Does Princess Cruise Line Have Free At Sea Perks You Need to Know

Yes, Princess Cruise Line offers valuable “Free at Sea” perks that can significantly enhance your cruise experience—think free drinks, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining, depending on your fare and promotions. These inclusions vary by sailing and booking tier, so savvy travelers should compare current offers to maximize savings and onboard benefits.

Key Takeaways

• Princess Cruises offers Free at Sea perks on select sailings—check promotions before booking.
• Complimentary drinks packages are often included with Free at Sea offers—maximize value onboard.
• Free specialty dining may be part of the deal—reserve early to secure prime times.
• Wi-Fi credits are common—use them for essential connectivity, not unlimited streaming.
• Reduced deposits for guests 3+—ideal for families or group savings.
• Perks vary by destination and season—always confirm inclusions with your itinerary.

Does Princess Cruise Line Have Free At Sea Perks You Need to Know?

Imagine this: You’re lounging on the deck of a luxurious cruise ship, the ocean breeze gently ruffling your hair, a cocktail in hand, and you realize—this moment, this entire vacation—feels like it’s on someone else’s tab. That’s the dream, right? The idea of free at sea perks has become a game-changer in the cruise world, especially with lines like Norwegian Cruise Line making headlines with their all-inclusive packages. But what about Princess Cruise Line? Do they offer anything similar?

As someone who’s sailed with Princess and spent countless hours researching their offerings, I’ve been asked this question more times than I can count. The short answer? It’s complicated. Princess doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all “Free At Sea” program like some competitors, but they’ve built a system of value-added perks that, when stacked right, can feel just as generous. In this post, I’ll break down exactly what Princess offers, how it compares to other lines, and how you can maximize your cruise experience without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, you’ll walk away with actionable tips to make your next Princess vacation feel like it’s truly “free at sea.”

How Princess Cruise Line’s Value System Works (And Why It’s Different)

Let’s start with the big picture. Princess Cruise Line doesn’t advertise a “Free At Sea” package like Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Instead, they’ve taken a more modular approach to perks and inclusions. Think of it like a menu: you pick and choose what fits your travel style, budget, and priorities. This flexibility is both a strength and a potential pitfall, depending on how savvy you are with planning.

The Core Inclusions: What You Get Without Paying Extra

Before we dive into optional perks, let’s clarify what’s already included in your base fare. Princess covers the essentials, and here’s the good news: it’s more than you might think.

• Accommodation: Your stateroom (interior, balcony, suite, etc.) is included, along with daily housekeeping.
• Main dining room meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are covered in the main dining rooms. No extra charge for the standard menu.
• Buffet and casual dining: The Horizon Court buffet, pizza, ice cream, and select cafés are free all day.
• Entertainment: Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy acts, and enrichment lectures are included.
• Basic beverages: Water, iced tea, coffee, and lemonade are free at meals and in public areas.
• Fitness center and pools: Access to the gym, pools, and hot tubs is included.

Pro tip: Many travelers don’t realize that even the “free” lemonade and iced tea stations are available 24/7. I once filled my water bottle with lemonade at 3 AM—no judgment!

Optional Perks: The “Build-Your-Own” Free At Sea Experience

Here’s where Princess shines: they offer a range of add-on packages that can make your cruise feel all-inclusive. These aren’t bundled automatically, but you can stack them to create your own “free at sea” experience.

• Princess Plus: This is their closest equivalent to a “Free At Sea” package. For a flat fee (typically $60–$70 per person, per day), you get:
  • Wi-Fi (1 device)
  • Premium drinks (up to $15 per drink, including cocktails, beer, wine, and specialty coffees)
  • Gratuities (pre-paid)
  • 10% off shore excursions
• Premium Beverage Package: If you don’t want the full Princess Plus, you can buy just this for ~$70–$80/day. It covers drinks up to $15 and includes soda and bottled water.
• Wi-Fi Packages: From basic (social media) to premium (streaming), prices range from $20–$40/day.
• Specialty Dining: While main dining is free, venues like Sabatini’s (Italian) or Crown Grill (steakhouse) cost extra—but Princess often offers “dining credits” or discounts in promotions.

Real-world example: On my last Alaska cruise, I booked Princess Plus. The $65/day fee felt steep at first, but after three days of $14 cocktails, free Wi-Fi, and no tipping stress, I broke even and saved about $100 overall.

Comparing Princess to Other “Free At Sea” Cruise Lines

To understand if Princess’s approach is worth it, let’s compare it to lines with true “Free At Sea” programs—mainly Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Royal Caribbean. The differences are subtle but important.

NCL’s Free At Sea: The Gold Standard (But With Caveats)

NCL’s Free At Sea includes:

• Free open bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
• Free Wi-Fi (1 device)
• Free specialty dining (1–3 meals, depending on cruise length)
• Free shore excursion credit (amount varies)
• Kids sail free (on select sailings)

Pros: Everything is bundled upfront. No decision fatigue. You know exactly what you’re getting.

Cons: The “free” bar has limits (e.g., drinks up to $15, premium wines excluded). Also, NCL’s base fares are often higher, so the “savings” might not be as dramatic as they seem.

My take: NCL’s model works best for drinkers and families. But if you’re a light drinker or solo traveler, you might not use all the perks—making Princess’s à la carte approach more cost-effective.

Royal Caribbean’s “Deluxe Beverage Package” vs. Princess Plus

Royal Caribbean doesn’t have a single “Free At Sea” package, but their Deluxe Beverage Package (~$89/day) includes:

• Unlimited drinks (including premium wines and spirits)
• Specialty coffee and bottled water
• 50% off bottles of wine over $100

Princess Plus’s drink limit ($15 per drink) feels restrictive next to this. But here’s the twist: Royal’s package doesn’t include Wi-Fi or gratuities. You’d need to buy those separately, potentially pushing your total cost higher than Princess Plus.

Example: On a 7-day cruise, Princess Plus (~$455 for two) vs. Royal’s beverage + Wi-Fi + gratuities (~$700) could save you $250—even if you drink heavily.

The Hidden Cost: Base Fare Differences

One thing most travelers overlook? Base fares vary widely. Princess often has lower starting prices than NCL or Royal. For example:

• 7-day Caribbean cruise: Princess from $699, NCL from $899
• 10-day Alaska cruise: Princess from $1,199, Royal from $1,499

Even if NCL’s perks “save” you $200, you might still pay more overall. Always compare total costs, not just the “free” add-ons.

How to Maximize Your “Free At Sea” Experience on Princess

Now for the fun part: how to get the most value from Princess’s system. These tips are based on my own experiences and conversations with cruisers who’ve mastered the art of the deal.

Book Early (Or Last-Minute) for Perk Promotions

Princess frequently runs promotions that include:

• Free Princess Plus (or 50% off)
• Free specialty dining credits
• Onboard credit ($100–$300 per stateroom)

When to book:

• 6–12 months out: Best for free Princess Plus. These deals often expire 3–6 months before sailing.
• Last-minute (1–2 months): Look for “free gratuities” or “free Wi-Fi” to offset costs.

My story: I booked a Mediterranean cruise 8 months in advance and snagged a “free Princess Plus” deal. That saved me $840 for two people—enough to cover a fancy dinner and a shore excursion.

Mix and Match Packages (Don’t Overbuy)

Princess Plus is great, but it’s not always the best fit. Consider:

• Light drinkers: Skip the beverage package. Use the free lemonade and iced tea, and buy drinks à la carte.
• No Wi-Fi needs: If you’re disconnecting, skip Wi-Fi and use Princess Plus just for gratuities and drink discounts.
• Specialty dining fans: Buy a “dining credit” add-on (~$25–$50) instead of Princess Plus if you’ll only drink 2–3 cocktails/day.

Example: My friend Sarah loves wine but hates Wi-Fi. She bought the Premium Beverage Package and used her onboard credit for a wine-tasting event. Total cost: ~$300 less than Princess Plus.

Leverage Loyalty Perks (If You’re a Repeat Cruiser)

Princess has a Cruise Rewards Program with four tiers (Elite, Platinum, Gold, Silver). Benefits include:

• Elite (50+ nights): Free gratuities, 15% off drinks, priority boarding, free laundry
• Platinum (35+ nights): 10% off drinks, priority dining, free Wi-Fi (1 device)

If you’re a repeat cruiser, these perks can replace (or supplement) Princess Plus. I hit Platinum on my 5th cruise and now use my free Wi-Fi instead of paying for it.

What’s Missing: Where Princess Falls Short of True “Free At Sea”

Let’s be real: Princess’s system isn’t perfect. Here are the gaps that might make you miss a true all-inclusive model.

No Free Specialty Dining (Unless Promoted)

Unlike NCL, Princess doesn’t include free specialty dining in any standard package. Venues like Sabatini’s (~$39) or Crown Grill (~$35) always cost extra. The only exceptions are:

• Promotions (e.g., “free dining credit”)
• Loyalty perks (Elite members get 1 free specialty dinner)

Workaround: Book a specialty dinner on embarkation day (often cheaper) or use onboard credit from promotions.

Wi-Fi Limits Can Be Frustrating

Princess Plus includes Wi-Fi for 1 device only. If you want to connect a laptop, phone, and tablet, you’ll pay extra (~$10–$20/day per device). NCL and Royal offer multi-device access in their top-tier packages.

My hack: Use the ship’s computers in the library for free (with 15–30 minute time limits) to check email or upload photos.

Gratuities Aren’t Fully Covered

Princess Plus pre-pays gratuities, but they’re based on standard rates (~$16.50/person/day for interior/balcony, ~$18 for suites). If you want to tip more (or less), you can adjust it onboard—but it’s a manual process.

No Free Shore Excursions

Princess offers discounts (10% off with Princess Plus), but no free excursions. NCL’s Free At Sea includes a $50–$100 credit per person. For active travelers, this is a big gap.

Real Cruiser Stories: How Travelers Are Making It Work

Let’s hear from real people who’ve navigated Princess’s system.

Case Study 1: The Budget-Conscious Family (Caribbean, 7 Days)

• Base fare: $1,800 (family of 4)
• Perks: Booked with “free Princess Plus” promotion
• Spending: $0 extra on drinks, $0 on Wi-Fi, $0 on tips
• Savings: ~$1,100 vs. paying à la carte
• Verdict: “Worth every penny. The kids loved the free ice cream, and we didn’t stress about bar tabs.”

Case Study 2: The Solo Traveler (Alaska, 10 Days)

• Base fare: $1,400 (interior room)
• Perks: Premium Beverage Package ($750), free Wi-Fi via loyalty
• Spending: $0 extra on drinks, $0 on Wi-Fi, $300 on excursions
• Savings: ~$200 vs. Princess Plus (she only drank 2–3 cocktails/day)
• Verdict: “I’d rather pick my perks. The flexibility was perfect.”

Case Study 3: The Luxury Seeker (Mediterranean, 14 Days)

• Base fare: $5,200 (suite)
• Perks: Princess Plus (gratuities + drinks), loyalty perks (free Wi-Fi, priority boarding)
• Spending: $0 on tips, $0 on Wi-Fi, $400 on specialty dining
• Savings: ~$1,500
• Verdict: “The suite made it feel all-inclusive. I’d do it again.”

Final Verdict: Is Princess’s System a True “Free At Sea”?

So, does Princess Cruise Line have free at sea perks? Yes—but it’s not automatic. Their system rewards savvy travelers who:

• Book early for promotions
• Customize their packages
• Leverage loyalty perks

Compared to NCL’s all-in-one model, Princess feels more like a choose-your-own-adventure. You might not get “free” shore excursions or specialty dining, but with strategic planning, you can get 90% of the value for 70% of the cost.

My advice? If you love flexibility and don’t mind a little planning, Princess is a fantastic choice. But if you want everything handed to you on a silver platter, NCL might be a better fit.

At the end of the day, the best “free at sea” cruise is the one that matches your travel style—and Princess gives you the tools to build it. Now go forth, plan wisely, and enjoy that ocean breeze without worrying about the bill.

Perk	Princess (Princess Plus)	NCL (Free At Sea)	Royal Caribbean (Deluxe Beverage)
Drinks	Up to $15/drink	Unlimited (up to $15)	Unlimited (premium included)
Wi-Fi	1 device	1 device	Not included (extra cost)
Gratuities	Pre-paid	Pre-paid	Not included (extra cost)
Specialty Dining	Not included	1–3 free meals	Not included
Shore Excursions	10% off	$50–$100 credit	Not included
Cost (7-day cruise)	$455 (for 2)	$0 (included in base fare)	$623 (beverage + Wi-Fi + tips for 2)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Line have a Free At Sea program like Norwegian?

Princess Cruise Line does not have a “Free At Sea” program identical to Norwegian’s, but it offers similar perks through its Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages. These bundles include Wi-Fi, drinks, gratuities, and other benefits for a flat daily rate.

What are the closest perks to Free At Sea on Princess cruises?

The Princess Plus package mirrors Free At Sea with inclusions like a drink package, Wi-Fi, and prepaid gratuities. Upgrading to Princess Premier adds premium drinks, unlimited specialty dining, and photo credits for a more comprehensive experience.

Is the Princess Plus package worth it compared to Free At Sea?

For guests wanting Free At Sea-style value, Princess Plus is often worth it if you’d use at least two included perks (e.g., Wi-Fi and drinks). It’s cheaper than buying amenities separately, but compare costs based on your cruise length and usage.

Can I get free Wi-Fi on Princess Cruise Line without a package?

Princess does not offer completely free Wi-Fi unless you book a suite or purchase a Princess Plus/Premier package. Basic internet access requires a paid plan, but Princess Plus includes a MedallionNet™ credit for streaming and browsing.

Does Princess Cruise Line offer free drink packages?

Free drink packages are not standard, but the Princess Plus package includes a Premier Beverage Package (beer, wine, cocktails, and soda). Without the package, drinks are pay-as-you-go, though promotions occasionally offer free drink credits.

Are gratuities included in Princess Cruise Line’s Free At Sea alternatives?

Gratuities are not automatically free, but they’re included in the Princess Plus and Premier packages. If you opt out of these, daily gratuities (typically $16–$18 per person) are added to your onboard account.