Wondering what food is included on your Sun Princess cruise without any extra cost? Whether you’re sailing on a budget or considering an upgrade, this guide breaks down all the dining options available with the basic fare, from where to eat, when meals are served and what’s on the menu.
You’ll also find details on pay-as-you-go options if you want to try a specialty restaurant, what extra perks you get as a Captain’s Circle Platinum or Elite member and what’s included in the Princess Plus and Princess Premium packages.
The good news? Even without an upgraded package you won’t go hungry! But if you’re curious about whether the add ons are worth it, we’ll walk you through what they include so you can decide if they fit your cruising style.
💡 Important Note: We sailed with the basic fare, meaning everything we ate was included at no additional cost and whenever we wanted a soda we paid as we went.
What’s Included with Basic Fare?
If you book a basic fare (no Princess Plus or Premium upgrade), you will be served breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and desserts and for drinks you’ll have tap water, regular coffee, teas and lemonade. You’ll have access to all the main complimentary dining venues, including:
🌊 Horizons Dining Room MDR
The Horizons Dining Room is the complimentary Main Dining Room (MDR) on the Sun Princess, offering a refined sit down dining experience with a daily changing menu. It spans over three decks (deck 6, 7 and 8) and here you’ll enjoy a three-course meal featuring appetizers, soups, salads, main courses (like steak, seafood, and pasta), desserts, and drinks such as water and lemonade all included in your cruise fare.
You’ll be served by a waiter just like in a fancy restaurant but the best part? No bill at the end! Unless you order something with an extra charge like a filet mignon, lobster tail, sodas or other drinks (if you don’t have a drink package).
How the Main Dining Room Works
Dining in the MDR feels like eating at an upscale restaurant but the process varies depending on the cruise line. Some cruise lines assign you a set dining time, such as 6:00 PM or 8:30 PM while others offer a more flexible “dine anytime” approach where you just show up and request a table. On Princess we scheduled our dinner times ahead of time using the Princess app for convenience.
What to Expect When You Arrive
- Check-in: When you arrive at the restaurant simply provide your name and stateroom number at the entrance. A host will escort you to your table and shortly after a waiter will take your drink order.
- Drink Options: Water, lemonade and coffee are included. If You Have a Plus or Premium Package: You can order sodas and other beverages at no additional cost. If You Don’t Have a Drink Package: You can purchase sodas individually for about $3–$3.50 per can (check with the waiter, prices varies).
- Bread Service: A basket of assorted breads and butter will be brought to your table while you browse the menu.
- Ordering Your Meal: You can choose one appetizer (or sometimes two or three, depending on availability) and select one main course (though occasionally, they allow two entrées per person). The menu usually offers dishes that cost extra and they’ll have the price available for you. Anything that doesn’t have a price in front of it is included.
- Desserts & Coffee: After your meal, your waiter will bring out a dessert menu. Pick your favorite sweet treat and if you’d like enjoy it with a cup of coffee.
Dining at Horizons is a great way to experience elevated cuisine without the extra cost of specialty restaurants. Whether you’re craving a hearty steak, fresh seafood or a delicious dessert, the MDR is an experience you won’t want to miss!
🥗 The Eatery (Buffet)
The Eatery is the complimentary buffet on the Sun Princess located on deck 9. It offers a huge variety of dishes to satisfy everyone in your family. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner making it an easy and convenient option whenever you’re hungry. The variety is great but the food is the same everyday, which is repetitive, but you can try different things each time.
Breakfast at The Eatery: In the morning, you’ll find something for everyone. Whether you prefer a light start or a hearty meal. Options include a variety of freshly baked breads and pastries, fresh fruits and parfaits, classic American favorites like bacon, waffles, and hash browns, eggs any way you like, plus a made-to-order omelet station, coffee and juices readily available with waiters walking around to bring drinks right to your table and even Asian breakfast is also available.
For lunch and dinner The Eatery continues to impress with a wide selection of dishes. Some highlights include Mexican and Asian cuisine, a made-to-order pasta station (our personal favorite), plenty of options for every craving, from comfort food to lighter bites, and even a carving station. They also offer gluten free options and kids favorites.
Desserts & Snacks: Need a sweet treat? You can stop by almost anytime to grab desserts and small bites throughout the day.
Whether you’re in the mood for a full meal or just want a quick snack, The Eatery is always a great option. Plus, with so many choices, everyone in your family will find something they love!
🌮 Lido Poolside Venues
The Lido venues are the perfect quick service spots for a casual meal by the pool. Located near the Lido Pool, you’ll find four food options: Lido Slices, Lido Tacos, Lido Grill, and Lido Greens.
Whether you’re craving classic American favorites like made to order burgers, hot dogs and fries, or something a little different like tacos, burritos, shawarma, or a fresh salad (signature or build your own), there’s something for everyone. And you can’t go wrong with a slice of pizza! Condiments like mayo, ketchup and mustard are available to customize your meal just how you like it.
Lido Greens
Grab your food and find a seat by the pool and enjoy the day. Occasionally waiters come around to take drink orders making it even more convenient. We loved the Lido venues because the flavors were more in line with American tastes so if you’re looking for something familiar and satisfying these are the spots!
🍕 Promenade Dining
The Promenade venues, located on Deck 9 by The Eatery are perfect for snacks and quick meals throughout the day. The pizza was fresh and thick plus you can enjoy unlimited soft serve ice cream anytime! Choose between chocolate or vanilla and even add toppings or a cone.
🍪 International Café
The International Café located in the Piazza on deck 9 is a great spot for a quick sweet treat. It’s open 24/7 and it offers a nice selection of complimentary pastries, cookies, and light snacks throughout the day.
While the food is free the specialty coffees and drinks are available for an extra charge. It’s a great place to grab a bite while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Piazza or if you want a quick grab and go breakfast before heading to port.
🍿Other complimentary foods and drinks
Other complimentary treats included in your cruise fare that are thoughtful perks and make the experience even sweeter: When returning to the ship after a day in port you’ll be welcomed with refreshing flavored water.
In the evenings, you can enjoy free popcorn while watching Movies Under the Stars creating the perfect outdoor movie night experience. Plus Princess is known for its classic chocolate chip cookies and milk, often served as a special treat to guests.
🍱 Captain Circle Exclusive Platinum & Elite Lounge
The Captain’s Circle Platinum & Elite Lounge is an exclusive perk for Platinum and Elite members of Princess Cruises’ loyalty program. Held daily at the Dome around 4pm, this lounge offers a relaxing space to unwind with complimentary small bites and a selection of drinks available for purchase at the bar. It’s a very nice treat and our favorite time of the day on sea days!
🍨 What’s Included with Princess Plus?
If you upgrade to Princess Plus ($60 per person, per day), you get everything from the Basic Fare plus:
✔️ Two casual dining experiences per sailing
✔️ Two premium desserts per day
✔️ Drinks package (Bottled Water, Specialty Coffee, soft drinks and Juice Bar)
✔️ Plus WiFi for one device, Gratuities included, OceanNow® (delivery) fee waived, unlimited room service, 2 fitness classes per sailing.
Casual Dining Venues Included with Princess Plus:
- 🍕 Alfredo’s Pizzeria ($14.99) – Made to order gourmet pizzas with an Italian bistro atmosphere. The cover charge includes a pizza or calzone plus an appetizer and a dessert.
- 🍻 O’Malley’s ($14.99) – An Irish pub serving comfort food, sandwiches, and pub style dishes. Cover change includes one starter, one main and one after. They also have a la carte prices.
- Gelato/Gelateria – Premium Desserts
- Coffee & Cones – Premium Milkshakes and Specialty Coffees
These casual dining venues are not included in the Basic Fare, so if you love Alfredo’s pizzaria or O’Malley’s pub food, you can pay as you go or the Princess Plus might be worth considering.
🦞 What’s Included with Princess Premier?
If you upgrade to Princess Premier ($90/day per person) you get everything in Princess Plus plus:
✔️ Unlimited casual dining (Alfredo’s and O’Malley’s)
✔️ Unlimited specialty dining
✔️ Premium desserts (milkshakes, gelato, etc.)
✔️ Premium drinks, bottled water, specialty coffee, and juice bar, WiFi for up to 4 devices, gratuities included, OceanNow® (delivery) fee waived, unlimited room service, unlimited fitness classes, unlimited professional photos, reserved seating and prizes.
Specialty Dining Venues Included with Princess Premium:
- 🥩 Crown Grill ($39*) – High end steakhouse featuring premium cuts of beef and seafood.
- 🍝 Sabatini’s ($35*) – Italian fine dining with handmade pasta and classic Italian dishes.
- 🦀 Catch by Rudi ($39*) – Upscale seafood restaurant by Chef Rudi Sodamin.
- 🔥 Umai Teppanyaki & Hotpot ($45*) – Interactive teppanyaki and hotpot dining experience.
- 🥩 The Butcher’s Block by Dario ($49*) – Steakhouse inspired by butcher Dario Cecchini.
- 🍣 Kai Sushi – Sushi bar offering fresh sashimi, nigiri, and creative rolls.
If you love steak, seafood, or upscale Italian food, this upgrade might be worth it! * Prices Varies, check with the cruise line or the restaurant.
🚢 Was the Basic Fare Enough? Or Should You Upgrade?
Since we cruised with the Basic Fare, we were able to eat at all the main dining venues without extra charge and still had plenty of variety. We spent less than $50 total over 10 days on sodas and specialty coffee, so for us, an upgrade wasn’t necessary.
However, if you drink a lot of sodas or specialty coffee and love casual venues like Alfredo’s, or plan to dine at specialty restaurants, Princess Plus or Premium might be worth it.
Best Choice for You:
✔️ Basic Fare – If you’re happy with the MDR, buffet and quick service venues
✔️ Princess Plus – If you want some casual dining, premium desserts, and drinks
✔️ Princess Premium – If you want all specialty dining included + unlimited casual dining + unlimited drinks + other perks
🎉 Final Thoughts: Dining on Sun Princess Was a Great Value!
Overall, we were impressed with the included dining on Sun Princess. The food quality was good, there was a great variety of options, and even with the Basic Fare, we never felt hungry. While some dishes could have used a little more seasoning, the MDR, buffet, and poolside venues kept us well fed.
Would we cruise Sun Princess again? Absolutely! 🚢✨
📌 Save this post for your next Sun Princess cruise! Let me know in the comments which venue you’d be most excited to try. Do you prefer the Basic Fare or would you upgrade? 😊
