Planning a Princess cruise and wondering about their drinks packages? You’re in the right place. Princess Cruises offers several beverage options that can significantly enhance your cruise experience while potentially saving you money. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Princess cruises drinks packages, from the popular Plus package to the premium Premier option.
Understanding Princess Cruises Drinks Packages
Princess Cruises packages go beyond just drinks. The cruise line now offers Princess cruises drinks packages as part of their fare bundles, which include the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages.
Unlike the beverages packages offered by many other cruise lines, Princess packages include additional perks. These aren’t just beverage packages – they’re complete cruise enhancement bundles that include drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and much more.
The Princess Plus Drinks Package: What’s Included
The Princess Plus drinks package is the foundation of Princess’s beverage offerings. Here’s what you get with this comprehensive package:
Alcoholic Beverages
- All beer, spirits, wine by the glass, and cocktails $15.00 USD and under
- For Australian and New Zealand voyages, the limit is $22.00 AUD and under
- 15 alcoholic beverages maximum per 24-hour period (6 a.m. to 6 a.m.)
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Sparkling or still bottled water (500ml or less)
- Fountain sodas and fresh juices
- Healthy smoothies from the unlimited juice bar
- Specialty coffees and teas
- Frappés at Coffee & Cones
- Red Bull energy drinks
Additional Perks
- 25% discount on bottles of wine and one-litre bottles of water
- Valid on private islands and all food and beverage venues
- No limitations on non-alcoholic drinks
Princess Plus Package: Beyond Just Drinks
The Princess Plus package transforms the traditional Princess cruises drinks packages concept by bundling multiple cruise amenities. When you choose Princess Plus, you receive:
- Plus Beverage Package (see above)
- Wi-Fi for one device per guest (worth $24.99 per day)
- Crew appreciation (pre-paid gratuities – worth $17 per day)
- Two premium desserts per day (worth $4.50 – $12.00 each)
- Two fitness classes per cruise (worth about $30 each)
- Unlimited juice bar access (worth $8 – $12 each)
- Two casual dining meals per cruise (worth $25 each)
- No delivery charges for OceanNow and room service (worth $14.99 for app orders – or $5 per phone placed on the phone)
The Princess Plus package costs approximately $60 per person per day, representing significant savings compared to purchasing these items individually.
So each day enjoy gratuities, WiFi, one dessert and a juice with breakfast and you are already ahead – before you’ve even started on the cocktails.
Princess Premier: The Ultimate Drinks Package Experience
For those seeking the premium Princess cruises drinks packages experience, Princess Premier takes everything to the next level:
Enhanced Beverage Coverage
- Unlimited drinks up to $20 USD value ($30 AUD for Australian voyages)
- Access to 75 spirits, 40+ wines by the glass, and 20+ high-end cocktails (the Premier wines are very good!)
- Private Woodford Reserve Bourbon Selection created exclusively for Princess
- Personalised Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Single Barrel Select
Comprehensive Package Benefits
The Princess Premier package includes everything from Princess Plus, plus:
- Premier Beverage Package (drinks up to $20 each)
- Wi-Fi for up to 4 devices per guest
- Unlimited specialty dining (Crown Grill, Sabatini’s etc)
- Photo package (unlimited digital images + 3 prints)
- Princess Prizes (daily chances to win prizes, including onboard credit)
- Unlimited premium desserts (all the cake and ice cream you can eat)
- Unlimited fitness classes
- Reserved theatre seating (so you don’t have to queue for a space)
Pricing and Value Analysis
Understanding the cost structure of Princess cruises drinks packages helps you make an informed decision:
Princess Plus Pricing
- $64.99 USD per day plus 18% service charge
- Total: $76.70 per day for most itineraries
- AUD $110.00 per day (service charge included) for Australian vessels
Princess Premier Pricing
- $90 per person per day when purchased before the cruise
- $95 per person per day if purchased onboard
NOTE: Both drinks packages tend to be cheaper when purchased before departure.
Don’t forget that everyone in your cabin stateroom must purchase the package, even if only one of you drinks.
Value Comparison
Princess values the Plus beverage package alone at approximately $76.69 per person per day, which equals roughly 4 alcoholic drinks, a specialty coffee, and a soda daily. When you factor in Wi-Fi, gratuities, and other perks, the bundled packages offer substantial savings.
The Premier package is nice (you won’t mind being stopped for photographs!) but is it really worth an extra $20 per day? We would argue not.
For us, the Plus package hits the sweet spot.
Important Terms and Conditions
Before purchasing any Princess cruises drinks packages, understand these key restrictions:
Purchase Requirements
- Must be purchased for every day of your cruise
- No partial or pro-rated packages available – you pay for every day of your cruise
- Can be pre-purchased at least four days prior to boarding – and it’s often cheaper to do so
- Available onboard for the first two or three days
- Not refundable or transferable within three days of sailing
Usage Limitations
- Packages cannot be shared between guests – if you get caught ordering drinks for others, you will be charged for the drinks (plus 18% gratuities)
- 15-drink daily limit applies to alcoholic beverages
- Drinks exceeding the price limit are charged at the difference (plus 18% gratuities)
- Age restrictions apply for alcohol purchases (18+)
What’s Not Included
- Bottled spirits or bottled wine
- Mini-bar items
- Souvenir glassware
- Wine tastings, Chef’s Table, or specialty dining cover charges
- Retail venue purchases
Alternative Drinks Packages
Princess also offers Princess cruises drinks packages for non-drinkers or lighter drinkers:
Zero-Alcohol Package
- $29.99 USD per person per day
- Includes specialty coffees, sodas, juices, mocktails, and bottled water
- Perfect for guests under legal drinking age or non-drinkers
Classic Soda Package
- $14.99 USD per person per day
- Includes fountain sodas, fruit juices, mocktails, and smoothies
- Does not include canned soda or bottled water
- Basic option for casual beverage consumption
Neither of these packages include WiFi, gratuities desserts or casual dining. Once you add these essential services, the Zero-Alcohol Package costs $62 per day
Free Drinks Package?
Can you drink for free on a Princess cruise? Yes, you can! Check out the Ultimate Guide: How to Get Free Drinks on a Princess Cruise
Making the Right Choice
When evaluating Princess cruises drinks packages, consider these factors:
- Cruise length: Longer cruises offer better value for comprehensive packages, but add significantly to the total cost of your voyage
- Drinking habits: Calculate your typical daily beverage consumption. If you imbibe more than two glasses of wine or cocktails daily, the package will save you money.
- Wi-Fi needs: Both Plus and Premier include internet access
- Dining preferences: Premier includes unlimited specialty dining
- Cabin sharing: Both guests in a cabin typically need the same package
- Gratuities: Cost an additional $17 per person per day
What drinks are free on a Princess Cruise?
Every Princess guest is entitled to some free drinks as part of their fare, specifically:
- Tea and coffee from the buffet and main dining room
- Tap water
- Orange and apple juices at breakfast
- Iced tea, lemonade and milk in the Horizon Court buffet
- Brewed coffee in restaurants, dining rooms and bars. This DOES NOT include speciality coffees – anything made by a barista.
You won’t die of dehydration if you travel without a drinks package, but your choices are quite limited.
Conclusion
Princess cruises drinks packages are comprehensive cruise enhancement bundles that offer exceptional value for most cruisers. The Princess Plus package provides excellent coverage for moderate drinkers who want Wi-Fi and gratuities included, while Princess Premier caters to those seeking the ultimate all-inclusive cruise experience.
Whether you choose the Plus package for its solid foundation of benefits or upgrade to Premier for unlimited specialty dining and premium beverages, these Princess cruises drinks packages can significantly enhance your cruise experience while potentially saving you money compared to purchasing items individually.
Remember to purchase your package at least four days before sailing to get the best price, and consider your cruise length and consumption habits when making your decision. With proper planning, these packages can transform your Princess cruise into a truly worry-free vacation experience.
Struggling?
There is a Friends of Dr Bob and Bill W every day on every ship at 3pm. Check the Princes Patter for details.
FAQs
Can I use my onboard credit towards purchasing a drinks package?
Yes! Just remember that the packages are more expensive once you set foot on the ship (and you will have to pay an 18% gratuity too).
Do I have to tell the bar staff I have a drinks package?
No, they can tell you have a drinks package the moment they scan your Medallion.
What happens if we order two drinks and both are charged to my account?
Nothing. Because both cabin stateroom occupants have the package, you are entitled to 30 alcoholic drinks between you. In the unlikely event that one of you reaches 15 drinks, any extra will be deducted from your partner’s allowance. In the incredibly unlikely event you both hit the 30 drink limit, you will hone begin to be charged at the advertised rate (+18%).
Can I order doubles?
Absolutely. Your dining room waiter will often suggest a ‘large’ wine at dinner time. Just remember that this counts as two of your 15 allotted drinks.
I’ve been billed for drinks that weren’t mine?
Very occasionally the bar staff charge drinks to the wrong cabin stateroom. If that pushes you over your 15 drink limit you should contact Guest Services immediately.
Does bottled water come out of my drinks allocation?
No, both Princess Plus and Premier include unlimited soft drinks. You can order as many small (500ml) bottles of water as you like and still go wild on the cocktails.
How is zero-alcohol beer treated?
Weirdly, Heineken 0% and the alcohol-free spirits substitutes are still classified as alcoholic drinks for the purposes of drinks packages. So you are limited to 15 Heineken alcohol-free beers each day.
What if one of us is teetotal? Do we still both have to buy a drinks package?
Occasionally the rules regarding packages are relaxed for health reasons. If one of your cabin stateroom occupants is an alcoholic for instance, you may be able to buy one Princess Plus package and one soft drinks package. Contact Princess customer services before you depart to confirm – they will probably ask for a doctor’s letter or similar as proof of a medical condition.
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