Breaking down the Plus vs Premier- Guesstimating Value?

[FrankieJayIII]

I have decided to purchase the upgrade; even though I am not sure I will use all the features.  I have wrote a breakdown of the pricing and features and would love to hear the feedback from those who have taken advantage of these features.

 

We are doing a 10 day alaska cruise with (4) sea days, 2 formal nights, etc.  just for clarity.

 

10 day cruise.    Plus would be $1,200; premier $1600. 

WITH ACTUAL ASSIGNED VALUE- Not quoted- Not trying to justify either. 

$320 Gratuities: $320.00,

$250 Wifi: 2 devices $250; 

$20 The special desserts maybe (3) the whole trip shared between 2 of us: ?

$148 Specialty dinner: $148 (Crown Grill, Italian);

$180 Espresso (6) per day (yes we love coffee and this might be an under cut 6x3= $18) $180; 

$40 Fitness-  (hmm this one is interesting... Don't know if we would use it, but lets just say we did $40),  

$89 Photo Package- we always get the small one;

$60 Juice Bar?  This is new to me- but would probably consume, if part of package 6-8 per unit.

$20 Medallion Accessory

$20 Medallion Shipping

$800 Drinks-   Lets say we had 40 each in 10 days $800  (this might be a low number but we dont want or need to get crazy and say all 15, or do we lol)

 

TOTAL PERCEIVED VALUE $1,947.00

Prizes?  I don’t know how to value that; they claim $20/day $200

Up close seat for a show?   I would say that’s worth $20/each per show?

(3) Shows??  $120

 

Extended value?  $2,267?     Is this like a dream world? 

[Gracie115]

I don't know if this is a dream world, but we went for the premium too on a Sky TA in 2024....what the hell...expect we will have ZERO bill at the end.... and will have been able to do pretty much anything on the ship outside of booking extensive spa stuff which we never do.

[mtnesterz]

Look at it the other way around, it's not for you to justify your purchase to us, it's for Princess to justify the value to you. For example, is it worth $40 for Medallion shipping and holder or might you just as well pick it up with included lanyard at the pier?

If you feel it's right, then go ahead. Personally, we wouldn't buy it. Mostly because we don't drink and that's a biggie.

[cr8tiv1]

I am not sure about a couple of your numbers:

 

Medallion shipped to your home prior to cruise only cost $10/one time fee for everyone.

Medallion Accessories are not part of the package.

I am guessing you aren't Platinum or Elite to get your 50% off your Medallion Net.

Specialty desserts are $12 to $14 ach.

You did get the seating correct.  Maybe 3 production shows for a 10 day cruise.

 

Glad you did your number crunches to satisfy your reason for upgrading to Premier Package.  More people need to do their homework before getting on a cruise.  

[FrankieJayIII]

Thank you. 

 

I had no way to know or verify the numbers.   I am just going out on a limb.  I have only cruises with Carnival and Royal Carribean. 

 

We really don't drink but aren't opposed to having some drinks on the cruise.   I haven't drank alcohol in almost 2 years but am okay with the wife drinking.  I am also okay with having a few here and. there while traveling. 

 

I think they have overpriced the packages but... I do like first class and once you've tasted VIP anything, you have a hard time going back.  I hope it to be the same experience for this service... 

[Familycruzer11]

Medallion Accessories ARE  part of the premium package, though I have no idea what accessory it is.  We always like the lanyards, so will be interesting to see what it is.

 

We did get the upgrade for a few reasons (I do drink, my husband does not, but Heineken Zero and ODouls will make him happy).  He like games of chance, so he would have played Princess Prizes, now it's included.  I love fitness classes, so would definitely do many of them. Juice bar also a draw for us (have to balance those martini's with some veggies, no?).  I like that I can order a nice wine and not worry about upcharge (if it was just this, wouldn't be worth it, but it's all the things in our case...). We are platinum but 4 devices each is nice (yes, we could sign out, sign in, now we don't have to.. all the things).  We will be celebrating our 20th, and absolutely would have done two specialty dinners, so throw that in.

 

Notice how I skipped those deserts (especially the ones with the little liquor bottle - cue evil laugh....)  The upgrade made sense for us.  We are six weeks away from our 4/14 departure and can't wait to experience... all the things..

[cr8tiv1]

Have. you considered doing a suite instead of a package if you like being treated like first class?

 

Suite gratuities = $18/day

Complimentary first night dinner

Suite breakfast in a specialty restaurant every morning (you can get your expresso here)

Club Class dining in MDR section (sea day lunch/every dinner)

Complimentary minibar set up

Express same day laundry

Cabin is about twice the size of a regular cabin.

Concierge Lounge on Royal Class ships

Thermal Suites on some Grand Class ships

Elite/Suite/Platinum lounge cocktails.

and/or still purchase only Plus Beverage package (without the extras).

[FrankieJayIII]

• Thank you for writing this.  I haven't leveled up to that; but this might be the way to go. 
• Tomorrow they are allowing bids for upgrades.  Has anyone ever bid on an upgrade?  Do you know how this works? 

[cr8tiv1]

Bids usually come after final payment.  You can always modify your beverage package purchase up to 3 o 4 days before sailing.

 

Glad you are looking at different options.

 

 

[Steelers36]

2 hours ago, FrankieJayIII said:

I have decided to purchase the upgrade; even though I am not sure I will use all the features.  I have wrote a breakdown of the pricing and features and would love to hear the feedback from those who have taken advantage of these features.

 

We are doing a 10 day Alaska cruise with (4) sea days, 2 formal nights, etc.  just for clarity.

 

10 day cruise.    Plus would be $1,200; premier $1600. 

WITH ACTUAL ASSIGNED VALUE- Not quoted- Not trying to justify either. 

$320 Gratuities: $320.00,

$250 Wifi: 2 devices $250;  Nope - $15 = $300.  ($150 if you are Platinum/Elite which I am guessing not yet).

$20 The special desserts maybe (3) the whole trip shared between 2 of us: ?  Nope - $36 for 3.  But I imagine there is a gratuity added, so let's say $42.50.

$148 Specialty dinner: $148 (Crown Grill, Italian);  Nope - $78/couple for SD.  If 2x, then $156.

$180 Espresso (6) per day (yes we love coffee and this might be an under cut 6x3= $18) $180.    Nope - add 18% gratuities = $212; 

$40 Fitness-  (hmm this one is interesting... Don't know if we would use it, but lets just say we did $40),  

$89 Photo Package- we always get the small one;

$60 Juice Bar?  This is new to me- but would probably consume, if part of package 6-8 per unit.  More gratuities = $71.

$20 Medallion Accessory

$20 Medallion Shipping.. Nope - $10.

$800 Drinks-   Lets say we had 40 each in 10 days $800  (this might be a low number but we don't want or need to get crazy and say all 15, or do we lol).  Okay as beer is cheaper and many fancy drinks and wine cost more than $10.  But you gotta add that 18%, so $944.

 

TOTAL PERCEIVED VALUE $1,947.00 // I get $2,184.50.

Prizes?  I don’t know how to value that; they claim $20/day $200.  That is because the tickets cost about $20 is buying from casino.

Up close seat for a show?   I would say that’s worth $20/each per show?

(3) Shows??  $120

 

Extended value?  $2,267?     Is this like a dream world?   How about revised number = $2,504.50?

See above in yellow highlight.  

 

Okay, so $1,600 / $2,504.50 = ~64%, so save about 36% for you, whereas Princess claims the savings is about 66% in their marketing.  Of course, it all depends on how much of the benefits a guest uses and I am sure Princess calculated using the maximum cost of drinks and for the maximum possible per day.  Not to mention maxing out on those calorie-buster desserts.

 

 

As mentioned in other posts above, you need to do this sort of analysis for yourself and see if the value is there.  Some folks get the value and some don't.  I am in the latter category and would never book this package.

 

 

[FrankieJayIII]

Thank you. My wifi number came from booking one wifi and they offered a second for $100 more.  My SD number came from actually booking it $78 for crown and $70 for Italian.   Ive since cancelled those.  The medallion shipping, I thought they said $10/each. 

 

The gratuities, I didn't think about. 

 

I understand why it does and doesn't make sense in many cases.  If you're a drinker- it makes sense.  

 

It barely makes sense for me but I am going to experience it and then ill know for next time and have something to write about.    

 

Thanks for the information. 

 

Maybe you have some insight on upgrading cabin?   I am in a BD category balcony.   Is it worth it to make an offer to upgrade to a mini-suite?

[memoak]

The plus package hasvalways suited bus fine and I do not see why anything would change that 

[cr8tiv1]

A mini suite is just a glorified balcony in sometimes a better location.  If you think you will enjoy a separate seating area, then that is the reason to upgrade to a mini (Plus a bathtub).

 

The next step up is to a Club Class/reserved Mini.  It will allow you to have dinner in the Club Class dining room.

 

Mini Suites are NOT anywhere the same level of a Full Suite. 

[Steelers36]

28 minutes ago, FrankieJayIII said:

Thank you. My wifi number came from booking one wifi and they offered a second for $100 more.  My SD number came from actually booking it $78 for crown and $70 for Italian.   Ive since cancelled those.  The medallion shipping, I thought they said $10/each. 

 

The gratuities, I didn't think about. 

 

I understand why it does and doesn't make sense in many cases.  If you're a drinker- it makes sense.  

 

It barely makes sense for me but I am going to experience it and then ill know for next time and have something to write about.    

 

Thanks for the information. 

 

Maybe you have some insight on upgrading cabin?   I am in a BD category balcony.   Is it worth it to make an offer to upgrade to a mini-suite?

Oh darn. Correct on SD's.  Prices went up but Sabi's is $5/cheaper.  So you were correct.

[Steelers36]

29 minutes ago, FrankieJayIII said:

Maybe you have some insight on upgrading cabin?   I am in a BD category balcony.   Is it worth it to make an offer to upgrade to a mini-suite?

Not much insight really as I have just read about it.  The answer to your question is to try the upgrade process and see what the min/max range of offer is and then see if it is worth the cost to get into a mini.

That is a big jump as you are bypassing Deluxe Balconies in doing so.  So far, it seems a lot of folks have been successful with bids in the low end of the scale.

[a.madruga]

The way we broke it down was: they difference between plus and premier was about $200. But now we can drink any kind of coffee also wine and other alcohol up to $20….since it was my retirement cruise why not.  Whatever you chose have fun and stay positive while you’re cruising 

[FrankieJayIII]

Thank you a.madruga-  I agree.   I took what the difference was ($400) over 10 nights... $40 dollars a day.    

The higher end wines are $17 plus a glass.  Some higher end whiskeys that I wouldn't try are 16-20.  

Premium seating at a show.   I like this... its always nice to be up front. 

$400- $148 for the dinners... $252 (the things you get are possibly worth this?)  

 

You only live once... this is our 15 year anniversary, so I figured lets just do everything. 

[cr8tiv1]

Congratulations on your 15th Anniversary @FrankieJayIII.  The hard part was the decision.  I do hope you enjoy your upgraded package.

 

But do keep in mind that what Princess feels is a "good" place to reserve a section of seats may not be your idea of an ideal location (same as Cabin Upgrades).  From what I am reading, the reserved section was on the upper tier.  Somewhere on the left where it could easily be cordoned off and monitored.  

[FrankieJayIII]

These people are schmucks if thats the case.

[cr8tiv1]

5 minutes ago, FrankieJayIII said:

These people are schmucks if thats the case.

 

?

[SuzieQ521]

Sorry to hijack this thread but I haven't been able to pinpoint an answer to this:

 

Even if we have the Plus or Premier package, will we still be charged taxes on the full price of the drink (soda, coffee, alcohol etc.) when embarked in a Port that charges taxes? 

 

We are sailing to Alaska in May and am wondering if we are going to be taxed at every Alaskan city we are visiting (3 of them). I know San Pedro-CA charges taxes and I thought I heard Alaska as well.

 

Thanks!

[FrankieJayIII]

Hi- I was just saying that if they think that reserved seating being somewhere far away was an upgrade... thats terrible!

 

As far as the taxes...  that is an interested question.... BUT-  at the port days- I plan to be off the boat for a good portion of the day- i would say 8am- 5pm...  I didn't realize they could tax again on top of the cost we are spending but it makes sense, I dont have an answer... but ill look into it.

[FrankieJayIII]

@Familycruzer11 I really appreciated your post for the POSITIVES of booking Premier. 

 

"all the things"  that is going to stand out to me in my mind when I am on the cruise. 

 

Can we have this?  Sure.  Can we get the higher end wine? yes  Want to eat one of their silly desserts?   why not.    Espresso every day?      wifi for both phones and laptops ? Yep.   Scotch youve never heard of?  Yes.    Special dinner? both places.   Pictures we will never look at again?  Yes.      We have ALL THE THINGS.      thank you...    oh and princess prizes?  as the lottery slogan says "whos next?"

[roadster08]

4 hours ago, SuzieQ521 said:

Sorry to hijack this thread but I haven't been able to pinpoint an answer to this:

 

Even if we have the Plus or Premier package, will we still be charged taxes on the full price of the drink (soda, coffee, alcohol etc.) when embarked in a Port that charges taxes? 

 

We are sailing to Alaska in May and am wondering if we are going to be taxed at every Alaskan city we are visiting (3 of them). I know San Pedro-CA charges taxes and I thought I heard Alaska as well.

 

Thanks!

I believe from what I read that the Alaskan port cities on Princess cruises are all charging sales tax now on drinks. The tax varies by city and should be around 5 to 7 percent per drink while in their waters and some just when anchored in the port. Many passed laws during the covid lockdown. 

 

Charge is over and above what is paid for a drink package and all cruise lines are required to pay them. Celebrity mentions possible additional taxes in their drink package offering. Don't recall it in  Princess's. 

[NoelleC]

On 3/2/2023 at 5:31 PM, Familycruzer11 said:

Medallion Accessories ARE  part of the premium package, though I have no idea what accessory it is.  We always like the lanyards, so will be interesting to see what it is.

 

We did get the upgrade for a few reasons (I do drink, my husband does not, but Heineken Zero and ODouls will make him happy).  He like games of chance, so he would have played Princess Prizes, now it's included.  I love fitness classes, so would definitely do many of them. Juice bar also a draw for us (have to balance those martini's with some veggies, no?).  I like that I can order a nice wine and not worry about upcharge (if it was just this, wouldn't be worth it, but it's all the things in our case...). We are platinum but 4 devices each is nice (yes, we could sign out, sign in, now we don't have to.. all the things).  We will be celebrating our 20th, and absolutely would have done two specialty dinners, so throw that in.

 

Notice how I skipped those deserts (especially the ones with the little liquor bottle - cue evil laugh....)  The upgrade made sense for us.  We are six weeks away from our 4/14 departure and can't wait to experience... all the things..

Congratulations! We are sailing out of Galveston on 3/26 and celebrating or 20th also ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
(and the medallion accessory is a clip)

Edited March 4, 2023 by NoelleC