Cruising Without a Drinks Package: A Budget-Friendly Guide
When planning a cruise, many travelers wonder if a drinks package is necessary. Princess Cruises offers options like the Princess Premier and Princess Plus packages, which bundle beverages with other perks such as specialty dining and wi-fi. But is it possible to enjoy a cruise without these add-ons? Let's dive into the details to help you decide.
Understanding Princess Cruises Packages
The Princess Premier package, priced at $129 per person per day, includes unlimited cocktails, wine, beer, spirits, fountain soft drinks, and mocktails up to $30 each. It also covers unlimited specialty coffees and teas, up to a dozen 500ml bottles of water daily, wi-fi for up to four devices, $300 towards shore excursions, unlimited digital photos, and reserved seating at theatrical performances. For food enthusiasts, this package offers unlimited specialty dining at venues like Crown Grill and Bar, The Catch by Rudi, and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria.
In contrast, the Princess Plus package costs $79 per person per day and includes 15 drinks per day up to $22 each, wi-fi for one device, and four casual meals daily at spots such as Gigi's Pizzeria and O'Malley's Irish Pub. Both packages provide access to free dining venues like the World Fresh Marketplace buffet and main dining rooms.
Alternatives to Full Packages
For those looking to save, Princess Cruises offers a zero-alcohol package at $45 per day, which includes specialty coffees and teas, and a classic soda package for $23 per day. Wi-fi-only options are available too: MedallionNet Classic costs $45.99 per device per voyage day, with single-day and multi-device plans ranging up to $99.99. About half of Princess passengers opt for a package, often to simplify budgeting and avoid calculations.
Cost Analysis and Personal Experiences
Adding a Princess Premier package to a 14-day cruise increases costs by $1,806 per person, potentially adding 40% to your holiday expenses. However, it offers a carefree experience with cash-free MedallionNet technology. During a voyage on Discovery Princess, a non-drinker found value in the wi-fi for work, while noting that mocktails can cost up to $18, more than some beers or wines.
For a budget-conscious traveler, combining the zero-alcohol package with wi-fi for five sea days totals about $909.95. Adding two specialty dining meals raises it to $1,069.95. Alternatively, opting for one-device wi-fi for 14 days, limiting drink spending to $25 daily, and enjoying one specialty meal costs around $1,073.
Insights from Regular Cruisers
An Australian couple met during a British theme lunch shared that they rarely take packages unless traveling with friends. They prefer paying for occasional drinks and avoiding internet on holidays, highlighting that packages aren't essential for everyone. This perspective encourages travelers to assess their own needs and preferences.
Tips for Making the Right Choice
Before booking a package, consider your budget, review sample menus for specialty dining, and estimate how many meals you might miss on shore days. Consulting a Princess specialist or travel agent can provide personalized advice. Remember, without a package, passengers still enjoy unlimited meals at free venues, making it possible to cruise affordably while indulging in select extras as desired.
