Princess Cruises Package Changes - Breakdown 2026
What’s New in Princess Plus and Premium Packages
Updated May 2026 with the newest Princess Plus & Premier package changes, pricing, perks, and what’s no longer included.
Planning a Princess cruise in 2026? Princess has rolled out major updates to the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages—affecting drink perks, dining benefits, shore excursion credits, and pricing across the fleet. Whether you’re sailing on a Sphere Class ship or trying to decide if the upgrade is worth it, this guide breaks down everything that’s new, what’s gone, and how to cruise smarter with the 2026 changes.
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Planning your next Princess cruise? Explore my full Princess Cruises 2026 Guide for ship reviews, dining tips, package breakdowns, and hacks to save money.
Ready to plan the rest of your Princess cruise?
These guides walk you through dining, perks, loyalty benefits, and everything you can do onboard to save money and cruise smarter.
What’s New in Princess Plus and Premier Packages for 2026
Princess updated both packages in July 2025, and the changes officially apply to all 2026 sailings. The updates include:
Higher daily pricing
Adjusted drink perks
More casual dining meals
New shore excursion credits
Different pricing for Sphere Class ships
Removal of certain perks
These changes affect the value of each package—especially for families and frequent cruisers.
Updated Pricing for 2026 (Including Sphere Class Ships)
Princess increased the daily cost of both packages:
Princess Plus: $65/day (previously $60)
Princess Premier: $100/day (previously $90)
On Sphere Class ships (Sun Princess & Star Princess), pricing is higher:
Princess Plus: $70/day
Princess Premier: $105/day
Prices are per person, per day, and apply to all guests in the stateroom.
Drink Perks: What’s Included Now
The drink structure changed slightly for 2026:
Premier Package: Unlimited drinks up to $20
Plus Package: 15 drinks per day, up to $20 each
Both packages now include:
Unlimited specialty coffee + tea
12 bottles of water per day
This is a welcome update after passenger feedback in 2025.
Casual Dining & Shore Excursion Credits
Princess expanded dining and excursion perks for 2026:
Princess Plus: 4 casual dining meals per cruise (up from 2)
Princess Premier: Unlimited casual dining
New shore excursion credits (Premier only):
$100 for 6–9 day cruises
$200 for 10–20 day cruises
$300 for 21+ day cruises
This is one of the biggest value boosts for longer itineraries.
How I Book Shore Excursions
Planning your excursions next? One of the questions I get most often is whether to book through Princess, go third‑party, or DIY — and the answer really depends on the port. I break down exactly how I choose, what I book where, and how I save money every time in How I Book Shore Excursions. It’s one of the easiest ways to avoid overpaying and still get the best experience in each port.
What’s No Longer Included in 2026
Two perks were removed:
Premium desserts
Fitness classes
Most cruisers won’t miss these—premium desserts were rarely used, and fitness classes had limited availability.
Should You Upgrade? My Honest Take
The value depends on your cruise style:
Princess Plus is worth it if:
You drink specialty coffee daily
You enjoy casual dining
You want included water bottles
You prefer predictable budgeting
Princess Premier is worth it if:
You drink cocktails or wine regularly
You want unlimited casual dining
You plan to book shore excursions
You’re on a Sphere Class ship (higher base prices make Premier more appealing)
For families, Plus is usually the sweet spot. For couples who enjoy cocktails, dining upgrades, and excursions, Premier can offer real savings.
My Favorite Princess Cruise Essentials
These items make the most of your package perks:
Reef Shoes – perfect for beach days and excursions
Waterproof Phone Pouch – essential for pool + port days
Magnetic Hooks – maximize cabin space
Portable Travel Fan – a must for interior cabins
Amazon Cruise Essentials – my full packing list
👉 Want more cruise-savvy tips? Check out my guides on Princess dining reservations, loyalty benefits, and free food spots onboard.
⭐ About the Author
Julie Davis is the creator of No Point Left Behind, where she helps families turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips using points, miles, and smart travel strategies. She’s been cruising with Princess for years and shares real examples, beginner‑friendly guides, and step‑by‑step systems to help you travel smarter without overspending.
💬 Want to connect with other travelers learning the same system? Join Julie’s Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group — it’s where she shares real‑time deals, cruise tips, and behind‑the‑scenes strategies from her own adventures.
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