The best cruise ship pizza in 2026 is generally agreed to be Virgin Voyages’ Pizza Place, which is made to order and included in the fare. Carnival’s Pizza Pirate and Pizzeria del Capitano are the best free pizza on a mainstream line, while Princess’s Alfredo’s Pizzeria serves the best sit-down Neapolitan pizza but now costs extra for most guests. Here is how cruise ship pizza compares across the major lines, what is free and what you will pay for.
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Pizza is one of the most popular things to eat on a cruise. It is quick, it is available long after the main dining room closes and, on most lines, it costs nothing. But quality varies a lot, from reheated buffet slices to pies baked to order in a proper oven. Cruise lines also keep adjusting what is included, so a venue that was free a few years ago may now carry a charge.
Cruise Ship Pizza Ranked: Free vs Paid at a Glance
This ranking weighs taste, how fresh the pizza is, how easy it is to get and whether it costs extra. Prices and venues are correct to the best of our knowledge as of October 2026, but cruise lines change menus and fees often, so check the line’s website before you sail.
| Rank | Cruise line | Pizza venue | Cost | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virgin Voyages | The Pizza Place | Free | Made-to-order, thin-crust personal pies |
| 2 | Carnival | Pizza Pirate / Pizzeria del Capitano | Free (fee for cabin delivery) | Hand-tossed, open long hours |
| 3 | Princess | Alfredo’s Pizzeria | Extra cost unless on Plus/Premier | Sit-down Neapolitan, Tony Gemignani recipes |
| 4 | Royal Caribbean | Sorrento’s | Free | New York-style slices on the Promenade |
| 5 | Holland America | New York Pizza / New York Deli & Pizza | Free | Thin-crust New York-style pies |
| 6 | MSC Cruises | Buffet pizza and room service pizza | Buffet free; room service extra | Rustic Italian style |
| 7 | Celebrity | Oceanview Cafe pizza station | Free | Buffet slices |
| 8 | Disney | Pinocchio’s, Luigi’s or Daisy’s Pizza Pies | Free | Family-friendly quick service |
| 9 | Norwegian | Buffet pizza | Free; room service delivery fee | Thin, crispy buffet slices |
| 10 | Oceania | Terrace Cafe pizza oven | Included in fare | Oven-baked pizza at lunch |
The Best Free Cruise Ship Pizza
1. Virgin Voyages: The Pizza Place
Virgin Voyages does not have a traditional buffet, and its restaurants, including The Pizza Place, are part of the fare. Pizzas are made to order with a thin, blistered crust, and the menu goes beyond plain cheese with options such as a white pizza and a truffle-and-egg pie. Because nothing sits under a heat lamp, it is the pizza most reviewers name first when ranking the best cruise ship pizza. It is also open late, which makes it a favorite after a night out.
2. Carnival: Pizza Pirate and Pizzeria del Capitano
Carnival has built a reputation on its free pizza. Depending on your ship, the counter is called Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano, and the hand-tossed pizzas are included in the fare. Carnival’s official site lists Pizza Pirate as included on ships such as Carnival Breeze, Freedom, Glory, Legend, Liberty, Miracle, Paradise, Pride and Valor, with Pizzeria del Capitano on newer and refurbished ships. Hours are long, often around the clock, and you can order a whole pie for the table. Cabin delivery is available for a small extra charge.
3. Royal Caribbean: Sorrento’s
Sorrento’s is Royal Caribbean’s free pizza spot, usually found on the Royal Promenade. It serves New York-style slices with a rotating choice of toppings, and it is a reliable late-night stop. On the newest ships it remains one of the easiest free snacks; see our list of free places to eat on Icon of the Seas for where it fits among the other included venues.
4. Holland America: New York Pizza
Holland America’s New York Pizza (called New York Deli & Pizza on Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam) is included in the fare. It serves thin-crust, New York-style pies made fresh each day, alongside deli sandwiches and salads. It is a relaxed alternative to the Lido Market buffet.
5. Celebrity Cruises: Oceanview Cafe
Celebrity does not run a standalone free pizzeria on most ships, but the pizza station in the Oceanview Cafe buffet is better than many expect, with good flavor and sea views. It is easy to miss, so ask a crew member where the pizza counter is on your ship.
6. Disney Cruise Line
Every Disney ship has a quick-service pizza counter included in the fare: Pinocchio’s Pizzeria on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, Luigi’s Pizza at Flo’s Cafe on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, and Daisy’s Pizza Pies at the Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods on Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny. The pizza is simple and family-friendly, and it is handy near the pools.
7. Norwegian Cruise Line
On Norwegian, free pizza is mostly found in the Garden Cafe buffet and some casual venues. It is a thin, crispy buffet slice that is filling rather than memorable. Pizza delivered to your cabin carries a room service delivery fee.
8. Oceania Cruises
Oceania includes all of its dining in the fare. At lunchtime the Terrace Cafe uses a pizza oven, so you can pick up freshly baked pizza alongside the buffet without paying extra.
Cruise Ship Pizza That Costs Extra
Princess Cruises: Alfredo’s Pizzeria
Alfredo’s Pizzeria is arguably the best sit-down pizza on a big-ship line. It serves made-to-order Neapolitan pizza, and Princess has partnered with 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, who created a set of signature pizzas for the line. The catch is cost. Princess introduced a charge for Alfredo’s (and Gigi’s Pizzeria by Alfredo on some ships) in 2023, and its website currently lists $14.99 per adult and $7.49 per child aged 3 to 11, plus a service charge. Guests on the Princess Plus or Premier packages eat there at no extra cost. If you just want a quick slice, free pizza is still served by the pool.
MSC Cruises: room service pizza
MSC’s Italian roots show in its pizza. The buffet pizza is free and rustic in style, while room service pizza is ordered separately and charged per pie, with a delivery fee for some guests. Many cruisers think MSC’s room service pizza is among the best at sea for the price.
Specialty Italian restaurants
Several lines also serve pizza in paid Italian specialty restaurants. These are worth it if you want a full Italian meal, but if pizza is all you are after, the free venues above usually deliver more value.
Tips for Getting the Best Cruise Pizza
- Go on embarkation day. The free pizza counters are usually among the first venues open, and they are a quick lunch while you wait for your cabin.
- Ask for a fresh pie. At counters that serve slices, you can often ask for a whole pizza made for you, which beats a slice that has been sitting out.
- Know the delivery fees. Carnival, Norwegian, MSC and Princess all charge for at least some cabin deliveries, so walking to the counter saves money.
- Check your package. On Princess, the Plus and Premier packages cover Alfredo’s, which can tip the value of the package if you are a pizza fan.
- Plan late-night snacks. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Virgin all keep pizza going late, which is why it is the go-to after the show.
Which Cruise Line Has the Best Pizza Overall?
If pizza quality matters most and you want it included, Virgin Voyages is the clear pick. For families on a mainstream line, Carnival offers the best free cruise ship pizza with the longest hours. If you do not mind paying, Princess’s Alfredo’s serves the most authentic Neapolitan pie. Pizza is only one part of the food story, of course; for a wider view, see our guide to the cruise lines with the best food, or browse our Icon of the Seas restaurants guide to see how Royal Caribbean’s largest ship mixes free and paid dining.
If you are also budgeting for drinks, our guide to cruise drink packages compares daily prices, rules and break-even points by cruise line.
FAQs
Who has the best pizza on a cruise ship?
Virgin Voyages’ Pizza Place is regularly rated the best cruise ship pizza, and it is included in the fare. Carnival’s free Pizza Pirate and Pizzeria del Capitano and Princess’s paid Alfredo’s Pizzeria are close behind.
What is Carnival cruise pizza called?
Depending on the ship, Carnival’s free pizzeria is called Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano. Both serve hand-tossed pizza at no extra charge; only cabin delivery carries a small fee.
What pizza is on Royal Caribbean ships?
Royal Caribbean’s free pizza spot is Sorrento’s, which serves New York-style slices on many ships including Oasis- and Icon-class. Pizza also appears in the buffet and in some specialty Italian restaurants.
Is pizza free on Princess Cruises?
Pizza by the slice at the pool deck is free. Sit-down Neapolitan pizza at Alfredo’s Pizzeria now costs extra for most guests (listed at $14.99 per adult plus service charge), but it is included with the Princess Plus and Premier packages.
Is pizza free on Disney cruises?
Yes. Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, Luigi’s Pizza and Daisy’s Pizza Pies, depending on the ship, are quick-service counters included in your Disney Cruise Line fare.
