Is It worth Getting a Drinks Package on Princess Cruises?

Nobody likes getting a big surprise bill at the end of a cruise. Drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips can add up faster than you think, and beverages are often the biggest shock for many travelers. Even if you are careful, a few cocktails, specialty coffees, or soft drinks each day can easily increase your spending beyond your planned budget.

Princess Cruises offers several drink packages to help with this. By paying a set amount upfront, you know exactly what you are spending, which can make budgeting easier. There are options for everyone, from soda and coffee packages to all-inclusive plans that also cover extras like Wi-Fi and gratuities. But is paying in advance cheaper than just buying drinks one by one during your trip?

That’s the question many cruisers ask before sailing. If you enjoy several drinks a day, a package might save you money and give you the freedom to order without worrying about the price. On the other hand, if you only have a glass of wine at dinner or an occasional soda, the cost may not be worth it.

In this guide, we’ll look at Princess Cruises’ different drink packages, what they include, and how much they cost. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of whether a drink package is right for you or if paying as you go makes more sense for your cruising style.

All Princess Cruises Drink Packages

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Princess Cruises offers different drink packages to match every guest’s preference, from casual soda drinkers to those who enjoy premium cocktails and wines. Each package is designed to give you great value by covering a wide variety of drinks for a fixed daily price. Choosing the right one depends on what you like to drink and how often you order.

The Plus Beverage Package

The Plus Beverage Package lets you enjoy a wide range of drinks priced up to $15* each. Sip on cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, specialty coffees, fountain sodas, bottled water, fresh juices, and healthy smoothies from the juice bar. Mocktails and crafted cocktails by mixologist Rob Floyd add a special touch to your drink experience.

You’ll have access to 50 spirits, 25 wines by the glass, and 25 beers, along with all specialty coffees and non-alcoholic drinks. The package also gives you a 25% discount on wine bottles, including rare vintages, plus savings on large bottles of water and cans of soda.

Premier Beverage Package

The Premier Beverage Package offers top-shelf premium beverages priced up to $20* each. It includes everything in the Plus Beverage Package, plus top-shelf spirits, reserve wines by the glass, and high-end crafted cocktails by Mixologist Rob Floyd. Enjoy exclusive selections, making it ideal for those who love luxury drinks during their cruise.

This package features over 75 spirits, 40 wines by the glass, and 20 premium crafted cocktails. Savor premier wines like Duckhorn, Stag's Leap, Grgich Hills, and Cattier Champagne. It also includes a private Woodford Reserve Bourbon and a personalized Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select, along with 25% discounts on wine bottles, water, and soda.

Zero-Alcohol Package

The Zero-Alcohol Beverage Package is perfect for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options. For $29.99* per person, per day, enjoy specialty coffees and teas, hot chocolate, fountain sodas, fresh juices, healthy smoothies from the juice bar, mocktails, bottled water, San Pellegrino, Evian, and Red Bull Energy Drinks throughout your entire cruise.

This package also includes Frappes at Coffee & Cones, sparkling or still bottled water (500ml or less), and other energy drinks. Guests get a 25% discount on canned soda and one-liter bottles of water. It’s available at Princess Cays, all onboard venues, theaters, and public spaces, based on menu offerings and operating hours.

Related: How to Choose a Cruise Drink Package?

Classic Soda Package

The Classic Soda Package is priced at $14.99* per person, per day and is great for those who enjoy refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. It includes all fountain sodas, canned sodas, juices (except fresh juice bar), mocktails, and smoothies. Enjoy a variety of flavors throughout your cruise without worrying about individual drink charges.

You can use this package on private islands, onboard dining venues, theaters, and public spaces offering beverage service. Availability depends on the venue’s menu and operating hours, but it’s a convenient way to enjoy unlimited sodas, juices, and mocktails anywhere drinks are served during your cruise.

Is It Worth Getting a Drinks Package on Princess Cruises?

A drinks package on Princess Cruises can save you money if you enjoy having several drinks each day. It lets you pay one set price instead of buying drinks one by one, which can add up quickly. From specialty coffees to cocktails, these packages are designed for guests who want to enjoy a variety of beverages without worrying about the daily bill.

Who is the Princess Plus Package Best For?

The Princess Plus Package is perfect for guests who like to have a few drinks spread throughout the day. If you enjoy specialty coffees in the morning, soft drinks or juices in the afternoon, and a couple of beers or cocktails at night, this package makes sense. It’s also great if you like bottled water or mocktails with meals.

This package suits casual drinkers who don’t need top-shelf brands but still want a good selection. It offers cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffees, soft drinks, and smoothies. If you like having a variety without going for the most expensive drinks, the Princess Plus Package can be a cost-saving option for you.

Who is the Princess Premier Package Best For?

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The Princess Premier Package is best for guests who enjoy premium drinks every day. If you love trying top-shelf spirits, reserve wines, and high-end cocktails, this package is worth it. It’s also perfect for those who drink several alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages daily and want access to the best selections onboard.

This package works well for people who enjoy luxury choices like premium wines, crafted cocktails, and exclusive whiskey or bourbon. It also comes with discounts on wine bottles and water. If you don’t want to think about drink prices and want the best the bar offers, the Premier Package is the right pick.

When NOT to Buy a Drinks Package?

You might skip a drinks package if you’re not a big drinker or only plan to have one or two beverages a day. Paying the set daily price won’t make sense if you don’t drink enough to cover the cost. Buying drinks as you go can be cheaper in that case.

It’s also not worth it if you prefer to drink mostly free options like iced tea, regular coffee, or water available onboard. Guests who only want a glass of wine with dinner or an occasional soda won’t save money with a package. In that case, buying individual drinks is the smarter choice.

Final Words

Think about how you drink at home before you decide. If you love coffee every morning, sip on sodas through the day, enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, or grab a smoothie when you need energy, you’ll likely drink the same or more on a cruise. With so many options around, most people treat themselves a bit more.

Basic drinks like water, tea, and juice from the buffet are included, but extras can add up fast. If you don’t want to worry about every order, the Classic Soda or Zero Alcohol packages keep things simple and paid upfront. For alcohol, the Plus and Premier packages can save a lot, especially if you drink daily.

FAQs about Is It worth Getting a Drinks Package on Princess Cruises

What is the Princess cruise drink package discount?

Princess drink packages give a 25 percent discount on wine bottles, including rare labels, and on large bottles of water and cans of soda. This discount is included in both the Plus and Premier packages, making it easier for guests who enjoy wine or bottled drinks to save while still enjoying a wide selection.

Is it worth taking the drinks package on a cruise?

It’s worth it if you drink several beverages each day. Guests who enjoy coffee, soft drinks, cocktails, wine, or beer throughout the day usually save money with a package. If you only drink one or two beverages daily, paying as you go may work out cheaper than buying a package.

Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board?

No, buying in advance is usually cheaper. Princess Cruises often offers promotions or discounted rates before you sail. Buying onboard means you pay the regular daily price, which is almost always higher than pre-purchase rates. Booking early also saves time and lets you enjoy your drinks as soon as you board.

How much is the Princess non-alcoholic package?

The Zero-Alcohol Package costs $29.99* per person, per day. It includes specialty coffees, teas, hot chocolate, sodas, bottled water, mocktails, smoothies, fresh juices, and energy drinks like Red Bull. It’s a good choice for guests who enjoy a variety of non-alcoholic drinks every day.

How many alcoholic drinks per day with Princess Plus package?

The Princess Plus package covers drinks priced up to $15* each, with a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day. You can also enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic options like coffee, soda, and smoothies. Once you reach the alcohol limit, you can still order non-alcoholic drinks without extra cost.

How to get free drinks on a cruise?

You can get free drinks by attending events like art auctions, sailaway parties, or loyalty member gatherings, as they often serve complimentary beverages. Standard coffee, tea, iced tea, and water are free in dining rooms and buffets. Some guests also receive drink vouchers through casino play or loyalty programs.