Popular cruise line backtracks on major drinks packages change after backlash from passengers
Princess Cruises has backtracked after making major changes to its Plus and Premier drinks packages after cruise goers made one key complaint.
Earlier this week, the popular cruise line announced a price hike in its onboard packages as well as a couple of improved perks, but it wasn't until some passengers started going through the fine print that they realised something was amiss.
From 2026, the Princess Plus Package will go up by $5 a day and the Princess Premier Package will go up by $10 per day, the cruise line announced, but there are added benefits.
The Premier Package now includes a new shore excursion credit, which can be applied toward port tours. It also continues to offer its usual perks, such as the Premier Beverage Package unlimited casual and specialty dining, wifi for up to four devices, waived fees for OceanNow and room service delivery, unlimited digital professional photos, reserved seating for theatre shows, and daily crew appreciation.
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Meanwhile, the Plus Package will include two more casual dining meals per trip, which will bring the total up to four. It will continue to offer the Plus Beverage Package, single device wifi, fees waived for OceanNow and room service delivery, and daily crew appreciation.
However, when passengers started to look into the fine print, they noticed that an amendment had been made to the number of drinks guests would be limited to.
While alcoholic drinks on the Plus Package are bound to a 15 drink limit, non-alcoholic drinks have previously been unlimited. However, under the new small print, it stated that certain soft drinks would also be included in the 15 drink limit, such as specialty teas and coffees and canned soda drinks.
After much complaint, the cruise line has since backtracked and revealed it has now reversed the inclusion of specialty teas and coffees, however, canned soft drinks will remain within the restricted allowance.
“Princess Cruises believes that our most loyal guests are also our most valued voices. Over the past week, many of you shared feedback on the updates to our Plus and Premier packages — and we’ve been listening closely,” the cruise line told passengers in an email earlier this week.
“Specialty coffees and teas will be unlimited for Princess Plus and Princess Premier package holders and will not count toward any daily beverage limit."
Meanwhile, bottled water does not count towards the 15 drink limited, however, guests will not be able to take more than 12 bottles per day on the new packages.
Topics: Cruise Ship, Food And Drink, Travel, Holiday
Emma Rosemurgey