Princess Cruises has announced updates to its Premier and Plus packages, set to take effect for voyages sailing in 2026. These packages bundle popular onboard amenities at a discounted rate. Both have had some adjustments made to them that also include price increases, the introduction of new benefits, and the elimination of certain features. Let’s take a look at the old and new versions of both packages and what these changes mean for prospective cruisers.
The most immediate change to note is the adjustment in daily per-person pricing for both packages. Below is a summary of the new pricing structure:
Premier Package
- Old Price: $90 per person per day
- New Price: $100 per person per day
- New Price for Sphere Class Ships (Sun Princess and Star Princess): $105 per person per day
Plus Package
- Old Price: $60 per person per day
- New Price: $65 per person per day
- New Price for Sphere Class Ships: $70 per person per day
The Sphere class ships, a new category of vessels in the Princess fleet, are priced higher due to amenities not offered on other classes of ships. These increases still maintain a bit of savings—between 50% and 70%—compared to purchasing the included components individually.
Premier Package: Detailed Comparison
The Premier Package remains the most comprehensive option, catering to those who want all-inclusive benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what has changed and what remains consistent.
The core offerings of the Premier Package remain intact, and include:
- Unlimited Premier Beverage Package: Includes a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages up to $20 each.
- Unlimited Casual and Specialty Dining: Covers meals at specialty restaurants and casual dining venues.
- Four-Device Wi-Fi: Allows connectivity for up to four devices per guest.
- Delivery Fee Waivers: No additional charges for OceanNow (on-demand delivery) or room service.
- Unlimited Digital Professional Photos: Access to all professional photos taken onboard.
- Reserved Theater Seating: Priority seating for main theater productions.
- Daily Crew Appreciation: Prepaid gratuities for the crew.
An enhancement to the Premier Package is the introduction of a shore excursion credit, which varies based on the length of the voyage:
- 6–9 Day Voyages: $100 credit
- 10–20 Day Voyages: $200 credit
- 21+ Day Voyages: Up to $300 credit
This credit can be applied toward a variety of Princess-organized shore excursions. For example, a $200 credit on a 10-day voyage could cover a half-day excursion in a single port or be split across multiple smaller activities.
Plus Package: Detailed Comparison
The Plus Package offers a more economical option which fits most cruisers budgets, especially considering it includes a beverage package. Here’s how the old and new versions differ.
The main elements of the Plus Package remain unchanged:
- Plus Beverage Package: Includes a selection of beverages up to a certain value threshold.
- Single-Device Wi-Fi: Connectivity for one device per guest.
- Delivery Fee Waivers: No extra costs for OceanNow or room service delivery.
- Daily Crew Appreciation: Prepaid crew gratuities.
The updated Plus Package now includes four casual dining meals per voyage, an increase from the previous two. Casual dining on Princess Cruises includes venues offering options such as burgers, pizza, and light bites. This change doubles the number of included meals for guests who prefer informal dining experiences without incurring additional charges.
What’s Been Removed?
- Premium Desserts: Specialty desserts previously available at additional venues.
- Juice Bar Access: Complimentary fresh juices and smoothies.
- Medallion Shipping: Pre-cruise delivery of the Ocean Medallion device.
- Fitness Classes: Access to onboard fitness programs.
- Princess Prizes: A promotional feature offering chances to win onboard perks.
Princess Cruises has indicated that the discontinued features were less utilized by guests.
Despite the price increases, both packages continue to offer considerable savings compared to à la carte pricing. For instance, the Premier Package’s shore excursion credit could offset its $10–$15 daily increase by covering a significant portion of port activity costs. Similarly, the Plus Package’s additional casual dining meals—valued at approximately $15–$20 each if purchased separately—could justify its $5–$10 daily uptick for frequent diners. As always, evaluate your anticipated onboard spending to determine if the packages remain cost-effective for your needs.