How Much Does Coffee Cost on Princess Cruise Line A Complete Guide

Coffee on Princess Cruise Line is free with meals and at select venues, but specialty drinks cost extra—typically $3–$6 per cup. While basic brewed coffee, tea, and iced coffee are included in your fare, premium options like lattes, cappuccinos, and flavored espresso drinks are priced a la carte. Save with a Coffee Card or drink package if you’re a daily specialty coffee drinker.

Key Takeaways

• Free coffee is available at buffets and main dining rooms.
• Specialty drinks cost $3–$7 at onboard cafés like International Café.
• Premium packages include unlimited specialty coffee for a flat daily fee.
• Room service coffee carries a small delivery charge plus tip.
• Bring your own mug to save on disposable cup fees at stations.
• Happy hour deals often include discounted or free coffee beverages.

Why Coffee on a Cruise Matters More Than You Think

Let’s be honest: when you’re planning a cruise, coffee might not be the first thing on your mind. You’re thinking about the ocean views, the poolside lounging, the midnight buffets. But if you’re anything like me—someone who starts the day with a warm cup of joe—then the cost of coffee on Princess Cruise Line can quietly become a bigger deal than you expected.

I learned this the hard way on my first Princess cruise. I assumed that, like most meals and drinks, coffee would be included. I strolled into the International Café at 7 a.m., ready for my usual oat milk latte, only to see a $5.95 price tag. My jaw dropped. I wasn’t just paying for coffee—I was paying for the convenience, the ambiance, and the fact that I was floating in the middle of the Caribbean. That moment made me realize: understanding how much coffee costs on Princess Cruise Line is essential for budgeting, avoiding sticker shock, and still enjoying your daily ritual without guilt.

Included Coffee: What You Get Without Paying Extra

Before we dive into the price tags, let’s clear up a common misconception: not all coffee on Princess Cruise Line is extra. In fact, there’s a solid amount of free coffee available—if you know where to look and how to use it.

Complimentary Coffee Stations

Every Princess ship has designated coffee stations, usually near the main dining areas, the buffet (Horizon Court), or the atrium. These stations typically offer:

• Regular drip coffee (regular and decaf)

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• Hot water for tea
• Basic creamers (half-and-half, non-dairy options)
• Sugar, sweeteners, and stirrers

The quality is decent—think of it like your office coffee, but with a better view. It’s not gourmet, but it’s hot, free, and available 24/7. I’ve used these stations for early-morning wake-ups, late-night wind-downs, and even to refill my travel mug before heading ashore. The best part? No line, no wait, and no cost.

Room Service Coffee (With a Catch)

Princess includes coffee with room service breakfasts. If you order a continental or full breakfast via your in-room menu, a pot of coffee (or two cups) comes included. This is a great way to start your day without leaving your cabin—especially if you’re on a balcony with ocean views.

Pro tip: Order the “Princess Breakfast” or “Continental Breakfast” and specify “with coffee” in the notes. The coffee is standard drip, but it’s served hot and fresh. Just don’t expect espresso or specialty drinks—those are extra.

Included in Dining Room Breakfasts

If you prefer the sit-down dining experience, coffee is automatically included with breakfast in the main dining rooms. Servers will bring you a pot or refill your cup as needed. You can also request decaf, and they’ll usually bring both if you’re sharing with someone who prefers regular.

One thing to note: while the coffee is free, the dining room experience takes longer than a quick buffet grab. If you’re in a rush to get to a shore excursion, the buffet coffee station is faster—but the dining room gives you that “vacation luxury” feel.

Paid Coffee Options: Where the Costs Add Up

Now, let’s talk about the coffee you’ll actually pay for—and why it’s worth it (or maybe not). Princess Cruise Line partners with Starbucks on most of its ships, which means you’ll find familiar names, but also familiar prices (with a cruise markup).

Starbucks at Sea: The International Café

This is the main hub for specialty coffee. Located in the atrium or promenade deck, the International Café is open from early morning until late evening. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Espresso drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos)
• Frappuccinos and iced coffee
• Tea lattes and hot chocolate
• Pastries, sandwiches, and snacks

Prices are slightly higher than land-based Starbucks. For example:

• Latte: $5.95

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• Cappuccino: $5.75

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• Iced coffee (medium): $4.50
• Frappuccino: $6.25
• Oat milk or almond milk: +$0.75

Yes, that’s about 20-30% more than what you’d pay on land. But remember: you’re on a ship, with limited options. The convenience, the ambiance, and the fact that they’ll make your drink just like you like it (extra hot, half sweet, etc.) can make it worth it—especially on a sea day when you’re lounging with a book.

Specialty Coffee Bars and Pop-Ups

Some larger ships (like the Discovery Princess or Enchanted Princess) feature additional coffee bars, such as:

• The Wake View Bar (near the pool deck)
• The Piazza Café (on select ships)
• Pop-up coffee carts during special events

These spots often serve the same Starbucks menu, but with a more relaxed, outdoor vibe. Prices are identical, but the setting can make the experience feel more “premium.” I once grabbed a caramel macchiato from the Wake View Bar at sunset—worth every penny for the view alone.

Room Service Specialty Coffee

If you want an espresso or latte delivered to your room, you can order it via room service—but it’s not free. Expect to pay:

• Espresso: $4.50
• Latte: $6.50
• Cappuccino: $6.25

Plus, there’s a $5 room service delivery fee (unless you’re in a suite or have a certain loyalty level). So a latte and a pastry could easily hit $12. That’s steep for a morning pick-me-up, but if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want the luxury of not leaving your cabin, it’s an option.

Coffee Packages: Are They Worth the Investment?

If you’re a daily drinker—or plan to enjoy a few specialty coffees during your cruise—Princess offers coffee packages that can save you money. But are they actually a good deal? Let’s break it down.

The Coffee & Tea Package

This is the most popular option. For $19.95 per day, you get:

• Unlimited specialty coffee drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, etc.)
• Unlimited hot and iced tea
• Unlimited hot chocolate
• 10% off pastries and snacks at the International Café

You can purchase it for the entire cruise or just select days. The package is per person, per day, so if you’re traveling with a partner, you’ll need to buy two.

Is the Package Worth It?

Let’s do the math. Say you drink:

• 1 latte per day ($5.95)
• 1 cappuccino on sea days ($5.75)
• 1 iced coffee on port days ($4.50)

That’s about $16.20 per day. The package costs $19.95. So you’d need to drink at least 3 specialty coffees per day to break even. If you’re a light drinker, it’s not worth it.

But if you’re someone who:

• Loves trying different drinks (e.g., seasonal lattes, Frappuccinos)
• Enjoys coffee with snacks (and uses the 10% pastry discount)
• Wants the convenience of unlimited refills and no per-drink stress

Then the package can feel like a win. I bought it on a 7-day cruise and ended up using it for 5 days—drinking 2-3 coffees per day, plus a few teas. I saved about $20 overall, but more importantly, I didn’t have to think about prices every time I wanted a drink.

Tips for Maximizing the Package

• Buy it early: You can purchase the package online before your cruise (through the Princess app or website) or on the first day of the cruise. Buying early often gives you a small discount.
• Use it for guests: If you’re with a friend who doesn’t drink coffee, you can sometimes use your package for their tea or hot chocolate—ask the barista.
• Check for promotions: Princess occasionally offers “buy 5 days, get 2 free” deals on beverage packages during sales. Keep an eye on their website.

Smart Ways to Save on Coffee (Without Sacrificing Quality)

You don’t have to pay full price for every cup. With a little planning, you can enjoy great coffee—even specialty drinks—without blowing your budget.

Bring Your Own Travel Mug

Princess allows you to bring your own reusable mug (up to 16 oz). Use it at the complimentary coffee stations to refill throughout the day. I brought my insulated tumbler and filled it with hot coffee, then added a splash of oat milk from the station. It stayed hot for hours—perfect for poolside sipping.

Bonus: Some baristas at the International Café will give you a small discount (around $0.50) if you use your own cup. Not a huge saving, but it adds up.

Mix Free and Paid Coffee

Here’s my go-to strategy:

• Morning: Free drip coffee from the buffet station (quick and easy)
• Midday: Specialty coffee from Starbucks (treat yourself on a sea day)
• Evening: Free tea or hot water with lemon (calming and zero cost)

This way, you get the best of both worlds: convenience and indulgence, without overspending.

Take Advantage of Loyalty Perks

If you’re a member of the Captain’s Circle loyalty program (even at the basic level), you get perks like:

• 10% off specialty coffee drinks
• Free coffee with select breakfast orders
• Early access to package purchases

Higher tiers (Elite and Platinum) get even better benefits, like complimentary coffee with every meal or free specialty drinks on certain days.

Look for Happy Hour and Promotions

Princess sometimes runs “Happy Hour” at the International Café, usually in the late afternoon. During these times, you might find:

• Buy one, get one free on coffee
• $1 off all drinks
• Free pastry with any coffee purchase

Check the daily newsletter (the “Princess Patter”) for details. I once scored a free croissant with my latte during a 3 p.m. promo—perfect for a late-afternoon pick-me-up.

How Coffee Costs Compare Across the Cruise Industry

How does Princess stack up against other major cruise lines when it comes to coffee pricing? Let’s compare.

Here’s a quick look at specialty coffee prices across popular lines (based on 2023-2024 data):

Cruise Line	Latte (Medium)	Specialty Coffee Package (Per Day)	Free Coffee Stations?
Princess Cruise Line	$5.95	$19.95	Yes
Royal Caribbean	$5.75	$18.99	Yes
Carnival Cruise Line	$5.50	$17.95	Yes
NCL (Norwegian)	$6.25	$21.95	Limited
Holland America	$5.75	$18.95	Yes

As you can see, Princess is mid-range in pricing. Carnival and Royal Caribbean are slightly cheaper, while NCL is more expensive. But here’s the key: Princess offers more free coffee options than most lines. Their 24/7 coffee stations and included dining room coffee give you more flexibility to avoid extra costs.

Also, Princess’s Starbucks partnership means consistent quality. I’ve had better-tasting lattes on land, but on a cruise, consistency matters more than perfection. You know what you’re getting—and that’s reassuring when you’re far from home.

Final Thoughts: How to Enjoy Coffee Without Breaking the Bank

So, how much does coffee cost on Princess Cruise Line? The answer depends on your habits, your budget, and how you define “coffee.”

If you’re happy with drip coffee, hot water, and basic creamers, you can enjoy coffee for free throughout your cruise. The complimentary stations are plentiful, reliable, and available around the clock.

If you love lattes, cappuccinos, or iced drinks, expect to pay $5–$6.50 per drink. That adds up fast—$40+ for a week of daily specialty coffee. But with a coffee package, you can cut those costs, especially if you drink multiple cups per day or enjoy tea and hot chocolate too.

The smartest approach? Mix and match. Use free coffee for routine mornings, splurge on a latte during a scenic sea day, and take advantage of loyalty perks and promotions. Bring your own mug, check the daily deals, and don’t forget that room service breakfasts include coffee.

At the end of the day, coffee is more than just a drink on a cruise—it’s part of the experience. It’s the first sip on your balcony at sunrise. It’s the warm cup in your hand during a port day. It’s the quiet moment before the adventure begins.

So don’t let coffee costs stress you out. With a little planning, you can enjoy every drop—without paying a fortune. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a full-blown coffee enthusiast, Princess Cruise Line gives you options. And now, with this guide, you know exactly how to make the most of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does coffee cost on Princess Cruise Line?

Coffee prices on Princess Cruise Line vary depending on the type and location. A basic cup of drip coffee typically costs $2–$4, while specialty drinks like lattes or cappuccinos range from $4–$6 at onboard cafés.

Is coffee included in Princess Cruise Line drink packages?

Yes, most Princess drink packages, like the Premier Beverage Package, include specialty coffees from onboard cafés. Basic coffee from buffet areas is complimentary even without a package.

Where can I get free coffee on a Princess cruise?

Free coffee is available at the buffet (Horizon Court) and select self-service stations throughout the ship. These areas offer standard drip coffee, tea, and hot water at no extra cost.

Are specialty coffee shops expensive on Princess Cruise Line?

Specialty coffee shops like Café Caribe or The Pastry Shop charge $4–$7 per drink, similar to land-based cafés. These prices apply unless you use a drink package or purchase a coffee card.

Does Princess offer a coffee card or discount program?

Yes, Princess Cruise Line sometimes offers a Coffee Card for a flat fee (e.g., $25–$35), providing 10–15 drinks at a discount. Check with Guest Services once onboard for availability.

How does coffee pricing compare to other cruise lines?

Princess Cruise Line’s coffee costs are competitive with other major lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival. Specialty drinks are similarly priced, but Princess includes more complimentary options in its base fare.