Royal Princess

Theater and Shows on Royal Princess

The Princess Theater seats 925 and offers uninterrupted sightlines from every vantage point. A variety of technology, such as high-definition screens, enhances the shows -- mostly musical productions, guest comedians or magicians.

Vista Lounge, at the back of the ship, offers an alternative performance venue to the Princess Theater, hosting live bands, comedians and illusionists, plus themed parties and special events.

Finally, Princess Live!, located just aft of the Piazza on Deck 7, made its mark as the first television studio at sea. Three rows of tiered seats (with seating for 280 passengers) are flanked by a stage – on which the cruise director hosts “The Wake Show,” his daily David Letterman-esque talk show. Princess Live! Also is the site for game shows, Q&A sessions with ship’s officers and staff, cooking demos, art house films, enrichment programs and murder mystery and trivia games. Acoustic and smaller-scale performances by the ship’s musicians and comedians also take place there. The great thing about this space is you can come and go as you please and watch or participate at your leisure (if the shows allow participation).

Daily Things to Do on Royal Princess

The atrium in the 

Piazza

 is another primary entertainment venue and hosts everything from Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics to art auctions to daily trivia. You'll also find scavenger hunts, game shows, crafting sessions, trivia, bingo and more scattered throughout the ship's lounges.

Royal Princess has an array of enrichment activities, which might include wine tasting and food demos (in Princess Live!), ceramics classes and onboard lectures. During Alaska sailings, look for special North to Alaska presentations from speakers and naturalists. There are also a variety of wine tasting events, such as the super Tuscan-themed event in Sabatini's.

The Lido Deck is a source of activities during good weather, with concerts and movies shown throughout the day. On sea days, there is often live music on the stage between the two pools.

OceanMedallion, the line’s branded multiuse technology, has a games feature that allows you to play casino and trivia games on your smartphone. It also allows you to create an onboard avatar, called a “tagalong” (a turtle, fish or starfish). Once you build your tagalong, you will see it appear on electronic boards when you walk by. And at least once per cruise, you can play Games Under the Stars on the top deck big screen, using your tagalong to race others.

Nightlife on Royal Princess

The Piazza has nightly dancing, often with a theme such as music from the 50s, 60s, 70s or country. Even if you aren't dancing, grab a spot at a bar or lean over the railing to watch the fun. On the last formal night, a large balloon drop is a very celebratory occasion. This is the place to be if you want to take part in the best Royal Princess parties. It is also a great spot for people watching.

“The Voice of the Ocean” karaoke competition, modeled after the TV show "The Voice," takes place over an entire voyage, with a night of auditions as well as semifinals. The actual finals are on the afternoon of the last sea day and draw a crowd.

The Princess Casino has a selection of slots and table games, including blackjack, Texas Hold'em and roulette. Its main feature is a stunning spiral staircase, which leads up to Deck 7 and the onboard boutiques; an adjacent bar allows gamblers to grab drinks between games.

Royal Princess features the largest version of Princess' signature 

Movies Under the Stars

 poolside theater. The big screen shows a variety of movies and concerts, day and night. Filmgoers will be able to grab fleece blankets, free freshly popped popcorn, and cookies and milk. Smoking is allowed only at some slot machines. Other Royal Princess smoking areas include Churchill’s Cigar Lounge on Deck 6 and some outside areas on Deck 17.

Those looking to dance the night away can head to Club 6, located near the atrium on Deck 6. With a resident DJ, a dance floor, and an intimate atmosphere, this nightclub keeps the party going until the wee hours.

At night, the pool area on Deck 16 midship transforms for the Water & Light Show, and the island area becomes a stage with an interactive sound and light show featuring dancing fountains. With a sophisticated lighting and sound system, and a computerized fountain featuring 85 water jets, streams of water shoot 33 feet into the air.

Royal Princess Bars and Lounges

There's a wide variety of bars around Royal Princess, but most of the main action happens in the ones around the Piazza. It's rarely quiet here; as soon as one activity or band dies down, another starts up in another venue.

Good Spirits (Deck 5): This craft cocktail bar, located off the Piazza, is a must-visit if you love interesting drinks. There's a little show with featured bartenders, brought on as entertainers, in the evenings. The cocktails were developed by mixologist Rob Floyd and are truly delicious.

**Vines (Deck 5): **Also located off the Piazza, the ship's wine bar has some interesting, although not as varied as you might expect, offerings by the glass.

Bellini's (Deck 6): Overlooking the Piazza, this small spot is a great place for people-watching -- and is therefore quite popular. During prime activity hours, it's hard to find a seat.

Churchill's Cigar Lounge (Deck 6): Churchill's cigar lounge is the only place onboard where stogie smokers can go; unfortunately, cigarette smokers are also allowed here (even though they have another place to go on deck). Perhaps to make up for it, bartenders do come in and take drink orders as there's no bar inside.

Crooners (Deck 7): Crooners does double duty as the ship's martini bar and also its piano bar. On our sailing, the piano was manned by a crotchety singer who told inappropriate jokes and sang every song in the style of Frank Sinatra, whether it fit that way or not, so the atmosphere can really depend on who the ship brings in as an entertainer.

Wheelhouse Pub (Deck 7): This British-style pub adjacent to the Crown Grill has a clubby atmosphere and live music before and after dinner.

Princess Live (Deck 7): The small bar adjacent to the Princess Live TV studio serves up drinks, as well as specialty coffees in the morning.

SeaView Bar (Deck 16): Located near the SeaWalk, Royal Princess's glass walkway that juts out over the side of the ship, the SeaView Bar is a small space that sees action primarily on sunny sea days and before Movies Under the Stars.

Mermaid's Tail (Deck 16): The main bar for the Lido pool area has the typical cocktails and drinks that you'd want for a relaxing day in the sun.

Outrigger Bar (Deck 16): Located at the back of the ship near the buffet, this bar specializes in Bloody Marys, with a whole menu of options, during the daytime and margaritas at night.

Retreat Pool Bar (Deck 16): The main bar for the adults-only pool area.

Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess presents a wide variety of dining options, most of which are generally tasty. It's a ship that offers something for everyone, from grill bites and two pizza joints to specialty seafood, steaks and Italian. Look for "one time only" eating options such as the Crab Shack and Pub Lunch; both are worth advance reservations once you're onboard. Most dietary preferences and allergies are accommodated, although these aren't necessarily marked everywhere.

For Royal Princess' Alaska sailings, the line has intoduced its Wild for Alaska Seafood menu, making it possible for guests to order Alaska seafood dishes every night in the main dining room. Wild For Alaska also encompasses regional drinks. Think spiked coffee and hot-chocolate offerings; Alaska beer tastings; cocktail flights made from Alaska-distilled spirits.

Princess has worked on improving its wine list, teaming up with wine expert Doug Frost, one of four people in the world to have both a Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certification. The redesigned wine list encompasses 142 choices from around the world, many at prices under $50. Royal Princess offers drink menus in all of its restaurants, but the vast majority of drinks are extra unless you’ve purchased a drink package – and, even then, some may still not be included.

Royal Princess Free Dining

Allegro, Symphony and Concerto (Decks 5 and 6)
Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

Royal Princess offers three main dining rooms – Symphony on Deck 5, and Allegro and Concerto on Deck 6 – and "anytime" and "traditional" modes of evening dining. Allegro offers only set-seating/set-tablemates options (typically at 5 and 7:15 p.m.), while Symphony has open seating. Concerto offers a mix, with an early seating followed by anytime dining, and Club Class dining available for a few hours in the evening. All offer the same menu, with the most special menu items occurring on formal nights.

Allegro is the only one of the three to be open for breakfast daily and lunch on sea days. Allegro is also the site of the ship's free afternoon tea, served daily.

All three MDR's offer vegetarian, heart-healthy and Lotus Spa (lower in sodium, fat and cholesterol) menu items for those with dietary restrictions.

The restaurants have a nice range of table sizes, including plenty of two- and four-tops for more intimate dining, and also larger tables for groups of eight or more. One note, though: Those who opt for the open-seating venues at busy times may be encouraged to dine at large tables with other passengers, even if a smaller table is requested, to avoid a longer wait time.

Horizon Court/Bistro (Deck 16)
Meals: B, L, D

The Horizon Court buffet has a station layout with food "venues" that include a taqueria, rotisserie, sandwich shop and Japanese hibachi grill. It never feels too crowded, even at peak times. At night, the Horizon Court becomes the Horizon Bistro, offering an interactive experience with themed events and specialty serve-yourself dinners. On certain nights, passengers may find a Brazilian churrascaria, Argentine gaucho theme, German beerfest, European bistro or British pub. There is no extra fee for themed events.

Within the Horizon Court is The Pastry Shop, a dedicated room for all types of free baked goods; classic and modern desserts at lunch and dinner; tea sandwiches, cookies, desserts and waffles at teatime; and special show pieces and flambes in the evening. There are also pastries available elsewhere in the Horizon Court.

Prego Pizzeria (Deck 16)
Meals: L, D

This pizza counter by the pool offers three types of grab-and-go slices (compared with the more varied menu that includes salads and thinner crust pizza at sit-down Alfredo's).

Trident Grill (Deck 16)
Meals: L, D

Another poolside venue; during the day you’ll find hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken sandwiches here. At night, the Trident Grill is transformed into a traditional “smokehouse-style” barbecue.

Swirls Ice Cream (Deck 16)
Meals: Snacks

Free soft serve ice cream, located by the pool.

Wheelhouse Pub (Deck 7)
Meals: L

Once per cruise, there's a British pub lunch in the Wheelhouse Pub and adjoining Crown Grill, serving up a simple menu. It does get popular, however, so best to arrive early.

Alfredo’s Pizzeria (Deck 6)
Meals: L, D

This Neapolitan-style pizzeria offers traditional, hand-stretched pizza, along with antipasti and desserts, in an enclave just off the Piazza. It's fun for people-watching, and the pizzas are generally good.

International Café (Deck 5)
Meals: B, L, D

The coffee drinks here cost money but the food is all free. Located in the Piazza and open 24 hours, this spot works well for a light bite anytime. You'll find a selection of delicious pastries, quiche, hot breakfast sandwiches, freshly baked cookies, panini sandwiches, salads and desserts.

Room Service

Room service is offered 24 hours a day, with salads, sandwiches, hot dogs and hamburgers available, as is a continental breakfast via a door-hung card.

Royal Princess Fee Dining

Sabatini's (Deck 5); prix fixe
Meals: D

Sabatini's

 focuses on Northern Italian food with dishes that include pasta, seafood and traditional entrees. It's an elegant spot, with a centerpiece featuring a wine display. The veal dishes are outstanding, as are the pastas. Vegetable antipasti also stand out.

Gelato (Deck 5); a la carte
Meals: L, D

This space on the Piazza feels more like an American ice cream parlor than a traditional Italian-style gelateria. It serves ice cream, sundaes, sweet crespelle (Italian crepes), fruit smoothies, shakes and homemade waffle ice cream cones.

Chef's Table Lumiere (Deck 5); prix fixe
Meals: D

Held once per cruise, this approach to a chef's table has an executive chef cooking dinner and explaining techniques to an exclusive group of passengers. Royal Princess' version adds a "curtain of light," which surrounds the diners and creates a private, softly lit space in the center of Allegro. It books up quickly so reserve in advance.

International Café (Deck 5); a la carte
Meals: Snacks

While the pastries are free in the International Cafe, you can also have an extra-fee upgraded version of tea (known as the Royal Tea, with proper tower of savories and sweets versus waiter-served one-offs at the free one) or with Champagne, every day. Specialty coffees are also available at all times for a fee.

Wine Maker’s Dinners (Deck 5 or 6); prix fixe
Meals: D

Surrounded by wine bottles, these circular and private spaces off the Symphony and Concerto dining rooms are inspired by wine cellars and seat up to 12 people. Diners can enjoy specialty menus developed with winemakers and paired with wines. Bookings can be made at the reception desk.

Crown Grill (Deck 7); prix fixe
Meals: D

With its signature theater-style open kitchen, the 

Crown Grill

 has a menu of chops, seafood and premium sterling silver steaks. This is lovely place for a date night.

Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar (Deck 7); a la carte
Meals: L, D

Princess' response to the increased demand for raw bars at sea serves sushi, sashimi, ceviche and caviar. You also get a complimentary dish, such as edamame or wakame, with each drink. It's in a great spot on Deck 7 overlooking the whole Piazza.

Vines Wine Bar (Deck 5); a la carte

Meals: Snacks

Located in the atrium, the ship's wine bar offers tapas-style snacks when you buy a glass of wine or Champagne. Food cannot be purchased separately from the wine, nor can you get food if you want something nonalcoholic.

Ultimate Balcony Dining; prix fixe

Meals: B

If you have a room with a balcony and you'd like to step up your room service, Princess' Ultimate Balcony Dining experience offers a deluxe breakfast that includes a half-bottle of chilled Champagne, a basket of pastries, a specially prepared quiche and smoked salmon on brioche.

Crab Shack (Deck 16); prix fixe
Meals: D

Once per cruise, Princess also offers the 

Crab Shack

, a fun spot cordoned off from the buffet that comes with mallets, bibs and buckets. Dishes include crawfish in a bayou-style "Mud Bug" boil, spiced peel-and-eat shrimp or a mixed steamer pot filled with snow crab legs, jumbo shrimp, clams and mussels. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended.