Sky Princess Grand Turk Feb 2025
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What you Need to Know about Princess Cruises Standard Fare
If you’re planning a Princess cruise in 2026, one of the first choices you’ll make is whether to sail on the Standard Fare or upgrade to Princess Plus or Premier. And if you’re anything like me — cruising 7–10 times a year with family, casino offers, and points‑and‑miles trips — you want to know exactly what you’re paying for and what you can skip.
Princess Standard Fare is the “just the cruise” option, and it’s honestly perfect for a lot of travelers: light drinkers, families, port‑heavy itineraries, and anyone who prefers flexibility over bundles. But Princess doesn’t always make it clear what’s included, what’s extra, and when upgrading actually saves money.
This guide breaks it all down in simple, real‑life terms — no fluff, no upsell — just what I personally do, what my parents do, and how to choose the best option for your travel style.
👉 Princess Cruises 2026 Ultimate Guide → Princess 2026 guide
👉 Sun Princess Review → Sun Princess review
Want to learn how I cruise 7–10 times a year? It’s not luck — it’s credit card points, airline miles, and casino deals. I share my real strategies (no sponsored trips here) in my Lazy Girl Cruise Strategy Guide.
Quick Answer:
What’s Included in Princess Standard Fare
Stateroom + housekeeping
Included dining (MDR, buffet, pizza, grill, IC select items)
Entertainment + activities
Pools, fitness center, MedallionClass features
Not included: Wi‑Fi, drinks, gratuities, specialty dining, room service fee, fitness classes, Princess Prizes.
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✨ Princess Cruises Packing List ✨
What’s Included With Princess Standard Fare?
Even without a package, you still get a full cruise experience. Here’s what’s included:
Included Dining
Main Dining Rooms
World Fresh Marketplace (buffet)
International Café (select items)
Slice (pizza)
Salty Dog Grill (included items)
Soft‑serve ice cream
Curious how Princess Standard Fare works in real life? I broke down my actual cruise costs, what I paid extra for, and what I skipped — no fluff, just real numbers. Read the full review: Skipped the Princess Packages, Zero Regrets.
Entertainment
Broadway‑style shows
Live music
Game shows
Movies Under the Stars
Enrichment talks
Trivia and activities
Amenities & Activities
Pools and hot tubs
Fitness center
Sports courts
Kids’ and teens’ clubs
MedallionClass features (ordering food, locating family, etc.)
Your Stateroom
Daily housekeeping
In‑room TV and movies
Basic toiletries
You’re not missing out on the core cruise experience — you’re simply paying for extras only if you want them.
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✨ Swimwear — 2026 ✨
What’s Not Included With Standard Fare?
🚫 Not Included:
Gratuities (charged daily unless you prepay)
Wi‑Fi
Alcoholic drinks
Specialty coffee
Sodas and bottled water
Specialty dining
Fitness classes
Casual dining cover charges (on some ships)
Room service delivery fee
Princess Prizes
Reserved seating or premium experiences
If you plan to buy several of these individually, the cost can add up quickly — which is why Princess Plus and Premier exist.
Standard vs Plus vs Premier Comparison Table
Learn more about the Packages Available:
Princess Plus Package
What’s included, who it’s best for, and how to maximize value. → Princess Plus review
Princess Premier Package
Everything included, cost breakdown, and whether it’s worth it for your sailing style. →Princess Premier review
Not sure which package to choose? Check out my guide here: Princess Plus Vs Princess Premier
When Does Standard Fare Make Sense?
Standard Fare is a smart choice if:
✔️ You don’t drink alcohol
Even one or two drinks a day won’t justify the cost of Plus.
✔️ You don’t need Wi‑Fi
Or you only need it for one device and plan to buy a single‑day pass.
✔️ You prefer to pay as you go
Some travelers simply don’t use enough extras to justify a package.
✔️ You’re on a port‑heavy itinerary
Mediterranean, Alaska, and Japan cruises often mean long days off the ship.
✔️ You’re using casino offers
Many casino offers already include perks — no need to double‑pay.
When You Shouldn’t Choose Standard Fare
Standard Fare is usually not the best value if:
❌ You drink 2+ alcoholic drinks per day
Plus becomes cheaper very quickly.
❌ You need Wi‑Fi for work or family
Buying Wi‑Fi à la carte is expensive.
❌ You plan to dine at specialty restaurants
Premier includes speciality dining
❌ You like convenience
Packages simplify your onboard spending.
Real‑World Example: Standard vs Plus
Let’s say you’re on a 7‑night cruise and you plan to buy:
1 latte per day
2 cocktails per day
Wi‑Fi for the week
Gratuities
Buying these individually often costs more than upgrading to Princess Plus — and you still wouldn’t get the extra perks.
But if you skip Wi‑Fi and don’t drink? Standard wins.
Who Is Princess Standard Fare Best For?
Princess Standard Fare is ideal for:
Families who don’t drink
Travelers who spend most of their time in port
Budget‑conscious cruisers
Casino players using comped or discounted sailings
Guests who prefer flexibility over bundles
If you’re the type who wants a simple cruise without paying for extras you won’t use, Standard Fare is the perfect fit.
Princess Cruises 2026 Ultimate Guide - My Ultimate Guide to Princess Cruises
Travel Hacking Mom / Beginner Guide - How to start earning points for cruises
Best Credit Cards for Princess Cruises
Earn points toward your next cruise and get built‑in travel protections:
Chase Sapphire Preferred– great for families + trip delay coverage
Chase Sapphire Reserve – lounge access + premium protections
Capital One Venture – easy redemptions + travel credits
Final Thoughts: Is Princess Standard Fare Worth It?
Absolutely — if you’re a light spender or a flexible traveler. Standard Fare gives you the full Princess experience without locking you into a package. But if you want drinks, Wi‑Fi, specialty dining, or convenience, upgrading to Plus or Premier will almost always save you money. My parents never pay for Plus or Premier and have not once regretted it. When I travel with my sons who don’t drink, I skip the packages too. It can be a great deal, but not for everyone. -
Want to learn how I travel hack more trips -> Real Points & Miles Adventures
If you enjoy learning how we travel as a family using points, miles, and smart credit card strategies, I’d love for you to follow along:
Related Cruise Guides
✨ About the Author
Julie is the travel content creator behind NoPointLeftBehind.net, where she helps travelers understand cruise packages, loyalty perks, and real‑world value without the fluff. After years of sailing Princess — from Standard Fare to Plus and Premier — she breaks down what’s actually worth paying for and how to save money on every sailing. Her guides blend practical cruise experience, family travel insight, and smart points‑and‑miles strategies so you can travel better for less.
