Princess Plus Questions

[jwattle]

Some people see value in other elements of the package

🥂

[Lady Arwen]

9 hours ago, jwattle said:

Some people see value in other elements of the package

🥂

Thank you.  This constant nit picking by people who don’t want or can’t afford the packages for themselves, is getting tiresome.  We don’t have to justify to anyone why we choose either Plus or Premier.  From now on we need to just ignore these posts.

[WisCruiser2]

Yes, I think everyone can figure out if the Plus or Premier package makes sense for them and their budget, and choose accordingly. At least we have choices!

[karatemom2]

2 hours ago, Lady Arwen said:

Thank you.  This constant nit picking by people who don’t want or can’t afford the packages for themselves, is getting tiresome.  We don’t have to justify to anyone why we choose either Plus or Premier.  From now on we need to just ignore these posts.

I don’t think anyone here is nitpicking on people who choose Plus or Premier. This is a discussion board and many people come here for information and to discuss pros and cons of all aspects of cruising with Princess including this one which is a hot topic right now. 
 

Princess is really marketing these packages with all the bells and whistles and I think what most people you would classify as “naysayers” are advising in their comments is that people just consider their cruise patterns and assess if it’s a good value for them personally. I’m the first to say if it provides value for someone it’s a great option. 
 

But for many like me it is not a great deal once I factor in our Elite savings on Wi-Fi and other perks we get via our casino perks and reduced cost evening cocktails in Elite lounge. Knowing your existing benefits onboard, how much you consume in different drink options daily, how many port days may diminish value, and how much you would use the extra little perks like desserts or theatre seating are important considerations. 
 

My only point is that perhaps some people might get blinded by the ease of use or added perks that aren’t really of value and not think through the real value for them in actual practice which is why these discussions help provide guidance to make informed decisions.  
 

If the math on the package works in one’s favor - Fabulous! It’s an awesome deal and great to have that ease of mind and convenience!

 

But, if figure out I’m going to end up paying more for things I’m not using - it’s not for me. In terms of your “can’t afford it” remark, my guess is that most who can afford to cruise could afford the package should they choose. Like me, those who don’t probably have determined it’s not a great value for them. I would rather pay as I go for what I am actually using and put my extra dollars toward other things like excursions and shopping. That’s how I roll. Everyone has different preferences- that is all this is really about. 

 

No need to get any feathers ruffled here or think people are being judgmental or seeking justification. It’s just a conversation. 

 

[MissP22]

51 minutes ago, karatemom2 said:

I don’t think anyone here is nitpicking on people who choose Plus or Premier. This is a discussion board and many people come here for information and to discuss pros and cons of all aspects of cruising with Princess including this one which is a hot topic right now. 
 

Princess is really marketing these packages with all the bells and whistles and I think what most people you would classify as “naysayers” are advising in their comments is that people just consider their cruise patterns and assess if it’s a good value for them personally. I’m the first to say if it provides value for someone it’s a great option. 
 

But for many like me it is not a great deal once I factor in our Elite savings on Wi-Fi and other perks we get via our casino perks and reduced cost evening cocktails in Elite lounge. Knowing your existing benefits onboard, how much you consume in different drink options daily, how many port days may diminish value, and how much you would use the extra little perks like desserts or theatre seating are important considerations. 
 

My only point is that perhaps some people might get blinded by the ease of use or added perks that aren’t really of value and not think through the real value for them in actual practice which is why these discussions help provide guidance to make informed decisions.  
 

If the math on the package works in one’s favor - Fabulous! It’s an awesome deal and great to have that ease of mind and convenience!

 

But, if figure out I’m going to end up paying more for things I’m not using - it’s not for me. In terms of your “can’t afford it” remark, my guess is that most who can afford to cruise could afford the package should they choose. Like me, those who don’t probably have determined it’s not a great value for them. I would rather pay as I go for what I am actually using and put my extra dollars toward other things like excursions and shopping. That’s how I roll. Everyone has different preferences- that is all this is really about. 

 

No need to get any feathers ruffled here or think people are being judgmental or seeking justification. It’s just a conversation. 

 

That's exactly it.

Just because there are some of us who don't feel that there's a great value in some of the things they offer, the people who love the package get offended if we say so. So much of their packages are to me meaningless that it's just not that attractive for me. I shouldn't be drinking (but I do) and by buying the package I'm subsidizing others that do drink.  

I really don't use the internet as it's free to me in the Caribbean.

I'm not interested in reserve seating for the show lounge. 

I don't want there desserts. 

I'm not much of a coffee drinker, tea will do.

 

[PMGS247]

14 hours ago, Incognito1 said:

For $1400, you could book an additional cruise without the package.

 

I can see how the package might be worth it for people who regularly drink alcohol.  For those that don't, I have a difficult time justifying the price.  But, as stockholders, I'm glad there are those that can!

 

 

 

while technically true, you would end up spending the $1,400 anyway if you paid out of pocket for Wifi, Gratuities, casual dining, Premium Coffees, Sodas, and 2-3 drinks per day which is all pretty standard for most passengers.  Not all. Most.

 

The math is pretty straight forward.  See the posts that break it down to the daily spending for each item vs the daily $60.  Lumping it all together in one lump sum for a 12 day cruise is a little misleading and makes it sound more dramatic than it really is.

 

If you're going to not get wi-fi, turn off your auto-gratuities, stick to water/lemonade and/or stay stone sober all week, then yeah, the math changes and it doesn't work for people who do some or all of this. 

 

Everyone should calculate for themselves but for most people who don't mess with gratuities and want wi-fi, 2-3 alcoholic drinks is USUALLY enough to justify it.  Calculate for yourself.

Edited October 9, 2023 by PMGS247

[Torfamm]

15 hours ago, Incognito1 said:

For $1400, you could book an additional cruise without the package.

 

I can see how the package might be worth it for people who regularly drink alcohol.  For those that don't, I have a difficult time justifying the price.  But, as stockholders, I'm glad there are those that can!

 

 

It's an easy decision for most people.  The cost of the Plus package is about $29 per day over the cost of just gratuities and internet.  That's $24.50 in beverages with the 18% tip. The cheapest drink you can order is a Coke or bottled water at $3.00 and the most expensive is $15 toward a glass of wine.

 

If you think that free room service, use of Ocean Now, casual dining meals, fitness classes, mailing of the Medallion, or desserts have any value, you can consider that as well.

[WisCruiser2]

Don't forget, too, that if you get the Princess Vacation Plan (insurance), that cost will also go up with the packages adding to your fare. 

[joeflow80]

The biggest swing to me is the wifi. When I go on a cruise, I want to be away from my devices. So the wifi package being added isn't a deal for me. I also don't drink coffee or specialty non-alcoholic drinks. So that means I'd probably have to average 3-5 alcoholic drinks each night. And if I go with my partner, who doesn't drink at all, I'd have to double that.

 

But then to really mess up the math, I am considering getting the package for my upcoming solo cruise. Possibly with the idea of testing out the wifi to see if I could conceivably take my work on a ship for a future trip. Also being by myself, I wouldn't have to drink for 2.

[BamaVol]

7 hours ago, WisCruiser2 said:

Don't forget, too, that if you get the Princess Vacation Plan (insurance), that cost will also go up with the packages adding to your fare. 

Easily avoided by waiting to order/pay until on board.

[nasa1974]

49 minutes ago, BamaVol said:

Easily avoided by waiting to order/pay until on board.

That is true. Just wonder how much of a difference the insurance would be. Also does the Princess Plus take affect at purchase or the next day?  Thanks

[BamaVol]

8 minutes ago, nasa1974 said:

That is true. Just wonder how much of a difference the insurance would be. Also does the Princess Plus take affect at purchase or the next day?  Thanks

$75-100 for a 7 night cruise.  Takes effect day 1. I’m paying for 2 cabins, 4 adults, so it’s $150-200 depending on which plan.

Edited October 10, 2023 by BamaVol

[Steelers36]

On 10/8/2023 at 7:07 PM, candy4040 said:

I guess I wasn't clear enough in my message.  If you don't have the package and you buy a drink you also must pay the tip in addition to the cost of the drink.  Sorry.

For a $3.20 gratuity, that is one expensive drink.

[WisCruiser2]

13 hours ago, BamaVol said:

Easily avoided by waiting to order/pay until on board.

Interesting. When I checked what it would be to upgrade now at $60/day, the total for the two of us is $1348, not $1200. If you add the Plus fare onboard, they do not increase the amount for insurance? 

[luv2kroooz]

13 hours ago, BamaVol said:

Easily avoided by waiting to order/pay until on board.

....and you get to use your OBC to offset the price of the package.

[BamaVol]

14 minutes ago, WisCruiser2 said:

Interesting. When I checked what it would be to upgrade now at $60/day, the total for the two of us is $1348, not $1200. If you add the Plus fare onboard, they do not increase the amount for insurance? 

I have only ever purchased third party insurance.  My understanding is that the 2 Princess insurance plans are 9% or 12% of the cost of the cruise.  The higher level plan would add $144.

 

Whatever you do, please don’t start a thread titled “Plus package price increase”. 

Edited October 10, 2023 by BamaVol

[skynight]

2 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

For a $3.20 gratuity, that is one expensive drink.

$17.75. Many wines are in this area. 

[HMSDingy]

On 10/3/2023 at 3:35 PM, Steelers36 said:

Readers of this thread should note that the menus at this link were the original draft ones and not the finals that are deployed on the ships.

 

Looking at the ships the venues are no, I've realized that for our next cruise, the Island Princess doesn't have much of a choice.

[Steelers36]

54 minutes ago, skynight said:

$17.75. Many wines are in this area. 

I know.  By "drink", I meant bar drink.  I never call wine a "drink".

[Guest Snaxmuppet]

41 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

I know.  By "drink", I meant bar drink.  I never call wine a "drink".

OK... I'll bite... if it isn't a drink what is it?

[tserface]

On 10/9/2023 at 11:07 AM, Torfamm said:

It's an easy decision for most people.  The cost of the Plus package is about $29 per day over the cost of just gratuities and internet.  That's $24.50 in beverages with the 18% tip. The cheapest drink you can order is a Coke or bottled water at $3.00 and the most expensive is $15 toward a glass of wine.

 

If you think that free room service, use of Ocean Now, casual dining meals, fitness classes, mailing of the Medallion, or desserts have any value, you can consider that as well.

For us, there is a certain amount of worth for the convenience as well.  I know many just want to add up the prices and figure they save like $10/day or something if they don't get the package, but it's super convenient to have it, especially if it's all paid for before  you sail.  Personally, I don't like having to think about how many bottled waters I got or how much it cost for the gin and tonic or feeling ripped off for having to pay $14.99 for the Medallion stuff.  If the package is anywhere close to what we'd do normally, and, in this case it is, we will do it just so we don't have to think about.

 

Yeah, I might not need as much internet while on vacation, but it's still nice to stay connected.  We can download stuff (books, shows) to our iPad over night and watch them while at sea too.  I don't feel compelled to answer emails or do anything else I don't want to do, but that doesn't mean I don't like being connected.

 

[tserface]

3 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

I know.  By "drink", I meant bar drink.  I never call wine a "drink".

But, you still have to pay for wine.  We like wine with dinner on cruises and it's really nice to just be able to sit down and have the wine person bring  us something without having to think about the prices and stuff (yeah, there's a limit with plus, but it has a lot of stuff on it). So, when we consider the cost of the Plus Package we also include all the things we would normally buy.

[Steelers36]

2 hours ago, Snaxmuppet said:

OK... I'll bite... if it isn't a drink what is it?

Sure, wine is a liquid we consume, so it is technically a drink. It is also a beverage. I call wine wine is all I was saying.  When thinking or talking about bar beverages in context, I think of a drink as liquor straight or mixed in a cocktail. Not trying to say my terminology is the only and right way.

[Guest Snaxmuppet]

1 hour ago, Steelers36 said:

Sure, wine is a liquid we consume, so it is technically a drink. It is also a beverage. I call wine wine is all I was saying.  When thinking or talking about bar beverages in context, I think of a drink as liquor straight or mixed in a cocktail. Not trying to say my terminology is the only and right way.

Thanks for explaining. 🙂 

[Bridgestone66]

Wow can't believe they are charging 15$pp for Gigi's.  Does that mean the quality in Gigi's is worth 15$ more than the MDR?  NO!   What princess has done was take a fan favorite from included dining and found a way to get another nickel from people.   Well, I had Alfredos on the Royal and it was delicious as was the Slice pizza on 16.   Enchanted - Slice was terrible.  I tried it twice and could not finish either time.  So, I go to Gigi's with my plus package right???... nope, I purchased cruise 9 months ago when gigi's was included.  If I wanted gigi's I would have to pay 30$ for my wife and I to eat OR upgrade my "old" plus package for 140$.   While Gigi's is good, why would you spend more there when you can go to MDR to get Beef wellington, duck or NY strip?  It was said to see that many times Gigi's was nearly empty.  I will definitely look into NCL and RC over Princess next cruise.