How Many Drinks Can You Get a Day with a Princess Cruises Drink Package?

When planning a voyage with Princess Cruises, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: “How many drinks can I get a day with a Princess Cruises drink package?” Whether you’re a casual sipper, a cocktail lover, or a coffee enthusiast, understanding how these packages work is essential to making the most of your cruise experience—and your budget.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Princess Cruises’ drink packages, how many drinks you can get per day, what’s included, and the best strategies for getting value out of your purchase.

Understanding Princess Cruises Drink Packages

Princess Cruises offers several beverage packages to cater to different preferences—from soda and coffee drinkers to those who enjoy premium wines and spirits. Knowing which package suits you best starts with understanding the structure of these plans.

The main drink packages include:

1. Princess Plus Package

2. Princess Premier Package

3. Classic Soda Package

4. Coffee & Soda Package

5. Zero Alcohol Package

Each one has its own pricing, inclusions, and limitations. The most popular among travelers are the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages because they cover both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

How Many Drinks Per Day Are Allowed on Princess Cruises?

Princess Cruises enforces a daily drink limit on its beverage packages. This limit helps ensure responsible service and a fair system for all guests.

• Princess Cruises allows up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day per guest under the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages.

• Non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas, specialty coffees, and mocktails are unlimited and not counted toward this 15-drink cap.

This 15-drink limit resets every day at 6:00 AM. So, even if you’ve reached your limit one evening, you’ll start fresh the next morning.

It’s important to note that this policy applies to all alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits, regardless of their alcohol content or price (as long as the drink falls within your package’s price cap).

Princess Plus Package: What’s Included

The Princess Plus Package is one of the most popular drink packages offered by Princess Cruises because it strikes a balance between value and variety.

Here’s what’s included:

• Up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day (beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and mocktails)

• Drinks priced up to $15 each

• Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, including:

  • Fountain sodas

  • Specialty coffees (like lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos)

  • Teas

  • Fresh juices and smoothies

  • Bottled water

• Wi-Fi access for one device

• Daily crew appreciation (gratuities) included

Alcoholic Drink Limit

Guests can consume up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period, regardless of type. Once you reach the limit, your cruise card will temporarily block further alcohol purchases until the next day.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

There’s no cap on soft drinks or coffee, meaning you can enjoy as many as you want throughout the day—perfect for those who love starting mornings with cappuccinos and cooling off later with mocktails or sodas by the pool.

Princess Premier Package: What’s Included

If you enjoy high-end drinks or want a more premium experience, the Princess Premier Package might be the ideal choice. It includes everything in the Plus package, with added perks and higher limits.

What’s Included:

• Up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day

• Drinks priced up to $20 each

• Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages (same as Princess Plus)

• Two specialty dining meals per guest

• Photo package

• Unlimited premium desserts and juices

• Wi-Fi for up to four devices

• Higher-tier wine and spirit selections

Alcoholic Drink Limit

Just like the Princess Plus, the limit remains 15 alcoholic drinks per day. However, the Premier package gives you access to a wider range of premium wines, top-shelf spirits, and craft cocktails that the Plus package doesn’t cover.

Non-Alcoholic Packages and Their Limits

For guests who prefer non-alcoholic options or travel with family, Princess Cruises also offers non-alcoholic drink packages that come without daily limits.

1. Classic Soda Package

• Unlimited fountain soda and fruit juices

• No alcohol included

• Works for both adults and children

• No drink count or daily limit

2. Coffee & Soda Package

• Unlimited specialty coffees, hot chocolate, tea, sodas, and mocktails

• Includes milkshakes and smoothies on certain ships

• No alcoholic beverages

• No drink count limit

3. Zero Alcohol Package

• All non-alcoholic beverages including smoothies, juices, mocktails, and energy drinks

• Perfect for those avoiding alcohol

• No daily limit

What Counts Toward the 15-Drink Limit?

Understanding what counts toward the daily 15-drink limit helps you plan your day and make the most of your package.

Counted Toward Limit:

• All alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, mixed drinks)

• Any drink containing alcohol, even if mixed with non-alcoholic ingredients

Not Counted Toward Limit:

• Soda and soft drinks

• Bottled or canned water

• Specialty coffee drinks

• Mocktails

• Milkshakes and smoothies

• Juices and energy drinks

In other words, you could easily consume 10 specialty coffees, 5 sodas, and still have all 15 alcoholic drinks within one day—if you’re up for it!

How the Drink Limit Works on Board

When you order a drink on board, the bartender or server scans your cruise card to verify your package and track your consumption. Once you hit the daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages, your card will show that the alcohol allowance has been reached.

From that point until 6:00 AM the next day, you’ll still be able to order unlimited non-alcoholic beverages but not alcoholic ones.

The system resets automatically every morning, so you’ll start fresh again with another 15 drinks available for that day.

How to Get the Most Value from Your Drink Package

To make sure you’re getting your money’s worth, you’ll want to maximize your daily usage while enjoying your cruise experience responsibly. Here are some smart tips:

1. Start Early, Pace Yourself

Begin your day with specialty coffee or fresh juice—both included in the package. Throughout the day, enjoy a mix of mocktails, sodas, and alcoholic drinks. The 15-drink limit is generous enough that most passengers never hit it.

2. Order Premium Drinks

If you’ve opted for the Premier Package, take advantage of the higher $20 drink price limit by ordering premium wines, craft cocktails, and top-shelf liquors. These cost more individually and offer better value per drink.

3. Use Your Package Across the Ship

Drink packages are valid in all onboard bars, restaurants, lounges, and poolside venues, as well as at the Princess Private Islands like Princess Cays (where available). This flexibility makes it easy to use your package no matter where you are.

4. Try Different Beverage Options

Variety is key. Mix up your selections—coffee in the morning, beer or cocktail in the afternoon, and wine or whiskey in the evening. This way, you experience the full range of drinks offered.

5. Remember, Both Guests in a Cabin Must Purchase the Package

Princess Cruises requires that both adults in the same stateroom purchase the same beverage package. This rule prevents sharing and ensures fair use.

Is the Drink Package Worth It?

Whether the Princess Cruises drink package is worth it depends on your drinking habits and preferences. Let’s break it down:

The Math Behind It

If you consider the Princess Plus Package (around $60 per person per day), you’d need to consume drinks worth more than that daily to get value for your money.

For example:

• Two specialty coffees ($5 each)

• Two sodas ($3 each)

• Four cocktails ($12 each)

• One glass of wine ($10)

That’s already around $74 worth of beverages, meaning you’re saving money with the package. For heavy coffee drinkers or those who enjoy several cocktails daily, the value adds up quickly.

Alcoholic Drinks Pricing Without a Package

If you decide not to purchase a drink package, here’s what you can expect to pay à la carte on Princess Cruises:

• Beer: $6–$8

• Cocktails: $10–$16

• Wine by the glass: $8–$15

• Spirits: $8–$18 depending on the brand

• Soft drinks: $3–$4

• Specialty coffees: $4–$6

If you enjoy even 3–4 alcoholic beverages per day, your total could exceed $60 daily, making the drink package an excellent deal.

Drink Package Rules and Restrictions

Before you set sail, it’s important to understand a few key policies surrounding Princess Cruises drink packages:

1. Age Requirement:You must be 21 years or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages on U.S.-based cruises. For international itineraries, the minimum drinking age may vary (often 18 or 20).

2. Sharing Is Not Allowed:Packages are non-transferable. You can’t order drinks for others using your package. Crew members monitor this carefully.

3. Single Drink Rule:You can order only one drink at a time per transaction. However, you can return to the bar as often as you like.

4. Bottled Wine Policy:Guests may bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne onboard per person at embarkation, but corkage fees apply if consumed in public areas.

5. Excluded Beverages:Some premium wines, full bottles of spirits, and mini-bar items are excluded even from the Premier Package.

Do Drink Packages Include Room Service or Minibar Drinks?

No, room service beverages and minibar items are not covered under the standard drink packages. If you want to enjoy a drink in your cabin, it’s best to order it at a bar and bring it back yourself.

However, you can request water bottles or coffee from public venues to take to your stateroom without issue.

Princess Cruises Drink Packages vs Other Cruise Lines

Compared to other major cruise lines, Princess Cruises offers a fair and straightforward beverage policy:

Cruise LineDaily Drink LimitAlcohol Price LimitNon-Alcoholic Drinks

Princess Cruises15 alcoholic drinks$15–$20Unlimited

Royal Caribbean15–20 alcoholic drinks$13Unlimited

Norwegian Cruise LineNo official limit (responsible service applies)$15Unlimited

Carnival Cruise Line15 alcoholic drinks$20Unlimited

As you can see, Princess Cruises’ 15-drink-per-day policy aligns with industry standards while maintaining excellent value and flexibility.

Tips for Enjoying Drinks Responsibly

While 15 alcoholic drinks may sound like a lot, it’s essential to pace yourself and stay hydrated during your voyage. Here are some tips:

• Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Eat meals before or between alcoholic beverages.

• Avoid mixing too many types of alcohol in one day.

• Don’t feel pressured to reach the drink limit—enjoy at your own pace.

Remember, the goal is to enhance your vacation experience, not overindulge.

Common FAQs about Princess Cruises Drink Packages

1. Can I buy the drink package for only some days of the cruise?

No. Drink packages must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise, for all guests in the same stateroom.

2. Can I upgrade from Princess Plus to Princess Premier during my cruise?

Yes, you can upgrade on board by paying the difference between the two packages.

3. Are gratuities included in drink package prices?

Yes, all gratuities are included when you purchase Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages.

4. What happens if I lose my cruise card?

Report it immediately. The card can be replaced, and your drink record will remain intact.

5. Can I use the package at Princess private islands?

Yes, at most destinations like Princess Cays, your drink package applies at island bars.

Insider Secrets to Make the Most of Your Princess Cruise Drinks

1. Visit Mixology Classes:Some cruises offer cocktail-making sessions. You can often sample drinks made during the event—these usually count toward your package.

2. Order Water Bottles Early:Use your package to stock your cabin fridge with bottled water for shore excursions or nighttime hydration.

3. Ask Bartenders for Recommendations:Many bartenders can make custom drinks that fit within your package price limit.

4. Don’t Miss Wine Tastings:If you have the Premier Package, you may get discounts on wine tastings—great for exploring new varieties.

Final Thoughts: Enjoying Your Princess Cruises Drink Package to the Fullest

So, how many drinks can you get a day with a Princess Cruises drink package? The answer is simple: 15 alcoholic drinks per day, plus unlimited non-alcoholic beverages of your choice.

This limit offers plenty of flexibility, allowing guests to enjoy a wide selection of cocktails, wines, beers, and specialty coffees without worrying about the bill. Whether you choose the Princess Plus or Premier Package, both provide excellent value and convenience.

When you combine the drink variety, ship-wide access, and additional perks like Wi-Fi and dining credits, these beverage packages enhance your overall cruise experience—turning each day at sea into a relaxing, indulgent adventure.

So next time you set sail with Princess Cruises, raise your glass—whether it’s a cappuccino, margarita, or mocktail—and toast to unlimited enjoyment on the high seas.