One of the most common questions travelers ask when preparing for a Princess cruise is how much the drink package costs. While the exact price varies based on the ship, sailing length, itinerary, and promotions, Princess Cruises offers several types of drink packages that give guests the flexibility to enjoy beverages throughout their voyage without paying for every drink individually. Understanding how these packages are priced, what they include, and how to choose the best one for your travel style can help you budget effectively and decide whether a drink package is right for you.
The cost of a Princess Cruises drink package does not remain fixed all year. Pricing changes due to multiple factors. The first factor is demand. During peak seasons such as summer or holiday sailings, the cost of drink packages may be higher. Another factor is itinerary. Some destinations include taxes or port regulations that affect beverage service. Longer cruises can also affect pricing because the total length of the cruise influences how the daily cost adds up.
Princess Cruises also runs occasional promotions where drink packages are discounted or included as part of a larger fare bundle. These promotional bundles can make the drink package seem more affordable because the cost is blended into the overall cruise fare. As a result, two passengers sailing on the same ship but on different dates or with different promotions may pay different amounts for the same package.
Although prices vary, Princess Cruises typically offers a few main drink packages to cover different tastes and budgets. Understanding each package helps travelers decide which one offers the best value.
The Premium Beverage PackageThis package usually includes a wide variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Guests can enjoy cocktails, wine by the glass, spirits, beer, and specialty coffees. Drinks that exceed a certain price point may not be fully included, but they may be available with an additional small charge. This package is ideal for travelers who plan to drink multiple cocktails a day or who want the flexibility to try various beverages without thinking about the price of each order.
The Plus Beverage PackageThis package is designed as a mid level option. It often includes many alcoholic drinks but may not include some of the more premium cocktails or top shelf spirits. It typically includes beer, standard wines, mixed drinks, specialty coffee, bottled water, and soft drinks. It can be appealing for guests who drink moderately and want a balance between variety and affordability.
The Zero Alcohol PackageThis package is intended for guests who prefer not to drink alcohol. It includes specialty coffees, bottled water, smoothies, soft drinks, juices, and similar beverages. Many families or health conscious travelers choose this package because it provides freedom to enjoy a range of drinks without paying individually for each one.
The Coffee and Soda PackageThis is the simplest beverage plan offered. It does not include alcohol or energy drinks but covers sodas, juices, and coffee options. It is often priced lower because it focuses on classic nonalcoholic choices. Travelers who do not drink alcohol and do not need specialty items often find this package provides the best value for the cost.
Princess Cruises often prices drink packages per person per day. This means the total cost is calculated by multiplying the daily rate by the number of days in your cruise. On longer cruises, this total can add up, which is why some travelers choose to skip the package and instead purchase drinks individually. Princess also generally requires that if one adult in a stateroom purchases an alcoholic drink package, all adults in the same cabin must purchase one as well. This ensures fairness and helps prevent sharing of packages.
Taxes may apply to drink package purchases depending on the departure port and local regulations. For example, if your cruise departs from a region with specific tax laws, the package may have an added charge. Once the ship is in international waters, these taxes may no longer apply, which can sometimes create small variations in final pricing.
Several factors can influence your final drink package cost.
Cruise LengthShorter cruises can make the drink package feel more affordable because the total cost is lower. Longer cruises increase the total amount because the daily rate must be applied across more days. However, some travelers on long cruises feel they get better value since they have more opportunities to use the package.
Destination and ItineraryItineraries that spend many days in port may reduce your use of the drink package if you spend most of your daytime hours exploring off the ship. On the other hand, itineraries with many sea days make the drink package more valuable.
Personal Drinking HabitsIf you only plan to enjoy one or two drinks a day, a drink package may not be cost effective. If you plan to drink several beverages throughout the day, including coffee, water, cocktails, and wine, then the package may offer substantial value.
Onboard PromotionsSometimes Princess Cruises runs limited time promotions where drink packages are offered at a lower price, or included when you choose a higher tier fare bundle. These bundles can offer excellent value because they combine beverages with WiFi and gratuities.
To decide whether a drink package is worth buying, it can help to think about what you normally drink on vacation. If you enjoy specialty coffee in the morning, a soda in the afternoon, and a few cocktails or glasses of wine in the evening, the premium or plus package may offer good value. On the other hand, if you usually drink only bottled water and an occasional soft drink, the coffee and soda package or the zero alcohol package might be better suited to your habits.
You should also evaluate how much time you plan to spend on the ship. If your itinerary includes long days in port or many excursions, you may not use the drink package as much. If your cruise includes many sea days, the package becomes more attractive because you are more likely to relax, enjoy onboard bars, and take advantage of what the package includes.
Princess Cruises generally prices drink packages differently for minors. Children and teens usually do not purchase alcoholic drink packages, but can buy nonalcoholic versions at a reduced rate. Parents traveling with kids often find that the coffee and soda package or zero alcohol package helps manage costs by giving young travelers a variety of beverages without charging for each drink.
There are several strategies travelers can use to maximize value.
Buy EarlyPrincess Cruises sometimes offers lower prices before the sailing date. Buying ahead of time can save money and lock in a preferred rate.
Watch for PromotionsSeasonal sales or booking promotions may include drink packages at discounted prices or within bundled fare packages.
Compare Individual Drink CostsBefore purchasing, review how much individual drinks typically cost. If you know roughly how many beverages you will drink per day, you can estimate whether the package provides savings.
Stay FlexibleIf you do not drink alcohol often, it may be more economical to choose a nonalcoholic package or skip the package entirely and purchase drinks only when you want them.
The cost of a Princess Cruises drink package varies based on the type of package, length of cruise, time of year, itinerary, and promotions. While exact prices change, the overall structure remains consistent across all Princess ships. Whether you choose the premium alcoholic package, the mid range option, the zero alcohol package, or the soda package, each one offers convenience and value depending on your personal drinking habits and travel style. By understanding how drink packages are priced and what influences their cost, you can make an informed decision that enhances your cruise experience without overspending.
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