Crown Princess Restaurants

[jbuckent]

We are heading out on our first Princess cruise in a month. I see there are many different restaurants, could someone give me a brief explanation of each? If you select traditional dining do you go to the same restaurant each night or is there a rotation? How about anytime dining, are there choices or just one anytime restaurant? For the specialty restaurants how far in advance do you need to make a reservation?

[1025cruise]

There are three main dining rooms. If you have assigned dining, you will be assigned a dining room. For anytime, you can pick of the two dining rooms (one is assigned early, but opens up afterwards). The menu is the same.

 

There are two specialty restaurants, reservations made once you board.

[jbuckent]

Thank you!

[Astro Flyer]

We are heading out on our first Princess cruise in a month. I see there are many different restaurants, could someone give me a brief explanation of each? If you select traditional dining do you go to the same restaurant each night or is there a rotation? How about anytime dining, are there choices or just one anytime restaurant? For the specialty restaurants how far in advance do you need to make a reservation?

On the Crown the traditional dining room is Botticelli (deck 6 aft & accessed by elevator or stairs) and two anytime dining rooms off the atrium. Michelangelo (deck 5) is anytime all evening and Da Vinci (deck 6) usually has an early traditional seating & reverts to anytime at about 7:30.

 

We usually make specialty dining reservations during embarkation...either at the restaurant or by calling the DINE line. We rarely have a problem but in addition to suite passengers having a free dinner sometimes a promotion gives other passengers a free dinner & thus sometimes it's more difficult to get a reservation. Earlier times have been more popular but we can usually get a later reservation time.

Edited June 20, 2016 by Astro Flyer

[moki'smommy]

Looking at your past cruise list....it isn't DCL. The main dining rooms are all the same. Yes, different locations, but same basic ambience, same menu. If you choose traditional dining, you will have an assigned time and table number--the same place every night. Same servers. If you choose "any time dining," you can go to whichever place is open when you want to eat. But it is the same menu. Anytime = different table assignment, different serving team.

 

You can also choose a specialty dining (upcharge), eat at the buffet, or one of the fast food outlets. Most of the ships have an International Cafe, some have Alfredo's. No upcharge for these, but I prefer them for lunches and stick to the MDRs for dinner.

 

Unlike DCL, you may be turned away from the MDR if you don't make an effort to dress up on formal nights. The specialty restaurants are cruise casual on those nights as is the buffet. You don't have to be formal, you just have to make a bit of an effort.

Edited June 21, 2016 by moki'smommy

[WupperAV]

Just to add a note. We have enjoyed the anytime dining more than being in an assigned group as people are always happy to open up and talk with you. Have met some very fine people from all over the world. Assigned and you set with the same group but if you are traveling with a large group it can be fun when you have something in common.

[JohnS43]

There are two specialty restaurants, reservations made once you board.

 

Sort of. I assuming you're referring to the Crown Grill and Sabbatini's. But there's also the Salty Dog (inside one of the bars) and usually the Crab Shack. These both have upcharges as well.

[skynight]

Here is a full list of dining options

Crown Princess Dining

Three Main DR’s:

 

• Each has the same menu
  
• Botticelli is Traditional early or late seating, same table, same waiter.
  
• DaVinci DR is used for very early traditional dining and opens for Anytime at 7:30
  
• Michelangelo DR opens at %pm for ATD.
  
• One DR is open every day for breakfast and lunch on sea days. Open seating
  
• If sailing after April 18, 2017 in a full suite or Club Class mini suite you will be in Club Class Dining in a section of one of the DR’s
  

 

Free Dining:

 

• International Café deck 5, open 24/7 serving doughnuts, Danish and some other items for breakfast; aninis, salads, soup, desserts, and other items for lunch and dinner; snacks and other items overnight.
  
• Horizon Ct./Café Caribe one or more sections open from 5am until 11pm or midnight, never closes during that time. Serves all meals as well as in between selections.
  
• Trident Grill on the Lido Deck: Open 11am to 11pm serving burgers, dogs, brats, fries, chicken, veggie burgers, and maybe some BBQ items after 6pm.
  
• Pizza & Ice Cream Bar on the Lido Deck: Open 11am to 11pm, serves pizza by the slice, soft ice cream and some other surcharge items.
  
• Pub Lunch, held on sea days in the Wheelhouse Bar.
  
• Room Service: 24 hour service. Limited menu unless you are in a full suite. There is a $3 surcharge if you order a pizza. There is a cost for all drinks.
  

 

Surcharge Dining:

 

• Crown Grill; steaks, chops, some seafood, $29/pp*
  
• Sabatini’s; Italian $29/pp*
  
• Crab Shack; buckets of shell fish, held some evenings in a closed off seating area of the buffet, $29/pp*
  
• Salty Dog GastroPub, held in the Wheelhouse Bar each evening, special selection of pub foods, $19/pp
  

 

 

• Reservations are recommended and can only be made once on board by calling the DINE Line or visiting the restaurant.
  

 

There are also some special dining experiences like the Chef’s Table and breakfast or Dinner Ultimate Balcony Dining.