Which line has the best cruise pizza? I tasted slices from 7 brands
Whether you’re a big pizza fan or simply looking for a quick bite on your next cruise, you’d be hard-pressed to find any of the industry’s most popular lines without a place to snag a pie or a slice.
From standard options like gooey cheese to pies with interesting combinations of truffle and egg or meat and seafood, delicious options abound. Here’s my list of the best cruise pizza places on ships.
Scoring rubric:
5 - Fresh and amazing with great variety and atmosphere
4 - Great flavor but not a perfect experience
3 - Tasty and filling but not a standout
2 - Tasteless
1 - Avoid or get sick
Room service pizza, MSC Cruises
Where to find it: All MSC ships
Cost: $6-$9.50 (plus a $4.99 delivery fee for cruisers with the Bella experience)
TPG Take: Available in seven varieties — margherita, vegetable, pepperoni, four cheese, marinara, MSC style (tomato sauce, ham, arugula, mozzarella, Grana Padano cheese and olive oil) and supreme — or a build-your-own option, MSC's pizza is some of the best at sea. With a soft, doughy crust that's just as mouthwatering as the toppings, you won't regret getting a pie or two delivered to your cabin via room service.
Be aware that there is a charge; if you're interested in an equally tasty free version (albeit in a communal setting where options are limited and you won't get a whole pie to yourself), head to the buffet.
TPG rating: 5/5
Buffet pizza, Norwegian Cruise Line
Where to find it: All ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet
Cost: Free
TPG take: I was intrigued to discover that not all Norwegian Cruise Line vessels offer dedicated pizza joints on their ships. That’s why, on a recent voyage, I was forced to try the buffet version when I had a craving. Options included cheese, pepperoni and veggie, among other varieties.
I went with plain and was pleasantly surprised that the cheese was just the right amount of melted, the thin crust was delightfully crispy and I could eat two slices without feeling overly stuffed. The flavor wasn’t the most intense, but that’s easily fixed with seasonings found throughout the buffet area.
Room-service pizza is also available, but you’ll pay a delivery fee of $9.95 per order (not per pie). It’s not a terrible deal if you are hungry at off-times, especially if you order more than one.
TPG rating: 3/5
Pizza Place, Virgin Voyages
Where to find it: All Virgin Voyages ships
Cost: Free
TPG take: Open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, Pizza Place is great for a snack between lunch and dinner or as a way to cure late-night munchies — particularly after drinks and dancing. Plus, the pizza itself is stellar.
You won’t get a single slice at Pizza Place but, rather, an entire made-to-order pie. It's not huge, but it's still larger than most personal pizzas. The menu features The Classic (tomato sauce with mozzarella), Chicken Pesto, Pretty Fly for a White Pie (mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan with roasted garlic), and White Truffle & Egg varieties, as well as pepperoni and vegan options. You’ll receive a pager that will buzz when your order is ready. Expect a thin crust, bubbly cheese and lots of flavor.
Want to enhance the experience even more? Pour on some of the balsamic vinegar or olive oil that you'll find on each table.
TPG rating: 5/5
Sorrento’s, Royal Caribbean
Where to find it: All Freedom, Oasis, Icon and Quantum Class ships
Cost: Free
TPG take: As far as complimentary onboard pizza goes, Sorrento’s is pretty good. It’s made fresh, and the melty cheese, pepperoni and vegetable options — plus a few rotating specialty selections — are great for a between-meal snack; it's also good for lunch or dinner if you’re looking for something free and fast. If your ship has a Sorrento’s location, it'll usually be in Royal Caribbean’s Royal Promenade. Grab a table in this central location to people-watch while you enjoy a slice or several.
TPG rating: 3/5
Slice, Princess Pizzeria and Prego Pizzeria, Princess Cruises
Where to find it: Slice on Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess, Grand Princess, Ruby Princess and Sky Princess; Princess Pizzeria on Coral Princess and Island Princess; and Prego Pizzeria on Diamond Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess and Sapphire Princess
Cost: Free
TPG Take: Generally, Alfredo’s Italian eatery grabs all the glory for best pizza on Princess ships. However, with the line’s recent decision to charge for pizza there, I’ve lost interest.
Enter Slice, Prego Pizzeria and Princess Pizzeria (depending on the ship). These pool-deck staples are near the Movies Under the Stars screens on Princess’ vessels. They are ideal for a quick bite if you’re watching an alfresco movie or sporting event, if you want a late-night snack or if you’re peckish between meals. They have some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted at sea, which means the lines might be long (particularly at peak times). However, it’s always worth the wait.
You can’t order entire pies, but you can request more than one slice at a time in always-available varieties like plain, margherita, veggie and pepperoni — as well as specials that rotate daily.
TPG rating: 4/5
Pizzeria del Capitano, Pizza Pirate, Miami Slice and Coastal Slice on Carnival Cruise Line
Where to find it: Pizzeria del Capitano on Carnival Dream, Carnival Firenze, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Magic, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Vista and Mardi Gras; Pizza Pirate on Carnival Breeze, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Elation, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Carnival Legend, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Pride and Carnival Valor; Miami Slice on Carnival Celebration; and Coastal Slice on Carnival Jubilee
Cost: Free
TPG take: You’ll find Carnival’s free pizza at one of four outposts, depending on the ship you’re sailing. On most vessels, pies are positioned near the pool, making it easy to grab slices during breaks from swimming or sunbathing. On the line’s newest vessels — Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee — the location has been moved to an indoor promenade area.
Regardless of the location, you’re in for a treat. Carnival offers some of the best pizza you’re likely to have on a cruise ship. Plus, the line’s pizza joints are open nearly around the clock, making them perfect for late-night cravings after you finish at the onboard nightclub. Order by the pie or the slice, and choose from margherita, funghi (mushroom), prosciutto (ham), pepperoni or quattro formaggi (four cheese) pizza. Caesar salad is also available.
TPG rating: 5/5
Oceanview Cafe pizza, Celebrity Cruises
Where to find it: All ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet
Cost: Free
TPG take: Celebrity doesn’t have stand-alone pizza outlets on its ships, but that doesn’t mean you can’t snag a terrific slice or two. At the Oceanview Cafe buffet fleetwide, you can enjoy plain, pepperoni and other truly tasty varieties, totally free. Plus, as promised in the venue’s name, you can enjoy your pizza with gorgeous, sweeping views of the sea.
Although the flavor of the pizza itself is wonderful, the counter from which it’s served can be hidden within the buffet, knocking our rating down to a 4.
TPG rating: 4/5
Bottom line
Of all the pizzas included in this piece, my favorite is Virgin Voyages' Pizza Place. Not only is it free, but this joint offers entire pies rather than just slices. It also has comfy alcoves where you can sit down to dine in an actual restaurant atmosphere versus merely a table by the pool.
Additionally, the menu has some fun and unusual options, which convinced me to try something I wouldn't have considered before — truffle pizza with egg. My pie was made to order and was ready quickly, which means that, in my personal opinion, it sets the gold standard for at-sea pizza.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.