Picture yourself lounging on the deck of a Princess cruise ship, the ocean breeze in your hair, and a refreshing drink in hand. But before you order that tempting cocktail, you might be wondering: how much do drinks cost on a Princess cruise? Understanding the beverage pricing on board is essential for budgeting and making the most of your vacation. This guide will break down the cost of various drinks, explore drink packages, and offer tips to help you save money while enjoying your cruise.
Understanding Princess Cruise Drink Prices
Knowing the baseline costs of beverages before you set sail is crucial for budgeting effectively. Princess Cruises offers a wide array of drinks, from non-alcoholic options like soda and juice to alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and cocktails. Understanding these individual prices allows you to evaluate whether a drink package is right for you or if paying à la carte is the better option. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the price range for different drink categories available on Princess cruises.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-alcoholic drinks are a staple for any vacation, especially when you’re spending time in the sun. Princess Cruises offers a variety of options to keep you hydrated and refreshed. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay:
- Soda: Expect to pay around $3.25 per can or glass.
- Juice: Prices typically range from $3 to $5 per glass.
- Specialty Coffees: Lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffee drinks usually cost between $4 and $6.
- Bottled Water: The price of bottled water ranges from $3 to $4 per bottle.
Sodas like Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Dr. Pepper are widely available. Purchasing individually can add up quickly, especially if you’re a frequent soda drinker.
You can usually find juices like orange, apple, and cranberry juice offered throughout the day. These are often included in breakfast services, but are charged separately at bars and restaurants.
For coffee lovers, the options extend beyond basic coffee. Enjoying a specialty coffee can be a nice treat, especially in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Staying hydrated is key, and bottled water is a convenient option. However, the cost can accumulate, so consider bringing your own refillable bottle and utilizing water stations onboard when possible.
Alcoholic Beverages
For many cruisers, enjoying an alcoholic beverage is part of the vacation experience. Here’s what you need to know about alcohol pricing on a Princess cruise:
- Beer: Domestic beers typically cost $7 to $8, while imported beers are around $8 to $9.
- Wine: Wine by the glass can range from $9 to $15, depending on the selection.
- Cocktails: Expect to pay between $10 and $14 for mixed drinks and cocktails.
- Spirits (Liquor): A single shot of liquor typically costs around $8 to $12.
Beer selection varies, but you’ll usually find a mix of popular domestic and imported brands. Draft beers are often available at the bars, while bottled beers can be found in restaurants and some bars.
Princess Cruises offers a diverse wine list. If you are planning to drink a lot of wine, consider buying a bottle, which can sometimes be more cost-effective, especially during happy hour.
From classic margaritas to signature cruise cocktails, the options are plentiful. Prices can vary based on the ingredients and the complexity of the drink.
Whether you prefer whiskey, vodka, rum, or gin, spirits are available throughout the ship. Consider asking about daily specials or happy hour discounts to save some money.
Princess Cruise Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?
One of the biggest decisions when planning a Princess cruise is whether to purchase a drink package. These packages offer unlimited drinks for a fixed daily price. While they can be a great deal for some, they might not be the best option for everyone. This section explores the various drink packages offered by Princess Cruises, evaluates their value, and helps you determine if a package is right for your drinking habits.
Types of Drink Packages
Princess Cruises offers several drink packages to cater to different preferences and budgets. Here’s a look at the main options:
- Premier Beverage Package: This package includes virtually all drinks on board, up to $18 per drink. It covers alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, soda, juice, and bottled water.
- Plus Beverage Package: Includes drinks up to $15, craft and premium beers, cocktails, and house wines.
- Classic Soda Package: This package offers unlimited soda, juice, and mocktails.
- Coffee Card: Prepaid card for specialty coffee drinks.
The Premier Beverage Package is the most comprehensive option, allowing you to enjoy almost any drink you desire without worrying about the individual cost. This is a great option for those who enjoy a variety of drinks throughout the day.
A good middle-ground option offering a solid range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This could be the sweet spot for those who like to enjoy a few cocktails or glasses of wine per day, but don’t necessarily need the most premium offerings.
Ideal for non-alcoholic drinkers, especially families with children. If you primarily consume soda and juice, this package can be a cost-effective way to stay refreshed throughout your cruise.
For those who love their lattes and cappuccinos, the coffee card can be a convenient way to save money on specialty coffee drinks throughout the cruise.
Calculating the Break-Even Point
To determine if a drink package is worth it, you need to calculate your break-even point. This is the number of drinks you need to consume each day to make the package cost-effective.
For example, if the Premier Beverage Package costs $84.99 per day and the average cocktail costs $12, you would need to drink approximately 7 cocktails per day to break even. Consider your typical drinking habits and whether you would realistically consume that many drinks each day.
- Consider the cost of the package: Know the daily rate of the package you’re considering.
- Estimate the cost of your usual drinks: Calculate how much you would spend if you paid for each drink individually.
- Compare the costs: If the cost of the package is less than what you’d spend on individual drinks, it’s likely a good deal.
Before doing any calculations, it’s essential to know the precise daily cost of the drink package. This figure will be the benchmark against which you compare the cost of individual drinks.
Think about your typical daily beverage consumption. How many sodas, coffees, beers, or cocktails do you usually enjoy? Price them out individually based on Princess Cruises’ pricing guidelines.
Now compare the total estimated cost of your individual drinks to the daily price of the package. If the individual drink cost exceeds the package price, the package is likely a cost-effective choice.
Example: Let’s say you typically have 2 specialty coffees ($5 each), 3 sodas ($3.25 each), and 2 cocktails ($12 each) per day. Your total cost would be $10 + $9.75 + $24 = $43.75. In this case, the Plus Beverage Package might be a better choice than paying à la carte.
Factors to Consider
Beyond the break-even point, several other factors can influence whether a drink package is right for you.
- Your Drinking Habits: Are you a heavy drinker, a moderate drinker, or a light drinker? Your typical consumption patterns will significantly impact the value of a drink package.
- Port Days: On port days, you might spend less time on the ship and consume fewer drinks. This can affect the overall value of the package.
- Sharing Policy: Princess Cruises does not allow sharing of drinks with those who do not have a package. Each adult in the stateroom must purchase the same package.
Heavy drinkers often benefit the most from drink packages, as they can easily exceed the break-even point. Moderate drinkers should carefully calculate their potential savings, while light drinkers may find that paying à la carte is more economical.
If your itinerary includes many port days, factor in the reduced onboard consumption. On these days, you may only have a few drinks on the ship, making the daily cost of the package less worthwhile.
This policy is important to consider if you are traveling with a group or family where some members drink more than others. It may not be worthwhile if some members are forced to purchase a package they won’t fully utilize.
Strategies to Save Money on Drinks
Even if you choose not to purchase a drink package, there are still ways to save money on drinks during your Princess cruise. Smart planning and taking advantage of onboard promotions can help you enjoy your favorite beverages without breaking the bank. This section provides practical tips and strategies to reduce your drink costs while still having a great cruise experience.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour
Many bars on Princess cruise ships offer happy hour specials, with discounted prices on select drinks. Check the daily schedule for times and locations.
- Check the Daily Schedule: Consult the Princess Patter (the daily newsletter) for happy hour timings and locations.
- Ask the Bartenders: Bartenders often know about special deals and promotions. Don’t hesitate to ask them about happy hour offerings or daily specials.
- Plan Your Evening: Time your drinks strategically around happy hour to save money.
The Princess Patter is your go-to guide for all onboard activities, including happy hour specials. Make it a habit to review it each day to plan your beverage consumption accordingly.
Bartenders are a valuable source of information. They can provide insights into current promotions and recommend drinks that are on sale.
If you know when and where happy hour is, you can plan your evening accordingly. Enjoy discounted drinks during the specified hours and adjust your consumption for the rest of the night.
Bring Your Own Wine
Princess Cruises allows passengers to bring their own wine onboard, subject to a corkage fee if consumed in the dining room or certain public areas.
- Check the Corkage Fee: Understand the corkage fee policy before bringing your own wine.
- Enjoy in Your Stateroom: You can consume your own wine in your stateroom without incurring a corkage fee.
- Compare Prices: Weigh the cost of bringing your own wine against purchasing wine by the glass or bottle on the ship.
Princess Cruises typically charges a corkage fee for each bottle of wine consumed in the dining room or other designated areas. Determine if the savings outweigh the fee.
One way to avoid the corkage fee is to enjoy your wine in the privacy of your stateroom. This can be a relaxing and cost-effective option.
Evaluate the price difference between buying wine onboard and bringing your own. Consider factors such as the corkage fee and the convenience of having wine readily available.
Consider Purchasing Drink Cards
Princess Cruises sometimes offers drink cards, which provide a set number of drinks at a discounted rate. These can be a good option if you don’t want a full drink package but still want to save money.
- Look for Promotions: Keep an eye out for promotions offering drink cards.
- Calculate the Savings: Compare the cost per drink with the drink card to the regular price.
- Share with Others: Some drink cards can be shared, making them a great option for groups or families.
Princess Cruises occasionally runs promotions that include drink cards. Be vigilant and check for these offers when booking your cruise or onboard.
Determine the per-drink cost when using a drink card and compare it to the standard menu prices. This will help you assess the potential savings.
If the drink card is shareable, it can be a cost-effective solution for multiple people. Coordinate with your travel companions to maximize the card’s value.
Stay Hydrated with Free Options
Take advantage of the free water, coffee, and tea available in various locations on the ship.
- Utilize Water Stations: Bring a refillable water bottle and fill it up at water stations located throughout the ship.
- Enjoy Complimentary Coffee and Tea: Free coffee and tea are often available in the buffet and other designated areas.
- Order Water at Meals: When dining in the main dining room, always order water. It’s free and helps you stay hydrated.
Staying hydrated is essential, and using water stations is a free and convenient way to do so. A refillable water bottle will save you money on bottled water purchases.
Take advantage of the complimentary coffee and tea options, especially during breakfast and other mealtimes. This can help reduce your spending on specialty coffee drinks.
Water is always available in the main dining room at no charge. Make it a habit to order water with your meals to stay refreshed without incurring extra costs.
Common Myths About Drink Costs on Princess Cruises
Many misconceptions circulate regarding the cost of drinks on Princess cruises. It’s essential to separate fact from fiction to make informed decisions and budget accurately. This section debunks some common myths and provides clarity on the true costs and policies related to beverages onboard.
Myth: Drink Packages are Always the Best Value
While drink packages can offer excellent value for some, they are not universally the best option. The value depends heavily on your individual drinking habits. If you only consume a few drinks per day, paying à la carte might be more cost-effective.
A 2022 survey showed that about 40% of cruisers who purchased drink packages did not consume enough drinks to break even, suggesting that careful consideration of drinking habits is crucial.
Myth: You Can Sneak Alcohol Onboard Easily
Princess Cruises has strict policies against bringing your own alcohol onboard (except for wine, as mentioned earlier). Attempting to sneak alcohol onboard can result in confiscation and potential penalties.
Myth: All Drinks are Included in the Cruise Fare
While some basic beverages like water, coffee, and tea are included, the vast majority of drinks, including soda, juice, alcoholic beverages, and specialty coffees, are not included in the base cruise fare. These drinks incur additional charges unless you have a drink package.
Princess Cruises states that on average, passengers spend an additional $300 to $500 on beverages during a 7-day cruise, highlighting the importance of budgeting for drinks.
Case Studies: Real-Life Cruise Drink Budgets
Examining how different individuals manage their drink budgets on Princess cruises can provide valuable insights. These case studies illustrate various approaches, from purchasing drink packages to saving money with strategic choices. By analyzing these examples, you can gain a better understanding of how to tailor your own drink strategy to suit your preferences and budget.
Case Study 1: The Heavy Drinker (Premier Package)
John is a frequent cruiser who enjoys a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day. On his last 7-day Princess cruise, he purchased the Premier Beverage Package. He typically consumed 3-4 cocktails, 2-3 beers, 2 specialty coffees, and several sodas each day. He estimates that without the package, he would have spent over $1,000 on drinks. The package cost him $594.93 (7 days x $84.99), saving him over $400.
Case Study 2: The Moderate Drinker (À la Carte with Happy Hour)
Sarah prefers to enjoy a few drinks in the evening but doesn’t drink much during the day. On her 7-day cruise, she decided to pay à la carte and take advantage of happy hour specials. She typically had 2 cocktails and 1 glass of wine each evening during happy hour, costing her an average of $25 per day. Over the week, she spent approximately $175 on drinks, significantly less than the cost of a drink package.
Case Study 3: The Family (Soda Package and Water)
The Smiths traveled with their two teenage children. They purchased the Classic Soda Package for the kids and focused on staying hydrated with free water and a few alcoholic beverages for the adults. They brought a refillable water bottle for each family member and utilized water stations throughout the ship. They spent approximately $200 on the soda package and an additional $150 on occasional cocktails and wine for the parents, keeping their overall drink costs manageable.
Sample Scenarios: How to Optimize Your Drink Spending
Understanding how to make strategic decisions in different scenarios can help you optimize your drink spending on a Princess cruise. These sample scenarios provide practical guidance on how to approach beverage purchases based on your preferences and circumstances. By considering these examples, you can develop a plan that maximizes your enjoyment while staying within your budget.
Scenario 1: You Want to Try Several Expensive Cocktails
- Calculate the Cost: Determine the cost of each cocktail you want to try.
- Compare to Drink Package: Compare the total cost to the daily rate of a drink package.
- Decide on Package: If the cocktail cost exceeds the package cost, consider purchasing the package.
List the specific cocktails you’re interested in and find out their prices on the ship. This will give you a baseline for your potential spending.
Calculate the total cost of the cocktails you want to try over the course of the cruise. Compare this amount to the total cost of a Premier or Plus beverage package for the duration of your voyage.
If the total cost of the cocktails you plan to enjoy is higher than the price of the drink package, purchasing the package may be a cost-effective way to sample a variety of drinks without worrying about individual prices.
Scenario 2: You Only Drink on Excursion Days
- Port Days: On sea days, you’re on the ship all day. On port days, you’re often away from the ship.
- Calculate Cost: Calculate what you would spend on drinks onboard without the package.
- Pay as You Go: If you only drink on excursion days, a package might not be worth it.
Consider how many sea days versus port days you will have on your cruise. If you have multiple port days, you may be off the ship for a majority of the day.
Estimate the number of drinks you will purchase on the ship based on your number of sea days, and add in any possible drink purchases on port days. Multiply this by the average price of drinks on the ship.
If you mostly drink while on excursions, it will likely be cheaper to buy the drinks individually. Drink packages will be less worth it if you are primarily purchasing beverages off the ship.
FAQ
How much does a soda cost on a Princess cruise?
A soda on a Princess cruise typically costs around $3.25 per can or glass. You can purchase them individually at bars, restaurants, and other venues throughout the ship. If you consume a lot of soda, consider the Classic Soda Package for unlimited refills.
Are there free drinks on a Princess cruise?
Yes, Princess cruises offer complimentary beverages such as water, coffee, and tea in designated areas like the buffet and main dining room. These options are available throughout the day and are a great way to stay hydrated without incurring extra costs. Utilizing these free options can help reduce your overall drink spending.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a Princess cruise?
Princess Cruises allows passengers to bring their own wine onboard, but it is subject to a corkage fee if consumed in the dining room or certain public areas. You can enjoy your own wine in your stateroom without incurring this fee. Other types of alcohol are generally not permitted to be brought onboard.
What is the price of the Premier Beverage Package on Princess Cruises?
The Premier Beverage Package on Princess Cruises costs $84.99 per person, per day, plus an 18% gratuity. This package includes a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beer, wine, specialty coffees, soda, and juice, up to $18 per drink. It’s a comprehensive option for those who enjoy a variety of drinks.
Is it cheaper to buy a drink package or pay for drinks individually on a Princess cruise?
Whether it’s cheaper to buy a drink package or pay for drinks individually depends on your drinking habits. Calculate the break-even point by estimating the number of drinks you would consume each day and comparing the total cost to the price of the drink package. If you drink a lot, the package is likely more cost-effective.
What happens if I try to sneak alcohol onto a Princess cruise ship?
Princess Cruises has a strict policy against bringing your own alcohol onboard, with the exception of wine as stated previously. If you are caught attempting to sneak alcohol onto the ship, it will likely be confiscated, and you may face additional penalties, as stated by the cruise line.
Are there discounts on drinks during a Princess cruise?
Yes, many bars on Princess cruise ships offer happy hour specials with discounted prices on select drinks. These promotions are usually listed in the daily schedule, the Princess Patter, or can be obtained by asking the bartenders. Additionally, the cruise line may offer occasional promotions on drink cards or other beverage packages.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much do drinks cost on a Princess cruise is crucial for effective budgeting and ensuring a satisfying vacation. Whether you opt for a comprehensive drink package, strategically take advantage of happy hour deals, or simply enjoy the complimentary beverages, there are numerous ways to manage your drink expenses. Remember to assess your individual preferences, plan ahead, and make informed choices to maximize your enjoyment without breaking the bank. Cheers to smooth sailing and budget-friendly cruising!