Crown Grill is Princess Cruises' signature steakhouse, serving premium aged beef, fresh seafood, and a four-course dinner for $55+ per adult fleet-wide.
A note on pricing and menu information: All Crown Grill pricing, menu items, and ship availability in this guide are sourced from Princess Cruises' official Crown Grill page and the May 2025 Crown Grill Sample Menu PDF. Prices, menu offerings, and ship availability are subject to change and may vary by ship. Always confirm current details through the Princess Cruises app or directly with Princess before your sailing.
At a Glance
Detail | Crown Grill |
|---|---|
Restaurant type | Specialty steakhouse |
Dietary options | Gluten-free, vegetarian, pescatarian |
Cover charge (most ships) | $55 per adult, $27.50 per child |
Cover charge (Sun Princess, Star Princess) | $60 per adult, $30 per child |
Service charge | 20% added to all purchases |
Beef partner | Goodstock by Nolan Ryan |
Dress code | Smart casual |
Hours | Dinner only, approximately 5:00–9:00 PM |
Included in Princess Premier | Yes, unlimited visits |
Key Takeaways
Crown Grill is not included in the base Princess Cruises fare. It carries a $55 per person cover charge on most ships, rising to $60 on Sun Princess and Star Princess.
The Goodstock by Nolan Ryan beef partnership brings USDA Black-Angus dry-aged and wet-aged cuts to Crown Grill, with signature Nolan Ryan steaks carrying a $20 per person surcharge above the cover charge.
Princess Premier package holders dine at Crown Grill with no extra cover charge and can return as many times as they like during the sailing.
Reservations fill quickly, especially on sea days. Book before your cruise through the Princess app to secure your preferred time.
Crown Grill is available fleet-wide across most Princess ships, including the newest Sun Princess and Star Princess.
Table of Contents
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for first-time Princess cruisers who want to know what Crown Grill is, what it costs, what's on the menu, and whether it's worth the extra charge. It also covers the dress code, how to make a reservation, and which ships have Crown Grill on board. If you're deciding whether to book specialty dining before your sail date, everything you need is here.
Why This Guide Exists
Most first-time Princess cruisers hear "specialty restaurant" and assume it means an expensive add-on they can skip. Crown Grill is consistently rated the highest-value specialty dining experience on Princess ships, and the menu, the pricing, and the Premier package math are all more approachable than they first appear.
What Is Specialty Dining on Princess Cruises?
Every Princess Cruises ship includes complimentary dining in the main dining rooms and the World Fresh Marketplace buffet. Specialty restaurants operate separately with an extra cover charge. Princess describes specialty dining as a level above the main dining rooms: smaller venues, more focused menus, and a more elevated atmosphere.
The key financial distinction:
Princess Plus — does not include specialty dining cover charges
Princess Premier — includes unlimited specialty dining at Crown Grill and other venues
No package — pay the per-person cover charge at the door
Crown Grill is Princess's signature specialty restaurant. It appears on more ships with more consistency than any other specialty venue in the fleet.
Crown Grill serves a set four-course dinner: one appetizer, one soup or salad, one main course, and one dessert. Sides arrive family-style at the table. Additional main courses are available for a $20 surcharge per item.
Appetizers
Choose one from:
Chilled Jumbo Shrimp (gf) — XO brandy, fresh horseradish cocktail sauce
Hand-Cut Beef Tartare — prime tenderloin, French mustard, egg yolk, caviar, cornichons, toasted sourdough crisp
Colossal Lump Crab Cake — cognac mustard cream sauce, shaved asparagus fennel salad
Soups and Salads
Choose one from:
Black and Blue Onion Soup — roquefort crust, fresh thyme, Jack Daniel's
Shellfish Bisque — lobster chunks and shrimp, aged cognac, whipped cream
Caesar Salad — romaine, parmesan crisps, freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, white anchovies (add grilled king prawns for $20 surcharge)
Blue Iceberg (gf) — applewood smoked bacon, heirloom cherry tomatoes, blue cheese dressing
Steaks (Included in Cover Charge)
All cuts are grilled to order:
New York Strip — 11 oz / 310 g, traditional thick cut sirloin
Kansas City Strip — 14 oz / 400 g, traditional bone-in sirloin
Rib-Eye — 14 oz / 400 g, rich with heavy marbling
Filet Mignon — 7 oz / 200 g, classic, tender and delicate
Goodstock by Nolan Ryan Steaks (+$20 surcharge per person)
These premium Texas Black-Angus cuts are hand-cut and sourced through the Goodstock by Nolan Ryan partnership:
Dry-Aged Striploin — 14 oz / 400 g
Dry-Aged Rib-Eye — 16 oz / 450 g
Wet-Aged Bone-In Rib-Eye — 36 oz / 1,020 g, designed to share between two guests
Chops
New Zealand Double Lamb Chops — 9 oz / 250 g, rosemary essence
Porterhouse — 20 oz / 560 g, the best of filet and sirloin, grilled on the bone
Seafood and Other Mains
Lobster Tail — 6–7 oz / 170–200 g, broiled with pepper butter or split and grilled with garlic
Chilean Sea Bass and Brioche-Breaded King Prawns — leek and mushroom ragout, champagne mousseline
Beefsteak Tomato and Vegetable Gratin — pesto, arugula, walnut, sherry foam (vegetarian option)
Surf & Turf (Surcharge Options)
Filet Mignon 7 oz + Lobster Tail 6–7 oz — $20 surcharge
Sides (Included, Served Family-Style)
Creamed spinach
Grilled asparagus
Sautéed mushrooms
Red skin mashed potatoes
Parmesan french fries
Loaded Idaho baked potato
Desserts
Pecan Pie — vanilla-bourbon sauce
Blueberry Cheesecake with a Twist — layered cheesecake, blueberry jelly, whipped cream, blueberry sauce, buttery crumbles
Triple Chocolate Treasure — dark chocolate mousse, orange crémeux, hazelnut filling, blonde brownie crust, golden chocolate macaroons
Key Lime Pie Bar (gf) — date-pecan crust, velvety custard made with genuine key limes, caramelized meringue, raspberry coulis
The Signature Salt Trio
One of Crown Grill's most talked-about tableside touches is a three-salt selection served alongside every steak:
Hawaiian Black Salt (Hiwa Kai) — solar-evaporated Pacific sea salt combined with activated charcoal; silky texture with a natural saline flavor
Smoked Applewood Salt (Yakima) — sweet applewood from the Yakima Valley with a subtle fruit-wood taste
Himalayan Mountain Pink Salt — robust salt and mineral flavor
Reviewers across multiple ships consistently mention the salt trio as a standout detail that elevates the steak experience.
Crown Grill Pricing: What It Actually Costs
Per Princess Cruises' official specialty dining page. All prices are subject to change. Confirm before sailing.
Guest | Most Princess Ships | Sun Princess / Star Princess |
|---|---|---|
Adult (cover charge only) | $55 | $60 |
Adult (with 20% service charge) | $66.00 | $72.00 |
Child ages 3–11 | $27.50 | $30.00 |
Child (with 20% service charge) | $33.00 | $36.00 |
Goodstock Nolan Ryan cuts | +$20 surcharge | +$20 surcharge |
Surf & Turf (filet + lobster tail) | +$20 surcharge | +$20 surcharge |
What's included in the cover charge:
One appetizer
One soup or salad
One main course (standard cuts)
Sides, served family-style
One dessert
What's not included:
Beverages (ordered separately)
Goodstock by Nolan Ryan premium cuts (+$20 per person)
Surf & Turf upgrades (+$20–$30 per person)
20% service charge (added automatically to all purchases)
Package considerations:
Princess Plus — beverages included up to package limits; Crown Grill cover charge still applies
Princess Premier — Crown Grill cover charge fully included; Goodstock surcharge still applies; unlimited visits
Which Princess Ships Have Crown Grill?
Per Princess Cruises' official Crown Grill page, Crown Grill is currently available on:
Caribbean Princess
Coral Princess
Crown Princess
Diamond Princess (newly added January 2026, Deck 5)
Discovery Princess
Emerald Princess
Enchanted Princess
Grand Princess
Island Princess
Majestic Princess
Regal Princess
Royal Princess
Ruby Princess
Sapphire Princess (newly added 2026)
Sky Princess
Star Princess
Sun Princess
Ship location notes:
Most ships — Deck 7
Sun Princess and Star Princess — Deck 7, alongside The Butcher's Block by Dario, The Catch by Rudi, O'Malley's Irish Pub, and Wheelhouse Bar
Diamond Princess — Deck 5 (former Savoy Dining Room)
In January 2026, Princess Cruises confirmed that Crown Grill was added to Diamond Princess for the 2026 Japan season. Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises Vice President of Food and Beverage, noted Crown Grill has also been added to sister ship Sapphire Princess.
Always confirm Crown Grill availability on your specific ship through the Princess app before sailing.
What to Wear to Crown Grill
Princess Cruises sets smart casual as the dress code for Crown Grill at dinner.
Appropriate attire:
Collared shirts, dress pants, blazers (men)
Skirts, sundresses, smart casual tops and slacks (women)
Clean, neat, presentable clothing throughout
Not appropriate:
Shorts
Tank tops
Athletic wear, flip-flops, or beachwear
This dress standard applies on formal nights and smart casual nights alike. Crown Grill is elevated but approachable. Men in neat trousers and a collared shirt will be perfectly comfortable. Formal wear like tuxedos and evening gowns is welcome but not required.
How to Make a Dining Reservation at Crown Grill
Dining reservations on Princess Cruises are made through the Princess Cruises app — not through the Princess website. You can also book onboard at the dining reservations desk or directly at the Crown Grill host stand, subject to availability.
Reservation tips:
Book early — Crown Grill is one of the most in-demand dining venues on Princess ships
Sea days fill first — if your itinerary has multiple sea days, those evenings go quickly
Premier guests — reservation windows typically open 60 days before departure
Non-package guests — book as early as your booking window allows
Special occasions — note anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon in the reservation to give staff advance notice
Onboard, guests can also walk up to the Crown Grill host stand on the first sea day, when cancellations and remaining availability are often highest.
The Goodstock by Nolan Ryan Story
Princess Cruises launched its Goodstock by Nolan Ryan partnership in December 2023, beginning aboard Regal Princess sailing out of Galveston. The program has since expanded fleet-wide.
About Goodstock beef:
Premium Black-Angus beef graded at the top end of USDA Choice and above
High-quality marbling, tenderness, and natural flavors
All cuts are hand-cut Texas Black Angus beef
Dry-aged and wet-aged options are available
About Nolan Ryan:
Hall of Fame pitcher whose MLB career spanned 1966 to 1993
Holds the all-time record for strikeouts and had his uniform retired by three teams: the California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers
Awarded the Golden Spur award for decades of contributions to the livestock and ranching industries
His ranching philosophy prioritizes "respect for the animals, the land, and the heritage of ranching"
Princess Cruises Vice President of Food and Beverage Sami Kohen said at the partnership launch: "Goodstock by Nolan Ryan Angus beef represents a distinctive, all-American addition to our Food and Beverage portfolio."
Princess Cruises Executive Chef Davide Menabò describes what makes the beef program central to the Crown Grill experience in the official Princess Cruises Crown Grill video:
Food is our entertainment and we focus on the quality of the ingredients. We use dry-aged beef from Goodstock by Nolan Ryan. It's all about pairing a nicely marbled steak with wonderful wine. The atmosphere that we create is something amazing — and our guests come back again and again.
What Crown Grill Diners Actually Say
Crown Grill has been reviewed across multiple Princess ships by experienced cruisers. Here is what they consistently report, drawn from guest video reviews aboard Enchanted Princess and Sun Princess, with additional context from the official Princess Cruises Crown Grill video featuring Executive Chef Davide Menabò.
The Atmosphere
Reviewers across all three ships describe a noticeably different energy the moment you walk in. The open kitchen design, where guests can watch chefs work, is a frequently mentioned detail. George, who dined at Crown Grill on Enchanted Princess for his anniversary, put it this way:
Dark wood, warm lighting, quiet conversation, and the sound of sizzling steak coming from the kitchen. This is not buffet energy. This is put your phone down and enjoy the meal energy.
Multiple reviewers note that Crown Grill signals immediately that you are paying for something different.
The Bread
The garlic cheese and mozzarella bread served at the start of the meal gets outsized attention in nearly every review. A cruiser on Sun Princess put it plainly:
This is the first bread on this trip that's worth the calories. Highly recommend.
The consistent note across reviews: it should arrive warm. When it does, it sets the tone for everything that follows.
The Appetizers
Crab cake — the most praised appetizer across all three ships. Reviewers consistently note the high ratio of crab to filler. One Sun Princess diner said it was "filled with crab" and called the flavors amazing. A reviewer dining on Enchanted Princess ordered the full thing intending to save half — and ate all of it.
Shrimp cocktail — described across multiple ships as firm, fresh, and properly sized. One reviewer called it "absolutely exactly as you would expect it to be."
Black and blue onion soup — one Enchanted Princess reviewer called it "one of the best soups on the high seas — rich, savory, cheesy with deep flavor."
Beef filet tartare — noted for beautiful plating. One reviewer said it "confirmed we had paid extra for special dining."
Shellfish bisque — the most mixed response of the appetizers. Multiple reviewers found it slightly salty. One called it "just okay." It performs better when guests who enjoy bold, rich flavors order it.
Black tiger prawns — when available as an appetizer, described as large, fresh, and "balanced between sweet and savory."
The Steaks
The ribeye is the most consistently praised cut across all three ships. Reviewers on both Sun Princess and Enchanted Princess called it outstanding. From the Sun Princess review:
Chef's kiss. No notes. Absolutely amazing. It was tender, juicy, the flavors and seasonings were absolutely amazing.
A second Sun Princess reviewer added:
Medium rare, cooked to the way I liked it, charred on the outside, really flavorful.
The salt trio received its own praise. Reviewers appreciate that Crown Grill lets you customize each bite rather than serving a pre-seasoned steak.
The consistency question came up directly in the Sun Princess review: after a prior visit to Enchanted Princess, the same diners wanted to know whether Crown Grill was ship-dependent. Their conclusion:
Yes, there is consistency between ships. So far we've found that in our two experiences. If you've booked it before and you loved it, book it again.
The Seafood
Lobster tail — an Enchanted Princess diner who ordered the 7 oz lobster tail had it deshelled tableside by the waiter. It was described as tender, buttery, and cooked correctly.
New Zealand lamb chops — Enchanted Princess reviewers noted the lamb was perfectly cooked with good char on the outside, though the flavor profile is mild rather than strongly gamey. One diner finished the entire plate.
Desserts
The desserts receive strong marks overall. Multiple reviewers highlighted the salted caramel crème brulee cheesecake and the chocolate options as standouts. One Enchanted Princess group was surprised with a chocolate anniversary cake layered with mousse and ganache, presented by the full Crown Grill team. That moment is mentioned in multiple reviews as the detail that elevated dinner into a memory.
The Service
Crown Grill staff is described as attentive and personalized across all three ships. Staff members frequently engage guests by name, celebrate special occasions with singing and complimentary desserts, and take time to explain dishes and salt selections. George, reflecting on his anniversary dinner on Enchanted Princess, said:
They didn't just serve food. They created a moment. Princess staff does this part right.
The Overall Verdict From Diners
The Sun Princess reviewers asked the question most first-timers want answered: is Crown Grill worth the cover charge? Their conclusion was straightforward:
My husband said he could definitely eat here more than once on a 7-day cruise, it was that good.
A first-time Crown Grill diner on Sun Princess added:
This is not typical boring cruise food, but amazing meals each night.
The only consistent note of caution: the children's menu at Crown Grill matches the main dining room, not the specialty menu. Families with young children who are particular eaters may find the main dining room a better fit.
Scenarios: Which Crown Grill Option Is Right for You
If You're Booking Without a Package
Pay $55 cover charge plus 20% service charge, budgeting approximately $66 per adult all-in for the standard menu
Add another $20 per person for Goodstock cuts or Surf & Turf
Recommendation: Book one Crown Grill dinner and treat it as your special-occasion meal for the sailing
If You Hold the Princess Premier Package
Crown Grill cover charge is fully included, no extra cost
Guests consistently report returning to Crown Grill multiple times per sailing when Premier makes visits free
Note: The Goodstock by Nolan Ryan surcharge still applies even with Premier
If You're Traveling With Children
Children's cover charge: $27.50 most ships / $30 on Sun Princess and Star Princess
The kids' menu mirrors the main dining room, not the specialty menu
Consider: Families with particular young eaters may find better value in the complimentary main dining rooms, where a broader kids' menu is available without a surcharge
If You're Celebrating an Occasion
Crown Grill is the most common venue for anniversary and birthday dinners on Princess ships
Staff is well-documented for singing, complimentary anniversary desserts, and special table setups
Action: Note the occasion when booking through the Princess app, or tell your server at the start of the meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crown Grill included in the Princess cruise fare?
No. Crown Grill carries a separate cover charge of $55 per adult on most ships, or $60 on Sun Princess and Star Princess. A 20% service charge is added to all purchases. Guests with the Princess Premier package dine at Crown Grill with no cover charge.
What kind of food does Crown Grill serve?
Crown Grill is a classic American steakhouse with a four-course dinner format. The menu covers premium beef cuts, fresh seafood including lobster tail and Chilean sea bass, and steakhouse classics like crab cake, beef tartare, and shrimp cocktail. Sides are served family-style.
What is the Goodstock by Nolan Ryan beef at Crown Grill?
Goodstock by Nolan Ryan is a premium Texas Black-Angus beef brand owned by Hall of Fame pitcher and rancher Nolan Ryan. Princess Cruises launched the partnership in December 2023. Goodstock cuts carry a $20 per person surcharge above the standard cover charge.
Is a reservation required at Crown Grill?
Yes. Reservations are not technically required but are strongly advised. Crown Grill fills quickly, especially on sea days. Book through the Princess app before your cruise for the best selection of times.
What is the dress code at Crown Grill?
Smart casual. Collared shirts or dress shirts and pants for men, skirts, dresses, slacks, blouses and sweaters for women. Shoes must be worn. Shorts, tank tops, and athletic wear are not appropriate. Formal wear is welcome but not required.
Is Crown Grill consistent across different Princess ships?
Yes. Based on multiple cruiser reviews across Enchanted Princess, Sun Princess, and Regal Princess. The menu, beef quality, and service standard are consistent ship to ship. Cruisers who loved Crown Grill on one ship consistently report the same experience on another.
Is Crown Grill on every Princess ship?
Yes. Crown Grill is available on Princess ships fleet-wide, including Sun Princess and Star Princess. It was most recently added to Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess in early 2026. Confirm availability on your specific ship through the Princess app.
What This Means for You
First-Time Cruisers on Princess
Book one Crown Grill dinner per sailing as your special-occasion meal
Budget approximately $66 per adult all-in at the standard menu level
Book early through the Princess app before you board, not after
Guests Considering the Princess Premier Package
If you plan to visit Crown Grill more than once, or want to try multiple specialty restaurants, Premier math often works in your favor on sailings of seven nights or longer
Run your own calculation based on the number of specialty dinners you realistically plan to book
Guests Who Love Steak
The Goodstock by Nolan Ryan cuts are the reason to choose Crown Grill specifically on Princess over competing cruise line steakhouses
Budget the $20 surcharge and order a Dry-Aged Rib-Eye or the shareable 36 oz Wet-Aged Bone-In Rib-Eye
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Sources
Crown Grill on Princess Cruises: Official Page — Princess Cruises
Crown Grill Sample Menu PDF, April 2025 — Princess Cruises
Crown Grill Sample Menu PDF, May 2025 — Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises Brings the Ranch to the High Seas with Goodstock by Nolan Ryan — Princess Cruises Press Release, December 1, 2023
Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill Debut for the 2026 Japan Season — Princess Cruises Press Release via Barchart, January 26, 2026
Crown Grill Restaurant Guide and PDF Menus — Princess Cruises Blog
Princess Crown Grill Menus for 2026 with Cost and Review — Shine Cruise
Step Inside Crown Grill — Princess Cruises YouTube