How Much Are Drinks on Princess Cruise Lines Revealed

Imagine this: You’re lounging on the deck of a Princess cruise ship, the sun warming your skin, the ocean breeze gently brushing your face. You reach for a refreshing cocktail—maybe a classic mojito or a crisp glass of rosé—and suddenly, a thought crosses your mind: “How much are drinks on Princess Cruise Lines?”

If you’ve ever cruised with Princess or are considering your first voyage, you’ve likely asked the same question. Drinks on cruise ships can be a bit of a mystery—some are included, others cost extra, and the pricing can vary widely depending on the type of beverage, location, and time of day. As someone who’s sailed multiple times with Princess, I’ve learned the ins and outs of their drink pricing, from budget-friendly options to splurge-worthy premium sips. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about drink costs on Princess Cruise Lines. Whether you’re a soda lover, wine enthusiast, or cocktail connoisseur, I’ll help you plan your onboard beverage budget so you can sip smart and enjoy every moment of your cruise without any surprise charges.

Understanding Princess Cruise Lines’ Drink Pricing Structure

What’s Included and What’s Not

Let’s start with the basics: not all drinks are included in your Princess cruise fare. The good news? You won’t go thirsty. The cruise line includes a selection of complimentary beverages in your base ticket price. These typically include:

Visual guide about how much are drinks on princess cruise lines

Image source: i.ytimg.com

Water (still and sparkling, usually available at self-serve stations)
Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate (served in the buffet and dining rooms)
Milk and juice at breakfast
Lemonade, iced tea, and other non-alcoholic beverages at lunch and dinner

However, once you step outside this list—especially when it comes to alcohol, specialty coffees, or bottled beverages—you’ll be paying out of pocket. This is where the question “how much are drinks on Princess Cruise Lines?” really starts to matter.

For example, during a recent 7-day Caribbean cruise, I enjoyed complimentary iced tea with dinner every night. But when I ordered a mojito at the pool bar, I was charged $14.99. That’s the reality: while the basics are covered, anything beyond that is à la carte. The key is knowing what falls into which category so you can plan accordingly.

Where You Drink Matters

Another important factor: the location on the ship can affect pricing. A beer at the buffet during lunch might be slightly cheaper than the same beer at a specialty bar at night. Similarly, drinks in the main dining room are often priced lower than those in upscale lounges or poolside bars.

For instance, during my last cruise, I ordered a domestic beer (like Budweiser or Corona) at the Horizon Court buffet for $7.50. Later that evening, I had the same beer at the Wheelhouse Bar—a more relaxed, pub-style lounge—for $8.25. That’s a 10% price jump, just because of the setting. It’s not a huge difference, but it adds up over a week-long cruise.

So, if you’re trying to keep costs down, consider sticking to the buffet, main dining room, or casual bars. These areas usually offer the same drinks at lower prices than premium lounges or poolside bars with live music.

How Much Are Alcoholic Drinks on Princess Cruise Lines?

Beer and Wine Pricing

Let’s talk specifics. How much are drinks on Princess Cruise Lines when it comes to alcohol? Let’s break it down by category.

Beer is one of the most popular choices, and pricing is fairly consistent across the fleet. Domestic beers (like Miller Lite, Budweiser, or Heineken) typically range from $7.50 to $8.50 per bottle or draft. Imported and craft beers cost more—usually between $9.00 and $11.50. For example, a Stella Artois or Blue Moon often lands around $10.

Wine lovers, take note: Princess offers a decent selection by the glass. House reds and whites (like Chardonnay or Merlot) are priced between $10 and $12 per glass. Premium wines (think Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa or a French Bordeaux) can cost $15 to $22 per glass. If you’re a fan of sparkling wine, expect to pay around $13 to $16 for a glass of prosecco or champagne.

One tip: if you plan to drink wine regularly, consider ordering a bottle. A bottle of house red might cost $38–$45, which breaks down to about $9–$11 per glass—cheaper than buying three separate glasses. Plus, you can enjoy it over multiple meals.

Cocktails and Premium Spirits

This is where things get interesting—and potentially expensive. Classic cocktails like margaritas, mojitos, and piña coladas are priced between $13.50 and $16.99, depending on the bar and ingredients. Premium cocktails (like a craft old-fashioned or a signature Princess drink) can go up to $18 or even $20.

Here’s a real example: On my last cruise, I tried the “Island Breeze,” a tropical rum cocktail served in a souvenir glass. It cost $17.99, and yes, the glass was mine to keep. If you’re not into souvenirs, you can often get the same drink in a regular glass for $2–$3 less. But if you’re on vacation and want a fun keepsake, it’s a nice touch.

For spirit lovers, a standard pour (1.5 oz) of well liquor (like Smirnoff, Jim Beam, or Beefeater) is around $12.50. Mid-shelf brands (like Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Black, or Patron Silver) cost $14 to $16, while top-shelf or luxury spirits (like Macallan 12 or Hennessy XO) can hit $20 to $30+ per drink.

One thing I learned the hard way: if you order a “double,” it’s not just double the alcohol—it’s often double the price. So, a double shot of Grey Goose might cost $28 instead of $14. Be mindful of your pour sizes!

Happy Hour and Drink Specials

Princess does offer some relief: daily happy hour deals at select bars. These typically run from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM and offer 20–30% off cocktails, beer, and wine. For example, a $15 mojito might drop to $10.50 during happy hour.

Also, look out for themed drink nights—like “Margarita Monday” or “Wine & Cheese Wednesday”—where you can enjoy discounted or even complimentary sips. These events are great for trying new drinks without breaking the bank.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks: How Much Are They?

Specialty Coffee and Smoothies

Let’s shift gears to non-alcoholic options. While basic coffee and tea are free, specialty drinks come at a price. If you’re a fan of lattes, cappuccinos, or frappes, head to the onboard coffee shop (usually called “Café Corniche” or similar).

Here’s what to expect:

Latte or cappuccino: $5.50–$6.50
Frappé or iced coffee: $6.00–$7.00
Smoothies (fruit or protein-based): $7.50–$8.50
Specialty tea (like matcha or chai): $5.00–$6.00

One tip: if you’re a daily coffee drinker, consider the Princess Coffee Card. For around $49, you get 15 specialty coffee drinks—that’s about $3.27 per drink. If you plan to buy more than 8 specialty coffees, the card pays for itself. I used it on my last cruise and loved having my morning latte without worrying about the price.

Bottled Drinks and Soft Drinks

Love soda, energy drinks, or bottled water? You’ll be paying extra. A standard 12-oz can of Coke, Diet Coke, or Sprite costs $3.75. Bottled water (500ml) is $4.25, and premium sparkling water (like San Pellegrino) is $5.50.

Energy drinks (Red Bull, Monster) range from $5.00 to $6.00, and imported sodas (like Mexican Coke or Japanese Ramune) can be $4.50–$5.50.

Here’s a practical tip: bring your own reusable water bottle. Princess allows guests to bring a small supply of non-alcoholic drinks onboard (usually up to 12 cans/bottles). Fill up at the self-serve stations or use your own stash to save money. Just don’t try to smuggle in a case of Red Bull—security checks can be strict.

Kids’ Drinks and Mocktails

Traveling with kids? Princess offers a variety of fun, non-alcoholic drinks for children. These include:

Fruit punch or Shirley Temple: $4.50
Smoothies or milkshakes: $6.00–$7.00
Mocktails (like a virgin piña colada or blue lagoon): $7.00–$8.00

Many of these come in souvenir cups, which kids love. While not cheap, they’re a nice treat—and often cheaper than adult cocktails.

Drink Packages and Pre-Paid Options: Are They Worth It?

Overview of Princess Drink Packages

If you plan to drink regularly, Princess offers several pre-paid drink packages that can save you money. The most popular is the Premier Beverage Package, which includes:

Unlimited cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, and spirits (up to $15 per drink)
Specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water
15% discount on bottles of wine (15% off if under $100; 25% off if over $100)
Daily drink limit: 15 drinks per day

The package costs $70–$80 per person, per day, depending on the ship and itinerary. For example, on a 7-day cruise, that’s $490–$560 per person.

There’s also the Classic Soda Package ($12.99/day) for unlimited soft drinks and bottled water, and the Juice & Smoothie Package ($15.99/day) for non-alcoholic specialty drinks.

When Does a Drink Package Make Sense?

To answer “how much are drinks on Princess Cruise Lines” in terms of value, you need to do a little math. Break-even point for the Premier Beverage Package is about 5–6 drinks per day. If you drink more than that, the package pays off.

For example, if you have:

One cocktail at $15
One glass of wine at $12
One beer at $8
One specialty coffee at $6
One bottled water at $4

That’s $45 in drinks. At $70 per day, you’re still in the red. But add one more cocktail and a smoothie, and you’re at $67—almost breaking even. Add a second glass of wine, and you’re saving money.

However, if you only drink one or two glasses of wine with dinner and a soda at lunch, the package likely isn’t worth it. In fact, you might end up paying for drinks you don’t use.

Limitations and Fine Print

Before you buy, know the restrictions:

You can’t share drinks with others.
Premium drinks over $15 (like a $18 martini) will incur an additional charge.
You can’t use the package for mini-bar items or room service drinks.
Both adults in a cabin must purchase the package if one does (for the Premier package).

Also, drink packages are usually non-refundable and must be purchased before the cruise or within the first 24–48 hours onboard.

Tips to Save Money on Drinks Without Sacrificing Enjoyment

Smart Drinking Strategies

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy great drinks on a Princess cruise. Here are some practical tips to save money:

Stick to included options at breakfast and lunch: iced tea, lemonade, water, and coffee are free and refreshing.
Order house wine by the glass—it’s usually good quality and half the price of premium labels.
Buy a bottle of wine and enjoy it over multiple meals. Many dining rooms allow you to bring your own bottle (with a corkage fee of $15–$20).
Use happy hour deals to try new cocktails at a discount.
Bring your own soda or water—up to 12 cans/bottles are allowed.
Use the coffee card if you love lattes or cappuccinos.
Skip the souvenir glass unless you really want it—you’ll save $2–$3 per drink.

Take Advantage of Free Events

Princess hosts several events with free drinks or tastings:

Wine tastings (usually $20–$30, but sometimes free during promotions)
Cocktail-making classes (often include a complimentary drink)
Welcome aboard parties with free champagne or sparkling wine
Captain’s Circle events for past guests (free drinks and hors d’oeuvres)

Check your daily cruise newsletter (the “Princess Patter”) for details.

Consider the “Pay as You Go” Approach

For many travelers, the best strategy is to skip the drink package and pay as you go. This gives you full control over your spending. Use a budget—say, $50 per day for drinks—and track your purchases. Many guests find they spend less this way, especially if they don’t drink heavily.

Drink Pricing Data Table: Quick Reference Guide

Drink Type	Price Range	Notes
Domestic Beer	$7.50–$8.50	Miller Lite, Budweiser, Corona
Imported/Craft Beer	$9.00–$11.50	Stella Artois, Blue Moon, local brews
House Wine (by the glass)	$10.00–$12.00	Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio
Premium Wine (by the glass)	$15.00–$22.00	Napa Cabernet, French Bordeaux
Classic Cocktails	$13.50–$16.99	Mojito, Margarita, Piña Colada
Premium Cocktails	$17.00–$20.00+	Signature or craft cocktails
Well Liquor (1.5 oz)	$12.50	Smirnoff, Jim Beam, Beefeater
Mid-Shelf Liquor	$14.00–$16.00	Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Black
Top-Shelf Liquor	$20.00–$30.00+	Macallan 12, Hennessy XO
Soft Drinks (can)	$3.75	Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite
Bottled Water	$4.25	500ml
Specialty Coffee	$5.50–$6.50	Latte, cappuccino, frappe
Smoothies	$7.50–$8.50	Fruit or protein-based
Premier Beverage Package	$70–$80/day	Unlimited drinks up to $15

Final Thoughts: Sip Smart, Not Expensive

So, how much are drinks on Princess Cruise Lines? The answer is: it depends on your preferences, habits, and strategy. If you stick to included options and smart choices, you can enjoy great drinks without overspending. But if you love cocktails, wine, and specialty coffee, the costs can add up quickly.

From my experience, the key is planning. Know what’s included, compare prices across venues, and decide whether a drink package makes sense for your trip. Use happy hour deals, bring your own non-alcoholic drinks, and don’t feel pressured to order expensive cocktails every night.

Remember, a cruise is about relaxation and enjoyment—not stressing over your bar tab. With a little foresight, you can sip your favorite drinks, try new flavors, and still keep your vacation budget on track.

Whether you’re raising a glass to the sunset, toasting with friends, or just enjoying a quiet coffee on the balcony, Princess Cruise Lines offers plenty of ways to hydrate—without draining your wallet. Now, go ahead and order that drink. You’ve earned it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are drinks on Princess Cruise Lines compared to other cruise lines?

Drinks on Princess Cruise Lines are competitively priced, with cocktails averaging $10–$14, wines by the glass at $10–$18, and beer around $6–$9. While slightly higher than budget lines, they offer better value than luxury competitors.

Are there any drink packages available on Princess Cruise Lines, and are they worth it?

Yes, Princess offers the Premier Beverage Package (starting at $65/day) covering cocktails, wine, beer, and premium non-alcoholic drinks. It’s cost-effective for guests consuming 6+ alcoholic drinks daily or those who prefer unlimited premium options.

How much do non-alcoholic drinks cost on Princess Cruise Lines?

Non-alcoholic drinks like soda, specialty coffee, and bottled water range from $2–$6 each. The Premier Non-Alcoholic Package ($25/day) includes unlimited premium mocktails, smoothies, and espresso drinks for frequent consumers.

Do Princess Cruise drink prices vary by destination or ship?

Yes, drink prices on Princess Cruise Lines can fluctuate slightly depending on the ship and itinerary due to regional costs. For example, European cruises may have higher wine prices, while specialty cocktails vary by onboard bar menus.

Are gratuities included in the price of drinks on Princess Cruise Lines?

No, a 15–18% automatic gratuity is added to each drink purchase. This tip is separate from the daily gratuities charged to your onboard account and appears as a line item on your receipt.

Can I bring my own drinks on Princess Cruise Lines to save money?

Princess allows one bottle of wine per passenger at embarkation (with a $20 corkage fee if consumed in dining areas). Outside alcohol (liquor, beer, soda) is prohibited and will be confiscated until debarkation.

Key Takeaways

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