Princess Cruises Plus vs. Premier packages: Which value add-on is better?

Deciding whether to book a standard cruise fare or opt for an all-inclusive bundle has become the primary dilemma for British travellers booking with Princess Cruises. As one of the most popular lines sailing out of Southampton’s Mayflower and Horizon terminals, Princess has pivoted its business model towards its 'Plus' and 'Premier' tiers. While the 'Standard' fare remains an option for those on a strict budget, the vast majority of UK guests now choose one of the two upgrade packages to avoid a hefty bill at the end of the voyage. With daily rates recently adjusted, the choice between Plus and Premier is no longer just about volume—it is about the specific style of holiday you prefer, from your choice of vintage Champagne to how many times you wish to dine in the Crown Grill.

The Financial Breakdown: Plus vs. Premier

To understand which package offers the best value, we must first look at the daily cost per person. Princess Cruises typically prices these upgrades as a fixed daily supplement over the standard cruise-only fare. While prices can fluctuate based on seasonal promotions or specific itineraries, the standard UK pricing generally sits around these marks:

• Princess Plus: Approximately £50 per person, per day.
• Princess Premier: Approximately £75 per person, per day.

For a standard seven-night Norwegian Fjords or Mediterranean cruise departing Southampton, the difference between the two packages is £175 per person (£350 per couple). When you consider that a single speciality dinner for two can cost upwards of £70, and a premium bottle of wine can easily exceed £60, the 'Premier' price point begins to look attractive for those who enjoy the finer things. Conversely, if you are a moderate drinker who rarely visits the speciality restaurants, staying with 'Plus' preserves your budget for shore excursions in ports like Le Havre or Zeebrugge.

Beverage Packages: Spirits, Wines, and Bubbles

The most significant differentiator for many British cruisers is the drinks limit. Unlike lines like Marella or Virgin Voyages, where many drinks are included in the base fare, Princess uses its packages to tier the quality of alcohol available.

• Princess Plus (Plus Beverage Package): This includes drinks up to $15 (£12 approx.) each. It covers a vast array of cocktails, spirits, beer, and glasses of wine. It also includes the 18% service charge. You are limited to 15 alcoholic beverages per 24-hour period (not that many reach this limit, but it is there).
• Princess Premier (Premier Beverage Package): This elevates the selection to drinks up to $20 (£16 approx.) each. Crucially, this includes top-shelf spirits, reserve wines by the glass, and—most importantly for many—premium Champagne. The 15-drink limit still applies, but the quality of what you are drinking is significantly higher.

If you are a fan of Grey Goose vodka, Hendricks gin, or specific single-malt whiskies, you will likely find yourself paying the difference out-of-pocket on the Plus package. If you are happy with Beefeater or Bacardi, Plus is perfectly sufficient.

Dining: Casual vs. Signature Specialities

Princess has recently revamped its dining structure, making the choice between Plus and Premier much more distinct regarding where you eat. While the Main Dining Room and Horizon Court buffet remain free for everyone, the packages open doors to the ship's more exclusive venues.

• Princess Plus Dining: You receive two 'Casual Dining' meals per voyage. These are taken at venues like Gigi’s Pizzeria, Kai Sushi, or the Planks BBQ (depending on the ship). Note that 'Casual Dining' is different from 'Speciality Dining'.
• Princess Premier Dining: This is where the value scales up. You receive two 'Speciality Dining' meals per voyage at flagship venues like the Crown Grill (noted for its excellent steaks) or Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria. Additionally, you get unlimited Casual Dining meals.

For a food-focused traveller, Premier is the clear winner. A couple on a 14-night Mediterranean Adventurer cruise out of Southampton could eat at the Crown Grill twice and visit the gastropub or pizzeria for lunch every single day without spending an extra penny. On the Plus package, those daily casual lunches would eventually attract a surcharge once the two-meal credit is exhausted.

Connectivity and Technology: The MedallionClass Advantage

All Princess ships are now 'MedallionClass', using a wearable device instead of a cruise card. Both packages leverage this technology to include Wi-Fi, which is often the most expensive add-on if purchased separately. Unlike Royal Caribbean or MSC, where Wi-Fi packages can be complex, Princess keeps it simple:

• Princess Plus Wi-Fi: Access for one device per guest. This is 'MedallionNet'—generally fast enough for emails, social media, and basic browsing.
• Princess Premier Wi-Fi: Access for up to four devices per guest. This is the ultimate choice for families or professionals who need to have a laptop, tablet, and phone connected simultaneously.

In the modern era of cruising, where staying in touch with home is vital, the inclusion of Wi-Fi in both packages makes them superior to the 'Standard' fare. If you were to buy the Wi-Fi separately on board, you would likely pay close to £20 per day, meaning the Plus package almost pays for itself through the internet and gratuities alone.

The 'Extras' That Tip the Balance

There are several smaller inclusions that can sway your decision depending on your cruising habits. Princess has bundled 'Crew Appreciation' (daily gratuities) into both packages. In the past, British guests often found the daily service charge an annoying hidden cost; having this pre-paid at a discounted rate within the package is a significant psychological and financial benefit.

Unique to Princess Premier:

• Photo Package: You get unlimited digital photos and three prints. If you enjoy the formal nights and shipboard photography, this is a massive saving, as individual photos can cost £15–£20.
• Princess Prizes: An automated 'spin to win' entry every time you open your cabin door, with prizes ranging from onboard credit to free cruises.
• Reserved Theatre Seating: For many, this is the 'gold dust' inclusion. Premier guests have a reserved section in the Princess Theatre for production shows. On busy sea days, this saves you from arriving 45 minutes early just to find a seat.
• Medallion Shipping: UK guests booking Premier can often have their Medallion devices shipped to their home address for free before the cruise, allowing them to bypass some of the admin at the Southampton terminal.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between Plus and Premier comes down to your personal definition of 'luxury'. If you are the type of traveller who values a seamless experience where you never have to look at a price list, Princess Premier is the better investment. The inclusion of the photo package and the two speciality dinners alone almost bridges the price gap between the two. It is particularly well-suited for milestone celebrations—anniversaries or big birthdays—where you want the best wines and the best seats in the house.

However, for the average British cruiser who enjoys a few gin and tonics by the pool, needs reliable Wi-Fi, and is happy with the high quality of the Main Dining Room, Princess Plus remains the 'sweet spot' for value. It covers all the essentials—drinks, tips, and internet—without the higher daily premium required for the top-tier drinks and multiple speciality meals. Always check the specific terms at the time of booking, as Princess occasionally runs '3-for-free' or 'Best Price Guarantee' promotions that can alter the effective cost of these bundles.