Princess Cruises is one of several cruise lines which have multiple different types of cruise fare packages to choose from. By providing cruise guests with the option of more inclusive experiences, these fares mean you won’t have to worry about add-ons such as drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities.
But what are the differences between these Princess Cruises fares?
In this article, we’ll explain Princess Cruises fares, answering questions such as what Princess Cruises fares include and what are the benefits and costs of the different packages.
What are Princess Cruises’ fares?
Princess Cruises has created three different packages for you to choose from when booking your cruise holiday; Princess Standard, Princess Plus and Princess Premier.
The packages are designed to help their guests get the best value from their holiday, depending on their level of requirement for different amenities, such as drinks, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and gratuities.
Below, we’ll explain Princess Cruises fares in more detail and how these elements differ across the three packages.
What is Princess Standard fare?
Princess Standard fare is described as the ‘no frills’ experience and is the cheapest cruise option.
However, remember that Princess Cruise Lines is a luxury cruise provider, so there are still some excellent Princess Standard cruise benefits that will help you enjoy an incredible onboard experience.
What’s included in Princess Standard fare?
Princess Standard fare includes your onboard accommodation, dining and entertainment. All guests are provided with a Medallion wearable, allowing you to access the cruise line’s MedallionClass™ service, locate your family and friends onboard, make dining reservations and play games.
Princess Standard fare guests have a great range of dining options, from international cuisine in the Main Dining room and casual dining in the World Fresh Marketplace to pastries, pizza and hot dogs to go.
Then there’s the included entertainment and activities, which are world-renowned: the unique, cutting-edge production shows, the family fun game shows and the legendary live music acts.
There are destination-themed activities, such as hula dancing, street pan drum lessons and traditional Maori performance, and a whole range of gaming and sporting facilities.
So, even though officially there are no Princess Standard extras, this cruise package still offers plenty of luxury experiences onboard.
Does Princess Standard fare include drinks?
With Princess Standard, there are no drinks packages included. However, there is a limited selection of complimentary drinks. These include non-bottled water, tea, standard coffee, lemonade and iced tea.
So, if you intend to enjoy a few beverages, Princess Standard could work out more expensive than the other options. For example, the Premier Beverage Package includes all wine, beer and cocktails up to $20 USD each (15 per day), as well as an unlimited selection of soft drinks.
If you were to buy this drinks package as an addition to your Princess Standard cruise fare, it would cost an extra $84.99 USD per day per person, plus an 18% service charge (totalling $100.30 per day).
What is Princess Plus fare?
Princess Plus fare is the next fare level that Princess Cruise Line offers. With Princess Plus fare, you’ll enjoy all of the experiences and features on Princess Standard, with a few extra benefits.
What’s included in Princess Plus fare?
Princess Plus fare cruise benefits covers drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities and from 20 February 2023, premium desserts, fitness classes and unlimited juice bar.
As well as the free drinks listed earlier, Princess Plus fare does include drinks like wine, beer and cocktails, and soft drinks. This Plus Beverage Package covers ‘classic’ drinks for up to $15 USD each and includes tips. You can even enjoy a hot chocolate or smoothie with this fare.
One of the other main benefits for Plus fare Princess guests is the included Wi-Fi. It is for a single device per guest, and enables you to connect to the internet, social media and email, message or video chat with family and friends and stream your favourite shows, music and movies.
Another one of the Princess Plus extras that is included in the fare is gratuities. These are known as ‘Crew Appreciation’ and are pre-paid and worth up to $16.50 per person per day.
How much more is Princess Plus?
The Princess Plus fare cruise costs an extra £50 per person per day. Gratuities are a mandatory expense – included in this package, but something you’d have to pay for separately if you were on the Princess Standard package.
So, when deciding if Princess Plus is worth it, you need to consider if the extra $34-40 is worth paying for the drinks and Wi-Fi that’s included in this cruise fare.
What is Princess Premier fare?
Princess Premier fare is Princess Cruise Line’s top-end package. Like, Princess Plus, you’ll get access to everything included with Princess Standard and some elevated luxury benefits.
What’s included in Princess Premier fare?
The Princess Premier cruise benefits cover six key areas: drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, speciality dining, a photo package and Princess Prizes.
Like Princess Plus, Princess Premier fare does include drinks, but to the value of up to $20 USD each. This Premier Beverage package gives you access to premium spirits and cocktails, as well as wine by the glass.
You’ll also get a Wi-Fi package, but you’ll be able to connect to up to four devices to message, video chat, stream and browse the internet as you please. Gratuities or Crew Appreciation is also one of the Princess Premier extras included in the fare.
One of the best benefits for Premier Fare Princess guests is the speciality dining package. You’ll get two speciality meals included in the fare per guest, meaning two memorable nights with your family and friends, when you can enjoy some of Princess Cruise Lines’ highly acclaimed restaurants and fine dining menus.
Other great extras with Princess Premier fare include the photo package, which comprises unlimited digital images taken by the onboard photographers and three prints, Princess Prizes, where you’ll have the opportunity to win prizes up to the value of $100,000.
From 20 February 2023, premium desserts, fitness classes, an unlimited juice bar, Medallion accessory and reserved seating for production shows will also be included as part of the Princess Premier Fare.
How much more is Princess Premier?
Princess Premier fare cruise costs an additional £65 per day per guest. As with Princess Plus, deciding whether Princess Premier is worth it depends on how much you’ll use the extras.
There are some excellent benefits for Premier Fare Princess guests, but they’ll only offer value if you and your family and friends think you’ll make the most of them.
