If you’re booking with Princess Cruises, you’ll quickly face a choice: Princess Plus vs Premier, or neither. These bundled packages combine drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and other extras into one daily price. They can save real money, or cost you more than you’d spend on your own. Here’s how the two packages compare and how to decide which is worth it for your cruise.
Package names, prices, and inclusions change periodically. Confirm current details before booking.
Plus, Premier, or Neither? We’ll Do the Math
As an authorized Princess Cruises agency, we compare package options for your exact sailing and travel style.
What Are Princess Plus and Princess Premier?
Princess Plus and Princess Premier are add-on bundles that you can purchase with your fare, either at booking or afterward. Each covers a set of popular extras for every day of your cruise. Premier is the higher tier, with more and better inclusions.
Princess Plus vs Premier at a Glance
| Feature | Princess Plus | Princess Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks | Plus Beverage Package (drinks up to a set per-drink price) | Premier Beverage Package (higher per-drink cap, more premium brands) |
| Wi-Fi | MedallionNet for 1 device | MedallionNet for multiple devices |
| Crew appreciation (gratuities) | Included | Included |
| Specialty dining | Limited or not included | Unlimited specialty dining (rules apply) |
| Room service delivery fees | Covered on some items | Included |
| Fitness classes | Some included | Included |
| Professional photos | Not included | Digital photo package included |
| Reserved theater seating | No | Yes |
| Approximate cost | Roughly $60–$70 per person per day | Roughly $90–$100+ per person per day |
Is Princess Plus Worth It?
Add up what Plus replaces each day:
- Crew appreciation (gratuities): about $16–$18 per person
- Wi-Fi for one device: often $15–$25 if purchased separately
- Drinks: a few cocktails, coffees, and sodas can easily exceed $30–$50
For many travelers who drink moderately and want Wi-Fi, Princess Plus pays for itself. Gratuities and Wi-Fi alone cover a large share of the daily cost. Add even two or three drinks, and you’re ahead.
Plus is a great fit if you:
- Have a few drinks a day
- Want to stay connected on one device
- Like knowing your extras are prepaid
Is Princess Premier Worth It?
Premier makes sense if you’ll take advantage of its bigger extras, especially unlimited specialty dining, multi-device Wi-Fi, and the photo package. Princess specialty restaurants like Crown Grill and Sabatini’s are excellent, and dining there several times can quickly add up.
Premier is a great fit if you:
- Want to try several specialty restaurants
- Need Wi-Fi on more than one device
- Enjoy premium spirits and wines
- Want professional photos and reserved show seating
- Are celebrating a special occasion and want an all-in experience
When Neither Package Makes Sense
- You rarely drink alcohol
- You don’t need Wi-Fi
- Your itinerary is port-heavy and you’ll be ashore most days
- Only one person in the cabin would use the drinks (packages generally must be purchased for all guests in a cabin)
In those cases, it’s often cheaper to pay gratuities and buy drinks individually. See cruise drink packages: worth it or not?
Important Rules to Know
- All guests in a cabin typically must buy the same package.
- Guests under 21 receive a non-alcoholic version at a lower price.
- The package covers every day of your cruise, including port days.
- Specialty dining in Premier may have limits, such as one specialty dinner per night.
- Price changes: Princess sometimes adjusts package pricing. Locking in early can protect you.
Example Cost Comparison
A couple on a 7-night Princess Caribbean cruise:
- No package: gratuities (~$240), Wi-Fi for one device (~$140), and three drinks each per day (~$420+) = roughly $800+
- Princess Plus: roughly $65 × 2 × 7 = about $910
- Princess Premier: roughly $95 × 2 × 7 = about $1,330
If they drink a bit more, or want two devices online, Plus quickly becomes the better deal. If they’d dine in specialty restaurants three or more times, Premier can come out ahead. Figures are illustrative estimates.
Tips to Get the Best Value
- Look for promotions. Princess sometimes offers Plus or Premier at reduced prices or included with select fares.
- Buy before you sail. Packages purchased in advance are generally cheaper.
- Ask your advisor to compare. We’ll run the math based on your habits and itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Princess Plus after I book?
Yes, usually up until sailing. Pricing may differ from what was offered at booking.
Do both adults need Princess Plus?
Generally yes. Princess requires all guests in the cabin to purchase the same package.
Is gratuity included in Princess Plus?
Yes. Crew appreciation is included in both Plus and Premier.
Can I upgrade from Plus to Premier?
Typically yes, before sailing. Ask your advisor or check the Princess app.
Let Us Run the Numbers
At The Cruise Headquarters, we’ll compare Princess Plus, Premier, and no-package options for your exact sailing and travel style. Request a free Princess cruise quote today.
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