Princess Cruises is set to increase the daily cost of its popular Plus and Premier add-on packages by $5 per person, effective October 13th, a move that has already prompted some cruise enthusiasts to reconsider their vacation plans. The Plus package will now cost $70 per day, and the Premier package will rise to $105 per day, with slightly higher rates of $75 and $110 respectively for sailings on the new Sun Princess and Star Princess vessels. These comprehensive packages bundle amenities like drink packages, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, casual dining, and room service, with the Premier package offering unlimited drinks up to $20 each, unrestricted dining, four-device Wi-Fi access, and shore excursion credits. The cruise line attributes the price adjustment to periodic reviews of pricing to reflect operating costs while maintaining value, emphasizing that the crew appreciation component directly benefits staff. Alongside these package increases, Princess Cruises is also revamping its Wi-Fi offerings, retiring its four-device tier and introducing a two-device option at $39.99 per day, while standalone daily Wi-Fi rates have also seen an increase. This pricing shift has ignited debate on social media, with many travelers expressing concerns that the higher costs may diminish the value proposition of the bundled packages, leading some to consider alternative cruise lines or a return to à la carte pricing for their future bookings. The company’s recent implementation of stricter booking policies, including higher deposits and earlier final payment deadlines for sailings from 2027 onwards, further adds to a changing landscape for potential passengers.
Adapted from: Travel News Today on Fox News
