Dinner on a cruise ship is not just a meal — it’s often the best part of the day. After hours of exploring a port, you come back, get changed, and sit down to a proper three-course dinner with no menu prices and no rush. On Princess Cruises, I’ve done this across three different sailings — an Atlantic crossing, a Mediterranean cruise, and a Mexican Riviera itinerary in 2025 — and the dining experience has been one of the most consistent highlights each time.
Here’s exactly what to expect.
What Are Dinners Like on Princess Cruise Ships?
The main restaurant on Princess ships is genuinely elegant — spacious, with a well-designed interior, comfortable chairs, and white tablecloths. The service is attentive without being intrusive. Everything feels considered.
Breakfast and lunch are also served in the main restaurant, but dinner is different. By evening, passengers are dressed up, the atmosphere shifts, and the meal feels like an occasion rather than just food.
I’ve sailed on both MSC and Princess Cruises. When it comes to food quality, Princess is the better experience — every dish was well prepared and properly presented.
How Dining Works on Princess: Deck 5 vs Deck 6
The main restaurant spans two decks, and they work differently:
| Deck 5 | Deck 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dining style | Fixed dining time | Flexible (anytime 6–10 PM) |
| Atmosphere | Quieter, more intimate | More relaxed, busier |
| Reservation needed | Yes — book via Princess app before sailing | No |
| Menu | Same as Deck 6 | Same as Deck 5 |
We didn’t know about the reservation system before our first Princess sailing, so we ended up on Deck 6 by default. It turned out to work well for us — after full days of shore excursions, being able to decide at 8 PM that we were ready for dinner was actually a better fit than a fixed time slot.
Tip: If you prefer a guaranteed seat at a specific time, book your table on Deck 5 through the Princess app before the cruise starts. If you’re flexible, Deck 6 works just as well.
The upper deck buffet is also open until midnight and includes the famous cruise pizza — a reliable option if you want something quick or informal after a long port day.
Who Will You Be Seated With?
The restaurant has tables for two, four, and eight. If you’re travelling as a couple or solo, you may be seated with other passengers — which can be one of the better parts of the experience.
From my three sailings:
- Atlantic crossing (17 nights): The two of us shared a large table with a Spanish couple. We ended up having dinner together every night for the entire crossing.
- Mediterranean cruise: Shared table with friends — relaxed and social.
- Mexican Riviera (4 people): Our own table for the group, which made dinner feel like our own private event each evening.
If you’d prefer to dine only with your group, ask the staff for a separate table. They will do their best to accommodate you.
Dress Code: What to Wear
Dinner on Princess has a dress code, and it’s worth knowing before you pack:
| Evening type | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Formal nights (2 per cruise) | Suit or jacket | Evening dress or elegant outfit |
| Smart casual (most evenings) | Long-sleeved shirt or polo | Dress or smart ensemble |
| Not appropriate | Shorts, flip-flops | Beachwear |
I liked this tradition. It gives dinner a different quality from the rest of the day — you’ve been in shorts exploring a port all afternoon, and by evening you’re dressed properly, sitting down to a proper meal. It works.
The Menu: What’s Included and What Costs Extra
When you sit down, the menu arrives — and there are no prices on it. You can order as many starters, main courses, and desserts as you like. All of it is included in the cruise fare.
Drinks are extra. Here’s what we paid:
| Drink | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Bottle of water | ~€5 |
| Glass of wine | from €8 |
| Coffee or tea | ~€4 |
Tip: If you’re a regular wine drinker, a drinks package usually works out cheaper than paying per glass. Check the options when you book.
What We Actually Ordered: Real Dishes from the Menu
Starters:
- Air-dried beef carpaccio with arugula and Parmesan
- Fried calamari with lemon aioli
- Cold cucumber soup with mint
Main courses:
- Grilled steak with pepper sauce and mashed potatoes
- Pan-seared sea bass with lemon butter and asparagus
- Spinach and arugula ravioli with sage cream sauce
Desserts:
- Chocolate-hazelnut cake
- New York cheesecake with berry sauce
- Vanilla crème brûlée
“Princess Favorites” — always available regardless of the daily menu: grilled salmon, chicken breast, or pasta with tomato sauce. Good fallback if the evening’s menu doesn’t appeal.
Full Cost Overview: Dining on Princess Cruises
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main restaurant dinner | Included | Unlimited courses |
| Buffet (upper deck) | Included | Open until midnight |
| Specialty restaurants | Extra | Varies by ship |
| Water (bottle) | ~€5 | Per bottle |
| Wine (glass) | from €8 | Per glass |
| Coffee / tea | ~€4 | Per cup |
| Drinks package | Varies | Usually worth it for daily drinkers |
FAQ: Dinner on Princess Cruises
Is dinner included in the Princess cruise price? Yes — all meals in the main restaurant are included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Drinks (alcohol, water, coffee) are charged separately.
Do I need to reserve a dinner table on Princess? Only if you want a fixed dining time on Deck 5. Book through the Princess app before sailing. Deck 6 operates on a flexible schedule — no reservation needed, arrive anytime between 6 and 10 PM.
How many formal nights are there on a Princess cruise? Typically two formal nights per cruise, regardless of itinerary length. On longer sailings (14+ nights) there may be more. Suit or jacket for men, evening dress for women.
Can I order multiple courses at dinner on Princess? Yes — as many as you like. Starters, mains, and desserts are all unlimited and included in the fare. There are no extra charges for ordering more than one of any course.
How does Princess Cruises compare to MSC for food? Based on my personal experience across both cruise lines, Princess offers noticeably better food quality — better ingredients, better presentation, and more varied menus. MSC is competitive on price; Princess is stronger on the dining experience.
What if I have dietary requirements on Princess? Princess accommodates most dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free options. Notify the cruise line when booking and confirm with your waiter on the first evening.
Is Dinner on Princess Worth It?
The main restaurant on Princess Cruises delivers a proper dining experience — good food, good service, and an atmosphere that makes the meal feel like part of the trip rather than just fuel. The no-prices menu and unlimited courses are genuinely enjoyable, and the dress code adds something to the evening that I didn’t expect to appreciate as much as I did.
The drink prices are the one area where costs add up quickly. Budget for them or look into a drinks package before you sail.
If you’re comparing cruise lines on dining quality, Princess is the stronger choice in my experience — and the main restaurant is the place to prove it.