Does Princess Cruise Lines Serve Lobsters on Their Cruises

Yes, Princess Cruise Lines serves lobster on their cruises, offering this premium seafood in specialty dining venues like Crown Grill and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria. Guests can enjoy lobster as part of multi-course meals or seasonal menus, with options varying by ship, itinerary, and cruise duration—making it a sought-after treat for discerning diners.

Key Takeaways

• Lobster is served: Princess Cruises offers lobster on select dinner menus.
• Premium dining: Try Crown Grill for the best lobster experience onboard.
• Special occasions: Request lobster for celebrations via guest services.
• Seasonal availability: Menus vary; check your cruise’s dining schedule.
• Included or extra: Some venues charge a fee for lobster dishes.
• Alternatives available: Enjoy crab, shrimp, or other seafood if lobster isn’t listed.

Does Princess Cruise Lines Serve Lobsters on Their Cruises? Let’s Find Out!

Ah, the ocean breeze, the gentle sway of the ship, and… a steaming plate of buttery lobster? If you’re dreaming of indulging in fresh, succulent lobster during your Princess Cruise vacation, you’re not alone. Many cruisers—especially seafood lovers—wonder if this iconic crustacean makes it onto the menu. The short answer? Yes, Princess Cruise Lines does serve lobster, but it’s not always as simple as just ordering it at every meal. The details matter, and knowing when, where, and how to enjoy lobster on a Princess cruise can make all the difference in your culinary experience.

As someone who’s sailed on multiple Princess ships (including the Royal Princess, Emerald Princess, and Discovery Princess), I’ve learned that lobster isn’t just a dish—it’s a moment. Whether it’s a romantic dinner under the stars or a special celebration, the way Princess incorporates lobster into its dining program reflects their commitment to luxury, freshness, and guest satisfaction. But there are nuances: availability, preparation styles, and even cost can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, and dining venue. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the best times to order lobster to insider tips for maximizing your experience—so you can savor every bite without a single surprise.

When and Where You Can Enjoy Lobster on Princess Cruises

Lobster isn’t served at every meal or in every restaurant, but it does make regular appearances on Princess menus—especially during key dining moments. The availability depends on several factors, including the ship’s itinerary, the time of year, and the type of dining experience you choose. Let’s break it down.

Main Dining Rooms: The Classic Lobster Night

One of the most anticipated events on any Princess cruise is Lobster Night in the main dining room. Typically held once per cruise (often mid-week on a 7-day voyage), this is a formal or semi-formal evening where lobster is the star. You’ll usually see it listed as “Fresh Atlantic Lobster Tail” or “Butter-Poached Lobster Tail” on the menu, served with drawn butter, seasonal vegetables, and mashed potatoes.

During my Emerald Princess cruise to the Mexican Riviera, Lobster Night was on the third evening. The atmosphere was electric—white tablecloths, candles, and waiters in crisp uniforms. The lobster was perfectly cooked: tender, sweet, and not overcooked. A few tables even requested seconds, and the staff happily obliged. It’s worth noting that while this is a complimentary offering (included in your fare), it’s a set menu event, so substitutions are limited.

Specialty Dining: Gourmet Lobster Experiences

If you’re looking for a more elevated lobster experience, Princess’s specialty restaurants are where it’s at. These venues require reservations and an additional cover charge, but the quality and presentation are next-level.

• Chef’s Table Lumiere (available on most ships): This is the pinnacle of fine dining on a Princess cruise. During a recent Royal Princess sailing, my group enjoyed a multi-course tasting menu where lobster was the fourth course—a chilled lobster roulade with citrus gelée and microgreens. Absolutely stunning.
• Harmony (on select ships): A modern Asian fusion restaurant where lobster appears in dishes like “Lobster Tempura with Yuzu Aioli” or “Lobster and Shrimp Sushi Roll.”
• Ocean Terrace: A seafood-focused bar where you can order a “Lobster Roll” or “Lobster Tacos” à la carte. I tried the lobster roll on the Discovery Princess—it was generous, with chunks of lobster in a buttery brioche, served with house-made chips. Not cheap ($28), but worth it for a mid-afternoon treat.

Pro tip: Book specialty dining early. These spots fill up fast, especially on longer cruises.

Room Service and Casual Eateries: Limited but Possible

Don’t expect lobster on the standard room service menu or at casual spots like the International Café or Trident Grill. However, some ships offer a premium room service menu (usually available after 6 PM) that includes lobster bisque or even a lobster roll. On the Sky Princess, I once ordered the “Lobster Bisque with Truffle Oil” at 9 PM—it arrived hot, rich, and creamy, perfect for a cozy night in.

Casual eateries rarely serve whole lobster, but you might find lobster-inspired dishes. For example, the World Fresh Marketplace buffet sometimes features lobster mac and cheese or lobster-stuffed ravioli during themed nights (like “Seafood Extravaganza”).

How Princess Sources and Prepares Their Lobster

You might be wondering: “Is the lobster actually fresh?” After all, you’re on a ship in the middle of the ocean. The answer is a resounding yes—Princess takes seafood sourcing seriously.

Freshness and Sustainability

Princess Cruises partners with reputable seafood suppliers and follows strict guidelines for freshness and sustainability. According to their Ocean Medallion sustainability report, they source lobster from certified fisheries, primarily in the North Atlantic (Canada and Maine). The lobsters are typically flash-frozen at sea and stored in onboard freezers until use. This method preserves flavor and texture, and in my experience, the difference is barely noticeable compared to fresh-caught.

On a recent Alaska cruise, I spoke with a head chef who explained: “We get weekly shipments when in port. For lobster, we use frozen tails because they’re easier to store and maintain quality during long voyages. But we thaw them slowly and cook them to order—no pre-cooked lobster here.”

Preparation Styles: From Classic to Creative

Princess chefs don’t just boil lobster and call it a day. They use a variety of techniques to highlight its natural sweetness and texture:

• Butter-Poaching: A signature method where lobster is gently cooked in a butter, wine, and herb mixture. Results in ultra-tender meat. Common in main dining rooms.
• Grilling: Adds a smoky, charred flavor. Often used in specialty restaurants or outdoor grilling events.
• Chilling and Serving Cold: For dishes like lobster salad or roulades. The meat is poached, cooled, and dressed with citrus or mayonnaise.
• Fusion Preparations: Think lobster ramen, lobster dumplings, or lobster bao buns in Asian-inspired venues.

One of the most memorable lobster dishes I had was at Harmony on the Grand Princess: a “Lobster and Foie Gras Dumpling” in a truffle broth. It was rich, decadent, and unlike anything I’d ever tasted on land.

Cost and Value: Is Lobster Worth the Extra?

Here’s where things get tricky. While lobster is included in your fare on Lobster Night in the main dining room, it often comes with a price tag in other settings. Let’s talk money.

Complimentary vs. Paid Lobster

On most Princess cruises, you’ll get at least one free lobster meal (Lobster Night). Additional servings or specialty preparations cost extra. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Main Dining Room (Lobster Night): Free (included in cruise fare).
• Specialty Restaurants: $25–$45 per dish (e.g., lobster roulade at Chef’s Table, lobster tacos at Ocean Terrace).
• Room Service: $15–$30 for lobster bisque or lobster roll (premium menu).
• Buffet or Casual Eateries: Rarely available, but if so, $10–$20 per item.

Is it worth it? That depends. The free lobster is excellent quality, but the paid versions offer more variety, presentation, and portion size. If you’re a lobster lover, I’d recommend splurging on at least one specialty dish. The Chef’s Table experience, in particular, is unforgettable.

Deals and Discounts

Princess occasionally offers dining packages or promotions that can reduce the cost of specialty meals. For example:

• Chef’s Table Experience Package: Buy 2 nights, get 1 free (varies by ship and season).
• Early Booking Specials: Book specialty dining 60+ days in advance and save 20%.
• Onboard Credits: Use onboard credit (from promotions or travel agents) to cover specialty dining costs.

During my last cruise, I used $100 in onboard credit to cover two specialty meals, including a lobster-centric tasting menu at Chef’s Table. It felt like a luxury without the guilt.

Lobster on Different Ships and Itineraries

Not all Princess ships are created equal when it comes to lobster. The ship’s size, age, and itinerary can affect availability, variety, and even preparation styles.

Ship-Specific Differences

Newer ships (like the Discovery Princess and Encore Princess) tend to have more diverse lobster offerings, thanks to updated kitchens and specialty venues. For example:

• Discovery Princess: Features Ocean Terrace with daily lobster roll and taco options.
• Royal Princess: Offers a “Lobster & Champagne” pairing at Chef’s Table.
• Grand Princess: Known for creative fusion dishes (e.g., lobster dumplings).

Older ships may have more limited options. On the Pacific Princess (a smaller, more intimate vessel), I only saw lobster once—on Lobster Night in the main dining room. No specialty options.

Itinerary Matters

The destination plays a role, too. Cruises to regions with strong lobster fisheries (like New England, Canada, or Alaska) often feature more lobster dishes and fresher ingredients. On my Alaska cruise, I noticed:

• More frequent lobster specials in the buffet.
• Chefs using Alaskan king crab and Dungeness crab in lobster-inspired dishes.
• Port lectures about local seafood, including lobster fishing.

In contrast, Caribbean or Mediterranean cruises might focus more on local seafood (like snapper or octopus), with lobster appearing less often.

Tips for Maximizing Your Lobster Experience

Want to make the most of your lobster opportunities? Here are my top insider tips from years of cruising.

1. Plan Ahead and Reserve Early

Specialty dining slots fill up fast—especially for lobster-heavy menus. Book your Chef’s Table or Ocean Terrace reservation as soon as you board (or even before, if online booking is open). I once missed out on a Chef’s Table lobster tasting because I waited until Day 2. Lesson learned!

2. Ask About Daily Specials

Even if lobster isn’t on the regular menu, chefs might prepare it as a daily special. Don’t hesitate to ask your waiter: “Are there any lobster dishes today?” On one cruise, I scored a grilled lobster special at the Horizon Court buffet—just by asking.

3. Try It in Different Ways

Don’t limit yourself to whole tails. Sample lobster in soups, tacos, dumplings, or salads. The variety is part of the fun. My favorite? The lobster and shrimp sushi roll at Harmony—light, fresh, and perfect with a cold sake.

4. Pair It Right

Lobster loves white wine. A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements its sweetness. At Chef’s Table, the sommelier paired my lobster roulade with a buttery Sonoma Coast Chardonnay—absolute perfection.

5. Save Room for Seconds

On Lobster Night, don’t be shy. If you love it, ask for a second tail. Most ships will accommodate this (within reason). I’ve never been turned down.

Data Table: Lobster Availability Across Princess Ships and Venues

Ship Name	Main Dining Room (Lobster Night)	Specialty Restaurants	Casual Eateries	Room Service
Discovery Princess	Yes (Butter-Poached Tail)	Ocean Terrace (Lobster Roll, Tacos), Chef’s Table	Lobster Mac & Cheese (buffet)	Lobster Bisque (premium menu)
Royal Princess	Yes (Grilled Tail)	Chef’s Table (Lobster Roulade), Harmony (Lobster Sushi)	—	Lobster Roll (premium menu)
Grand Princess	Yes (Classic Tail)	Harmony (Lobster Dumplings), Sabatini’s (Lobster Pasta)	Lobster-Stuffed Ravioli (buffet)	—
Emerald Princess	Yes (Butter-Poached Tail)	Chef’s Table, Ocean Terrace	—	Lobster Bisque
Pacific Princess	Yes (Limited to Lobster Night)	None	—	—

Final Thoughts: Yes, But Make It Memorable

So, does Princess Cruise Lines serve lobster? Absolutely—and they do it well. Whether you’re enjoying a complimentary butter-poached tail on Lobster Night or splurging on a lobster roulade at Chef’s Table, the experience is designed to delight. The key is knowing when and where to find it, and being open to trying it in new ways.

From my personal experience, the lobster on Princess is not just about the food—it’s about the moment. It’s the clinking of glasses with your partner, the soft hum of the ocean outside, and the satisfaction of a perfectly cooked bite. Yes, there are costs to consider (especially in specialty venues), but with a little planning, you can enjoy lobster without breaking the bank.

My advice? Don’t just settle for the free lobster night. Take a chance on a specialty restaurant, ask for daily specials, and savor every variation. And if you’re sailing on a newer ship or to a lobster-rich destination, count your blessings—you’re in for a treat. After all, a cruise is about indulgence, and what’s more indulgent than a plate of fresh, buttery lobster under the stars?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Lines serve lobsters on their cruises?

Yes, Princess Cruise Lines offers lobster on select menus, especially in their specialty dining venues and during themed dinners. Availability may vary by sailing and location.

Where can I find lobster dishes on a Princess cruise?

Lobster is typically featured in the Steakhouse or Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, and occasionally in the main dining room during formal nights. Check your daily schedule or consult your dining team for specific offerings.

Is lobster included in the main dining room menu on Princess Cruise Lines?

Lobster may appear on the main dining room menu during formal or celebration nights, but it’s more consistently available in specialty restaurants. Princess Cruise Lines ensures premium seafood options for guests seeking a luxurious dining experience.

Are there lobster options for guests with dietary restrictions?

Princess Cruise Lines accommodates dietary needs, including offering modified lobster dishes (e.g., gluten-free, low-sodium). Notify the dining staff in advance, and they’ll prepare a suitable version for you.

Is there an extra charge for lobster on Princess cruises?

Lobster is complimentary in the main dining room if offered, but specialty restaurants like Steakhouse or Sabatini’s require an upcharge. The price varies by venue and cruise itinerary.

Can I request lobster on demand during my Princess cruise?

While lobster isn’t available à la carte at all times, you can request it through the dining team, especially if you’re celebrating. Princess Cruise Lines strives to fulfill guest preferences when possible.