What's Happening?
Princess Cruises' Royal Princess has been awarded the title of 'World's Best Culinary Cruise Ship' at the 2025 World Culinary Awards. This accolade highlights the cruise line's commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences and innovative cuisine.
The award was determined by votes from the culinary community, industry experts, and consumers globally. Princess Cruises' vice president of food and beverage, Sami Kohen, expressed pride in the recognition, attributing it to the dedication and creativity of the food and beverage team. The Royal Princess offers a variety of dining venues, including the Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, and Chef’s Table Lumiere, each providing unique culinary experiences. The ship also features the Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar and Alfredo’s Pizzeria, known for its 'Best Pizza at Sea.' In addition to its culinary offerings, the Royal Princess provides voyages to iconic destinations, such as Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, enhancing the travel experience with breathtaking scenery and local flavors.
Why It's Important?
The recognition of Royal Princess as the world's best culinary cruise ship underscores the growing importance of personalized and high-quality dining experiences in the cruise industry. This award not only enhances Princess Cruises' reputation but also sets a benchmark for culinary excellence at sea. As the cruise industry continues to expand, offering unique and memorable dining experiences becomes a key differentiator for attracting travelers seeking more than just a vacation. The focus on fresh, locally inspired ingredients and partnerships with renowned culinary figures and wineries reflects a broader trend towards experiential travel, where food plays a central role in creating lasting memories. This development is likely to influence other cruise lines to elevate their culinary offerings, thereby benefiting travelers with more diverse and high-quality options.
What's Next?
Following the award, Princess Cruises is expected to continue enhancing its culinary offerings across its fleet, potentially introducing new dining concepts and partnerships to maintain its competitive edge. The Royal Princess will embark on its northern summer 2026 season with Alaska voyages, followed by an Australian homeport season in 2026-27, offering itineraries to New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji. These voyages will provide guests with opportunities to experience the ship's acclaimed dining venues while exploring diverse destinations. The cruise line may also leverage this recognition in marketing campaigns to attract new customers and retain existing ones, emphasizing the unique culinary experiences available on board.
Beyond the Headlines
The award highlights the ethical and cultural dimensions of the cruise industry's focus on culinary excellence. By prioritizing locally inspired ingredients and sustainable practices, Princess Cruises contributes to the promotion of regional cuisines and supports local economies. This approach aligns with broader industry trends towards sustainability and responsible tourism, where travelers are increasingly seeking authentic and environmentally conscious experiences. The emphasis on culinary innovation also reflects cultural shifts towards valuing food as an integral part of travel, influencing how destinations are perceived and experienced.
