Changes to Princess Plus, room service fees, Alfredo's and others. Fee changes. Etc

[LMaxwell]

What does this mean for those of us looking at standard fares?  

 

 

 

 

For voyages embarking August 12 and beyond, guests on Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages will enjoy savory 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, pre-fixed menus gives Plus and Premier guests more food options than ever before without any extra charges. For those who prefer sailing on Princess Standard, the casual prix fixe dining will be $14.99 and individual selections will continue with a la carte pricing.

"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."

All guests can continue to enjoy top-quality culinary options at no additional charge. Complimentary dining options for all guests include exquisite multi-course meals in all main dining rooms, buffet-style delights at World Fresh Market and Horizons Court, scrumptious treats at the International Café, poolside offerings at Slice, Coffee & Cones, and more, as well as traditional stateroom breakfast available using the classic door hanger menus.

[Steelers36]

This is going to be part of the announcements today by Carmen Roig in her webinar for TA's.  This has been documented in a couple of threads (the upcoming announcement - sans details).  

 

So, looks like expanded free food and another way to extract $$ for the rest of us.  No doubt these food changes will lead to a reason to increase Plus & Premier cost as well.

 

I will say this, however.  Reading this release one might presume it is subtly suggesting that guests will no longer be able to attend Alfredo's/Gigi's and enjoy a free pizza.  If that is the case, I predict a mini-revolt among loyal PCL customers.

 

ETA:  I choose to interpret the Padgett remarks as that casual locations that have a la carte items for a fee will continue to have them and others - like pizza - will continue to be available (lol - at least for now), but if one wants an expanded meal, it will cost.  IDK - we may have to see if this is clarified because right now at Alfredo's one can effectively get an appetizer, a main, and a dessert all for free.  What will they do to justify $15 value?

Edited July 27, 2023 by Steelers36

[Jaymuxman]

I cannnot imagine anyone fully explaining this as it was just announced this morning. Thus, no one has experienced it yet.

 

[LMaxwell]

2 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

This is going to be part of the announcements today by Carmen Roig in her webinar for TA's.  This has been documented in a couple of threads (the upcoming announcement - sans details).  

 

So, looks like expanded free food and another way to extract $$ for the rest of us.  No doubt these food changes will lead to a reason to increase Plus & Premier cost as well.

It seems to me like a reduction in "included" food in your fare for standard fares, and that complimentary food now being packaged as 3 course meals for Plus fares, I guess to reduce crowding in some of the higher end restaurants.  The $15 to dine at what was free before will dissuade standard fare passengers from going? 

[Steelers36]

4 minutes ago, Jaymuxman said:

I cannnot imagine anyone fully explaining this as it was just announced this morning. Thus, no one has experienced it yet.

 

Don't hold your breath, but we might get a more detailed explanation of the impact on Standard fare guests this afternoon.  I suspect a lot of cheerleading over the benefit for Plus & Premier guests.

[Jeter02]

Ugh! I was just reading about this for Alfredo's/Gigi's. I have seen that on Gigi's on the Enchanted they do have some items that are extra charges along with the complimentary regular items. Plenty fingers are crossed that they're not charging you for a full sit down meal there now. If so this is a very sad day. 

[LMaxwell]

1 minute ago, Steelers36 said:

Don't hold your breath, but we might get a more detailed explanation of the impact on Standard fare guests this afternoon.  I suspect a lot of cheerleading over the benefit for Plus & Premier guests.

 

Does your reading of situation match mine?  Complimentary food is being packaged together as a 3 course menu for Plus and Premier, to remain complimentary as always before; but now with a $15 charge for Standard.  This doesn't look like a gain for Plus and Premier, but a reduction to standard fares being pitched as a new and exclusive benefit to Plus and Premier? I'm not sure a $15 3 course meal at an otherwise complimentary venue ranks up there with the heftier specialty dining experiences and is this really a benefit for plus and premier?  

[LACruiser88]

 

 

July 27, 2023 9:48 AM EDT Princess Adds Casual Dining, Exclusive Service Delivery and More to Plus and Premier Packages with No Price Increases

New Enhancements in Value-Packed Inclusive Packages Offer More Than 70% in Savings FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises today announced several valuable new updates to its popular Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, providing guests with even more inclusive options at no additional cost, including casual dining, OceanNow delivery service, room service delivery, and express Green Lane embarkation.       Indulge in more Casual Dining at no cost For voyages embarking August 12 and beyond, guests on Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages will enjoy savory 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, pre-fixed menus gives Plus and Premier guests more food options than ever before without any extra charges. For those who prefer sailing on Princess Standard, the casual prix fixe dining will be $14.99 and individual selections will continue with a la carte pricing. "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."   All guests can continue to enjoy top-quality culinary options at no additional charge. Complimentary dining options for all guests include exquisite multi-course meals in all main dining rooms, buffet-style delights at World Fresh Market and Horizons Court, scrumptious treats at the International Café, poolside offerings at Slice, Coffee & Cones, and more, as well as traditional stateroom breakfast available using the classic door hanger menus.   Access the Princess Exclusive OceanNow Service Princess sets the bar in service with its revolutionary OceanNow on-demand, location-based delivery service. To activate this industry exclusive service, there will be a nominal one-time activation fee of $14.99 per guest, per voyage. However, the access fee is waived for all guests sailing on Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages.      Complimentary Room Service Delivery Princess staterooms are a sanctuary for guests and views from industry leading large balconies are epic. To maximize the stateroom experience, Princess Plus and Princess Premier participants will have the standard $5 per delivery room service charge waived. That means no extra charges for the ease and luxury of on-demand service anywhere, anyplace or anytime on a Princess ship for Plus and Premier Guests. "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, Princess vice president of food and beverage.   Seamless and Speedy Boarding with OceanReady "Green Lane" As part of our commitment to delivering the smoothest and fastest embarkation process in the industry, the Princess App now boasts an enhanced OceanReady process. Guests achieve express "Green Lane Status" by ensuring all travel information and documents are complete and by having the exclusive Princess Medallion delivered to home before embarkation day when they'll proceed directly to the ship with no lines or hassles. For the ultimate convenience, both Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages include complimentary Medallion at home delivery. For guests on Princess Standard fares, a nominal shipping fee of $10 per stateroom will be added on Medallion/Accessory orders shipped to home.   Unbeatable Savings in Value-Packed Inclusive Packages These expanded enhancements demonstrate the cruise line's focus on providing unmatched service and value for guests. Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages offer an astounding 70% or more in savings compared to purchasing items a la carte.   Princess Plus For just $60 per person per day, Princess Plus now includes the following at more than 70% off retail value if components are purchased separately, 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 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 For just $80 per person per day, Princess Premier maximize inclusions and enjoy a more than 75% savings on the following 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 (e.g., 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

[LACruiser88]

Going to grab my popcorn for this discussion!

[Steelers36]

As has been discussed here, there is going to be announcement today about casual dining changes and Plus/Premier package enhancements.  Alaska 2025 and other changes.  Will update this thread later today (webinar is at 2pm and look her up on FB if want to tune in). 

 

Here is a preview that looks like part of a press release: 

 

For voyages embarking August 12 and beyond, guests on Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages will enjoy savory 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, pre-fixed menus gives Plus and Premier guests more food options than ever before without any extra charges. For those who prefer sailing on Princess Standard, the casual prix fixe dining will be $14.99 and individual selections will continue with a la carte pricing.

"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."

All guests can continue to enjoy top-quality culinary options at no additional charge. Complimentary dining options for all guests include exquisite multi-course meals in all main dining rooms, buffet-style delights at World Fresh Market and Horizons Court, scrumptious treats at the International Café, poolside offerings at Slice, Coffee & Cones, and more, as well as traditional stateroom breakfast available using the classic door hanger menus.

 

Looks like a way to generate more revenue from Standard fare guests and put more into the Plus & Premier to prepare for the other shoe to drop (an increase in those fare options will no doubt come along in the not so far future (2024 anyone?).

 

Will we be able to still get a free pizza at Alfredo's/Gigi's.  Maybe not.  PCL hand in our pockets.

 

Will update later.

[LMaxwell]

Now room service is listed as Complimentary for Plus and higher; and the marketing babble says that standard fare guests get RS breakfast.  

 

So that's the death of the RS menu I guess unless you buy an alcohol drink pack for $60 a day per person 

[Steelers36]

6 minutes ago, LMaxwell said:

 

Does your reading of situation match mine?  Complimentary food is being packaged together as a 3 course menu for Plus and Premier, to remain complimentary as always before; but now with a $15 charge for Standard.  This doesn't look like a gain for Plus and Premier, but a reduction to standard fares being pitched as a new and exclusive benefit to Plus and Premier? I'm not sure a $15 3 course meal at an otherwise complimentary venue ranks up there with the heftier specialty dining experiences and is this really a benefit for plus and premier?  

Yes, it is more of a reduction to Standard fare guests on the surface.  It will in time be a justification for increasing the cost of Plus/Premier.  

[sunviking90]

I was wondering when they would finally start charging for Alfredo’s. We don’t get packages and that was one of our (few) attractions to Royal Class ships. Oh, well.

[Jeter02]

"For voyages embarking August 12 and beyond, guests on Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages will enjoy savory 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, pre-fixed menus gives Plus and Premier guests more food options than ever before without any extra charges. For those who prefer sailing on Princess Standard, the casual prix fixe dining will be $14.99 and individual selections will continue with a la carte pricing."

 

How I interpret this: If you are a plus or premier guest You will have an option to order a  3 course prefixed menu at no extra cost. Whereas guest on the standard fare will not have that option of a prefixed menu for a 3 course meal, but instead we will Have our normal standard menu. Which brings me to the hopeful thought that Alfredos / Gigi will still remain free

[Jeter02]

4 minutes ago, sunviking90 said:

I was wondering when they would finally start charging for Alfredo’s. We don’t get packages and that was one of our (few) attractions to Royal Class ships. Oh, well.

I too only book standard fare. However my interpretation in regards to alfredo is as follows:

 

How I interpret this: If you are a plus or premier guest You will have an option to order a 3 course prefixed menu at no extra cost. Whereas guest on the standard fare will not have that option of a prefixed menu for a 3 course meal, but instead we will Have our normal standard menu. Which brings me to the hopeful thought that Alfredos / Gigi will still remain free

[Steelers36]

Okay, so several folks are onto this news now.  Here is a complete release:

 

July 27, 2023 9:48 AM EDT Princess Adds Casual Dining, Exclusive Service Delivery and More to Plus and Premier Packages with No Price Increases

New Enhancements in Value-Packed Inclusive Packages Offer More Than 70% in Savings FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises today announced several valuable new updates to its popular Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, providing guests with even more inclusive options at no additional cost, including casual dining, OceanNow delivery service, room service delivery, and express Green Lane embarkation.       Indulge in more Casual Dining at no cost For voyages embarking August 12 and beyond, guests on Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages will enjoy savory 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, pre-fixed menus gives Plus and Premier guests more food options than ever before without any extra charges. For those who prefer sailing on Princess Standard, the casual prix fixe dining will be $14.99 and individual selections will continue with a la carte pricing. "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."   All guests can continue to enjoy top-quality culinary options at no additional charge. Complimentary dining options for all guests include exquisite multi-course meals in all main dining rooms, buffet-style delights at World Fresh Market and Horizons Court, scrumptious treats at the International Café, poolside offerings at Slice, Coffee & Cones, and more, as well as traditional stateroom breakfast available using the classic door hanger menus.   Access the Princess Exclusive OceanNow Service Princess sets the bar in service with its revolutionary OceanNow on-demand, location-based delivery service. To activate this industry exclusive service, there will be a nominal one-time activation fee of $14.99 per guest, per voyage. However, the access fee is waived for all guests sailing on Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages.      Complimentary Room Service Delivery Princess staterooms are a sanctuary for guests and views from industry leading large balconies are epic. To maximize the stateroom experience, Princess Plus and Princess Premier participants will have the standard $5 per delivery room service charge waived. That means no extra charges for the ease and luxury of on-demand service anywhere, anyplace or anytime on a Princess ship for Plus and Premier Guests. "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, Princess vice president of food and beverage.   Seamless and Speedy Boarding with OceanReady "Green Lane" As part of our commitment to delivering the smoothest and fastest embarkation process in the industry, the Princess App now boasts an enhanced OceanReady process. Guests achieve express "Green Lane Status" by ensuring all travel information and documents are complete and by having the exclusive Princess Medallion delivered to home before embarkation day when they'll proceed directly to the ship with no lines or hassles. For the ultimate convenience, both Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages include complimentary Medallion at home delivery. For guests on Princess Standard fares, a nominal shipping fee of $10 per stateroom will be added on Medallion/Accessory orders shipped to home.   Unbeatable Savings in Value-Packed Inclusive Packages These expanded enhancements demonstrate the cruise line's focus on providing unmatched service and value for guests. Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages offer an astounding 70% or more in savings compared to purchasing items a la carte.   Princess Plus For just $60 per person per day, Princess Plus now includes the following at more than 70% off retail value if components are purchased separately, 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 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 For just $80 per person per day, Princess Premier maximize inclusions and enjoy a more than 75% savings on the following 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 (e.g., 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

[AtlantaCruiser72]

As someone who always books with Plus the ability to dine at Ocean Terrace and/or O’Malleys on my upcoming cruise on Enchanted, with no extra fees, is a win as these were both a’la carte previously. 
 

In essence it feels that Princess are adding dining charges in formerly complimentary venues, and for room service, for those who choose not to Plus. This makes Plus that much more attractive a value. 

[c-boy]

15 minutes ago, LACruiser88 said:

Going to grab my popcorn for this discussion!

  I see em on the horizon ..... here they come 

    

[LMaxwell]

3 minutes ago, Jeter02 said:

I too only book standard fare. However my interpretation in regards to alfredo is as follows:

 

How I interpret this: If you are a plus or premier guest You will have an option to order a 3 course prefixed menu at no extra cost. Whereas guest on the standard fare will not have that option of a prefixed menu for a 3 course meal, but instead we will Have our normal standard menu. Which brings me to the hopeful thought that Alfredos / Gigi will still remain free

 

It literally says the 3 course meal is available to standard fare guests for $14.99; therefore I am not hopeful those venues remain free; or if free it will be carb/sugar options and proteins will have a charge for standard fare. 

 

I can't see any way that this is actually more included to standard fare, and any Plus or Premier pack guest has to see this is a repackaging of what they already were getting; just that Princess wants to move them out of overcrowding the more highly desired specialty dining venues.  

[LMaxwell]

1 minute ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

As someone who always books with Plus the ability to dine at Ocean Terrace and/or O’Malleys on my upcoming cruise on Enchanted, with no extra fees, is a win as these were both a’la carte previously. 
 

In essence it feels that Princess are adding dining charges in formerly complimentary venues, and for room service, for those who choose not to Plus. This makes Plus that much more attractive a value. 

 

If you drink alcohol, maybe.  If you don't?  

[sunviking90]

1 minute ago, Jeter02 said:

I too only book standard fare. However my interpretation in regards to alfredo is as follows:

 

How I interpret this: If you are a plus or premier guest You will have an option to order a 3 course prefixed menu at no extra cost. Whereas guest on the standard fare will not have that option of a prefixed menu for a 3 course meal, but instead we will Have our normal standard menu. Which brings me to the hopeful thought that Alfredos / Gigi will still remain free

I wish you were right, but this:  For those who prefer sailing on Princess Standard, the casual prix fixe dining will be $14.99 and individual selections will continue with ala carte pricing.“   makes me think we will have to pay.

 

 

[Jeter02]

1 minute ago, LMaxwell said:

 

It literally says the 3 course meal is available to standard fare guests for $14.99; therefore I am not hopeful those venues remain free; or if free it will be carb/sugar options and proteins will have a charge for standard fare. 

 

I can't see any way that this is actually more included to standard fare, and any Plus or Premier pack guest has to see this is a repackaging of what they already were getting; just that Princess wants to move them out of overcrowding the more highly desired specialty dining venues.  

Yes, the most people don't get a full three course meal some people just go for the pizza and it said prefix so that's why I interpreted the way I did

[sunviking90]

I guess they will be re-opening Planks and Steamers then? It was closed last time we were in the Emerald Princess, and I haven’t heard it has reopened yet.

[skynight]

Sounds to me that the plus and premier fares will increase. Also sounds like Alfredo's will have a charge for standard fare passengers. Did Vines ever have meals? I thought they had comp. sushi with wine. Guess sushi will no longer be comped.

Another thing that is happening are larger passenger loads on new builds. It is a way to spread around the dining. New builds will probably have more dining locations. Sort of a reason for Dine My Way.

 

[Steelers36]

From the above press release, can we presume any of the following?

 

1.  Plus/Premier will now either vault over, or have similar check-in priority as Elite guests?  Perhaps they weren't thinking of the time period prior to boarding commencing because at HQ, no one thinks a guest arrives at the terminals before 11:30am?

 

2.  Standard Fare guests will no longer receive free pizza at Alfredo's/Gigi's?

 

3. Standard Fare guests will no longer receive free drink and snack service to their location on the ships.  Remember how this was touted as a fantastic thing with the Medallions?  Now it will cost $15 to have this service for the voyage.  And B2B'ers will have to pay it twice.  After all, we do get extra benefits like another mini-bar on B2B, so have to pay as well.  I suspect many/most guests will consider this fee a gratuity and perhaps adjust tipping amount on delivery??

 

4. Standard Fare guests continue to subsidize the packages by paying for room service.  We don't use RS, so NBD.

 

5. I suspect all of this will one day in future lead to an increase in the Plus/Premier and they will still market it as the most fantastic value since the Model T.