Crab Shack on Princess Cruises is a specialty dining pop-up experience that offers a casual, seafood-focused meal in a relaxed onboard setting. Available on select evenings during longer sailings, Crab Shack is ideal for guests looking for a hands-on, flavorful seafood feast. With dishes like crab legs, shrimp, and mussels, it delivers a fun and satisfying alternative to the main dining room or buffet.

Click here to view the Crab Shack food and bar menu.

About Crab Shack

Crab Shack is a pop-up restaurant concept hosted in part of the ship's buffet area, typically transformed into a New Orleans-inspired seafood boil setting. It is not a full-time dining venue but is available only on select nights, generally during longer itineraries or sea days. This limited-time experience features table service and a set menu centered around shellfish, served either hot in flavorful broths or chilled on ice.

The concept of Crab Shack is designed to mimic a casual seafood boil, complete with bibs and a laid-back environment. It attracts cruisers who enjoy crab, shrimp, and other shellfish served in hearty portions. It is popular among families, couples, and seafood lovers looking for a different dining option aboard Princess ships.

Crab Shack Menu Highlights

The Crab Shack menu begins with appetizers such as popcorn shrimp and hushpuppies, served with a choice of Bayou-style or tartar dipping sauce. Guests can also enjoy clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, made with bacon, leeks, potatoes, and fresh herbs.

For the main course, guests choose from several seafood boil-style entrees. The Shack’s Signature Seafood Pot includes Dungeness crab legs, shrimp, crawfish, mussels, and clams in a garlic and white wine broth. Alternatively, the Cajun Seafood Boil features Old Bay seasoned crab legs, sausage, red potatoes, and corn for a Southern-style twist.

Another option is the Seafood Bucket for Two, a chilled platter served on ice and featuring lobster tails, lobster claws, Dungeness crab legs, shrimp, mussels, and clams. This option requires two paying guests and comes with three dipping sauces: brandy cocktail, horseradish cocktail, and mignonette.

For dessert, diners can choose between strawberry shortcake or key lime pie in a jar. Coffee or tea is included with dessert service.

Beverage options include a full selection of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. Popular drinks include the Captain’s Bounty rum cocktail, a classic Dark & Stormy, and the Mermaids’ Wish, made with prosecco and Chambord. Wines by the glass include California Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and sparkling selections.

Cost to Eat at Crab Shack

As Crab Shack is a specialty restaurant, it is not included in the base cruise fare. The standard cover charge is $55 per person, except on the Sun and Star Princess, where Specialty Dining incurs a $60 per person surcharge. The cover charge includes an appetizer, soup, main course, and dessert. Additional entrees can be ordered for $15 each. The Seafood Bucket for Two requires at least two guests and is priced per person.

Guests with the Princess Premier packages can enjoy unlimited Specialty Dining, including at Crab Shack. All menu prices and the cover charge are subject to an automatic 18% service charge. Beverages are available à la carte and are not included in the base cost unless a drink package applies.

Which Ships Have Crab Shack?

Unlike most Specialty dining experiences, Crab Shack is not a permanent restaurant but rather a pop-up dining experience offered on select Princess Cruises ships.

The availability of Crab Shack varies depending on the itinerary and cruise length. The pop-up typically only appears on Alaska itineraries or longer “Grand Voyages” itineraries. Guests are encouraged to check with the ship’s dining staff or daily planner once on board to confirm dates and availability.

Conclusion

Crab Shack on Princess Cruises offers a casual, flavorful seafood boil-style meal that adds variety to the onboard dining options. With its signature seafood offerings, it’s a great way to enjoy crab legs, shrimp, and other shellfish in a relaxed setting. Though it’s available only on select nights, it remains a popular choice for guests seeking a fun and unique dining experience at sea.

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