Princess completely transformed Butcher’s Block since my last sailing — and honestly, it’s now one of the most fun, interactive, and low‑waste specialty dining experiences onboard. Here’s everything that changed, what we ate, and whether it’s worth booking on your next sailing.
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🌟 Quick Takeaway
Butcher’s Block has changed a lot since our last visit — and in the best possible way. It’s now a family‑style, interactive dining experience with a set menu, less food waste, and a vibe that feels more social and fun.
The servers pass each course out to the table, one by one, making the meal feel like a chef‑led tasting event. Everyone gets the same dishes, and the pacing is coordinated so the whole table experiences each course together.
We prefer our meat medium rare, and the servers said that’s how it’s intended to be served — but on our sailing, several cuts leaned more medium to medium‑well. Even so, the flavors were still fantastic.
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Sun Princess • August 2026
Everything in this review — menu photos, food photos, service notes — is from our Sun Princess August 2026 Mediterranean sailing.
🔥 What Changed at Butcher’s Block (2026)
Princess completely reimagined this restaurant since my last sailing— and the changes genuinely improved the experience.
1. It’s now family‑style
Everyone gets the same dishes, served to the table to share. It feels:
more social
more fun
more interactive
less overwhelming
2. The menu is set
No more choosing individual cuts or sides. You get a curated experience — and it works.
3. Each course is passed out by the servers
This is the biggest change. The servers bring each dish to the table and hand it out course by course, making the meal feel like a guided tasting.
4. Way less food waste
Instead of giant portions nobody finishes, everything is portioned for the table.
5. The vibe is more fun
It feels like a chef‑led tasting experience instead of a traditional steakhouse.
📸 Menu Photos (Sun Princess • August 2026)
This is the menu - I know not what you are looking for but this is what they used
Because the menu is set, everyone receives the same dishes — which I loved.
The Meat Selection
We prefer medium rare, and the servers told us that’s how the meat is intended to be served. But on our sailing, several cuts leaned medium to medium‑well. Even so, the flavor was still fantastic — juicy, well‑seasoned, and satisfying.
Sides & Accompaniments
Everything was designed to complement the meat without overshadowing it. Balanced, thoughtful, and delicious.
Course‑by‑Course Passing
Don’t worry they are showing the cut to us before cooking
This was the standout change. Each course was brought out and handed to each person, one by one. It made the meal feel:
coordinated
intentional
interactive
and honestly… more fun
🍰 Dessert: Olive Oil Cake (My Happiness Dessert)
I love this cake so much
The dessert is an olive oil cake, and I cannot express how much joy this brings me. I first had olive oil cake last summer in Naples — one of those simple, perfect food moments that stays with you forever.
So when I saw it arrive at Butcher’s Block, I had an instant wave of happiness. It’s soft, fragrant, lightly sweet, and has that unmistakable Mediterranean warmth. A perfect ending to a shared meal.
🕒 Reservations: What You Need to Know
Butcher’s Block fills up quickly — especially now that the experience has changed.
How to get reservations:
Book early in the app
Check daily onboard (new times open up!)
Ask the host stand in person
👉 Princess Dining Reservations Guide
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👩💻 About the Author
Julie Davis is the travel‑hacking, cruise‑obsessed creator behind NoPointLeftBehind.net, where she teaches families how to travel better, smarter, and often for free. She sails Princess Cruises 4–5 times a year and personally photographed every specialty dining menu on Sun Princess during her August 2026 Mediterranean sailing. Her Lazy Girl travel style blends smart strategy with soft‑life vibes — pasta, wine, views, and zero stress.
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