A Guide to Princess Cruises Packages: Princess Standard, Princess Plus, and Princess Premier
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Princess Cruises packages - Princess Standard, Princess Plus, and Princess Premier. If you're planning a cruise vacation with Princess Cruises and want to know what each package offers, you've come to the right place.
In this guide, we'll break down the differences between the packages and provide valuable insights into what is included in each one.
In 2023, Princess Cruises introduced three new packages - Princess Standard, Princess Plus, and Princess Premier. Each package has different levels of inclusive benefits, each designed to cater to various cruising styles and budgets. The introduction of the new All-Inclusive packages was controversial, with some changes involving moving amenities that were previously free for everyone to the new paid-for packages.
Watch our breakdown and reaction to the changes:
The Basics of the Princess Cruises All Inclusive Packages
Before we dive into each package, Let's go over the basics of the Princess packages and some important rules.
Buying a Princess Cruises Premier or Plus Package
Anyone in any cabin type can buy a package. If you're sharing a stateroom, the first and second guests must choose the same package. However, the third and fourth guests in the same cabin don't have to choose the same package.
To get a Princess package, you can buy it when booking your cruise or later through the cruise personalizer. Onboard, you can buy the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages until the second day of your cruise. But there are only a limited number available, so if you're sure you want one, it's better to buy in advance.
Once onboard, The ship's systems recognize the package attached to your account, and the crew will apply the package inclusions accordingly automatically.
Can Benefits Be Shared?
Certain benefits can be shared if you're traveling with others, like Wi-Fi, Digital Photos, and reserved theater seating, regardless of whether they bought a package or not. But other benefits cannot be shared.
Rules and Restrictions To Be Aware Of
There are restrictions on the type and amount of alcohol you can get. Read our guide to Princess Cruises drinks packages here.
If you're under 21 on North American cruises or 18 on other cruises and don't drink, you'll get the Zero-Alcohol Package. If you don't drink and are older than these ages, there won't be any substitutions.
The casual dining venues are O’Malley’s, Ocean Terrace, Vines, Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Gigi’s Pizzeria, Kai Sushi, Planks, BBQ, Steamers, and Salty Dog Gastropub. The options can vary by ship and you do not need to make reservations at these venues.
The specialty dining venues are Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, Crown Grill, SHARE by Curtis Stone, Kai Sushi, Bayou Café & Steakhouse, Sterling Steakhouse, La Mer, and The Salty Dog Gastropub. You don't have to make reservations for specialty dining, but it's a good idea to book early using the Princess® MedallionClass® app.
Read our Guide to Dining on Princess Cruises
If you don't use the benefits included in your Princess package during your cruise, you won't be able to transfer them to another sailing, even if you have back-to-back cruises booked. So, make sure to enjoy the perks during your cruise to get the most out of your package.
The Different Princess Cruises Packages
Princess Standard Package
The Princess Standard package offers a basic cruising experience without extensive add-ons.
What's Included:
Accommodation
Meals served in the main dining room, buffet and snacks from the International Cafe
Entertainment and Activities
Access to the pools, gym and sports facilities
Room Service Breakfast ordered through placing the card outside your door
The Princess Standard package serves as the basic fare that all cruisers pay, and it covers essential amenities for a comfortable voyage. However, it's important to note that daily gratuities are still charged per day on top of the package price.
This package is particularly suitable for travelers who do not drink alcohol, as it does not include any beverage packages. If you prefer a straightforward and budget-friendly cruising experience without additional inclusions, the Princess Standard package might be the ideal choice for you.
Princess Plus and Premier packages now include a selection of Fitness Classes.
Princess Plus Package
The Princess Plus package is an all-inclusive option with added perks.
What's Included in the Princess Plus package:
Everything in the Princess Standard Package (See Above)
Wi-Fi access for one device per guest
Gratuities
Plus Beverage Package offering drinks up to $15 each, with a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day
Unlimited access to the juice bar
Two premium desserts per day
Two fitness classes per cruise
Two casual dining meals per guest
OceanNow® delivery service and room service delivery
Is the Princess Plus package worth the extra cost?
Whether the Princess Plus package is worth it depends on your individual preferences and cruising habits. Consider factors such as how much you typically spend on beverages and whether you enjoy casual dining and fitness classes. If you plan on staying connected through Wi-Fi and appreciate the added convenience of having gratuities included, the package may further justify its cost.
If you don't drink much, rarely use onboard Wi-Fi, or prefer dining in the main dining room or Specialty Restaurants (not covered in the package), the Princess Plus package may be less appealing to you.
The Princess Plus and Premier Packages Both Include Alcoholic Drinks
Princess Premier Package
The Princess Premier package is aimed at travelers seeking a more luxurious experience
What's Included in the Princess Premier package:
Everything in the Princess Standard Package (See Above)
Wi-Fi access for up to four devices per guest
Gratuities
Premier Beverage Package with drinks up to $20 each, with a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day.
Unlimited access to the juice bar
Unlimited premium desserts
Unlimited fitness classes
Unlimited digital photo package (including three printed photos)
Princess Prizes – Prizes currently include onboard credits, onboard dining experiences, free cruises and more.
Unlimited casual dining meals
Two specialty dining meals per guest
Special Medallion accessory
Reserved seating for production shows in the theater
OceanNow® delivery service and room service delivery
Is the Princess Premier package worth it?
Consider the Princess Premier package's many benefits and if you'll use them all during your cruise. If you only need one extra Wi-Fi device, won't take fitness classes, or plan for just one specialty meal, choosing the basic fare and paying separately for these extras may be more cost-effective.
See Also: The Ultimate Guide to Princess Cruises
Reserved seating for production shows in the theater in included in the Premier Package
Here are some important things to know about Princess Cruises packages:
Land Portion Exclusion: Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages are only applicable for the shipboard experience and cannot be used during the land portion of cruisetours.
Combining with Other Offers: Princess Plus and Princess Premier can be combined with most publicly available offers, including Standard Groups, Cruise Sales, casino discounts, military benefits, shareholder benefits, Future Cruise Deposits, Princess Referral Rewards, geo-targeted and recipient-only offers, and Captain's Circle Launch Savings. These packages cannot be combined with any other promotions, and the promotion is subject to capacity control and is not transferable.
Princess Prizes: Princess Prizes is a promotion on board where guests can win exciting prizes through their stateroom door portal. However, this promotion is limited to when the ship is in international waters, and minors are not eligible to participate.
Premium Desserts: The Plus package includes two premium desserts per day, while the Premier package offers unlimited premium desserts. These desserts include gelato, candies, toppings, pastries, and more.
Fitness Classes: The Plus package allows participation in two classes per voyage, while the Premier package offers unlimited access to fitness classes, including StretchLab, Pure Barre, and YogaSix.
Reserved Theatre Seating: As part of the Premier package, guests have access to a section of reserved seating in the Princess Theater for production shows only.
Medallion Device Shipping: U.S. guests with Plus or Premier packages can have their complimentary Medallion device and lanyard delivered to their home without extra shipping fees. Non-package guests can opt for delivery for a $10 fee or pick them up at the departure port.
We hope this comprehensive guide to Princess Cruises packages - Princess Standard, Princess Plus, and Princess Premier - has been helpful in understanding the inclusions and differences between each option. If you have any questions, feedback, or personal experiences with these packages, we would love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Your insights can help fellow cruisers make informed decisions and enhance their future cruise experiences.