Crew Appreciation and Service Charge Policy

The “Crew Appreciation” is a daily amount for each guest that will be automatically added to your onboard account for your convenience, to recognize the efforts of a wide variety of crewmembers who contribute to the experiences of all our guests.  The crewmembers eligible to receive these funds work in various departments, many of whom rotate among different ships, throughout our fleet of ships. The amount of the Crew Appreciation will be based on stateroom category, as set out below:

We pride ourselves on excellent guest satisfaction and our onboard team is available to immediately address any concerns you may have about your cruise. In the unlikely event you remain dissatisfied for any reason, the Crew Appreciation is subject to adjustment, at your discretion, at any time during the cruise up to the time you settle your onboard account prior to disembarkation. If you do not choose to adjust this daily charge while on board, your payment becomes final and nonrefundable.

A nonrefundable Service Charge of 18% of purchase will be automatically added to optional purchases of beverage packages, drinks, dining room and specialty dining, private group functions, and other elected products, services or amenities provided to guests that are not included in the Cruise Fare.  The Service Charge amount is based upon the service/product purchased and is applied as follows:

* Service Charge payments for spa services are not pooled for the fleet.

If you pre-paid the Crew Appreciation and/or Service Charge as part of an all-inclusive or other applicable package: (i) the payments are bundled into your fare; (ii) the payments are nonrefundable from the time of purchase, except as part of the cruise fare, which refund shall be provided in accordance with our cancelation policy; and (iii) no additional amount will be added to your onboard account for the Crew Appreciation or for those Service Charges covered by such package.

All of the Crew Appreciation and Service Charge payments made by all guests on all ships in our fleet are pooled, net of credit card transaction fees. The pooled funds are distributed throughout the year in the form of compensation, including bonuses, to crewmembers fleetwide who interact directly with guests and/or behind the scenes throughout every cruise, including those in the Bar, Dining, Entertainment, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Galley and Onboard Revenue areas.

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How much are gratuities on Princess?

Princess Cruise gratuity pricing: Your guide to understanding gratuities for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation on Princess Cruise.

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One of the details that vacationers frequently ponder before leaving on a lavish cruise is gratuities. Princess Cruises has a clear gratuity policy that protects both the comfort of the paying customers and the welfare of the dedicated crew. Princess Cruises is known for its great service and enthralling ocean voyages. This thorough guide will delve into the nuances of gratuities on Princess Cruises , illuminating its justification, suggested amounts, method of distribution, and overall effect on the cruise experience.

Understanding gratuities

Gratuities, sometimes known as "tipping," are a traditional way to show appreciation for excellent service. They have been a crucial component of the hospitality sector for decades, recognizing service providers' efforts and confirming their commitment to giving visitors a great experience. In the case of Princess Cruises, tips are essential to upholding the excellent standards of service for which the company is known.

The gratuity policy of Princess Cruises

The gratuity policy for Princess Cruises is intended to give guests information about gratuity costs that is clear and transparent. Princess Cruises often adds a daily automatic gratuity charge to each guest's shipboard account. This fee pays the labor of the stateroom stewards, dining room servers, and other crew members, contributing to a relaxing and pleasurable cruise experience.

Automatic gratuities ensure that all deserving crew members, including those who perform unseen work, receive a fair share of gratuities. The process is also streamlined for visitors, thanks to this system, which removes the need to carry cash and tip individuals separately.

Recommended gratuity amounts

Different amounts of recommended gratuities may apply depending on the kind of stateroom you reserve on a Princess Cruise. The cruise line has always offered suggested daily gratuity amounts per passenger, subject to change. The dining room wait staff, the stateroom steward, and other service people are frequently included in these recommended amounts.

It's crucial to remember that while these suggested tip amounts are intended to serve as a general guideline, guests are free to modify the fees in accordance with their level of satisfaction with the provided service. Depending on their particular experiences, some people might decide to enhance or decrease the gratuity.

Distribution and impact

It takes meticulous planning and organization to distribute gratuities. Usually, the automatically charged tips from customers are combined and divided among the qualified staff. This distribution approach guarantees that the numerous teams and departments contributing to the overall visitor experience are acknowledged and paid.

Beyond monetary compensation, gratuities have an impact on Princess Cruises. Crew members are inspired to go above and beyond to meet guests' demands because it promotes a culture of great service. The cruise experience is improved for everyone when there is a symbiotic interaction between the staff and the passengers.

Navigating the gratuities process

Navigating the gratuities procedure can be intimidating for those who are new to Princess Cruises or cruising in general. The cruise line tries to make the journey as seamless as possible, though. Guests are informed of the Princess's proposed gratuity amounts and how they will be charged when making a reservation for a cruise.

Before setting sail, guests have the option to prepay their gratuities, giving them the chance to set aside money for this outlay in advance. A stress-free holiday can also result from prepaying gratuities because passengers won't have to worry about paying the bills onboard.

Princess Cruises also provides an onboard guest services desk where passengers can change their gratuity amounts as needed. Because of the flexibility, passengers can adjust their gratuities by their cruise experiences.

Gratuities and exceptional service

It's important to emphasize that aboard Princess Cruises, tips are about more than just receiving money. They serve as a concrete expression of appreciation for the commitment and effort made by the staff members who enhance the overall cruise experience. The coordinated efforts of numerous departments, including housekeeping, dining, and entertainment, result in the great service that guests experience.

Cruise crew frequently develop long-lasting relationships with passengers, making their voyage special and enjoyable. The gratuities system promotes an atmosphere of appreciation and recognition by reinforcing the crew's and guests' mutual respect.

Also Read:  What is the tipping policy on a cruise ship?

Final words

In conclusion, gratuities on Princess Cruises are a crucial part of the cruise experience since they ensure that the highest standards of service are preserved and that the crew is properly thanked for their contributions. To give visitors a seamless and pleasurable experience, every aspect of the suggested tipping amounts, automatic charges, and distribution method has been meticulously planned. After knowing the gratuity system on Princess Cruise, you must be thinking about planning a cruise. So, book a cruise through www.CruiseBooking.com to get the best deal.

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Princess Cruise Tipping Etiquette: Tips for a Royal Experience

Embarking on a Princess Cruise presents an opportunity to experience the high seas with comfort and luxury. This article explains Princess cruise tipping etiquette, including recommended daily amounts for staff and tips on expressing gratitude.

Princess Cruises automatically adds a gratuity of $14.50 to $16.50 per day, per guest to the onboard account, which covers dining and cabin staff. Additional tips are at guests' discretion for exceptional service.

Tipping Customs

  • Gratuities on a Princess Cruise signify appreciation for crew services.
  • Knowing tipping guidelines ensures crew members receive proper recognition.
  • Proper tipping enhances the cruise experience for both guests and service staff.

gratuities on princess cruises

On this page:

Understanding cruise tipping guidelines, gratitude for onboard services, additional tipping considerations, tipping with families and groups, handling tipping on premium and luxury lines, managing tipping and onboard expenses.

Navigating tipping on a cruise can be perplexing. This guide focuses on Princess Cruises' tipping etiquette but also touches on general practices that apply to other lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

Automatic Gratuities vs. Cash Tips

Most cruise lines, including Princess , add an automatic service charge to your onboard account that covers general tipping. This daily rate per person takes the guesswork out of how much to tip, but you can still offer cash tips for exceptional service.

Tipping Policies by Cruise Line

Each cruise line has its own set of tipping policies . Princess automatically adds a service charge to your bill, while other lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean have similar practices. It's important to check the specifics for your chosen line and adjust your budget accordingly. For a better understanding of industry-standard rates and gratuity practices, a good resource is available regarding tips on a cruise.

When you embark on a Princess Cruise, expressing your gratitude through gratuities acknowledges the impeccable service you receive from a dedicated crew. The daily crew appreciation fee covers various services, ensuring that those who go above and beyond for your comfort are rewarded.

Dining Room Staff and Waiters

  • Service Charge : A daily fee is automatically added to your bill for dining services.
  • Personal Thanks : An additional tip for exceptional service is at your discretion.

Crew members in the dining areas work tirelessly to provide you with memorable meal experiences. It's expected to pay a service charge which is shared among the wait staff and personnel you might not see directly, such as kitchen crew and others who contribute to your dining enjoyment.

Room Service and Housekeeping

  • Included in Daily Fee : Your room service and housekeeping staff are covered by the daily charge.
  • Personal Gift : For extraordinary care, feel free to offer a personal tip.

Your housekeeping team ensures your cabin is a clean, welcoming space throughout your voyage, and room service provides the convenience of refreshments in the comfort of your quarters. Although the daily gratuity includes these services, personal recognition for exceptional service is always appreciated.

Specialized Personnel

  • Spa and Butler Services : Typically receive tips separately for personalized service.
  • Entertainment Staff : Although not customary, tips for outstanding performances can be offered.

Specialized crew members, such as spa technicians or butlers, may not be covered under the standard gratuity charge. In cases of spa services, personal tips are recommended to acknowledge the individual care you receive. Tips for the entertainment staff are less common but are a thoughtful gesture for exceptional enjoyment.

When enjoying the vast array of services on a Princess Cruise, understanding when and how to tip for those extra perks can enhance your experience and show appreciation for exceptional service.

Beverage and Specialty Dining

  • A tip is typically included in your beverage package price, but for exceptional bar service, an additional tip is appreciated.
  • Bartenders: For ala carte drink orders, consider tipping $1-2 per drink to acknowledge their service.

Specialty Dining:

  • An additional tip on top of the dining package can show gratitude for a memorable culinary experience.
  • A suggested amount is $10-20, depending on the level of service and group size.

Casino and Spa Extras

Casino: Feel free to tip dealers and service staff if they've contributed to a great casino experience. This is not mandatory but can be done at your discretion.

Spa Services:

  • While a gratuity may be included in your spa bill, additional appreciation for exceptional service can be expressed with an additional 10-15% tip.
  • This is especially true for personalized attention or extended treatments.

Excursion and Port Assistance

Excursions:

  • Tour guides and operators often go above and beyond. For these individuals, $5-10 is a common tip for a half-day tour, and $10-20 for a full-day.

Port Assistance:

  • For the port staff who assist with luggage, have a few dollars ready per bag. This small gesture acknowledges their efforts in handling your belongings with care.

When cruising with your family or in a group, tipping can reflect appreciation for the personalized attention you receive. Here's how to navigate gratuities in a way that feels generous and appropriate for larger parties.

Family-Oriented Tipping

When you're traveling with your family , particularly with kids, the crew's extra efforts to ensure everyone's comfort can be significant. Establishing a standard tip for the room steward is important, and you might consider a higher amount for a family of four staying in balcony cabins , owing to the likely increased workload.

  • Room Steward: Suggested tip of $3-5 per day, per person.
  • Dining Staff: If your family frequents the same dining settings, a collective tip to acknowledge their service can be a kind gesture.

Group Tipping Strategies

For those cruising as a group , pooling tips can be an effective approach. This is particularly manageable for groups such as couples traveling together. Collectively decide on the gratuity to allocate for consistent services received during the cruise.

  • Shared Services: Discuss as a group to determine a fair gratuity for shared experiences, such as group excursions or special onboard events.
  • Individual tipping: Despite pooling for some services, personal tips should still be given for individual service encounters.

By understanding these tipping practices, you ensure that the exceptional service provided to your family or group doesn't go unrecognized.

When embarking on a luxurious cruise with premium lines like Princess Cruises or Silversea, understanding tipping policies enhances your voyage experience. These policies vary across companies and may include all-inclusive packages that cover gratuities.

All-Inclusive Packages

Many luxury lines, such as Seabourn and Silversea , offer all-inclusive packages. These typically roll gratuities into the overall fare you pay, simplifying your experience.

  • Princess Plus package : Includes tips along with added benefits.
  • Azamara : Gratuities are part of your cruise fare.

When opting for these packages, you won’t have to worry about tipping staff directly, as service charges are already taken care of.

Tipping on Upscale Cruise Brands

Despite all-inclusive fares, you may encounter occasions where additional tips are appreciated.

  • Butlers and concierge services : On lines like Viking and Seabourn , a special thank you for exceptional service is at your discretion.
  • Premium lines such as Princess Cruises : May suggest additional gratuities for outstanding service.

Remember, while tipping policies vary, acknowledging exceptional service is always a kind gesture.

When cruising with Princess, you have the option to handle gratuities according to your preference and manage onboard expenses with ease. This section will guide you through the nuances of prepaying gratuities and maintaining your onboard account.

Prepaying vs. Tipping Onboard

  • Pros: You can prepay gratuities before your cruise, allowing you to budget your trip more accurately. Prepaid gratuities ensure that service fees are taken care of without the need to handle cash transactions while onboard.
  • Cons: Less flexibility since you pay a fixed amount regardless of the actual service level experienced.
  • Pros: You can adjust tips based on the service you receive. A personal touch is added when handing gratuities directly to crew members.
  • Cons: Handling cash may be inconvenient, and it could be easy to overlook some staff members who contribute to your experience.

Onboard Accounts and Charges

Setting Up Your Onboard Account:

  • Link it to your credit card to handle all charges , including service fees.
  • A hold will be placed on your card for incidental expenses upon boarding.

Understanding Charges:

  • A daily gratuity fee is charged to your onboard account, covering your room steward and dining staff.
  • You'll find additional service charges for certain onboard services and premium dining options.

Remember, when it comes to tipping and managing your onboard expenses, you have control and options that suit your personal preference and budgeting style.

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Princess Cruises Hikes Daily Gratuities, Wifi Cost

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Sarah Bretz, Contributor

  • December 5, 2022

Starting later this month, Princess Cruises will be increasing the daily gratuities charge, as well as the cost of its onboard MedallionNet wifi.

island princess exterior

Effective December 14th, for voyages sailing on or after February 20, 2023, daily gratuities for crew will increase to the following amounts:

  • Interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins: $16 per person (is currently $14.50)
  • Mini Suites and Club Class: $17 per person (is currently $15.50)
  • Suites: $18 per person (is currently $16.50)

The daily gratuities are shared among the many members of the Princess’ crew, including those in hotel, dining, and entertainment roles throughout the ship. Those with existing bookings will be able to pre-pay the gratuities for their cruise at the current rate until December 13, 2022.

Also effective for voyages sailing February 20, 2023, and beyond, Princess Cruises’ MedallionNet wifi will cost $15 per day for a single-device plan and $40 per day for a four-device plan. Currently, the single-device plan costs $10.

The line is also updating shipping for its Medallion devices, which allows guests to unlock their cabin door and utilize contactless payment on board. Complimentary Medallion shipping to a guest’s home or office will continue for those purchasing the line’s inclusive Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages.

Those who book a voyage without either of those packages on or after December 14 will be charged $10 per cabin to have them shipped. Medallions will still be free to pick up at the port on embarkation day.

majestic princess pool deck

Last week, Princess also announced changes to the Plus and Premier packages , which will be rolling out on voyages starting February 20.

The Princess Plus package will go up to $60 per person per day from $50, with new inclusions: two premium desserts per day, two fitness classes per day, unlimited juices, and free Medallion shipping.

Princess Premier will go up to $80 per person per day from $75, with new inclusions: unlimited premium desserts, unlimited fitness classes, unlimited juices, reserved seating in the theater, and a complimentary Medallion.

READ NEXT: Carnival Guest’s Tacky Request Leaves a Bad Taste in Our Mouths

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Tipping on a Cruise Ship – The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Gratuities

Tipping on a Cruise Ship – The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Gratuities

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Cruise line tipping policies vary from one cruise company to another. However, there are a few common practices and guidelines. Even though cruise gratuities technically aren’t mandatory, they are customary on most mainstream cruise lines.

If you’re new to cruising, you might be wondering who to tip on a cruise, how much to tip, and exactly how onboard gratuities work.

I’ve got you covered! I’ve been cruising for over 15 years, and the practice of tipping on a cruise has certainly evolved. Cruise lines have implemented automatic gratuities, options to prepay gratuities and some popular cruise lines have begun including tips in your cruise fare .

In this post, I’ll be going through the cruise tipping policies by cruise line and answer some of the most common questions people have about gratuities on a cruise.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

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gratuities on princess cruises

How Gratuities Work on a Cruise

If you’re going on a cruise, you can expect daily gratuities to be charged automatically to your onboard account. This amount varies by cruise line, however the average daily gratuity is $14-15 US per day, per passenger for a standard cabin and $17-18 a day for guests in suites. Cruise gratuities are divided among your cruise cabin steward, waiters and other crew members who work as support behind the scenes.

Some cruise lines refer to the gratuities as a crew incentive or a service fee, but essentially these are tips for crew members that are used to augment their low wages. In addition to the automatic daily gratuities, a tip or service fee of 15-20% is added to drinks and/or drink packages as well as spa services on a cruise.

gratuities on princess cruises

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Can You Prepay Cruise Ship Gratuities?

You also have the option to prepay your gratuities before your cruise. This is a convenient option for cruise passengers that don’t want to think about extra charges once onboard. We like to prepay gratuities when we make our final payment for our cruise, but this is optional.

Read more: Should You Prepay Gratuities on a Cruise or Pay Onboard?

Can You Pay Tips in Cash?

gratuities on princess cruises

If you don’t prepay your gratuities, they will be added to your onboard account. Typically, this is associated with your credit card which you’ll be prompted to set up when you complete your online check in. However, if you prefer to pay off your account and daily gratuities in cash, you can do so by going to guest services.

When you book your cruise, you’ll be charged your cruise fare, port fees and taxes. However, your cruise vacation expenses won’t end there. You’ll want to factor in the cruise line gratuity charge, sometimes called on board service charges (Norwegian Cruise Line) .

How Much Should You Budget for Cruise Gratuities?

The average daily gratuity on a cruise is $14-15 USD per person  – approximately $30 per day, per couple in a cabin. A couple should budget about $200 in gratuities for a 7 day cruise. Most cruise lines charge for children as well, although there are some exceptions for very young children on select cruise lines.

Cruise Tipping Guidelines by Cruise Line

Wondering how much gratuities are on a cruise? Here is a list of the daily gratuity charges by major cruise lines.

Prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted and cruise line gratuities may be referred to a daily service charge or crew incentive.

Carnival Cruises

gratuities on princess cruises

Carnival’s daily gratuities are $13.99 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins. $15.99 per person per day for guests in suites. There is no charge for children under 2 years of age.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises now includes daily gratuities in it’s Always Included cruise fare.

Costa Cruises

On Costa Cruises, service charges of $12.50 per person, per day are charged for cruises departing from the US. Cruises in Europe, World cruises and those departing from a non-US Caribbean port charge 10 Euros per person, per day. Other itineraries may differ. Please check Costa’s website for details.

Service charges for guests ages 4-14 are half of the adult rate. Children under 4 are not charged.

Cunard ‘s daily gratuities are set at $11.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins. The cost is $13.50 per person, per day for guests in Grill Class suites.

Disney Cruise Line

gratuities on princess cruises

Disney cruises has a suggested daily gratuity charge of $13.50 per person, per day for all guests.

Holland America Line

Holland America’s daily gratuity is $14.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins and $16.00 per person, per day for guests in suites.

MSC Cruises

The service charge on MSC Cruises is $12.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins. Children aged 2-11 will be charged $6.25 per day. There is no service charge applied for children under 2 years of age.

Please note that gratuities are charged in US dollars for Caribbean, US and Canada cruises. Cruises in Europe are charged in Euros. There are different service charges for certain itineraries. Please check MSC’s website for details.

Oceania Cruises

The gratuities on Oceania Cruises are $16.00 per person, per day for most staterooms and $23.00 per person, per day for guests in suites.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line charges a daily service fee of $15.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins and $18.50 per person per day for guests in suites and The Haven. There is no charge for children under 3 years of age.

Princess Cruises

gratuities on princess cruises

Princess Cruises will automatically charge a crew incentive of $14.50 per person, per day for guests in inside ocean view and balcony cabins. The gratuity is $15.50 per person, per day for guests in mini-suites and $16.50 per person, per day for guests in suites.

Princess Cruises also has the Princess Plus fare, which includes gratuities or the crew incentive, Medallion Net wifi and Princess’ premium beverage package .

Royal Caribbean

gratuities on princess cruises

Royal Caribbean’s daily automatic gratuities are set at $14.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins and $17.50 per person, per day for guests in suites.

Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises gratuities are $15.00 per person, per day for all staterooms.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises daily gratuities are $12.00 per person, per day for all cabin types.

gratuities on princess cruises

Cruise Lines that Include Gratuities

With the exception of a couple cruise lines on this list, most cruises that include gratuities are luxury lines.

Luxury cruise lines have a higher upfront cost than most popular cruise lines, however they’ll often include many valuable extras. While each cruise line is different, many include alcoholic drinks, soda and specialty coffee, gratuities, specialty dining and some shore excursions.

Here’s a list of cruise lines that include gratuities:

Something to note is that although daily gratuities aren’t charged, there may be a service fee or tip added to certain services onboard.

  • Celebrity Cruises 

Celebrity Cruises isn’t a luxury cruise line, however it is a top premium cruise line that markets itself as “modern luxury”. When booking a Celebrity cruise, tips are included in their Always Included program. A cruise only rate may be available on select cruises, which would not include gratuities.

  • Crystal Cruises
  • Paul Gauguin
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Seadream Yacht Club
  • Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages does a lot of things differently than it’s mainstream peers. One of these differences is that cruise gratuities are included.

Cruise Gratuities: Who to Tip on a Cruise and How Much

When paying the automatic daily gratuities, cruise lines tell us this amount gets divided by your cabin attendant, waiter and other dining staff. In addition, a portion of the tips are given to those who work behind the scenes or may serve you in different areas of the ship. 

gratuities on princess cruises

Are there additional tips charged onboard a cruise?

Gratuities or a service charge are added onto some onboard services. This includes drinks at the bar or cafe, spa services and salon visits. A tip of 15%-20% is common, so check the bottom of your bill before adding an additional amount.

Who Else Should You Tip on a Cruise?

While not obligatory, there are some of the workers you may want to recognize with a tip when cruising.

gratuities on princess cruises

Keep a few dollars handy to tip the cruise porters on embarkation day . The porters will assist with your luggage and it’s customary to tip for their service.

We like to keep a few dollars handy for this purpose as we board our cruise ship .

Room Service

You may want to give a small tip to the person who delivers your room service order.

gratuities on princess cruises

Do you have a favorite bartender? You may want to give them a tip per drink or a larger tip at the end or even the beginning of your cruise. There will be an 18-20% tip automatically charged when ordering an individual drink, so no need to add more in most cases.

Specialty Restaurant Waiters

If you opt for a specialty restaurant, the tip isn’t usually included. It’s customary to tip the waiters generously at specialty restaurants.

Shore Excursion Staff

If you go on a tour or shore excursion, it’s nice to tip the driver or shore excursion staff if you’ve appreciated their service. Have some small bills handy for these times.

Youth staff

Some cruise lines point out that you may wish to tip the kid’s club staff. If your kids have had a great time and you’ve appreciated the service, a few extra dollars are surely appreciated.

gratuities on princess cruises

Cruise Gratuities Frequently Asked Questions

Can i opt out of paying gratuities or have them adjusted.

Most cruise lines allow guests to remove automatic gratuities . You can do so by going to guest services and making the request. You can also adjust your gratuities up or down. If you choose to pay tips in cash, there are usually some envelopes available at the guest service desk.

There are some exceptions. Norwegian Cruise Line has onboard service charge will is charged automatically for guests 3 and up, and distributed among staff that serve you in various ways. Rather than reducing the amount payed, they point out on their website that they will work to resolve any service issues experienced.

The fact is, the tips that crew get from passengers make up a good part of their wage. Crew members work really hard and make the difference between an ok and a memorable cruise vacation. Since this is the current pay structure for most major cruise lines, removing tips really affects the cruise line workers.

I go into more detail about this topic in this post:  Can You Refuse to Pay Gratuities on a Cruise?

gratuities on princess cruises

Is tipping on a cruise mandatory?

“Do I need to tip on a cruise or pay service charges” , is a question that comes up often. Although gratuities aren’t mandatory, and in most cases you can go to guest services and have the amount adjusted, most cruise lines do tend to discourage it.

Cruise Tipping Etiquette – Should I give more than the recommended or suggested amounts?

As much as some people opt to remove gratuities on their account, some give extra. If you feel that you want to tip above and beyond the cruise tipping guidelines, go for it.

This is a personal decision and I’m not sure if there’s a tipping etiquette for it. If you feel that you wish to give an extra amount to anyone who you feel has done a great job, they will be appreciative.

What I can say, on a personal level, is that we have found that the majority of cabin stewards, waiters, assistant waiters and ship staff have given us amazing service. In  fact, I think most would agree that cruise line staff make a huge difference in the cruise experience.

What to do if you’re not satisfied with the service on your cruise

gratuities on princess cruises

This may be rare, however if there’s a problem with service or you have a complaint on your cruise , that you should bring this to the attention of the staff member, supervisor, or guest services when it occurs. The worst thing you can do is wait until you are home from your cruise to address it. It’s unlikely to do any good by this point.

In reality, the cruise staff on board want you to be satisfied, so this is the time address a problem. Not only will it improve your cruise experience, but you’re also allowing the cruise ship staff the opportunity to make things right.

Video: Cruise Gratuities Explained

Here’s a video which answers many questions that you may have about cruise gratuities and tipping on a cruise ship. It includes who to tip, who not to tip, and some tips to help as you plan your cruise vacation.

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Final Thoughts on Tipping on a Cruise & a Guide to Cruise Gratuities

In this post, we’ve gone over how tipping works on a cruise. In addition, we’ve included a list of daily gratuities per cruise line and who else you may wish to tip. As a cruise passenger, you want to be aware and set your budget expectations to include these amounts for the cruise ship staff.

What do you think about cruise line gratuities and service onboard? Do you prefer to prepay your gratuities or to pay in cash? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy cruising!!

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18 Comments

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Could you possibly make your articles printable? Our Hawaiian cruise in April will be the first we’ve been on in 15 years, so, obviously, things have changed a lot. I love reading your blog and learning, but I don’t often have time to sit down at the computer to read. It would be so helpful if I could print just the blog to read at random times–car trip, etc. Any chance of that?

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I’m so glad you’re enjoying my blog and find the posts helpful and appreciate the feedback.

Having the articles in a printable format is a really interesting idea. I’ll definitely look into it and see how I can best do that on this site.

Your cruise in April sounds amazing! Is it the 15 day or the 7 day from Honolulu? Both beautiful cruise options!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and leave a comment!

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Hi – this was helpful, thank you. We did prepaid gratuities, and then I also see that bar tabs will have the auto 18% added so I feel like it won’t be necessary to leave an extra tip on the bar tab. But I also feel like people will think I’m rude for not doing so – in reality tho, they are already being tipped 18%. Thoughts? Thanks!

So glad this was helpful. You’re right – an 18% gratuity is added each time you purchase a drink. I don’t think anyone will think you’re rude for not tipping over and above this. Of course, as always, it’s at your discretion.

Have a great cruise!

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Still confused . We sail Celebrity and opt to prepay gratuities. However ,usually you can have at least 2 cabin stewards. Given that most , all ? Are very professional, what should a tip look like at the end of a 10 day cruise?

If you’re booked with Celebrity’s Always Included, the gratuities are included. If you want to give an additional tip to your cabin steward (or two), I’m sure it’s very appreciated. The amount is very personal. I have a video on my YouTube channel about this and people have commented amounts they give so his could be helpful (just check YouTube and search cruise gratuities Life Well Cruised)

Have a great cruise,

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It’s important to note that, especially on the luxury lines, tipping is not expected. After 50 cruises I know they really mean it! Also, if free gratuities are an amenity, you’re not expected to go beyond it unless someone goes way beyond what’s normally expected. The best advice I can give Americans and Canadians, if they are tipping questions arise either on the ship or ashore, follow the lead of Aussie’s and ask their advice. Most are experienced cruisers and, as a group, they’re very well-liked. They will seldom steer you wrong.

Great points about luxury lines and that gratuities are included. As for tipping above and beyond prepaid gratuities, I agree completely that there is no expectation. Thanks so much for your input on this.

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We’ve been on 4 cruises with our 5th. one in 2023. We usually do the prepaid tipping and also give some extra at the end of our cruises. The thing that gets me so mad is we never were approached by the Maitre’d…..except the last night when the extra tipping comes in. We never gave him anything. I think it’s pretty bad when that’s the only night they make their presence be known. I’m not expecting him to kiss our butts, but come on.

That’s a funny thing that we’ve experienced in the past as well. I have to say, we simply prepay or leave the tips as is, so I really don’t pay attention these days. Our last few cruises on Celebrity and Princess, we actually had lots of interaction from the Maitre’d and we did appreciate the work they did.

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Cruise line employees work their butts off to earn those tips. They are always pleasant and willing to do whatever they can for you. I always prepay the gratuities. I also tip constantly while on the cruise. The staff learns real quick who tips extra, and who does not. They will do extra for you after they realize you are a tipper! You will get great service either way. If you tip extra, you will get FABULOUS service! I give my room steward $5 at the very beginning of the cruise. That lets him / her know upfront that we tip, and there is more to come at the end of the cruise!

Cruise line employees are extremely hard working, I agree, and they go above and beyond so often. I don’t tend to tip in advance, so this is an interesting way of doing things.

Thanks for sharing.

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I agree with Kelli. Having worked in the service industry, if people want to extra tip, then doing it at the beginning is the way to go. You just can’t help being extra nice or helpful when you know the people are going to be extra nice to you, ie the extra tips. If you wait to the end to tip, then the servers won’t know and you possibly missed out of knowing how wonderful the cabin steward or others could be. However, extra tipping and being a jerk do not go hand in hand. Extra tipping doesn’t give you the right to be a jerk, but if you are a jerk, you had better extra tip!

Love this! Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

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We always tip cruise staff but in cash not automatic tipping. We also always tip bar staff even when drinks are complimentary. Our concern is that the cruise lines take advantage by paying lower wages and then guilting passengers into higher tips. The industry should pay fair wages so that our tips are in fact tips and not wages.

Thanks for sharing your view on this. The cruise industry has worked this way for a long time, although the automatic gratuities are only the last few years. I would imagine we’d see prices increase overall if they did this, but perhaps it amounts to this anyway.

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Could you please go into tipping for the haven ncl staff , butlers and more. Your articles are so helpful at navigating the cruise world.

This is a good question. I do think it’s a very personal choice, but we can talk about this in a future video for sure!

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Princess Cruises Is About to Get More Expensive — Here’s Why

The cruise line is increasing the price of its “Crew Appreciation” fee and daily Wi-Fi fee.

gratuities on princess cruises

Princess Cruises has become the latest cruise line to increase the cost of service fees for ship crew as well as raise fees on board for other services.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Starting in February, the cruise line will implement its new fee structure that will increase the daily "crew appreciation" charge to $16 per guest in interior, oceanview, and balcony staterooms, a spokesperson for Princess confirmed to Travel + Leisure .

Currently, these guests are automatically charged $14.50 per person, according to the company’s website .

Passengers in mini-suite and Club Class staterooms will be charged $17 per guest, an increase from the current $15.50, and travelers in suites will be charged $18 per guest, an increase from the current $16.50.

“This daily charge recognizes our teammates for exceptional service they provide and is shared among many members of our hotel, dining and entertainment teams throughout the fleet,” the Princess spokesperson told T+L. 

In addition to increasing the automatic gratuities, Princess will charge more for Wi-Fi on board. Starting next year, travelers will have to pay $15 per day for one device, or $40 per day for four devices. Currently, Wi-Fi costs $9.99 when travelers purchase it pre-cruise, according to the company .

The increases will go into effect on Feb. 20, 2023, for bookings made on or after Dec.13.

Princess is the latest cruise line to increase its onboard fees. In September, Royal Caribbean increased its gratuities for guests in non-suite staterooms to $16 per person, per day.

Norwegian Cruise Line is also increasing its recommended gratuities, now charging $16 per person, per day for staterooms, according to the company . And for bookings made after Jan. 1, the cruise line will charge $20 per person, per day for travelers in Club Balcony Suites or below, and $25 for travelers in The Haven and Suites.

That is more than some other major cruise lines . Carnival Cruise Line, for example, recommends $14.50 per person for standard staterooms, while Holland America recommends $15.50 for those in standard staterooms.

Other luxury lines, like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, include onboard gratuities in the cost of the cruise fare.

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Another Cruise Line About to Increase Daily Gratuities

It was bound to happen. Following in the footsteps of Carnival, Holland America and Norwegian, Princess Cruises daily gratuities are about to increase.

gratuities on princess cruises

New Princess gratuities charges

Beginning on May 1 and beyond, every passenger will see a $1 per day increase in their automatic gratuities, beginning on all cruises that depart on May 1 and beyond.

If you’ve reserved a standard cabin – interior, oceanview or balcony – your new charges will be $14.50 per person per day.

Those in mini-suites will pay $15.50 per person per day. If you’re lucky enough to book a suite, your new gratuity charge will be $16.50 per person per day.

How to avoid paying the additional cost

There is one way to avoid the additional automatic gratuity charge. If you are already booked, you can prepay your gratuities before May 14. That’s the only way to save a little bit extra.

Princess gratuities – the bigger picture

So how does this add up for an average cabin with double occupancy on a seven-night cruise? At first, the $1 a day doesn’t seem like a whole lot if you think of it like an additional $7 per person for the week. But when you add it all up, the total gratuities for two people now comes to $203!

On most cruises I hand my stateroom attendant or waiter (if I’ve used the main dining room) a bit of cash as a thank-you for excellent service. If the sommelier or bartender has provided exceptional service, same there. I see how this can add up to quite a bit of expense. I guess the solution is to simply budget enough to cover higher gratuities and the extra thank you cash well in advance to avoid stick shock at the end of your cruise. That’s partly the reason I try to always prepay gratuities well before my cruise. It’s one last thing to worry about at the end of a wonderful cruise.

What do you think of the across-the-board gratuity increases? Please leave your comment below.

FYI…The last time Princess raised their daily gratuities charge was in 2016.

Read Next: Complete and updated list of major cruise lines’ gratuities

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It’s reasonable, for example, look at the price of food. The staff on cruise lines are pathetically underpaid, unfortunately the gratuities are not distributed as advertised. We always give cash to those who have given us exceptional service at the end of the cruise.

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Princess Cruises – What is Included? Food, Gratuities and More

If you are taking your first cruise with Princess you may be wondering what is included in the cruise fare.

I’ve cruised with Princess multiple times and during this post will be looking at everything that costs extra as well as included so that you can adequately budget for your cruise.

Princess are very keen to offer “Princess Plus” and “Princess Premier “ Fares. If you upgrade to these for an additional daily fee, you get things like included gratuities, drinks and Wi-Fi included.

If you pay the standard fare, none of these things are included.

You may find that your “bargain Cruise” doubles in price if you upgrade to “Princess Plus.”

What is Included In The Standard Fare on a Princess Cruise?

Cruises with Princess include your food, accommodation, and entertainment.

Daily gratuities are not included and are added to your onboard account each day. There are charges for drinks, excursions, speciality meals and some onboard activities. 

Many cruise lines are moving towards including things like gratuities. This hasn’t yet happened with Princess if you pay the standard cruise fare – but they are very keen for you to upgrade to Princess Plus with all the “added extras.”

What is Included on a Princess Cruise?

Princess Cruises Main Dining Room

Is Food Included on a Princess Cruise?

Food is included on a Princess cruise.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served in the buffet and at a minimum breakfast and dinner will be served in the main dining room for no extra charge.

It is possible to cruise with Princess and not spend anything extra on dining. 

I’ve always found the quality of food on Princess Cruises to be high so I have never felt the need to pay extra for speciality options – although occasionally if I have “free” onboard credit, I might use that on a speciality meal.

Food in The Main Dining Room is Included

The main dining room is usually open for breakfast and dinner. It may also be open during lunch depending on the itinerary of the cruise ship.

The main dining room is often open for lunch on sea days but may not be on port days. This does vary by cruise ship.

princess cruises main dining room food

Princess have both fixed and flexible dining within their main dining rooms. When booking you’ll be asked if you want to pick early seating, late seating or select ‘anytime’ dining.

I’m personally a big fan of the flexibility of any-time dining as this means you can eat when you’re hungry rather than when it’s your designated dinner time.

Eating in the main dining room on a cruise ship works very similarly to a restaurant on land. The difference is that you don’t have to pay at the end!

Food in The Buffet is Included

On all Princess cruise ships, you’ll find a buffet.

Everything in the buffet is free to eat and you can eat as much as you’d like!

I’d personally recommend the chocolate chip cookies, they’re brilliant.

Cookies and Brownies Golden Princess Dessert Buffet

In the buffet, you’ll find breakfast, lunch and dinner served as well as snacks in between.

The buffet is open from very early in the morning (around 5/6 am) until late at night, usually around 11 pm.

Some of the smaller older ships have relatively small buffets but I never found this to be a problem when finding a seat.

In the buffet, you’ll also find water, tea, and coffee.

These are free and you can come and make sure yourself a drink whenever you’d like. You’ll also find juices here at breakfast.

When I cruise I usually go to the buffet quite frequently to make myself a cup of tea! Tea is offered in the bars around the ship but then it is chargeable

The Bar/Grill/Pizzeria By The Pool is Included

On all Princess ships, you’ll find some sort of bar/grill area by the pool deck.*

Many Princess ships also have a Pizzeria where you can grab a slice of pizza. It’s a great option for lazy days by the pool! Any food here is included in your cruise fare.

There is also a bar here where you can grab a drink but drinks here do cost extra.

* It’s worth noting that Princess used to include meals at Alfredo’s and Gigi’s pizzerias within the standard cruise fare. Now, unless you have purchased the Princess Plus or Princess Premier package, you will be charged extra.

This is around $15 for a set three-course menu, at the time of writing. (Additional items can be bought individually and are priced per item.)

Is Room Service Included on a Princess Cruise?

Sometimes – it depends on the cruise fare you choose.

If you have paid for the Princess Plus or Princess Premier cruise fare, then room service is free.

If you have paid the basic “Princess Standard” fare, you will have to pay a $5 delivery charge.

To maximize the stateroom experience, Princess Plus and Princess Premier participants will have the standard $5 per delivery room service charge waived. That means no extra charges for the ease and luxury of on-demand service anywhere, anyplace or anytime on a Princess ship for Plus and Premier Guests. Princess Cruise Lines

The majority of cruise lines do charge for room service, so if you have paid the Princess Plus or Princess Premier fare, you may as well use it.

emma cruises room service princess cruise

If you have a balcony stateroom it is amazing to have room service delivered to eat on your balcony – perhaps during a sail away or an early morning sail-in.

Princess Room service is available 24 hours a day.

Are Drinks Included on a Princess Cruise?

There are some drinks included on Princess cruises but as a general rule these are only available in the buffet or main dining room and the selection is limited to tea/coffee or water.

Drinks served in the bars have an extra charge. 

There are some drinks included on a Princess cruise but these are minimal and I’ve never met anybody who has cruised only drinking the included drinks.

Drinks which are included are:

  • Tea and Coffee in the buffet (Whenever open)
  • Juices in the buffet (Usually only with breakfast)
  • Water in the buffet (Whenever open)
  • Tap water with meals in the main dining room

Drinks that aren’t included are:

  • Any beer, wine, or spirits.
  • Any soft drink, energy drink, or mocktail.
  • Tea or Coffee from the bars onboard.

Drinks on a Princess cruise are fairly priced.

They’re similar to that which you’d find in a bar or pub on land. It’s roughly $10 for a glass of wine, $7 for a beer and $3 for a soda.

If you are someone who drinks a lot, it may be worth paying the Princess Plus or Princess Premier fare, as drinks are then included.

This doesn’t work out well for everybody though, so make sure you think about how much you’ll really drink before upgrading.

At the time of writing (Dec 2023) upgrading to Princess Plus is an extra £50 a day, and Princess Premier is £65 a day.

Is Entertainment Included on a Princess Cruise?

Princess cruises include a variety of entertainment on all cruises including theatre productions, live music, trivia, and gameshows.

The activities are varied and take place throughout the day. The entertainment will vary by destination and ship.

Golden Princess Theatre Adam Dean Magician

Princess Cruises are relatively busy compared to some other cruise lines. On the daily schedule, you may see things like the following:

  • Trivia (My mum won Beatles trivia for our team on our Golden Princess cruise!)
  • Live Music (A range of music from classical to pop and rock)
  • Theatre Shows (Nightly shows, performed twice per night)
  • Themed parties (Either on the top deck or inside, weather-dependent!)

Princess has invested heavily in “Ocean Medallion” wearable Technology. Find out more about that in the video below:

If you don’t want to use technology, they still deliver a daily schedule each night which will arrive in your cabin. This will give you all the information that you need about the next day’s activities.

Are Kids Clubs Included on a Princess Cruise?

Princess Cruises has kids clubs for children ranging from 6 months to 17 years.

The kid’s clubs are split into age groups and all have a wide range of activities in which children are invited to take part.

The kid’s clubs are based in their own area on the ship and have lots of amenities for children and teenagers to enjoy. 

Be warned though, if you do take your children on a cruise they might end up like me – writing about cruises on the internet and OBSESSED with cruising …!

I’ve been cruising since I was 11 years old and had so much fun in the Kids and Teen Clubs.

Are Exercise Classes And Use Of The Gym Included On Princess Cruises?

Select exercise classes are included on a Princess cruise but some do cost extra.

Our state-of-the-art fitness centres offer exercise and spinning courses, free and machine weights, treadmills with ocean views and more to energize yourself while on your cruise vacation. And if you like the outdoors, there’s a jogging track a few decks above the waves. Princess Cruises

Find out more about cruise ship Gyms here:

Cruise Ship Gyms: Cost, Opening Times, and Other Things You NEED to Know

Accommodation

As on every cruise, your accommodation is included in your cruise fare. There are a variety of cabins available for you to choose from, ranging from inside cabins to multi-level suites.

I personally am a BIG fan of the Princess cruise cabins. They often have a separate changing area by the wardrobes/closets and this layout gives the cabin lots of storage space.

My parents had an Aft cabin when we sailed on Emerald Princess. This was something they would have never considered, but it was recommended by my partner travel agent.

It had a really big balcony – but there was a slight catch. Find out whether they liked the cabin here:

What is Not Included on a Princess Cruise?:

There are some exercise classes that cost extra. These are usually Boot Camp/Yoga/Pilates workouts – but this does vary by cruise ship and destination.

Gratuities Are Not Included on Princess Cruises

Gratuities are not automatically included in cruises with Princess Cruises if you pay the “Standard” cruise fare.

Gratuities can be prepaid and currently stand at $16 to $18 per person per day, depending on the type of accommodation you book.

Recently many cruise lines have been moving towards a more inclusive pricing structure, but Princess has never included gratuities in their cruise fare.

Instead of including gratuities within the fare, Princess tries to encourage you to buy the more expensive Princess Plus or Princess Premier Fare. This does include gratuities, drinks, WI-Fi and some other perks.

The “Crew Appreciation” (Gratuities) is a daily amount for each guest that will be automatically added to your onboard account for your convenience, to recognize the efforts of a wide variety of crewmembers who contribute to the experiences of all our guests.  The crewmembers eligible to receive these funds work in various departments, many of whom rotate among different ships, throughout our fleet of ships. The amount of the Crew Appreciation will be based on stateroom category, as set out below:

It is possible to remove gratuities by going to the Reception Desk, although I would strongly recommend you do not do this.

The automatic gratuities make sure that all crew members receive a share. Tipping only the staff you see leaves behind-the-scenes stuff such as the people who work in the laundry short.

To learn more about gratuities, including how they also affect drinks and spa treatments, check out this post so that you don’t have any nasty surprises on your cruise:

Cruise Gratuities: A Simple Step by Step Guide For First Time Cruisers

A lot of cruise lines are moving towards a more inclusive structure. To learn more about cruise lines that include gratuities as standard check out this post:

  Which Cruise Lines Include Gratuities? (Cruise Line Guide).

Princess Cruises Don’t Include Shore Excursions

Some luxury cruise lines do include excursions but generally speaking, cruise lines don’t.

When you get to port there are a couple of options available to you. Cruise line excursions are usually the easiest but are the most expensive.

I’m a big fan of doing my own thing when in port. It saves a LOT of money.

I took a British Isles Cruise, and only took one cruise line excursion. That was to see Loch Ness in Scotland, which is so far from anywhere else, it would be tricky – or impossible – to get there by public transport.

Find out about all the interesting sights I saw – without cruise line excursions, here:

Before You Go

Find out whether you should book via a trusted travel agent, or directly with the cruise line in the article below:

Is It Best To Use a Travel Agent or Book Directly With The Cruise Line? (Money-Saving Hints and Tips For Booking, and Much More…)

Find out what you need to think about when planning and packing for your cruise below:

Planning And Packing For Your Cruise, Things to Organise in Advance, Packing Essentials And More

gratuities on princess cruises

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Worth It? Princess Cruise Drink Packages Explained (Prices, What’s Included, and More)

Wondering if the alcoholic drink package on Princess is worth it? Or maybe you know you want the package, but want to know all the details of how it works before you buy.

gratuities on princess cruises

Drink packages have a lot to offer for passengers. Instead of having to worry about paying for each drink — and keeping track of the bar tab — you can simply head up to the bar whenever you want something and order. So whether you have five cocktails or six beers, or a mix of coffee in the morning, wine in the afternoon, and margaritas at dinner, you’ll pay one flat fee.

But there is a lot to know about these packages, including some fine print that can help you decide if they are worth it or not on your next cruise.

In This Article...

What Drink Packages Does Princess Offer?

Princess provides two offerings for passengers when it comes to alcoholic drink packages.

These packages are the Plus Beverage Package, featuring drinks up to $15 per glass and the Premier Beverage Package, which is a higher-end offering with drinks up to $20 per glass .

Purchasing one of these packages gives you access to dozens of drink options while on your cruise, running everything from cocktails to beer, water, juices, and soda.

In addition, Princess also offers several non-alcoholic package options, including a soda package, a coffee package, and a Zero-Alcohol Drink Package that includes everything from mocktails to soda to energy drinks. However, we will focus our attention on the ins and outs of the alcoholic drink packages on Princess.

How Much Do Drink Packages Cost?

Unlike some cruise lines that charge varied prices, Princess has stable costs on the drink packages.

The lower tier Princess Plus Beverage Package costs $64.99 per person, per day starting February 2023. There is an additional 18% gratuity charge tacked onto this amount. Therefore, a passenger would pay $76.69 per day. Over the course of a 7-day cruise, the total would come to $536.82.

The higher-end Princess Premier offer runs $84.99 per person, per day or $100.29 after the gratuity amount. That comes to a total of $702.02 for a person on a 7-day cruise.

However, you can get the drink package for less if your purchase it through one of Princess’ all-inclusive deals (Princess Plus and Princess Premier). We have more details on this below.

How Does Gratuity Work With the Package?

Princess charges an 18% gratuity on the cost of the drink package when you buy . So while it might have a headline price of $64.99 per day, the actual cost is $76.69. This gratuity covers any drinks you get with the package, however.

So if you make a purchase from the bar with the drink package, it will not have an additional gratuity tacked on — your drink is no cost from the bar. Without the package, you would pay the menu price, plus an extra 18%.

How Do I Purchase the Princess Drink Package?

To purchase the package, you have a few options. First you can purchase the package you want before you sail through your online account or through calling the cruise line. In this case, you’ll have to pre-purchase at least four days of getting on the ship.

You can also wait to purchase the package once on the ship. It will be sold onboard during embarkation day.

But there is another way to buy, and that is with the Princess Plus and Princess Premier all-inclusive offers . These deals offer gratuities, wi-fi, a drink package, and more included in the cruise fare. They also provide the best deal for the drink package. See our section titled “Is it Better to Buy the Drink Package or Get it Through Princess Plus/Premier?” below.

What’s Included in the Package?

When you purchase your package, you’re getting most drinks on the ship included. Both packages include beer, liquor, wine by the glass, bottled water, fountain sodas, specialty coffee/tee, milkshakes, and energy drinks.

Having either package also grants you a 25% discount on bottles of wine, large bottles of water and cans of soda.

For the Plus Beverage Package, it includes these beverages priced $15 per glass or less. For the Premier Beverage Package, it includes beverages up to $20 per glass, giving you more access to high-end drinks.

Princess says that the Plus package offers 50 spirits, along with 25 wines by the glass and 25 beers, the Premier package offers “75 spirits, 40+ wines by the glass, 20+ high-end, crafted cocktails.”

gratuities on princess cruises

What’s NOT included in the Drink Packages?

Most drinks you want will be included in the package, but there are some restrictions on beverages you can purchase. All of the following are specifically mentioned as not available with the drink package:

  • Bottles of alcohol for sale on the ship (except beer)
  • Drinks from the mini-bar
  • Buckets of beer
  • Souvenir glassware

Apart from that, most beverages you see on the ship will be available under the package.

Is it Better to Buy the Drink Package or Get it Through Princess Plus/Premier All-Inclusive Offers?

With most cruise lines, you have a simple option — buy the drink package or not. On Princess, it’s slightly more complicated. That’s because Princess offers all-inclusive options for their passengers. You can buy the standard base fare with just the cruise included, or you can buy one of the following offers:

  • Princess Plus ($60 per person, per day) : Includes cabin, plus wi-fi (one device), daily gratuities, and Plus Beverage Package plus premium desserts, fitness classes, and juice bar.
  • Princess Premier ($80 per person, per day) : Includes cabin, plus wi-fi (four devices), daily gratuities, specialty dining (two meals), photo package, Princess Prizes, and Premier Beverage Package plus premium desserts, fitness classes, juice bar, and reserved theater seating.

As you can see, the price for these all-inclusive options is less than the cost of the drink package alone . In addition, you receive even more perks — such as daily gratuities and wi-fi — included.

If you know you plan to purchase a drink package, then it’s a much better value to get it through the all-inclusive offers instead of purchasing it by itself at the current prices.

You can read more about these Princess offers here .

Can I Share the Package?

No, you can’t get a package and then share drinks from it. Princess says specifically that “packages may NOT be shared, are NON-transferable and NON-refundable.”

Will the cruise line know if you get a drink and then pass it one to someone without the package? Likely not, however, it is against the rules. If caught, then the cruise line says they reserve the right to cancel the package.

Do I Have to Buy the Package for the Entire Cruise?

Yes. One aspect of drink packages — including Princess’ offering — is that they are required to be bought for the entire cruise if you decide to purchase. You can’t pick and choose days.

Princess specifically says that “partial/pro-rated packages or purchase for segments of a guests voyage are NOT accepted.”

Is There a Limit on the Number of Drinks You Can Have?

There is a limit on the number of alcoholic beverages that you can order per day.

Princess places a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hours , going from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. If you try to exceed this limit, then the cruise line says it’s “at the discretion of shipboard management and crew” but will be charged the menu price.

However, non-alcoholic beverages don’t count in this figure and there is no limit on how many you can have. So don’t worry that having a bottle of water in between drinks is going to limit how many cocktails you can have.

Does The Drink Package Work on Private Islands or Ports?

When in a typical port of call, the drink package does not extend to land. Since these spots are independent of the cruise line, don’t expect to be able to use drink offer to get a beverage on shore.

However, Princess says that the package can be used on their private islands . So if visiting one of these spots, you can use the package just like on the ship.

Are Princess Drink Packages Worth the Money?

Whether or not a drink package is worth the money is often a point of contention. With the Princess deal, however, we think it’s definitely worth it for most people .

If purchased on its own, the math behind the package may not work for you. After all, you have to drink enough each day to make up for the cost of the drink package. With Princess’ all-inclusive offers, however, the math shifts strongly in favor of having the package.

For example, the Princess Plus package costs passengers $60 per day. For that amount, you get daily gratuities ($16 per day for most cabins), wi-fi, and the drink package.

Even if you don’t use the wi-fi service at all, the cost of gratuities is something you’d pay for no matter what. Subtracting that cost out, it means you’ll pay $44 total for the drink package . That’s the cost of only a handful of drinks each day, and don’t forget that non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffees, water, and soda are also included.

So if you know you want the package, we suggest opting for one of Princess’ all-inclusive options as it’s less expensive. And when you consider what’s included in the deal, it makes the math work strongly in favor of the drink package if you plan to drink even a moderate amount.

For more on drink packages, you can explore the links below:

  • Everything to Know About Alcohol & Drinks on a Cruise (Costs, Rules, & More)
  • Worth It? Everything About Cruise Line Drink Packages
  • Cruise Line Drink Package Calculator

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I read this article hoping to find an answer, are the soda-only or non-alcoholic drink packages worth it? No one in my party drinks alcohol, but we are all addicted to soda, energy drinks, and milkshakes. We don’t need the other perks of the cruise-line packages. I guess I just answered my own question.

If “addicted” then yes, it should be worth it. If you just like it, take advantage of being able to bring a 12-pack on with you and save some money.

This is a great explanation, but one thing missing from consideration is whether both people in the cabin drink alcohol. If one purchases a package, the other also must purchase the package. My traveling drinks alcohol, I do not. While I understand that other drinks are included, I can’t even come close to drinking $35 worth of non-alcoholic beverages per day, every day (~$15/day gratuities and $10/day wifi, leaves $35/day for beverages). On my most recent cruise, we opted not to do the package and saved a lot of money (over buying it), buying our beverages “on the go.” So the bottom line is, do the math and consider your drinking habits. Thanks for publishing this explanation.

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The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships and itineraries

Gene Sloan

Call it the cruise line for people who want a big amenity-filled ship that isn't a floating amusement park.

Princess Cruises operates relatively large, reasonably priced vessels. But unlike many of its competitors in that space — most notably Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises — it doesn't load them up with sprawling water parks, go-kart tracks, laser tag courses and other flashy, family-focused diversions.

Compared to most of its big ship-operating rivals, Princess is known for a more serene, almost old-school style of cruising that isn't about a lot of gee-whiz attractions.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

As Princess executives like to say, the line is all about warm and gracious service in an atmosphere of comfortable elegance designed to spark connections among passengers.

Instead of bustling attractions, the top decks on the typical Princess ships offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without a lot of hustle and bustle. Inside, the experience revolves around dining, classic showroom entertainment and a classy bar and music scene — just as it has on Princess ships for years.

This is, notably, just the way Princess customers like it. Popular with middle-aged couples, retirees and multigenerational families, the "Love Boat" line caters to people who like a more traditional type of cruising than you'll find on the vessels of most other big-ship lines.

Related: Which cruise brand is right for you? A guide to the most popular lines

3 things TPG loves about Princess Cruises

  • The abundance of outdoor pool and lounge areas on its ships
  • Its expansive spas
  • Its far-flung itineraries

What we could do without

  • The lack of big suites on most of its vessels

The Princess Cruises fleet

Princess has downsized its fleet considerably in recent years with the removal of five vessels, but it's still the world's fifth-biggest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 16 ships that together offer roughly 50,000 berths.

In general, Princess operates big ships, though they're not quite as big as the vessels operated by Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises — the two lines best known for giant ships. The biggest Princess vessel, the line's new Sun Princess , measures around 177,000 tons. That's about 29% smaller than the biggest ship operated by Royal Caribbean. The line's Royal Class vessels are more than 40% smaller than the biggest Royal Caribbean ships.

Sun Princess is, without a doubt, the belle of the ball in the Princess fleet. Newer, bigger and more venue-filled than the line's other ships, it debuted in early 2024 and carries 4,300 passengers at double occupancy.

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Also relatively new and chock-full of lots of venues are the line's five Royal Class ships, which measure between 142,229 and 145,281 tons. These vessels began rolling out in 2013 and carry about 3,600 passengers apiece at double occupancy.

Still, the biggest cohort of ships in the Princess fleet are its seven Grand Class vessels. Unveiled between 1998 and 2008, the vessels in this class are smaller than Sun Princess and the Royal Class ships at around 107,000 to 116,000 tons in size. This smaller size allows them to operate a wider range of itineraries than the Royal Class ships, but they're still big enough to offer a lot of onboard venues. The Grand Class ships carry between 2,600 to 3,100 passengers at double occupancy.

gratuities on princess cruises

Rounding out the Princess fleet are its two Coral Class ships, which, at around 92,000 tons, are the smallest of the line's ships. They each carry around 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

The downsizing of the Princess fleet over the past few years had a lot to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. Three ships left the Princess fleet starting in 2020 as part of an effort to cut costs during the line's coronavirus-caused global shutdown. Another two vessels — Golden Princess and Star Princess — had been scheduled to leave the Princess fleet even before the pandemic began. They were transferred to one of the line's sister companies, P&O Cruises Australia.

The line currently has one more vessel on order that will be a sister to the recently unveiled Sun Princess. To be called Star Princess, it's due to debut in August 2025.

Destinations and itineraries

Princess Cruises sails to more than 100 countries on seven continents, from North America and Europe to Asia and Australia, and it offers a wide range of itineraries — around 170 in a typical year. The line's ships visit more than 380 different ports and destinations and take passengers to more than 100 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Among the line's voyages, you'll find everything from three-day sampler cruises down the Pacific Coast to 116-day around-the-world voyages.

Princess is particularly known for cruises to Alaska , where it dominates the market for cruises along with sister line Holland America . In a typical year, Princess deploys seven or eight ships to Alaska in the summer — far more than most other lines. It also operates its own wilderness lodges in the state, as well as tourist trains and buses. It uses the lodges, trains and buses to offer a range of 10- to 17-night Alaska cruisetours that combine a cruise with land-based touring.

gratuities on princess cruises

Princess also typically deploys five to seven ships to Europe in the summer, and it has a big presence in Australia, where it can deploy as many as six ships for parts of each year. In recent years, it has also become a major player in cruises around Japan that cater to both American and Japanese travelers, as well as Australians.

In North America, Princess ships sail out of Fort Lauderdale; Los Angeles; San Francisco; San Diego; Seattle; Galveston, Texas; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Whittier, Alaska. There are also some sailings that depart from New York City, Quebec City and Honolulu.

In Europe, Princess ships mostly sail out of Southampton in the United Kingdom; Copenhagen; Barcelona; Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); and Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome).

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess Cruises ship

Who sails Princess Cruises

Princess appeals to an older demographic than lines such as Carnival and Norwegian. The average age of passengers is around 54, and you'll usually see a lot of couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

As noted above, these aren't people necessarily craving go-kart tracks and ropes courses at sea. They're people looking to explore the world in a comfortable, classy sort of way that also is relatively affordable. That last part is key. Princess offers a lot of globe-circling itineraries of the sort often available from high-end luxury lines. However, it does so at a much lower price.

While not the biggest line for families with young children, Princess does draw a lot of multigenerational family groups. It's the line you take if you want an affordable ship that'll appeal to your 70-year-old parents as much as your 12-year-old kid.

Princess also draws a lot of passengers celebrating milestones. The line markets heavily to people marking birthdays and anniversaries with special packages and programs. It's also a huge player in the market for destination weddings at sea, with a division that will help you arrange a ceremony on board or at an exotic location on land during a port call.

Princess was, notably, the first cruise line to host modern-day weddings on ships, offering ceremonies officiated by the ships' captains hosted in onboard chapels.

It is, after all, the "Love Boat" line.

Cabins and suites

When it comes to rooms, Princess is sort of the Marriott of the big-ship cruise world. Its rooms are comfortable and functional but a bit bland. Avant-garde style is not a Princess thing.

The vast majority of the accommodations on Princess ships fall into one of three broad categories: windowless inside cabins, oceanview cabins and balcony cabins. Balcony cabins, in particular, are widespread on Princess ships. Among mass-market lines, Princess was the pioneer in adding large numbers of balcony cabins to ships.

While balcony cabins are common on Princess ships, you'll find relatively few suites on them. Just 50 of 2,162 cabins on the line's new Sun Princess are suites, for instance, and that's a lot more suites than you'll find on most other Princess ships.

gratuities on princess cruises

What this means is there aren't a lot of ways to live large on a Princess ship or to pack a lot of people into a single accommodation. Until the debut of Sky Princess in 2019, the line didn't have a single cabin that could accommodate more than four people.

That said, the Grand Class vessels each offer two Family Suites that can be created by connecting a Mini-Suite with an adjacent inside cabin to form a six- to eight-person complex.

Unveiled five years ago, Sky Princess featured the line's first truly large stand-alone suites, dubbed Sky Suites. Such suites were added to the line's Discovery Princess, too.

There are two of the suites on each of the ships, and they measure a generous 1,800 square feet (though more than half of that space is taken up by a huge wraparound balcony). With two bedrooms plus a living room with a pullout sofa, they're designed for up to five people.

gratuities on princess cruises

The line's new Sun Princess also has several large suites that measure as much as 1,260 square feet.

Still, even the biggest suites of Sky Princess, Discovery Princess and Sun Princess aren't the truly epic suites with huge interior living spaces that you'll find on the latest Royal Caribbean or Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships. If that's what you're after, Princess isn't your line.

Related: The 7 best cruise ship suites — picked by someone who has seen them all

Restaurants and dining

Every Princess vessel has three main dining rooms where meals are included in the fare, and these dining rooms are at the heart of the dining experience on Princess ships. Many passengers have all or most of their dinners in a main dining room.

As of this year, the three main dining rooms on each Princess ship operate under different formats. At one of the main rooms, you can make a reservation for any time, provided a table at the time you want is available. To ensure the time you want, it's best to reserve a table far in advance of your sailing, which you can do online once you've paid for the cruise in full. You also can make reservations on board ships during your cruise.

At another of the main dining rooms, you can just show up for dinner at any time without a reservation and be seated on a space-available basis.

The third main dining room on every Princess ship offers a fixed-time "traditional" seating option where you can request the same table at the same time with the same waiter every night of a cruise.

gratuities on princess cruises

Every vessel also has a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare. Near the main pool area on most ships, it's usually called Horizon Court but is also known as the World Fresh Market or Panorama Buffet on some vessels.

Other covered options on at least some Princess ships include poolside pizza outlets and poolside grills serving burgers. Also, on sea days, Princess transforms a bar or dining venue at lunchtime into an included-in-the-fare English-style pub. It serves traditional pub food such as fish and chips and cottage pie, along with Bass Ale or Guinness (for an extra charge).

Every Princess ship also has at least a couple of extra-charge eateries. On most ships, you'll find the line's signature Italian restaurant, Sabatini's. It serves homemade pasta, seafood and other Italian specialties in an elegant setting and comes with a flat fee of $45 per person.

gratuities on princess cruises

Most Princess ships also have a signature steakhouse. On most vessels, it's called Crown Grill and offers premium beef and seafood cooked to order in an open, theater-style kitchen. On two ships — Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess — it's called Sterling Steakhouse, where passengers choose their cut of steak from a tray presented by their waiter.

gratuities on princess cruises

On two ships — Coral Princess and Island Princess — the steakhouse has a Cajun and Creole twist. In addition to steak dishes, the menu features New Orleans-style peel-and-eat shrimp, alligator ribs and gumbo. On those vessels, it's called the Bayou Cafe and Steakhouse.

All the steakhouses come with a flat fee of $45 per person.

Princess ships also offer a chef's table experience — a concept the line pioneered in the cruise world. Costing $95 to $115 per person, it includes pre-dinner cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the ship's galley with the executive chef before a main dining experience at a private table in the dining room.

Another dining option that recently began popping up on Princess ships is a seafood eatery called The Catch by Rudi, designed by Princess' head of culinary arts, Rudi Sodamin. (Holland America fans will remember Sodamin as that line's longtime master chef.)

The Catch by Rudi is only on Sun Princess, Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess, Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess. Like the Princess steakhouses, it has a $45 per person cover charge.

Related: Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The 10 best meals you can have at sea

Entertainment and activities

Princess ships are loaded with entertainment that ranges from Broadway-style theater shows to street entertainers who appear in each vessel's central piazza. That said, they're not floating amusement parks. Unlike some big-ship lines, Princess isn't topping its vessels with waterslides, go-kart tracks, ropes courses and other family-focused attractions.

Theaters and shows

There's no shortage of theater and lounge entertainment on Princess ships. On a typical night, you might find a flashy, fast-paced production show playing in the main theater, a comedian performing in a secondary lounge and live music on offer in several more venues.

In many cases, the main theaters on Princess ships are quite elaborate, with Broadway-show-level lighting and special effects, and the productions housed within the theaters are elaborate, too.

gratuities on princess cruises

Princess has upped its game with its theater productions in recent years through a partnership with Stephen Schwartz, the Tony Award-winning composer of "Wicked," "Godspell" and "Pippin."

Among new productions that Schwartz has worked on is "The Secret Silk," which features life-size puppetry from Jim Henson's Creature Shop, dancing and special effects. It was created and directed by John Tartaglia, a star of Broadway's "Avenue Q" and "Beauty and the Beast."

Princess is also known for its karaoke nights, and it holds a "The Voice of the Ocean" competition during cruises, which is a spinoff of the TV show. Passengers compete in a live performance after karaoke auditions and rehearsal sessions with the shipboard band and backup singers. A team of coaches sits in giant "I Want You" chairs, just like on the show, and passengers vote to choose the winner.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Princess ships are filled with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including a range of bars, lounges and nightspots.

On many ships, the hub of activity is the Piazza, a sprawling, multilevel space that serves as a central gathering place, like a square in Italy. The configuration of the Piazza varies by ship, but the area typically offers several shops, a coffee bar called International Cafe, a wine bar called Vines and (on some vessels) additional bars and eateries. The Piazza is also home to roving street performers.

gratuities on princess cruises

Every Princess ship also has a casino, often just off the Piazza, and spas are big on Princess ships. The Lotus Spa complexes on the line's Royal Class ships offer nearly two dozen treatment rooms, an extensive beauty salon and a thermal suite with a hydrotherapy pool, heated stone beds, a Turkish-style steam bath and other steam chambers.

Several of the newer Princess ships, including Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess, have jazz clubs called Take 5.

In addition to such venues, Princess offers a lot of enrichment activities on its ships. The line has partnered with Discovery to offer a Discovery at Sea program on vessels that includes activities like stargazing with a specialist from a top deck. The program also brings destination specialists and naturalists on board in places such as Alaska to offer insights.

Inspired by Discovery's popular "Shark Week," Princess has also created Shark Week at Sea programming that runs on select sailings in the summer with activities and games designed to challenge both adults and kids on the myths and interesting facts about sharks.

Culinary demonstrations, wine tastings and dance classes also are popular on Princess ships.

Top-deck attractions

The top decks of most Princess ships are notable for what they don't have: There are no roller coasters or pedal-powered sky rides like you'll find on Carnival ships or the go-kart tracks that top some Norwegian vessels. There are no surfing simulators, sky diving simulators, rock climbing walls or zip lines of the sort found on Royal Caribbean vessels. For the most part, there aren't even waterslides or watery splash zones (two vessels, Caribbean Princess and Sun Princess, do have splash zones).

Princess executives long ago decided not to engage in what they call the "amusement park arms race" taking place among lines operating big resort-like ships.

Instead, the line has mostly stuck to the basics with its top decks. They are covered with relaxing pool and lounge zones — and lots of them.

On the last three Royal Class ships, for instance, there's a main pool area at the center of the top deck with two full pools and three hot tubs, plus a secondary pool area at the back of the ship with another pool. There's also an adults-only pool area toward the front of the vessel, along with an extra-charge, adults-only relaxation area called the Sanctuary.

Between all these pool and lounge areas running along the sides of the ship are additional sunning areas with lounge chairs and four more hot tubs.

In short, there is a ton of space for relaxing on the top deck of these newest Princess vessels — more than you'll find on any other ship of comparable size, save for their earlier sisters in the Royal Class.

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The one big attraction that you will find on the top deck of Princess ships, always at the main pool area, is a giant Movies Under the Stars movie screen. A growing number of cruise ships now have movie screens on their pool decks, but Princess pioneered the concept.

The screens show movies, concerts and sporting events during the day, but at night, they really shine. In a longtime Princess tradition, the line turns the main pool areas of its ships into outdoor movie theaters at night by reconfiguring lounge chairs to face the screen and bringing out blankets to ward off the evening chill. They even serve popcorn.

Some ships also feature basketball courts, miniature golf putting courses, shuffleboard games and pingpong tables tucked into corners of their top decks.

Additionally, the new Sun Princess has a family-friendly play zone called Park19 with a hang-gliding-like ride experience, a ropes course and the previously mentioned splash zone — quite a bit more family-fun pizazz than has been the norm at the line. For now, it's the outlier in the Princess fleet when it comes to decktop amusements.

Children's programs

While it doesn't draw as many families with young children as Carnival or Royal Caribbean, Princess offers an extensive children's program that gets high marks from parents.

The Princess Youth and Teen centers were recently rebranded "Camp Discovery" as part of the line's partnership with Discovery Communications and offer free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3 to 17.

The line splits children in the program into three age groups: the Treehouse (ages 3 to 7 years), the Lodge (ages 8 to 12 years) and the Beach House (ages 13 to 17 years). Each age group often has its own separate facilities on ships. On some ships, the age groups may be further divided based on available space.

gratuities on princess cruises

Each group has its own age-appropriate activities, with newly revamped experiences designed to "help young Princess explorers learn, play and create fun memories."

While the free programming for children ages 3 to 12 ends at 10 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at shipboard Youth and Teen centers from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. During those hours, they're supervised in what is essentially a group child-sitting service.

The Youth and Teen centers also welcome children under the age of 3 if they are accompanied by an adult.

Related: The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up

What to know before you go

Required documents.

A passport is required for all international itineraries, including world cruises and sailings to Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, India, Central and South America, the Panama Canal (partial and full transit), Caribbean voyages that visit Martinique or Guadeloupe, the South Pacific and Tahiti.

If you're a U.S. citizen, you don't need a passport for many domestic itineraries (including Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico sailings). You can instead travel with an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, are also acceptable. That said, Princess strongly recommends that all travelers bring a passport.

Passports must be valid for at least six months. The name on your reservation must be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Related: Where can I cruise without a passport?

Princess adds an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18 per person, per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) Also, an 18% gratuity is added to bills at bars, dining room wine accounts and spas.

Related: Tipping on a cruise: What to know about cruise ship gratuities

Princess has rolled out faster Wi-Fi systems with landlike speeds across its fleet in recent years, such that you now can stream video on ships. That's the upside. The downside is that such service costs a lot more than Wi-Fi access did in the past. Pricing changes over time, but the line was recently charging $24.99 per day to hook up a single device. That's an enormous increase from as recently as early 2023, when Wi-Fi access was available for just $9.99.

The faster Princess Wi-Fi system is called MedallionNet, and it's one of several technological upgrades that Princess has made to its ships in recent years under an umbrella called MedallionClass. MedallionClass also brings expedited embarkation, keyless cabin entry, on-demand food and beverage delivery, and the ability to locate friends and family on board — all via an app for mobile devices and a Princess-issued medallion that passengers carry while traveling.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Carry-on drinks policy

Princess allows you to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per person onto ships at boarding at no charge (for consuming in your room; you'll be charged a $20 corkage fee if you want to bring it to an onboard restaurant or bar to drink). You can bring even more bottles of wine on board, but you will pay a $20 corkage fee per bottle.

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas and in cigar lounges, designated sections within nightclubs and at designated slot machines within casinos (for those who are playing). It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. Passengers caught smoking in their cabins will be charged a $250 fine per occurrence. One exception to the above rule is that e-cigarettes are allowed in cabins (but not on cabin balconies).

Princess ships have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. There's a $3 per load charge to use a washer or dryer. The launderettes also have vending machines that dispense small boxes of detergent and water softener at $1.50 per box. Additionally, vessels offer extra-charge laundry and dry cleaning services.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

All vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms, and some also have European-style, 220-volt outlets and USB ports in cabins.

The currency used on most Princess itineraries is dollars. The exceptions are select sailings on ships based in Australia, where pricing is listed in Australian dollars. All vessels operate on a cashless system, with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a medallion that you can use to make charges. This same card or medallion also is what lets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on many Princess itineraries. The exceptions include sailings between ports in Europe, China, Australia and New Zealand, and Singapore, where the drinking age is 18. For cruises between Japanese ports, the drinking age is 20.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

At night, there is an official dress code that is enforced when entering restaurants. Most nights are designated as "smart casual," which Princess takes to mean pants and an open-neck shirt for men and skirts and dresses or slacks for women.

Beach attire, shorts, baseball caps and casual jeans (think: the fraying kind or those with holes) are not allowed. One or more nights per cruise, depending on the cruise length, will be designated as a "formal" night when men are expected to turn out in dark suits with a tie or even a tuxedo. The suggested attire for women on such nights is evening gowns or cocktail dresses.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Princess Cruises' loyalty program

Princess has a four-tier frequent cruiser program, the Captain's Circle, that is worth joining for the perks — if you're willing to bear with its convoluted tier qualifying structure.

You reach the first tier, Gold, by taking a single cruise. However, from there, you move to each successive tier either by accruing a certain number of "cruise credits" (which aren't necessarily the same as the number of cruises you've taken) or by sailing a certain number of days.

To reach the Ruby level, for instance, requires three cruise credits (more on those in a moment) or 30 days on Princess ships. Platinum status kicks in after five cruise credits or 50 days on ships.

Related: Princess Cruises' Captain's Circle loyalty program: Everything you need to know

In most cases, members earn one cruise credit for every cruise they take. However, members who book a suite or travel solo in a cabin meant for two will receive two cruise credits for the voyage. The number of cruise credits you have earned is thus often the same as the number of cruises you have taken, but not always.

As is typical with cruise line loyalty programs, lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. You'll receive things like an invite to a private party (at the Gold tier) and a free upgrade for your travel insurance package when buying it through the line (at the Ruby tier). However, higher levels of the program start to be enticing.

The second-to-highest tier, Platinum, brings such perks as priority check-in and boarding, and a free internet package.

The top Elite level (15 cruise credits or 151 cruise days) adds such things as an exclusive window to preview and book new itineraries, priority ship-to-shore water shuttle service, complimentary laundry and a complimentary minibar setup.

Members at all tier levels get access to special pricing on certain cruises. They also receive a monthly newsletter and a membership pin.

Note that, in contrast to airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers aren't great. However, it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher-level tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot.

A Princess passenger staying in suites will hit the Platinum level after just three cruises. The top Elite level is reachable within just eight cruises for someone staying in suites.

Related: A beginners guide to cruise line loyalty programs

How much does a Princess cruise cost?

Princess ships are very reasonably priced. They're not the least expensive vessels out there, but they're not pricey by any means. It's possible to find Princess voyages to the Caribbean, the Bahamas or Mexico starting under $100 per person, per night, including all taxes and fees — at least in the offseason.

For instance, as of the date of this story's posting, six-night sailings from Galveston, Texas, to the Western Caribbean in February 2025 started at just $418 per person, not including taxes and fees of $138. That works out to just $93 per night, per person, with taxes and fees for a package that includes your lodging, transportation and meals.

As you might expect, pricing for ships will generally be lower during offseason periods such as September, October, November (not including Thanksgiving week) and parts of December.

When you book can also matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels. Many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing is often available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance also gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board a Princess ship, you'll pay extra for most drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet service and a few other things — unless you've bought a package for some of these items in advance.

gratuities on princess cruises

Specifically, the line now offers bundle pricing for extra-charge items such as gratuity fees, Wi-Fi fees and a few other fees for onboard items if passengers pay for them in advance.

The line's Princess Plus plan gives passengers prepaid gratuities, a single-device Wi-Fi plan, a basic beverage package and a few other freebies for a bundled price of $60 per person, per day.

An enhanced version of the above plan called Princess Premier gives you Wi-Fi access on more devices, a premium drinks package and other additional inclusions for $80 per person, per day.

Most onboard activities, such as theater shows, are included in the fare.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to Princess.com to make a booking directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They can also help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Princess is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Princess cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see the cabins firsthand.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , which offers 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and dining (excluding the annual up-to-$300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining.

Bottom line

Princess offers big, amenity-filled ships that are comfortable and classy at an affordable price.

If you're looking for a lot of top-deck fun zones — waterslides, go-kart tracks and the like — it's probably not the line for you. However, if you're on the hunt for not-too-expensive vessels that will take you to the farthest corners of the world in comfort, Princess ships should be on your shortlist.

It's also a great line if you're trying to put together a multigenerational trip, as its ships are designed to appeal to a wide range of age groups.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Discover the unique nature of south america & antarctica with 2025-26 cruise season from princess cruises.

Newly Released Cruises Now on Sale

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. , May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The exotic nature of South America attracts travelers to experience the diverse cultures, food, biomes, and the grandeur of the last "untouched" region of Antarctica . In fact, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), a record 105,331 people visited Antarctica last season. With its newly announced 2025-2026 season, Princess Cruises gives more guests the opportunity to see this less traveled part of the world with affordable rates, a wide range of shore excursions, and the comfort of a ship that can safely navigate this journey while offering countless amenities and activities to enjoy.

"Our upcoming 2025-26 cruise season to South America and Antarctica promises remarkable journeys with incredible opportunities to glide through glacial waters of Antarctica to enjoy views of Elephant Island, Antarctic Sound and Gerlache Strait – all unforgettable sites to behold," said Terry Thornton , chief commercial officer, Princess Cruises. "Plus our thoughtfully planned itineraries offer guests more time in robust South American cities to fully immerse themselves in the culture to get a taste of how the locals live."

Why book a 2025-26 South America & Antarctic adventure with Princess Cruises? Top reasons include:

20 destinations in 11 countries with seven total departures, featuring five unique itineraries sailing from November 2025 to January 2026 .

Sapphire Princess is on the current IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) approved operator list to cruise this region, sharing in the association's mission to advocate and promotes the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. Sapphire Princess takes more passengers to Antarctica than any other ship on the IAATO list.

Antarctica 17-day Adventure cruises feature four days of exploration in the Antarctic region and a special festive voyage that celebrates both Christmas and New Year's Day at sea, complete with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires .

A Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan 16-day journey, offering an overnight in Buenos Aires and breathtaking scenic cruising past the Amalia Glacier.

The 53-day Ultimate Antarctica & South America Adventure, connecting Los Angeles and Buenos Aires , with overnight stays in Lima (Callao) and Buenos Aires .

Numerous opportunities to explore 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Historic Centre of Lima ; Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Pampas de Jumana from San Martin ; Church of Atlántida, the work of engineer Eladio Dieste from Montevideo ; Peninsula Valdés Patagonian Nature Reserve from Puerto Madryn; the Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaiso from San Antonio .

Notable scenic cruising of Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Princess brings the local culture on board for destination immersion like no other cruise line, from cultural enrichments like lively Argentine folkloric musicians, savory regional cuisine and dynamic samba classes; to destination experts including South American historians; and specially-themed entertainment including unique sail-in or sail-away celebrations.

For guests wishing to combine a land tour to inspiring inland landmarks before or after their cruise, Princess offers two cruisetour options:

Iguazú Falls Adventure – features the thundering Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a visit to Rio de Janeiro .

Machu Picchu Explorer – visits the ancient Inca compound, Machu Picchu, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, plus a tour of the historic city of Cusco.

Plus, enhancing the value of a South America & Antarctica vacation with Princess Plus and Premier inclusive packages allow guests to save over 65% on essentials such as gratuities, Wi-Fi, beverages, and more, providing added convenience and enjoyment for their journey.

For a limited time, guests booking South America and Antarctica vacations for 2025 or 2026 can receive up to $2,300 toward onboard credit and shore excursions, and Captain's Circle members receive up to $100 in savings per guest. Full terms, restrictions and conditions can be found at https://www.princess.com/en-us/cruise-deals-promotions .

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .

About Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean , Alaska , Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe , South America , Australia / New Zealand , the South Pacific, Hawaii , Asia , Canada /New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/discover-the-unique-nature-of-south-america--antarctica-with-2025-26-cruise-season-from-princess-cruises-302135289.html

SOURCE Princess Cruises

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Discover the Unique Nature of South America & Antarctica with 2025-26 Cruise Season from Princess Cruises

PR Newswire

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., May 6, 2024

Newly Released Cruises Now on Sale

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The exotic nature of South America attracts travelers to experience the diverse cultures, food, biomes, and the grandeur of the last "untouched" region of Antarctica. In fact, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), a record 105,331 people visited Antarctica last season. With its newly announced 2025-2026 season, Princess Cruises gives more guests the opportunity to see this less traveled part of the world with affordable rates, a wide range of shore excursions, and the comfort of a ship that can safely navigate this journey while offering countless amenities and activities to enjoy.

Discover the Unique Nature of South America & Antarctica with 2025-26 Cruise Season from Princess Cruises

"Our upcoming 2025-26 cruise season to South America and Antarctica promises remarkable journeys with incredible opportunities to glide through glacial waters of Antarctica to enjoy views of Elephant Island, Antarctic Sound and Gerlache Strait – all unforgettable sites to behold," said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer, Princess Cruises. "Plus our thoughtfully planned itineraries offer guests more time in robust South American cities to fully immerse themselves in the culture to get a taste of how the locals live."

Why book a 2025-26 South America & Antarctic adventure with Princess Cruises? Top reasons include:

  • 20 destinations in 11 countries with seven total departures, featuring five unique itineraries sailing from November 2025 to January 2026.
  • Sapphire Princess is on the current IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) approved operator list to cruise this region, sharing in the association's mission to advocate and promotes the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. Sapphire Princess takes more passengers to Antarctica than any other ship on the IAATO list.
  • Antarctica 17-day Adventure cruises feature four days of exploration in the Antarctic region and a special festive voyage that celebrates both Christmas and New Year's Day at sea, complete with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires.
  • A Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan 16-day journey, offering an overnight in Buenos Aires and breathtaking scenic cruising past the Amalia Glacier.
  • The 53-day Ultimate Antarctica & South America Adventure, connecting Los Angeles and Buenos Aires, with overnight stays in Lima (Callao) and Buenos Aires.
  • Numerous opportunities to explore 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Historic Centre of Lima; Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Pampas de Jumana from San Martin; Church of Atlántida, the work of engineer Eladio Dieste from Montevideo; Peninsula ValdĂ©s Patagonian Nature Reserve from Puerto Madryn; the Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaiso from San Antonio.
  • Notable scenic cruising of Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Princess brings the local culture on board for destination immersion like no other cruise line, from cultural enrichments like lively Argentine folkloric musicians, savory regional cuisine and dynamic samba classes; to destination experts including South American historians; and specially-themed entertainment including unique sail-in or sail-away celebrations.

For guests wishing to combine a land tour to inspiring inland landmarks before or after their cruise, Princess offers two cruisetour options:

  • IguazĂş Falls Adventure – features the thundering IguazĂş Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a visit to Rio de Janeiro.
  • Machu Picchu Explorer – visits the ancient Inca compound, Machu Picchu, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, plus a tour of the historic city of Cusco.

Plus, enhancing the value of a South America & Antarctica vacation with Princess Plus and Premier inclusive packages allow guests to save over 65% on essentials such as gratuities, Wi-Fi, beverages, and more, providing added convenience and enjoyment for their journey.

For a limited time, guests booking South America and Antarctica vacations for 2025 or 2026 can receive up to $2,300 toward onboard credit and shore excursions, and Captain's Circle members receive up to $100 in savings per guest. Full terms, restrictions and conditions can be found at https://www.princess.com/en-us/cruise-deals-promotions .

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .

About Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK). 

(PRNewsfoto/Princess Cruises)

SOURCE Princess Cruises

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IMAGES

  1. Princess Drink Package & Daily Gratuities Increases

    gratuities on princess cruises

  2. Princess Cruises Offering Free Gratuities on Cruises

    gratuities on princess cruises

  3. Tipping on a Cruise Ship

    gratuities on princess cruises

  4. Princess Offering Free Upgrades, Gratuities, and Onboard Spending Money

    gratuities on princess cruises

  5. How much are gratuities on Princess?

    gratuities on princess cruises

  6. Princess Cruises Offering Free Upgrades, Free Gratuities, and Free

    gratuities on princess cruises

COMMENTS

  1. Crew Appreciation and Service Charge Policy

    Learn how Princess Cruises distributes the Crew Appreciation and Service Charge to its crewmembers and how to adjust or remove them from your onboard account. Find out the daily amount, the service charge percentage, and the eligible products and services for each category.

  2. Princess Cruise Gratuity (Tips) Full Guide: How Much, How They Work

    Learn about the daily gratuity fees that Princess charges for different types of cabins and how to pay or adjust them. Find out which staff members are covered by the charge and where you can tip more if you want.

  3. Princess Cruises Gratuity Guide: Ultimate Guide to Tipping & Service

    Learn how Princess Cruises charges crew appreciation gratuities and service charges for various onboard services and amenities. Find out how to adjust, prepay or waive the gratuities and service charges depending on your stateroom type and cruise package.

  4. Tipping on a cruise: What to know about cruise ship gratuities

    Princess Cruises adds a daily service fee of $15.50 per person to passenger bills, which can be adjusted or removed at the guest relations desk. Learn about the tipping culture, options and alternatives on Princess and other cruise lines.

  5. Full Guide to Cruise Ship Gratuities for 2024 (Amounts, Etiquette, and

    A couple traveling together will see about $30-$40 per day in gratuities, or about $200+ over the course of a week-long cruise. Below, we've listed the current tip amounts charged by major cruise lines as of the time of this writing: Carnival: $16.00 per person, per day. $18.00 per person, per day for guests in suites.

  6. How much are gratuities on Princess?

    The gratuity policy for Princess Cruises is intended to give guests information about gratuity costs that is clear and transparent. Princess Cruises often adds a daily automatic gratuity charge to each guest's shipboard account. This fee pays the labor of the stateroom stewards, dining room servers, and other crew members, contributing to a ...

  7. Tipping on a Cruise: Your Complete Big-Ship Tip Guide

    Learn about the tipping policies and practices of various cruise lines, from Carnival to Princess Cruises. Find out how much to tip, when to tip, and how to adjust your automatic gratuities onboard.

  8. Complete Guide to Cruise Gratuities by Cruise Line (2023)

    Princess Cruise Gratuities. On Princess Cruises, the crew appreciation will cost more for voyages departing after February 20, 2023. Currently, the gratuity is $16.50 per guest for suites and $15.50 per guest for mini-suites. A $14.50 cruise gratuity is charged for guests (including children) staying in all other staterooms.

  9. Princess Cruise Tipping Etiquette: Tips for a Royal Experience

    This article explains Princess cruise tipping etiquette, including recommended daily amounts for staff and tips on expressing gratitude. Princess Cruises automatically adds a gratuity of $14.50 to $16.50 per day, per guest to the onboard account, which covers dining and cabin staff. Additional tips are at guests' discretion for exceptional service.

  10. Cruise Gratuities: Navigating Tipping & Service Charges (2023)

    This cruise tipping guide breaks down what's included in cruise gratuities and service charges, what to expect, and how to maximize your time and money. ... Princess Cruises : $16.00: $112.00: MSC ...

  11. The Ultimate Guide to Tipping on a Cruise

    Should you choose to, for a seven-night cruise, consider tipping about $2 to $3 per person, per day. If you are in a suite or aboard a luxury cruise, you may have a butler assigned to your room ...

  12. Princess Cruises Hikes Daily Gratuities, Wifi Cost

    Island Princess (Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises) Effective December 14th, for voyages sailing on or after February 20, 2023, daily gratuities for crew will increase to the following amounts ...

  13. The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Gratuities

    The average daily gratuity on a cruise is $14-15 USD per person - approximately $30 per day, per couple in a cabin. A couple should budget about $200 in gratuities for a 7 day cruise. Most cruise lines charge for children as well, although there are some exceptions for very young children on select cruise lines.

  14. Gratuities

    To simplify the tipping process for our guests, a discretionary gratuity of $18.00 per guest for suites, $17.00 per guest for mini-suites and club class, and $16.00 per guest for interior, oceanview, and balcony staterooms. A non-refundable Service Charge of 17% - 18% of purchase will be automatically added to optional purchases of beverage ...

  15. Princess Cruises FAQ

    Cruisers staying in inside, oceanview and balcony cabins will be charged $14.50 per person, per day. Those in mini-suites and Club Class rooms will be charged $15.50 per person, per day, and ...

  16. Princess Cruises Is About to Get More Expensive

    The increases will go into effect on Feb. 20, 2023, for bookings made on or after Dec.13. Princess is the latest cruise line to increase its onboard fees. In September, Royal Caribbean increased ...

  17. Princess Cruises Daily Gratuities Are About to Increase

    New Princess gratuities charges. Beginning on May 1 and beyond, every passenger will see a $1 per day increase in their automatic gratuities, beginning on all cruises that depart on May 1 and beyond. If you've reserved a standard cabin - interior, oceanview or balcony - your new charges will be $14.50 per person per day.

  18. Princess Cruises

    Learn what is included and what costs extra on a Princess cruise. Find out how to budget for food, drinks, entertainment, excursions and gratuities depending on your cruise fare.

  19. Can I remove prepaid gratuities on a cruise?

    Some lines give you the option to purchase an extra-inclusions package, which may cover gratuities. Princess Cruises' Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, Celebrity Cruises' All-Included package and Windstar Cruises' All-Inclusive fares bundle crew gratuities with other complimentary perks (such as drinks packages and Wi-Fi access) at a ...

  20. Worth It? Princess Cruise Drink Packages Explained (Prices, What's

    Therefore, a passenger would pay $76.69 per day. Over the course of a 7-day cruise, the total would come to $536.82. The higher-end Princess Premier offer runs $84.99 per person, per day or $100.29 after the gratuity amount. That comes to a total of $702.02 for a person on a 7-day cruise. However, you can get the drink package for less if your ...

  21. The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships and itineraries

    Gratuities. Princess adds an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18 per person, per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. ... Related: Tipping on a cruise: What to know about cruise ship gratuities. Wi-Fi. Princess has rolled out faster Wi-Fi systems with landlike speeds across its fleet in recent years, such that you now can ...

  22. Discover the Unique Nature of South America & Antarctica with 2025-26

    Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships ...

  23. Discover the Unique Nature of South America & Antarctica with 2025-26

    Why book a 2025-26 South America & Antarctic adventure with Princess Cruises? ... Princess Plus and Premier inclusive packages allow guests to save over 65% on essentials such as gratuities, Wi-Fi ...

  24. Discover the Unique Nature of South America & Antarctica with 2025-26

    Around the World in 114 Days with Princess Cruises! Princess Cruises today announced its 2026 World Cruise - a 114-day voyage aboard Coral Princess - will visit 52 ports in 28 countries, across six...

  25. Princess Cruises Announces 2025-2026 South America and Antarct

    Princess Cruises announces its upcoming 2025-2026 South America and Antarctica cruise season. ... Guests booking can opt for the Princess Plus or Premier inclusive packages which include savings of over 65% on gratuities, Wi-Fi, beverages, and more. For a limited time, guests booking South America and Antarctica vacations for 2025 or 2026 can ...

  26. Princess Cruises Reveals Season in South America and Antarctica

    This is not Sapphire Princess' first season in South America and Antarctica, the 2,670-passenger ship sails more itineraries in Antarctica than any other cruise ship, according to IAATO. It ...