What’s Included on Princess Cruises? Hidden Costs Explained
Planning a cruise can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to knowing what’s included in your fare. Princess Cruises offers a wide range of amenities and experiences, but understanding what you get for your money is crucial for making the most of your trip. From dining to entertainment, and from accommodations to additional fees, this guide will help you navigate what’s included on a Princess Cruise and what might surprise you.
Dining Options: What’s Complimentary and What’s Not
Princess Cruises offers a variety of inclusive dining options, ensuring you have plenty of choices for meals throughout your cruise.
Main Dining Options
The main dining room, buffet, and poolside venues like the poolside grill and pizza place are all included in your fare. These provide a range of meals from breakfast to dinner, with options like international cuisine at the buffet and gourmet sandwiches at the International Café[7][14].
Specialty Dining
However, specialty dining venues like Vines, Salty Dog Gastropub, and Alfredo’s now incur a charge unless you have booked a Princess Plus or Premier package. These packages allow you to dine for free at these venues with fixed-price menus[9][10]. Without these packages, meals at these specialty restaurants typically start around $40[11].
Beverages
Complimentary beverages on Princess Cruises include water, coffee, hot tea, lemonade, and basic fruit juices. Specialty coffees, sodas, and alcoholic beverages require additional payment or a drink package[7][14].
Accommodation and Amenities
Your cruise fare covers your accommodations, which range from interior rooms to suites, each equipped with standard amenities like beds, a TV, a safe, and basic toiletries[7]. The quality of your accommodations greatly influences the overall cost of your cruise.
Cabin Amenities
Accommodations include twice-a-day housekeeping and turndown service, enhancing your onboard comfort. The open closet design in most staterooms provides ample space for luggage and personal items, though this feature is not available on the newer Sphere Class ships[7].
Additional Amenities
Pools, hot tubs, and kids’ clubs are also included in your fare, offering entertainment for all ages. The fitness center is free to use, but fitness classes and spa treatments incur extra charges.
Entertainment and Activities
Princess Cruises is renowned for its entertainment and activities, many of which are included in your fare.
Onboard Entertainment
Theatre shows, live music performances, and Movies Under the Stars are all part of the package. These events provide a lively atmosphere and cater to different tastes, from musicals to comedy acts[7][14].
Other Activities
Activities like trivia games, dance classes, and lectures are also included. For those interested in exploring the ship, guided tours are available, though they incur an additional fee[11].
Premium Experiences
Premium experiences such as wine tastings and the ultimate ship tour are available for a fee. These offer unique perspectives and experiences that enhance your cruise[11].
Hidden Costs and Additional Fees
While many amenities are included, there are several additional fees to be aware of.
Gratuities
Daily gratuities are not included in the standard fare but are covered if you opt for Princess Plus or Premier packages. These range from $17 to $19 per person per day, depending on your stateroom category[12].
Room Service Fees
Room service orders incur a small fee unless you have booked a Princess Plus or Premier package. OceanNow, the on-demand food and drink delivery service, requires a one-time activation fee for standard fare passengers[13].
WiFi and Other Services
WiFi is not included in the standard fare but is part of the Plus and Premier packages. Shore excursions, spa treatments, and laundry services are additional costs[5][14].
Princess Plus and Premier Packages: The Inclusive Options
Princess Cruises offers two inclusive packages: Princess Plus and Princess Premier. These packages enhance your cruise experience by covering additional costs.
Benefits of the Packages
– Princess Plus: This package includes drinks, WiFi for one device, gratuities, and up to $150 shore excursion credit[9][12].
– Princess Premier: In addition to the Princess Plus benefits, Premier includes a four-device WiFi package, two specialty dining meals, and a premium drinks package.
Both packages simplify your expenses by covering several extras, making them ideal for those looking for a more inclusive experience.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
Understanding what’s included on Princess Cruises can help you plan your trip more effectively. Here are the key points to remember:
– Accommodation and Main Dining: Covered in your fare.
– Specialty Dining and Beverages: Extra unless part of an inclusive package.
– Entertainment and Activities: Most are included.
– Hidden Costs: Gratuities, room service, and WiFi incur additional fees unless you opt for a package.
– Princess Plus and Premier Packages: Offer a more inclusive experience with additional amenities covered.
For more detailed information on Princess Cruises and their offerings, visit their official website or check out this link for dining options and this link for package details.
