I recently went on a Princess Cruises trip and was blown away by the variety of drink packages they offered. It was like being a kid in a candy store, but for adults.
With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which package to go with. That’s why I’ve put together the ultimate guide to Princess Cruises drink packages for 2023.
Think of it as your trusty map to navigate the vast ocean of drink options. I’ll cover everything from the different packages available, the cost and service charges, and even compare special fares that offer free drinks.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, this guide will help you get the best value for your money and make the most out of your cruise experience.
So, grab a drink (or maybe wait until you read the guide first) and let’s dive in!
- Princess Cruises offers five drinks packages: Plus, Premier, Zero-Alcohol, Classic Soda, and New Grounds Coffee, with varying costs and inclusions.
- The Princess Plus and Princess Premier fares provide good value, as they include drinks, wifi, gratuities, and other extras at a lower cost than purchasing the packages individually.
- It is not recommended to purchase the alcoholic drinks packages, as they are not worth the cost.
- To get the lowest price when booking a cruise with Princess Cruises, it is suggested to compare prices from different travel agents and look for one with a best-price guarantee.
Drinks Packages Overview
I’ll start by giving an overview of the different drinks packages offered by Princess Cruises, including the Plus, Premier, Zero-Alcohol, Classic Soda, and New Grounds Coffee packages.
The Plus and Premier packages include alcoholic drinks, while the Zero-Alcohol package does not. Each drinks package comes with an 18% service charge and must be purchased for every day of the cruise. The cost of each package varies depending on the itinerary, with the Princess drink package cost inclusive of the 18% service charge ranging from $15.32 to $100.29 per day depending on the package and itinerary.
Before purchasing a drink package, there are factors to consider. The decision of whether to get a drinks package or pay for drinks individually is not straightforward. The two alcoholic drinks packages are never worth buying, but the non-alcoholic drinks packages and special fares like the Princess Plus and Princess Premier fares can be good value depending on individual circumstances.
It’s worth checking the drink package calculator to help decide if the Princess drink package is good value. The Classic Soda Package or the New Grounds coffee package may make sense as standalone purchases, and the author offers tips on how to get the lowest price when booking a cruise with Princess Cruises.
Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Options
It’s a toss-up between the Plus and Premier packages for those who like to indulge in alcoholic beverages, as both offer a wide variety of options including beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails. The Plus package allows for up to 15 drinks per day, while the Premier package has no limit.
However, for those who prefer to stay sober or want to cut down on their alcohol consumption, Princess Cruises offers excellent non-alcoholic options with the Classic Soda and New Grounds Coffee packages. These packages include fountain sodas, fresh juices, mocktails, smoothies, and specialty coffees, providing a great way to stay hydrated and caffeinated without worrying about the cost.
One of the benefits of all-inclusive packages such as the Plus and Premier is that guests can enjoy their favorite drinks without having to worry about the cost. This can be especially beneficial for those who plan to indulge in alcoholic beverages throughout the day or are traveling with a group of friends.
However, for those who prefer an alcohol-free cruise experience, the Classic Soda and New Grounds Coffee packages offer a great alternative. With these packages, guests can enjoy a variety of non-alcoholic drinks without having to worry about the cost or limit their consumption.
Overall, Princess Cruises offers a range of drink packages to suit different preferences and budgets, making it easy for guests to customize their cruise experience.
Cost and Service Charges
The cost of each drinks package varies depending on the itinerary, but it’s important to keep in mind that each package comes with an 18% service charge. This means that while the cost of the package may seem reasonable at first glance, the added service charge can quickly add up.
It’s important to do a cost analysis before deciding on a package, taking into consideration how many days you’ll be on the cruise and how many drinks you typically consume in a day. Princess Cruises has also announced that the price of drinks on board is expected to rise in 2023.
This may impact the overall cost of the drink packages, as well as individual drink prices. If you’re someone who enjoys cocktails or wine with dinner every night, it may be worth considering a package to lock in the current prices and avoid the potential price increase.
However, if you’re someone who only drinks a few sodas throughout the day, it may be more cost-effective to pay for drinks individually. It’s important to weigh the cost analysis and consider your individual drinking habits before deciding on a package.
Special Fares Comparison
Wow, I’m really impressed with the Princess Plus and Princess Premier fares! These deals come with so many extras, including drinks, wifi, gratuities, and even reserved theatre seating. It’s a great value considering the cost of individual drinks and wifi usage on the ship.
When deciding whether to upgrade to one of these fares, it’s important to do a benefits analysis. If you plan on drinking a lot and using the wifi frequently, then it may be worth it to upgrade. However, if you don’t plan on using these services as much, then it may be better to just purchase a drinks package separately.
It’s important to weigh the cost of the fare against the cost of the individual services to determine the best option for you. Overall, upgrading to the Princess Plus or Princess Premier fare is a great way to maximize your cruise experience and save money on the extras.
Value of Drink Packages
I found the comparison and value section of the article to be particularly helpful in determining whether the Princess drink packages are a good investment for my upcoming cruise. The author suggests that the two alcoholic drinks packages aren’t worth buying, but the non-alcoholic drinks packages and special fares can be good value depending on individual circumstances.
It’s important to budget for drink packages and compare prices from different travel agents to find the best deal. For non-drinkers, the author suggests that individual purchases for soda or coffee packages may make more sense than buying a full drinks package. Additionally, sharing drink packages isn’t allowed and may result in cancellation without a refund.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of purchasing a drink package based on individual drinking habits and budget constraints. The post offers a drink package calculator to help make this decision easier.
Standalone Package Options
Now that we’ve discussed the value of the Princess Cruises drink packages, let’s take a look at some standalone package options. While the Plus and Premier packages may not always be the best value, there are other options that may make sense for some cruisers.
For those who enjoy non-alcoholic drinks, the Classic Soda Package may be the best value. This package includes fountain sodas, fresh juices, mocktails, and smoothies, and is a great option for those who want to stay hydrated without breaking the bank.
Another option is the New Grounds coffee package, which includes 15 specialty coffees. Both of these packages may make sense as standalone purchases, depending on individual preferences.
It’s important to note that these packages also come with the 18% service charge, so be sure to factor that into your decision-making process.
Booking tips
When booking a Princess Cruises vacation, it’s helpful to follow these tips to get the best deal on drinks packages and fares.
First, compare drink package prices from different sources to find the best deal. Prices can vary depending on the itinerary and the time of year, so it’s worth shopping around.
Second, consider purchasing a Princess Plus or Princess Premier fare, which includes drinks, wifi, gratuities, and other extras. These fares can be cheaper than purchasing a drinks package on its own, especially if you plan on using other included amenities.
Third, the best time to purchase drink packages is usually before the cruise, as prices can increase once on board.
Fourth, consider booking through a travel agent with a best-price guarantee to ensure that you get the lowest price.
Finally, keep in mind that sharing drink packages is not allowed and may result in cancellation without a refund.
By following these tips, you can make sure that you get the most value for your money when purchasing a drinks package for your Princess Cruises vacation.
Drinking Age and Policies
As a young adult, I was surprised to learn that the drinking age on board Princess Cruises varies by itinerary and is determined by the age of majority in the country where the ship is registered. For example, on cruises that originate in the United States or Canada, the drinking age is 21 years old. However, on cruises that originate in Europe, Asia, or Australia, the drinking age may be as low as 18 years old. It is important to note that Princess Cruises strictly enforces these drinking age policies and guests who are found to be in violation may face consequences such as being disembarked at the next port of call.
In addition to the drinking age policies, Princess Cruises also has rules regarding the amount of alcohol that guests can bring on board. Each guest is allowed to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne on board. However, any additional alcohol, including hard liquor or beer, is strictly prohibited and will be confiscated at the embarkation port. It is also important to note that guests who are found to be sneaking alcohol on board may face consequences and have their drinks discarded. To help guests stay informed about these policies, Princess Cruises provides detailed information about their alcohol policies on their website and in their pre-cruise information packets.
Bar Prices and Incentives
I was pleasantly surprised to find that bar prices on my Princess Cruises trip were in line with other cruise lines. They had a wide selection of drinks and the prices were reasonable.
Additionally, I was able to take advantage of the free drinks incentive that Princess Cruises offers from time to time. These included water, lemonade, iced tea, and hot tea. I also found that happy hour deals were a great way to save some money on drinks.
In addition to the free drinks and happy hour deals, I also benefited from the Princess Cruises loyalty program. As a member, I received discounts on drinks and other onboard purchases. I also received priority service at the bars, which was a nice perk.
Overall, I found that the bar prices and incentives on my Princess Cruises trip were very reasonable, and I would definitely recommend taking advantage of the loyalty program benefits and happy hour deals.
Author Information and Links
Moving on from the discussion on bar prices and incentives, let’s talk about the author of this ultimate guide to Princess Cruises drink packages 2023. My name is Mike Schimdt, and I am the founder of Cruise Tips, a website dedicated to helping families plan their dream cruises. With over six years of experience in the cruise industry, I have a deep knowledge of the ins and outs of various cruise lines, including Princess Cruises.
Aside from this ultimate guide, I also maintain a strong social media presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where I share my latest cruise adventures, tips, and tricks. I also invite readers to join my email list, where I provide exclusive content and deals that can help them save money on their next cruise. With my experience and expertise, I hope to provide you with valuable insights and information on Princess Cruises drink packages that can help you make the most out of your next cruise vacation.
| Key Takeaways: | |
|---|---|
| Author: | Mike Schimdt |
| Website: | Cruise Tips |
| Social Media Presence: | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
| Experience: | 6+ years in the cruise industry |
| Specialization: | Helping families plan their dream cruises |
Reader Q&A Section
Let’s jump into the section where readers ask questions and get answers about the Princess Cruises drink packages. One reader asks, "Is it worth getting the Premier Beverage Package if I only drink wine and beer?"
The answer provided is that the Premier Beverage Package can still be worth it for wine and beer drinkers, but it ultimately depends on how much you plan on drinking. The package allows for 15 alcoholic drinks per day, which may be too much for some, but can be a good value for heavy drinkers.
Another reader asks, "Can I share my drink package with my spouse?"
The answer is no, as sharing drink packages is not allowed and can result in cancellation without a refund.
Here are a few more questions and answers from the reader Q&A section:
- "Is the Classic Soda Package suitable for adults or just kids?"
The Classic Soda Package is suitable for adults as well, as it includes fountain sodas, fresh juices, mocktails, and smoothies.
- "Can I use my drink package on Princess Cruises’ private island, Princess Cays?"
Yes, the Princess drink package can be used on their private island.
- "Can I get a refund if I change my mind about purchasing a drink package?"
Refunds are available up to four days before the cruise departs.
Overall, the reader Q&A section provides helpful insights into the pros and cons of the Princess Cruises drink packages, as well as personal experiences from other cruisers. It’s a great resource for those considering purchasing a drink package and wanting to make an informed decision.
Are there any restrictions on the types of alcoholic drinks included in the Plus and Premier packages?
The Plus and Premier packages have restrictions on the types of alcoholic drinks included, but it varies by itinerary. The pricing, duration, and usage on private islands are consistent, and frequent cruisers may receive discounts. Additional beverage exclusions and add-ons may apply.
Can you purchase a drinks package for only some days of your cruise?
I’ve researched and found that Princess Cruises only offers drink packages for the entire duration of the cruise, with no limited availability. However, it may still be cost-effective depending on individual circumstances.
Are there any limitations on using the Princess drink package on the private island, Princess Cays?
Yes, there are limitations on using the Princess drink package on the private island, Princess Cays. Alcoholic drinks are not included, but non-alcoholic drinks are available. Package upgrade options are available, but must be purchased for the entire cruise.
Can you purchase a drinks package on board the ship?
Unfortunately, onboard drink package prices are higher than pre-purchased options. However, non-alcoholic drink packages like Classic Soda or New Grounds Coffee may still be worth it. Plan accordingly and purchase before boarding.
Are there any discounts available on drink packages for frequent Princess Cruises customers?
Unfortunately, there are no frequent cruiser discounts available on Princess Cruises drink packages. However, package customization is possible through the Cruise Personalizer or a travel agent.