Major Cruise Lines Raise Popular Package Prices in Move That Could Hit Vacation Budgets

As Princess Cruises raises prices on its popular Plus and Premier voyage packages by $5 per person per day, with major Wi-Fi plan changes starting October 13, travelers are reacting.

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Starting Oct. 13, Princess Cruises is raising the prices of some of its most popular add-on packages by $5 per person per day and adjusting the cruise line's Wi-Fi plans.

And some cruise fans say they may be rethinking their vacation plans as a result.

Princess Cruises' Plus and Premier packages include beverage packages, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, casual dining and room service.

The higher package rates apply to all ships departing on or after October 13.

Stricter cruise line booking rules create a negative reaction to higher deposits and payouts

The package price in Sun Princess and Star Princess will increase to $75 and $110.

"We believe both packages offer great value and provide guests with a convenient way to collect popular amenities.

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The Santa Clarita, Calif.-based cruise line added, "Furthermore, the crew appreciation included in these packages goes directly to the hard-working crew who provide the exceptional service our guests know and value."

Princess Cruises companion packages feature different levels of onboard privileges.

The new package rates apply to Coral Princess, pictured left, and other standard ships within the company's fleet (iStock)

Under the Princess Plus package, guests receive up to 15 alcoholic beverages per day (capped at $15), four regular meals, complimentary room service, prepaid gratuities and Wi-Fi coverage per passenger.

"We believe both packages offer great value and offer guests a convenient way to collect popular amenities."

The Premier Package extends these benefits to unlimited drinks valued up to $20 each, along with unlimited casual and specialty dining.

In addition to room service and gratuity, Premier guests receive four-device Wi-Fi access and up to $300 per person in Shore Patrol credits.

The cruise line is also restructuring its standalone internet by retiring its four-device Wi-Fi tier, the company said.

The cruise line is restructuring its stand-alone internet by retiring its four-device Wi-Fi tier. (iStock)

Instead, Princess has introduced a two-device option for $39.99 per day.

It also costs more to buy single device internet access once on the plane. Rates have increased to $39.99 per day for a 24-hour purchase or $33.99 per day if booked for the entire sailing.

People took to social media to check out the new pricing structure.

One Reddit user said: "They are taking my decision to have standard sailing and make it easier to pay à la carte."

The Diamond Princess cruise ship pictured here will also be subject to a package price increase. (iStock)

In response, another commenter said, "With inflation, high fuel and food costs, I suspect tips, cocktails, specialty dining and coffee, etc. will all go up a la carte."

Another person wrote: "Just bought the 4-device internet package for our next two cruises. Just another reason [that] after these cruises we plan to check out other lines."

"Probably not worth it to me anymore."

Some people said the higher price could make the Princess Plus less valuable to them, especially for those who don't use all the benefits.

"I think the price hike is what's driving me away...it's probably not worth it anymore," said one passenger.

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Princess Cruises has also recently announced that it will introduce stricter booking policies, including higher deposits and earlier final payment deadlines.

Princess Cruises has also recently announced that it will introduce stricter booking policies, including higher deposits and earlier final payment deadlines. (iStock)

"We are implementing a 120-day final payment and adjusted cancellation fee schedule as new bookings begin for cruises in 2027 and beyond," the company said in August.

"These changes bring more consistency to the booking process and reflect broader industry practices, while also helping to ensure that guests have fair access to the staterooms and cruises they want to experience."

Princess Cruises has 17 ships divided into four classes, from mid-sized ships for destination-focused routes to larger ships with a focus on amenities.

The newest additions to this premium line are the Sphere, Sun Princess, and Star Princess class ships.

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