Exploring the Salty Dog Gastropub on Princess Cruises

If you're looking to elevate your onboard dining experience, the Salty Dog Gastropub on Princess Cruises delivers a savory fusion of gourmet comfort food and hand-crafted cocktails. Designed for cruisers with refined palates and a taste for casual sophistication, the Salty Dog has earned its spot as a favorite among foodies sailing across the globe. In this detailed 2025 guide, we dive into the full experience—from menus to pricing and opening hours—giving you everything you need to know about this exclusive onboard eatery.

The Salty Dog Gastropub: A Unique Dining Experience at Sea

Nestled aboard select Princess Cruises ships, the Salty Dog Gastropub isn't your typical cruise ship eatery. It fuses a relaxed pub ambiance with the culinary innovation of award-winning chefs. Originally created in partnership with Chef Ernesto Uchimura—co-founder of the famed Umami Burger—the gastropub concept reimagines comfort food with a gourmet twist.

With dimly lit interiors, leather bar stools, and intimate seating, the Salty Dog feels more like a trendy downtown gastropub than a dining room on the open seas. It’s perfect for an upscale but casual evening, ideal for couples, small groups, or even solo diners wanting to enjoy a sophisticated meal without the formality of a main dining room.

What’s on the Menu at the Salty Dog Gastropub in 2025?

The 2025 Salty Dog Gastropub menu builds on the legacy of crowd-pleasing favorites while adding new seasonal selections and plant-based options. Here’s what diners can expect:

Signature Dishes:

• The "Ernesto" Burger – Still the star of the show in 2025, this gourmet burger features a ground short rib and pork patty topped with grilled pork belly, caramelized kimchi, beer-battered jalapeño, and smoky aioli on a brioche bun.

• Berkshire Pork Belly Sliders – Slow-cooked and served on mini brioche rolls with apple slaw and spicy mustard aioli.

• Craft Beer Braised Short Ribs – Fall-off-the-bone tender beef short ribs braised in rich, dark ale and served with mashed Yukon potatoes and root vegetables.

• Artisan Mac & Cheese – A creamy blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan with toasted breadcrumbs and optional truffle oil drizzle.

• Lobster Mac Sliders – A luxurious twist on the classic slider, with buttery lobster mac ‘n’ cheese tucked into toasted brioche buns.

New 2025 Highlights:

• Plant-Based "Umami" Burger – A vegan-friendly option made with a grilled mushroom-lentil patty, vegan cheese, and avocado aioli.

• Korean Fried Cauliflower Bites – A bold, spicy appetizer coated in gochujang glaze and garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.

• Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad – With arugula, toasted walnuts, and citrus vinaigrette, this salad offers a light and flavorful start.

Desserts:

• Chocolate Hazelnut Pot de Crème – Rich, silky, and intensely chocolaty.

• Bourbon Bread Pudding – A warm and comforting finish with bourbon caramel sauce and whipped cream.

The Bar Menu: What to Sip at the Salty Dog

The Salty Dog Gastropub Bar Menu in 2025 is just as curated as the food. Featuring a premium list of craft beers, small-batch whiskeys, artisanal cocktails, and specialty wines, there’s something for every taste.

Craft Cocktails:

• Salty Dog Smash – A bold blend of rye whiskey, muddled mint, ginger syrup, and lemon juice.

• Ocean Boulevard – A tropical cocktail featuring white rum, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and blue Curaçao.

• Bourbon Espresso Martini – A robust and smooth after-dinner drink with espresso, coffee liqueur, and small-batch bourbon.

Beers on Tap and Bottle:

• Selections include regional craft beers, international favorites, and seasonal brews. Expect rotating taps featuring IPAs, porters, wheat ales, and lagers.

Whiskey & Spirits:

• Curated labels include Knob Creek, Laphroaig, Glenfiddich, and limited-release Japanese whiskeys.

• Mixologists are happy to craft classic or custom cocktails based on your preferences.

Wines by the Glass:

• Premium reds and whites including Napa Valley Cabernet, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and Italian Chianti.

How Much is the Salty Dog Gastropub on Princess Cruises in 2025?

As of 2025, the Salty Dog Gastropub operates with an à la carte pricing model or a flat cover charge depending on the ship and itinerary. Here's a breakdown: How Much is the Salty Dog Gastropub on Princess Cruises

• Cover Charge (Select Ships): $18–$24 USD per person. This typically includes two small plates and one dessert.

• À la Carte Pricing (Other Ships): Ranges from $5–$15 USD per item. Premium entrées like the Ernesto Burger or braised short ribs fall on the higher end.

• Drinks: Not included in the cover charge. Cocktails range from $10–$15 USD, while wines and beers vary based on the label and size.

Note: If you have the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages, your meal cost may be partially or fully covered, and you'll receive drink discounts or inclusions depending on your plan.

When Does the Salty Dog Gastropub Open on Princess Cruise Ships?

Opening hours for the Salty Dog Gastropub typically fall within the dinner window: When Does Salty Dog Gastropub Open on Princess Cruise Ships,

• Dinner Hours: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM

• Bar Service: 5:00 PM – Late Night (some ships close by midnight, others around 1:00 AM)

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on formal nights or at peak dining hours. While walk-ins are welcome, seating is limited.

Which Ships Feature the Salty Dog Gastropub?

In 2025, the Salty Dog Gastropub is available on select Princess ships. These include:

• Discovery Princess

• Majestic Princess

• Crown Princess

• Ruby Princess

• Enchanted Princess

• Sky Princess

Some ships may host the Salty Dog concept in the Wheelhouse Bar, while others have a designated restaurant space. Regardless of format, the menu and vibe remain consistent.

Salty Dog Gastropub on Discovery Princess: A Premium Experience

Among the fleet, the Salty Dog Gastropub on Discovery Princess is particularly notable. The newest Medallion Class ship offers an upgraded ambiance, polished service, and often features exclusive items not available on other ships.

• Price on Discovery Princess: $24 USD cover charge (subject to change), or select à la carte.

• Exclusive Items: Rotating seasonal entrées and cocktails, available only on Discovery Princess.

• Enhanced Service: MedallionClass wearables allow servers to know your preferences in advance, making dining seamless and personalized.

Is the Salty Dog Worth It?

For those wondering whether it’s worth paying extra, the answer for many guests is a resounding yes. Here’s why:

• Flavor & Quality: The culinary experience is far beyond typical cruise fare, offering quality meats, gourmet techniques, and inventive flavors.

• Ambiance: It’s quieter, trendier, and more intimate than the bustling main dining room.

• Customization: You can mix and match your meal or just come for drinks and snacks without committing to a full dinner.

Whether you’re a burger connoisseur or a cocktail aficionado, the Salty Dog Gastropub satisfies cravings with style.

Final Thoughts: Cruise Dining Elevated

The Salty Dog Gastropub brings land-based foodie flair aboard some of Princess Cruises’ most luxurious ships. In 2025, the updated menu, craft beverage offerings, and elegant-but-casual vibe make it one of the top specialty dining options at sea.

As you plan your next voyage, make sure to include at least one evening at the Salty Dog. With gourmet bites, inventive cocktails, and a relaxed setting, it’s an unforgettable part of the Princess dining journey.