Royal Princess Named 2025 World's Best Culinary Cruise Ship

Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess has been named the 2025 “World’s Best Culinary Cruise Ship” by the World Culinary Awards, an honor the line said was determined by votes from the culinary community, industry professionals, and consumers worldwide.

What the World Culinary Awards recognition highlights

The World Culinary Awards recognize culinary excellence across global hospitality, and Princess framed the Royal Princess win as a reflection of its broader focus on dining programs and onboard menu development across the fleet.

Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage for Princess Cruises, credited the result to the people and partnerships behind the ship’s food-and-beverage operation. “Being honored as the world’s best culinary cruise ship is an incredible achievement and a true testament to the dedication and creativity of our entire food and beverage team,” Kohen said. “From our culinary and wine partnerships to our focus on fresh, locally inspired ingredients, we’re proud to deliver memorable dining moments that create exceptional sailing memories.”

Dining venues Princess spotlighted onboard Royal Princess

Princess pointed to a mix of specialty venues and hosted dining events as key elements of the Royal Princess culinary lineup, spanning steak and seafood, Italian dining, chef-led multi-course experiences, sushi and sashimi, and structured wine-pairing dinners.

• Crown Grill is the line’s signature steakhouse concept, centered on premium aged beef and seafood prepared to order in an open-kitchen setting.
• Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria features a refreshed menu inspired by the Frescobaldi family of Tuscan winemakers, with Tuscan recipes paired with a curated selection of Frescobaldi wines.
• Chef’s Table Lumiere is positioned as a special-occasion experience, combining Champagne and hors d’oeuvres with a multi-course dinner created and hosted by the ship’s executive chef at a table surrounded by a curtain of light.
• Alfredo’s Pizzeria serves individual, hand-crafted pizzas associated with Chef Tony Gemignani, a 13-time World Pizza Champion, in an open-kitchen format; Princess also said the venue has been voted “Best Pizza at Sea.”
• The Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar focuses on seafood selections served with ocean views, including items such as sashimi and sushi rolls.
• The Caymus Winemaker’s Dinner pairs chef-curated multi-course menus with wines from Caymus Vineyards in Napa Valley, Princess said.

Princess also highlighted a recurring onboard event tied to its Italian dining program: Sabatini’s hosts a “Grand Tuscan Dinner” once per cruise, offering a multi-course tasting format with wine pairings.

Where Royal Princess is sailing next

Princess said the Royal Princess is scheduled to sail roundtrip from Los Angeles this winter, with California Coast and Mexico itineraries. The ship is also set to operate Alaska voyages in summer 2026; Princess linked the seasonal deployment to destinations associated with regional flavors and local ingredients.

How Princess is positioning the culinary win in a competitive market

While the award is specific to the Royal Princess, Princess presented it as consistent with a wider emphasis on onboard food-and-beverage programming, including partnerships and menu concepts delivered through specialty venues and hosted dining events.

The company also placed the recognition in the context of a cruise market where lines increasingly differentiate ships through premium dining, chef-led programming, and beverage pairings designed as stand-alone experiences rather than simple meal service. Princess said the Royal Princess’ current and upcoming itineraries now travel with an additional talking point for travelers weighing both destinations and dining programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who voted for Royal Princess in the World Culinary Awards?

Princess said the World Culinary Awards results were based on votes from the culinary community, industry professionals, and consumers from around the world.

What is the “Grand Tuscan Dinner” on Royal Princess?

Princess said Sabatini’s hosts a “Grand Tuscan Dinner” once per cruise, offering a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings.

Where will Royal Princess sail in winter and summer 2026?

Princess said the ship will sail roundtrip from Los Angeles in winter on California Coast and Mexico itineraries, followed by Alaska voyages in summer 2026.

How can I book a cruise on Royal Princess?

Princess said guests can book through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting www.princess.com.