Starting July 22, 2025, Princess Cruises is rolling out refreshed Premier and Plus packages for sailings in 2026, and the updates could make bundled pricing more valuable for travelers who take full advantage of what’s included.
The headline change? Both packages now include added perks geared toward food and flexibility, while shore excursion credits are being introduced to the higher-tier Premier package for the first time.
Related: My Sun Princess cruise review — now sailing the Caribbean
Explore sailings on your favorite Princess ships:
What’s changing and what’s not
The Princess Premier Package, which previously cost $90 per person per day, will now run $100 per day for most ships and $105 per day on the new Sphere-class ships Sun Princess and Star Princess. The Plus Package increases from $60 - $65 per day (or $70 on Sphere-class ships).
Princess says these bundles still offer 50% - 70% savings over paying for items à la carte, but the value depends on how much you use.
New: Shore excursion credits for Premier guests
For cruisers who like to explore beyond the pier, the biggest update may be the shore excursion credits now baked into the Premier plan:
- $100 for sailings of 6 - 9 days
- $200 for 10 - 20 days
- $300 for sailings 21 days or longer
That means if you’re planning a 10-day Alaska cruise or a Mediterranean itinerary, you’ll already have $200 to put toward whale-watching in Juneau, a gondola ride in Venice, or a guided tour through Rome, without dipping into your onboard account.
This addition may tip the scales for travelers weighing shore excursions vs cruise line DIY tours, especially when factoring in Princess’ convenience and guarantee to get you back on board.
Casual dining gets a boost
Foodies may also find more to like in the updated packages. The Plus Package, which previously included two casual dining meals per cruise, now offers four. That means more chances to sample options like Alfredo’s Pizzeria, the Salty Dog Grill, or the World Fresh Marketplace without paying extra.
The Premier Package continues to include unlimited casual and specialty dining, giving guests freedom to rotate between steakhouses, sushi, Italian trattorias, and more, as often as they’d like.
Features removed from Plus Package
To balance the new additions, Princess has trimmed several lower-priority perks from the Plus Package, including:
- Premium desserts
- Juice bar access
- Medallion shipping
- Fitness classes
- Princess Prizes (onboard sweepstakes entries)
These cuts may not faze most cruisers, especially since desserts and juice are still available elsewhere on board. But if you loved racking up Medallion Prize entries or starting your day with a green juice at the gym, it’s worth noting.
What stays the same
Both packages still offer the benefits many guests rely on to keep cruise costs predictable:
| Feature | Plus Package | Premier Package |
|---|---|---|
| Beverage Package | Plus tier | Premier tier |
| Wi-Fi | 1 device | 4 devices |
| OceanNow & Room Service | Delivery fees waived | Delivery fees waived |
| Casual Dining | 4 meals per cruise | Unlimited |
| Specialty Dining | Not included | Unlimited |
| Crew Appreciation | Included | Included |
| Professional Photos | Not included | Unlimited digital downloads |
| Reserved Show Seating | Not included | Included |
| Shore Excursion Credit | Not included | $100–$300 (based on length) |
What this means for cruisers
If you’re the kind of traveler who uses onboard Wi-Fi, enjoys cocktails, likes the flexibility of dining around, and books shore excursions with the cruise line, these packages can still save you money, even with the slight price bump.
But if you cruise light, skipping excursions, paying per drink, or sticking with included meals, it might make sense to do the math before adding either package to your fare.
Booking early locks in pre-cruise pricing. If you’re planning a 2026 cruise and want the perks without the onboard markup, you’ll want to add your package before you sail. Pricing and availability may vary once onboard.
Is the new pricing worth it? Here’s our take
The latest changes to Princess’ Premier and Plus packages shift the focus toward what many cruisers value most: food, flexibility, and time ashore. For travelers who want a more all-in-one experience, the updates may be worth the extra few dollars a day, especially if you tend to book excursions or enjoy specialty dining.
Not sure which package fits your style or budget? Cruisebound makes it easy to compare cruise perks, pricing, and itineraries all in one place. Start your search and see how much value you can unlock on your next sailing.
