I Skipped the Princess Packages — And I Have Zero Regrets (Here’s What I Saved)
Julie in St Thomas Virgin Islands with the Majestic Princess
Cruise packages can be amazing — but sometimes the smartest, savviest move is skipping them entirely. On my last cruise, I booked the Standard Fare, and I can confidently say: no regrets. Not one.
Between my Elite status perks, a little planning, and a few lazy‑girl hacks, I saved money without sacrificing a single thing I cared about.
Here’s exactly how it played out.
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🌊 Why I Skipped the Plus/Premier Packages This Time
Check out my article: What’s Actually Included in Your Cruise Fare
I’m not anti‑package. In fact, I’ve written plenty about when Plus or Premier can be a fantastic deal.
But this itinerary was:
Port‑heavy
Low‑drink for me
And I already had Elite Wi‑Fi perks
So paying for a package didn’t make sense. I wasn’t going to be on the ship enough to get the value, and I wasn’t about to pay for things I didn’t need.
If you’re comparing packages, here are my full breakdowns of each one: 👉 Princess Plus Package Review 👉 Princess Premier Package Review
📶 Elite Status = Half‑Off Wi‑Fi (And Then I Split It Four Ways)
This was the biggest win.
As an Elite, I get 50% off Wi‑Fi, which already cuts the cost dramatically. But here’s the part most people don’t realize:
You can share a single Wi‑Fi plan.
I bought one plan at half price… …and we split it four ways.
Everyone took turns logging in when they needed it. No one felt deprived. No one missed anything important. And we saved a ridiculous amount of money compared to buying individual plans or upgrading to a package.
This alone made skipping the package worth it.
☕ I Brought My Own Espresso Maker (Yes, Really)
This is my favorite hack.
I love good coffee — not “I guess this will do” coffee. And while the ship’s coffee is fine, it’s not my coffee.
So I packed my tiny, travel‑friendly espresso maker and brought my own pods.
My exact setup:
The result?
No need for a drink package
No waiting in line
No $5 specialty coffees
And I got my perfect morning espresso every single day
Honestly, this might be my new non‑negotiable. I used the hot water from the coffee stations to press my espresso. I then used the milk/cream from the same station to make my iced coffee the way I like it.
🍽️ I Didn’t Miss the Drinks or the Extras
Here’s what I realized:
I don’t drink enough onboard to justify a package
I prefer exploring ports over hanging out at the bar
I’m happy with included dining most nights
And when I did want a cocktail, I just bought one
My total drink spend was still far less than the cost of Plus or Premier.
💸 The Actual Savings
Between:
Skipping the package
Splitting Wi‑Fi four ways
Bringing my own espresso setup
Not paying for specialty coffees
Not needing daily cocktails
…I saved hundreds.
And I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything.
👉 Want to save even more? How to Save Money on Cruises (Real Strategies That Work)
🌴 The Best Part? I Still Had an Amazing Cruise
I had:
Great food
Great ports
Great coffee
Great Wi‑Fi access
Zero stress
And more money left over for excursions and fun
Sometimes the “upgrade” isn’t actually an upgrade — especially when you already have Elite perks and know what you actually use. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Plus and Premier package. I will totally upgrade every now and then to this package. I already have the premier booked for my Sun Princess Cruises in August. However, I don’t feel like I need it for every cruise.
👉 Planning port days? Start here:Cruise Port Guides: Grand Turk • Amber Cove • Princess Cays
⭐ Final Thoughts: Standard Fare Was the Right Call
Would I book Standard again? Absolutely — when the itinerary and my habits make sense for it.
Packages can be amazing, but they’re not one‑size‑fits‑all. And this cruise was the perfect reminder that you don’t have to buy everything to have a great time.
👉 If you’re packing for your next cruise: 7-day Cruise Packing List
👉 If you’re comparing cruise prices:
If you’re still deciding between Standard, Plus, or Premier, start here: 👉 Princess Plus vs Premier: Which One Is Worth It?
⭐ About the Author
Julie is the creator of No Point Left Behind — a Tennessee‑based travel hacker, cruise lover, and Amazon Influencer who helps families travel smarter without overspending. She’s sailed multiple cruise lines, tested casino offers, reviewed cabins, and perfected the art of cruising on a budget using real‑life strategies that actually work.
From Elite‑status Wi‑Fi tricks to packing lists that save space, Julie shares practical, beginner‑friendly advice rooted in her own experience on ships, in ports, and behind the scenes of cruise planning. Every recommendation comes from something she’s personally used, worn, booked, or tested — never filler, never fluff.
When she’s not exploring new ports or writing cruise guides, you’ll find her curating Goldbelly favorites, building travel resources for families, and helping readers stretch their points, miles, and travel budgets further than they ever thought possible.
👉 See my Cruise Hub 👉 Read my Princess Plus & Premier reviews 👉Browse my Cruise Packing Lists
