
If you’re going on a Princess cruise, knowing what’s included and what’s not is important. Recently, Princess Cruises has made many changes to what’s included on their cruise ships, so it can be hard to keep up.
However, as someone who has taken three Princess cruises in the last year, I know first-hand what is included and is no longer included onboard.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or an experienced cruiser, knowing what’s included on a Princess cruise will help you budget for your next cruise vacation.
That said, here is everything that is included on a Princess cruise and what is not included. I also share information on the Princess Plus and Premiere packages and the brand-new sanctuary collection.
Princess Cruises: Cruise Line Overview
Princess Cruises has a long-standing reputation as a premium cruise line known for its quality inclusions and appeal to travelers ranging from families with children to well-traveled cruisers.
Traditionally, Princess Cruises attracts a more mature audience. However, its Sphere-Class is also increasingly popular with younger cruisers.
In recent years, Princess Cruises introduced the Princess Plus and Premiere bundles. These bundles allow cruise passengers to personalize and enhance their experience for a set price.
The Princess Medallion Experience
A unique feature of Princess Cruises is the Medallion technology, a small, wearable device that unlocks various services and conveniences. With the Medallion and its free app, you can locate family and friends on the ship, reserve dining and entertainment, and even order items at your location.
The Princess Medallion is included in your standard fare. Depending on the package you choose, the Medallion can either have it shipped to your house or you’ll receive it on embarkation day.
It’s important to note that some premium Medallion features are included in the Plus and Premier packages (more on those below).
What’s Included on Princess Cruises:
Here’s everything that’s included with your basic cruise fare on Princess Cruises:
Accommodations
Your cruise fare covers your basic accommodations. Whether you sail in an interior cabin, ocean view, balcony, mini-suite, or suite, all cabins come equipped with beds, a TV, a desk, a safe, and basic toiletries.
One of the standout features onboard Princess ships is the spacious open closet design. This cabin design is unique to Princess and offers a dedicated changing area.
It’s worth noting that the open closet design is no longer featured on Sphere Class cruise ships like Sun Princess and Star Princess. Instead, they feature a modern layout closer to what you’ll find on other major cruise lines.
Furthermore, when you sail with Princess, you’ll enjoy twice-a-day housekeeping, including turndown service.
Dining Options
Princess Cruises offers various dining options, from the main dining room to casual dining venues. Here are the included dining options:
Main Dining Room
The main dining room onboard Princess is great for a multi-course sit-down meal. Breakfast and dinner are served daily, while lunch is available on embarkation day.
Buffet
The buffet onboard Princess cruise ships is open most of the day and offers a wide range of food options. From local dishes to international favorites, it is a great casual dining venue to grab a bite.
Poolside Dining Venues
Princess Cruises offers poolside dining options such as delicious pizza (known for being the best at sea) and a poolside grill. This is great for those sea days when you want to enjoy a casual meal by the pool.
International Cafe
The International Cafe is a hidden gem onboard Princess cruise ships that many new cruisers aren’t aware of. It is a great complimentary dining venue to enjoy a light snack, a sandwich, pastries, or desserts.
The “Eatery”
The Eatery is a modern alternative to the traditional buffet restaurant, available onboard Sphere Class cruise ships. It features items like shawarma stations, tacos, salads, and even grab-and-go items.
Beverages
When you pay the basic fare for a Princess Cruise, your complimentary beverages include:
- Coffee, hot tea, and water.
- Basic fruit juices
- Iced tea and lemonade
Please note: Specialty coffees, juices, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase or through the drink package.
Kids Club
Princess Cruises offers a fun and engaging kids club called Camp Discovery, designed for children aged 3–17. It’s included in your cruise fare and provides age-appropriate activities in a safe and supervised environment.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the age groups:
The Treehouse (Ages 3–7)
The Lodge (Ages 8–12)
The Beach House (Ages 13–17)
As someone who grew up cruising with Princess, the kids club was always a highlight of my cruise vacation. The kids club was great for making new friends, participating in activities, and creating amazing memories.
Related: Cruise Ship Kids’ Clubs: Everything You Need to Know
Princess Medallion
When you sail with Princess Cruises, you will receive their signature Medallion. The Princess Medallion replaces the traditional cruise card and has many great features.
The Princess Medallion can do the following:
- Unlock your stateroom door
- Facilitate onboard purchases
- Order food and drinks to your location (with the purchase of Princess Plus or Premiere)
- Offers a “Find Your Shipmate” feature to locate friends and family onboard
The Princess Medallion is included with your cruise fare and comes with a complimentary lanyard. Optional accessories like bracelets and wristbands can be purchased at the onboard shops.
Activities and Entertainment
Princess Cruises includes a wide variety of activities and entertainment options suited for every type of cruise passenger. Here are the entertainment options included in your cruise fare:
Lido Deck
Relax by the pool on the beautiful lido deck. Complimentary deck chairs and towels are also available. This is a great place to unwind during a day at sea.
Sports Court
Enjoy basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and other organized games and activities on the sports court. Check your daily planner to see what activities occur in the sports court.
Mini Golf & Shuffleboard
Mini golf is available on most Princess cruise ships. Many Princess cruise ships also feature shuffleboard.
Production Shows, Guest Performances & Live Music
Princess Cruises offers amazing live production shows, comedy performances, magicians, game shows, and more. The production value is really good, and they are definetely worth checking out.
Movies Under the Stars
One of the activities Princess Cruises is known for is Movies Under the Stars. This is when cruise passengers can head up to the pool deck and watch a movie or live sports event on the big screen while relaxing on the lido deck.
Additional Activities
Additional activities and entertainment options on Princess Cruises include trivia, ice carving demonstrations, dance classes, Crew versus Passenger games, and more. These activities keep things fun, fresh, and exciting throughout the cruise.
Included Venues
Bars, lounges, theaters, and the main pool (including hot tubs) are included in your cruise fare. Most public spaces like the piazza, Explorers lounge, and the library are accessible to all Princess cruise passengers.
It’s worth noting that the Sanctuary pool onboard the Sphere Class is reserved for Sanctuary cruise passengers.
What’s Not Included on Princess Cruises:
Here’s everything that is not included with your basic cruise fare on Princess Cruises:
Specialty Dining
While the main dining rooms, casual dining venues, and buffet are included on Princess, specialty dining venues are an additional cost (unless you’ve purchased Princess Plus and Premiere).
Specialty dining options included Crown Grill, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, and The Catch by Rudi. These restaurants offer an elevated dining menu and enhanced service. However, the prices start at around $39 per passenger.
Furthermore, Alfredo’s Pizzeria (which was once included) now costs $15 per person for a preset 3-course meal.
Additionally, Princess Cruises offers Specialty Dining Experiences. 360: An Extraordinary Experience costs $149 per person, and Love by Britto costs $79 per person.
Related: From Art to Cuisine: Romero Britto’s “Love by Britto” Sets Sail with Princess Cruises
Beverage Package
While water, coffee, tea, and select juices are complimentary in the buffet, main dining rooms, and drink stations, other drinks are not. Here are the beverages that are not included if you do not purchase the Princess Cruises drink package.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Specialty coffees (lattes, cappuccinos, ice coffees)
- Smoothies and bottled water
- Fresh-squeezed juices and sodas
If you want to consume alcoholic beverages, you must purchase the Princess Plus or the Princess Premiere beverage package. Specialty beverages are also available for purchase à la carte.
Professional Photos
Princess offers professional photo services to capture your cruise memories. The photos you take onboard are available for purchase and can be printed or digitally downloaded.
Both photo packages and individual photos are available for purchase.
Shore Excursions
Exploring ports of call is a highlight of any cruise. However, excursions booked through Princess Cruises cost extra. Prices for shore excursions range based on the activity and the cruise port you’re visiting.
Often, the most popular shore excursions are booked in advance, so it’s best to plan your excursions before boarding.
It’s worth noting that some cruise passengers prefer to book shore excursions through trusted 3rd party shore excursion providers as they are cheaper and offer a wide range of experiences.
Spa Services and Salon
Services at the Lotus Spa, such as massages, facials, and hair treatments, are not included in your cruise fare. These treatments often cost a premium.
However, look out for discounts on port days.
The Sanctuary and Cabanas
The Sanctuary is Princess’s adult-only retreat. Cruise passengers can pay extra for access to this private area with private cabanas, hot tubs, comfortable seating, and private bar service.
Prices for The Sanctuary vary based on your itinerary and cruise. However, full-week, day, and half-day passes are typically available for purchase.
Fitness Classes
While the gym onboard a Princess cruise is included in the fare, fitness classes and personal training sessions are charged extra. Packages are included in the Princess Plus and Premiere bundles or can be purchased à la carte.
If you’re interested in doing a fitness class, there is a $30 additional charge per session.
On my recent cruise, I had the chance to do the CycleBar fitness class since it was included in the Princess Premiere package. Although it was a good workout, I would say that it is not worth the $30 cost.
However, if it’s included in your cruise package, it is worth trying the fitness class.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is not included in the standard cruise fare but can be purchased separately or as part of a Princess Plus or Princess Premier package. Princess offers MedallionNet, a fast and reliable internet connection powered by Starlink.
Internet access is charged per device and can be pricey without a package.
Related: Are Cruise Ship Wi-Fi Packages Worth it? My Experience
Room Service
Basic room service delivery costs $5 per order. However, room service is included if you have the Princess Plus or Premiere package.
Onboard Shops
Items from the onboard shops, art gallery, and duty-free are not included in your cruise fare. However, if you have onboard credit, you can use it to pay for these items.
Casino
Although entering the casino is free, guests playing the games must use their own money. For cruise guests who enjoy playing bingo, bingo sessions are available, with cards for purchase.
Gratuities
Daily gratuities (crew appreciation) are not included in the base fare and are automatically added to your onboard account unless you’ve prepaid.
The current rates on Princess are approximately:
- $17 per day for interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins
- $18 per day for mini-suites, Cabanas, and Reserve Collection
- $19 per day for suites
Please note: Gratuities are included when you purchase the Princess Plus and Premiere packages.
Medical Services
Visits to the onboard medical center for consultations, medications, or medical supplies are not included. Any medical services onboard a cruise ship are expensive without travel insurance.
Princess Plus and Premier Packages: Which is Right for You?
Princess Cruises offers two upgrade packages, Princess Plus and Princess Premier, that provide a bundle of amenities for an improved onboard experience.
Let’s explore each option to see which package best suits your travel style.
Princess Plus Package: Essential Upgrades for $60 a Day
The Princess Plus package is designed for cruisers who want a few extra perks without a large added expense.
Here’s what you’ll enjoy with the Princess Plus package:
Premium Beverage Package
With the Premium Beverage Package, you can enjoy a variety of drinks, from specialty coffees to cocktails, up to a $15 value per drink. This includes wine, beer, smoothies, and more.
This package also includes non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas.
Unlimited Wi-Fi for One Device
Stay connected with unlimited MedallionNet Wi-Fi access for one device. This allows you to keep up with social media, email, or stay in touch with loved ones at sea.
Related: 15 Cruise WiFi Tips, Secrets & Mistakes to Avoid
Daily Crew Appreciation (Gratuities)
Your daily gratuities for housekeeping, dining, and general service crew are fully covered, so you can relax knowing that tipping is taken care of.
Casual Specialty Dining: Two Meals per Cruise
Princess Plus includes two meals at casual specialty dining venues, allowing guests to experience flavors beyond the included dining venues. Casual specialty dining venues include Alfredo’s Pizza and O’Malley’s Irish Pub.
Premium Desserts: Two Treats per Day
If you have a sweet tooth, you can enjoy two premium desserts daily.
Complimentary Room Service and OceanNow Delivery
Enjoy room service or OceanNow delivery to any location on the ship without an extra charge. This perk is perfect for relaxing in your cabin or having a poolside snack delivered right to you.
Access to Two Fitness Classes
Stay active with access to two group fitness classes per cruise, including popular options like StretchLab and YogaSix.
When I sailed on Enchanted Princess, I had the chance to try StretchLab, which was amazing. Having tried other fitness classes on other cruise lines, I was impressed with the ones Princess offers, and they are an excellent option for cruisers looking to stay active throughout their vacation.
Princess Premier Package: The Ultimate All-Inclusive Experience for $90 a Day
If you want to elevate your cruise experience even more, the Princess Premier package offers top-tier amenities for just $90 a day.
Here’s a look at what’s included with Princess Premier:
Unlimited Premium Drinks up to $20
Enjoy unlimited drinks throughout the day, including cocktails, premium wines, and spirits valued at up to $20 each. With no daily drink limit, this package is perfect if you love to try new cocktails or pair fine wines with your meals.
Wi-Fi for Four Devices
Stay connected on multiple devices with unlimited Wi-Fi for up to four devices. Ideal for families or couples who want connectivity without swapping devices.
Crew Appreciation Fully Covered
Your daily gratuities are included, covering tips for housekeeping, dining, and general crew members throughout your trip.
Unlimited Specialty and Casual Dining
With Premier, you have unlimited access to specialty and casual dining venues, so you can explore all the culinary options without counting meals.
Unlimited Premium Desserts
Indulge in premium desserts whenever you want, perfect for those late-night sweet cravings or extra treats during the day.
Related: What Are Premier Desserts on Princess Cruises? Menu, Prices & Photos
Complimentary OceanNow and Room Service
With free room service and OceanNow delivery, you can order food and drinks to almost any spot on the ship. Whether you’re by the pool or relaxing in your room, this feature keeps the service at your fingertips.
Unlimited Fitness Classes
Premier package guests enjoy unlimited access to a variety of fitness classes, including Pure Barre, Yoga Six, and Stretch Lab. If you love working out on vacation, this is a great way to explore different fitness styles.
Reserved Theater Seating
Never worry about finding a good seat! The Premier package includes reserved seating at theater performances and shows, so you always have a prime spot for the best entertainment onboard.
Unlimited Professional Photos and Prints
With unlimited downloads of professional photos plus three physical prints per person, the Premier package is perfect for capturing those unforgettable moments at sea.
We recently did a multi-generational cruise, and the unlimited photo package was useful. It was so nice to receive three prints to keep as a memory of our memorable cruise vacation. Furthermore, the photos were easily downloadable, which makes the photo package a great added perk.
Princess Prizes
A fun addition exclusive to the Premier package, Princess Prizes offers games and experiences where you can win prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to your cruise.
Choosing the Right Package for Your Cruise
Both packages provide valuable amenities to make your cruise experience more enjoyable.
Princess Plus is perfect if you’re interested in extra perks like Wi-Fi and specialty dining but don’t need unlimited access to everything.
On the other hand, Princess Premier offers an all-inclusive experience, from premium drinks to reserved seating and unlimited fitness classes. This is ideal for cruise passengers who want to get onboard and not worry about extra charges.
Both packages offer amazing experiences, and they are of tremendous value. Deciding which is best for you depends on your budget and the perks that suit you best.
Sanctuary Collection
A recent addition to the Princess Cruises fleet is the all-new Sanctuary Collection. Featured on Princess Cruises Sphere-Class (Sun Princess & Star Princess), the Sanctuary Collection offers an elevated cruise experience.
When you book a Sanctuary Suite, Mini-Suite, or Balcony, you’ll have access to a private dining area, pool deck, top-tier service, and exclusive amenities.
Onboard Sun Princess, I had the chance to visit the Sanctuary pool and try the Sanctuary restaurant. I was impressed by the level of service and elegant vibe you get when you book the Sanctuary Collection.
Related & Popular Posts:
- 50 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
- 15 Cruise WiFi Tips, Secrets & Mistakes to Avoid
- 50 Cheap Cruise Travel Hacks You Need
- 60 Cruise Packing Tips & Hacks All Cruisers Need to Know
- Is Norwegian Cruise Line Worth It? Pros & Cons
- 30 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs
- Are Balcony Cabins Worth it on a Cruise? 10 Pros & 4 Cons
- 15 Best Inside Cruise Cabin Hacks & Tips
- Is a Thermal Spa Pass Worth it on a Cruise Ship?
Final Thoughts on What’s Included on a Princess Cruise
Princess Cruises offers plenty of value with its standard inclusions, and its Plus and Premier packages provide ways to personalize and enhance your cruise experience. With so much flexibility and options, a Princess cruise can be a great value vacation, or an all-inclusive experience.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
If you enjoy this post please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please feel free to share on Facebook or Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!
Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.