Sabatini's Italian Trattoria is Princess Cruises' signature Italian restaurant, serving handmade pasta, slow-braised meats, and a six-course dinner for $55+ per adult on all 17 ships in the fleet.
A note on pricing and menu information: All Sabatini's pricing, menu items, and ship availability in this guide are sourced from Princess Cruises' official Sabatini's page and the May 2025 Sabatini's Sample Menu PDF. Prices, offerings, and availability are subject to change and may vary by ship. Always confirm current details through the the Princess Cruises app or directly with Princess before your sailing.
At a Glance
Detail | Sabatini's Italian Trattoria |
|---|---|
Restaurant type | Specialty Italian trattoria |
Dietary options | Gluten-free, vegetarian, pescatarian |
Cover charge (most ships) | $55 per adult, $27.50 per child (ages 3–11) |
Cover charge (Sun Princess, Star Princess) | $60 per adult, $30 per child (ages 3–11) |
Cover charge (Australia sailings) | $80 AUD per person, service charge included |
Service charge | 20% added to all purchases |
Culinary partner | Marchesi Frescobaldi, Florence |
Dress code | Smart casual |
Hours | Dinner only, reservation required |
Included in Princess Premier | Yes, unlimited visits |
Key Takeaways
Sabatini's is not included in the base Princess Cruises fare. The cover charge is $55 per adult on most ships and $60 on Sun Princess and Star Princess.
The six-course format covers one selection from starters, stuzzichino, antipasto, pasta, main course, and dessert. Additional pasta or mains are $15 each.
The Frescobaldi partnership brings over 700 years and 30 generations of Tuscan winemaking to the Sabatini's table. Marchesi Frescobaldi provides the wines and culinary inspiration for the menu fleet-wide.
Princess Premier package holders dine at Sabatini's with no extra cover charge and can return unlimited times during the sailing.
Reservations fill quickly. Book before your cruise through the Princess app or call the Dine Line at 1-833-805-DINE.
Table of Contents
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for first-time Princess cruisers who want to know what Sabatini's is, what it costs, what's on the menu, and whether it's worth the extra charge. It covers:
The six-course dinner structure
Every dish on the current sample menu
The Sabatini's and Frescobaldi partnership
Pricing, package inclusions, and surcharges
Dress code and reservation logistics
Which of the 17 Princess ships carry Sabatini's
What real diners say, across six ships
Why Specialty Dining at Sabatini's Is Worth Knowing About
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: smaller venues, more focused menus, more elevated atmosphere.
The package breakdown:
Princess Plus — beverage benefits included; specialty dining cover charges are not covered
Princess Premier — unlimited specialty dining at Sabatini's and all other venues, no cover charge
No package — pay the per-person cover charge at the door
Sabatini's Italian Trattoria is Princess's signature Italian restaurant. It has been part of the fleet for nearly two decades and is now available on every Princess ship in service.
The Sabatini's sample menu progresses through six courses, beginning with a complimentary amuse-bouche. Menus are subject to change and may vary by ship.
One honest note from diners: Several reviewers mention that Sabatini's has scaled back inclusions in recent years. It previously offered an appetizer, pasta, and entrée within the prix fixe; the current format requires choosing between pasta and an entrée unless you pay the $15 add-on. Worth knowing before you sit down.
Course One: Starters
Choose one from four options:
Ribollita (vegetarian) — hearty Tuscan soup of tomato, cannellini beans, and lacinato kale, garnished with a crispy breadstick
Insalata Mista (vegetarian) — mixed greens, charred pear, radish, arugula, orange segments, and shaved fennel in extra-virgin olive oil and aged balsamic
Guazzetto di Cozze e Gamberi — Italian seafood stew of mussels and shrimp in tomato and white wine broth with garlic, herbs, and a hint of chili; served with crusty bread
Salumi e Formaggi Misti — Italian charcuterie board with prosciutto cotto, mortadella, salame felino, aged parmigiano-reggiano, fresh mozzarella di bufala, gorgonzola, black olives, and grissini
Course Two: Stuzzichino
The shareable snack course features arancini: fried Sicilian rice balls filled with risotto and cheese. Multiple diners across Discovery Princess, Crown Princess, and Sun Princess have called these the single best bite of the meal. Gluten-free guests note this course is well-handled when dietary needs are flagged upfront.
Course Three: Antipasto
Choose one from two options:
Burrata e Prosciutto Crudo Stagionato 18 Mesi — creamy burrata with 18-month-aged prosciutto crudo, fresh cherry tomatoes, peppery arugula, and extra-virgin olive oil
Fritto Misto alla Veneziana — Venetian-style fried shrimp and calamari with grilled polenta and spicy marinara
Course Four: Pasta
Choose one from six handmade options. Additional pasta courses are available for $15 each.
Seafood Linguine — shrimp, clams, tomato, and Ligurian olive oil
Fettuccine al Tartufo e Parmigiano — truffle-infused parmigiano-reggiano sauce, grated black truffle, crispy parmesan tuile, drizzle of herbed oil
Porcini Mushroom Risotto — vialone nano rice, shallots, white wine, and rich porcini mushrooms, finished with shaved parmesan
Linguine alla Carbonara — classically Roman preparation: eggs, pancetta, aged parmesan
Tortello di Ricotta al Pomodoro e Basilico — handmade tortello filled with ricotta in cherry tomato sauce with fresh basil and extra-virgin olive oil
Lasagna Bolognese al Forno — fresh pasta sheets, béchamel, long-simmered tomato and meat ragù, baked with aged parmesan
Course Five: Main Courses
Choose one from eight secondi. Some carry surcharges above the cover charge.
Chicken Parmigiana — buffalo mozzarella, tomato, basil-roasted potato
Filetto di Branzino e Carciofi Fritti — pan-seared sea bass fillet, crispy fried artichokes, lemon-infused olive oil
Ossobuco Milanese — braised veal shank, gremolata of parsley, garlic, and lemon zest, golden saffron risotto
Parmigiana di Melanzane (vegetarian) — thick-sliced breaded eggplant in marinara, aged parmesan, mozzarella
Scaloppine di Vitello al Marsala — veal tenderloin with champignon mushrooms in Marsala wine, sautéed garlic spinach, creamy mashed potatoes
Grilled Striploin — asparagus, roasted rosemary potatoes, Calabrian chili butter (Filet Mignon: $20 surcharge)
Spaghetti Freschi e Gamberi — prawns, tomato sauce (add 8 oz. lobster tail: $20 surcharge)
Milanese di Vitello con Osso — bone-in veal milanese breaded and fried, arugula, tomatoes ($15 surcharge)
Course Six: Dessert
Choose one from five dolci:
Rocher — chocolate, pralines, and hazelnut ice cream sealed in milk chocolate with crushed candied hazelnuts
Tiramisu — mascarpone cream, coffee sauce, chocolate mousse
Torta Caprese — flourless almond cake with crema pasticceria, caramelized hazelnuts, chocolate brittle, limoncello mascarpone gelato, and Frescobaldi olive oil
Zabaglione Marsala — egg-based custard in Marsala wine with fresh berries
Classic Sicilian Cannoli — crisp pastry shells, creamy ricotta filling, pistachios, chocolate chips, powdered sugar
Menus are sample menus. Offerings are subject to change and may vary by ship.
Sabatini's Pricing: What It Actually Costs
The cover charge covers one selection from each of the six courses. Beverages are ordered separately and subject to the 20% service charge.
Item | Price |
|---|---|
Cover charge, most ships | $55 per adult |
Cover charge, Sun Princess and Star Princess | $60 per adult |
Cover charge, Australia sailings | $80 AUD per person |
Children ages 3–11, most ships | $27.50 |
Children ages 3–11, Sun Princess and Star Princess | $30 |
Additional pasta or main course | $15 per item |
Filet Mignon surcharge | $20 |
Lobster tail add-on | $20 |
Bone-in Veal Milanese surcharge | $15 |
Automatic service charge | 20% on all purchases |
Pricing sourced from Princess Cruises and subject to change. Confirm before sailing.
Package math at a glance:
Princess Premier — unlimited specialty dining included; cover charge waived at Sabatini's every visit
Princess Plus — beverage benefits apply at the table; cover charge is not waived
No package — pay $55–$60 per adult at the door plus 20% service charge
700 Years at the Table: The Sabatini's and Frescobaldi Partnership
The Sabatini's menu is developed in collaboration with Marchesi Frescobaldi, one of Italy's most significant wine families. Their history in the Florentine area traces back to the 1300s. The family is now in its 30th and 31st generations of winemaking, with estates spanning Tuscany.
What the partnership delivers:
Select dishes inspired by Frescobaldi's own restaurant in Florence
An expanded wine list featuring Frescobaldi estate selections by the glass and bottle
The Grand Tuscan Dinner: a separately bookable multi-course experience where each course is paired with a specific Frescobaldi wine
The Grand Tuscan Dinner is available fleet-wide and can be booked through the Princess app.
Which Princess Ships Have Sabatini's?
Caribbean Princess
Coral Princess
Crown Princess
Diamond Princess
Discovery Princess
Emerald Princess
Enchanted Princess
Grand Princess
Island Princess
Majestic Princess
Regal Princess
Royal Princess
Ruby Princess
Sapphire Princess
Sky Princess
Star Princess
Sun Princess
Confirm availability on your specific sailing before departure, as configuration can vary.
What to Wear to Sabatini's
Sabatini's requires smart casual dress. Princess defines smart casual as:
Women: skirts, dresses, slacks, blouses, or sweaters
Men: pants with a collared or dress shirt
All guests: shoes must be worn
The restaurant does not require ties, jackets, or formal eveningwear. In practice, "slightly more effort than the pool deck" consistently clears the entrance. Multiple reviewers across Star Princess and Sky Princess note the dress code is checked politely at the door but the atmosphere inside is warm and relaxed, not stiff.
How to Make a Reservation at Sabatini's
Reservations open through the Princess Cruises app six months before your sail date, once the cruise fare is paid in full.
Reservation options:
Princess app — book up to 6 months in advance after full payment; the primary booking method
Dine Line — call 1-833-805-DINE to book or modify reservations for parties of any size, including groups of 8 to 50
Onboard — visit the dining reservations desk on embarkation day
Princess Captain's Circle Elite members can book regardless of payment status. Sabatini's is a reservation-required restaurant. Book before you board — Sabatini's fills quickly on sea days and popular evenings.
What Sabatini's Diners Actually Say
Across six ships and seven video reviews, Sabatini's earns strong and consistent praise. The themes below reflect real diner experiences from Discovery Princess, Crown Princess, Sun Princess, Star Princess, Sky Princess, Sapphire Princess, and the Frescobaldi partnership video.
The Pasta Is the Main Event
The handmade pasta is the unanimous highlight. Reviewers across every ship describe a quality gap between Sabatini's fresh-made pasta and anything they expected from a cruise restaurant.
"This is probably the best pasta I've ever had. Best pasta I've ever had anywhere."
"I love the truffle parmesan pasta. It is so good. It has such a rich, full, truffle, mushroomy flavor that you don't generally find on a cruise ship."
"The lobster was tender. The pasta was fresh and homemade. Absolutely delicious dish."
The Burrata and Arancini Are the Starters to Order
Reviewers across Crown Princess, Sky Princess, and Sun Princess consistently point to the burrata as a standout antipasto and the arancini as one of the best bites of the entire meal.
"It is so creamy and moist. And they put a delicious balsamic glaze on there. So creamy. So delicate. So light. And then with the sharpness of the meat — it just bursts in your mouth. Absolutely incredible."
"Arancini balls with some sauce there. What I'm not sure of is the black truffle inside. Oh, look at that in the middle. Oh, cheesy center on that."
The Ossobuco and Veal Scaloppine Are the Mains to Know
Both veal dishes receive strong marks across multiple ships. The Ossobuco Milanese is described as falling-apart tender on Crown Princess and Star Princess.
"I touch it and it just starts to fall apart. The meat is just stupidly tender. It's just falling apart. You touch it and it starts to break apart."
The Atmosphere Surprises From the Outside In
Multiple reviewers note the same thing: Sabatini's exterior placement near the atrium creates a misleading first impression, but the interior experience changes everything.
"I always find it very strange the positioning of Sabatinis. It's one of our favorite restaurants with the Princess Cruise Lines, but they always seem to have it in a reception area, and it just feels kind of out of place. However, when we get inside, it's a very different experience."
"The atmosphere there is lovely. It is lush. It is plush velvet chairs. Beautiful chandeliers. Definitely very very elegant."
The Tiramisu Is the Dessert to Order
Multiple reviewers who compared the Sabatini's tiramisu against other ships' versions consistently ranked it highest.
"It's got to be up there because a lot of them can be really heavy and really cakey. But this is just beautiful."
"It's so light, creamy. That is a perfect end to a meal."
The Service Stands Out Across Ships
The service quality at Sabatini's receives specific praise, not just general goodwill.
"I can't rate their staff highly enough. Staff have been brilliant. The food has been amazing."
The Overall Verdict From Diners
Most reviewers land at the same place: Sabatini's feels like a real Italian trattoria, not a cruise ship imitation of one.
"Sometimes Italian on the cruise ships can feel a little Olive Garden to me. This one was not that. This felt like a land-based traditional really good Italian restaurant. And so I would definitely recommend it."
"Better than Celebrity's Tuscan Grill. Hands down."
One Sky Princess reviewer summed it up with a specific score: "I'm going to give it a 9 and a half." The handmade pasta was the reason.
Cruise 101: What is prix fixe?
Prix fixe (pronounced "pree feeks") is a French term meaning "fixed price." It describes a meal where one set price covers a complete multi-course dinner, with the diner choosing one option from each course. At Sabatini's, the $55 cover charge is the prix fixe price: you pay once and work through all six courses, rather than ordering and pricing each dish individually.
Scenarios: Booking Sabatini's Based on Your Situation
If You're Booking Without a Package
Book one visit on a sea day or a night you're already dressed for dinner
At $55 per person before the service charge, six courses with handmade fresh pasta compares well against Italian restaurants at similar price points on land
Order one of the pasta dishes even if you plan to have a main course: the $15 add-on is widely considered worth it by reviewers across multiple ships
If You Hold Princess Premier
Book multiple nights. The cover charge disappears and repeat visits cost only surcharge items and beverages
Guests on longer sailings frequently visit two or three times and work through different pasta and main course combinations
Consider the Grand Tuscan Dinner for at least one visit: the Frescobaldi wine pairing adds a distinct layer to the experience at no additional cover charge under Premier
If You Have Dietary Restrictions
Notify your server at the start of the meal, not mid-course
Sabatini's offers gluten-free pasta and accommodates vegetarian and pescatarian diets; the Discovery Princess gluten-free experience is specifically documented as well-handled
The experience is consistently better when the kitchen is informed before the first course arrives
If You're Celebrating an Occasion
Request a window table when you book. The pacing of the six-course meal, the Frescobaldi wine list, and the warm lighting make Sabatini's the natural choice for birthdays and anniversaries at sea
Ask about the dessert sampler. Multiple reviewers recommend requesting a miniaturized version of multiple desserts rather than committing to one before the meal ends
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sabatini's a specialty restaurant on Princess Cruises?
Yes. Sabatini's Italian Trattoria is a designated Princess specialty restaurant operating separately from the main dining rooms, with a cover charge of $55 per adult on most ships and $60 on Sun Princess and Star Princess.
How much does Sabatini's cost on Princess Cruises?
The cover charge is $55 per adult on most ships, $60 on Sun Princess and Star Princess, and $80 AUD on Australian sailings. A 20% service charge applies to all purchases.
What kind of food is served at Sabatini's?
Traditional Italian trattoria cuisine with a Tuscan emphasis: handmade pasta, slow-braised meats, fresh seafood, Italian charcuterie, and classic desserts, all developed in partnership with the Marchesi Frescobaldi family of Florence.
Is Sabatini's included in Princess Premier?
Yes. Guests with Princess Premier receive unlimited specialty dining at Sabatini's with no additional cover charge. Princess Plus does not cover the specialty dining cover charge.
How do I make a reservation at Sabatini's on Princess Cruises?
Book through the Princess Cruises app starting six months before your sail date, after paying your cruise fare in full. Captain's Circle Elite members can book earlier. Onboard, call the Dine Line at 1-833-805-DINE.
What is the Sabatini's and Frescobaldi partnership?
Princess developed the Sabatini's menu in collaboration with Marchesi Frescobaldi, a Florentine wine family with over 700 years of winemaking history. The partnership provides estate wines throughout the meal and inspires select dishes, including the bookable Grand Tuscan Dinner experience available fleet-wide.
What does prix fixe mean at Sabatini's?
Prix fixe (pronounced "pree feeks") is a French term meaning "fixed price." At Sabatini's, the $55 cover charge is the prix fixe: one flat price covers one selection from each of the six courses. You are not charged per dish. Additional courses beyond the one included per course are available as add-ons at $15 each.
What is smart casual at Sabatini's on Princess Cruises?
Smart casual at Sabatini's means skirts, dresses, slacks, blouses, or sweaters for women, and pants with a collared or dress shirt for men. Shoes must be worn by all guests. Shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, and beachwear are not appropriate. Ties, jackets, and formal eveningwear are welcome but not required.
Are reservations required at Sabatini's?
Yes. Princess Cruises lists Sabatini's as "Reservation Required." Book through the Princess Cruises app up to six months before your sail date, once the cruise fare is paid in full. Onboard, call the Dine Line at 1-833-805-DINE.
Does Sabatini's have gluten-free options?
Yes. Sabatini's offers gluten-free pasta and accommodates vegetarian and pescatarian diets. Notify your server at the start of the meal so adjustments can be made across all six courses.
What This Means for You
First-Time Princess Cruisers
Book one visit before you board. Sabatini's is a meaningful upgrade from the main dining room at a reasonable per-course price
The six-course format, the fresh pasta, and the Italian wine list together create an evening that feels like a genuine occasion
Don't skip the pasta course. If you order a main, add the pasta for $15: nearly every reviewer says it's the best thing on the menu
Guests Considering Princess Premier
Run the specialty dining math. If you plan at least one visit each to Sabatini's and Crown Grill, the cover charge savings alone close a large portion of the gap between Princess Plus and Princess Premier pricing
Multiple specialty dining visits make Premier the clear financial winner for food-focused cruisers
Guests on Sun Princess or Star Princess
Expect the $60 cover charge. Both ships carry a slightly higher specialty dining fee across all venues
Sabatini's on Sun Princess receives consistently strong reviews, so the $5 premium over other fleet ships is not a deterrent
Venue and Corporate Specifications
Attribute | Verified Data Point |
|---|---|
Dining Venue | Sabatini's Italian Trattoria |
Operating Brand | Princess Cruises (Subsidiary) |
Parent Organization | Carnival Corporation Ltd (NYSE: CCL) |
Corporate Leadership | Sami Kohen (VP of Food & Beverage) |
Culinary Leadership | Davide Menabò (Executive Chef) |
Culinary Leadership | Rudi Sodamin (Head of Culinary Arts) |
Signature Partnership | Marchesi Frescobaldi, Florence, Italy |
Standard Cover Charge | $55.00 USD per person (Plus 20% automatic service charge) |
Sun Princess and Star Princess Charge | $60.00 USD per person (Plus 20% automatic service charge) |
Restaurant category | Specialty dining, Italian trattoria |
Fleet availability | All 17 Princess Cruises ships |
Reservation method | Princess Cruises app; Dine Line 1-833-805-DINE |
Official dining page | |
Sample menu (PDF) | |
Sample beverage menu (PDF) |
Sources
Sabatini's Italian Trattoria - Princess Cruises
Sabatini's Sample Dining Menu, May 2025 - Princess Cruises
Sabatini's Sample Beverage Menu, May 2025 - Princess Cruises
Sabatini's Restaurant Guide and PDF Menus - Princess Cruises Blog
Is Sabatini's on Discovery Princess Worth The Cost? - Sea Leg Journeys
Is Sabatini's Worth It for Cruise Food Lovers? Crown Princess - Deb and Matt Chat
Is Sabatini's Worth It on the Sun Princess? - Family Travel Pursuits
Sabatini's Italian Trattoria Review on Star Princess - No Pants Profits
NEW Sapphire Princess Sabatini's Italian Trattoria Menu and Food 2025 - Travel with Lulu
Sabatini's Restaurant Review, Sky Princess - Bridging the Pond
Sabatini's Italian Trattoria — Executive Chef Davide Menabò interview - Princess Cruises
Taste Tuscany at Sea: Sabatini's x Frescobaldi - Princess Cruises