Princess Adds Casual Dining and More to Plus and Premier Packages, New Charges for Standard Cruisers

Princess Cruises has upgraded its Princess Plus and Princess Premium packages; Princess Standard guests will now pay for several amenities.

In a move sure to be controversial to many Princess cruisers, the brand has announced that the Princess Plus and Princess premium cruise packages will now include more options at no additional cost, including casual dining, OceanNow delivery service, room service delivery, and express Green Lane embarkation.

However, the changes that the cruise line announced in a press release mean that cruisers booked on Princess Standard fares will now have to pay extra for many perks that were previously free.

Free casual dining options for Princess Plus and Premier

On voyages embarking August 12, 2023 and beyond, guests with the Plus or Premier packages will enjoy complimentary prix fixe dining options in the ship’s casual restaurants, including Vines, Salty Dog Pub, O’Malleys, Ocean Terrace, Planks, Steamers, Alfredo’s, and GiGi’s.

The addition of new three-course set menus will give Plus and Premier guests more food options than ever before without any extra charges.

For cruisers sailing on Princess Standard, the casual prix fixe dining will be $14.99, and individual selections will continue with à la carte pricing.

Princess guests with the Plus or Premier packages will enjoy complimentary prix fixe dining options in the ship’s casual restaurants, including Steamers (pictured above; image courtesy of Princess Cruises)

All guests can continue to enjoy several culinary options at no additional charge. Complimentary dining options for all guests include multi-course meals in all main dining rooms, buffet-style meals at World Fresh Market and Horizons Court, treats at the International Café, poolside offerings at Slice, Coffee & Cones, and more. Traditional room service breakfast will also be available at no charge using the classic door hanger menus.

“Great food is fundamental to the Princess Cruises experience,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “By incorporating our casual dining experiences into the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, guests can now indulge in more memorable meals tailored to their dining style preferences without hesitation, all while enjoying unparalleled value.”

Access to Princess’ OceanNow Service

Princess’ on-demand, location-based delivery service—known as OceanNow, will now come with a one-time activation fee of $14.99 per guest, per voyage, for those sailing on a Princess Standard fare.

However, the OceanNow access fee will be waived for all guests sailing on Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages.

Complimentary Room Service Delivery

Going forward, both Princess Plus and Princess Premier guests will have the option to order room service meals and snacks at no additional cost.

“We take great pride in pampering our guests with friendly service and exceeding their expectations. By offering the OceanNow Service and Room Service without any additional fees to Princess Plus and Princess Premier guests, we aim to elevate their journey to an unparalleled level of comfort, indulgence and value,” said Sami Kohen, VP of food and beverage for Princess.

Princess Plus and Princess Premier guests will have the option to order room service meals and snacks at no additional cost (image courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Princess Standard guests will be charged a $5 per delivery room service charge, with the exception of breakfast items ordered via the hangtag.

OceanReady “Green Lane” will offer speedy boarding

The cruise line’s free MedallionClass App now boasts an enhanced OceanReady process. Guests can achieve express “Green Lane Status” by ensuring all travel information and documents are complete, and by opting for home delivery of the Princess Medallion before embarkation day.

Green Lane cruisers will be able to proceed directly to the ship with no lines or hassles.

Both Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages include complimentary Medallion at-home delivery. For guests on Princess Standard fares, a shipping fee of $10 per stateroom will be added for home delivery of Medallion or accessory orders.

Included perks for Princess Plus and Premier guests

According to the cruise line, Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages will now offer 70% or more in savings compared to purchasing items a la carte. Here’s what guests will be able to enjoy at no added cost with each package:

Princess Plus perks

For $60 per person per day, Princess Plus now includes the following, saving guests up to $668 on a 7-Day cruise:

Plus Beverage Package (covering drinks up to $15, specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water, as well as 25 percent off bottles of wine)
NEW! Unlimited MedallionNet 2.0 with Fleetwide Starlink and 5G for a single device
Daily crew appreciation (e.g., gratuities)
NEW! Two prix fixe meals at any casual dining location per voyage
NEW! Free OceanNow Delivery Service Activation
NEW! Complimentary Room Service
NEW! “Green Lane” Express Boarding (Free Medallion device delivery included)
Two boutique fitness classes per voyage (e.g., Pure Barre, YogaSix, StretchLab)
Two premium crafted desserts per day
Unlimited premium fresh juices

Princess Premier perks

For $80 per person per day, Princess Premier offers the most inclusions.

Premier Beverage Package (covering drinks up to $20, champagne by the glass, specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water, as well as 25 percent off bottles of wine)
NEW! Unlimited MedallionNet 2.0 with Fleetwide Starlink and 5G for up to 4 devices
Daily crew appreciation (gratuities)
Two nights of specialty dining
NEW! Unlimited prix fixe meals at any casual dining location
NEW! Free OceanNow Delivery Service Activation
NEW! Complimentary Room Service
NEW! “Green Lane” Express Boarding (Free Medallion device delivery included)
Reserved seating in the Princess Theater
Unlimited boutique fitness classes per voyage (e.g., Pure Barre, YogaSix, StretchLab)
Unlimited premium crafted desserts
Unlimited premium fresh juices
Unlimited Digital Photo package / Princess Prizes
Complimentary Medallion accessory

More news about Princess Cruises

What do you think about the changes Princess Cruises is making to Princess Plus and Princess Premium? If you usually book Princess Standard fares, what are your thoughts about the new upcharges? Let me know in the comments below!

Author
Recent Posts

Carrie Ann Karstunen

Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Latest posts by Carrie Ann Karstunen (see all)