Princess Cruises Packages 2026: An Expert Review of the New Plus & Premier Upgrades
Attention, fellow cruisers! Get ready to mark your calendars because Princess Cruises just dropped some game-changing news that has the entire travel community buzzing. They’ve been listening to guest feedback, and the result is a significant upgrade to their popular Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages for all sailings starting in 2026. This isn’t just a minor tweak; we’re talking about substantial new benefits, including more dining options and, for the first time ever, a generous shore excursion credit. As a cruise expert, I’m here to break down exactly what these changes mean for you and help you decide which of the Princess Cruises packages offers the best value for your next unforgettable vacation.
Breaking Down the New 2026 Pricing
First, let’s talk numbers. One of the most impressive parts of this announcement is that Princess is adding significant value while keeping the pricing incredibly competitive. The goal is clear: to offer a more inclusive, hassle-free experience that provides outstanding value compared to purchasing everything à la carte.
Here are the daily, per-person rates for the updated packages:
- Princess Plus: £50 per person, per day
- Princess Premier: £75 per person, per day
For those sailing on the magnificent new Sphere Class ships, the Sun Princess and Star Princess, there’s a slight adjustment to reflect the enhanced onboard experience:
- Princess Plus (Sphere Class): £55 per person, per day
- Princess Premier (Sphere Class): £80 per person, per day
Now, let’s dive into the exciting new benefits that make these packages more compelling than ever.
Princess Premier Package: The Ultimate All-Inclusive Experience
The Princess Premier package has always been the top-tier choice for those who want the absolute best of everything. For 2026, it’s getting a massive upgrade that solidifies its status as the ultimate luxury option: a brand-new Shore Excursion Credit.
This is a true game-changer. For the first time, your all-inclusive package helps you explore the incredible destinations you visit. The credit is tiered based on the length of your cruise:
- $100 Credit Per Person: For voyages of 6 to 9 days.
- $200 Credit Per Person: For voyages of 10 to 20 days.
- $300 Credit Per Person: For voyages of 21 days or more.
Imagine using that credit to go whale watching in Alaska, explore ancient ruins in the Mediterranean, or zip-line through a Caribbean rainforest—all included in your package. This adds tangible, real-world value that extends beyond the ship.
Of course, the Premier package still includes its fantastic suite of premium benefits:
- Premier Beverage Package: The top-shelf drink package, including premium spirits, cocktails, wine, and specialty coffees.
- Unlimited Wi-Fi: For up to 4 devices per guest.
- Crew Appreciation: All daily gratuities are covered.
- Specialty Dining: Two specialty dining meals included per guest.
- Digital Photo Package: Unlimited digital photos taken by the ship’s professional photographers.
- Reserved Theater Seating: Premium seats for the spectacular production shows.
- Free OceanNow & Room Service Delivery: Enjoy service anywhere on the ship without delivery fees.
Expert Verdict: The new Princess Premier package is designed for the traveler who wants a truly seamless and luxurious vacation. If you hate signing checks onboard, love exploring in port, and want the best of everything from Wi-Fi to cocktails, the value proposition here is undeniable.
Princess Plus Package: The Perfect Balance of Value and Perks
The Princess Plus package has long been hailed as the “sweet spot” for many cruisers, offering an incredible bundle of popular amenities for a reasonable price. For 2026, Princess is making it even better by sweetening the deal for foodies.
The exciting new addition is two bonus casual dining meals per guest on every voyage. This brings the total to four complimentary casual dining experiences. These are perfect for enjoying a relaxed meal at places like Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Kai Sushi, or the Salty Dog Gastropub without ever seeing a bill.
This enhancement joins the already stellar lineup of inclusions:
- Plus Beverage Package: A fantastic selection of cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffees, and more.
- Unlimited Wi-Fi: For 1 device per guest.
- Crew Appreciation: All daily gratuities are covered.
- Free OceanNow & Room Service Delivery: The convenience of on-demand service without the fees.
Expert Verdict: The enhanced Princess Plus package reinforces its position as the best value for the majority of cruisers. It covers the big three—drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities—while adding more dining flexibility. It’s perfect for couples and families who want an inclusive feel without needing every single premium perk.
Princess Plus vs. Premier: A Head-to-Head Comparison
To help you visualize the difference, here’s a clear breakdown of what you get with each option compared to a standard, no-package cruise fare.
| Feature | Standard Fare (No Package) | Princess Plus | Princess Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Price (from) | £0 | £50 | £75 |
| Beverage Package | Pay-as-you-go | Plus Beverage Package | Premier Beverage Package |
| Wi-Fi | Pay-as-you-go | Unlimited (1 device) | Unlimited (4 devices) |
| Crew Appreciation (Gratuities) | Daily charge | Included | Included |
| Specialty Dining Meals | Pay-as-you-go | Not included | 2 per guest |
| Casual Dining Meals | 2 per guest | 4 per guest (NEW) | Unlimited |
| Shore Excursion Credit | Not included | Not included | Up to $300 per guest (NEW) |
| Digital Photo Package | Pay-per-photo | Not included | Included |
| Reserved Theater Seating | Not included | Not included | Included |
| OceanNow/Room Service Delivery | Delivery fee applies | Included | Included |
A Smart Shift in Value: Focusing on What Matters
To make room for high-value additions like the shore excursion credit and extra dining, Princess has strategically trimmed a few lesser-used perks. Items like the premium desserts, juice bar access, and specific fitness classes will no longer be part of the packages. This is a brilliant move. Instead of spreading the value thin across dozens of small items, Princess is concentrating it on the big-ticket amenities that guests truly want and use most. This means more value is packed into every dollar you spend on a package, ensuring you feel the benefit in a meaningful way.
The Final Verdict: Which Princess Cruises Package is Right for You?
With these exciting enhancements, choosing a package is easier than ever. Your decision comes down to your travel style:
- Go for Princess Plus if: You are a value-conscious traveler who wants the essentials covered. If drinks, basic Wi-Fi, and gratuities are your main priorities, and you appreciate extra dining options, this package is an unbeatable deal.
- Upgrade to Princess Premier if: You are seeking the ultimate, stress-free luxury experience. If you plan on booking shore excursions, want the best drinks, need Wi-Fi for the whole family, and love capturing memories with professional photos, the Premier package delivers exceptional value and convenience.
These fantastic new package benefits are available now for all bookings on 2026 sailings and beyond. Don’t wait to start planning your next great adventure!
Ready to explore the new packages? Visit the official Princess Cruises website to see the full details and find your perfect 2026 voyage today!
