Princess Plus vs Premier: A Simple Guide to Princess Cruises Packages

If you're planning a cruise vacation, comparing Princess Cruises packages can quickly become confusing. Between standard fares, Princess Plus, and Princess Premier, it’s not always clear what’s included, or which option offers the best value for your exact situation.

The good news? We're here to help you decide which package is best for you.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between Princess cruise packages, explain what’s typically included, and help you determine whether Princess Plus or Premier is right for your travel style.

Standard Princess Cruise Fare: What’s Included?

The standard Princess cruise fare includes many of the essentials needed for a great vacation, including:

• Your accommodations
• Meals included in some dining venues
• Entertainment

However, many extras are purchased separately, including things like:

• Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffee
• Wi-Fi access
• Crew appreciation (gratuities)
• Specialty dining
• Some casual dining venues
• Fitness classes
• Premium desserts and specialty beverages

For travelers comparing Princess cruise fare options, the standard package offers the lowest upfront cost but may not be the lowest overall cost once onboard spending is factored in.

Who should choose the standard fare?

The standard fare may be a good fit if you:

• Prefer the lowest initial price
• Rarely drink alcohol or specialty beverages
• Don’t need regular internet access
• Prefer flexibility over bundled pricing
• Spend most of your time exploring destinations rather than onboard

If you’re someone who doesn’t use many onboard extras, booking without a package can make sense.

What Is Included in Princess Plus?

When travelers ask, “Is Princess Plus worth it?” the answer often depends on how you vacation.

Princess Plus bundles together many of the onboard purchases guests commonly make anyway. While inclusions can evolve over time, Princess Plus typically includes benefits related to:

• Beverage packages
• Wi-Fi access
• Daily crew appreciation
• Casual dining perks
• Premium desserts and specialty beverages
• Fitness programming
• Additional onboard conveniences

For many travelers, these bundled perks can provide significant savings compared to purchasing everything individually.

Who should choose Princess Plus?

Princess Plus is often ideal for:

• First-time cruisers
• Couples who plan to use Wi-Fi daily
• Travelers who enjoy cocktails, wine, or specialty coffee
• Guests who prefer predictable vacation costs
• Travelers who want strong value without upgrading to the highest-tier package

For many guests, Princess Plus hits the sweet spot between cost and convenience.

Princess Premier Package: Is It Worth It?

The Princess Premier package builds on Plus by offering additional premium perks and more upgraded experiences onboard.

While offerings can vary, Princess Premier generally includes expanded benefits related to:

• Premium beverage options
• More extensive Wi-Fi access
• Specialty dining experiences
• Additional onboard amenities
• Premium entertainment perks
• Upgraded experiences and convenience features

The Princess Premier package is designed for travelers who want a more all-inclusive cruise experience.

Who should choose Princess Premier?

Princess Premier may be worth considering if you:

• Frequently dine in specialty restaurants
• Travel with multiple connected devices
• Prefer premium beverages and experiences
• Want a more luxury-style vacation experience
• Like paying for most vacation expenses upfront

If you know you’ll maximize the perks, Premier can offer strong value despite the higher upfront price.

Princess Plus vs Premier: Which Package Should You Choose?

If you’re trying to decide between Princess Plus vs Premier, here’s the simple version:

Choose Standard Fare if:
You want the lowest upfront price and don’t expect to purchase many extras.

Choose Princess Plus if:
You want the best balance between value and inclusions.

Choose Princess Premier if:
You plan to fully use premium experiences and want a more upgraded vacation.

For many travelers, Princess Plus often provides the strongest value because it covers many expenses guests purchase anyway.

The right answer ultimately depends on your travel style—not just the package price. If you would still like some assistance choosing between these options, our TravelPerks Personal Travel Planners are here to help!