Cruising with Princess Cruises offers an indulgent experience filled with luxurious amenities, and one aspect that adds to the enjoyment is the selection of beverage packages. As of December 2022, Princess Cruises introduced two new drink packages: Plus and Premier.
These packages enhance the onboard experience by providing guests with a variety of refreshing beverages. If this is your first cruise, or you fifth, be aware that all cruise lines have policies for what beverages you can bring on board. In this post, we will explore the key differences between Princess Drink Packages: Plus vs. Premier and help you decide which one suits your preferences.
Princess Plus Drink Package
The Plus Drink Package is a well-rounded offering that caters to the majority of guests’ beverage needs. These include beverages that cost up to $15 USD each. Let’s take a closer look at its features:
Plus Beverage Selection
The Plus Drink Package includes a wide range of options, such as beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages. This package covers most popular drinks, allowing guests to enjoy their favorite beverages without any additional costs.
According to the Princess website, the Plus Cruise Drink Packages includes:
- Cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, specialty coffees fountain sodas, bottled water, fresh juices and healthy smoothies (juice bar), new juice bar, mocktails and crafted cocktails by Mixologist Rob Floyd
- 50 spirits, 25 wines by the glass, 25 beers, all specialty coffees & non-alcoholic drinks
- 25% discount on wine bottles (including rare vintages)
- 25% discount on large bottles of water and cans of soda
Plus Price and Availability
The Plus Drink Package is available for purchase at a fixed price per day, making it a convenient choice for guests who prefer to have their drinks covered throughout the cruise. It is important to note that the package is available for the entire duration of the cruise and cannot be purchased on a per-day basis.
To give you an idea of pricing, at the time of this writing (June 2023), the Plus beverage package is $64.99 per person per day.
Plus Inclusions
With the Plus Drink Package, guests can savor their favorite drinks up to a specific dollar limit per beverage. If the selected drink exceeds the limit, the difference in price will be charged separately.
However, the majority of drinks fall within the package’s limit, ensuring that guests can enjoy a wide variety without additional charges.
Princess Premier Drink Package
The Premier Drink Package, as the name suggests, offers a more elevated and inclusive experience. Top-shelf Premier beverages cost up to $20 USD each. Here’s what sets it apart:
Premier Extensive Beverage Selection
The Premier Drink Package encompasses a vast selection of beverages, including premium spirits, fine wines, cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic options.
This package is ideal for guests with discerning tastes or those who wish to explore a wider array of high-end choices.
According to the Princess Cruie website, the Premier Cruise Drink Packages include:
The Premier Beverage Package includes everything the Plus Beverage Package has and:
- Top-shelf spirits, reserve wines by the glass and new high-end crafted cocktails by Mixologist Rob Floyd
- Selection of 75+ spirits, 40+ wines by the glass, 20+ high-end, crafted cocktails
- Premier wines by the glass including Duckhorn, Stag’s Leap, Grgich Hills and Cattier Champagne
- Private Woodford Reserve Bourbon Selection created exclusively for Princess
- Personalized Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Single Barrel Select
- 25% discount on wine bottles (including rare vintages)
- 25% discount on large bottles of water and cans of soda
Premier Unlimited Beverage Enjoyment
Unlike the Plus Drink Package, the Premier Drink Package allows unlimited consumption of beverages without any dollar limits per drink. This means you can indulge in your favorite high-end drinks or explore new and exclusive options throughout your cruise without any additional charges.
Premier Perks
In addition to unlimited drinks, the Premier Drink Package offers extra perks, such as access to the exclusive Premier Lounge and priority service at the bars. These benefits further enhance the overall cruising experience for those who opt for this package.
To give you an idea of pricing, at the time of this writing (June 2023), the Plus beverage package is $84.99 per person per day.
Know Before You Go
As is customary with all cruise ships regardless of which cruise line, age restrictions will apply for the purchase of any beverage package.
Alcoholic drinks are limited to 15 beverages pre 24-hour period (6 a.m. to 6 a.m.), for the Plus Beverage Package.
On Princess Cruises, a beverage package can be pre-purchased at least four days before sailing, but not within three days of sailing. You will also be able to purchase the package on board on embarkation day, but beverage packages will not be sold after embarkation day. It seems contradictory that you can purchase a package four days ahead, but not three days ahead and yet you can purchase a package on the day you leave, but those are the stipulations that Princess adheres to.
Beverage packages are not refundable or transferable when they are purchased on board. Advanced purchases are not refundable or transferable within three days of sailing.
Here are some of the exclusions for drink packages, and Princess reserves the right to implement exclusions without notice.
- The package does not apply to bottled spirits or bottled wine or any items offered in retail venues or shops on board.
- The package does not apply to Mini-Bar items.
- The package does not apply to souvenir Glassware.
- The package excludes and is not combinable with other Programs, Promotions, Onboard Specials, or Events such as Wine Tastings, Chef’s Table, Buckets of Beer, Specialty Dining cover charges, or food items for sale such as ice cream, etc.
If you want to check out the fine print, click below for more info on the Plus and Premier beverage packages aboard Princess Cruises.
Plus Beverage Package Terms & Conditions
Premier Beverage Package Terms & Conditions
If you are planning to book a cruise with Princess, be sure to check their website for promotions and up-to-date information on Princess Cruise Drink Packages.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose the Plus or Premier Drink Package on your Princess Cruises voyage, both options offer a remarkable selection of beverages to cater to your preferences.
The Plus Drink Package provides a comprehensive range of drinks at a fixed price per day, accommodating most guests’ needs. On the other hand, the Premier Drink Package offers an elevated experience with unlimited access to premium beverages, along with exclusive perks.
Consider your individual preferences, budget, and desired level of indulgence when making your choice. Regardless of the package you select, you can look forward to enjoying a delightful array of beverages as you cruise with Princess Cruises.
So, raise a glass and embark on an unforgettable voyage, immersing yourself in the luxury and relaxation that Princess Cruises has to offer. Cheers!
Want to know more?
Check out our post on Royal Caribbean Drink Packages, or find out what beverages you can bring onboard.
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About Jonathon Hyjek
Jonathon is the tech guy behind CruiseportAdvisor.com. When he's not stuck in front of his computer, Jonathon enjoys travel & cruising (even after being on a cruise ship that caught fire - a story for another day!)
