Cruising with Princess Cruises is all about luxury, comfort, and indulgence at sea. One of the most talked-about topics among passengers planning their voyage is whether buying a drink package is worth it. With so many beverage options onboard—from morning lattes to sunset cocktails—deciding if a package like Princess Plus or Princess Premier is right for you can feel confusing.
This in-depth guide will break down everything you need to know about Princess Cruises drink packages, including what’s included, how much they cost, what kind of traveler benefits most, and when it might not make sense to buy one. By the end, you’ll have a clear answer to the question: Is it worth buying a drink package on Princess Cruises?
Princess Cruises offers several beverage options designed to cater to different preferences and budgets. The two main packages available today are Princess Plus and Princess Premier. These are all-inclusive upgrade packages that go beyond just drinks—they include Wi-Fi, gratuities, and other onboard perks. However, since the drink component is one of the biggest reasons travelers consider these upgrades, let’s focus on that aspect first.
The Princess Plus package is one of the most popular choices among cruisers who enjoy moderate drinking or want to indulge without worrying about every individual bar tab. It covers beverages up to a certain price limit—typically drinks priced at or below $15 per glass. This includes a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks such as:
Cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits up to $15 per serving
Specialty coffees, lattes, and teas from onboard cafés
Fresh juices and smoothies
Bottled water (still and sparkling)
Soft drinks and mocktails
If you order a drink priced above $15, you simply pay the difference.
The Princess Plus package also includes daily gratuities, Wi-Fi for one device, and premium desserts, making it more of an all-around value bundle rather than a basic drink plan.
For guests seeking top-shelf indulgence, Princess Premier offers an even more comprehensive experience. It includes everything in Princess Plus but raises the drink limit to $20 per serving. That means you can enjoy premium wines, craft cocktails, and high-end spirits without worrying about extra costs.
Additional perks include:
Wi-Fi for up to four devices
Two specialty dining meals per guest
Photo package and reserved theater seating
A higher daily spend limit on drinks
The Premier Package is designed for travelers who like premium wines, aged liquors, or specialty cocktails and plan to take advantage of onboard entertainment and dining extras.
Prices can vary slightly by itinerary and promotional offers, but as of 2025, the estimated daily rates are:
Princess Plus: around $60 per person per day
Princess Premier: around $80 per person per day
When you multiply this by a 7-day cruise, you’re looking at about $420 for Princess Plus or $560 for Princess Premier per person.
At first glance, these numbers might seem steep, but remember that Princess Cruises includes a service charge (gratuity) on all beverages purchased individually—typically around 18%. That means every $10 cocktail actually costs $11.80 without a package. With the drink package, gratuity is already covered, allowing you to order freely without extra charges.
To really decide if a Princess Cruises drink package is worth it, it’s helpful to know the à la carte prices of common drinks onboard. Here’s a typical breakdown:
Cocktails: $10–$14
Glass of wine: $9–$16
Beer: $7–$8.50
Specialty coffee: $4–$6
Bottled water: $2.50–$3
Soda: $3–$4
Fresh juice or smoothie: $5–$6
If you buy drinks individually, your daily bar bill can add up quickly. For example, two lattes in the morning, two cocktails at the pool, a glass of wine at dinner, and a nightcap could easily cost $60 or more per day per person. Add gratuity, and you might spend even more than the cost of the Princess Plus package.
The key to determining if a Princess Cruises drink package is worth buying lies in your personal drinking habits and preferences. Let’s do some simple math.
You enjoy:
2 specialty coffees per day = $10
1 soda = $3
2 cocktails = $26
1 glass of wine = $12
Total daily spend: $51 + gratuity (18%) = $60.18
That’s almost exactly the daily cost of the Princess Plus package. In this case, the package is worth it because you’re breaking even or saving a little—plus, you’re getting Wi-Fi and other perks included.
You enjoy:
1 coffee = $5
1 glass of wine at dinner = $12
1 bottled water = $3
Total daily spend: $20 + gratuity = $23.60
In this case, you’d spend far less than the package cost. It’s better to pay as you go or consider buying only a non-alcoholic beverage package.
You enjoy:
2 cocktails at the pool = $26
1 beer = $8
1 glass of wine at dinner = $12
1 nightcap = $12
1 morning latte = $5
Total daily spend: $63 + gratuity = $74.34
Here, the Princess Plus package clearly pays off because you’re saving about $14 per day, and you get Wi-Fi and gratuities included.
While the name “drink package” suggests it’s all about beverages, both Princess Plus and Princess Premier offer extra inclusions that enhance overall cruise value.
Having internet access at sea can be costly if purchased separately. The standard Wi-Fi package on Princess Cruises often costs around $15 per day. Both Princess Plus and Premier include Wi-Fi—one device for Plus and up to four for Premier—saving you that expense.
Daily gratuities for your stateroom attendant and dining staff average around $16 per person per day. Both packages include these, which adds significant value and convenience.
Princess Plus gives you access to premium desserts at Gelato or Coffee & Cones, while Princess Premier offers even more extras like specialty dining credits and photo packages.
One of the underrated benefits is psychological—when you have a drink package, you never need to second-guess your choices or worry about the growing tab on your account. That peace of mind can be worth as much as the drinks themselves.
While many travelers love the convenience and value, the drink packages aren’t for everyone. You might want to skip it if:
You don’t drink alcohol.If you prefer mostly water, coffee, and soft drinks, a non-alcoholic package or pay-as-you-go option is cheaper.
You have port-intensive itineraries.On days with long shore excursions, you may spend much of the day off the ship, leaving little time to use your package benefits.
You share drinks with others.Drink packages are strictly personal and cannot be shared. If you plan to split beverages, it’s not cost-effective.
You’re cruising on a budget.The upfront cost can feel steep, especially for longer cruises or for couples who don’t both drink equally.
You prefer bringing your own wine.Princess allows passengers to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult onboard, which might cover your dinner drinks for a few nights.
For those who don’t drink alcohol or prefer a healthier voyage, Princess Cruises also offers non-alcoholic drink plans.
Covers unlimited fountain sodas, mocktails, and fruit juices. Cost: around $15–$20 per day.
A premium non-alcoholic option covering specialty coffees, smoothies, bottled water, mocktails, and soda. Cost: around $30 per day.
These options provide flexibility for travelers who want all-inclusive beverage access without alcohol. Compared to the Princess Plus, they’re more affordable but exclude Wi-Fi and gratuities.
To understand whether the Princess Cruises drink package is worth it, it helps to compare it with similar offerings from other major cruise lines.
Cruise LineBasic Alcohol Package CostDrink Limit per DayIncludes Gratuity?Other Perks
Princess Cruises$60/day (Plus)Unlimited under $15YesWi-Fi + Gratuities
Royal Caribbean$75–$85/dayUnlimited under $15NoNone
Norwegian Cruise Line$70–$80/dayUnlimited under $15NoNone
Celebrity Cruises$70–$90/dayUnlimited under $17SometimesNone
As shown, Princess Cruises offers one of the most inclusive drink packages in the industry when you factor in Wi-Fi and gratuities. While the daily rate is similar, the added benefits make it stand out in terms of overall value.
If you decide to buy a Princess Cruises drink package, a few smart strategies can help maximize your savings and enjoyment:
Buy before you board.Prices sometimes increase onboard, so purchasing your package in advance can save money.
Use every benefit.Don’t forget to order specialty coffees in the morning, smoothies in the afternoon, and mocktails at night. Many guests underuse the non-alcoholic options.
Try new drinks.Since the cost is covered, experiment with new cocktails, wines, or coffees you might not otherwise buy.
Hydrate smartly.Use your package to get bottled water for excursions or port days.
Watch for special promotions.Sometimes Princess offers cruise deals that include the Plus package for free or at a discounted rate. Booking during those offers can deliver tremendous value.
Many frequent Princess cruisers share that the Princess Plus package gives them peace of mind and more freedom onboard. Guests often mention how nice it feels to order a cappuccino after breakfast, a glass of wine with lunch, or a cocktail at sunset without thinking about the bill.
However, travelers who don’t drink alcohol or spend most of their time ashore often feel they didn’t get full value. Some report that on port-heavy itineraries—like Mediterranean or Alaska cruises—they barely used their package for two or three days out of the week.
On longer voyages, passengers sometimes switch between having the package and paying per drink depending on the length of the itinerary and the expected amount of sea days. The general consensus is that for those who drink moderately and enjoy the convenience of an all-inclusive experience, the Princess Cruises drink package is well worth it.
If you’re trying to decide between Princess Plus and Princess Premier, it comes down to your lifestyle and preferences onboard.
Choose Princess Plus if you’re a moderate drinker who enjoys cocktails, coffee, and Wi-Fi but doesn’t need high-end wines or specialty dining.
Choose Princess Premier if you value luxury touches like premium liquor, multiple Wi-Fi devices, specialty dining, and photo packages.
In pure drink value, Princess Plus provides the best bang for your buck. For every guest spending around $60–$70 daily on drinks, it pays off quickly. Premier is more about upgrading your entire cruise experience, not just beverages.
Ultimately, whether a Princess Cruises drink package is worth buying depends on how you vacation.
If you love starting your morning with a specialty coffee, sipping cocktails by the pool, enjoying wine with dinner, and ending the night with a nightcap, the Princess Plus package offers excellent value. You’ll likely break even—or save—while gaining the added perks of Wi-Fi and prepaid gratuities.
For travelers who prefer premium spirits, multiple Wi-Fi connections, and an elevated onboard experience, the Princess Premier package may be worth the splurge.
However, if you’re a light drinker or plan to spend most of your time off the ship during excursions, paying for drinks individually might make more sense.
Think about your personal habits, itinerary, and budget. In most cases, the Princess Plus drink package is a convenient and worthwhile investment that enhances your cruise by removing daily spending stress and encouraging you to fully enjoy every moment onboard.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2025 Cruisebookinghub.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service