Princess Cruises is set to raise prices on some of its popular add-on packages by $5 per person per day, starting on October 13. This change has some cruise enthusiasts reconsidering their vacation plans. The Plus and Premier packages provide amenities like drink inclusions, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, casual dining, and room service.
The new pricing will affect all sailings that leave on or after October 13. For instance, the Princess Plus package will now cost $70 per day, while the Premier package will go up to $105 per day. On specific ships like the Sun Princess and Star Princess, these rates will be adjusted to $75 and $110, respectively.
A spokesperson for Princess Cruises explained that the company regularly reevaluates package pricing to reflect changes in operational costs while still delivering value to guests. They believe these packages continue to be a convenient way for guests to bundle popular amenities.
The crew appreciation included in these packages is directly distributed to the dedicated staff that provides the exceptional service guests appreciate, according to the cruise line, which is based in Santa Clarita, California.
Under the Princess Plus package, guests can enjoy up to 15 alcoholic beverages each day, with a cap of $15 per drink, along with four casual meals, complimentary room service, and Wi-Fi access for one device per guest.
The Premier package offers expanded perks, such as unlimited drinks valued at up to $20 each, unrestricted dining options, and additional benefits like four-device Wi-Fi access and shore excursion credits up to $300 per person.
Amidst these changes, Princess is also discontinuing its four-device Wi-Fi option and replacing it with a new two-device plan priced at $39.99 per day. The price for single-device internet access has now risen to $39.99 for a 24-hour purchase and $33.99 if purchased for the entire cruise.
Reactions on social media have been mixed, with some users expressing that these changes make it easier for them to choose other options or to go without the packages entirely. One Reddit user remarked that the decision to opt for standard fare and pay a la carte has become more appealing. Another user anticipated that costs for miscellaneous services, such as gratuities and specialty dining, would likely increase as well.
Some cruise-goers mentioned that with the new rates, the Princess Plus package might not be worth the investment, especially for those who don’t utilize all the benefits. A traveler expressed concern, stating, “This price increase is what will push me away. It’s probably no longer worth it for me.”
Princess Cruises also recently announced stricter booking rules, including higher deposits and earlier deadlines for final payments. Starting in 2027, bookings will require final payment 120 days before departure, along with a revised cancellation fee schedule, which aims to make the booking process more consistent and reflective of industry standards.
Princess Cruises operates a fleet of 17 ships across four classes, from mid-sized vessels designed for destination-focused itineraries to larger ships loaded with amenities. Their newest additions are the Sphere Class vessels, the Sun Princess and Star Princess.
