Does Princess Cruise Line Offer Discount Excursions Find Out Now

Yes, Princess Cruise Line offers discount excursions through exclusive onboard deals, seasonal promotions, and loyalty program perks for past guests. Save up to 30% on select shore activities when booking in advance or during special sales events. Don’t miss out—discounts vary by destination and cruise duration, so check early for the best value.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Princess offers discounts: Look for deals on shore excursions via their MedallionClass app.
• Book early: Early bookings often secure the best rates and excursion availability.
• Check for bundled packages: Combine excursions with other services for added savings.
• Loyalty members save more: Princess Captain’s Circle members get exclusive excursion discounts.
• Last-minute deals available: Unsold tours may offer discounts closer to departure dates.
• Compare third-party options: Some local vendors offer cheaper alternatives to Princess excursions.

Does Princess Cruise Line Offer Discount Excursions? Find Out Now

Picture this: You’re standing on the deck of a luxurious Princess cruise ship, the sun setting behind you as you sail toward your next port of call. You’re excited to explore a new destination—maybe a historic city in Europe, a tropical island in the Caribbean, or a wildlife-filled national park in Alaska. But then you check the prices for shore excursions and feel your stomach drop. A guided tour of a medieval castle? $150. A snorkeling adventure? $120. A cultural walking tour? $90. Suddenly, your dream vacation starts to look a lot more expensive.

You’re not alone. Many cruisers ask the same question: Does Princess Cruise Line offer discount excursions? After all, shore excursions can quickly become one of the most expensive parts of a cruise—sometimes even more than the cruise itself. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or simply want to stretch your vacation dollars, knowing how and when to save on excursions is crucial. In this post, we’ll dive deep into how Princess handles excursion pricing, where to find discounts, and smart strategies to save without sacrificing quality. We’ll share real-world examples, insider tips, and honest insights to help you make the most of your time in port—without breaking the bank.

How Princess Cruise Line Structures Shore Excursions

What Are Princess Shore Excursions?

Princess Cruise Line offers a wide range of shore excursions, known as “Shore Excursions” on their website and onboard. These are organized, guided tours and activities in each port of call, designed to help passengers explore destinations safely, conveniently, and often with exclusive access. From scenic bus tours and cultural experiences to adventure sports and culinary classes, there’s something for every interest and fitness level.

Excursions are typically operated by third-party local tour companies, but Princess vets them, handles bookings, and ensures they’re timed to match the ship’s departure. This convenience comes at a cost—but also peace of mind. If your tour runs late, the ship waits for you. That’s a big deal when you’re in a foreign country and don’t speak the language.

Standard Pricing and Tiered Options

Excursion prices vary widely based on location, duration, activity type, and exclusivity. For example:

• A 2-hour city walking tour in Barcelona might cost $49.

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• A 6-hour wine-tasting and vineyard tour in Tuscany could be $179.
• A 4-hour zipline and jungle adventure in Cozumel might be $139.

Princess categorizes excursions into tiers: Value, Premium, and Signature. Value options are shorter, more basic, and less expensive. Premium and Signature tours often include perks like private transportation, expert guides, or exclusive access (e.g., behind-the-scenes at a museum). These are priced higher—but sometimes the added value justifies the cost.

While Princess doesn’t publicly label excursions as “discount” or “sale,” they do offer pricing flexibility through timing, promotions, and bundling—more on that below.

Booking Window and Pricing Changes

One key thing to know: Excursion prices are not fixed. They can change based on demand, availability, and booking timing. Prices are usually lowest when the cruise is first announced (6–12 months out), and they may rise as the departure date approaches. However, in some cases, prices drop last-minute if tours aren’t selling well.

For example, I once booked a $110 catamaran snorkel tour in St. Lucia 10 months in advance. A week before sailing, I checked the same tour and saw it was now $89—because fewer people had signed up. Unfortunately, I couldn’t rebook at the lower price (more on refunds and changes later), but it shows that prices can fluctuate.

Where to Find Discounts and Promotions on Princess Excursions

Pre-Cruise Online Booking Discounts

The best time to look for discount excursions is during the pre-cruise booking window. Princess often runs promotions through their “Cruise Personalizer” portal (your online account) in the months leading up to your trip. These can include:

• Early Booking Bonuses: Save 10–15% on select excursions if booked by a certain date.
• Bundle Deals: Book 3+ excursions and get 10% off the total.
• Free or Reduced-Price Add-Ons: For example, book a $100 tour and get a free $25 museum pass.

For instance, on a recent Alaska cruise, I booked a $149 glacier helicopter tour and a $79 wildlife cruise. When I added a third tour (a $69 city walking tour), the system automatically applied a 10% bundle discount, saving me $29.70. Not huge, but every dollar counts!

Tip: Log into your Cruise Personalizer account every few weeks. Promotions change monthly, and new deals pop up regularly.

Onboard Booking and Last-Minute Deals

Contrary to popular belief, booking onboard isn’t always more expensive. In fact, Princess sometimes offers last-minute discounts to fill empty spots. These are called “Open Availability” tours and are usually announced via the daily newsletter or the Shore Excursions desk.

On a recent Mediterranean cruise, I walked by the excursion desk in Naples and saw a sign: “Last-minute Pompeii tour—only $49 (regular $79)!” The tour was in 4 hours, and only 3 seats left. I jumped on it—and saved $30. The guide was fantastic, and the timing was perfect.

But here’s the catch: You can’t count on last-minute deals. They’re unpredictable and often sell out fast. If you have a must-do tour (like a sold-out attraction or a popular adventure), don’t wait. But if you’re flexible, it’s worth checking the desk daily.

Loyalty Program Perks (Captain’s Circle)

If you’ve cruised with Princess before, you’re in the Captain’s Circle loyalty program. Higher tiers (Elite and Elite Plus) get exclusive benefits, including:

• Early access to shore excursion bookings (before general guests).
• Occasional members-only discounts or free tours.
• Priority seating on popular tours.

For example, Elite members on a recent Japan cruise received a 20% discount on all cultural tours (tea ceremonies, kimono experiences, etc.). That’s a significant saving—especially when you’re booking multiple excursions.

Pro tip: Even if you’re not Elite yet, sign up for Captain’s Circle. You’ll start earning points, and future discounts will be easier to unlock.

Alternative Ways to Save on Excursions (Beyond Princess)

Booking Local Tours Independently

Many cruisers skip Princess excursions entirely and book directly with local operators. This can save 30–50% or more. For example:

• A Princess tour of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland: $129
• A direct booking with a local company: $65 (same tour, same time)

But there’s a trade-off: You’re on your own. If the tour runs late, the ship won’t wait. You also lose the convenience of Princess’s vetting process, language support, and guaranteed refunds.

When it works: In stable, safe ports with reliable public transport (e.g., Barcelona, Rome, Vancouver). Avoid in countries with complex logistics or language barriers.

When to avoid: In remote areas, countries with strict visa requirements, or places where getting back to the ship is tricky (e.g., tender ports).

Using Third-Party Cruise Excursion Websites

Websites like CruiseCritic, ShoreTrips, and Viator partner with local operators to offer excursions. These often have lower prices than Princess—and sometimes better reviews.

For example, I used ShoreTrips for a $59 walking tour in Lisbon. The same tour with Princess was $89. The guide was just as good, and we met at a central location near the port. Easy.

But—read the fine print. Some third-party tours require a minimum group size. Others don’t guarantee ship wait policies. Always:

• Check the pickup/drop-off location (must be near the port).
• Confirm the tour ends with enough time to return (add 60–90 minutes buffer).
• Look for “Princess-compatible” or “ship-wait guaranteed” in the description.

Group Discounts and Private Tours

If you’re traveling with a group (4+ people), consider booking a private tour. While the total cost may be higher, the per-person price is often lower than Princess’s group rate—and you get a customized experience.

For example, a private 4-hour food tour in Rome for 4 people cost $280 total ($70 per person). Princess’s similar tour was $89 per person. Plus, we got to choose the restaurants and pace.

Many local operators offer group discounts. Just email or call them directly and ask: “Do you offer discounts for groups of 4 or more?” You’ll be surprised how often they say yes.

Princess Excursion Pricing: What’s Included and What’s Not

What You Pay For (and Why It’s Not “Cheap”)

Princess excursions aren’t just about the tour—they’re about the entire experience. Here’s what your money covers:

• Transportation (air-conditioned buses, boats, trains)
• Expert local guides (often with certifications)
• Entrance fees (museums, parks, attractions)
• Meals or snacks (on food tours or longer excursions)
• Insurance and liability coverage
• Guaranteed ship wait policy

For example, a $100 Princess tour of the Alhambra in Spain includes:

• Round-trip bus from port to the palace
• Skip-the-line entry (saves 2+ hours of waiting)
• English-speaking guide
• Water and a snack
• Guaranteed return by 3:30 PM (ship departs at 6 PM)

Booking this independently would cost at least $60 for entry, $30 for a guide, and $20 for transport—plus the stress of navigating a foreign city. So while the Princess price seems high, it’s often competitive—or even cheaper—when you add it all up.

Hidden Fees and Upsells

That said, not everything is included. Some excursions have:

• Optional add-ons: Like a $20 photo package on a wildlife tour.
• Gratuities: Some guides expect tips (usually $5–10 per person).
• Meals: Unless stated, food is not included. A “lunch stop” might mean you pay $25 at a restaurant.

Always read the “What’s Included” section carefully. And if you’re on a tight budget, skip the extras. You can always buy a souvenir photo later.

Real Examples: How Cruisers Save on Princess Excursions

Let’s look at real-world scenarios to see how different travelers save money.

Example 1: The Budget-Family Cruise (Caribbean)

The Smith family (2 adults, 2 kids) booked a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise. Their strategy:

• Booked 3 excursions online 3 months early: $299 total (with 10% bundle discount).
• Skipped Princess in St. Thomas and booked a beach day directly with a resort ($40 for a cab, $20 for beach access).
• Used the onboard “Open Availability” desk in St. Maarten to get a $39 catamaran tour (regular $69).

Total saved: $110 vs. booking all with Princess at full price.

Example 2: The Solo Traveler (Alaska)

Maria, a solo cruiser, wanted to see glaciers and wildlife. Her plan:

• Booked the glacier helicopter tour early (Elite member, 15% off): $126 (saved $23).
• Used a third-party site for a $59 wildlife cruise (Princess: $99).
• Walked to a local market in Juneau instead of booking a $79 food tour.

Total saved: $96, plus she got a more authentic experience.

Example 3: The Luxury Traveler (Mediterranean)

The Johnsons wanted a premium experience. They:

• Booked a $249 private wine-tasting tour in Tuscany (Princess: $199, but only for groups of 8+).
• Used their Captain’s Circle perks to get early access to a sold-out Vatican tour.
• Accepted a last-minute upgrade to a VIP tour in Barcelona (free, due to overbooking).

Result: Paid more for exclusivity—but saved $150 on other tours through loyalty benefits.

Data Table: Average Excursion Prices & Savings Opportunities

Excursion Type	Avg. Princess Price	Independent Option	Potential Savings	Best Booking Strategy
City Walking Tour	$49–$79	$25–$40	30–50%	Book early with bundle discount
Adventure (Zipline, Snorkel)	$99–$149	$60–$90	35–40%	Check onboard for last-minute deals
Cultural (Museums, Temples)	$69–$119	$40–$70	30–45%	Use Captain’s Circle early access
Food & Wine Tasting	$89–$159	$50–$90	35–45%	Book private group tour
Helicopter/Glacier Tour	$199–$299	Not recommended	0% (safety & logistics)	Book early with Elite discount

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Save on Princess Excursions

So, does Princess Cruise Line offer discount excursions? The short answer: Not in the traditional “50% off” sense—but there are plenty of ways to save if you’re strategic.

Princess doesn’t run flash sales like retail stores, but they do offer:

• Early booking discounts
• Bundle deals
• Last-minute onboard promotions
• Loyalty program perks

And beyond Princess, you can save even more by booking directly with local operators, using third-party sites, or going private with a group.

The key is planning and flexibility. Book must-do tours early. Stay open to last-minute deals. Leverage your loyalty status. And always weigh the cost of convenience against the savings of DIY.

Remember: A cruise is about creating memories. Whether you save $10 or $100 on an excursion, the real value is in the experience—seeing a new place, tasting new food, meeting new people. So don’t stress over every dollar. But do take advantage of the discounts available. You’ve earned it.

Now, go explore—and happy cruising!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Line offer discount excursions?

Yes, Princess Cruise Line frequently offers discount excursions through promotions, early-booking deals, and onboard specials. These can include savings on select shore tours or bundled activity packages.

How can I find discounted excursions with Princess Cruises?

Check the “Shore Excursions” section of your Princess Cruise account before sailing or visit the onboard excursion desk for last-minute deals. Signing up for the Princess email newsletter also alerts you to exclusive discount excursions and limited-time offers.

Are Princess Cruise Line discount excursions lower quality?

No—discounted excursions are the same professionally guided tours offered at regular price. Savings often come from promotions, off-peak timing, or group booking incentives, not reduced service quality.

Can I book discount excursions onboard instead of online?

Yes, the onboard excursion desk often features special deals, including last-minute discounts or port-day promotions. However, popular discounted tours may sell out, so pre-booking is recommended.

Does Princess Cruises offer free or deeply discounted excursions?

While free excursions are rare, Princess occasionally runs promotions like “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” or free tours with suite bookings. Loyalty members (Captain’s Circle) may also receive exclusive excursion perks.

Are there discount excursions for families or groups?

Princess Cruise Line offers family-friendly and group discounts on select tours, especially for kids or larger parties. Look for “Family Package” deals or ask about private group rates when booking.