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Does Princess Cruises Have
Indian Food?Veg, Jain & Pure Veg Options Explained
Worried about food on Princess Cruises? Get the complete truth about Indian veg/non-veg options, Jain meals, which ships have the best variety, and how to order authentic curries every night.
Quick Answer First (For Those in a Hurry)
Where: Indian food is mainly in the buffet area (called "World Fresh Marketplace" or "Horizon Court") and in the Main Dining Room (MDR) by special request.
What: Expect 1-3 Indian curries per meal in buffet, plus rice, naan, and sides. In dining room, you can order full Indian thali-style dinners with 24 hours notice.
Vegetarian/Jain: Yes, vegetarian options daily. For Jain (no onion/garlic), you must speak to the restaurant manager on Day 1.
Important: Not all Princess ships are equal. Newer/bigger ships like Majestic, Royal, Regal, and Sun Princess have larger Indian sections. Avoid smaller/older ships if food variety is critical.
"Will My Parents Get Proper Indian Food?"
You're planning a family cruise. Maybe it's your parents' 30th anniversary. Or a big multi-generational celebration. But one fear keeps coming back: "What will everyone eat?"
Your mom only eats pure vegetarian. Your dad wants his dal-roti. Your kids refuse "gora food." And if you're Jain, the anxiety doubles.
Here's the honest answer: Yes, Princess Cruises does have Indian food. Not just one dish hidden in a corner. Real Indian curries, breads, rice, and vegetarian options. Available every single day.
Promise: After reading this, you'll know more about Indian food on Princess than most travel agents.
Where to Find Indian Food Daily
The Buffet (Your Daily Indian Food Lifeline)
Princess has a big buffet that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This buffet has different 'stations' , and Indian is a key one.
What You'll Find
- Smaller/Older Ships (Coral, Grand): 1-2 Indian dishes per meal, basic sides.
- Larger/Newer Ships (Majestic, Royal, Sun): Dedicated Indian section with 3-6 dishes, multiple veg and non-veg options.
- Indian breakfast items (upma, poha) available on select new ships like Sun Princess.
- Indian Theme Night: Once per cruise, nearly the ENTIRE buffet becomes an Indian food festival.
The Main Dining Room Secret (This is Gold!)
Here's what 90% of Indian families don't know: You can order a full Indian vegetarian OR non-vegetarian dinner in the Main Dining Room (MDR) on ANY night of your cruise.
What You'll Find
- Find your Restaurant Manager on Day 1 and request Indian dinners for the whole cruise.
- Each night, you'll get a full Indian platter (thali style) with fresh naan/roti, rice, and 3-4 bowls of curries/dals.
- You can STILL order from the regular menu if you want something else.
- Kids can eat from the regular menu while parents enjoy Indian food.
Ship-by-Ship Breakdown (Critical Info!)
Not all Princess ships are the same size. Bigger ships = more kitchen space = more Indian variety.
Highly Recommended BEST
Largest Indian Sections
- Sun Princess (Newest)
- Majestic Princess
- Royal Princess
- Regal Princess
- Discovery Princess
Decent Ships GOOD
Will Work, But Limited
- Caribbean Princess
- Emerald Princess
- Sapphire Princess
Smaller Ships BEWARE
Only Choose if Needed
- Coral Princess
- Grand Princess
- Ruby Princess
"But Will It Be REAL Indian Food?"
Let's be honest. This is cruise ship Indian food, not your local restaurant in Delhi or Mumbai. Here's what Indian families actually said.
The Good
Good Sourcing & Spices
Surprisingly well-spiced. Many cruisers felt the ethnic food (Indian, Asian) was the best food on the ship.
Flavor Accuracy
Dishes like baingan bharta, dal makhani, and butter chicken are made by South Asian crew and hit the right notes.
The Reality Check
Toned-Down Heat
Spice level is mild to medium for the international crowd. If you want it Indian hot, you must ask.
Repetitive & Shortcuts
Breads are often pre-made (no tandoor fresh). Some dishes get repetitive after 7 days, and quality depends heavily on the chef.
Jain & Pure Vegetarian Needs
Jain Travelers (No Onion/Garlic)
Jain food is possible but requires proactive communication. It is not automatic.
Before Cruise
Inform your travel agent when booking to note your Jain requirements in your Princess reservation.
Day 1 on Ship
Immediately find the Restaurant Manager in the MDR. Explain clearly: no onion, garlic, potatoes, or root vegetables.
Buffet Strategy
Always ask buffet staff to check ingredients with the chef, as pre-made buffet items may not be Jain-friendly by default.
Pure Vegetarian (Shakahari)
Vegetarian
Much easier! Daily veg options available in the buffet (1-2 curries min) and MDR (full veg thali on request).
Lactose-Free/Vegan
Indian curries often use cream/ghee. Ask for "vegan Indian" or "no dairy" when ordering in MDR. Princess also has a dedicated vegan menu roll-out across ships.
The Money Talk: No Surprises
What exactly are you paying for when you book from India?
- All Indian Food (Buffet/MDR)FREE (Included)
- Specialty Restaurants (Italian, Steak)Extra Cost
- GST (Mandatory)5% extra
- TCS (Tax Collected at Source)5-20% (Refundable)
Insider Secrets Agents Don't Tell You
Secret #1: The Standing Order Trick
Don't just order in the MDR for one night. Order it for ALL nights from Day 1 as a standing order. It makes it easier for the kitchen and you get consistent meals.
Secret #2: Ask for Spice Adjustments
Cruise food is mild. Ask the Restaurant Manager to make your curry spicier or bring fresh green chilies on the side.
Secret #3: Breakfast Masala Chai
On ships like Sun and Ruby Princess, fresh masala chai is in the breakfast buffet! Ask staff for it, as it's sometimes just labeled 'spiced tea'.
Secret #4: Pack Backup Snacks
You can bring packaged, sealed food items (khakra, Maggi, Parle-G, achaar). No fresh fruits or veg due to customs.
Booking Yourself vs. Booking With Us
Spend 15+ hours researching visas, ships, and calling customer service, OR send us a WhatsApp.
The DIY Route
- 15+ Hours: Researching ships, comparing Expedia vs MMT.
- Food Risk: Hoping the special needs desk notes your Jain request.
- Visas & Flights: Coordinating multiple port visas and airport transfers alone.
- No Support: If an issue happens, you're on your own with a 1-800 number.
With BookCruises.in
- 15 Minutes: One video/phone call to discuss preferences.
- Food Sorted: We pre-arrange Jain/Veg/Indian meals directly with Princess.
- Full Package: Flights, hotels, visas, and ship selection handled.
- Same Cost: We earn commission from Princess, so it costs you nothing extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Indian food on every Princess cruise?
Yes. Every Princess ship has some Indian food in the buffet daily. The amount varies by ship size (bigger ships like Sun and Majestic have much more).
Can my kids eat regular Western food while parents eat Indian?
Absolutely! The buffet always has pizza, pasta, burgers. In the MDR, kids can order from the regular menu while you get your Indian platter.
Can I get South Indian food (dosa, idli)?
Rarely. Most Indian food on Princess is North Indian style (curries, dal, naan). Sun Princess occasionally has South Indian breakfast items, but don't expect dosas daily.
Do I have to book a specific dining package to get Indian food?
No. All Indian food in the buffet and MDR is included in your standard cruise fare.
Stop Stressing Over Food, Start Dreaming
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