Princess Plus vs. Premier Packages: Which to Choose?

Princess Plus vs. Premier Packages: Which to Choose?

Planning a Princess cruise for 2025? You’ve likely come across Princess Plus and Princess Premier, the cruise line’s popular fare bundles designed to add significant value and simplify your onboard spending. But with two distinct options, choosing the right one can feel like navigating a labyrinth of perks and prices. Are you a light drinker who just needs basic Wi-Fi, or do you plan to indulge in specialty dining and unlimited connectivity?

This comprehensive guide breaks down **Princess Plus vs. Premier Packages**, detailing exactly what each includes, comparing their costs, and helping you determine which bundle offers the best value for your unique cruising style and budget in 2025.

Understanding Princess Plus and Premier

Princess Cruises revamped its all-inclusive-style packages to offer more tiered options, catering to different guest preferences. Both packages are add-ons to your base cruise fare, transforming a “cruise only” booking into a more bundled experience.

Princess Plus (The Enhanced Standard)

Launched as an evolution of their previous “Princess Standard” fare, Princess Plus is designed for guests who want popular amenities without a hefty price tag. It bundles essential perks that most cruisers utilize, offering a convenient step up from the base fare.

Princess Premier (The Ultimate Indulgence)

Princess Premier is the cruise line’s most inclusive package, created for those who desire a luxurious, worry-free vacation with almost everything taken care of. It includes all the benefits of Princess Plus and then significantly elevates the offerings, adding premium services and experiences.

Princess Plus vs. Premier: A Detailed Comparison (2025)

Let’s dive into the specifics of what each package includes for 2025 bookings, as inclusions can sometimes be updated.

Cost Analysis: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The pricing for Princess Plus and Premier can vary by cruise length and current promotions, but here are general estimates for 2025.

Estimated Daily Costs (Per Person)

• Princess Plus: Approximately $60 per person, per day.
• Princess Premier: Approximately $80 per person, per day.

This means the upgrade from Princess Plus to Premier is roughly an additional **$20 per person, per day**.

Breakdown of Value (If Purchased Separately)

To truly understand the value, consider what these amenities would cost if purchased individually:

• Plus Beverage Package: Typically around $70-80/day + 18% gratuity = ~$82-$94/day.
• Premier Beverage Package: Typically around $80-90/day + 18% gratuity = ~$94-$106/day.
• MedallionNet Wi-Fi (1 device): ~$15-$25/day.
• MedallionNet Wi-Fi (4 devices): ~$30-$40/day.
• Gratuities: ~$16-18/day (standard cabins).
• Specialty Dining: ~$35-50 per person, per meal.
• Photos: ~$10-20 per digital photo, prints extra.
• Fitness Classes: ~$15-25 per class.

When you add up the individual costs, both packages offer significant savings compared to buying everything à la carte, especially the Premier package for those who maximize its inclusions.

Who Should Choose Which Package?

Choose Princess Plus if:

• You enjoy a few alcoholic drinks (up to $15) daily and want sodas, specialty coffees, and bottled water.
• You need reliable Wi-Fi for one device for basic Browse, email, and social media.
• You prefer to keep your budget predictable without splurging on premium amenities.
• You are happy with the main dining rooms and casual eateries, or you plan to pay for specialty dining only once or twice.
• You don’t anticipate taking many photos or attending fitness classes.

Choose Princess Premier if:

• You enjoy premium alcoholic beverages (up to $20), including top-shelf spirits.
• You need Wi-Fi for multiple devices (up to four) or require higher bandwidth for streaming and video calls.
• You love specialty dining and plan to visit those restaurants multiple times (2 meals included).
• You want unlimited digital photos of your cruise memories.
• You plan to take advantage of fitness classes.
• You appreciate the convenience of reserved seating for shows and complimentary OceanNow delivery.
• You want a truly worry-free, almost all-inclusive experience where you rarely need to think about extra costs.

Pros and Cons

Princess Plus

Pros:

• Excellent value for essential amenities (drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities).
• Simplified budgeting for common onboard expenses.
• More affordable upfront cost compared to Premier.
• Covers basic needs for most cruisers.

Cons:

• Drink limit of $15 per beverage may be restrictive for some preferences.
• Wi-Fi is limited to one device per guest, potentially inconvenient for families.
• No specialty dining included (additional cost).
• Limited photo and fitness class benefits.

Princess Premier

Pros:

• Superior beverage package with higher price limit ($20).
• Multi-device Wi-Fi (up to 4 devices), ideal for families or heavy users.
• Includes two specialty dining meals, a significant saving.
• Unlimited digital photos and included prints for capturing memories.
• Unlimited fitness classes.
• Added perks like reserved seating and OceanNow delivery enhance convenience.
• Provides a more luxurious and truly “all-inclusive” feel.

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost.
• May lead to overpayment if not all perks are fully utilized.
• Some premium services (e.g., thermal suite access, exclusive shore excursions) still cost extra.

Tips for Maximizing Value

• Calculate Your Usage: Before booking, estimate how many drinks you typically consume, your Wi-Fi needs, and if you’d pay for specialty dining or fitness classes.
• Consider Your Group: If traveling with family, the multi-device Wi-Fi in Premier could be a big money-saver.
• Check Promotions: Princess often runs promotions where these packages are bundled at an even better rate or with additional perks.
• Don’t Over-Consume: Choose the package that genuinely fits your style, rather than feeling obligated to over-consume drinks or services to “get your money’s worth.”
• Pre-book Specialty Dining: If you choose Premier, ensure you pre-book your two included specialty dining meals to secure your preferred times and restaurants.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Princess Plus & Premier Packages ❓

Conclusion: Tailor Your Perks for the Perfect Cruise

Choosing between Princess Plus and Princess Premier for your 2025 cruise ultimately depends on your personal cruising style and how much you value convenience versus cost. Both packages offer compelling value compared to buying each amenity individually.

If you’re a moderate spender who enjoys the essentials, **Princess Plus** is likely your ideal choice, providing significant savings on drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities without overspending. However, if you plan to fully indulge in specialty dining, enjoy premium beverages, require extensive Wi-Fi for multiple devices, and appreciate added luxuries like unlimited photos and reserved seating, then **Princess Premier** offers a truly comprehensive and worry-free experience that often delivers superior overall value.

By carefully considering your habits and priorities, you can make an informed decision that enhances your Princess cruise vacation and ensures you get the most out of your onboard experience.