princess cruise change cabin

• Princess Cruises

Cabin change after guarantee assignment?

By eroller , April 9, 2012 in Princess Cruises

Recommended Posts

I booked a guarantee and Princess assigned me a cabin that included a nice upgrade. I would actually prefer to be in a cabin one category lower than the one I was assigned, and there are cabins available in this lower category. Will Princess change my assigned cabin to a lower grade if I request it, or are you pretty much stuck with what they assign you? I know with a guarantee you are at the discretion of the cruise line, but being that this is a downgrade from what they assigned, I wonder if they will consider the request?

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Princess will often change you within the category. You can always ask for a downgrade or to go back into the original category guarantee status. It is worth asking.

highheel girl

I booked a guarantee and Princess assigned me a cabin that included a nice upgrade. I would actually prefer to be in a cabin one category lower than the one I was assigned, and there are cabins available in this lower category. Will Princess change my assigned cabin to a lower grade if I request it, or are you pretty much stuck with what they assign you? I know with a guarantee you are at the discretion of the cruise line, but being that this is a downgrade from what they assigned, I wonder if they will consider the request?   Ernie

All you can do is try.

Check with your TA or Princess directly if thats the way you booked.

I did this with success. I had booked a BG guarantee and was informed that I was upgraded to a BA on the Lido deck. I decided that a BD on the Baja Deck was more to my liking an was able not only to switch, but to have my fare reduced by almost $700. I had booked thorough Princess directly and dealt with them directly.

Now I see another fare reduction for the class of cabin I have and will try to have by fare reduced again. I have not made the final payment yet as it is not yet due for another month and a half. I did switch my booking to a TA so I will see how this goes.

Thanks for your suggestions. Since I booked direct online I called Princess and the agent was very helpful. She stated so long as cabins are available for booking in the lower categories she can request it. She had to send an email to the department (probably Dispatch) with the specific request and said it could take 24-48 hours for them to review. Once they do they will send a revised email confirmation email should they be able to grant the request. Seems fair enough to me. I have to say Princess is probably the best cruise line when it comes to dealing with their office staff. Always helpful and polite.

I did this with success. I had booked a BG guarantee and was informed that I was upgraded to a BA on the Lido deck. I decided that a BD on the Baja Deck was more to my liking an was able not only to switch, but to have my fare reduced by almost $700. I had booked thorough Princess directly and dealt with them directly.   Now I see another fare reduction for the class of cabin I have and will try to have by fare reduced again. I have not made the final payment yet as it is not yet due for another month and a half. I did switch my booking to a TA so I will see how this goes.

And my TA was successful in getting the fare reduction. SO far I have saved about $1000 since first booking the guarantee cabin in January.

Princess came through and reassigned exactly the cabin I requested. So now I'm down on Plaza deck but no obstruction, no upper bunks, and no connecting door. I'm a happy camper! I think I'll like being right down the hall from the International Cafe as well.

• 4 months later...

I asked my TA to contact Princess to "downgrade" to a cabin lower than the one I was assigned....was told Princess said I would need to pay the prevailing rate for that category. Perhaps it works, sometimes it doesn't?

Correct. It all depends on what the cabin price is at that time.

I have never heard of anyone getting a several cabin upgrade and asking for a lower cabin and then getting a price reduction not only once but twice ON A GUARANTEE.

Well it certainty happened to us, but that was not the final amazing chapter. A couple of months age we were upgraded to a Mini-suite at no extra charge. We sail next week and I am still awaiting news of a final upgrade to a full suite!:D

I suppose this might be asking a bit too much? :rolleyes:

ps: If it happens, I won't even complain about not getting free unlimited internet!

Well it certainty happened to us, but that was not the final amazing chapter. A couple of months age we were upgraded to a Mini-suite at no extra charge. We sail next week and I am still awaiting news of a final upgrade to a full suite!:D   I suppose this might be asking a bit too much? :rolleyes:   ps: If it happens, I won't even complain about not getting free unlimited internet!

Fingers crossed! :)

Suites no longer get unlimited internet.

My Point exactly!!:D

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Friday at 01:11 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 08:11 PM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 07:43 PM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 01:14 AM

LauraS · Started April 26

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Princess Cruises

Change cabin after deposit?

By scottbet , May 29, 2016 in Princess Cruises

Recommended Posts

We put a deposit on a New England cruise for this October, but after reading reviews I really want to change cabins. Is there a way to do this online or do I have to wait and call when the reservation line is open on Tuesday?

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Eagle_and_hawk

There is no way to do it online as have to call Princess or a travel agent if that is who you booked it through.

I have changed mine more than once after deposit. I seem to find a better cabin after talking to others

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You can't do it online. But you CAN do it today, I think.

I'm pretty sure Princess has phone reps available on Sunday. Just wait till 7 a.m. West Coast time.

You can call today and change it

Just a note. What ever cabin you select, your booking defaults to "will accept an upgrade." So, if you change to a cabin that you really want have the booking marked "no upgrade."

I'm confused about this default. I wasn't asked about this when I booked. If I booked through a travel agent, is there a way to tell wherever my booking is marked "will accept an upgrade" or "no upgrade"? If the booking is marked "will accept an upgrade", does Princess check with me to see whether or not I want what they consider an upgrade? Or is it done automatically.

When you book you can have your booking marked "no upgrade." This is a specific booking request which is done when booking, or can be done after you book. If your booking is not specifically designated as "no upgrade" it defaults to "upgrade will be accepted." Princess normally notifies you or the T.A. when they have upgraded your cabin, for example a BD cabin to a BA cabin. If you book through a T.A. they must pass along the information, and you may have time to reject the upgrade. It may also be possible to have a booking marked meta upgrade only. This means you will only accept an upgrade to the next class of cabin, for example inside to ocean view.

Recently Princess has been offering upsells. They ask if you wish to move to a higher cat. cabin for a price.

Thanks for the responses. I called and the cabin was changed. The reservation agent did ask if I would accept a complimentary upgrade should one become available, and I did not want to be mid-ship on this cruise so she marked it "no upgrade." I feel strongly about not being under the sea-walk on the Regal!

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Friday at 01:11 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 08:11 PM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 07:43 PM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 01:14 AM

LauraS · Started April 26

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

Cruise Personalizer - for Booked Guests

Book flights, excursions, spa appointments, and more!

Already Registered?

Access your booking without registering.

The Princess Suite Experience

Enhance your voyage with some of the most luxurious accommodations at sea.

Priority Services & Amenities

• Priority Disembarkation at tender ports
• Exclusive Disembarkation Lounge
• Priority Onboard Shore Excursion Reservations
• Priority Line at the Guest Service Desk
• Exclusive Elite Lounge with Complimentary hors d'oeuvres on select ships

Full Suite Benefits (PDF)

Premier Dining on Your Schedule

• Exclusive Reserve Dining in the Main Dining Room for breakfast and dinner daily as well as lunch on sea days
• Priority Specialty Dining Reservations
• An Exclusive invitation to 360: An Extraordinary Experience .*
• Upgraded Priority Room Service Menu with full lunch and dinner offerings
• Complimentary Specialty Dining Mimosa Breakfast (daily)
• Complimentary Specialty Dining Dinner on embarkation day

*Exclusively available on Discovery® and Enchanted Princess®

Additional Stateroom Features

• Spacious staterooms up to 932 square feet with large balconies
• Princess Luxury Bed
• Balcony with Upgraded Patio Furniture (two comfortable loungers, a table and two chairs)
• Separate seating area with coffee table and a sofa bed
• Two floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
• Private bathroom including tub and separate shower with privacy door
• Two flat-panel satellite TVs
• Spacious Closet
• Digital Security Safe
• Desk & Phone
• Refrigerator & Granite Bar Area

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Princess is launching an all-inclusive, 4-month, around-the-world cruise for $20,000— see what it'll be like

Princess Cruises announced a 114-day  world cruise to 52 destinations in 2026, starting at $20,000 per person.

Guests who book early would get a free, all-inclusive package, a first for Princess' global itineraries.

Extended and all-inclusive cruises have emerged as big trends in the vacation industry.

Princess Cruise's new around-the-world voyage will hit two vacation trends in one itinerary.

In January 2026, the company says its Coral Princess will embark on a 114-day cruise to 52 ports in 28 countries and six continents — more destinations than any of its previous global sailings .

It's the Carnival Corp brand's latest appeal to the extended cruising trend . But it's not the only fad this four-month vacation is targeting.

The sailing, which starts at $20,000 per person, also marks the first time Princess is offering a complimentary all-inclusive package as a way to entice early bookings.

Ultra-long and all-inclusive cruises have emerged as big trends in the industry.

Regent Seven Seas, Azamara, and Oceania's 2024 around-the-world cruises all sold out before departing in January. The former was fully booked within three hours, while every cabin on the latter was called for in 30 minutes.

Besides being high-end, these three companies share one commonality: some level of all-inclusiveness , as is common with premium cruise lines.

Mass-market cruise companies rarely go the all-inclusive route.

Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian are generally beloved for their affordability.

But if you want to experience all their ships have to offer, be prepared to face a list of up-charged amenities like pay-to-play rides and specialty restaurants . After all, there's a reason their base fares are much cheaper than their increasingly popular ultra-luxury, all-inclusive counterparts.

But Princess has been increasingly vying for a slice of the luxury cruiser pie.

The cruise line says guests who book its 2026 world cruise early (that is, by the end of October) will receive its most inclusive Princess Premier package for free. The perk — launched two years ago — covers amenities that typically have a fee, like WiFi, premium drinks, some specialty restaurants, and workout classes.

Travelers who reserve one of the ship's high-end cabins by the same deadline would also receive complimentary airport transfers and airfare, services normally exclusively offered by luxury cruise lines .

The itinerary would have two roundtrip embarkation options: Fort. Lauderdale, Florida, on January 5, 2026, or Los Angeles 16 days later.

From there, the 2,000-guest Coral Princess would sail more than 35,000 nautical miles to ports in North America, the Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Australia, Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Central and South America.

It wouldn't be Princess' longest voyage — that title goes to its 116-day world cruise in 2025 — but it would be one of its most destination-heavy.

While two days longer, next year's around-the-world cruise would hit six fewer ports and four fewer countries than its 2026 counterpart.

According to the itinerary, about half of the 2026 voyage consists of sea days.

That's a lot of time on the water with no land in sight. Luckily, travelers can keep themselves entertained by attending lectures and programs related to the destinations, leisuring around the adult-only lounge, or taking a dip in Coral Princess' four pools.

The 21-year-old ship also has 10 places to grab a bite, although the Italian and steakhouse restaurants are considered specialty. Premier is the cruise line's most inclusive package, but it only includes 16 free dinners at these upcharge restaurants, paced once a week.

Princess is still a mass-market cruise line, after all.

The company has been increasingly dangling its inclusive package as a big perk.

The company says its two-month-old Sun Princess will debut in the US in October with its first-ever Sanctuary Collection . Travelers who splurge on these expensive and luxurious accommodations would be rewarded with two major benefits: a private lounge and Princess Premier.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Recommended Stories

Celebrity cruises visa signature review: earn points and discounts towards your next voyage.

See how frequent cruisers can benefit from this Celebrity Cruise Visa card on their next vacation.

Lando Norris gets long-awaited first win at 2024 Miami Grand Prix

Lando Norris nabs first race win at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix.

The NBA Loser Lineup: Paolo Banchero, Magic on the rise in fantasy and reality despite playoff exit

Basketball analyst Dan Titus breaks down what the teams and stars who were booted from the NBA Playoffs must do to remain in good fantasy standing next season.

Formula 1: Lando Norris gets his first win ahead of Max Verstappen at the Miami Grand Prix

Norris hadn't pitted and was leading the Grand Prix when a safety car was deployed for Logan Sargeant and Kevin Magnussen's crash.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vows student Gaza protester demands will 'NEVER' be met. Here's how we got here.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a social media post Sunday that the University of Texas would not meet the demands of student protesters.

J.J. Watt opens door to play for Texans, former teammate DeMeco Ryans

"Don't call unless you absolutely need it, but, if you ever do call, I'll be there."

Jack Dorsey departs Bluesky board

It sounds like Bluesky’s most prominent backer is no longer on its board. On Saturday, Jack Dorsey posted on X about grants for open protocols from his philanthropic Start Small initiative. This prompted someone to ask Dorsey if he was still on the Bluesky board, and he responded with a terse “no.” Dorsey did not answer any of the follow-up posts asking him to explain his departure.

Hyundai antes up $1B for AV startup Motional and Elon unplugs the Tesla Supercharger team

TechCrunch Mobility is moving to Thursdays! Sign up here for free — just click TechCrunch Mobility! EV startup Fisker laid off more employees to "preserve cash" as bankruptcy inches ever closer; ride-hailing company Ola cut about 180 jobs and ousted its chief executive, Hemant Bakshi, merely four months after appointing him to the post; and lidar company Luminar slashed its 700-person workforce by 20% as part of a restructuring to adopt an "asset light" business model.

The 30 best Walmart deals to shop this weekend — save up to 80% on outdoor essentials, Mother's Day gifts and more

Some major deals on board: A super-handy collapsible garden cart for over $200 off, a cordless Shark pro stick vacuum for over 50% off, and a 65-inch Philips 4K smart TV for under $400.

Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche and Koenigsegg Lego sets coming this summer

Lego announces new sets including Lambo V12 Vision GT, Aston Martin AMR23, Mercedes-AMG G63 & SL63, Porsche GT4 e-Performance, and Koenigsegg Jesko.

SNL recap: Dua Lipa hosts and performs but has no good advice for Gov. Kristi Noem

Saturday Night Live returned this week with Dua Lipa serving as the show's host and musical performer.

Disney steps up as Big Tech steps back: What to know this week

With the peak of first quarter earnings season in the rearview, stocks got back to their winning ways last week ahead of a slower calendar for corporate and economic news.

Russell Westbrook says report about him wanting to leave Clippers 'has likely been fabricated'

Russell Westbrook is trying to clear up reports about him wanting to leave the Clippers.

Why NASA is betting on a 36-pixel camera

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is making strides in astronomy with its 122-megapixel primarily infrared photos taken 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth. The space agency's newest sky-peeper takes a different approach, however, performing groundbreaking space science with 36 pixels. The X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), pronounced “crism,” is a collaboration between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

I'm an interior designer, and these are my favorite deals from Wayfair's Way Day rug sale— save up to 80% off

Score deeply discounted floor coverings from some of my favorite brands — Kelly Clarkson, Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines and Loloi.

The best aluminum polish of 2024

Aluminum polish is great for restoring and protecting metal surfaces. It can be used on wheels, exhaust tips, and other metal surfaces that need cleaning.

Best Wayfair Way Day kitchen deals: Save up to 75% on pro baker-approved knife sets, cookware and more

I spotted a Staub 4-piece baker set for a low $50, a KitchenAid 12-piece knife block set for only $53 and so much more.

'Better than my Beautyrest': This cooling memory foam pillow is just $20 at Wayfair's Way Day sale — that's 80% off

So long, night sweats! Score the pillow that more than 16,000 five-star reviewers can't stop gushing about.

Mother's Day gold: 'Festive' solar torch lights to make her garden glow — save 40%

Get eight of these flickering-flame beauties for $30 and 'make spring/summer a little more fun.'

And just like that - Sarah Jessica Parker's favorite anti-aging serum is only $27 at Amazon

More than 6,000 shoppers give this treatment five stars: 'Leaves my mature skin noticeably smoother and brighter than other products.'

What is a cabin steward on a cruise? Learn about the people who keep your room clean

One of the best parts of a cruise is that you don't have to worry about dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing or otherwise lifting a finger to clean during your vacation. That's due, in large part, to your room steward, also known as a cabin steward or cabin attendant. These cruise line employees make sure your cabin stays tidy throughout your sailing.

What else should you know about your cruise cabin steward? In this piece, I'll lay out their duties, what you can (and can't) ask them to do and what sets them apart from the folks who straighten up your room at a hotel or resort.

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

Room steward duties

In addition to cleaning and sanitizing your room and bathroom before you embark, your cabin steward is also responsible for tidying and cleaning your cabin during your cruise.

Many cruise lines offer twice-a-day service in each cabin. That means you can expect your room steward to come in sometime between breakfast and lunch to make up the beds, remove any used glasses or room service trays and provide fresh towels and toiletry refills when necessary.

They'll also pay visits to your stateroom at night, likely while you're at dinner, to provide turndown service, which sometimes includes treats like pillow chocolates and towel animals. On lines that still provide paper printouts, your steward's nightly duties will also include leaving copies of the next day's activity schedule, as well as dinner invitations, shore excursion tickets and flyers for events like art auctions and spa tours.

However, there are exceptions. Several major cruise lines — including Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line — have cut back to once-a-day room cleaning in order to trim costs. On those lines' ships, passengers can expect room straightening once per day.

If you don't want your cabin steward to enter your room, put the provided "do not disturb" magnet or hanging sign on your door. Some newer ships have buttons for you to push instead; these activate lights outside to tell the room steward you'd like some privacy. I do this when napping or getting ready for dinner.

As for their other tasks, room stewards are responsible for collecting clothing that passengers wish to have laundered, dry-cleaned or pressed (for a fee); restocking each cabin's minibar; and fielding requests for things like extra bedding or hangers.

What a cabin steward can (and can't) do for you

Keep in mind that a room steward is not a butler. While they can refill your ice bucket, show you how to work your TV and climate control, provide you with child-size life jackets and fold the pajamas you left strewn around the room when you ventured out for morning trivia, they won't be able to honor specific requests outside the scope of keeping your room spotless.

Here's some of what you can expect your cabin attendant to do:

• Introduce themselves to you on the first day or two of the sailing
• Deliver your checked luggage to your room after you board the ship
• Remove dirty dishes, cups and room service items from your cabin
• Straighten up and tidy your room (vacuum, wipe up spills, fix beds and generally organize)
• Remove dirty towels and provide new ones
• Change your bedsheets (if requested)
• Set up sleeping arrangements (splitting beds, combining beds and pulling down bunks)
• Refill complimentary shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and lotion
• Restock tissues and toilet paper
• Deliver daily schedules and other paper announcements
• Answer general questions or point you to the person who has answers if they don't
• Alert maintenance if something goes wrong with things like plumbing or electrical in your cabin

They won't be able to do the following:

• Answer questions related to your onboard bill
• Schedule shore excursions, dinner reservations or spa treatments for you
• Take room service orders
• Help you unpack or repack
• Offer assistive services if you have mobility issues
• Babysit your kids
• Hang out with you during your cruise
• Show you the crew quarters

To address the first few items on the second list, you'll have to call guest services, the shore excursions desk or the spa from your cabin, or visit in person. Sometimes, you can also make these reservations on your cruise line's mobile app . If you're booked in an expensive suite that includes the services of a concierge , you'll have the option to book through them as well.

For room service , you'll have to call your ship's dedicated room service number, which is often noted on your cabin's phone. For help packing and unpacking, employ the services of a butler if you're staying in high-level accommodations. Otherwise, you're on your own.

How room stewards differ from hotel housekeepers

Although a cruise cabin steward is similar to a housekeeper who would service your room at a hotel, there's one major difference: You're likely to actually meet your room steward and, possibly, even get to know them. They will almost always knock on your door on embarkation day to introduce themselves and their team (if they aren't working alone), explain the particulars of your room and ask if there's anything you need.

It's also common for them to greet you by name when they pass you in the hallway and ask about your day.

In addition to knowing your name and the names of those traveling with you, cabin attendants have a tremendous knack for remembering special requests. Would you like a daily refill of your ice bucket? Do you prefer only one pillow chocolate instead of two? Do you want a printed copy of the daily schedule even though your cruise line only offers them on request? Do you need four washcloths instead of two? Ask your room steward.

Service on a cruise is far more personalized than what you'll receive at a standard hotel. For that reason, it's customary (except on luxury cruises where gratuities are included) to tip your room steward for a job well done. Most cruise lines charge a per-passenger daily service fee that covers the cost, but many passengers choose to leave extra in cash at the end of their sailing if they feel their cabin attendant has gone above and beyond.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Princess Cruises is taking a page out of the ultra-luxury cruise industry with new all-inclusive, $3,000 cabins

• Princess Cruises says its new Sun Princess and upcoming Star Princess will have all-inclusive cabins.
• Guests who've booked the new Sanctuary Collection category would get an inclusive package and private lounge.
• It's a move that could appeal to ultra-luxury cruisers .

If you want to go on an all-inclusive vacation at sea, you no longer need to book an ultra-luxury, ultra-expensive cruise line .

Just sail on Princess Cruises' new ship instead.

In October, Princess says its two-month-old Sun Princess will debut in the US with the company's first-ever Sanctuary Collection, an adult-only lounge exclusive to guests who've booked one of the collection's high-end cabins. These luxurious accommodations comprise 10% of the ship's 2,157 staterooms, including all its suites.

But the Sanctuary's biggest perk arguably isn't the lounge's private pool and restaurant — it's the all-inclusiveness , a rarity among mass-market cruise lines.

It's the Carnival Corp. brand's latest appeal to ultra-luxury cruisers

Mass-market cruise lines like Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian typically follow the " budget airline " strategy: charge a cheap base fare and offer plenty of irresistible up-charged amenities (like specialty restaurants, as is the case of Sun Princess).

It's a stark contrast to the high-end cruise industry, where all-inclusivity is often considered the standard.

For example, luxury cruise line Explora Journey's fare includes alcoholic beverages, WiFi, and access to the spa — amenities that would typically cost extra on ships like Sun Princess. On Regent Seven Seas , all this, plus excursions, pre-cruise hotels, and roundtrip flights are also included in the cost to sail.

Over the last few years, Princess has begun following in these high-end cruise lines' foosteps.

In 2022, it launched Princess Premier, an optional inclusive package covering amenities like WiFi, drinks, some upcharged restaurants, and workout classes. It's the same package Sanctuary Collection guests would get, along with the private restaurant and adult-only lounge with cabanas, a pool, and private events.

The exclusive lounge concept is nothing new. Royal Caribbean's two largest cruise liners have a "neighborhood" exclusive to suite guests. The same applies to Norwegian, Celebrity, and MSC Cruises' vessels.

However, while these competing retreats offer perks like drink packages, WiFi, or private restaurants, none are as "inclusive" as Princess'.

In 2024, Sun Princess' Sanctuary cabins start at more than $3,000 per person for a weeklong Caribbean cruise in mid-December. To compare, the cheapest interior cabin for the same itinerary starts shy of $700 per person.

The cruise line says its next ship, Star Princess, which will debut in late September 2025, will also carry the Sanctuary Collection.

Following in the footsteps of high-end, all-inclusive cruise lines could be a wise decision for Princess. These luxury vacations at sea have become increasingly popular as travelers continue to spend big on their trips.

Like Princess, expedition cruise company HX recently shifted to an all-inclusive model as well.

Back on dry land, hotel giants like Hyatt and Marriott have also seen a boom in these "everything free" resorts .

Apparently, every vacationer — whether on water or solid ground — just wants one thing: stress-free poolside lounging with bottomless drinks.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.