Carribean Princess - Sterling or Sabatini's?

[NewCruiser10]

We will be cruising on the C.P. on August 21st. I will be traveling with a group of friends and family and several of us will be celebrating our birthdays. I thought that it might be nice to celebrate one night in one of the specialty restaurants.

My question is, which one? I have read about both of them on the message boards. If you had to choose one of them, which would it be and why.

Thanks in advance for your help.

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[Mona Lisa]

We opted for the Sterling Steakhouse and loved it. Sabatini's is just too much food. I didn't want to have that uncomfortable stuffed feeling all evening. I highly recommend the Filet Mignon at Sterlings and for dessert, don't miss Rasberry Creme Brule! MMMmmmm...I tried to duplicate it at home but it just wasn't the same. http://smileys.******************/cat/4/4_14_2.gif ('http://www.******************/?partner=ZSzeb008')

[NewCruiser10]

Mona - thanks for the reply. So, you really enjoyed Sterlings? Was it difficult to get a reservation?

Hey, what about the rest of you? I'm sure there are many of you who have tried of of these restaurants. What's your opinion?

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[SoFloDeb]

I agree with Mona Lisa, about Sabatini's. This past March we were on Mariner of the Seas and we did't do the italian alternative but did do Chops. In addition to the food and service being awesome, we loved the Manager and the atmosphere. We made our reservation the first day and we chose our table. We're really hoping Sterling will be as nice. We don't usually do Italian because I cook lots of Italian and my mom's fiance used to own an Italian restaurant and he is also a fabulous cook, so we like the sedate atmosphere of a classic steakhouse.

Deb in South Florida
Caribbean Princess 01/15/05
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Mariner of the Seas 3/14/04
Golden Princess 01/25/03
Voyager of the Seas 12/01
Majesty of the Seas 11/00
Carnival's Ecstasy 12/99
Carnival's Paradise 11/98
NCL Westward 9/93
MS Dolphin 9/92
Sky Princess 4/91
Regent Sun 4/90

[GloriaF]

I haven't cruised the CP yet, but have done Sabitini's -- it is a lot of food, but you don't have to eat it all! We enjoyed Sabs once but probably wouldn't dp ot again.

With a large group, cost may be a consideration. If so, Sabs is 2X the cost of Sterlings.

Gloria

Grand Princess, Eastern, April 2001
Grand Princess, Western,April 2002
Regal to Hawaii, April 5-20, 2004

[karen_cpa]

We did both on the TP last year. If we had to choose one, probably the Steakhouse. Hubby loved it and we went 3x over our 10-day cruise. Our first night at the Steakhouse was actually the night they sang "Happy Honeymoon" to us!!! No idea how the waiter knew, I guess it is kept in a computer somewhere. Sabatini's was also good, but it is a LOT of food! We wouldn't have had room for the yummy dessert afterwards!!!

Voyager of the Seas - 05/04
Tahitian Princess - 10/03 (Our Honeymoon)
Carnival Paradise - 08/02

Plus . . . An Open Booking with Princess!!

[Mona Lisa]

New Cruiser,

We made our reservation on Sunday for Tuesday and did not have any trouble. However, later in the week I heard that other passengers were having trouble (especially on formal nights). My advice--book your reservation early and enjoy! Wish we were going again soon!

Lisa

[GlennPgh]

I'm also on that booking - my second cruise ever. Keep an eye out for me. I'll be in the belly flop contest *hehe*.

8/21/04 Caribbean Princess
2/2/02 Explorer of the Seas

[NewCruiser10]

Thanks all- its seems that Sterling is the most popular alternative. Perhaps we will try it.

Glenn - hope to see you on board. I'll be watching for your belly flop.

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[LarryF]

Have only done Sabatinis on the Grand and plan to go on CP next week. I travel extensively in eat in many fine restaurants around the country and Sabatinis is one of the best I've experienced. They do serve lots and lots of food, but you have total control over what to allow them to serve and how much you eat. I have to admit, while on the grand I ate it all and loved every bite!

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on Caribbean Princess June 5, 2004

Larry

[NewCruiser10]

Larry - lucky you to be traveling on the C.P. nest week. Have a great time and don't forget to let us all know what we have to look forward to. Also,if you can tell us about Sterlings and Savatinis.

Thanks in advance!

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[LilaFilly]

Went to both on the Golden a couple of weeks ago. They are totally different experiences obviously. Most of the group I went with said if they had to pick one they'd choose Sabitini's again. You choose what you want them to serve you. Sterling's was good too but I can't say I'd go there first over Sabitini's.

It's really personal preference. If you love steakhouses go to Sterling's if you love Italian more so than do Sabitini's, heck do them both so that you can say you have done it.
You won't be disappointed either way.

5/16/04 Golden Princess - Southern Caribbean
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[marly]

Sailed on Caribbean Princess May 8. My husband and I are not beef eaters, so we weren't interested in the steakhouse. We went to Sabatini's twice and absolutely loved it! Some of the best food I've ever had anywhere -- and we've eaten at a number of upscale restaurants. I'm still dreaming about the sea bass and the gnochi! We're looking forward to eating at Sabatini's again when we cruise on Caribbean Princess in December.

[NewCruiser10]

Marly - do you remember what the menu was at Sabatini's? Do you think kids would be happy there?

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[mafig]

Is there a Sterlings on the Star?

[bjkTX]

I understand that on the Caribbean Princess there is a charge for the Sterling Steakhouse. We just sailed on the Diamond and ate at the Sterling twice and enjoyed it very much - no extra charge. It seems to be the most popular of the "themed" restaurants, and on the Diamond (at least) I understand they have now limited passengers to making reservations at the Sterling on two nights. Doesn't mean you can't just walk up and take a chance.

But the point of this (you weren't sure - were you) is - on the ships that charge for the Sterling Steakhouse is it still that popular and crowded?

[sue d. miller]

I was told that there is.!! Not open for lunch tho. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif I wanted to have prime and filet for lunch every day and have lobster at night. Oh well, that dream went down the tubes!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY..... GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

[verwirrt]

Hi Sue,

mafig,

I asked Robin, who recently returned from the Star, about Sterlings. She says it's a 'Southwest steakhouse' called Tequilas. Princess website also lists Sabatini's and Tequila's as the alternatives. Don't know if that will change prior to the Star sailing the Carib, though.

[sue d. miller]

Yes that is true. They have a mix of steak and southwest fare!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY..... GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

[verwirrt]

Good news for us, then. Best of both worlds! I like Southwestern fare and steak. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[sue d. miller]

Kool!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY..... GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

[NewCruiser10]

Do all the Sterlings on the different ships have the same menus?

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UNTIL WE SAIL - PRIDE 8/13/03

[azsunshine]

We visited both Sterlings and Sabitinis on the CP. We had dined at Satitinis on the Grand before. We enjoy Sabitinis, and eat what we wish, not everything that is served.

I disliked the food and the service at Sterlings, I would not go again. The steaks were absolutely bland, the choices to accompany them were very limited.

Carol and John
NORDIC PRINCE-Mexico 2/1994
RYNDAM-Southern Caribbean1/97
ENCHANTMENT 1/98 Eastern Caribbean -VEENDAM 6/98-Eastern Caribbean
SEA PRINCESS 3/99-Western Caribbean
RHAPSODY 1/2000-Mexico
GRAND PRINCESS 11/00-Eastern caribbean VOYAGER 11/00-Western Caribbean
LEGEND 3/02 Hawaii
CARIBBEAN PRINCESS 5/04
Future:
STAR PRINCESS 11/04

[azsunshine]

By the way, on the last 3 nights we found Sterlings to be only 1/3 filled each night. Lots of room without reservations. (We didn't go again, just observed that we were probably not alone in our opionion. )

Carol and John
NORDIC PRINCE-Mexico 2/1994
RYNDAM-Southern Caribbean1/97
ENCHANTMENT 1/98 Eastern Caribbean -VEENDAM 6/98-Eastern Caribbean
SEA PRINCESS 3/99-Western Caribbean
RHAPSODY 1/2000-Mexico
GRAND PRINCESS 11/00-Eastern caribbean VOYAGER 11/00-Western Caribbean
LEGEND 3/02 Hawaii
CARIBBEAN PRINCESS 5/04
Future:
STAR PRINCESS 11/04

[lroberts]

Sailed on the CP 5/29. First time cruiser. Ate at both Sterling and Sabitinis. Sterling was okay. Service was not that great. Tried Sabitinis and loved it! Service was wonderful - very attentive. Alberto and Ken our servers were funny and warm...Alberto even gave me a kiss goodbye. Food was great. I guess it reminded me of when we went to Italy and the difference of making a meal a event.

[GOBOLTS]

WOW! Confused on which one to pick. We are cruising in July and are celebrating my parents 50th wedding anniversary and want it to be memorable. We all like Italian and steaks. Wonder which would have the better service and setting?

John

Millenium 11/03
Caribbean Princess http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=191970&cdt=2004;7;17;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[azsunshine]

I vote Sabatinis...hands down!!

Carol and John
NORDIC PRINCE-Mexico 2/1994
RYNDAM-Southern Caribbean1/97
ENCHANTMENT 1/98 Eastern Caribbean -VEENDAM 6/98-Eastern Caribbean
SEA PRINCESS 3/99-Western Caribbean
RHAPSODY 1/2000-Mexico
GRAND PRINCESS 11/00-Eastern caribbean VOYAGER 11/00-Western Caribbean
LEGEND 3/02 Hawaii
CARIBBEAN PRINCESS 5/04
Future:
STAR PRINCESS 11/04

[NewCruiser10]

Anyone who has just returned have an opinion?

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UNTIL WE SAIL - PRIDE 8/13/03

[GandGinSoCalif]

We were on the C/P on 5/29, and did both Sterling's and Sabatini's. We celebrated our 25th on formal night in Sabatini's, and had a great evening! Sterling was good, but had neither the variety nor the presentation of Sabatini's. My vote goes to Sabatini's, with gusto!!

[Suncat]

Where's the thread with the Sabatini's Menu?

I saw it once and cannot find it - please help!

Thanks!;)

[NewCruiser10]

Anyone hwo ust returned remember the menus?

[crusdiva]

Hold on help is on the way.

Sharon

[CruiseKing]

Hi NewCruiser10,
I hope you enjoy your upcoming CP cruise. My wife and I were on May 1 CP Eastern. Here is a link to the Sabatini menu and our cruise pictures.

http://photos.yahoo.com/cpebmw

[crusdiva]

Newcruiser,

My DH and I ate at Sterling and Sabatini (twice - dinner and brunch) on our 5/1 CP cruise. Loved both. Totally different experiences however. If I were celebrating with friends I'd opt for Sabatini. You only have to pick the main course and they will bring you a taste of EVERYTHING else on the menu. At the same time they don't EXPECT you to eat everything. Seems perfect for celebrating with family and friends. I wouldn't suggest it for small children - I think for the most part Sterling would be better given that you could spend about 2 1/2 hours at Sabatini. Just my opinion. Either way you win.

Sharon

[monk888]

NewCruiser10,

I just got back from the June 26 sailing on the Caribbean Princess. We ate at Sabatini's. The food there is tremendous. The ambience is absolutely lovely. When you walk into Sabatini's, it has Roman type columns all around a sort of semi-circular wall. Each column visually separates a space for a table. On the wall are murals of scenes of Italy or classic Roman type art. The restaurant is very upscale. It has an open kitchen as the centerpiece. It is made for special evenings. The dinner there lasts 2 hours at least. They bring you a tiny bit of each type of antipasto. You choose your soup, Minestrone or Cioppino, which is a seafood soup that was out of this World. You then have your choice of entre's or you can choose a seafood combination of Chilean Sea Bass, Scallops, Langostino's and Lobster tail. The meal we had there was outstanding and very memorable.

I did not eat at Sterling's, but I can tell you somthing about it that I did not like. On the Carbibbean Princess, Sterling's is out in the open in a high traffic area. In order to get to it, you walk through the Atrium on Deck 7, through large doors and there it is. To the right of it's front "entrance" is a boutique. In order to get to the Princess Theatre, each guest on the ship must walk past one side or the other of Sterling. The Internet Cafe is just to the left of Sterling, so all of those folks are coming and going. If you are dining in there, you are in plain view of everyone. There is no real privacy to speak of while you are trying to eat. I could not deal with that. From what I have heard, their Filet Mignon is superlative, but I have heard mixed reviews on other cuts.

Bottom line-For a superlative, memorable evening in a private setting with super service and top notch food, my vote is for Sabatini's, hands down. Just my two cents.

[dgebhart]

Our travel agent has returned from her trip on CP and she says without doubt that Sterlings is the best choice. Said the food was fabulous and so was the service.

[Coral]

Just a few comments - the Sterling dining room on the Diamond/Sapphire is DIFFERENT then the Sterling Streakhouse on the Sun/Dawn Princess.

On the Diamond and Sapphire - it is a very limited menu and free.

I have yet to be on the Caribbean Princess or a Grand class since they switched the Southwestern Restaurant over to the Steakhouse so I can't comment on those.

CHOPs on RCCL is a different experience then Sterling Steakhouse on Princess. I thought CHOPS was more formal. When we went to Sterling Steakhouse on the Sun Princess - it was excellent. I come from beef country (Nebraska) and was impressed with the quality of the steak on Sterling's.

[cruisinsuz]

I was on the same cruise as Monk and ate at both restaurants. While both restaurants were outstanding, each had a completely different experience to offer. My vote goes to Sterlings only because the food was too much for my taste at Sabatini's (maybe I need to just control myself!!). Sterlings offerered just the right amount of choices and I have been to many 4 and 5-star steakhouses, in my opinion. Their filet was awesome and you have to try their corn casserole! The experience was much more sedate, but the service was attentive, but no where near Sabatini's.
Sabatini's wait staff was over the top and so much fun! They were the friendliest and most attentive I have seen in a long time and the food is wonderful. My husband and I opted not to take our 8 and 11-year olds and never regretted it. They did, however, enjoy Sterlings very much.
Again, different strokes!

[NewCruiser10]

Thanks all, for sharing your experiences and opinions. It sounds as if either choice would be a good decision. After all, its the company you are with that creates a memorable evening.