Does Princess Cruise Line Nickel and Dime You Find Out Here

Princess Cruise Line is known for its premium experience, but yes, it does “nickel and dime” guests with extra fees for dining, Wi-Fi, and onboard activities. While base fares cover essentials, popular perks like specialty restaurants, drink packages, and shore excursions come at added costs that can inflate your final bill. Smart planning and bundled packages can help you enjoy the luxury without the surprise expenses.

Key Takeaways

• Princess includes basics: No extra fees for dining, cabins, or standard activities.
• Upsell alerts: Avoid premium dining, drinks, and spa services to save.
• Wi-Fi costs extra: Buy packages early for better rates and connectivity.
• Shore excursions: Book third-party tours for lower prices than ship-offered ones.
• Gratuities are mandatory: Budget daily tips or prepay for convenience.
• Promotions help: Use onboard credit offers to offset extra expenses.

Does Princess Cruise Line Nickel and Dime You? Find Out Here

Picture this: you’ve saved up for months, maybe even years, for your dream vacation. You’ve picked the perfect destination, researched every itinerary, and finally booked a cruise with Princess Cruise Line—a brand that’s been a household name in the cruise world for decades. You’re excited, ready to unwind, and looking forward to the “all-inclusive” experience you were promised. But as you step on board, you start noticing little charges creeping in—$15 for a specialty coffee, $25 for a basic cocktail, and a $20 “service fee” tacked on to every dinner reservation. Suddenly, that “affordable” cruise doesn’t feel so affordable anymore.

You’re not alone. Many travelers wonder: does Princess Cruise Line nickel and dime you? The short answer? Yes, it can. But it’s not as simple as “they’re greedy” or “it’s always expensive.” Like most major cruise lines, Princess operates on a hybrid model: a base fare that covers the essentials, and a long list of add-ons that can quickly inflate your final bill. The key isn’t to avoid spending—it’s to understand what’s included, what’s not, and how to make smart choices so you can enjoy your vacation without constant sticker shock. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly where those extra charges come from, how to spot them early, and how to cruise smarter—without feeling like you’re being picked apart one dollar at a time.

What’s Actually Included in Your Princess Cruise Fare?

Before we dive into the extras, let’s clear the air: not everything on a Princess cruise costs extra. In fact, a surprising amount is included in your base fare. Understanding this is the first step to avoiding unnecessary stress—and overspending.

Complimentary Dining and Buffets

One of the biggest perks of a Princess cruise is the food. Your fare includes access to:

• The main dining rooms (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Horizon Court buffet (open nearly 24/7)
• Room service (though a small delivery fee may apply late at night)
• Snacks like pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream at the 24-hour buffet

That means you can eat three full meals a day, plus snacks, without paying a dime. I remember my first Princess cruise—I ate breakfast at the buffet, lunch in the dining room, and dinner at a different themed restaurant each night (included), all for no extra cost. The food quality varies by ship and itinerary, but it’s consistently solid, especially for a mass-market cruise line.

Entertainment and Activities

Princess doesn’t skimp on onboard entertainment. Included in your fare:

• Broadway-style shows at the Princess Theater
• Live music in lounges and bars
• Movies Under the Stars (outdoor cinema)
• Fitness center and group classes (like Zumba or yoga)
• Kids’ and teens’ clubs (supervised activities)

On a recent Alaska cruise, my family attended a live jazz performance, watched a new-release movie under the stars, and joined a free cooking demo—all included. It’s easy to fill your days without spending extra.

Basic Beverages and Accommodations

Your cabin, of course, is included. So are basic drinks like:

• Water (tap and bottled in your room)
• Coffee and tea at buffets and lounges
• Juice, soda, and milk at meals (in dining rooms and buffet)

Note: while soda is available at meals, it’s not included at bars or poolside. That’s where things start to get tricky—more on that below.

Where Princess Cruise Line *Does* Nickel and Dime You

Now let’s get to the heart of the matter: where Princess adds those extra charges. The line isn’t hiding anything—these costs are in the fine print—but they’re easy to overlook until you’re on board and faced with a tempting menu or a “limited-time offer.”

Alcohol and Specialty Drinks

This is the biggest “nickel and dime” area for most cruisers. While water, coffee, and juice are free, anything beyond that usually costs extra. Here’s what you’ll pay:

• Beer: $6–$9 per bottle
• Wine: $8–$15 per glass, $35–$80 per bottle
• Cocktails: $10–$18 each
• Specialty coffee (espresso, cappuccino): $4–$6
• Soda: $2.50–$4 per can

On a 7-day cruise, if you have two cocktails a night, that’s $200+ in drink costs. And don’t forget the 15–20% automatic gratuity added to every bar purchase. Ouch.

Tip: Princess offers drink packages (more on those later), but they’re only worth it if you’re a heavy drinker. For moderate consumers, buying drinks à la carte can be cheaper.

Specialty Dining

While the main dining room and buffet are free, Princess has several upscale restaurants that require reservations and extra fees:

• Sabatini’s (Italian, $35–$45 per person)
• Chef’s Table Lumiere (multi-course experience, $125+ per person)
• Ocean Terrace (seafood, $20–$30 per person)
• Steakhouse (premium cuts, $30–$40 per person)

These aren’t overpriced—Sabatini’s, for example, is excellent—but they’re definitely not included. And the “free” dining room menu often features similar dishes at a lower quality. It’s a trade-off: convenience and variety vs. cost.

Spa and Wellness Services

The Lotus Spa is a major profit center. Services like massages, facials, and acupuncture range from $100–$300. Even “complimentary” consultations often end with a sales pitch for high-end skincare products.

Insider tip: Spa treatments are often 20–30% off during port days or “wellness weeks.” Book early and ask about discounts.

Excursions and Onshore Activities

Shore excursions booked through Princess are convenient but pricey. A 3-hour city tour might cost $75–$120 per person, while a private taxi or Uber might cost $30–$50. Same destination, much lower cost.

Example: On a recent Mexico cruise, I booked a snorkeling trip through Princess for $95. A fellow cruiser hired a local boat for $40—same location, same gear, same fish. The Princess version included a guide and snacks, but was it worth $55 more? Probably not.

Gratuities (Service Charges)

This one stings: Princess automatically adds daily gratuities to your account. As of 2024, it’s:

• $16.50 per person per day (standard stateroom)
• $17.50 per person per day (suites and mini-suites)

For a family of four on a 10-day cruise, that’s $660–$700 in automatic tips. You can adjust or remove them, but you have to request it in writing. Most people don’t know that.

How to Avoid Being Nickel and Dimed (Smart Spending Tips)

You don’t have to avoid spending entirely—but you can avoid *unnecessary* spending. Here’s how to cruise like a pro and keep your budget intact.

1. Skip the Drink Package (Unless You Really Need It)

Princess offers several drink packages:

• Premier Beverage Package: $80–$95/day (unlimited cocktails, wine, beer, soda, specialty coffee)
• Classic Soda & More: $12/day (soda, juice, coffee)
• Wine Package: $30–$50/day (3–5 glasses)

When it’s worth it: If you drink 5+ alcoholic drinks per day, the Premier package can save you money. But if you have 1–2 drinks, buying à la carte is cheaper.

Example: At $12 per cocktail, you’d need to drink 7 cocktails per day to break even on the $80 package. That’s a lot of mojitos.

2. Book Specialty Dining Smartly

• Look for promotions: Princess often offers “buy one, get one free” or “half off” specialty dining during early booking or on port days.
• Try one, not all: Pick one specialty restaurant you really want to try (e.g., Sabatini’s for Italian) and stick to the main dining room for the rest.
• Share entrees: Portions are large. Sharing a $35 steak means you’re only paying $17.50 each.

3. Do Your Own Shore Excursions

Research ports ahead of time. Use apps like ShoreTrips, GetYourGuide, or TripAdvisor to find local tour operators. You’ll often save 30–50%.

Pro tip: Ask locals at the port for recommendations. Many offer private tours at half the price of Princess excursions.

4. Skip the Spa (Or Wait for a Sale)

Unless you’re treating yourself to a special experience, skip the spa. The fitness center is free, and the pool and hot tubs are great for relaxation. If you do want a massage, book on a port day—discounts are common.

5. Adjust Your Gratuities

If you feel the automatic tips are too high (or too low), you can adjust them. Go to the Guest Services desk and request a change. Most cruise lines allow this, but few advertise it.

Note: Crew rely on tips, so don’t reduce them drastically. But if you’re on a tight budget, reducing from $16.50 to $12–$14 is reasonable.

The Role of “Add-Ons” and Promotions

Princess, like all cruise lines, uses psychological pricing and limited-time offers to encourage spending. Understanding these tactics can help you avoid impulse buys.

“Limited-Time” Onboard Sales

You’ll see signs like:

• “Today only: 50% off spa services!”
• “Buy a drink package now and get a free bottle of wine!”
• “Last chance: $100 off shore excursions!”

These aren’t always bad deals, but they’re designed to create urgency. Ask yourself: Would I buy this if the clock wasn’t ticking?

Internet Packages

Wi-Fi is not included. Princess offers:

• Basic Surf: $20–$25/day (email, social media, light browsing)
• Premier Surf: $30–$40/day (streaming, video calls)

For a 7-day cruise, that’s $140–$280. Consider turning off data and using free Wi-Fi in ports instead.

Photo Packages

Professional photographers are everywhere. A single printed photo costs $20–$25. A full package (5–10 photos) is $100–$150. But you can take your own photos with your phone or camera—no extra cost.

Casino and Gaming

The casino is free to enter, but games have low odds. Slot machines and table games are designed to make money. Set a strict budget and stick to it.

How Princess Compares to Other Cruise Lines

Princess isn’t the worst offender when it comes to nickel and diming—but it’s not the best, either. Let’s see how it stacks up.

Comparison Table: Cruise Line “Nickel and Diming” Factors

Cruise Line	Base Fare Inclusions	Alcohol Pricing	Gratuities (per day)	Specialty Dining Cost	Shore Excursion Markup
Princess Cruises	Meals, basic drinks, entertainment, kids’ clubs	$8–$18 per cocktail	$16.50–$17.50	$20–$125	20–40% above local prices
Royal Caribbean	Similar to Princess	$9–$20 per cocktail	$14.50–$17.50	$25–$100	25–45% markup
Carnival	Basic meals, soda, entertainment	$7–$15 per cocktail	$14.50–$16	$20–$50	15–30% markup
Norwegian (NCL)	Meals, basic drinks	$8–$17 per cocktail	$14.50–$16	$20–$75	20–35% markup
Holland America	Similar, more upscale	$10–$20 per cocktail	$15–$16	$30–$100	25–40% markup

As you can see, Princess is in the middle of the pack. It’s slightly more expensive than Carnival and Norwegian, but not as pricey as luxury lines like Regent or Seabourn. The real difference is in the *experience*: Princess offers a more refined, less chaotic environment than Carnival, but with fewer free perks than all-inclusive luxury lines.

When Princess Is Worth the Cost

• You value a calm, mature atmosphere (less partying, more relaxation)
• You enjoy scenic destinations (Alaska, Europe, Canada/New England)
• You don’t mind paying a bit extra for better service and dining

When You Might Feel Nickel and Dimed

• You’re on a tight budget and want to avoid all extras
• You’re a heavy drinker or love specialty dining
• You prefer all-inclusive pricing (like Virgin Voyages or luxury lines)

Final Thoughts: Is Princess Worth It?

So, does Princess Cruise Line nickel and dime you? Yes—but so do most mainstream cruise lines. The difference is how transparent they are and how much value you get in return.

Princess doesn’t hide its add-ons. They’re listed in your booking confirmation, on the app, and on your daily planner. The issue isn’t deception—it’s awareness. Many cruisers don’t read the fine print, don’t research alternatives, or don’t set a budget before boarding. And that’s where the “nickel and dime” feeling comes from.

The good news? You’re in control. With a little planning, you can enjoy a Princess cruise without financial stress. Eat in the main dining room, skip the drink package unless you really need it, book your own excursions, and say no to the spa unless it’s a special treat. You’ll still have an amazing time—and your wallet will thank you.

I’ve cruised with Princess multiple times, and I’ve learned that the best vacations aren’t about avoiding every extra charge—they’re about knowing which ones are worth it. That sunset cocktail? Totally worth $12. That $100 shore excursion when I could have taken a taxi for $30? Not so much.

At the end of the day, Princess offers a solid, reliable cruise experience. It’s not the cheapest, and it’s not all-inclusive—but it’s far from the worst offender in the industry. With smart choices, you can sail in comfort, enjoy great food and entertainment, and return home with memories—not a maxed-out credit card.

So go ahead. Book that cruise. Just pack your budgeting skills along with your swimsuit. You’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Line nickel and dime you compared to other cruise lines?

Princess Cruise Line is generally more transparent with pricing than many competitors, but like most mainstream cruise lines, it does offer optional add-ons (e.g., specialty dining, spa services) that can increase costs. However, core amenities like standard dining, entertainment, and staterooms are included upfront, avoiding the “nickel and diming” trap common on ultra-luxury lines.

Are gratuities included in Princess Cruise Line’s base fare?

No, gratuities aren’t included in the base fare—Princess Cruise Line automatically adds daily service charges (around $14–$16 per person, per day, depending on cabin category). These can be adjusted onboard if service expectations aren’t met.

What extra fees should I watch for on a Princess cruise?

Common extras include specialty restaurants (e.g., Crown Grill), alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi. While these are clearly marked as add-ons, budgeting for them in advance helps avoid surprises—this is where “nickel and diming” can occur if you overindulge in premium options.

Does Princess Cruise Line offer any packages to reduce nickel and diming?

Yes! Princess offers bundles like the Premier Beverage Package, Wi-Fi plans, and specialty dining packages to lock in savings. Purchasing these upfront often costs less than paying a la carte, helping you avoid incremental charges.

Is the “Princess Plus” fare worth it to avoid extra costs?

The Princess Plus fare includes Wi-Fi, gratuities, and a beverage package, which can save money if you’d use all three regularly. For light drinkers or infrequent Wi-Fi users, the standard fare may still be more cost-effective.

Are kids charged extra for activities on Princess Cruise Line?

No, youth programs and kids’ activities are free with the base fare. However, optional paid experiences (e.g., private gaming sessions, babysitting) may be offered, so monitor your family’s usage to stay on budget.