Pizza and cruising might just be the ultimate combination. Whether you are grabbing a slice after a pool day or capping off a night of dancing with a midnight snack, cruise ship pizza is always a hot topic.
Recently, we asked our Life Well Cruised Facebook community to vote for the best cruise line pizza, and over 2,000 cruise lovers shared their opinions.
The results were both surprising and fun to see. From traditional Italian-style pies to grab-and-go slices that hit the spot at any hour, here is what real cruisers had to say about their favorite cruise line pizza and what makes each one special.
Plus, at the risk of upsetting some loyal cruisers, I’ll also share our personal favorites & my top pizza at sea!
Best Cruise Line Pizza at Sea (Voted by Cruisers)
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line came out on top in our community poll, earning 32 percent of the votes and securing its place as the fan-favorite cruise line for pizza lovers. With over 600 votes, it is clear that Carnival’s simple, satisfying, and always-available pizza is a crowd-pleaser for many cruisers.
Available at venues like Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano (depending on the ship), Carnival’s pizza station is open nearly 24 hours a day. Whether you are grabbing a slice after a day at port, satisfying a late-night craving, or enjoying a casual lunch, Carnival makes it easy to get your fix.
The style is straightforward, with thin crust, classic toppings, and fast service. This no-fuss approach is exactly what many cruisers love about it.
One cruiser in our poll summed it up simply by saying, “I have to say, Carnival is the best.” That sentiment was echoed by many others who praised not only the flavor but also the convenience and accessibility.
Carnival’s pizza may not be gourmet, but it is reliable, tasty, and available whenever you need it. For many cruisers, that combination makes it a standout.
2. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises secured second place in our poll with 24 percent of the votes, and for good reason. Many cruisers feel that Princess offers some of the best traditional-style pizza at sea. Served poolside and freshly made throughout the day, it is a favorite for anyone looking for a satisfying, high-quality slice.
What sets Princess apart is the dough, which is slightly thicker and more substantial than what you will find on other lines. The sauce is rich and flavorful, and the cheese is high quality, giving it that authentic pizzeria feel. Whether you are enjoying it by the pool or grabbing a slice to go, the quality and taste often surprise first-time guests in the best way.
One cruiser shared, “Princess Cruises, it just doesn’t get better.” That level of enthusiasm reflects what many in our community expressed. Princess pizza is not just good for cruise pizza. It is genuinely delicious.
As someone who loves a well-made, traditional slice, I have to agree. Princess pizza hits that perfect balance of chewy crust, savory sauce, and melted cheese that keeps people coming back for more. It is a must-try on any Princess sailing.
Please note: This rating is based off of Princess Cruises included pizza and not Alfredo’s (which costs extra).
3. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean came in third in our community poll with 15 percent of the votes. Their go-to pizza spot, Sorrento’s, is known for its convenience more than its culinary acclaim. Open most of the day and late into the night, it is a popular stop for cruisers looking for a quick bite between meals or after a show.
The style is similar to Carnival’s grab-and-go approach, but many cruisers note that the slices are smaller and the overall quality is less impressive. The crust tends to be doughy, the cheese light, and the flavor fairly basic. While it certainly satisfies a craving in the moment, it often feels more like a filler snack than a feature of the dining experience.
That said, Royal Caribbean is one of the most well-known and widely cruised lines in the world. Its sheer popularity means more people have tried Sorrento’s pizza, which likely contributed to the number of votes it received in the poll. Familiarity and accessibility definitely play a role here.
For many cruisers, having a quick and easy pizza option is still a welcome part of the cruise experience. While it may not top the list for authenticity or bold flavor, it remains a reliable choice for those sailing with Royal Caribbean.
4. MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises earned 13 percent of the votes in our community poll, and among those who voted for it, the enthusiasm was strong. As an Italian cruise line, MSC takes its pizza seriously.
This focus is reflected in both the flavor and the quality. From the dough to the cheese to the sauce, there is a level of care and authenticity that sets it apart from many other cruise lines.
The crust is typically thin and slightly crisp. The tomato sauce is fresh and well-seasoned, and the toppings are simple yet satisfying. It feels less like a casual snack and more like a proper pizza experience.
Whether served in the buffet or at one of their onboard pizza counters, MSC’s pizza is often freshly made and served hot.. This is especially true when paired with a glass of wine or an ocean view.
One cruiser summed it up simply: “MSC is by far the best.” It is a bold statement, but one that reflects the strong loyalty MSC has earned from pizza lovers who have sailed with them.
For anyone who appreciates authentic Italian-style pizza, MSC offers something that feels just a little more special. It is the kind of pizza you slow down to enjoy rather than grab quickly between activities.
Related: Best MSC Cruises For Families & Kids – Complete Guide
5. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity’s pizza earns positive feedback for being consistently good, though it is not often described as extraordinary. It is freshly made and satisfying, but many cruisers feel it blends in with the overall buffet offerings rather than standing out on its own.
If you are looking for a decent slice with your casual meal, it will not disappoint. However, there are several better dining options onboard Celebrity cruise ships.
6. Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages offers full personal pizzas made to order at The Pizza Place, one of their casual onboard venues. The setting is stylish, and cruisers love that the pizzas are served whole rather than by the slice.
On my first Virgin cruise, I was genuinely impressed by the flavor and presentation. Unfortunately, on my most recent sailing, the pizza lacked the same taste and was a bit bland.
Despite the inconsistency, the made-to-order aspect and overall vibe of the venue still earn Virgin some points among pizza lovers.
7. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line received just 2 percent of the votes in our community poll, and the feedback from cruisers was consistent. While NCL offers a wide variety of dining options across its fleet, pizza is an area that many feel is lacking in both quality and flavor.
The pizza served in the buffet and casual dining areas is often described as thin, bland, and overly processed. For cruisers looking for a quick, cheesy bite, NCL’s offering tends to fall short compared to other lines.
This sentiment has been echoed in online reviews and cruise forums as well. Many guests comment that the pizza feels like an afterthought rather than a featured part of the menu.
While NCL does shine in specialty dining and international cuisine, its standard pizza is often one of the least memorable parts of the food experience onboard.
Related: Is Norwegian Cruise Line Worth It? Pros & Cons
8. Holland America Line
Holland America received the lowest number of votes, but this may be due to fewer cruisers having experienced it. In my opinion, their pizza deserves more credit.
It is one of the more underrated options at sea. Like Virgin, they serve full personal pizzas, and the quality is better than many expect.
Cruisers who take the time to try it are often pleasantly surprised and may end up going back for more.
Our Take on the Best Pizza at Sea
After trying every major cruise line’s pizzeria at sea, I can honestly say that the best pizza comes down to a tie between Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises. Both lines take pride in their pizza, and it truly shows in the quality of the dough, sauce, and cheese.
The result is a slice that tastes closer to what you would find in a great pizzeria on land!
That said, Carnival deserves an honorable mention. While the style is much more casual, the convenience and 24-hour availability make it a reliable go-to, especially when you are craving a quick bite after a busy day in port or a late-night show.
Of course, taste is personal. What one cruiser considers the perfect slice might be completely different from someone else’s favorite. Whether you prefer traditional Italian flavors, something simple and satisfying, or just enjoy the act of grabbing a slice by the pool, there is a cruise line pizza out there for you.
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What’s your favorite cruise ship pizza? Please share your pick in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.
