Is it worth buying a drink package on Princess Cruises?

One of the biggest questions many cruisers ask while planning their trip is simple: is Princess drink package worth it? With so many dining and entertainment options on board, it’s easy for bar costs and onboard spending to add up quickly. That’s why Princess offers beverage plans designed to bundle your Princess drinks into a single, predictable daily charge.

But should you buy a Princess beverage package, or is it better to pay as you go? The answer depends on your drinking habits, your cruise budget, and how much you value convenience over strict cost control.

What does a Princess drink package include?

To understand drink package value, you first need a basic idea of what the packages usually cover. While exact inclusions can vary over time and by sailing, a typical beverage package can include:

• A range of alcoholic Princess drinks such as cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass up to a set price

• Non-alcoholic choices like soda, mocktails, specialty coffees, and teas

• Bottled water and sometimes other premium non-alcoholic beverages

The goal is to give you an “almost all-inclusive” feel for your onboard spending on beverages. Instead of looking at every bar check, you pay a fixed daily rate and enjoy what’s included within the package rules.

How to decide if Princess drink package is worth it

When you’re asking, “is Princess drink package worth it?”, you’re really asking whether the daily cost of the package is lower than what you would spend buying drinks individually.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

1. Estimate your daily consumption Consider how many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages you typically enjoy on a vacation day:

   • Morning specialty coffee or latte

   • Sodas or mocktails by the pool

   • Pre-dinner cocktail or glass of wine

   • Wine or beer with dinner

   • An after-dinner drink at a show or lounge

2. Assign a rough price per drink Even if you don’t know exact prices, imagine an approximate cost for cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, and soft drinks.

3. Compare with package cost Add your estimated daily spend and compare it with the daily price of the package offered on your sailing. If your total is close to or above the package cost, the value of Princess drink package becomes more compelling.

4. Factor in convenience Some guests love the freedom of not thinking about bar costs each time they order. That convenience is part of the package’s appeal and may help justify the price even if you just break even.

Pros of Princess drink package

If you’re wondering whether you’ll save money with Princess drink package, it helps to look at the advantages first.

1. Predictable cruise budget A key benefit is the ability to lock in a large portion of your cruise budget before you sail. You avoid surprise bar bills and know your main onboard spending on drinks is already covered.

2. Freedom to try different drinks With a package, you might feel more relaxed experimenting with different Princess drinks—from cocktails and mocktails to new coffees and wines—without worrying about individual prices.

3. Easy hydration and comfort If bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty coffees are included, it becomes easy to stay hydrated and comfortable all day. This can be especially valuable on hot sea days or active excursions.

4. Great for social travelers If you like having a drink at the pool, one before dinner, one with dinner, and another at a show, the package can be part of a sociable, relaxed onboard routine—often enhancing the perceived drink package value.

Cons of Princess drink package

To fully assess the pros and cons of Princess drink package, you also need to consider possible downsides.

1. You might not drink enough to break even If you’re a light drinker—maybe just one glass of wine at dinner and the occasional soda—the package might cost more than paying per drink, making the value of Princess drink package less attractive.

2. Fixed cost even on low-consumption days There will likely be days when you drink less—for example, early-morning excursions or port days where you spend most of your time on shore. You still pay the daily rate, even if you barely use the package.

3. Encouragement to “drink more to get value” Some guests feel compelled to order extra Princess drinks just to justify the cost. This can push you beyond your usual comfort level and doesn’t always align with a relaxed holiday mindset.

4. Package rules and limits Packages come with rules: one drink at a time, no sharing, daily limits, and per-drink price caps. If you tend to prefer premium drinks above the included limit, the actual bar costs may not drop as much as you expect.

Who benefits most from a Princess beverage package?

When considering should I buy Princess beverage package, think about your cruising style:

You may benefit the most if:

• You typically have several alcoholic beverages per day (for example, three or more)

• You love specialty coffees, sodas, mocktails, and bottled water as part of your routine

• You enjoy the feeling of “all included” Princess drinks without watching the bill

• You’re traveling on an itinerary with plenty of sea days and onboard time

You may not need a package if:

• You drink alcohol rarely or moderately (one drink a day or less)

• You prefer basic beverages like water, tea, and standard coffee

• You plan to spend long days in port and little time at the bars

• You’re keeping a tighter cruise budget and want full control over onboard spending

Strategies to save money with Princess drink package

If you’re leaning toward buying it and want to truly save money with Princess drink package, a bit of planning helps:

1. Use all the included options Take advantage of everything—coffee in the morning, sodas in the afternoon, and a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic Princess drinks throughout the day.

2. Avoid “wasted days” If possible, choose cruises where you’ll have a good balance of sea days and shorter port days, so you can reasonably use the package regularly.

3. Stay within the price cap Order drinks that fall under the package’s per-glass limit. That way you’re not constantly paying extra on top of your daily rate.

4. Hydrate with bottled water and soft drinks Use the package to stock up on water for excursions and stay refreshed, boosting the practical drink package value beyond just alcoholic beverages.

5. Watch for bundled offers Sometimes the package is part of a wider promotion that can improve the overall value of Princess drink package, especially when combined with Wi-Fi or dining perks.

Balancing cost vs experience

Ultimately, the question “is Princess drink package worth it?” isn’t only about arithmetic. It’s also about how you want your cruise to feel.

• If you love the idea of simply ordering what you want without thinking about every dollar, the package adds a sense of ease and “holiday mode” to your trip.

• If you’re more budget-conscious and don’t drink heavily, you might get more satisfaction from choosing individual Princess drinks and keeping bar costs low.

There’s no one right answer for everyone—but by honestly assessing your habits, you can make a choice that fits both your wallet and your vacation style.

FAQs about Princess drink package value

1. Is Princess drink package worth it for light drinkers?

For light drinkers, the value of Princess drink package is usually lower. If you only have one or two drinks per day, plus occasional soda or coffee, you may spend less by paying as you go rather than buying a package.

2. How can I know if I’ll save money with Princess drink package?

To save money with Princess drink package, estimate how many drinks you’ll have per day and multiply by average prices. If that total is close to or above the package cost, it might be worth it. If it’s much lower, paying per drink is often cheaper.

3. Does a drink package cover all Princess drinks on board?

Most packages cover a wide selection, but not every possible drink. Premium items above the price limit may not be fully included, and there are rules like per-glass caps, which affect overall drink package value.

4. Should I buy Princess beverage package before the cruise or onboard?

Sometimes pre-cruise offers can improve the drink package value with discounts or bundles. It’s often wise to check the price before sailing and compare it with onboard rates if you want the best deal.

5. What are the main pros and cons of Princess drink package?

Key pros include predictable cruise budget, convenience, and freedom to enjoy various beverages. Main cons involve paying for all days even when you drink less, possible overconsumption to “get value,” and package rules that limit sharing and certain high-end drinks—central to the pros and cons of Princess drink package decision.