Princess Cruises Changes Pricing Model to Favor Early Birds

Princess has made a dramatic pricing change, along with introducing a new price guarantee program and lower fares for third and fourth guests.

Princess Cruises has disclosed a significant change in its pricing policy, guaranteeing that early birds get the best deals on cruise fares.

The announcement is a departure from the long-standing cruise industry model that usually offers price reductions closer to departure. The cruise line shared that prices for Princess’ 2024 and 2025 sailings are at their absolute lowest rates, and they will rise going forward.

The pricing policy change comes several months after the cruise line introduced a controversial change to its included amenities—a move that angered many cruisers who prefer to sail on Princess Standard fares.

“A Princess cruise vacation is the best value in travel, but with continuing increases in consumer demand our new pricing approach will always reward guests who lock in their Princess vacations well in advance,” said Terry Thorton, the brand’s chief commercial officer.

“Gone are the days of last-minute deep discounts close to departure dates. The best time to secure a spot on a 2024 or 2025 Princess cruise is right now,” Thornton continued in a press release.

Princess is incentivizing cruisers to book early with lower fares and a best price guarantee (image courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Princess Cruises introduces Best Price Guarantee

Along with the fare announcement, Princess is also introducing its Best Price Guarantee program. Princess Cruises promises to match any lower price found for the same voyage and cabin category.

If a cruiser hasn’t decided on which cruise to take, Princess Promotions will allow them to secure today’s pricing for a future vacation without locking in a specific date or itinerary.

Fare reductions for third and fourth guests

Princess has also announced lower fares for third and fourth guests sharing a stateroom, allowing families and friends traveling together to save money.

For example, four guests who choose to share a balcony stateroom on a 7-day Regal Princess Caribbean cruise departing on March 17 from Galveston can now book for as low as $600 on average per person—or $86 per person, per day (prices subject to change).

More news about Princess Cruises

What do you think about Princess Cruises’ new pricing model? Do you book cruises early or last minute? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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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

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