Princess Plus vs. Premier: Which Upgrade is Worth It Now?

[@cruisingwithkristie]

Which package is right for you? Let us know below and if you enjoy this video, click this link to subscribe www.youtube.com/@cruisingwithkristie?sub_confirmation=1

[@PeggyLinabary]

Taking our first cruise next summer. We got the premier pkg. I don't drink alcohol but I drink a ton of water. I'm looking forward to the specialty dining and the wifi!

[@cruisingwithkristie]

It is so nice to have the package. You don’t have to worry about a thing. You will ❤ it!

[@savannahnalls2099]

Most cruise ships allow you to bring 24package of water I think.

[@cruisingwithkristie]

Each cruise line has its own policies. Here is what Princess’s website says. A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought on board on embarkation day, only if carried on in Guests’ hand luggage (not in checked luggage). A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person.

[@PeggyLinabary]

@@cruisingwithkristie I'll be drinking a LOT of bottled water. I also love my lattes and teas! My hubby can have the alcohol! 🤣😇

[@teresah5318]

Nice explanation. We usually get the Plus because we get a decent amount of OBC to cover a couple of specialty dinners for a 14-day cruise. In 2026 we will be doing a 54-day cruise and have decided to get the Premier because the amount of OBC is not as much as our shorter cruise and won't cover very much. I remember when this all started, and it was a very basic plan. It was $40 a day for internet (not too fast internet), 15 alcoholic drinks, unlimited non alcoholics drinks and crew gratuities. Loved it then and love it even more now. This is a vacation to not worry about all the extra charges. Heck, I remember having to look at the folio every morning to make sure we weren't overspending, now I don't worry at all.

[@cruisingwithkristie]

Wow! 54 days. That sounds amazing. Thank you for watching and sharing. Sounds like you are a Princess Fan! 😊

[@cruisingwithkristie]

You are right! You can sail without spending an extra cent. These packages are for cruisers who want the extras of alcoholic beverages, soda, specialty coffees, WiFi and other perks the extra $$ can bring. Where are you considering sailing from/to?

[@karenhenderson5726]

I can understand why people choose to add these but we don’t drink alcohol and I basically drink black coffee and water. Also, because we are platinum level, we get Wi-Fi for 1/2 price. Not interested in specialty dining or any other offers so the basic package works best for us. Good idea to figure out what you like, crunch numbers and decide what works best for each individual. 😊

[@cruisingwithkristie]

Hi Karen. I agree with everything you said. Unless you drink and have to pay full price for wi Fi then really the packages don’t make sense. I always think twice and three times before adding to my cart. Thank you for sharing your experience. 😊

[@ezaxis]

Premier at $90 is the best bargain on the seas. Internet, gratuities, drinks, and dining are worth it, and they add in other perks. Royal wants $85 a day just for drinks, not including Starbucks. Also, I just like knowing that I won't be nickeled and dimed as I decide what I want. I am happy to hear that they are adding Premier to the Sanctuary collection. That is how a suite should be enjoyed, no limits.

[@cruisingwithkristie]

I do love how Princess gives so much value in their packaged. Thank you for watching and commenting. 😀

[@ezaxis]

@@cruisingwithkristie We are not big drinkers and we did not spend every waking moment trying to get every penny out of our Premier package. This was a splurge cruise for our 40th anniversary and I just wanted to never worry about up charges. Between Premier, booking a suite and our Platinum status, my goal was never to be outside a fence looking in, if that makes any sense. I wanted all the perks, even if I didn't use them all. Again, this was a special occasion. Thanks for your videos.

[@cruisingwithkristie]

@@ezaxisI DO get it. That is how I felt about our son and his fiancé having a package and we didn’t. We aren’t big drinkers either and I AVOID buffets because unfortunately for me, I DO want to get everything out of the package. (Except the unlimited fitness classes 😂🤣). Thanks again for checking my videos out!

[@RENEEHOFFMAN-y8n]

I think that I would need the same package as you. When do you have to sign up for the package you want? Can you upgrade in the middle of the cruise?

[@cruisingwithkristie]

You can purchase once onboard, but you have to buy for every day. There is no pro rate for less days. Such a good question. Thanks for asking. 😊.

[@aprilrichards8343]

I like to do 1 or 2 of the fitness classes a day. I also enjoy specialty dinners, bottled water, specialty coffee and martinis. The premier package is worth it to me. I have a 14 day next year and booked several specialty meals, but also several MDR. I can see people getting bored with specialty dinners, especially on ships that only have a couple specialty restaurants.

[@cruisingwithkristie]

I’m impressed with your dedication to your fitness. I can definitely take a page from your book. Thank you for watching and commenting. Where are you sailing g and on what ship? 🚢 🛳️ 😊

[@aprilrichards8343]

@@cruisingwithkristie I am doing 14 days in Europe to 5 cities then a Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Athens. I cannot wait. As a woman over 50, I really feel that yoga helps with my joints and back. If I am feeling energetic a spin class too and barre classes make me feel good (after they are over). I also like Princess’ Zumba classes in the piazza.

[@cruisingwithkristie]

⁠that sounds AMAZING!! I’ve tried yoga, but could definitely benefit from starting again. Have a great vacation. 😊🧘

[@FangFan-q9r]

Do you have experience using the app onboard without wifi to message others? We have a large group and wonder about communicating with everyone. Thanks Kristie for another helpful video!

[@cruisingwithkristie]

Yes I have. With the MedallionNet technology, you can still communicate with them through the app AND you can even locate where they are on the ship if they have the locate feature activated. It was GREAT! I do have to say that having the ability to text WAS better for those that had WiFi because you didn't have to go through the app to get the messages, but if you do not have the package, then you can still be in contact. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@larryfinkel4102]

I love Princess Plus. I don't care about photos or desserts. I workout at the gym everyday so I am good with 2 fitness classes

[@cruisingwithkristie]

I agree with you. For me the plus is enough with crew gratuities, wi Fi and the drink package. Everything else is gravy. 🛳️🚢😎. Thanks for watching.

[@ezaxis]

I think most cruise-tubers use the terms 'wifi' and 'internet' interchangeably. First time cruisers should know local wifi is free. They charge for internet access. If you are not using the internet, you can still use the Princess app to check activities, make reservations, etc.

[@cruisingwithkristie]

Thank you for clarifying. I missed sharing that information in this video and it is important. I love the MedallionNet technology on the ships. Do you too?

[@ezaxis]

@@cruisingwithkristie I just sailed on Sun Princess last month. My last sailing was 2017 on Regal a week before she got Medallion. (2017). I thought it would be a neat gadget, but I underestimated how cool and convenient it was. And it is still a Princess exclusive feature as far as I know. The internet access on Sun was very good. It does not do great in bad weather, but for crying out loud, IT IS GOING TO SPACE AND BACK. lol. We were impressed. Our first sailing was in 2003 on the last ship called Sun Princess. The evolution of the ships is amazing. (We have also been on Crown, Ruby {inaugural season}, Sapphire, and Regal.) It feels like Princess reads the after cruise surveys and acts on them. Let me know if you want to hear more about my thoughts on the new Sun. (Spoiler: we liked it very much.)

[@lolaz1936]

Still so hard to decide. I am taking my college age granddaughter and neither of us drink and although we would have a couple mocktails and sodas a day, I don't think it would be worth it for the drinks.. However... both of us are real foodies and I know we would like to have at least 5 out of the 10 days with Specialty dining in addition to the casual dining. I am looking at the Majestic Princess for 10 days. She might like the gym class and I should.. although not so much.

[@cruisingwithkristie]

Majestic Princess has a lot of good specialty dining options. With gratuities, wi Fi and the meal options, I can see why you are leaning that way. A cruise with a granddaughter seems like one to splurge on. 😀🚢🛳️

[@bartwhiteman9875]

Excellent video, but has anybody had any experience to see if the unlimited specialty dining has become a problem in terms of getting reservations because more people are doing it?

[@cruisingwithkristie]

Thanks a great question! Thanks for asking it. I’m going on Discovery Princess in a few weeks; I’ll go to all the restaurants and see what they have for reservations.

[@dmills7375]

I suspect most people get the plus rather than the premier. The premier of course doesn’t have the speciality dining.

[@cruisingwithkristie]

@@dmills7375​​⁠princess plus is more popular, but if you enjoy specialty dining it unlimited with Premiere. 😊

[@dmills7375]

@@cruisingwithkristie that’s what I meant. I misspoke when I said the Premier doesn’t have speciality dining. 🙂

[@cruisingwithkristie]

@@dmills7375​​⁠got it! Merry Christmas. 🎄🎁

[@robertabeyers3371]

My guess is if you don’t do the premium you will not be able to get in to the specialty restaurants.

[@cruisingwithkristie]

That is possible or that you will just get an undesirable time. I would try to book as soon as reservations open on the app. 😊. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Sorry for my ignorance. But isnt food, water, juices, coffee, tea, and sodas included in the price of the cruise? 😮😳🤔💰 We are not really cruise people. But are looking at repositioning cruises when we begin our slow 🐌 traveling the world 🌎 journey.

[@cruisingwithkristie]

You can eat plenty of options without paying a dime; the main dining room, buffet, poolside venues, and the international cafe. Regular Coffee and tea are complimentary throughout the day, juice too but usually only at breakfast. Sodas are not included.

[@mollyhaun1447]

I’m team princess plus, I definitely don’t need unlimited drinks. 😂

[@cruisingwithkristie]

Same here! And, I like getting to know the wait staff in the main dining room. So, really, unlimited specialty dining does not appeal either. 😊. But 15 drinks, wi Fi, and few gratuities; bring it! 😊. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@FangFan-q9r]

Don’t need the willpower strain, going Plus!

[@cruisingwithkristie]

I tend to agree. Having access to more would make me want to take advantage of more. And, more drinks and premium desserts would definitely present a challenge for me. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@kodykuehnast6639]

What will you be choosing for your next Princess cruise @cruising with Kristie?

[@cruisingwithkristie]

Good question. For me, Princess Plus is all I need with its WIFi, crew gratuities, and drink package, not to mention all the other perks. I personally find the food in the main dining room to be delicious and prefer going to the same dining room with the same wait staff daily. Truly they enhance the cruising experience, so unlimited specialty dining does not entice me. How about you?😊

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