Planning a cruise is all about leaving your worries at the pier, and for many of us, that starts with a cold drink in hand. Princess Cruises offers a few ways to handle your “thirst” while at sea, mostly bundled into their Plus and Premier packages. These aren’t just about the alcohol; they cover everything from your morning latte to that late-night bottled water. Whether you’re someone who just wants a steady flow of soda or a connoisseur looking for top-shelf spirits, picking the right tier can save you a mountain of stress (and money) on your final bill.

Princess Cruises Drinks Packages Explained

When you’re standing on the deck of a Princess ship, the last thing you want to do is mental math every time you’re thirsty. For 2026, the drink packages are still the most popular “extra,” mostly because they turn a confusing a la carte menu into a stress-free experience. The Plus package remains the go-to for many, offering a safety net of 15 alcoholic drinks (up to $15 each) and, thankfully, unlimited specialty coffees and sodas that no longer eat into that 15-count.

If you’re someone who appreciates the finer things think top-shelf Scotch or a $20 craft cocktail the Premier package is your best friend. It removes the “15-drink cap” entirely and includes unlimited premium pours. Beyond the booze, both packages now bundle in things like Wi-Fi and crew tips, which honestly makes the “standard” fare feel a bit like a chore. Whether you’re a latte lover or a wine enthusiast, these tiers let you focus on the horizon instead of your folio.

What Drink Packages Does Princess Cruises Offer?

Princess Cruises makes it easy by offering a few distinct tiers, so you aren’t stuck paying for what you don’t use. Most people go for the Plus or Premier packages because they bundle your drinks with Wi-Fi and tips, which usually saves a ton of money. If you aren’t into alcohol, there are also dedicated “dry” packages for sodas and specialty coffees. It’s all about choosing how “all-inclusive” you want your vacation to feel before you even step on board.

The Main Options for 2026:

• Princess Plus: The most popular choice. Covers 15 alcoholic drinks per day (up to $15 each) plus unlimited specialty coffee and soda.
• Princess Premier: The “no limits” option. Includes unlimited alcoholic drinks (up to $20 each) and covers high-end spirits and craft cocktails.
• Zero-Alcohol Package: Perfect for coffee and mocktail lovers. Includes premium teas, energy drinks, and smoothies.
• Classic Soda Package: A simple, budget-friendly pick for unlimited fountain soda, fruit juices, and mocktails.

Do Princess Cruises Have Drink Packages?

Yes, Princess Cruises definitely offers drink packages, and they are actually some of the best values at sea because they bundle in things like Wi-Fi and tips. Most people choose the Princess Plus or Princess Premier tiers. Plus gives you a 15-drink daily limit for alcohol and unlimited specialty coffees, while Premier goes all-out with unlimited everything and higher-priced “top-shelf” labels. If you aren’t a big drinker, you can also grab a “Zero-Alcohol” or “Classic Soda” package to keep the lattes and sodas flowing without the booze.

How Much Is a Drinks Package on Princess Cruises?

The cost of a drink package on Princess Cruises mostly depends on whether you’re looking for a simple beverage fix or a full “all-inclusive” experience. For 2026, the popular Princess Plus package is priced at $65 per day, while the high-end Princess Premier sits at $100 per day. Keep in mind that if you’re sailing on the newer “Sphere Class” ships like the Sun or Star Princess, those prices bump up slightly to $70 and $105, respectively. If you wait until you’re actually standing on the ship to buy them, expect to pay an extra $5 per day on top of those rates.

2026 Daily Pricing Breakdown:

• Princess Plus: $65/day (Pre-cruise) | $70/day (Onboard)
• Princess Premier: $100/day (Pre-cruise) | $105/day (Onboard)
• Zero-Alcohol Package: ~$30/day (plus 18% service charge)
• Classic Soda Package: ~$15/day (plus 18% service charge)

How Much Are the Drinks on Princess Cruises?

If you decide to skip the package and pay as you go, the prices are pretty standard for a high-end resort. For 2026, you can expect most domestic beers to sit around $7 to $8, while a decent glass of wine usually starts at $11 or $12. Cocktails are where it varies the most; your classic margaritas or mojitos generally fall in the $12 to $14 range, but if you’re eyeing a fancy espresso martini or a top-shelf pour, you’ll easily hit that $20 mark. Don’t forget that Princess adds a mandatory 18% service charge to every single drink you order individually.

Even the non-alcoholic stuff adds up quickly if you aren’t careful. A specialty latte or a Red Bull will cost you about $5, and even a simple bottle of water or a soda is around $3 or $4. When you factor in that 18% tip on every round, you can see why many people just grab the Plus package to avoid the “sticker shock” at the end of the week.

How To Buy a Princess Cruises Drinks Package?

Getting your drink package sorted is actually pretty straightforward, but timing is everything if you want to avoid extra fees. Most people handle it through the Princess Cruises app or the “Manage Booking” section on their website. The big thing to remember is the four-day rule: if you buy it at least 96 hours before you set sail, you lock in the lower “pre-cruise” price. If you miss that window, don’t sweat it you can still buy a package once you’re on the ship at any bar or from the staff members hovering near the atrium on embarkation day, though it will cost you about $5 more per day.

Quick Ways to Purchase:

• The App: Use the Princess MedallionClass app to add a package under the “Cruiseify” or “Order” sections.
• Online: Log into your account on the Princess website and look for the “Beverage Packages” tab.
• Onboard: Visit any bar or the dedicated tables set up in the Piazza (the main hub) on your first day.
• Travel Agent: If you booked through a pro, they can usually add the package to your invoice for you.

Are Drinks Packages on Princess Cruises Worth It?

Deciding if a Princess drink package is “worth it” in 2026 really depends on your daily rhythm. If you’re a “two coffees and three cocktails” kind of person, the Princess Plus package at $65 usually pays for itself. When you factor in the $17–$18 daily crew tips and the $20-ish for Wi-Fi both of which are included you’re only effectively paying about $25–$30 for your drinks. Since a single cocktail with the mandatory 18% tip now pushes $15, you only need to grab two or three “real” drinks to break even.

However, the math flips if you aren’t a tech user or if you prefer to bring your own soda and wine (Princess still allows some carry-on). For light drinkers who skip specialty lattes, paying a la carte is often cheaper. The Premier package at $100 is a bigger leap; it’s only a win if you’re a foodie who wants unlimited specialty dining and top-shelf labels that usually cost $20 a glass. Ultimately, the “value” isn’t just the math it’s the relief of walking off the ship with a $0 balance on your door.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a Princess Cruises drink package is less about the alcohol and more about the “all-inclusive” peace of mind. By 2026, these bundles are travel essentials, covering your Wi-Fi, tips, and even shore excursion credits in higher tiers. While the upfront cost of $65 or $100 per day might seem steep, the alternative facing a massive itemized bill full of $14 cocktails and $5 lattes is usually much more painful. If you value a stress-free exit where your final balance is zero, locking in a package before you sail is easily the smartest move you can make.

FAQ

Q.1 What Is The $100 Charged By Princess Cruises?

Ans: The $100 charge from  Princess Cruises is typically a temporary authorization hold (pending charge) to verify your card’s validity and cover initial onboard spending.

Q.2 How Many Drinks To Make A Cheers Package Worth It?

Ans: 15 is the maximum number of alcoholic drinks you are allowed per day (with or without CHEERS). Nonalcoholic drinks are unlimited & dont count toward your 15.

Q.3 Can I Refuse To Pay Gratuities On Princess Cruises?

Ans: Yes, you can refuse or adjust the daily automatic gratuities (Crew Appreciation) on Princess Cruises, but it must be done through Guest Services while onboard, generally before the final night.

Q.4 Can Two People Use One Drink Package On A Cruise?

Ans: No. As this is a personal package, only one beverage per guest will be served. Packages can be purchased by individual guests.

Also Read: Princess Cruises Cancellation Policy: Fees & Refund Rules