Compare Princess Plus Vs Princess Premier
If you’re planning a Princess cruise, you’ve probably noticed that Princess now bundles many onboard perks into two main packages: Princess Plus and Princess Premier. Both can save you money — but only if you’ll actually use what’s included. Of course, you can always book the standard fare and purchase extras ala carte.
Enjoying bubbles on the Sun Princess with the Premier Package
After sailing Princess multiple times (and running the math more times than I can count), here’s the breakdown of what each package includes, who each one is best for, and how to decide which one is worth it for your cruise. Please note that this comparison is based on the changes effective January 2026.
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What’s Included in Princess Plus?
Princess Plus is the mid‑tier package and the one most cruisers choose. It includes:
Plus Beverage Package (drinks up to $15)
Wi‑Fi for one device per person
Crew appreciation (gratuities)
Casual dining meals ( 4 per cruise)
OceanNow delivery
Room service delivery
💰 Typical Cost:
Around $65 per person, per day (varies by sailing). Extra $5 a day for Sphere class ships: Star & Sun
⭐ Who Princess Plus Is Best For:
You drink 2–4 alcoholic drinks per day
You want Wi‑Fi but don’t need multiple devices
You’d pay gratuities anyway
You like the convenience of OceanNow
You want a few “extras” without going all‑in
For most cruisers, Plus hits the sweet spot of value without overpaying. Check out my review of the Plus Package -> Is Princess Plus Package worth it?
What’s Included in Princess Premier?
Princess Premier is the top‑tier package with more perks and higher limits. It includes everything in Plus PLUS:
Premier Beverage Package (drinks up to $20)
Wi‑Fi for up to 4 devices per person
Unlimited Specialty dining and Casual Dining
Reserved theater seating
Photo package (unlimited digital + 3 prints)
💰 Typical Cost:
Around $100 per person, per day (varies by sailing). Sailing the Sun or Star the fee is $105 a day per person
⭐ Who Princess Premier Is Best For:
You drink 5+ alcoholic drinks per day or prefer top‑shelf
You need multiple devices connected
You always book specialty dining
You want professional photos
You want the “all‑inclusive” feel
Premier is a great value if you’ll use the extras — especially the specialty dining and photo package. Check out my review of the Premier Package -> Princess Cruises Premium Package / Premier Package
When Princess Plus Is the Better Deal
Choose Princess Plus if:
You drink moderately
You don’t care about specialty dining
You don’t need multiple devices on Wi‑Fi
You’re not interested in photos
You want to keep your cruise affordable
For most families and casual cruisers, Plus is the best value.
When Princess Premier Is Worth It
Choose Princess Premier if:
You plan to book specialty dining anyway
You want unlimited photos (huge value for families)
You drink top‑shelf cocktails or premium wine
You need multiple devices connected
You want the “VIP” feel with reserved seating
Premier can easily save you money if you’d purchase these items à la carte.
⭐ Which Package Should You Choose?
Choose Princess Plus if you want:
A lower price
Drinks + Wi‑Fi + gratuities covered
A simple, predictable cruise budget
The best value for most travelers
Choose Princess Premier if you want:
Specialty dining included
Higher‑end drinks
Unlimited photos
Reserved seating
A more “all‑in” luxury experience
My Recommendations
If you don’t drink alcohol, it might be better to book the standard fare.
If you’re a typical cruiser who wants convenience and a few perks, go with Princess Plus.
If you love specialty dining, want photos, or prefer premium drinks, Princess Premier gives you the best overall value.
⭐ Real Examples: How I Decide Between Standard, Plus, and Premier
One thing I always tell readers: there’s no one “right” package — it depends on who you’re traveling with and how you cruise. I don’t buy a package every time. I choose based on the trip, the itinerary, and the people I’m with.
Here are real examples from my own Princess cruises:
⭐ When I cruise with my husband → We choose Premier
When it’s just the two of us, we want a more elevated, relaxing, “everything is handled” experience. Premier makes sense because we actually use the perks:
Specialty dining
Higher‑end drinks
Unlimited photos
Reserved seating
Extra Wi‑Fi devices
For couples’ trips, Premier feels luxurious and worth the upgrade.
⭐ When I cruise with my 18‑year‑old son → We skip packages
When I’m traveling with my son, we almost always choose Standard Fare and pay à la carte. Why?
He doesn’t drink alcohol
We don’t need multiple Wi‑Fi devices
We don’t do specialty dining every night
We’re usually off the ship exploring ports
We don’t need the photo package
On these trips, the packages simply don’t add enough value — Standard Fare saves us money and fits how we cruise.
⭐ FAQ: Princess Plus vs Princess Premier (2026)
Is Princess Plus worth it in 2026? Yes — for most travelers, Princess Plus offers the best value because it includes drinks, Wi‑Fi, and gratuities at a lower price.
Is Princess Premier worth it? Premier is worth it if you’ll use the specialty dining, upgraded drinks, photos, and reserved seating.
Do both packages include gratuities? Yes — both Princess Plus and Princess Premier include crew appreciation.
Can you upgrade from Plus to Premier? Yes, you can upgrade before your cruise or once onboard (pricing may vary).
Do you need a drink package on Princess? If you drink 3–5 alcoholic beverages per day or enjoy specialty coffees, Plus usually pays for itself.
⭐ Final Verdict: Princess Plus vs Princess Premier
For most travelers, Princess Plus is the best value in 2026. If you want a more elevated, all‑inclusive experience — especially with specialty dining and photos — Princess Premier is absolutely worth it.
If you’re traveling with teens or light drinkers, Standard Fare is often the smartest choice.
