After boarding the Sun Princess just after 11 a.m., our cabin wasn’t ready yet, so we headed straight for lunch. With carry-on bags in tow, we decided the Main Dining Room would be a smarter choice than the buffet. That way, we could relax, set our bags aside, and enjoy a meal without juggling plates.
The dining room was calm and uncrowded, a welcome surprise on embarkation day. We got a table by the window and had a peaceful view of the bright blue water outside as we settled in. It felt like the perfect start to our cruise.
Starters
We kicked things off with two appetizers: Calamari Fritti and Roasted Cauliflower.
The calamari was tender and crispy, served with marinara and aioli, while the cauliflower came with a light tahini-lemon sauce and smoked paprika. Both were excellent ways to begin the meal.
Mains
For lunch, we sampled a variety of entrées from the menu:
Chipotle Roasted Strip Loin – served with tortilla chips, avocado, and chimichurri. This was my pick, and it was delicious. Every time I had beef on this cruise, it was consistently good.
Signature Burger – simple but flavorful, and it quickly became a favorite throughout our week on board.
Quinoa Salmon Poke Bowl – colorful, fresh, and light, perfect for a first-day meal.
Dessert
We wrapped things up with a New York-style cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries, plus a classic vanilla ice cream sundae. Both hit the spot.
The MDR: An Embarkation Day Win
Dining in the Main Dining Room on embarkation day worked out wonderfully for us. It was peaceful, the service was quick, and the food was very good. Skipping the buffet crowds and starting our trip with a relaxing sit-down lunch by the window was a great choice.
