Princess Plus Logo

Introduction: When booking a cruise, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the destinations, the onboard amenities, and the overall experience. But as many seasoned travelers know, the real value often lies in the extras. This is where Princess Cruises’ Princess Plus package comes into play. But with the variety of options available, the question remains: Does it really pay to go with Princess Plus? In this guide, we’ll dive into what Princess Plus offers, how it compares to the standard fare, and whether it’s worth the additional cost for your next voyage.

1. What is Princess Plus?

Princess Plus is an add-on package offered by Princess Cruises that enhances the standard cruise fare with a suite of additional benefits. For a fixed daily rate, Princess Plus includes unlimited Wi-Fi, the Premium Beverage Package, and prepaid gratuities. It’s designed to simplify your cruise experience by bundling these popular services into one package, potentially saving you money compared to purchasing each perk individually.

What’s Included:

  • Unlimited Wi-Fi: Stay connected throughout your journey with unlimited internet access for one device per person.
  • Plus Beverage Package: Enjoy a wide range of beverages, including cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffee, and non-alcoholic drinks, up to a certain dollar limit per drink.
  • Casual Meals: 2 Casual Meals included.
  • Prepaid Gratuities: Tips for the crew are covered, so you don’t have to worry about additional charges at the end of your cruise.
  • OceanNow® (delivery anywhere onboard): Your fee is waived for OceanNow when you have Princess Plus
  • Room Service Delivery: You get unlimited included room service Delivery.

Cost Difference: The daily rate for Princess Plus is $60 per person per day to the standard fare.

2. Breaking Down the Benefits

Let’s take a closer look at the individual components of Princess Plus to see if they align with your needs.

Unlimited Wi-Fi: Staying connected at sea can be important, whether you’re sharing your adventure on social media, checking in with family, or catching up on work. Cruise ship internet is notoriously expensive, with packages starting at $24.99 per day for basic service. With Princess Plus, you get unlimited Wi-Fi included, which can be a significant saving if you plan on using the internet regularly.

Plus Beverage Package: The Plus Beverage Package covers most drinks up to $15 each, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This means you can enjoy a morning latte, a glass of wine at dinner, and cocktails by the pool without worrying about the bill. On its own, this package usually costs about $64.99 per day, making it a substantial part of the value of Princess Plus.

Casual Meals: Enjoy 2 incredible casual meals from our relaxed yet rewarding sit-down restaurants and pop-ups that offer something for everyone. These vary by ship, but include: O’Malley’s, Ocean Terrace, Vines, Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Gigi’s Pizzeria, Kai Sushi, Planks, BBQ, Steamers and Salty Dog Gastropub. These sit-down restaurants and pop-ups may not be fancy, but the food is lip-smacking good, and there’s something for everyone: meat lovers, seafood aficionados, wine connoisseurs, pub-goers, you name it. The cost for these meals without Princess Plus is $14.99

Gratuities Included: Prepaid gratuities cover the tips for your room steward, dining staff, and other service personnel, typically amounting to around $16 per day. Having these included in Princess Plus simplifies budgeting, as you won’t face an unexpected charge at the end of your cruise.

OceanNow®: The fee of $14.99 per voyage for OceanNow® delivery is waived with Princess Plus

Room Service Fee Waived: To maximize the stateroom experience, Princess Plus participants will have the standard $5 per delivery room service charge waived. That means no extra charges for the ease and luxury of on-demand service anywhere, anyplace or anytime on a Princess ship for Plus Guests.

3. Comparing the Costs

To determine if Princess Plus is worth it, let’s break down the potential savings.

Example Scenario: Consider a 7-day cruise for two people:

  • Standard fare: $1,400 per person
  • Princess Plus: Additional $420 per person ($60/day)

For $420, you receive:

  • Wi-Fi: Valued at $175 per person ($25/day)
  • Beverage Package: Valued at $490 per person ($70/day)
  • Gratuities: Valued at $112 per person ($16/day)
  • Ocean Now: Valued at $15 per voyage
  • Casual Meals: Valued at $30 per person ($15 per casual meal)

Total Value of Inclusions: $822 per person Potential Savings with Princess Plus: $402 per person

For a couple, this could mean saving over $800 on a week-long cruise by opting for Princess Plus, assuming you would otherwise purchase these packages separately.

4. Who Should Consider Princess Plus?

Princess Plus isn’t for everyone, but it offers great value for certain travelers.

For Frequent Drinkers: If you enjoy cocktails, wine, specialty coffees, soda, and other beverages throughout your day, the Plus Beverage Package alone can make Princess Plus worthwhile.

For Social Media Enthusiasts or Remote Workers: If staying connected is important to you, the unlimited Wi-Fi is a major perk. This is especially true if you’d normally purchase an internet package on board.

For Budget-Conscious Travelers: Prepaid gratuities and bundled services help eliminate surprise charges, making it easier to stick to a budget.

Who Might Skip It:

  • Non-Drinkers or Light Drinkers: If you don’t drink alcohol or only occasionally indulge, the beverage package may not provide enough value to justify the cost.
  • Tech-Free Travelers: If you’re looking to disconnect and won’t use the Wi-Fi, you might be better off with the standard fare.

5. Real Traveler Experiences

I’ve personally experienced Princess Plus, and I have to say, it was fantastic. While I’m not a big drinker of alcohol, I loved the convenience of having unlimited soda and specialty coffee at my fingertips. One of the standout features for me was the OceanNow delivery service. It was incredibly handy—imagine having your drink brought right to you, wherever you are on the ship! And on top of everything, having the gratuities included was a huge plus. It made the whole experience smooth and worry-free.

6. Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Princess Plus can offer significant value, especially if you plan to take advantage of the included Wi-Fi, beverage package, and prepaid gratuities. For many travelers, the convenience and potential savings make it a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you’re not likely to use these benefits, you may be better off sticking with the standard fare and adding extras à la carte as needed.

Tips for Making the Most of Princess Plus:

  • Book Early: Prices for Princess Plus can vary, so booking early ensures you lock in the best rate.
  • Consider Your Itinerary: On port-intensive itineraries, you might not use Wi-Fi or the beverage package as much, which could affect the value.
  • Use All the Perks: Make a point to enjoy the included services to get the full value from your Princess Plus package.

Conclusion: Princess Plus offers a range of benefits that can enhance your cruise experience, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. By considering your travel style, preferences, and budget, you can decide whether this package truly adds value to your vacation. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, understanding the details of Princess Plus will help you make an informed decision for your next adventure on the high seas.

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Experience for yourself the benefits of Princess Plus