Your Ultimate Dining Guide for the Majestic Princess

Welcome aboard the Majestic Princess, a jewel in the Princess Cruises fleet renowned not just for its stunning itineraries but especially for its exceptional culinary offerings. For food enthusiasts, a cruise on the Majestic Princess is more than just a vacation; it’s a gastronomic adventure at sea. Princess Cruises has long been celebrated for its commitment to providing an unparalleled dining experience, and the Majestic Princess elevates this reputation with a diverse array of restaurants that cater to every palate, from casual bites to five-star gourmet meals. If you’re wondering what to eat on the Majestic Princess, prepare to embark on a journey through some of the finest flavors available on the high seas.

Princess Cruises consistently ranks as our top choice for a truly rejuvenating vacation – a journey where relaxation, adventure, peace, and quality time with loved ones (or blissful solitude) seamlessly blend. Beyond the breathtaking destinations and impeccable service, it’s the culinary program that truly sets Princess apart, offering some of the best food you’ll find on any trip, near or far. The Majestic Princess, in particular, showcases the brand’s dedication to gastronomic excellence with a lineup that includes unique venues designed to delight even the most discerning diners.

From convenient grab-and-go grills offering quick, delicious bites to sophisticated five-star steakhouses and romantic French bistros, the options are plentiful. A standout feature on the Majestic Princess, reflecting its original design for the Asian market, is Harmony, an exquisite five-star Chinese restaurant – a truly unique offering in the Princess fleet. There is genuinely something for everyone, ensuring every meal is a memorable part of your Majestic Princess experience.

For insights into how Princess Cruises prioritized passenger well-being, explore our detailed post about What It’s Really Like To Cruise After The Pandemic. And to discover more about the captivating destinations we visited, please refer to our comprehensive port guides:

• Juneau, Alaska Port Guide
• Skagway, Alaska Cruise Port Guide
• Ketchikan, Alaska Cruise Port Guide

During our voyage, a common question was about safety, especially in a post-pandemic world. We can confidently say we felt incredibly safe throughout our entire cruise on the Majestic Princess. Princess Cruises rigorously implemented CDC protocols alongside an unwavering commitment to cleanliness. The ship was impeccably maintained, with crew members continuously sanitizing all public areas, from dining tables to chairs. This dedication ensures that guests can fully immerse themselves in the vacation experience, savoring every meal without a worry.

Cruising remains a wonderfully safe, clean, and adventurous way to relax with friends and family, explore stunning locations, and, crucially, enjoy spectacular food without the usual hassles of travel. With upgraded HEPA filters, advanced HVAC systems, enhanced cleaning protocols, and widespread hand washing and sanitation stations, coupled with vaccination and testing requirements, Princess Cruises demonstrated a profound commitment to guest safety. In fact, we felt safer on board than in many hotels, restaurants, or airports we’ve encountered post-pandemic. Having cruised with Princess nine times, the cleanliness has always been exemplary, but the Majestic Princess felt truly pristine, setting a new benchmark for on-board hygiene, allowing us to focus entirely on the delightful dining experiences.

Disclaimer: In accordance with CDC guidelines, my husband and I were fully vaccinated more than 14 days prior to embarkation and tested negative for coronavirus before boarding. For this review, we also conducted lateral flow and PCR tests 14 days after sailing, confirming we remained COVID-free.

We were honored to sail with Princess Cruises for their highly anticipated return to Alaska in 2021, following over 500 days without sailing. This particular journey marked my ninth Princess cruise and my inaugural experience on the Majestic Princess. This magnificent vessel, originally designed for the Asian market, now sails captivating routes in the Western US (including the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles and Alaskan itineraries) and Australia, bringing its unique charm and diverse dining to new audiences.

Bistro Sur La Mer stands as one of Princess’ more recent and beloved additions, presenting fresh, innovative takes on classic French bistro fare, all infused with an undeniable sense of romance. This specialty restaurant quickly became our top choice for a date night on the cruise. Its prime location overlooking the bustling piazza offers the perfect blend of people-watching opportunities and intimate coziness. The dim, mood-setting lighting and the rich, comforting aromas emanating from the kitchen create an inviting atmosphere that is simply enchanting.

Known for its impeccable service, Bistro Sur La Mer prides itself on imaginative twists on traditional French dishes, all presented with a playful elegance. Every dish is a work of art, designed to captivate both the eye and the palate.

My personal highlight, a dish I find myself ordering without fail every time I dine at Bistro Sur La Mer, is the seabass. While the entire menu is undeniably appealing, I simply cannot bring myself to stray from its buttery perfection. It’s a culinary masterpiece that I highly recommend.

Our top recommendations from the exquisite menu at Bistro Sur La Mer include:

• Comme des Olives Vertes et Noires Chevre: These delightful goat cheese-stuffed olives are served as an amuse-bouche, offering a heavenly combination of salty, briny, creamy, and soft textures.
• Lobster Bisque en Croute: A rich, velvety lobster bisque presented in a grand bowl, baked en croute. The puff pastry top is perfect for breaking and dunking directly into the luscious bisque, adding a wonderful textural contrast.
• Escargot: Princess chefs prepare escargot to perfection, and Bistro Sur La Mer is no exception. These tender, buttery, and garlic-infused morsels are utterly delicious.
• Ahi Tuna Tartare: Light yet rich, this dish simply melts on your tongue. Its delicate flavors and gorgeous presentation make it a delightful appetizer.
• Sea Bass Filet with Crispy Bread and Vegetables: This is, without exaggeration, one of my absolute favorite dishes across all Princess ships. Its buttery, flaky texture, combined with a perfectly crisp top and a bright olive and tomato sauce, is simply divine. I often dream about this sea bass. I’ve never ordered another main course here, usually encouraging my dining companions to try other options so I can at least sample them, but I cannot risk missing out on this incredible sea bass. It’s truly that good.
• Creme Anglaise Meringue Dessert: This light, fluffy, and airy dessert offers a subtle sweetness, providing the perfect elegant conclusion to a meal without feeling overly heavy. It’s my go-to for that ideal, not-too-sweet ending to an evening.

Typically, Princess ships feature a classic burger bar on their pool decks, with some, like the Sky Princess, even boasting a “Salty Dog Gastropub” style burger combination alongside “Slices” pizza. However, the Majestic Princess, a ship originally designed with the Asian market in mind, offers a distinctive and highly acclaimed Lobster and Burger Bar. This unique venue serves up what is, without a doubt, my favorite item to order at sea, elevating the casual poolside dining experience to a whole new level.

While the burger bar’s complimentary chili dogs, classic hamburgers, and crispy fries were undeniably delicious and satisfying for a quick meal, the standout offering, well worth the modest up-charge (approximately $12), was the lobster roll. This culinary masterpiece was nothing short of phenomenal. It featured a perfectly toasted, light, and fluffy roll, generously filled with sweet, flavorful lobster meat mixed with just the right amount of light, refreshing slaw. Each bite was a harmonious blend of rich, buttery indulgence and fresh, zesty notes – a truly delightful treat that is an absolute must-try. Even if you sample the other tasty items like hamburgers, hot dogs, and chili dogs, make sure to splurge on the lobster roll; it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Harmony is a truly exceptional restaurant, exclusively available on the Majestic Princess – a fact that is indeed a shame, as it stands as one of my all-time favorite dining experiences at sea! This specialty venue beautifully pays homage to the Majestic Princess’ distinct Asian-inspired touches, serving up fresh, from-scratch Chinese cuisine that is both authentic and bursting with vibrant flavors. The chefs at Harmony honor traditional Chinese cooking techniques, creating dishes that are genuinely exquisite and far from overly Americanized. It’s a delightful immersion into true Asian gastronomy.

Choosing favorites from Harmony’s menu proved incredibly difficult because, in truth, we absolutely adored every single dish we tried. After Bistro Sur La Mer, Harmony might just be my next favorite specialty restaurant on Princess Cruises, precisely because of its fresh, authentic, and never-overly-greasy (or too Americanized) take on Chinese cuisine. It’s a culinary experience that truly celebrates the intricate flavors and techniques of Chinese cooking.

Some of our absolute standouts from Harmony’s exquisite menu include:

• Egg White Fried Rice: This dish is remarkably light and fluffy, offering a delicate texture that sets it apart from typical fried rice. It’s not greasy at all, yet incredibly rich with subtle vegetable flavors. I could easily make an entire meal out of this perfectly balanced, rich, and subtle fried rice.
• Salt & Pepper Chicken: This semi-spicy chicken appetizer is lightly breaded and fried to crispy perfection. Its ideal texture, paired with a hint of heat from black pepper rather than a heavy sauce, ensures it’s not overpowering but perfectly primes the palate for spicier dishes to follow.
• Shrimp Spring Roll: Harmony’s spring rolls are exceptionally crispy, encasing perfectly cooked shrimp. They boast a light finish and are accompanied by a beautifully balanced sweet and salty dipping sauce.
• Lobster: The lobster here is simply divine, served in a delicate, flavorful broth with tender bok choy and fresh scallions, highlighting the lobster’s natural sweetness.
• Kung Pao Chicken: A classic brought to life with vibrant flavors and a perfect kick.
• Braised Belly Ribs: While ribs can often be overly rich, Harmony’s preparation with star anise and rock sugar expertly cuts through the fattiness, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is decadent yet not heavy.
• Mongolian Beef: Perfectly seasoned with vibrant bell peppers, sweet onions, and aromatic garlic, this dish offers a delightful blend of savory flavors.
• General Tso’s Chicken: A classic with a light spicy kick, balanced perfectly without any greasy aftertaste, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful experience.
• Wok Fried Prime Beef Cubes: Rich, decadent, and utterly sumptuous, these beef cubes are generously infused with garlic and black pepper, creating a deeply flavorful dish.

We were particularly impressed by the Yao family wines that our servers expertly paired with our meals. The Majestic Princess proudly partners with Yao Ming’s renowned winery in Napa, showcasing a selection of Yao wines throughout the ship. At Harmony, these wines truly shine, complementing the intricate flavors of the Chinese dishes beautifully. Be sure to ask for pairing recommendations to enhance your dining experience.

The Crown Grill is Princess Cruises’ signature steakhouse, an embodiment of old-school glamour and culinary excellence. This specialty restaurant consistently delivers perfectly cooked-to-order steaks, succulent seafood, and an array of other beloved steakhouse classics. The ambiance, with its sophisticated decor and intimate lighting, transports you to a bygone era of refined dining, making it a perfect spot for a luxurious evening.

Beyond the superb main courses, Crown Grill is also celebrated for its exceptional martinis, an extensive and impressive wine list, and out-of-this-world desserts that provide a memorable sweet finale. A particularly delightful gourmet touch is the presentation of a selection of sea salts with your steak, allowing you to choose from smoked, lava, pink, or truffle salt to perfectly complement and enhance the flavor of your premium cut.

When cruising through Alaska, keep an eye out for local favorites on the menu. My husband, for instance, was fortunate enough to enjoy some incredibly fresh oysters thanks to Princess’s local catch program, which brings local seafood from port directly onto the ship. For those with an adventurous palate, I highly recommend the blue cheese French onion soup, which offers a delightful and funkier kick compared to its traditional counterpart. And for a timeless classic that never disappoints, the surf and turf remains my all-time favorite.

Here are some of our standout recommendations from the Crown Grill menu:

• Black Tiger Prawn Appetizer: While I unfortunately cannot vouch for this dish myself due to a mustard seed allergy (it’s served with a mustard seed aioli), my husband raved about it, describing it as light, crisp, and a perfect start to the dinner.
• Beef Tartare: I have a deep love for tartare, and Princess always delivers an impeccable presentation of this melt-in-your-mouth dish, consistently hitting the mark on flavor and texture.
• Seared Scallops: Scallops are one of my favorite dishes, and the Crown Grill’s rendition is always light, perfectly seared to a golden crust, and utterly delicious.
• Black and Blue Onion Soup: This inventive twist on classic French onion soup features Jack Daniels, aromatic thyme, and robust Roquefort cheese. It offers a distinctly funkier flavor profile and a different texture thanks to the generous chunks of blue cheese. After trying it, you’ll wonder why all French onion soups don’t incorporate this fabulous touch.
• Surf and Turf: My all-time favorite – a flawless combination of tender steak and succulent lobster. No further explanation needed for this timeless indulgence!

Princess Cruises truly excels in their main dining rooms (MDRs). While I adore their specialty restaurants, it’s worth noting that you never actually need to visit one, as the main dining rooms consistently serve up amazing breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that rival many land-based establishments. The MDR offers an extensive array of options to satisfy any diner and accommodate various dietary needs. Whether I’ve been on a specific diet, avoiding carbs, indulging completely, traveling with gluten-free friends, or navigating my own unusual allergy to mustard seed (which seems to be strangely ubiquitous), Princess makes dining effortless and enjoyable.

Navigating dietary restrictions and allergies is made remarkably easy, especially within the Main Dining Rooms. If you’re curious about cruising with an allergy like gluten intolerance, I encourage you to read my comprehensive guide, Cruising With Celiac. This guide walks you through the process of menu navigation and how to coordinate with the head waiter before you even step into a restaurant, ensuring your meals are safe and enjoyable. This process has only improved with Princess Cruises’ implementation of MedallionClass technology, which allows passenger information, including allergies, to be seamlessly stored and accessed by the culinary team, ensuring personalized and safe dining experiences across the ship.

Always be sure to look out for “local catch” items on the menu. During our Alaska cruise, we savored fresh salmon, halibut, prawns, oysters, and other Alaskan-caught seafood whenever they appeared. This program brilliantly brings the essence of your shore excursions directly back to the ship, extending your adventure through culinary delights.

Some of my perennial favorites across all Princess cruises, consistently delivering comfort and flavor, include the indulgent Princess Fettuccine Alfredo, the rich and savory French onion soup, the perfectly caramelized Crème Brûlée, the garlicky escargot, and any salmon dish on offer. They are always prepared beautifully.

Hot Tip: When dining in the Main Dining Rooms, don’t hesitate to ask your waiters for their opinions on the dishes. They taste what they serve and will provide genuinely honest recommendations. Trust their guidance; they will never steer you wrong! And if you ever have the pleasure of being served by Filip from Hungary, absolutely let him prepare his amazing, off-menu chocolate soufflé, topped with chocolate ice cream and fresh berries. You’ll be thanking me for that recommendation long after your cruise ends!

Alfredo’s Pizzeria has earned its reputation as the best pizza at sea, a title proudly bestowed by USA Today, and for very good reason! This gem of a specialty restaurant, uniquely, comes without an additional price tag, making authentic Italian flavors accessible to everyone on board.

Alfredo’s delights with classic Italian wood-fire oven-baked pizzas, alongside a selection of antipasti classics, all located conveniently just off the main piazza. It’s the perfect spot to grab a quick, delicious lunch or a satisfying dinner without straying far from the ship’s vibrant heart. The pizzas boast a perfectly crisp, chewy crust, rich tomato sauce, and high-quality, fresh toppings, embodying the true essence of Neapolitan-style pizza.

Alfredo’s can fill up quickly, especially during peak meal times, so if you’re eager for a slice right when it opens, you’ll want to secure a spot in line a little early. However, the service is efficient, and the restaurant is open all day, so if it’s busy, a short wait or a return visit later will surely reward you with a fantastic meal.

I personally adore the fresh caprese salad and the classic Margherita pizza, while my husband often opts for the unique mussels pizza. However, to be honest, every item on the menu is a standout. Our usual order, which could practically encompass the entire restaurant, typically includes:

• Salami Antipasti: A delicious platter featuring cured salami, perfect for whetting the appetite.
• Vegetarian Antipasti: A fresh assortment of marinated vegetables and other plant-based delights.
• Pizza Capricciosa: A flavorful pizza topped with tender artichoke hearts, savory ham, black olives, and fresh basil.
• Pizza Romana: For the adventurous, this pizza features anchovies, briny capers, and black olives, finished with fresh basil.
• Pizza Tarantina: A seafood lover’s dream, adorned with succulent mussels, shrimp, basil, capers, and oregano.
• Pizza Regal Princess: My absolute favorite at Alfredo’s, featuring creamy buffalo mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, delicate Parma ham, and a generous shaving of Parmesan cheese. This pizza is pure perfection.

Buon appetito!

Among the distinctive dining experiences exclusive to the Majestic Princess is its delightful Noodles Ramen Bar, located on the pool deck. This unique establishment replaces the “Slices” pizza bar found on other Princess ships, showcasing the vessel’s tailored offerings for the Asian market. While sailing in Asia, this noodle bar also featured dim sum (which, I admit, I was a little sad not to see during our Alaska cruise, as I would have eagerly sampled plenty!), during our sailing, it focused on serving up customizable ramen bowls, allowing guests to choose from a variety of fillings and toppings to create their perfect meal.

We absolutely loved the convenience and warmth of being able to pop into the ramen bar for a quick, comforting bowl of soup or ramen, especially while cruising through the cooler Alaskan waters. It proved to be a fantastic addition to our cruise experience. The bar offered a wide array of fresh ingredients, including various meats, seafood, and vegetarian options, allowing guests to fully customize their noodles. The chefs expertly assembled each dish in a quick-serve, grab-and-go fashion, making it ideal for a satisfying meal on the pool deck, particularly on chilly Alaskan afternoons. I genuinely adored the noodle bar and would love to see similar offerings expanded on other cold-weather routes (though I do cherish “Slices” and missed its amazing pizza a bit, even with Alfredo’s available!).

One of the primary reasons I absolutely adore the OceanMedallion program is how incredibly easy it makes ordering room service – or any food, for that matter – anywhere on the ship! This innovative technology truly transforms the cruising experience, bringing unparalleled convenience right to your fingertips.

During our cruise, we took full advantage of this service, ordering delicious breakfast sandwiches and perfectly brewed americanos directly to our stateroom every morning. This allowed us the luxury of enjoying breakfast in bed, savoring our meals while gazing out at the magnificent ocean views. On one particular evening, when a case of the late-night munchies struck, we easily ordered hamburgers and crispy chips. We even found ourselves ordering a refreshing plate of chips and salsa while relaxing in a bar, simply craving a light snack.

The beauty of the OceanMedallion system is its seamless delivery. You simply place your order for whatever you’re craving, and your personal Medallion device automatically alerts the crew member to your precise location on the ship, ensuring your food is brought right to you, no matter where you are. It’s remarkably efficient and eliminates the need to carry cards or cash. Furthermore, you can track your order in real-time on your phone, receiving updates when it’s accepted, being prepared, and out for delivery, just like a land-based food delivery service. The convenience extends beyond food; you can even arrange for gifts, essential items like Advil or Dramamine, extra pillows, hangers, or even a jacket to be delivered directly to your location via the app.

For a truly romantic touch, especially during a scenic departure or a special evening, make sure to order chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne to enjoy on your private balcony. It’s an unforgettable way to celebrate and create lasting memories!

The International Cafe is a beloved staple on every Princess cruise, and it remains one of my absolute favorite spots on the Majestic Princess. This vibrant, 24-hour hub is strategically located in the main Piazza, serving as a constant source of deliciousness throughout your voyage. It offers an incredible array of freshly baked pastries, gourmet sandwiches, delightful baked goods, fresh salads, seasonal fruits, and savory snacks – truly something for every craving at any hour. In addition to its culinary delights, the International Cafe is also the go-to spot for expertly crafted gourmet coffee drinks, perfect for starting your day or for an afternoon pick-me-up.

We especially love the delicate pistachio and almond croissants, the savory ham and cheese croissants, the refreshing watermelon and feta salad, the hearty walnut bread, the decadent Nutella donuts, and the classic caprese sandwiches! The menus at the International Cafe often feature seasonal rotations, making it difficult to pinpoint consistent “favorite” dishes. However, you can always count on their sandwiches to be excellent, available heated or cold to your preference. The grab-and-go service is consistently efficient, making it the ideal choice when you need a quick, delicious bite without interruption.

For the unforgettable morning of cruising through Glacier Bay National Park, we opted for the luxurious Ultimate Balcony Breakfast, delivered directly to our stateroom. This exclusive experience allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the majestic beauty of Marjorie Glacier and the stunning Alaskan landscape, all while enjoying a gourmet breakfast in the comfort and privacy of our own balcony. It truly transformed a scenic viewing into a deeply personal and indulgent moment.

Our favorite items from the Ultimate Balcony Breakfast spread included the delicate lox, the refreshing fruit salad, the flaky pastries, the adorable mini quiches, and the flavorful cheesy tomatoes. I’ve enjoyed the Ultimate Balcony Breakfast with Princess on multiple occasions, and it consistently delivers a luxurious experience, featuring beautifully presented and impeccably plated dishes. The food is always excellent, but it’s the attentive service and the sheer pleasure of relaxing with a five-star brunch setup in your stateroom or balcony, all while breathing in the fresh ocean air, that truly makes it special. It’s a truly wonderful and romantic treat that I highly recommend for any special morning at sea.

If you’re seeking more ways to infuse romance into your cruise, be sure to check out my post, The Top 13 Ways To Make A Cruise Romantic – it’s full of fantastic tips!

Don’t let the term “buffet” deter you – Princess Cruises’ World Fresh Marketplace, the ship’s expansive buffet, offers an amazing selection of fresh, delicious foods prepared with care. Far from a typical buffet, it’s a dynamic culinary space where quality and variety are paramount. Guests can enjoy made-to-order breakfast items, perfectly grilled dishes at lunch (the grilled options are consistently delicious, light, and packed with flavor, often carb-conscious!), and exciting international theme nights that transport your taste buds around the globe.

The World Fresh Marketplace boasts an incredible array of choices: an abundance of fresh fruits, crisp salads, artisanal cheeses, classic antipasti, comforting pastas, delightful desserts, flavorful main dishes, and expertly carved meats at various stations. The options are truly endless, catering to every preference and dietary need. A program I particularly admire in the buffet is Princess’s unwavering commitment to local cuisine. For instance, during our Alaskan cruise, the buffet proudly featured halibut tacos as part of the fresh catch program. This initiative brilliantly spotlights fresh Alaskan seafood, bringing the authentic flavors and experiences of your shore excursions right back onto the ship, ensuring your culinary adventure continues long after you’ve stepped back aboard the Majestic Princess.

Princess Cruises truly delivers an exceptional culinary journey for every foodie. The Majestic Princess, with its diverse and high-quality dining options, solidifies Princess’s position as our top pick for a stress-free, relaxing vacation where you can indulge in just about anything and be supremely happy. From gourmet specialty restaurants to casual yet delicious grab-and-go options, and impressive main dining rooms, the food experience aboard the Majestic Princess is designed to be a highlight of your voyage.

If you’re now inspired to plan your own unforgettable cruise, be sure to explore some of the amazing deals Princess Cruises is currently offering:

Princess is back — on the California Coast! Guests and crew together again starting October 6 aboard Majestic Princess! We will operate these cruises consistent with CDC guidelines for a vaccinated cruise. Book now!

Check Out Princess Cruises – Alaska 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers (Northbound) – Interior from $899* per person. BOOK TODAY, TO SAIL LATER!

For more insights from Sweet C’s partnerships with Princess Cruises and a wealth of information to plan your perfect voyage, visit our comprehensive cruise index here, or explore some of our recent favorite posts below: