The Crown Grill is the steakhouse on most Princess Cruises ships. From the atmosphere to the menu offerings we’ll provide our opinions on whether this high-end restaurant is worth the extra expense (now $45 per person). Come along with us as we explore the Crown Grill to determine if it’s a must-visit or one you can pass on during your cruise.
A Closer Look at Princess Cruises Crown Grill
When it comes to dining at sea Princess Cruises Crown Grill stands out as a specialty eatery that deserves a try. But is it truly worth paying more for? In this assessment, we’ll explain our experience at the Crown Grill on the Sky Princess to assist you in making a decision.
Dining Experience at the Crown Grill
Crown Grill offers an upscale setting. Situated towards the rear of Deck 7 this restaurant includes a large layout with a bar area (Crown Grill Bar) ideal for savoring drinks before or, after your meal. The Crown Grill offers a welcoming ambiance, with its New England charm, elevated dark wood decor, and a rich color scheme. Upon our arrival, we were promptly shown to our table and despite the restaurant being busy the staff greeted us warmly and were accommodating.
Although our server appeared busy attending to tables the team collaborated effectively to ensure our needs were met. From taking our drink orders to delivering our meals the service was efficient and polite. While not flawless we were pleased with the service level.
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Menu Highlights
The menu at the Crown Grill is designed to impress meat lovers with a variety of choices catering to discerning tastes. But there are also fish and vegetarian options (oddly though, no chicken).
The Crown Grill Menu:
by Cruise Gear
by Cruise Gear
by Cruise Gear
by Cruise Gear
Steak and Seafood Selections
Princess is known for their higher meat selections (compared to other cruise lines) and the Crown Grill sort of disappointed when it came to the steak. Princess says this “A diverse selection of steaks such as filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip are expertly prepared according to your preferences.” But with our experience, we received a thin steak that was barely worthy of being served in the main dining room!
Seafood enthusiasts can indulge in offerings, like lobster, shrimp, and scallops. I tried both shrimp and scallop options and thought they were well prepared and exceeded expectations.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, the Crown Grill offers a variety of choices, on its menu. From salads to pasta dishes, there’s something to satisfy every plant-based appetite.
It’s impressive to see alternative options at a steakhouse like the Crown Grill. It shows that the chefs have put in effort to accommodate requirements and preferences ensuring that all guests can enjoy a memorable dining experience.
Desserts and Delights
The dessert menu at the Crown Grill is sure to please. With chocolate cakes fruity tarts and creamy cheesecakes you’ll have plenty of options.
Each dessert is thoughtfully prepared to provide a delightful conclusion to your meal. Whether you’re marking an occasion or simply treating yourself to the desserts.
In our experience, the desserts were the star of the menu!
Signature Dishes at the Crown Grill
To truly savor the essence of the Crown Grill don’t miss out on some of their standout dishes that showcase what makes this restaurant exceptional.
Hand-Cut Beef Filet Tartare
Seared (which was strange), fried quail egg, smoky dressing, and crispy polenta sticks make a really unique version of Steak tartare. While I couldn’t get over the “seared” part – it was quite unique.
Grilled Steak and Lobster
When dining at the Crown Grill they offer a surf & turf option, which is disappointingly a $10 upcharge. I’d expect this to be included in the cover charge.
Noteworthy dishes like the surf and turf which pairs a tender steak, with a lobster tail truly showcase the chef’s talent and imagination.
Grilled Jumbo Prawns in Whiskey, Chili, and Garlic Marinade fried onion rice
For someone who isn’t into steak, this prawn option is one of the most uniquely prepared items we discovered on the menu. Glazed in a sort of sweet & spicy sauce served over rice was a surprising delight.
Beverage Pairing Options
A selection of various wines was available that were unique to the Crown Grill. So be sure to ask for the restaurant-specific wine menu.
Organized by region Crown Grills’s wine list presents an array of whites and reds, including some exceptional champagne selections.
Selection of Craft Cocktails and Beers
The Crown Bar also services the restaurant, so any cocktail or beer you can imagine can be ordered.
For beer lovers don’t miss out on trying the Princess Cruises Pilsner,” a refreshing beer brewed specifically for the cruise line. No matter your beer preference you’re bound to find one that pairs perfectly with your meal.
Wine List at the Crown Grill
Consideration of Value and Pricing
It’s important to note that Crown Grill is considered a specialty restaurant with a “cover charge” attached. But is it worth paying extra for?
Princess Premier Dining Credit
For passengers who’ve opted to purchase the Princess Premier package, the Crown Grill is included as one of your two specialty dining credits.
Cost of Dining at Crown Grill
On Princess Cruises there is an added cost of $45 per person for dining at Crown Grill making it on par with other steakhouses at sea.
Is It Worth Paying Extra?
With its menu offerings, elevated ambiance, and attentive service Crown Grill offers a decent value for its price point. However, I felt the steaks were a disappointment in general.
The prices, at the Crown Grill are competitive compared to cruise line steakhouses. Given the overall quality of the food and dining experience, we’re 50/50 on whether or not it’s worth paying extra. While it was a better value last year at $39/per person, it’s still a fair price now at $45 per person if they can get the steaks right.
This visit was covered by our Princess Premier package so we didn’t pay any extra out of pocket to try the Crown Grill. I would have been disappointed to pay the cover charge for this visit, to be fair.
So if you want to treat yourself to a different evening dining experience away from the main dining rooms, during your cruise, the Crown Grill is a decent choice. The wide variety of menu options and delicious desserts will likely make you feel like you’re getting value for your money.
Comparing Different Cruise Ship Restaurants
Various cruise lines have their specialty steakhouses, each with features and menus. So how does the Crown Grill fare against its competitors?
| Restaurant & Cruise Line | Up-charge Price |
|---|---|
| Crown Grill (Princess Cruises) | $45 per person (Increased from $39) |
| Chops Grille (Royal Caribbean) | $39-$49 per person |
| Le Cirque & Cagney’s (Norwegian Cruise Line) | $49 per person |
| Steakhouse (Holland America Line) | $35 per person |
Our Final Assessment of the Crown Grill
For those seeking an elevated steakhouse experience, the Crown Grill is the only choice. Although the extra charge may seem high, it’s still less expensive than a land-based steakhouse of similar quality. The Crown Grill stands out with its charm and ambiance.
What sets the Crown Grill apart from just getting a steak in the main dining rooms are the cuts of meat, preparation options and the menu featuring unique appetizers like lobster cake. Moreover, the option to upgrade to surf and turf for $10 offers a decent value. Overall dining at the Crown Grill promises an upgraded dining experience in a more intimate atmosphere than the larger dining rooms.
Do you have a comment?
Did we miss something? Have you had a different experience? Did we get it wrong?
