Last Updated on 04/04/26 by Rose Palmer
There are many reasons to take a cruise, and a never-ending supply of good food is certainly one of them. On a recent cruise to Norway, I tried many of the Sky Princess specialty restaurants, along with the included Sky Princess dining options. I also had a chance to try the much sought-after Chef’s Table dinner experience.
I have recently cruised on quite a few of the Princess ships, including my recent experience on the Sky Princess. This beautiful cruise ship was built in 2019, but due to the long pause during the pandemic, it still felt quite new when I cruised with it. I wrote all about the Sky Princess in my post Cruising Sky High With Princess – A Sky Princess Review With Photos.
When it comes to included dining options on the Sky Princess, there were many, many choices throughout the ship.
The Sky Princess dining options – complimentary dining
Main dining rooms – Deks 5 and 6
The three large, main dining rooms (Estrella – deck 6, Cielo – deck 6, Soleil – deck 5) served dinner from a menu that included new items each day as well as Princess favorites.
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Soleil dining room – traditional seating
The Soleil 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.
Cielo dining room – reservable, flexible anytime dining
The Cielo dining room was another dining room open for dinner. The Cielo dining room offered reservable anytime dining. Dinner reservations could be made in 20-minute increments beginning at 5 PM.
Note that I could only access this dining room from the aft elevators. This was also where I had the special Chef’s Table Lumiere dinner.
Estrella dining room – walk-in any time dining
The Estrella dining room was open for all three meals and was also where afternoon tea was served. This was the “walk-in any time” dining room where dinner reservations were not necessary.
I suggest making dinner reservations before you travel if you want to eat at a specific time and if that time is during the prime dinner hours. Definitely make dinner reservations in the dining rooms for formal nights.
Dinner in the main dining room
I especially liked going to the Estrella dining room for lunch, as it was normally not as busy – most guests seemed to prefer the buffet for lunch.
Lunch in the main dining room
Dessert in the main dining room
Princess also has a 7-day rotating vegan menu in the main dining rooms. While I am not vegan, I was curious about this and tried a few dishes. I was quite surprised at how tasty they were. I had to ask the waiter to see the vegan menu because it was not automatically offered to me.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea was offered each sea day in the Estrella dining room as well. Waiters came around with trays of bite-sized sandwiches, mini desserts, and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. And of course, tea.
Alternatively, the Pastry Shop in the buffet area on deck 16 also offered afternoon tea goodies with all the trimmings.
International Café – Deck 5
My favorite spot, however, was the International Café, which was open 24 hours. My breakfast go-to was always a yogurt parfait and an almond croissant. I also loved the quiches, the little salads, the savory pies, and the fantastic cookies.
The International Café also made specialty coffees (extra charges applied) to satisfy my cappuccino and espresso fix.
The World Fresh Market Place buffet – Deck 16
The World Fresh Marketplace buffet was also a good choice when I had less time. I was quite impressed with the huge variety of dishes offered and the freshness of the fruits and veggies.
Even though the ship stocked up with food supplies for 3000 guests for two weeks while docked in Southampton, the watermelon was as fresh and sweet on day 14 as it was on day 1.
Each day, the buffet menu also featured authentic dishes from a particular country at lunch and dinner. We had Korean, Mexican, Portuguese, and Brazilian, just to name a few.
I grew up with German food at home and was pleasantly surprised at the many authentic choices on Bavarian dinner night, including Leberkase, something I have not had since my last visit to Germany.
The Pastry Shop – Deck 16
The Pastry Shop in the buffet had all the desserts and also served afternoon tea goodies every day (scones with clotted cream and jam, little sandwiches, and little pastries). This was my choice for a snack if I did not make it to the 3 o’clock afternoon tea in the main dining room.
I also went up to the buffet during the day to refill my water bottle with ice water or iced tea, and to get hot tea (or coffee for those who drink it).
Slice and Salty Dog Grill – Deck 16
Two other spots I liked for a quick meal were Slice pizza and the Salty Dog Grill on the top deck. Both of these were great options for a quick meal when I came back on board after a long day exploring the ports.
I really enjoyed the crispy, Neapolitan-style thin-crust cheese pizza from Slice, or the different pizza special each day. I liked bringing a couple of slices back to the room for lunch on the balcony. The Salty Dog Grill was also good for burgers, tacos, fries, or a hot dog.
Swirls – Deck 16
For a cool – literally – treat, Swirls ice cream bar had really good soft serve chocolate and vanilla ice cream, all day, every day.
Room Service on the Sky Princess
Finally, if I didn’t want to leave my room and just wanted to have a lie-in, then there was the ultimate way to get spoiled – room service. The menu choices were limited, but it was such an indulgent experience to have breakfast delivered to my cabin and enjoy it on a sunny balcony as the ocean waves swam by.
For breakfast, I filled out the breakfast card the night before and hung it on the doorknob before I went to bed. Breakfast was then delivered at the time I indicated. There was no charge for this room service.
For other room service or to have drinks and food ordered and delivered via the app, there was a one-time fee without a package. If I ordered room service via the phone, there was an extra delivery fee charged each time I called.
Other included dining opportunities
Guests staying in a full suite, a Reserve Mini Suite, or those with Platinum and Elite loyalty levels, also had other included dining opportunities.
Reserve dining
On the Sky Princess, Reserve class dining was in the Estrella dining room. This section was just for guests who were staying in a Reserve Class Mini Suite or a full suite. Reserve class dining had a menu with additional choices, a dedicated wait staff, and immediate seating without having to wait.
Platinum and Elite members’ cocktail hour
This event was for Platinum and Elite Captain’s Circle loyalty members only. Each afternoon, a selection of snacks and small plates was available along with drinks (to purchase). This was usually held in the Vista Lounge.
Captain’s Circle cocktail hour
A special event held once each cruise for Platinum and Elite loyalty members. This includes a selection of free drinks and a talk by the captain. The event also recognized the top three cruisers that had the most cruise days with Princess on our particular sailing.
Concierge lounge – deck 14
This lounge was for suite guests only and provided a variety of food and drink choices all throughout the day.
Breakfast at Sabatini’s
Guests staying in a full suite had the option to eat breakfast in Sabatini’s restaurant. I have been told that the food was all freshly prepared and was very good.
The Sky Princess Casual dining options
Casual dining restaurants are an extra charge for those without a Plus or Premier fare package. Before each cruise, I evaluate whether it makes sense for me to purchase one of these fare packages. I describe all the options in the post Princess Cruise Drinks and Fare Packages – Which One is Best?
Alfredo’s – Deck 7
For a sit-down pizza option, the Sky Princess also had Alfredo’s Pizzeria, where I could order a whole 10-inch pizza from a menu of different pizza creations. I could also get a specialty pizza made to order with only the ingredients I wanted.
Alfredo’s also offered a fixed price set menu that included an appetiser, a pizza or other main course, and a dessert.
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Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar – Deck 7
On another night, I opted for sushi and sashimi at the Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar. Compared to the prices for sushi and sashimi back home, the cost per item was very reasonable. It was fun to sit at the bar and watch as the chefs made my sushi roll and my individual sashimi.
Again, the Ocean Terrace Seafood bar offered a set menu for a fixed price, which was a good value when I was very hungry. However, I would also just order one roll off the menu as a snack.
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This specialty dining spot didn’t need reservations and was hardly ever busy, so it seemed like a good spot for an impromptu meal (especially on formal night). It was also a good location to hear the live music in the Piazza, which seemed to be playing nonstop.
Vines – Deck 5
While this was primarily the go-to spot for trying new wines, Vines also offered a charcuterie plate that made a wonderful light dinner. Even though it didn’t look like a lot, it was quite a bit of food and surprisingly filling. And the dessert truffles were divine.
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Gelato – Deck 5
My weakness, though, was Gelato. This ice cream parlor offered about a dozen different flavors of (as the name says) gelato. I’ve tried gelato many times outside of Italy and was usually very disappointed.
On the Sky Princess, however, the gelato tasted like I was back in Rome, eating a cone just steps from the Trevi Fountain. (Note that the menu in the main dining rooms often included a few flavors of gelato for dessert.)
I could also get one of the big, fancy ice cream sundaes here, made with chocolate or vanilla ice cream. I did not try one because they just looked way too big for me, but they did look appealing.
Note that my Gelato order was an extra charge and was not included in the Standard fare package.
The Sky Princess specialty dining restaurants
There were quite a few specialty dining restaurants on the Sky Princess. Along with the favorites like Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and the Crown Grill for steaks, there was also The Catch by Rudy.
I made a reservation for the Specialty Restaurants as soon as I got on board the ship, and I was fortunate to get in, though I had to be flexible with my schedule. Next time, I will make reservations ahead of time via the app, especially for formal nights.
Specialty restaurant dining is only included in the Premier fare package, otherwise it is an extra charge.
Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria – Deck 5
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I loved the décor in this restaurant. It had ocean views and was accented with interesting glass partitions, reminding me very much of my visits to the island of Murano. I had dinner here one night and enjoyed each choice that I made. I knew it would be a lot of food, so I skipped lunch that day.
I had a choice of a soup or salad, an appetizer, a pasta first course, a main second course, and then finally a dessert. Like I said – a lot of very good food.
Crown Grill – Deck 7
The Crown Grill is known for its steaks, but I didn’t have time to try the Crown Grill on the Sky Princess. I have eaten at the Crown Grill on the Ruby Princess, the Majestic Princess, and the Sun Princess, where I tried different items on the menu each time. I’ve had both the lobster and the beef fillet as my main course and enjoyed both.
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Reservations to the Crown Grill seemed to fill up very quickly, so for this restaurant, I will definitely make a reservation before boarding the ship next time.
The Catch by Rudi – Deck 7
The Catch by Rudi replaced the Bistro Sur La Mer, which had been in this location until April 2023. The menu for this new restaurant was developed by highly renowned chef Rudi Sodamin, head of the Princess culinary program.
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I’ve eaten at the Catch quite a few times on different Princess ships, always trying different items on the menu, and I liked everything I ate. From the unique presentations to the flavor combinations, I was impressed with all of it.
While this restaurant focused primarily on seafood dishes, there were also plenty of choices in each menu category for meat lovers and vegetarians.
Experiential dining on the Sky Princess
Princess also offers other experiential dining experiences, which are an extra charge and are not covered by either the Plus or Premier packages.
Crab Shack pop-up
I love this pop-up restaurant and always try it once per cruise if it is available. The large helpings of crab legs, shrimp, and other seafood are always satisfying and filling.
Note that this restaurant option is not included in either the Plus or Premium fare packages.
Balcony dining
Balcony dining was available for both breakfast and dinner and was a unique way to celebrate a special day or event. I did not do this on the Sky Princess, but did indulge while on the Majestic Princess (I understand the menu offerings are the same fleet-wide).
The breakfast came with fruit, smoked salmon, and English muffins, small quiches, salad, a basket of pastries, and orange and champagne for mimosas. It was an awful lot of food, part of which became an afternoon snack.
The Sanctuary – deck 18
I always enjoy an afternoon in the adults-only Sanctuary retreat when I can book it. I make it a point to go there as soon as I board the ship to reserve an afternoon on one of the sea days.
A reservation in the Sanctuary came with its own menus for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, all of which were served to my lounge chair.
My Sky Princess Chef’s Table experience
My ultimate specialty dining experience on a Princess ship, however, was the Chef’s Table. I was told that this was normally offered only a few times each cruise for about 10 or 11 guests each time.
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This meal often includes a tour of the kitchens, but this was not available when I was on my cruise. Instead, the ship’s Executive Chef Naveen explained how the kitchens were set up and what it took to feed over 3000 guests for two weeks.
This unique dinner also had a special, dedicated table in the Cielo dining room. Our group of eleven entered the dining room and were guided to our table in the middle of the room with more than just a little fanfare. Our entrance and our presence certainly generated a few raised eyebrows and quite a few questions.
Once we were seated, a special, flowy, lighted curtain closed around our space, which provided a private enclave from the rest of the dining room. As befitting such a distinctive meal, the table was elegantly set with gold-rimmed china and gold cutlery.
For each course, Chef Naveen described in detail what we were being served. Then, a group of eleven waiters came with our dishes, each guest being served by their own waiter as the plates were laid out in front of us in synchrony. The presentation with which we were served was as showy and artistic as the beautiful presentation of the food on each plate.
Our dinner started with a collection of little bites and a glass of champagne. Each of these little morsels presented a unique flavor profile, yet as a group they melded perfectly together, providing a series of flavors that set off every taste sensor in my mouth – creamy, crunchy, smoky, sweet, salty, soft, spicy, and much more.
Hors D’Oeuvres and Champagne
Japanese Panko Ahi tuna with Sake Wine Soy Dip and Kempe Mayo Wasabi
Foie Gras Lollipop with Port Wine Jelly and Truffle Brioche
Breaded Goat cheese with Beetroot Puree
Hackleback Caviar, Red Potato Crown
Rich Tomato Bisque with Parmesan Bread Stick
I just want to mention that this was the best tomato soup I have ever had – it was made with roasted, smoked tomatoes, which made a soup that had a complex and deep, smoky-sweet taste. (This was actually my favorite dish of the evening).
Next was a:
Ravioli Caprese
Ravioli stuffed with Sundried Tomato and Ricotta and a Truffle Cream Reduction
Before the main course, our palettes were cleansed with a:
Sorbet
Lemon Sorbet over Mango Slaw with a Splash of Grey Goose Vodka
By this time, I was starting to get full, but the main course was yet to come – a land and sea combo for all tastes:
Main Course
Mediterranean Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb with Aceto Balsamico Reduction
Pancetta Wrapped Sea Scallops on a Lemongrass Skewer
Main Lobster Tail with Lemon Butter Reduction
Medallion of Beef with Truffle Port Wine Reduction
Shitake, Assorted Garden Vegetables, and Sweet Potato Mousseline
I had just a little bit of room left for dessert:
Chocolate Indulgence
A chocolate-covered chocolate mousse filled with passion fruit mousse and decorated with macaroons, praline nuts, and served with a white chocolate mousse decorated with white chocolate swirls
There were also additional small chocolate indulgences to take back with us to our cabins.
The wines were equally good and complemented each course very well:
Wine Selection
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte – Chouilly, France
Brunello di Montelcino – Tuscany, Italy
Greco di Tufo – Campania, Italy
Errazuriz “Late Harvest” – Sauvignon Blanc, Chile
I had a lot of good food onboard the Sky Princess in all the venues, but the Chef’s Table was indeed quite memorable.
The Caymus Winemaker Dinner
This special dining experience is available on most of the Princess ships. I have tried the Caymus Winemaker Dinner on both the Discovery Princess and the Majestic Princess, and the menu was the same both times and was absolutely delicious.
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This meal was indeed a wine enthusiast’s and foodie’s delight. I share all the details in my post A Taste of All the Discovery Princess Dining Options Including the 360 Experience.
Frescobaldi Grand Tuscan Dinner
This special Italian menu and wine pairing served at Sabatini’s takes the flavors of the Frescobaldi restaurant in Florence and brings them to the Sky Princess. Six dishes are perfectly paired with classic Frescobaldi vintages.
When I tried the Frescobaldi dinner on the Star Princess, I tried the following dishes:
Carpaccio Di Mare Mediterraneo – delicate tuna and scallop carpaccio topped with sturgeon caviar, salmon caviar, black truffle, and a vibrant citrus dressing.
Polpo Grigltato con Pesto Rosso e Gnochi di Spinact – tender grilled octopus with zesty red pesto, served over spinach gnochi.
Branzino Con Caponata alla Siciliana – seared sea bass served atop tangy Sicilian caponata, drizzled with fresh basil oil. I had this dish on the Star Princess and really liked it.
Pinolata Senese – light and airy Tuscan pine nut cake with rich custard cream.
Cantucci Biscotti Con Grappa di Vino Luce – crunchy almond biscotti served with Grappa di Vino Luce for the perfect Tuscan dip.
Wine tasting experiences
Princess also offers a variety of wine-tasting experiences throughout the cruise, paired with appropriate nibbles. The cost of these programs is extra and is not covered by the Plus or Premier packages.
There is usually a Grapevine Wine Tasting, which is an introduction to wine tasting. Most cruises also offer an International Wine Tasting experience, where guests can try many different vintages from around the globe.
Depending on the length of the cruise, additional wine-tasting opportunities may also be offered. Details will be listed in the Princess Patter and in the Journeyview section on the app. The events will also be advertised and promoted on the ship.
Ordering via the Ocean Now app
A convenient feature of the Princess app is the Ocean Now function. This allowed me to order food or drinks to be delivered to wherever I was located. I could get room service for dinner or a late-night snack or have a drink brought to me as I was lounging by the pool or in a hot tub. Extra chargesare applied without a package.
Wherever I chose to eat on the Sky Princess, I most definitely had no trouble finding something tasty and satisfying.
I share more about my Norway and Arctic Circle cruise in the posts Beautiful Storybook Norway Photos to Inspire Your Next Trip and Norway Shore Excursions – How I Spent a Day in Norway’s Most Popular Cruise Ports
To book a Princess cruise, find all the upcoming Sky Princess cruises, and to see the most recent cruise line deals, I go to https://www.princess.com/.
Links to all my cruising content, including all my other Princess cruises, can be found on my Experience – Cruising page.
Other Princess cruising stories I’ve written:
How I spent my cruise port day in Cartagena, Colombia: One Day in Cartagena, Colombia – A Colorful Independent Cruise Excursion
A unique excursion in Puntarenas, Costa Rica: A Costa Rica Cooking Class – Forging Local Connections On An Atypical Cruise Excursion
Alaska cruise excursion tips: Alaska Cruise Excursion Tips to Inspire Your Best Alaska Trip
A review of the Regal Princess dining options: Dining Like a Princess – All the Regal Dining Options Including the Chef’s Table
Please note that I received a media-upgraded cabin from Princess. All content and opinions in this post are my own.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
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