What Is Princess Plus on Princess Cruise Lines Explained

Princess Plus on Princess Cruise Lines is a premium add-on package that bundles popular amenities like Wi-Fi, gratuities, and beverage discounts into one convenient price. Designed to enhance your cruise experience, it offers significant savings and hassle-free convenience by including unlimited premium drinks, a crew appreciation waiver, and high-speed internet—ideal for travelers who want more value without the à la carte costs.

Key Takeaways

• Princess Plus bundles Wi-Fi, drinks, and gratuities for added convenience.
• Save up to 50% by booking Princess Plus versus buying amenities separately.
• Enjoy premium drinks like cocktails, wine, and specialty coffee with the package.
• Stream and browse with unlimited MedallionNet Wi-Fi for one device.
• Gratuities covered for dining and spa services, simplifying your onboard expenses.
• Upgrade to Plus within 90 days of sailing for maximum value.

What Is Princess Plus on Princess Cruise Lines Explained

Understanding Princess Plus: A Game-Changer in Cruise Pricing

When planning a cruise, one of the most critical decisions passengers face is how to budget for onboard experiences. Princess Cruise Lines, a pioneer in the cruise industry known for its MedallionClass technology and immersive destinations, introduced Princess Plus in 2020 as a revolutionary pricing model. This innovative package aims to simplify cruise planning by bundling essential amenities into a single, cost-effective fare. Unlike traditional a la carte pricing, Princess Plus offers a transparent, all-inclusive approach that enhances guest satisfaction while reducing financial surprises.

Princess Plus is designed for travelers who want to enjoy a premium cruise experience without the stress of calculating every extra expense. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned ocean adventurer, this package addresses common pain points: fluctuating drink prices, internet costs, and gratuities. By consolidating these services into a single upgrade, Princess Cruises has redefined value in the cruise industry. In fact, according to internal data, over 60% of guests opt for Princess Plus or its higher-tier counterpart, Princess Premier, signaling strong market acceptance. This guide dives deep into what Princess Plus includes, how it compares to other packages, and whether it’s the right choice for your next voyage.

What Inspired the Creation of Princess Plus?

The concept of Princess Plus emerged from extensive guest feedback and industry trends. Passengers consistently expressed frustration with unpredictable onboard spending, particularly for Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and gratuities. Princess Cruises analyzed data from thousands of past voyages and found that guests who purchased these services individually spent, on average, 30% more than those who opted for bundled packages. This insight led to the development of Princess Plus, which offers predictable pricing and greater value.

Additionally, the rise of “all-inclusive” travel trends in luxury and river cruising influenced Princess Cruises’ strategy. By adopting a hybrid model—where base fares remain affordable, but premium add-ons are bundled—Princess Plus appeals to a broad demographic. For example, a family of four on a 7-day Alaska cruise could save over $800 by choosing Princess Plus instead of paying for each service separately. This value proposition is a key reason why the package has become a cornerstone of Princess Cruises’ pricing strategy.

How Princess Plus Differs from Traditional Pricing

Traditional cruise pricing operates on a pay-as-you-go model. Guests pay a base fare for their cabin, meals in the main dining room, and basic onboard entertainment. Everything else—from cocktails to internet access—is an additional cost. This can lead to “bill shock” at the end of a cruise, especially for families or those who enjoy frequent dining or spa treatments.

Princess Plus eliminates this uncertainty. For a flat fee (typically $60 per person per day), guests receive a curated set of amenities. This model is similar to “inclusive” resort packages in the Caribbean but tailored specifically for cruise travel. Unlike all-inclusive packages on competitors like Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Plus focuses on high-demand essentials rather than every conceivable luxury. This balance ensures value without inflating the base fare excessively.

What’s Included in the Princess Plus Package?

The heart of Princess Plus lies in its carefully selected inclusions. Each component is designed to enhance the guest experience while providing measurable savings. Below is a detailed breakdown of what the package covers, along with real-world examples to illustrate its benefits.

Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi (MedallionNet)

Internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity for modern travelers. Princess Plus includes unlimited premium Wi-Fi for one device per guest, powered by MedallionNet. This service offers high-speed connectivity with low latency, ideal for video calls, streaming, and social media. For comparison, purchasing premium Wi-Fi individually costs $30–$40 per day, making the Princess Plus bundle a significant saving.

• Example: A couple on a 10-day Caribbean cruise would pay $600–$800 for individual premium Wi-Fi. With Princess Plus, this cost drops to $600 total (for both)—a $200–$400 savings.

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• Tip: Use MedallionNet to stream live events (e.g., sports games) or work remotely during sea days without data caps.

Premium Beverage Package (Up to $15 per Drink)

The package includes a premium beverage package covering cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks up to $15 per drink. This includes popular options like:

• Martinis (e.g., Cosmopolitan: $14.50)
• Craft cocktails (e.g., Old Fashioned: $15)
• Premium wines (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon: $14.95)
• Specialty coffee and smoothies ($6–$8)

Important: Drinks priced above $15 are charged at the difference. For instance, a $22 bottle of champagne would cost $7 extra. However, 80% of onboard drinks fall under the $15 limit, ensuring broad coverage. A solo traveler enjoying 3–4 drinks daily could save $50–$70 per day compared to a la carte pricing.

Pre-Paid Crew Appreciation (Gratuities)

Gratuities (or “crew appreciation”) are automatically included, eliminating the need to carry cash or calculate tips. Princess Cruises recommends $16–$18 per person per day, depending on cabin category. For a family of four on a 7-day cruise, this saves $448–$504 in manual payments.

Pro Tip: While gratuities are pre-paid, guests can still tip extra for exceptional service. The package ensures fairness, as crew members receive consistent compensation regardless of guest spending habits.

Two Specialty Dining Credits

Princess Plus grants two $25 credits for specialty restaurants, such as:

• Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria (signature pasta dishes)
• Steakhouse (dry-aged cuts and seafood)
• Ocean Terrace (sushi and raw bar)

Each credit covers a full meal (appetizer, entrée, and dessert). Without the package, these dinners cost $30–$40 per person. A couple using both credits saves $60–$80. Note: Credits are per person, not per stateroom, so a family of four gets eight credits.

Additional Perks: Fitness and Entertainment

While not as prominent, Princess Plus includes:

• Unlimited fitness classes (e.g., yoga, spin, Zumba)
• 10% discount on shore excursions booked pre-cruise
• 10% discount on spa treatments (excluding salon services)

These perks add up. For instance, a guest taking five fitness classes ($15 each) saves $75. The excursion discount is especially valuable for high-cost activities like helicopter tours in Alaska.

Princess Plus vs. Princess Premier: Which Is Right for You?

Princess Cruises offers two bundled packages: Princess Plus ($60/day) and Princess Premier ($90/day). While both provide core amenities, Premier adds luxury-tier services. Understanding the differences helps travelers choose based on their priorities.

Core Inclusions: Princess Plus vs. Premier

Feature	Princess Plus ($60/day)	Princess Premier ($90/day)
Wi-Fi	1 device (premium)	2 devices (premium)
Beverage Package	Up to $15/drink	Up to $25/drink
Gratuities	Included	Included
Specialty Dining	2 credits	4 credits
Shore Excursions	10% discount	15% discount
Spa Discount	10%	15%
Additional Perks	Fitness classes	Fitness classes + Unlimited Premium Desserts + Unlimited Premium Coffee

When to Choose Princess Premier

Princess Premier is ideal for travelers who:

• Plan to drink premium cocktails (e.g., $20+ martinis)
• Want more specialty dining (e.g., 4+ dinners)
• Require Wi-Fi for multiple devices (e.g., laptops, tablets)
• Frequently book high-cost shore excursions (e.g., $300+ tours)

Example: A couple on a 14-day Mediterranean cruise who dine at specialty restaurants 5 times and book two $350 excursions saves:

• $120 on dining (3 extra credits)
• $105 on excursions (5% additional discount)
• $140 on Wi-Fi (2-device access)

Total savings: $365—nearly offsetting the $420 price difference.

When Princess Plus Is the Smarter Choice

For budget-conscious travelers, Princess Plus offers the best balance. It’s perfect if you:

• Drink moderately (2–3 drinks/day under $15)
• Use Wi-Fi on one device
• Plan 2–3 specialty dinners
• Book excursions under $200

Tip: Use the Princess Cruises app to compare total costs. Input your planned activities (e.g., dining reservations, excursions) to see which package delivers the most value.

Is Princess Plus Worth the Cost? Breaking Down the Savings

Determining whether Princess Plus is cost-effective requires analyzing individual spending habits. Below is a scenario-based breakdown to illustrate potential savings.

Case Study: Family of Four on a 7-Day Alaska Cruise

Without Princess Plus:

• Wi-Fi (4 devices, premium): $35/day × 7 = $980
• Beverages (3 drinks/person/day): $12 avg. × 4 × 3 × 7 = $1,008
• Gratuities: $17/day × 4 × 7 = $476
• Specialty Dining (2 dinners): $35/meal × 4 people × 2 = $280
• Fitness Classes (5 classes): $15 × 4 = $60
• Total: $2,804

With Princess Plus ($60/day × 4 × 7 = $1,680):

• Wi-Fi: $0 (included)
• Beverages: $0 (included)
• Gratuities: $0 (included)
• Specialty Dining: $0 (2 credits cover 2 dinners)
• Fitness Classes: $0 (included)
• Total: $1,680

Savings: $1,124

Case Study: Solo Traveler on a 5-Day Caribbean Cruise

Without Princess Plus:

• Wi-Fi: $35/day × 5 = $175
• Beverages (2 drinks/day): $12 × 2 × 5 = $120
• Gratuities: $17/day × 5 = $85
• Specialty Dining (1 dinner): $35
• Total: $415

With Princess Plus ($60/day × 5 = $300):

• All services included
• Savings: $115

Key Insight: Savings scale with group size and consumption. Families and frequent drinkers benefit most, while light spenders may break even. Always calculate your personal usage to decide.

How to Maximize Your Princess Plus Experience

Getting the most from Princess Plus requires strategic planning. Follow these tips to unlock its full value.

Book Early to Secure Discounts

Princess Cruises often offers early-bird promotions for Princess Plus, such as:

• 50% off the package (e.g., $30/day instead of $60)
• Free upgrades (e.g., balcony to mini-suite)
• Onboard credit ($100–$200)

Subscribe to Princess Cruises’ email newsletter and check their “Deals” section 6–12 months pre-cruise. For example, a 2023 promotion offered 50% off Princess Plus for Alaska voyages booked before January 31st.

Use Credits and Discounts Wisely

Specialty dining credits expire at the end of the cruise. To avoid waste:

• Book dinners early via the app (popular venues sell out)
• Use credits on higher-priced items (e.g., steak vs. pasta)
• Combine with happy hour (e.g., 50% off drinks 4–6 PM)

For excursions, apply the 10% discount to high-cost tours (e.g., $200+). Smaller tours (under $50) may not justify the savings.

Leverage MedallionNet for Productivity

With premium Wi-Fi, you can:

• Host video calls (e.g., remote work, family updates)
• Stream 4K videos without buffering
• Use ride-share apps to plan post-dock transportation

Tip: Download offline maps and entertainment pre-cruise to minimize data usage on non-MedallionNet networks.

Conclusion: Is Princess Plus Right for Your Next Cruise?

Princess Plus is more than a pricing model—it’s a strategic tool for enhancing cruise enjoyment. By bundling high-demand amenities like Wi-Fi, drinks, and gratuities, it transforms the vacation experience from transactional to seamless. The package shines for families, social drinkers, and tech-dependent travelers, offering savings that often exceed 30% compared to a la carte spending.

However, value isn’t universal. Light spenders or solo travelers should crunch the numbers to ensure the $60/day fee aligns with their habits. The key lies in personalization: use Princess Cruises’ online tools to model your usage, book early for discounts, and prioritize services you’ll actually consume. For those who do, Princess Plus delivers unmatched convenience and financial predictability, letting you focus on what truly matters—creating unforgettable memories at sea.

In a competitive cruise market, Princess Plus sets a new standard for inclusive pricing. Whether you’re sailing to Alaska’s glaciers or the Caribbean’s turquoise waters, this package ensures your journey is as stress-free as it is extraordinary. So, when booking your next Princess voyage, ask not just “What’s included?” but “What’s my ideal cruise experience?” The answer might just be Princess Plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Princess Plus on Princess Cruise Lines?

Princess Plus is a premium add-on package offered by Princess Cruise Lines that bundles popular amenities like Wi-Fi, gratuities, and premium drinks at a discounted rate. It’s designed to simplify your cruise experience while offering significant savings compared to purchasing these services separately.

What’s Included in the Princess Plus Package?

The Princess Plus package includes unlimited MedallionNet Wi-Fi, crew appreciation (gratuities), a premium drink package (up to $15 per drink), and a specialty dining credit. These perks cater to travelers looking for convenience and added value during their cruise vacation.

Is Princess Plus Worth It on a Princess Cruise?

Yes, Princess Plus is often worth it if you plan to use at least two of its included perks, like Wi-Fi and the drink package. For frequent drinkers or those who rely on internet access, the savings can quickly outweigh the package cost.

How Much Does Princess Plus Cost?

Princess Plus pricing varies by cruise length and itinerary but typically starts around $60 per person, per day. The cost is significantly lower than buying the included services individually, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious cruisers.

Can I Use Princess Plus on Any Princess Cruise?

Princess Plus is available on most Princess Cruise itineraries, but some sailings—like world cruises or select promotional voyages—may have restrictions. Always check your specific cruise details during booking to confirm eligibility.

Do I Have to Purchase Princess Plus for All Guests in My Cabin?

Yes, Princess Plus must be purchased for all guests in a stateroom to receive the benefits. This ensures everyone in your group has access to the same perks, like Wi-Fi and drink packages, during the cruise.