Cruising is about more than just visiting breathtaking destinations—it’s also about savoring memorable dining experiences at sea. Among the standout culinary venues on Princess Cruises is the Salty Dog Gastropub, a casual yet elevated dining spot that combines classic pub favorites with gourmet flair. For 2025, the menu has evolved to include fresh takes on traditional dishes, exciting cocktails, and signature creations that have made this venue a guest favorite.
Whether you’re sailing on the Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess, or any other ship featuring this venue, the Salty Dog Gastropub offers a relaxed atmosphere, craft cocktails, and elevated comfort food. In this guide, we’ll dive into the Salty Dog Gastropub Menu 2025, explore the bar menu, pricing details, opening hours, and what makes this dining option such a must-try at sea.
What is the Salty Dog Gastropub on Princess Cruises?
The Salty Dog Gastropub is a specialty dining venue available on select Princess ships. Originally developed in partnership with renowned chef Ernesto Uchimura (creator of Umami Burger), this gastropub has become a staple for those looking for hearty comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Unlike the main dining room or buffet, this venue offers a cozy pub-like ambiance with rich wood tones, leather accents, and a warm atmosphere perfect for both casual and celebratory meals. Think elevated burgers, craft beers, artisanal cocktails, and indulgent small plates.
For guests seeking a laid-back dining spot with high-quality dishes and beverages, the Salty Dog Gastropub is a refreshing option that blends the feel of a trendy city pub with the luxury of cruise dining.
The Salty Dog Gastropub Menu 2025
One of the biggest highlights of the venue is its 2025 menu update, which brings back fan favorites while adding seasonal twists. The menu typically includes a mix of small plates, signature entrées, and desserts—all designed to pair beautifully with the curated drink selection.
Small Plates & Starters
The meal often begins with shareable starters that set the tone for a flavorful dining experience:
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Beer-Battered Shrimp with Garlic Aioli – Crispy and golden, paired with a zesty dipping sauce.
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Loaded Potato Croquettes – Bite-sized indulgence with cheese, bacon, and chive filling.
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Charcuterie & Cheese Plate – A gastropub classic, featuring artisanal cheeses and cured meats.
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Pub Pretzel Bites – Served with house-made beer cheese dip and spicy mustard.
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Crispy Calamari – Lightly fried and served with lemon aioli.
Signature Mains
The Salty Dog Gastropub is most famous for its “Ernesto” Burger, but 2025 also includes several new options:
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The Ernesto Burger – A signature creation with short rib, chorizo, caramelized onion jam, jalapeño aioli, pickled jalapeños, and gruyère cheese. Rich, spicy, and utterly satisfying.
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Gourmet Fried Chicken Sandwich – Buttermilk fried chicken, spicy mayo, slaw, and pickles on a toasted brioche bun.
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Pub Steak & Fries – A perfectly seared sirloin served with crispy fries and a peppercorn sauce.
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Fish & Chips – A nod to traditional pub fare, featuring flaky white fish, crispy batter, and malt vinegar aioli.
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Veggie Burger with Avocado Smash – A lighter option with a hearty plant-based patty, fresh greens, and avocado spread.
Sides
The sides complement the mains beautifully, with comfort classics like:
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Truffle Parmesan Fries
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Sweet Potato Wedges
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Beer-Battered Onion Rings
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Creamy Coleslaw
Desserts
No gastropub menu would be complete without sweet endings:
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Chocolate Pot de Crème – Rich chocolate custard with whipped cream.
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Bourbon Bread Pudding – A decadent twist with caramel sauce.
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Mini Doughnut Bites – Cinnamon-sugar coated and served with chocolate dipping sauce.
The Salty Dog Gastropub Bar Menu
Beyond the food, the Salty Dog Gastropub has built a reputation for its carefully curated bar program. The 2025 bar menu focuses on craft beers, signature cocktails, and premium spirits.
Craft Beers
Princess Cruises has partnered with regional breweries, so you’ll often find rotating selections of local craft beers depending on your itinerary. For example:
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West Coast IPAs on Alaska or California sailings
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European lagers on Mediterranean itineraries
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Seasonal ales and stouts
Signature Cocktails
Some of the highlights include:
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Salty Dog Mule – Vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime in a copper mug.
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Bourbon Maple Smash – Bourbon, maple syrup, lemon, and mint.
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Spiced Rum Punch – Caribbean-inspired, fruity yet bold.
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Classic Old Fashioned – A timeless cocktail with a gastropub twist.
Wine & Spirits
A curated list of wines and a wide range of whiskies, rums, and gins are also available. The bar team takes pride in pairing the food with the perfect beverage.
How Much is the Salty Dog Gastropub on Princess Cruises?
One of the most common questions guests ask is about pricing. The Salty Dog Gastropub is a specialty dining venue, meaning it is not included in the standard cruise fare.
As of 2025, the cost is typically:
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Cover Charge: Around $19–$25 per person (includes multiple small plates and a main).
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Drinks: Cocktails average $10–$14, beers $7–$10, and wine by the glass around $9–$12.
Compared to dining at land-based gastropubs, the pricing is quite reasonable, especially considering the gourmet quality and shipboard experience.
Guests with certain drink packages (like the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages) can enjoy drinks from the bar menu included, making the gastropub experience even more affordable.
When Does the Salty Dog Gastropub Open on Princess Cruise Ships?
The Salty Dog Gastropub is generally open for:
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Dinner Service: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
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Late-Night Bites: Select nights, with a smaller menu offered past 10 PM
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Bar Service: Open later into the night, often until midnight or later depending on ship activities
It’s best to check the Princess Patter (daily schedule) on your sailing for the exact hours since they can vary by ship and itinerary. Reservations are recommended, especially on popular ships like the Discovery Princess.
Salty Dog Gastropub on the Discovery Princess
Among the fleet, the Discovery Princess features one of the most popular Salty Dog Gastropubs. With its modern décor, expansive menu, and strong reputation, it’s often a highlight for foodies.
The Discovery Princess price for the gastropub in 2025 remains consistent with other ships—around $19–$25 per person for food, with drinks priced separately unless included in your package.
Guests rave about the ambiance on Discovery Princess, which feels more upscale compared to a typical pub yet still warm and inviting. It’s the perfect venue for a casual dinner before catching a show or as a late-night hangout spot.
Why You Should Try the Salty Dog Gastropub
There are many reasons the Salty Dog Gastropub has become a passenger favorite:
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Signature Ernesto Burger: A must-try that’s been featured in food magazines and TV shows.
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Relaxed Vibe: Ideal if you want to escape formal dining rooms.
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Perfect Pairings: Food and drinks are designed to complement each other.
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Late-Night Option: A rarity on cruise ships, making it a favorite for night owls.
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Affordable Luxury: Gourmet flavors without the hefty price tag of other specialty restaurants.
Tips for Dining at the Salty Dog Gastropub
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Make Reservations Early: Space is limited, especially on sea days.
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Use a Beverage Package: If you plan to drink, this adds great value.
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Go Hungry: Portions are generous, and you’ll want to try multiple small plates.
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Ask for Pairing Suggestions: The bartenders and servers know which drink works best with each dish.
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Try It More Than Once: The rotating specials and seasonal drinks make repeat visits worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
The Salty Dog Gastropub on Princess Cruises continues to shine as one of the most enjoyable dining venues at sea in 2025. With its updated menu, signature cocktails, and warm atmosphere, it offers the perfect balance of casual comfort and gourmet indulgence.
Whether you’re enjoying the legendary Ernesto Burger, sipping a craft cocktail, or relaxing with friends in a pub-style setting, this venue is a must-do experience. For an affordable cover charge and some of the best bites on board, the Salty Dog Gastropub proves that cruise ship dining can be both fun and unforgettable. Norwegian Cruise Line and Antarctica
