Does Princess Cruise Line Offer Drink Packages Find Out Here

Yes, Princess Cruise Line offers drink packages to suit every traveler’s needs, from unlimited sodas to premium cocktails and wine. Choose from flexible options like the Premier Beverage Package or the Classic Soda Package, all designed to enhance your cruise experience while saving you money on board.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Princess offers drink packages for all passengers, including soda, alcohol, and premium options.
• Choose the Elite package for unlimited cocktails, wine, and beer at sea.
• Pre-purchase online to save up to 20% compared to onboard pricing.
• Check inclusions carefully—some premium drinks and bottles aren’t covered.
• Shared packages allowed for same-cabin guests, but not across rooms.
• Daily limits apply—15 alcoholic drinks per day per passenger.
• Non-alcoholic options available, ideal for kids or non-drinkers.

Does Princess Cruise Line Offer Drink Packages? Find Out Here

Imagine this: you’re lounging by the pool on a sun-drenched deck, the ocean breeze gently rustling your hair, and you’re sipping a refreshing cocktail. The only thing missing? The thought of how much that drink will cost when you see your final bill. If you’re planning a cruise with Princess Cruise Line, you’ve probably asked yourself, does Princess Cruise Line offer drink packages? You’re not alone. Thousands of cruisers want to know if they can enjoy their favorite beverages without constantly checking their tab or feeling the pinch of à la carte prices.

As someone who’s sailed with Princess and experienced the highs (hello, sunset cocktails) and the lows (yikes, that $18 mojito), I get it. The idea of a drink package can be a game-changer—especially if you’re a regular wine lover, a cocktail enthusiast, or even just someone who likes a cold beer with dinner. But here’s the catch: not all drink packages are created equal, and Princess Cruise Line has its own unique approach. In this post, we’ll dive into the details, break down the options, and help you decide whether a Princess drink package is worth it for your next cruise. No fluff, no hype—just real talk from someone who’s been there, done that, and sipped that.

Understanding Princess Cruise Line’s Drink Package Options

So, does Princess Cruise Line offer drink packages? The short answer is yes—but with some important nuances. Unlike some competitors that offer a single all-inclusive beverage plan, Princess takes a more flexible, tiered approach. This means you can choose a package that fits your drinking habits and budget, whether you’re a casual sipper or a full-on cocktail connoisseur.

The Three Tiers of Princess Drink Packages

Princess currently offers three main drink packages, each designed for different types of cruisers:

• The Premier Beverage Package – The top-tier option, covering everything from premium cocktails and wine to specialty coffees and non-alcoholic drinks.
• The Classic Soda & More Package – A budget-friendly choice for soda, juice, bottled water, and select non-alcoholic beverages.
• The Refreshment Package – A mid-tier option that includes non-alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and a few select alcoholic beverages (like beer and wine under $15).

Each package has its own price point, inclusions, and limitations. For example, the Premier Beverage Package is the only one that includes premium spirits, top-shelf cocktails, and bottles of wine over $15. The Refreshment Package, on the other hand, is great if you mostly stick to beer, wine, and soft drinks but want a few extras like a cappuccino in the morning.

What’s Included—and What’s Not

Let’s be real: no drink package covers *everything*. With the Premier Beverage Package, you’ll get:

• Alcoholic drinks up to $20 per drink
• Specialty coffees and smoothies
• Bottled water and soft drinks
• Select wines by the glass and beer

But here’s the fine print: drinks priced above $20 (think top-shelf whiskey, rare wines, or premium cocktails) are not included. You’ll pay the difference. Also, mini-bar items, room service drinks, and drinks at private islands (like Princess Cays) are typically excluded.

One thing I appreciated on my last cruise: the package applied to drinks at most bars and lounges, including the Crown Grill and Sabatini’s. But if you’re planning to splurge on a bottle of Dom Pérignon at dinner, you’ll still pay full price for that one.

Is a Princess Drink Package Worth It? Breaking Down the Value

Now comes the big question: is it worth it? The answer depends on your drinking habits, the length of your cruise, and how often you plan to enjoy a drink. Let’s break it down with real numbers and scenarios.

Calculate Your Daily Drink Budget

Start by estimating how many drinks you’ll have per day. Here’s a typical day on a Princess cruise:

• Breakfast: 1 coffee or juice ($5–$7)
• Lunch: 1 beer or soda ($6–$8)
• Dinner: 1 cocktail and 1 glass of wine ($12–$16)
• Evening: 1 drink at the bar ($10–$14)

That’s about $33–$45 per day per person. Over a 7-day cruise, that’s $231–$315 per person—without tips or premium drinks.

The Premier Beverage Package currently costs around $84.99 per person per day (prices vary by sailing and season). At first glance, that seems high. But if you’re hitting that $45/day average, you’re already saving money. And if you enjoy a few premium cocktails (say, a $16 espresso martini), the value goes up fast.

Real-Life Example: A 7-Day Alaska Cruise

Let’s say you’re on a 7-day Alaska cruise with Princess:

• You have a cocktail at the Crow’s Nest each night: $14 x 7 = $98
• One glass of wine at dinner: $12 x 7 = $84
• Two sodas per day: $6 x 14 = $84
• One specialty coffee: $6 x 7 = $42

Total à la carte cost: $308 per person. The Premier Package: $84.99 x 7 = $594.93. Wait—that’s more! But here’s the catch: the package includes *all* drinks under $20. So if you add:

• Two premium cocktails: $18 x 2 = $36 (not included, but you’d pay the $20 cap + $2 difference = $22)
• One bottle of wine at dinner (shared with a partner): $45 (you’d pay $20 + $25 difference = $45)

Now you’re using the package more efficiently. Plus, you’re not stressing over every drink. For many cruisers, the peace of mind is worth the cost.

When a Package *Isn’t* Worth It

Not everyone drinks enough to justify the cost. If you’re the type who:

• Only has one drink at dinner
• Prefers water or soda most of the time
• Is on a budget and wants to control spending

…then the Refreshment or Classic Soda & More package might be better. Or, you might skip a package altogether and just pay as you go. Princess also offers a “Pay as You Go” option, so you’re not locked in.

How to Maximize Your Drink Package Value

If you decide to go for a drink package, you’ll want to make the most of it. Here are some insider tips from cruisers who’ve been there:

Use It Early and Often

Don’t wait until the last day to start using your package. The value is in consistency. Have a coffee in the morning, a soda by the pool, a cocktail at sunset. The more you use it, the better the deal becomes.

Pro tip: Some bars offer happy hour discounts (2-for-1 drinks), but with a package, you can still use your allowance. That means you’re getting two $14 cocktails for the price of one under the $20 cap. Win-win.

Know the Rules—and the Exceptions

Each package has rules. For example:

• You can’t share a drink package with another person (it’s tied to your room key).
• Drinks must be consumed on board (no taking bottles back to your cabin).
• You can’t use it for room service or mini-bar items.

But here’s a little-known fact: on select sailings, Princess offers a complimentary bottle of water per day in your cabin. That’s a small perk, but it adds up—especially if you’re on a long cruise.

Ask About Specialty Venues

Some restaurants and bars have unique offerings. For example, the Salty Dog Gastropub has craft beers that might not be included in lower-tier packages. But with the Premier Package, you can try their signature ale without worrying about the price.

Also, check if your cruise includes a “Cocktail of the Day” promotion. With a package, you can try a new drink every day without extra cost. I did this on a Caribbean cruise and discovered a passion for rum punch—thanks, Princess!

Use It on Shore Days (When Possible)

Most drink packages apply only while the ship is at sea. But on port days, you can still use your package at onboard bars before and after excursions. Just don’t expect it to work at the beach bar in St. Thomas.

Comparing Princess Drink Packages to Other Cruise Lines

Princess isn’t the only cruise line with drink packages. How does it stack up against competitors like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival?

Princess vs. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers the Deluxe Beverage Package, which includes drinks up to $15 (lower cap than Princess’s $20). But Royal also includes more non-alcoholic drinks and has a wider selection of premium cocktails under the cap. However, Royal’s package is often pricier—around $89.99/day.

Princess wins on price and flexibility, but Royal has more bars and lounges, so you might get more variety.

Princess vs. Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL’s Premium Plus Beverage Package includes drinks up to $15 and has a similar price point. But NCL allows you to use the package at private islands (like Great Stirrup Cay), which Princess does not. That’s a big deal if you plan to spend time ashore.

Princess, however, has a better selection of specialty coffees and smoothies included in the Premier Package. If you’re a coffee lover, that’s a win.

Princess vs. Carnival

Carnival’s Cheers! Package is one of the most popular, with a $20 drink cap and a lower daily rate (around $59.95). But Carnival’s bars are often more crowded, and the drink quality can be hit-or-miss. Princess tends to have higher-quality cocktails and more attentive service.

Bottom line: Princess offers a solid middle ground—good value, decent inclusions, and a more refined experience.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Princess Drink Packages

There are a lot of myths floating around about cruise drink packages. Let’s clear up a few:

Myth 1: “The package covers everything.”

Not true. As we’ve covered, drinks over $20, mini-bar items, and drinks at private islands are not included. Also, some premium brands (like Dom Pérignon or Macallan 18) are excluded regardless of price.

But here’s a tip: if you really want a premium drink, ask if they’ll apply your $20 credit toward it. Sometimes, they’ll let you pay the difference and still use your allowance.

Myth 2: “I’ll save money even if I only drink a little.”

Only if you’re strategic. If you’re only having one drink a day, you’re better off paying à la carte. The break-even point for the Premier Package is about 3–4 drinks per day. Less than that, and you’re likely overspending.

Myth 3: “I can share the package with my partner.”

Nope. Each package is tied to one person’s room key. If you and your partner both want drinks, you’ll need two packages. Some couples split a package and take turns, but that’s against the rules and can get you in trouble if caught.

Myth 4: “The package is automatically added to my bill.”

No. You must purchase it in advance (often with a discount) or onboard during the first 24–48 hours. After that, it’s not available. So don’t wait too long to decide.

Myth 5: “All bars accept the package.”

Most do, but some specialty venues (like the Chef’s Table or private dining experiences) may have their own beverage pricing. Always ask before ordering.

Final Tips: How to Decide If a Drink Package Is Right for You

So, does Princess Cruise Line offer drink packages? Absolutely. But is it right for you? Here’s how to decide:

• Track your habits: For a week before your cruise, log every drink you have. Multiply that by the length of your trip. If it’s close to or above the package price, go for it.
• Consider the cruise length: On a 3-day cruise, a package might not pay off. On a 10-day sailing, it’s almost always worth it.
• Look for promotions: Princess often offers early-booking discounts (like $10–$20 off per day). Book early to save.
• Talk to the bar staff: They’re not salespeople, but they can give honest advice about what’s included and how to maximize value.
• Don’t forget the non-alcoholic perks: If you love smoothies, lattes, or bottled water, the package can be a great deal even if you don’t drink much alcohol.

And remember: a drink package isn’t just about saving money. It’s about enjoying your vacation without the stress of a growing tab. There’s something freeing about ordering that third cocktail at sunset and not worrying about the cost.

Package	Daily Price (Approx.)	Alcohol Cap	Non-Alcoholic Drinks	Best For
Premier Beverage	$84.99	$20 per drink	Yes (coffee, soda, juice)	Frequent drinkers, cocktail lovers
Refreshment	$29.99	Beer & wine under $15	Yes (coffee, smoothies, soda)	Moderate drinkers, coffee fans
Classic Soda & More	$14.99	No alcohol	Yes (soda, juice, water)	Teetotalers, kids, budget travelers

In the end, the best drink package is the one that fits your lifestyle. Princess offers options for every type of cruiser—from the occasional sipper to the full-on socialite. Whether you’re sipping a mimosa at brunch, a margarita by the pool, or a nightcap under the stars, knowing your options helps you make the most of your vacation.

So, does Princess Cruise Line offer drink packages? Yes—and they’re more flexible and thoughtful than you might think. With a little planning, you can enjoy your favorite drinks, save money, and focus on what really matters: making memories that last long after the cruise ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Line offer drink packages for all passengers?

Yes, Princess Cruise Line offers drink packages designed for all adult passengers, including options like the Premier Beverage Package and the Classic Soda Package. These can be purchased pre-cruise or onboard, depending on availability.

What types of drinks are included in Princess Cruise Line’s beverage packages?

The Premier Beverage Package includes cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, spirits, mocktails, specialty coffees, and bottled water (up to $15 per drink). Non-alcoholic options like soda and juice are covered under separate packages.

Can I buy a drink package on Princess Cruise Line for just one day?

Princess Cruise Line typically requires drink packages to be purchased for the entire cruise duration, not per day. However, you may find limited-time promotions or exceptions during your sailing—check with guest services onboard.

Does the Princess Cruise Line drink package cover gratuities?

Yes, an 18% gratuity is automatically added to the total cost of your drink package when purchased. This covers service charges for all drinks included in the package.

Are there any restrictions on drink packages with Princess Cruise Line?

Drink packages are limited to one drink per order, and premium beverages over $15 are excluded unless you pay the difference. They’re also non-transferable and valid only for the named guest.

Do Princess Cruise Line drink packages include alcohol in the mini-bar?

No, drinks from your in-room mini-bar are not included in any Princess Cruise Line beverage package and will be charged separately. Packages apply only to drinks ordered at bars, lounges, and dining venues.