” on Princess cruise ships for which there is an added fee.

But there are always free dessert options, both in the main dining room and in the buffet.

There are also many other food choices that you can get almost any time throughout the day too.

Like all Princess cruise ships, there is a buffet on the Majestic Princess.

You can eat at the buffet during your time on the Majestic Princess for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is free.

You can also go to one of the main dining rooms on the Majestic Princess for dinner. This is free.

There are some “specialty” items in the dining room as well for which there is a fee, but it’s not necessary to pay for regular dinner food.

You can also go to at least one of the dining rooms for breakfast and lunch. This is free.

Lunch in dining room might only be available on sea days.

You can even get a light breakfast sent directly to your room for free by ordering room service for breakfast the night before.

Restaurants and food spots on the Majestic Princess + hours

Once you are on the ship, the Princess app can be one of the best ways to see where you can go to eat… or you can just walk around the ship and see what you find!

Restaurants and food availability may vary!

But just to give you an idea, here is what was listed on the Princess app in the dining section during my cruise on the Majestic Princess.

👆 The “World Fresh Marketplace” is the buffet.

Majestic Princess dining room hours

Main dining room dinner hours on the Majestic Princess are 5pm to 9:30pm. Confirm this on your cruise.

All dining rooms will be open for dinner, and one or more may be open for breakfast and/or lunch.

Once you are on the ship, the Princess app is again one of the best ways to know which dining rooms also serve breakfast and lunch in the main dining room .

The dining room hours are also listed on the back of the Princess Patter aka the Princess cruise entertainment schedule that you will receive every evening.

The buffet hours are also listed there.

See below for a day-by-day dinner menu on the Majestic Princess!

Also below is how to see the dinner menu once you are on your cruise.

• cruise luggage tag holders
• basic binoculars for wildlife watching

Food on the Majestic Princess

Food on the Majestic Princess may vary.

But just to give you an idea, here is the dinner menu from the main dining room dinner on my cruise when I was on the Majestic Princess, day by day… well, for the first 3 days!

I did an Alaska cruise on the Majestic Princess in May 2023.

If you’re interested in ideas of things to do on port days, then also see: my Vancouver to Anchorage cruise on the Majestic Princess

When you go to the dining room for dinner and receive the menu, local cuisine is also marked as “local eats flavors” so look for a special symbol for that too!

Below are screenshots from the Princess app.

Day 1: Vancouver embarkation day menu

Day 2: Sea day, formal night menu

Experienced cruisers say that the food in all dining rooms is the same.

I am not sure if the menu just didn’t get properly uploaded in the app for one of the dining rooms or it was a special evening or what, but when I looked at the menu at 2 of the dining rooms, they were different.

Both screenshots were taken around 5:30pm one right after the other.

In any case, this shows you more food choices you may have at dinner when on a Princess cruise ship.

Day 3: Ketchikan port day menu

The Majestic Princess was in Ketchikan from 6:30am to 3pm on this day.

And… those are all the Majestic Princess menus I have for you! 🤪

I didn’t get any more menus after that.

But if you are curious about the variety, I did get 10 days worth of dinner menus on another Alaska cruise: See more dining room menus on an Alaska cruise

How to see the Majestic Princess dinner menu on your cruise

You’ll be able to see the dinner menu once you are on your cruise.

You can use the Princess app to see the menu for that evening.

👆 Next screen: Go to “explore dining options”

Under “exploring dining options” you will be able to see the different Majestic Princess dining rooms, the menu for each dining room, and the hours of each dining room.

The Princess app is how you will choose your cruise boarding time and look for cruise entertainment.

The Princess app is also how you can make reservations in one of the main dining rooms .

It is not necessary to make reservations for the main dining room, but many people like to do so.

You can make reservations before you get on the cruise ship.

If you’re making dining reservations far in advance, you’ll want to check back once it gets closer to your cruise (and once you are on your cruise) to see that your dining time hasn’t changed.

Sometimes they will change it on you, and you won’t be notified about the change.

Once you are on the cruise ship, you can also use the TV in your room to see the dinner menu.

You can view the dining room dinner menu on your stateroom TV. You will turn on your TV and go to dining > restaurant menus

Once you are on your cruise ship, you can also go down to the dining room and see the menu for that evening posted out in front.

And that’s to give you an idea of what type of food might be on the Majestic Princess!

I was on the Majestic Princess in May 2023. Your experience may vary!

HAPPY DINING ON THE MAJESTIC PRINCESS!

• Dinner menu
• Breakfast menu
• Desserts menu
• Breakfast room service
• Premium desserts
• How to find your boarding time for a Princess cruise
• How to print Princess cruise luggage tags
• What is the first day of the cruise like: Embarkation day
• What is the day you get off the cruise ship like: Disembarkation day
• Sample daily activity schedule on a cruise ship: Princess cruise activities (princess patter)
• What to watch on your stateroom TV (really!)
• Princess cruise fitness classes (free with Princess package)
• Princess cruise group sports (+ more group activities)
• What happens when a port is canceled during a cruise?
• Inside a cruise ship bathroom
• Alaska cruise with time zone change
• Princess naturalist talks
• puppies in the piazza

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DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Majestic Princess® Cruise Ship

From exciting dining and entertainment options to wondrous destinations, you'll see the world in a whole new way.

• Inaugural Cruise: March 31, 2017
• Chinese Name: 盛世公主号 (Shèng Shì Gōng Zhǔ Haò)
• Naming Ambassadors: Yao Ming and Ye Li
• Number of Cabins: 1,780
• Number of Decks: 19
• Tonnage: 143,700
• Length: 1,083 feet
• Height: 224 feet

Sail aboard Majestic Princess® and enjoy the signature favorites you’ve always loved as well as exciting additions including two specialty restaurants with dinner menus crafted by two Michelin-star awarded chefs. Come aboard and find out what makes this ship so special!

Your Vacation – Effortless. Personalized.

Make your vacation truly yours on a Princess MedallionClass® cruise that features next-level technology, now on all ships. Enjoy fast, reliable Wi-Fi, TrulyTouchless™ experiences, food and drinks delivered wherever you are and so much more.

Learn more about Princess MedallionClass | Learn more about MedallionNet® Internet  

Accommodations

From the moment you step aboard, we want you to feel welcomed and right at home. And with attentive service from a friendly staff that knows what hospitality means, you’ll find your Princess® ship truly is your home away from home.

Photos, floor plan diagrams, amenities, and furnishings represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship and stateroom.

Most Luxurious Accommodations at Sea

Mini-suite with exclusive vip touches, add an element of luxury to your stay, spectacular views from your room, front row seat for beautiful scenery, our most affordable option, for guests with limited mobility, dining options.

Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess®. Every hour, our chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more. 1

Dine My Way℠

Dine when, how and where you like.

A (Seafood) Fan Favorite Returns!

World Fresh Marketplace

International Café

Sip and snack around the clock.

Alfredo’s Pizzeria

Hand-tossed pizza, hot out of the oven.

Chopsticks Noodle Bar

Oodles of noodles and more.

Burger & Lobster Grill

Burgers, dogs and sandwiches to go, specialty dining.

Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. 1

Chinese Classics from Chef Richard Chen

French bistro-style fare with a modern twist, timeless steakhouse traditions, a dazzling dining adventure, a private breakfast with a view.

On every Princess ship, you'll find so many ways to play, day or night. Explore The Shops of Princess, celebrate cultures at our Festivals of the World or learn a new talent — our onboard activities will keep you engaged every moment of your cruise vacation. 1

The Ship’s Heart and Soul

Hollywood Pool Club

Inspired by the glamour of hollywood.

The Seawalk®

Unparalleled views of the sea.

The Shops of Princess

Tax and duty-free shopping.

Vista Lounge

Enjoy an endless variety of activities.

Fine Art Gallery

Well-presented space offers intriguing works.

Photo Gallery

Take home a unique photo keepsake.

Princess Sports Central

Get in the game with a variety of activities.

Practice Your Putt and Play like a Champion

Freshwater Pools & Hot Tubs

Soak in a world of relaxation.

MedallionNet® Wi-Fi

The best wi-fi at sea, entertainment.

Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians and nightclubs that get your feet movin’ and groovin’. There’s something happening around every corner; luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all. 1

Movies Under the Stars®

A reel treat day or night.

Princess® Watercolor Fantasy Show

A spectacle of water dances to music.

Music & Dancing

Dazzling entertainment every day and night.

Vegas Style Casino

For novices, casual players, or high rollers.

Featured Guest Entertainers

At night, the stars shine bright on our stages.

Princess Theater

Broadway-style productions at sea.

Princess Live!

Lights, sound, action.

Bars & Lounges

Thirst quenchers for every taste.

Marvelous Martinis and Melodies

The Voice of the Ocean

The no. 1 tv singing competition rocks the high seas.

Deal or No Deal

More than entertainment, play to win.

Good Spirits At Sea

Good spirits, good stories, joyful rejuvenation.

Revitalize and refresh body, mind and soul with Princess®. From rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquility of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to our state-of-the-art fitness centers, you’ll find all the elements to come back new.

Experience the Ultimate Night of Sleep at Sea

Discover a garden paradise above the sea, go ahead, be pampered – you deserve it, a host of ways to get an energizing workout, luxuriate in our largest-ever thermal suite, kids, teens & family.

From family-friendly stateroom options to enriching youth and family programs, quality time is time well spent. Onboard activities spark curiosity and fuel creativity while excursions ashore engage and inspire!

Step Inside for Fun ‘n Games

Step inside for fun 'n' games, hang out in the beach house, quality time together.

1 Activities, dining and entertainment options vary by ship and are subject to change. Photos represent typical arrangements and may vary in detail or configuration.

7 Best Cruises to Alaska, According to Travel Experts

Book a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see glaciers, national parks and wildlife!

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While some travelers dream of lounging on a beach in the Caribbean, others might be itching to put on hiking shoes and explore the great outdoors. If glaciers, wildlife and picturesque coastline have long been on your bucket list, consider booking a cruise to Alaska. The northernmost American state offers an activity for everyone's interest and level of adventure. You can take a thrilling helicopter flight to explore a glacier on foot or observe miles of Alaska’s lush scenery and spy whales from a comfortable seat on a boat.

Princess Cruises

A top choice for multi-generational families and larger groups seeking on-board experiences for a wide age range, Princess will sail seven ships to Alaska in 2024 — more than any other line. Princess also offers the most departure cities , potentially saving you money on airfare. Alaska sailings range from 4 to 22 days, though a week is the sweet spot. The line is also only one of seven permitted to enter the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park (shown); check out the tips at the end of the story for details.

Good Housekeeping Contributing Travel Editor Karen Cicero and her daughter recently sailed on Majestic Princess, a Family Travel Awards Winner , and raved about the ship's amenities, especially the Hollywood Pool Club. She described it as “an indoor space with a heated pool, plush loungers, and cabana-like spots that are free for all guests to use.” Cicero was also impressed with the entertainment and activities suitable for all ages, the excellent dining options and a supervised kids’ club for ages 3 to 12. "We saw grandparents and grandkids on the dance floor, at the shows, on the excursions — bonding moments were everywhere," Cicero said.

In 2024, Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess, the line's newest Alaska ship, will both sail roundtrip from Seattle. "You can't beat Princess if you're looking for an experience that will please all ages," said Cicero.

Departure Cities: Los Angeles; San Francisco; Seattle; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Crown Princess (2024 only); Grand Princess, Caribbean Princess (2025 only), Royal Princess, Sapphire Princess, Discovery Princess, Majestic Princess (2024 only), Crown Princess, Coral Princess (2025 only)

Norwegian Cruise Line

Passengers are loyal to Norwegian for its beautiful ships, top-notch service and innovative amenities. The cruise line pioneered the concept of “freestyle cruising," which includes a flexible dining time. Flexible cruising continues to be a major selling point , according to our testers who recently sailed roundtrip from Seattle to Alaska on the Norwegian Encore (pictured). "We enjoyed not having to rush back to the ship after an excursion because we had a dinner reservation," said our tester who sailed with her spouse.

They also frequented the Encore’s Observation Lounge, where they were able to cozy up and spend hours searching for marine life from floor-to-ceiling windows. Activities and entertainment, like go-karting, slides and laser tag, are abundant. For a premium experience, consider booking a stateroom in The Haven. The Encore's most luxurious accommodations feature spacious rooms — the bathrooms are nearly double the size of those in standard staterooms — a private sundeck and a concierge.

The variety of sailings to Alaska is also another reason to choose Norwegian. "If Hawaii is also on your bucket list, Norwegian is one of the only cruise lines to offer a 16-day cruise departing from Honolulu that sails through both Hawaii and Alaska so you explore two dreamy destinations on one vacation," said Cicero. She added that Norwegian sails to Alaska until late October — about a month longer than most cruise lines.

Departure Cities: Honolulu; Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska (2025) Cruise Ships: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Jewel (only in 2024), Norwegian Spirit (only in May 2024), Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Jade (only in 2025), Norwegian Joy (only in 2025)

EXPLORE NOW

Disney Cruise Line

Disney lovers will have the time of their lives sailing roundtrip from Vancouver to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder. "It was the best experience ever," said a mom of two young adults who sailed on the ship in May 2023. "We felt like it was a great combination of Disney and Alaska."

On-board experiences brilliantly align with the destination. For instance, Disney characters are dressed in special outfits for Alaska and are on deck during the days at sea. "We were able to get incredible photos with the glaciers behind the characters," said the mom, who also noted that you can order Mickey Mouse ice cream bars from room service. Cicero added, "Disney has the best kids' and teen clubs of any cruise line. They're enormous, filled with epic activities like superhero training and are a great place for kids and teens to make friends."

If you want an equal dose of Disney and Alaska, this is the cruise for your crew. Sailings range from five to nine nights. All routes head to Stikine Icecap so guests can observe stunning glaciers, cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife.

Departure City: Vancouver Cruise Ship: Disney Wonder

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean doesn’t only sail to the Caribbean. This global cruise line whisks passengers to Alaska from popular ports such as Seattle and Vancouver. You can choose a classic seven-night itinerary or a 13-night land-and-sea getaway.

Cruise enthusiasts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are fans of Royal Caribbean for its state-of-the-art ships, exceptional service and high-quality entertainment. "Royal Caribbean had the first rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink on a cruise ship," said Cicero. "Since then, they've brought so many other epic activities to sea." For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, which includes Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, offers skydiving, a surf simulator and a robot bar. "This line is an especially good fit for families with tweens, teens and young adults ," said Cicero, who sailed on Royal Caribbean with her teen daughter.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas (only in 2024), Ovation of the Seas (only in 2024), Serenade of the Seas (only in 2025)

National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions

For an incredible small-ship experience, look no further than the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic team-up. The largest of its ships that sail to Alaska can accommodate no more than 138 passengers — just a sliver of the 4,900 or so that Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas can hold. " Being on a smaller vessel means that you’ll be able to sail right up to less frequented glaciers, waterfalls and fjords, " said Cicero.

Of course, an intimate experience comes at a higher price tag — its eight-day Alaskan adventure starts at about $6,200 per person, though you won't need to pay extra for excursions. "Voyages tend to be themed and stress the educational component," said Cicero. For instance, one focuses on coastal wildlife while another explores native cultures. A Good Housekeeping staff member who sailed the line to the Galápagos Islands (a providence of Ecuador) raved, "The ship was beautiful! I was super impressed with the staff and the service felt above and beyond.”

Departure Cities: Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Seattle; Sitka, Alaska Cruise Ships: National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Resolution

Holland America Line

Holland America has a well-earned reputation for bringing guests to new destinations for more than 150 years. Its ships tend to be mid-sized — larger than Lindblad's offerings but smaller than the Quantum ships from Royal Caribbean. While Holland attracts an older demographic, its Alaskan cruises are often filled with multi-generational families.

One of the cruise line’s most popular itineraries is the Seven-Day Inside Passage, which takes you through Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Inlet and several must-visit port towns. But for adventure seekers curious to see as much of Alaska as possible, you’ll find tons of extended itineraries including a robust 28-day voyage that crosses the Arctic Circle.

Holland America is the only cruise line permitted to serve glacier ice, using it for cocktails like the Blue Iceberg and Juneau Gin & Tonic. The line also launched a new Alaskan-themed brunch menu offered once per cruise.

Departure Cities: Anchorage, Alaska (for land-sea tours only); Fairbanks, Alaska; Seattle; Vancouver, Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Zuiderdam, Zaandam

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is popular with adults and couples looking for a premium onboard experience, including delicious cuisine, luxurious staterooms and a high-end spa . We can’t imagine a better way to rest and relax after spending a day exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Our travel experts suggest choosing one of Celebrity's many Alaska itineraries that sail through the Inside Passage and up to Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier, two of the state’s gems.

Of the three Celebrity ships that sail to Alaska, we recommend the Celebrity Edge for those new to cruising or seeking a more contemporary experience. Launched in 2018, the ship features standout innovations like Eden, a multi-level bar with panoramic views, and the Magic Carpet, a multi-purpose floating space suspended directly above the sea.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Edge

Tips for booking your cruise to Alaska

✔️ Check your itinerary. The itinerary you choose is key on an Alaskan cruise. If you have your heart set on visiting Glacier Bay National Park, make sure that your cruise line has it listed on the schedule. "Only seven lines were awarded the Glacier Bay contract by the National Park Service ," Cicero said. If you're not sure whether the cruise you have in mind will go through Glacier Bay, double-check with the cruise line or your travel agent.

✔️ Book shore excursions well in advance. Alaskan cruises generally sail from April to October. Because of the shorter season, your ship will likely be close to capacity and several ships may overlap in ports. Excursions will book up quickly. To secure your spot, book excursions well in advance or as soon as they're available.

✔️ Focus on family. Alaskan cruises are best for kids who are at least 5 years old. "Keep in mind that cruise lines don't allow kids who aren't potty-trained to be in pools, even if they're wearing a swim diaper," Cicero said. It's also worth noting that most cruise lines don't permit babies under 6 months or pregnant passengers who are 24 or more weeks along. Cicero advises families with school-age children to look for on-ship amenities, such as an indoor heated pool, a supervised kids' club and a variety of family-friendly nighttime entertainment. "Before you sail, you should also find out which non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary," Cicero said. "Many cruise lines charge extra for soft drinks, but milk and juice are usually included." Free room service is another big perk for families, she notes, so see if that's offered on the line you're considering.

✔️ Check your passport. Even if your cruise starts and stops in a U.S. port like Seattle, there's a high chance your ship will dock in Canada at some point throughout your trip. Also, " some of the excursions in Alaskan ports venture into Canada and will require a passport," explained Cicero. For instance, you may take the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Skagway into Yukon, a Canadian territory. Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months following the cruise.

✔️ Pack layers. This is especially crucial if you're traveling in Alaska's shoulder season — May and September. While May tends to be drier, temperatures remain relatively chilly. Likewise, September marks the end of the summer season and welcomes cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Because you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, it's important to prepare for all weather scenarios, including windy conditions common to sailing cruise ships.

✔️ Book next summer's cruise soon. To get the best staterooms and excursions, start looking for a 2025 cruise in 2024, Cicero said, noting that many ships start to fill up at least 6 months in advance. And don't forget about major sale days. "Last year, cruise lines had fantastic Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals," she said.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping Institute Writer and Product Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to travel, fitness, outdoor, home and more. Not only does she have years of product review experience under her belt, but she’s also a travel enthusiast who has been on more than 20 cruises (and counting)!

The former travel editor at Parents magazine, Karen Cicero specializes in travel, children's book, lifestyle and food coverage. She manages the experience portion of the Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards. She has sailed on four cruise lines with her family and toured several others. She recently was a featured speaker at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA, Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and the Family Travel Association.

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2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

Reviving classic Russian cuisine

Oct 19 2018.

Roads & Kingdoms talks to Russian chef Vladimir Mukhin of Moscow’s super-restaurant, White Rabbit.

Still in his mid-30’s, Vladimir Mukhin is already one of Russia’s best known chefs and the leading culinary light of the White Rabbit Group, which has 16 restaurants around the country. The most well-known of these, Moscow’s  White Rabbit , was named one of the 50 best restaurants in the world last year. Roads & Kingdoms’ Nathan Thornburgh talked to Mukhin in Moscow about being a fifth-generation chef, reviving classic Russian cuisine, and finding good product in the age of embargoes.

Nathan Thornburgh: Tell me about White Rabbit, what is the food? What are you trying to accomplish there?

Vladimir Mukhin: The White Rabbit is a big restaurant. We’re trying to revive Russian cuisine. I’m a fifth-generation chef, so I’m passionate about the food we create. During the Soviet Union period, we killed Russian food. Classic Russian recipes became too simplified. For example, usually you drink tea, but if you want to be, just to be creative, want to make the tea with milk, you can’t. It would be like stealing milk from the government. People went to jail.

When I was growing up, I remember my grandfather coming to the kitchen and crying because he couldn’t experiment with his food.

Thornburgh: Wow. I remember this famous photo session with Che Guevara which came up with some of his best pictures, maybe two incredible iconic portraits came from an entire roll of film, and the photographer went to him and showed him this roll of film and Che said, What the hell are you doing? You wasted all of these images. You took 30 pictures to get one? That’s the government’s film. It’s a similar mentality.   So you’re telling the story of a kind of cuisine that was lost on the Soviet history and now you’re playing with this idea of finding it again. What does your process look like? Do you get as many grandmothers as you can round up and just kind of shake recipes out of them? How were you doing this?

Mukhin: I just try to work with as many local farmers and producers as I can, so we can use as many Russian ingredients as we can.

Thornburgh: So this is a close relationship.

Mukhin: Yes. I traveled throughout Russia—not just the big cities, but also the villages to talk with older people.

Thornburgh: You know I think people don’t understand the vastness of Russia, and how big it’s collection of cultures and languages and cuisines is. What parts of the country influences your food?

Mukhin: I’m inspired by the whole country. It’s a big territory, and sometimes it feels like it’s too big. I try and use different techniques and ingredients from all over the country, which I think makes my menus distinct.

We have an a la carte menu with about 50 dishes of classical Russian food. Everything looks modern because I’m a young chef. But if you close your eyes and try these dishes, you’ll taste 100% classic Russian flavors.

I want to highlight all aspects of Russian cuisine. Before the Olympic Games in Sochi, we opened a restaurant there, not just to make money, but to expose people visiting for the Olympics to Russian food. That’s why we opened The Red Fox restaurant. It’s all about Russian ingredients.

Thornburgh: Sochi, at least when I’ve been there, is like a Miami Beach. It’s like a place to get pizza and sushi, and go to the nightclubs.

Mukhin: You been?

Thornburgh: Yeah.

Mukhin: It’s crazy.

Thornburgh: It’s a little crazy, but it’s interesting to bring in Red Fox and sort of say okay, because people are coming out, let’s bring Russia to Sochi.

Mukhin: It was incredible. We had thousands of visitors at the restaurant.  

Thornburgh: So you really looked internally for inspiration. Did working outside of Russia motivate you to focus on Russian cuisine?

Mukhin: Yes. I spent time working in Avignon, France. I worked with Christian Etienne, and he would make a special Russian meal once a year.  It was crazy.

Thornburgh: How was the food?

Mukhin: It was shit. I told him that I would cook real Russian food for him, and I did. I cooked borscht, blinis, and other classics. He liked it and said that once a year we should use my recipes, but with his influence. I agreed, and we went on to make amazing food. Eventually, I wanted to come back to my motherland. So I left and I started working on making White Rabbit a reality.

Thornburgh: When people go to White Rabbit, what are they going to find?

Mukhin: Someone once told me that there is a new Russian cuisine and an old Russian cuisine. I think Russian cuisine is going through an evolution. So I hope people will come and see evolution at White Rabbit.

Thornburgh: Great. Always good to end on an invite. Thank you.

Mukhin: Thank you so much.

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21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

Featured city guides.

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Moscow (Russia)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

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Moscow is a Volga River cruise port, Russia's capital and largest city (population over 12,2 million, metro 17 million). Moscow City covers a total area of approx 2610 km 2 (970 mi2). By population, the city is ranked the world's 14th largest. Moscow is one of the Russian Federation's all 3 federal cities - together with St Petersburg and Sevastopol .

Being Russian Federation's capital, Moscow is a major economic, political, scientific and cultural center, as well as Europe's biggest city.

According to Forbes 2013, Moscow has been ranked as the 9th most expensive city in the world by Mercer and has one of the largest urban economies, being ranked as an alpha global city according to Globalization and World Cities Research Network. It is also one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world according to MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index. Moscow is the northernmost and the coldest megacity and metropolis on the Earth. It's home to Ostankino Tower, the tallest free-standing European structure; the Federation Tower, the tallest European skyscraper; and the Moscow International Business Center. 

Moscow is situated on Moskva River in the Central Federal District of European Russia, which makes it the most populated inland city in the world. Moscow city is well known for architecture, particularly its historic buildings like Saint Basil's Cathedral. With over 40% of its territory covered by greenery, it's one of the greenest capitals and major cities in Europe and the world. Moscow is the seat of power of the Russian Government, being the site of Moscow Kremlin, a medieval city-fortress that is now the residence of the President of Russia. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square are among the several World Heritage Sites in the city. 

Moscow has 2 passenger terminals, North River Terminal (Rechnoy vokzal) and South River Terminal. The regular ship routes and cruises along Moskva and Oka rivers are used mostly for entertainment. North River Terminal (1937-built) is currently the main hub for long-range routes along the river. There are 3 freight ports that serve Moscow.

In late-July 2021 the city announced plans to incorporate a fleet (unspecified number) of fully electric passenger ferries into its public transportation network from summer 2022, the goal being to reduce the dependence on cars.

• The boats are designed with length ~22 m (72 ft), passenger capacity 42, modern amenities (Wi-Fi, USB charging points, tables for working commuters), spaces for storing scooters and bicycles.
• Moscow Transport confirmed that two routes (with max daily capacity ~16,000 passengers) have already been mapped out.
• Passengers will be able to pay via bank cards, the city’s Troika card (smart card for travel by any public transportation) or biometric payment cards. Those with monthly/yearly public transit tickets will use the boats at no extra cost.
• The new electric ferry service is up to 5 times faster (in comparison to other city public transports) and ~2 times faster than by car.

Moscow cruise terminal

Moscow's cruise terminal is called North River Terminal or River Station  ("Rechnoy Vokzal" / "речной вокзал").

The terminal was opened in 1937 and is one of 2 passenger terminals (the other being South River Terminal) of the city's river transport. North River Terminal is the main hub for long-range (including cruise) shipping routes. 

South River Terminal (above photo) was opened in 1985.

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Moscow - user reviews and comments

2024 Cruise Vacations for $100 or Less Per Night

Posted: April 3, 2024 | Last updated: April 3, 2024

Cruisin' for a bargain

Travel plans are usually the first to get the axe during an economic downturn as people seek to stretch their dollars. But that shouldn't always be the case. Thrifty cruise fans have mastered the art of getting the best bang for their buck, regardless of the economic outlook. Doing a Google search, savvy vacationers can enjoy up to four-day cruise vacations for $100 or less.

Leading luxury cruise liners often reward bargain hunters with incredible deals at a steal throughout the year. Dig in and explore some luxury cruise vacations up for grabs for $100 or less in 2024.

Editor's note: All prices were accurate at the time of this writing.

2-Day Pacific Northwest Cruise

To : Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Ship: Westerdam

Departure: September 1, 2024

Starting price: $99

Check price and availability  

Passengers aboard Westerdam, an award-winning cruise liner brimming with family-friendly activities and world-class restaurants, can look forward to two luxurious nighttime cruises. The luxury cruise will depart from Seattle, Washington, at dusk and dock at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, at dawn. After spending the day exploring the capital, passengers can retire in comfort as the liner sails for Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Travelers can delight their palates with exquisite global cuisine and sip delicious cocktails as they enjoy the beautiful sunset and ocean views.

4-Night Northern Europe Cruise

From: Southhampton, London, United Kingdom 

To: Kiel, Germany

Ship: MSC Euribia 

Departure: April 23, 2024

Starting price: $109 

Check Price and Availability  

Four nights aboard the MSC Euribia as the luxury ship sails to Kiel, Germany, from London through Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium, sets the pace for an unbridled European vacation that includes two full days at sea. Guests can enjoy a first-class cruising experience at Galleria Euribia, which offers fine dining opportunities, world-class entertainment, and socialization opportunities. Seven stately rooms on the liner are dedicated to the children and teenagers, making each cruise a rewarding family adventure.

3 Nights Bahamas Cruise

From: Miami, Florida

To: Maimi, Florida 

Ship: MSC Divina 

Departure: December 6, 2024 

Starting price: $53 per night

Guests onboard MSC Divina are in for a treat as the luxury liner embarks on a roundtrip adventure from Miami to the Bahamas. The liner departs from Miami, Florida, arriving at Nassau, Bahamas, at dawn, before sailing to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas, and back to Miami. The liner's thoughtfully appointed features cater to the needs of all travelers, from solo travelers to families with small kids.

3-Night Caribbean Cruise

To: Miami, Florida 

Ship: Carnival Conquest 

Departure: March 22, 2024

Starting price: $93 per night 

Travelers looking for a unique sea adventure can enjoy three overnight cruises aboard Carnival Conquest as the liner embarks on a round trip to the Bahamas. The cruise liner sails from Miami, Florida, in the late afternoon and treats travelers to a full day at sea before docking at Nassau, Bahamas. Passengers can enjoy an entire day exploring the Bahamas' sumptuous offerings before the overnight trip back to Miami. 

2-Night Pacific Coastal Cruise

From: Seattle, Washington 

To: Vancouver, Canada

Ship: Majestic Princess 

Departure: October 10, 2024

Starting price: $84 per night

Check price and availability

Cruise fans onboard Majestic Princess, a Royal Class liner with 15 decks, can look forward to a luxurious two-night cruise. The ship departs from Seattle, Washington, for a full day at sea before docking in Vancouver, Canada. Over 80% of the luxury liner's suites have a balcony, giving guests panoramic views. Passengers can delight their palates with a delicious thoroughfare from the ship's multiple specialty restaurants and enjoy limitless amenities tailored to their unique needs.

3-Night Pacific Ocean Cruise

From: Los Angeles, California

To: Los Angeles, California

Ship: Carnival Radiance

Departure: September 24, 2024

Starting price: $81 per night

Travelers are in for a rare treat as the Carnival Radiance embarks on a roundtrip to Mexico. The ship's itinerary is designed to give them a full day at sea for an unforgettable cruise experience before docking at Ensenada, Mexico. Carnival Radiance's luxurious offerings include specialty restaurants, a SportSquare complex, world-class spas, and an adult-only solarium. After a full day exploring Ensenada's vibrant culture and beautiful scenery, passengers can settle in for an overnight cruise back to California. 

3-Night Pacific Coastal Cruise

From: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

To: Seattle, Washington

Ship: Majestic Princess

Departure: May 9, 2024

Starting price: $103 per night 

Three nights aboard Majestic Princess epitomizes the height of luxury travel. The ship sails from Vancouver, Canada, in the dead night before docking at Victoria, Canada, around midday. After a 12-hour break, the liner resumes its journey, treating passengers to a full day at sea before docking at Seattle, Washington, on a Sunday morning. The luxury liner combines opulence with tailored fun activities that cater to the needs of every guest. 

From: Long Beach, California

To: Long Beach, California

Ship: Carnival Miracle

Departure: May 05, 2024

Starting price: $80 per night

A grand voyage aboard Carnival Miracle is the perfect getaway for vacationers looking to spend time at sea. The ship sails from Long Beach, California, allowing guests to enjoy a full day at sea before docking in Ensenada, Mexico, and finally at Long Beach, California. Travelers are treated to opulent accommodations and world-class amenities, including specialty restaurants, show lounges, lavish spas, and a top-notch casino. 

4-Day Pacific Coastal Cruise

Ship: Sapphire Princess

Departure: May 7, 2024

Starting price: $55 per day

Four nights aboard the Sapphire Princess is a dream come true for conscious travelers looking to travel on a budget. The luxury liner departs from Los Angeles, California, for Vancouver, Canada, treating guests to three full days at sea. Guests are treated to a 5-star cruising experience that spans fine dining, limitless entertainment, luxury spas, and dedicated family rooms. 

This article was produced and syndicated by  MediaFeed .

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