Princess Cruises has received one of the highest international endorsements for Italian cuisine, with Alfredo’s Pizzeria aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess awarded the Ospitalità Italiana Certification.
Announced on 9th February 2026 from Fort Lauderdale, the recognition confirms that Alfredo’s Pizzeria meets strict standards for authenticity, quality and service, placing it among a select group of dining venues worldwide approved for preserving Italy’s culinary heritage.
The certification focuses on the use of traditional techniques, fresh ingredients and genuine hospitality, all of which are central to the Alfredo’s Pizzeria concept at sea.
The accolade applies specifically to Alfredo’s Pizzeria on Sun Princess and Star Princess, where guests are served Neapolitan-style pizzas that are made to order. Each pizza features hand-stretched dough and is baked in a stone Moretti Forni oven, reflecting methods more commonly found in specialist pizzerias ashore than on board cruise ships.
Authentic Italian Techniques At Sea
The Ospitalità Italiana Certification is widely regarded as the gold standard for Italian dining outside Italy.
Awarded only to establishments that demonstrate a deep respect for Italy’s culinary traditions, the certification assesses everything from ingredient sourcing and preparation methods to service standards and overall dining experience.
For Princess Cruises, the award reinforces a broader strategy to elevate onboard dining through authenticity rather than adaptation. Alfredo’s Pizzeria focuses on classic Italian flavours, traditional recipes and skilled chefs trained to replicate regional techniques, ensuring consistency across sailings while maintaining a strong connection to Italian food culture.
The timing of the announcement also coincides with National Pizza Day, which the cruise line marked by highlighting its long-standing collaboration with chef Tony Gemignani, a globally recognised pizza expert.
Partnership With A World Pizza Champion
Princess Cruises works closely with Tony Gemignani, a 13-time World Pizza Champion, who has developed a dedicated pizza menu for Alfredo’s Pizzeria. His involvement has helped shape five signature pizzas now served across the Princess Cruises fleet of 17 ships.
“Earning the Ospitalità Italiana Certification is a meaningful validation of our dedication to authentic Italian culinary excellence,
“As we celebrate National Pizza Day, we’re proud to recognise this achievement and our partnership with Chef Tony Gemignani to showcase how we bring our guests closer to the tastes, traditions, and hospitality of Italy, one perfectly crafted pizza at a time.”
Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises vice president of food and beverage.
Gemignani’s creations feature premium ingredients and bold flavour combinations, including soppressata sausage with hot honey, and gorgonzola paired with sweet fig preserves. The collaboration has already earned wider recognition, with Princess Cruises previously named by USA Today as offering the Best Pizza at Sea.
With the addition of the Ospitalità Italiana Certification, Princess Cruises further strengthens its position as a cruise line focused on destination-inspired dining, offering guests an authentic Italian pizza experience without leaving the ship.
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