FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — October 23, 2025
Princess Cruises is raising a glass today after its beloved Royal Princess was officially crowned the “World’s Best Culinary Cruise Ship” at the 2025 World Culinary Awards. The prestigious accolade, voted on by industry professionals, the culinary community, and consumers worldwide, recognizes the vessel’s exceptional commitment to gastronomic excellence.
This award underscores the cruise line’s strategic focus on elevating its food and beverage program across the fleet, with Royal Princess serving as a shining example of this culinary evolution.
A Feast for the Senses
The victory is largely attributed to the ship’s diverse and high-quality dining portfolio. Royal Princess hosts a variety of standout venues that have become favorites among foodies at sea.
- Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria: The line’s signature Italian restaurant has been revitalized with a new partnership with Frescobaldi, the legendary Tuscan winemaking family. The updated menu, “Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Inspired by Frescobaldi,” pairs authentic Tuscan recipes with a curated selection of fine wines. Additionally, the venue hosts a special “Grand Tuscan Dinner” once per cruise, featuring an exclusive multi-course tasting menu.
- Crown Grill: Consistently rated as one of the best steakhouses at sea, this venue offers premium aged beef and fresh seafood in a classic, wood-paneled setting featuring an open theater-style kitchen.
- Chef’s Table Lumiere: For the ultimate indulgence, guests can book this private dining experience. Hosted by the executive chef, the evening features Champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and a lavish multi-course meal served at a custom table surrounded by a shimmering curtain of light.
- Alfredo’s Pizzeria: Voted “Best Pizza at Sea,” this open-kitchen venue serves hand-crafted individual pizzas created by 13-time World Pizza Champion Chef Tony Gemignani.
- Caymus Winemaker’s Dinner: An exclusive event for wine lovers, offering a chef-curated menu designed specifically to complement the iconic wines of Napa Valley’s Caymus Vineyards.
- The Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar: A haven for seafood aficionados, offering fresh sashimi, sushi rolls, and other ocean treasures with stunning sea views.
Recognition of Excellence
The award highlights the intense competition within the cruise culinary sector, where dining has become a primary driver for traveler decision-making.
“Being honored as the world’s best culinary cruise ship is a testament to our talented culinary team who work tirelessly to create unforgettable dining moments for our guests,” said a Princess Cruises spokesperson. (Note: While the full quote was cut off in source material, the sentiment reflects the line’s ongoing commitment mentioned in the release).
Setting Sail for Culinary Adventure
Beyond the dining table, Royal Princess is preparing for a busy deployment schedule that will allow guests to pair their meals with spectacular scenery. The ship is currently scheduled to sail roundtrip from Los Angeles this winter, offering itineraries to the California Coast and Mexico.
Following its winter season, Royal Princess will head north for the summer of 2026, operating voyages to Alaska. There, the culinary experience will extend to the destination itself, with menus featuring fresh local flavors from “The Great Land.”
