Princess Cruise Lines is increasing the cost of daily gratuities and add on packages making Princess Plus and Princess Premier more expensive. Following a trend in the cruise industry to recoup losses and unbundle fares, the unbundling of services come at a higher cost. Unless sailing with a luxury cruise line, everything from juice to wi-fi is an additional cost. The new pricing is effective for new bookings made on or after Dec 14, 2022 and applies to voyages sailing on or after Feb 20, 2023. Those who reserve their vacation before Dec 14, 2022 are exempt from the increases and can lock in the best rates.
Princess Packages New Pricing
Like most cruse line, Princess offers discounts for bundling services. Cruise fares include the cost of the room and most services onboard, including meals, select beverages, entertainment, pool access, etc. For those who want more, you can upgrade your cruise by including the cost of other items in a package. These packages tend to include items such as Wi-fi, specialty dining, alcohol, and more.
Currently, Princess Plus packages include the Plus Beverage Package, single-device Wi-Fi plan ($15 daily value) and daily crew appreciation. The Plus beverage plan includes most alcoholic drinks below $12. Starting Dec 14, the price will increase by $10 to $60 per person, per day.
The new Princess Plus Package expands to include the following new items:
- Two Princess premium crafted desserts per day, as well as unlimited juices.
- Two fitness classes per cruise created under our new partnership with Xponential Fitness, Inc., the largest global franchisor of boutique premium fitness brands, that include Pure Barre, Yoga Six and Stretch Lab classes.
- Free shipping of Medallions to Princess guests (U.S. only) prior to their cruise.
Princess still sees the Princes Plus package as a fantastic deal. With the enhanced Princess Plus you can enjoy $140 of value each day for just $60 – a 57% savings. The current Princess Plus package is a value of $95 per day. These new features racks up the savings. Especially if you want more than just alcohol.
Princess Premier is also changing. The current Princess Premier package includes the Premier Beverage Package, four-device Wi-Fi plan ($40 dollar daily value), daily crew appreciation, two nights of specialty dining, one photo package and Princess Prizes. The premier beverage package cover drinks up to $18. It is truly designed for those who prefer top shelf alcohol.
What’s new:
- Unlimited premium crafted desserts, juices per cruise.
- Unlimited fitness classes created under our new partnership with Xponential Fitness, Inc.
- Reserved seating at the Princess Theater (for all guests in a stateroom)
- Complimentary Medallion accessory exclusively designed for Premier package guests (fulfilled onboard).
- Free shipping (U.S. only) of Medallions to your client’s door prior to their cruise.
Princess Premier new cost will be $80 per day per guest. This is just an increase of $5, up from $75. The new enhanced Princess Premier can equate to $257 of value each day for just $80 – a 69% savings
Princess Daily Gratuities Increasing
With the increase in costs of Princess Plus and Premium packages, Princess Cruise Line is also increasing the mandatory gratuities for staff. These gratuities are split between your room attendant, entertainment, and restaurant staff.
The daily crew appreciation charge is based on stateroom category. Effective Dec 14, 2022 daily appreciation will increase by $2.50 for all guests in all cabins. The new daily charge will be:
- $16 per guest in Interior, Oceanview and Balcony
- $17 per guests in Mini-Suite and Club Class
- $18 per guest in Suites
Existing bookings have the opportunity to pre-pay the crew appreciation for their cruise at the current rate until Dec 13, 2022. Otherwise expect a 7-day cruise for two to cost $35 more in gratuities. For those who purchase Princess Plus or Princess Standard, there is no additional staff appreciation charges. The packages include pre-paid gratuities.
Bottom Line
Price increases are never easy spin. The crew works hard and the additional daily gratuities go directly to the staff to preform the work they do. Some consider this wage subsidization and I understand that sentiment. The increase cost of Princess Plus and Princess Standard will make Princess Cruises more expensive, but do add new perks. Some of these items add very little value. Not everyone will indulge in a specialty dessert or take a gym class. Thankfully though you can always opt for princess standard and pay for items like drinks, Wi-fi, juices and more as you utilize them.
If you are going to take a Princess Cruise soon, please reach out to me at Scott & Thomas Travel and let me help book your next vacation. Just ask for Rocky!
