Home › Articles › Drink Packages

Princess Cruises Drink Package Review 2026: Is It Worth It?

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-07-06 · 12 min read

Couple enjoying drinks on a Princess Cruises ship deck at sunset, reviewing the drink package value.

Considering a Princess Cruises drink package in 2026? Save money with our tips!

When it comes to Princess Cruises, their drink packages have evolved significantly, now offering much more than just beverages. This comprehensive Princess Cruises drink package review for 2026 will break down everything you need to know, from pricing and inclusions to whether it's truly worth the investment for your next voyage. For a broader look at drink packages, check out our guide on Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It in 2026?.

What Are Princess Cruises Drink Packages: Everything You Need to Know

Princess Cruises has moved away from simple 'drink packages' and now offers what they call 'Princess Plus' and 'Princess Premier' packages. These are essentially bundles that include not just drinks, but also Wi-Fi, crew appreciation (gratuities), and other valuable perks.

Princess Plus bundles drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities, which can make the holiday feel more inclusive from the start.

Key Things to Know About Princess Plus & Premier

  • All-Inclusive Bundles: These aren't just drink packages; they're experience bundles. Both include drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, which are typically separate costs on other lines.
  • Per-Person, Per-Day Cost: Packages are charged per person, per day, for the entire duration of your cruise. This is standard across the industry.
  • Cabin Policy: All guests aged 21+ (or 18+ for UK departures) in the same stateroom must purchase the same package. This is a common rule to prevent sharing.
  • Pre-Cruise Purchase: You can often purchase these packages at a slightly reduced rate before your cruise, or onboard at the full price. Always check for pre-cruise deals!
  • Drink Limits: Alcoholic drinks typically have a price cap (e.g., $15 for Plus, $18 for Premier) and a daily limit (e.g., 15 alcoholic drinks per person per day).
  • Non-Alcoholic Inclusions: Both packages include unlimited sodas, fresh juices, speciality coffees (like lattes and cappuccinos), bottled water, and mocktails.

Princess Cruises Drink Package Prices 2026: What to Expect

Understanding the pricing for Princess Cruises drink packages in 2026 is crucial for budgeting your holiday. The costs can vary slightly based on the length of your cruise, the itinerary, and any promotional offers. Remember, these prices are per person, per day, and are subject to change, so always confirm at the time of booking. For a general overview of cruise costs, see our guide on How Much Spending Money for a 7-Night UK Cruise in 2026?.

Package OptionApprox. Daily Price (pp)Key InclusionsOur Value Rating
Princess Plus£50-£60Drinks (up to $15), Wi-Fi (1 device), Gratuities, 2 Fitness Classes, Desserts4.5/5 ⭐
Princess Premier£70-£80Drinks (up to $18), Wi-Fi (4 devices), Gratuities, 2 Speciality Meals, Photo Package, Princess Prizes, Reserved Seating4.0/5 ⭐
Individual DrinksVariablePay-as-you-go for all beverages2.5/5 ⭐

The table above highlights the approximate costs and core inclusions. The Princess Plus package consistently offers exceptional value due to the inclusion of Wi-Fi and gratuities, which are significant costs on their own. The Premier package, while more expensive, adds luxury elements that can be very appealing for those who want an even more pampered experience. Always check for promotional pricing, as Princess often runs deals where these packages are included or heavily discounted.

Is a Princess Cruises Drink Package Worth It? Independent Verdict

The inclusion of Wi-Fi and gratuities in both the Plus and Premier packages significantly shifts the value proposition. Subtracting these from the package price leaves a much smaller amount for drinks, making the break-even point surprisingly low.

For example, if the Princess Plus package is £55 per day, and Wi-Fi (£15) and gratuities (£13) total £28, you're effectively paying £27 for unlimited drinks up to US$18, speciality coffees, and bottled water (Princess Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026). To break even on that £27, you'd only need to consume about 3-4 alcoholic drinks, or a mix of 1-2 alcoholic drinks plus a few speciality coffees and sodas. This makes the Plus package particularly attractive for almost anyone who enjoys more than just tap water.

When a Princess Cruises Drink Package Is Worth It

  1. You Enjoy a Variety of Beverages: If you plan to have 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day, plus speciality coffees, sodas, and bottled water, the Plus package quickly pays for itself.
  2. You Value Connectivity: The included Wi-Fi in both packages is a huge draw. If you'd typically purchase an internet package, this alone covers a significant portion of the package cost.
  3. You Prefer an All-Inclusive Feel: Having most of your onboard expenses covered upfront provides peace of mind and allows for a more relaxed holiday without constantly checking your bill. This 'no surprises' approach is a big plus for many.
  4. You Appreciate Speciality Dining & Photos: For the Premier package, the inclusion of two speciality dining meals (worth an estimated £25-£30 each) and a photo package (easily somewhere around £50+) adds substantial value, especially if you planned to purchase these anyway.
  5. You Want to Avoid Gratuity Surprises: Gratuities are included in both packages. This means you don't have to worry about the daily charge being added to your bill, simplifying your budget significantly. This is a major benefit often overlooked.

When a Princess Cruises Drink Package Is NOT Worth It

  1. You Primarily Drink Water: If your beverage consumption is limited to tap water, perhaps one soda, or a single glass of wine per day, the package likely won't offer value.
  2. You Don't Drink Alcohol: While non-alcoholic options are included, if you don't consume alcohol, the cost might still be too high unless you're a heavy consumer of speciality coffees and sodas.
  3. Short Port-Intensive Cruises: On cruises with many port days, you might spend less time on the ship consuming drinks, reducing the package's daily value. For instance, on a Mediterranean cruise with daily port calls, you'd need to assess your onboard consumption carefully.
  4. Budget-Conscious Cruisers: If you're strictly adhering to a tight budget and are disciplined about your spending, paying à la carte might be cheaper, especially if you bring your own permitted non-alcoholic beverages onboard.

How to Get the Best Deal on Princess Cruises Drink Packages

Securing the best deal on your Princess Cruises drink package can save you a substantial amount of money. Timing and knowing where to look are key. For more general money-saving tips, check out How to Save Money on a Cruise UK: Tips & Tricks for 2026.

  1. Book a 'Princess Plus' or 'Princess Premier' Fare: Often, Princess Cruises offers these packages as part of their cruise fare at a promotional rate. This is usually the best value, as the bundled price is lower than purchasing the cruise and packages separately. Always compare these 'all-inclusive' fares with the 'cruise only' options.
  2. Purchase Pre-Cruise: If you haven't booked a bundled fare, buy your package through the 'Cruise Personaliser' (Princess's online portal) before you sail. Prices are typically slightly lower pre-cruise than they are onboard.
  3. Look for Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for Princess Cruises' sales events. They frequently offer discounts on packages or even include them as a booking incentive. Sign up for their newsletters and follow reputable cruise travel agents.
  4. Consider the 'Future Cruise Credit' Offer: Sometimes, if you book your next cruise onboard, you might receive additional perks or discounts, which could include reduced rates on future packages.
  5. Evaluate the Wi-Fi and Gratuities Separately: As mentioned, these are significant costs. If you were going to pay for them anyway, subtract their value from the package price to see the true cost of the drinks. This often reveals the package to be a much better deal than it initially appears.
  6. Compare with Onboard Pricing: While it's usually cheaper to buy pre-cruise, it's always worth a quick check of the onboard price on embarkation day, just in case there's a last-minute promotion (though this is rare for Princess bundles).
  7. Use a Cruise Travel Agent: A good travel agent can often find exclusive deals or advise you on the best time to book to secure the most value. They have access to information that might not be publicly advertised.

Princess Cruises Drink Package Comparison: How It Stacks Up

It's always helpful to see how Princess Cruises' drink packages compare to other major cruise lines. Princess's bundled approach with Plus and Premier is quite distinct. Here's a quick comparison with some popular alternatives, based on typical 2026 pricing and offerings. For a deeper dive into other lines, see our Royal Caribbean Drink Package Guide or Carnival CHEERS Drink Package Worth It 2026?.

Cruise LinePackage OfferingApprox. Daily Price (pp)Key DifferentiatorOur Verdict
Princess CruisesPlus / Premier£50-£80Bundled Wi-Fi, Gratuities, & moreExcellent value due to inclusions
Royal CaribbeanDeluxe Beverage Package£65-£90Higher drink limits, Starbucks includedGood for heavy drinkers, often expensive
Carnival Cruise LineCHEERS! Package£55-£7015 alcoholic drinks limit, no speciality coffeeSolid for alcohol, less non-alcoholic variety
Norwegian Cruise LineUnlimited Open Bar (Free at Sea)£80-£100 (if purchased separately)Often included as a 'Free at Sea' perkBest value when included, otherwise pricey
Celebrity CruisesClassic / Premium Drink Package£55-£85Often bundled with 'Always Included' faresSimilar to Princess with bundled options
MSC CruisesEasy / Easy Plus / Premium£35-£70Tiered options, often cheaper for basic drinksGood for budget, but less comprehensive

As you can see from the comparison, Princess Cruises stands out with its bundled approach. While other lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival focus heavily on the sheer volume of alcoholic drinks, Princess adds significant value through the inclusion of Wi-Fi and gratuities. In our view, this makes the Princess Plus package particularly competitive, as it addresses several common onboard expenses in one go, simplifying the budgeting process considerably.

Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Cruises Drink Packages

Final Thoughts on Princess Cruises Drink Packages 2026

The value proposition of bundling drinks with Wi-Fi and gratuities is incredibly strong and often makes it a 'no-brainer' for many cruisers. It transforms the cruise experience from one where you're constantly thinking about your onboard spend to one of genuine relaxation and enjoyment.

With so many sea days, the unlimited speciality coffees, evening cocktails, and reliable Wi-Fi made the journey incredibly comfortable and enjoyable. It truly enhanced the overall 'Princess MedallionClass' experience, making everything feel seamless and effortless.

While the Premier package offers even more luxury, the Plus package hits the sweet spot for most. Ultimately, the 'worth it' factor comes down to your personal consumption habits and how much you value the included perks. Happy cruising!

What are the main Princess Cruises drink packages available in 2026?

In 2026, Princess Cruises primarily offers two main drink packages: the Plus Package and the Premier Package. The Plus Package, priced around £50-£60 per person per day, includes alcoholic drinks up to $15, speciality coffees, sodas, bottled water, and Wi-Fi. The Premier Package, costing approximately £70-£80 per person per day, expands on this with premium alcoholic drinks up to $18, a wider selection of wines, two speciality dining meals, photo packages, and more robust Wi-Fi.

Is it mandatory for everyone in my cabin to purchase a drink package on Princess Cruises?

Yes, Princess Cruises generally requires all guests aged 21 and over (or 18+ for some UK sailings where alcohol laws differ) sharing the same stateroom to purchase the same drink package. This policy is common across many cruise lines to prevent sharing and ensure fairness. There are exceptions, such as for pregnant guests or those with documented medical conditions, which should be discussed directly with Princess Cruises prior to sailing.

How much does a typical alcoholic drink cost on Princess Cruises if I don't buy a package?

Without a drink package, individual alcoholic beverages on Princess Cruises can add up quickly. A standard beer might cost around £6-£8, a glass of wine £9-£15, and a cocktail £12-£18, all subject to an 18% gratuity. Speciality coffees are typically £3-£5, and sodas about £3.

Can I upgrade my Princess Cruises drink package once I'm onboard?

Yes, you can typically upgrade your drink package once you're onboard a Princess Cruises ship. For example, if you initially purchased the Plus Package, you can upgrade to the Premier Package. However, you cannot downgrade a package once purchased. The upgrade cost will be the difference in price between the two packages, multiplied by the remaining days of your cruise, plus the applicable gratuities.

What is included in the Princess Plus and Premier Packages beyond just drinks?

The Princess Plus and Premier Packages are more than just drink packages; they are bundled experiences. The Plus Package includes Wi-Fi, crew appreciation (gratuities), and two fitness classes. The Premier Package elevates this further, adding unlimited Wi-Fi for up to four devices, a photo package, two speciality dining meals, a Princess Prizes entry, and a reserved seating area for entertainment. These additional perks significantly enhance the overall value proposition.

Are there any limits or restrictions on the Princess Cruises drink packages?

Yes, there are some limits. Both the Plus and Premier packages have a per-drink price limit for alcoholic beverages (typically $15 for Plus, $18 for Premier, as of June 2026). You can order up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day. Non-alcoholic beverages like sodas and speciality coffees are generally unlimited within the package's scope. The packages also exclude drinks from the mini-bar, in-room dining, and certain premium wine experiences or souvenir glasses.

Related articles