Last Updated on 12/01/24 by Rose Palmer
I love sea days, which is why my cruise on the Majestic Princes was one of my most memorable.
I sailed on the Majestic Princess on a 21 day transpacific cruise from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand. It was a wonderful cruise with lots of lazy sea days and plenty of time to just relax. For me, the Majestic was the prefect ship for such a long, laid back trip.
As a Royal Class Princess ship, the Majestic had some unique features that made the trip special for me. I loved spending time in the Hollywood Conservatory and spent some time there almost every day swimming in the pool.
I also appreciated the unique food experiences like the noodle bar and Harmony, the Chinese style restaurant (though I read that these may be replaced during the next dry dock in spring 2025).
I describe my time on the Majestic Princess in a lot of detail in my post My Most Memorable Princess Cruise – A Complete Majestic Princess Review With Photos.
On such a long cruise, I had plenty of time to try all the dining options on the Majestic Princess, including the many specialty restaurants and the special dining experiences like the Chef’s Table, the Caymus Winemaker Dinner, and the Ultimate Balcony Breakfast.
The Majestic Princess dining options – complimentary dining
As with all the other Royal Class ships, the Majestic Princess offered a lot of complimentary dining choices that were included in the basic cruise fare. I am glad I had so much time to really take advantage of them all on more than one occasion. I especially liked going to the main dining room for breakfast and lunch because it was not as busy as the buffet.
Main Dining Rooms – Decks 5 and 6
All three main dining rooms on the Majestic had musical themed names. Each dining room offered a different dining experience, though the menus were the same in each dining room every night.
Symphony dining room – traditional dining
Located midship on deck 5, the Symphony dining room offered traditional dinner seating with two fixed seating options per night at 5 PM and 7:30 PM. This was ideal for guests who liked to eat at the same time each evening, at the same table, and with the same wait staff.
Concerto dining room – walk-in-anytime dining
The Concerto dining room was located midship on deck 6 – this was where Reserve class seating was offered to suite guests and guests in Reserve Class mini suites (no reservations were needed).
Concerto was also the “walk in any time” dining room where dinner reservations were not necessary. The Concerto dining room was also where afternoon tea was served on sea days.
Allegro dining room – flexible, reservable any time dining
The Allegro dining room was located aft on deck 6. Note that I could not get to the Allegro dining room by walking the length of deck 6. To get to the Allegro dining room, I had to use the aft elevators or walk to the aft stairs on deck 7 and then take the stairs down to deck 6 (or the elevator). Allegro is also where the special Lumiere Chef’s Table dining experience was held.
The Allegro dining room was open for breakfast and dinner every morning and lunch on sea days. The Allegro dining room offered reservable anytime dining. Dinner reservations could be made in 20 minute increments beginning at 5 PM.
Each evening the dinner choices were a mix of new dishes along with a selection of Princess favorites. The menu also offered vegetarian options. Princess had also brought out an expanded vegan menu in its dining rooms.
I ate many of my dinners in the main dining room because I like to be waited on. I never had trouble finding menu items that appealed to me and overall, I thought the food was quite good.
I especially liked that the portions were not large so I could try an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert and not feel overly stuffed. The service was always quick, efficient and was always offered with a gracious smile.
Afternoon tea
I admit that I am a teetotaler and always look forward to the afternoon teas on a Princess cruise. Waiters walked around and offer choices of small sandwiches, delicate pastries, and of course, scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserves. And lots of tea. I prefer Earl Grey so I always ask for a pot and it has never been a problem getting it.
International Café – Deck 5
I love the International Cafe, especially the almond croissants at breakfast. This was also a great choice for a light lunch or midday snack. And since it was the only dining option open 24 hours a day, this was where I went to get a sweet treat after a late night show.
The international Cafe was also the spot to get specialty coffees (cappuccinos are my favorite) and specialty teas. The food at the International Cafe was included in the basic cost of the cruise, but the coffee was an extra charge without one of the packages offered by Princess.
World Fresh Marketplace buffet and the Bakery – Deck 16
The World Fresh Market Place buffet on the Majestic Princess was huge and extended across two different sections. There were many, many, many choices offered at each meal. Before I filled my plate, I always walked around the whole thing first to see what was available.
The full buffet was open during specified hours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (the Princess Patter listed all the hours of operation). In between each major meal rush, one section of the buffet was always open as they set up for the next meal, so there was always something available to eat.
The food service here closed in the evening and was not open all night, but I could access the coffee, tea, and water station any time during the day or night.
Each day the buffet also offered a selection of dishes from a specific country. During my week long cruise we had Italian, Mexican, Bavarian, Brazilian, British, All American, and Mongolian stir fry, just to list a few.
I especially liked the fresh juices and smoothies in the buffet each morning.
The Bakery – Deck 16
The bakery was located in between the two sections of the buffet. Regardless of the time of day this area always offered a tasty sweet treat: croissants and donuts at breakfast, a variety of cakes and pastries at lunch and dinner, and scones, jam and cream in the afternoon.
Chopsticks Noodle Bar – Deck 16
Up on the pool deck, one of the quick meal options was this Asian noodle soup bar. The soup could be customized with my chosen ingredients and I could make it as spicy – or not – as I wanted. I liked coming here for lunch or a light dinner while watching a Movie Under the Stars.
I have read that this eatery will be replaced by a pizzeria during the next dry dock in spring 2025.
Burger and Lobster Grill – Deck 16
This fast food style grill was a quick, make to order eatery that was a popular lunch spot for the pool crowd. I especially liked the tacos. The lobster roll was also good (this was an extra charge though).
Swirls – Deck 16
On hot days, the soft serve ice cream was a real treat, especially the chocolate. I could also get the special dessert ice cream sundae as well (extra charge without a package).
Room service on the Majestic Princess
I always look forward to having room service breakfast delivered to my cabin in the morning. The night before, I filled out the breakfast card and hung it on the door knob. Then, next morning, my order was magically delivered at the designated time.
Travel Tip: When I took this cruise, there was no charge for ordering a room service breakfast when using the dedicated cards. Ordering room service by other means (via the app or by phone) incurred an extra cover charge depending on whether I had purchased one of the special fare packages or not.
Other included dining opportunities
Suite, along with Platinum and Elite loyalty guests, also had other included dining opportunities.
Reserve dining
Part of the Concerto main dining room was set aside for the exclusive use of those cruisers that booked a full suite or a Reserve class mini suite. Reserve dining included a menu with additional choices, a dedicated wait staff, and seating without any wait time or the need for a reservation.
Platinum and Elite members cocktail hour
Each afternoon a daily reception was offered for Platinum and Elite Captain’s Circle members which was usually held in the Vista Lounge. An artistically presented selection of small bites was a nice appetizer before dinner.
Concierge Lounge – deck 14
For suite guests, the Concierge Lounge provided a wide selection of foods and beverages throughout the day.
Breakfast in specialty restaurant
Suite guests also had the option to eat breakfast prepared and served in a dedicated specialty restaurant.
Casual dining options on the Majestic Princess
Travel tip: Princess Cruises offers different types of fare packages that include drinks, gratuities, dining and more. Depending on the type of package purchased (or not), extra fees may be incurred for casual and specialty dining.
My Post: Princess Cruises Drinks Packages – Which One is Best? has all the details needed to decide on which package is best.
Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar – Deck 7
I love sushi and sashimi and ate here twice during my cruise. The set menu started with steamed edamame and a seaweed salad. The main course was a plate with 2 salmon nigiri, 2 tuna nigiri, 1 shrimp nigiri, and 1 Aburi of Spicy Tuna roll.
On my second visit, I just chose a few rolls without the appetisers because the full meal was so much food. I truly enjoyed everything I tasted.
Alfredo’s Pizzeria – Deck 6
Alfredo’s pizzeria is a sit down restaurant with a selections of pizzas and other Italian dishes. The set menu price let me choose an appetizer, a pizza or pasta dish, and a dessert.
I didn’t want that much food so I just ordered the Capricciosa pizza which was made with tomato sauce, mozzarella, artichoke hearts, ham, mushrooms, black olives and basil.
There was also a selection of specialty pizzas by award winning pizza champion Tony Gemignani that had an intriguing combination of ingredients. These pizzas were an extra charge and were not covered by one of the packages.
Vines wine Bar – Deck 5
Beside offering a variety of wines to taste from around the world, the Vines menu also offered a charcuterie plate, my favorite light meal accompanied by a glass of wine.
The selection of cured meats, cheeses, and crudites was completed with a plate of truffles. It didn’t look like a lot of food, but it was quite filling.
Specialty dining restaurants on the Majestic Princess
The specialty dining restaurants on the Majestic Princess were ideal for celebrating a special evening. I like to eat at one of the specialty restaurants on the first night aboard ship to celebrate the start of the cruise. Menus for the Princess specialty restaurants can be found here.
Harmony – Deck 5
This Chinese style specialty restaurant was unique in the Princess fleet. The menu was developed by well known chef Richard Chen. I liked the food here so much that I ate here twice during my 21 day cruise. (I have read that this restaurant will be replaced by a Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria during dry dock in spring 2025).
Crown Grill – Deck 7
For steak lovers, the Crown Grill was an ideal restaurant. Though the menu featured a variety of steak cuts, there were also choices for seafood lovers and vegetarians. I usually get the fillet, but also like the lobster. As always, this meal did not disappoint me and the service was wonderful.
The Catch by Rudi – Deck 7
I absolutely loved the food at The Catch so much that I ate here twice during my three week cruise (and I’ve eaten at every Catch on other Princess cruise ships that had this restaurant on board). The menu offered innovative presentations that were also very flavorful.
Since I love seafood in all of its forms, that was all I tried. However, there were also non seafood and vegetarian choices.
Crab Shack pop up – Deck 5
The Crab Shack Pop Up was offered during lunch on a few of the sea days. this is one of my favorite meals on a Princess ship and I try to take advantage of it whenever I can. This dining venue was not available all the time – the Princess Patter or the dining line had the most up to date information. It was a set menu with soup and a choice of seafood pots.
My meal started with hush puppies, followed by chowder served in sourdough bread, and then followed by a huge pot of king crab legs, shrimp, and mussels, and it was all delicious. The staff provided an apron which was a necessity since cracking the crab legs was quite messy.
Special Experiential dining on the Majestic Princess
Princess offered some great special dining expereinces that were a foodie’s delight and were a great way to celebrate that once in a lifetime moment.
Ultimate balcony dining
This was the first time I tried the Ultimate Breakfast Balcony Dining and it truly was the ultimate way to indulge and relax on a sea day. I set this up with a call to room service the day before.
At my chosen hour, the room service attendant set my balcony table with a tablecloth and then loaded it up with a boat load of food and drinks. All I had to do was enjoy while sipping on mimosas.
The meal included a plate of fruit, a plate with salad and small ham and cheese quiches, a plate with smoked salmon with toasted English muffins and cream cheese, a plate with breakfast pastries, a carafe of hot water and tea (I could also have had coffee), orange juice, and a small bottle of authentic champagne so I could make mimosas. Yes, some of this food became an afternoon snack.
I could do balcony dining as either a breakfast experience or a dinner experience which was more pricey.
Caymus Winemaker Dinner
Princess has partnered with the renowned Caymus Vineyard from Napa Valley to develop a wine and meal pairing just for their ships. The menu and the wine pairing was designed by Caymus Vineyards’ founder Chuck Wagner specifically for this Princess experience.
This was my second experience with the Caymus winemaker dinner and I loved it just as much as the first time. The menu was the same, but still very tasty and perfectly paired with the Caymus wines.
The wine paired with the appetizer was the Mer Soleil Chardonnay from Monterey County, California. The accompanying wine for the first course was the Caymus Suisun the Walking Fool Red Blend from Suisun Valley, California which had been aged 36 months.
My king salmon and giant prawn main course was served with Sea Sun Pinot Noir from California. Dessert was paired with a bottle of Emmolo Sparkling Wine from California.
Chef’s Table Lumiere
As soon as I boarded the ship, I called the dining line and put my name on the list for the Chef’s Table. This special meal was only offered a few times during this long cruise and it was an honor to be invited since each seating only hosted a dozen guests.
Travel tip: The Chef’s Table can only be reserved on the ship and cannot be booked ahead of time. There was an extra fee for this meal and I could purchase it with or without a wine pairing.
The evening started with a brief tour through one of the ship’s galleys. I am always fascinated by the logistics involved in preparing three meals a day for 3000+ passengers.
Once we were all seated, a shimmering, silvery curtain wrapped around our sining space, providing an intimate and private setting for this special dinner.
Hors D’oeuvres and champagne
Lamb samosa with tamarind chutney
Pinzette with goat cheese and ricotta
Foie gras bon bon mon cheri
Breaded shrimp with Japanese panko breadcrumbs and sweet chili sauce
Starter
Salmon gravlax and caviar, wasabi crystal, “fish bone tuile”, dill sprig
Foie Gras on toasted brioche, caramelized calvados apple tourne, demi glace, crisp tortilla threads
Soup
Seafood bisque with brandied cream served with oysters rockefeller and mussels with white wine
Enternet
Lemon sorbet and champagne
Main course
Veal Oscar with crab meat, bearnaise sauce, asparagus, caviar
Dessert
Lemon mousse hazelnut financier, lime cremeux, hazelnut crumble
Ordering via the Ocean Now app
While I was on board the ship, I used the Princess App to order a drink or food and have it delivered to my room or to wherever I was sitting. If I wanted beer, wine, cocktails, or a soda as I was sitting by the pool, I could have it brought to me – this felt like such an indulgence.
Even on a three week long cruise, I certainly did not lack for plenty of tasty choices when it came to Majestic Princess dining.
Please note that I received some perks from Princess. All opinions and content are my own.
Links to all my cruising content, including all my other Princess cruises, can be found on my Experience – Cruising page.
Other Princess cruising stories:
All about my cruise to Antarctica: What is a Princess Cruise to Antarctica Really Like
All about my Princess 360 dining experience: The Princess 360 Experience – A Performance for all the Senses
Taking a cooking class in Costa Rica: A Costa Rica Cooking Class – Forging Local Connections On An Atypical Cruise Excursion
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
Pin this!
