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Princess Plus vs. Princess Premier: Which Package Is Worth It?
Princess Cruises offers three main ways to book: the standard cruise fare, Princess Plus, and Princess Premier. The packages can make a cruise feel much more inclusive—but the most expensive option is not automatically the best choice for every traveler.
The right package depends on what you will actually use: drinks, Wi-Fi, dining, gratuities, photos, and shore excursions. Here is a practical comparison based on Princess’s current package structure for newer bookings and 2026 sailings.
The Quick Answer
Princess Plus is usually the best balance for guests who want drinks, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, and some casual dining included. Princess Premier makes more sense for travelers who will use specialty dining, higher-priced beverages, multiple Wi-Fi devices, photos, and the included shore-excursion credit.
If you drink very little, do not need internet access, and prefer the complimentary dining venues, the standard fare may still be the better value.
Current Package Pricing
Princess Plus: starting at $65 per person, per day when purchased before the cruise.
Princess Premier: starting at $100 per person, per day when purchased before the cruise.
Seven-night example: approximately $455 per person for Plus or $700 per person for Premier.
For two guests on a seven-night cruise: approximately $910 for Plus or $1,400 for Premier.
Prices can be higher when purchased onboard and may vary by market, itinerary, purchase date, and package version. Always review the exact benefits shown on your booking before adding a package.
What Princess Plus Includes
Plus Beverage Package covering eligible drinks priced up to $15 each.
MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi for one device per guest at a time.
Daily crew appreciation.
Four casual dining meals per guest, per voyage, with the current package.
OceanNow delivery and room-service delivery fees included.
The beverage package is not only for alcohol. Specialty coffee, bottled water, fountain soda, mocktails, beer, wine, and cocktails can all contribute to the value. That is why Plus can still work for someone who drinks moderately rather than heavily.
Who Is Princess Plus Best For?
You already plan to pay daily crew appreciation.
You want Wi-Fi throughout the cruise.
You enjoy specialty coffee, bottled water, soda, wine, beer, or a few cocktails.
You expect to use the included casual dining meals.
You prefer paying more upfront instead of watching individual onboard charges add up.
What Princess Premier Includes
Princess Premier includes the core conveniences of Plus and raises several limits. Current Premier benefits include:
Premier Beverage Package covering eligible drinks priced up to $20 each.
MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi for up to four devices per guest.
Daily crew appreciation.
Unlimited prix fixe meals at participating casual dining venues.
Unlimited specialty dining at participating restaurants, subject to availability.
An included digital photo package.
A shore-excursion credit based on voyage length: $100 for 6–9 days, $200 for 10–20 days, and $300 for voyages of 21 days or longer.
OceanNow delivery and room-service delivery fees included.
Who Is Princess Premier Best For?
You plan to eat in specialty restaurants several times.
You prefer premium wines, spirits, or cocktails above the Plus price limit.
You need internet access on several devices.
You normally purchase cruise photos.
You will use the shore-excursion credit.
You want the most inclusive experience and value convenience over the lowest upfront price.
Princess Plus vs. Premier: The Most Important Difference
For most travelers, the decision comes down to specialty dining. Plus already includes the everyday expenses that can add up quickly: drinks, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, delivery, and some casual dining.
Premier costs about $35 more per person, per day at current pre-cruise pricing. On a seven-night cruise, that is roughly $245 more per person. If you will use multiple specialty dinners, the photo package, and the shore-excursion credit, that difference may be easy to justify. If those benefits do not interest you, Plus is often the stronger value.
When the Standard Fare May Be Better
You plan to disconnect and will not buy Wi-Fi.
You mostly drink included beverages.
Your itinerary is port-intensive, so you will spend less time onboard.
You prefer the main dining room, buffet, and other complimentary options.
You have onboard credit that can cover the few extras you expect to purchase.
A Few Important Package Rules
Package benefits are per guest and generally cannot be shared.
Depending on how the reservation is booked, package participation for one guest may depend on the other guest in the stateroom purchasing it too.
Guests under the legal drinking age receive the applicable zero-alcohol beverage option rather than an alcoholic package.
Dining reservations and venue availability can vary by ship.
Package versions can differ based on when the package was purchased and when the cruise departs.
My Recommendation
Princess Plus is the package I would start with for most travelers because it bundles the expenses many guests were already likely to pay. Premier can be an excellent value, but only when its higher-end benefits match the way you actually cruise.
Before choosing, compare the total package price—not just the daily rate—against what you would realistically spend. A package is valuable when it matches your habits, not simply because the list of inclusions is long.
Need Help Comparing Your Actual Cruise Price?
If you are considering a Princess cruise, I can compare the standard fare, Princess Plus, and Princess Premier using the actual price for your sailing. That makes it much easier to see which option gives you the right balance of convenience and value.
Official Package Information
Review the current package comparison on Princess Cruises.
Package restrictions and purchase-date details are available in the Princess Plus and Premier terms.
Package details and pricing were reviewed in September 2026 and are subject to change.
Want to know what each included benefit would cost separately? Read the simple Princess package cost breakdown.
