Plus Package on Princess

[Ccr18]

Is it worth it to buy the plus package on Princess cruise? my husband doesn't drink alcohol,

 

[Arizona Wildcat]

Unless you drink at least a half dozen drinks and you both like lots of cappuccinos and sodas - no.

Look at the plus cost, subtract the gratuities (internet if you need it - we disconbect except in port) and other items you know you will use and decide.

[karatemom2]

Welcome to Cruise Critic. This tends to be a hot topic here but is in fact a very personal decision based on how you choose to cruise and what you consume. Personally, my husband and I don’t find the math works for us, however, we don't drink much alcohol or coffee, and we get some additional benefits by being long time Princess cruisers and Casino benefits that makes it less appealing for us.

 

If you don’t consume much or any alcohol or specialty coffee beverages, and aren’t that concerned about both having the WiFi package, then you may not find it cost effective. You say your husband doesn’t drink alcohol, but perhaps he would use the coffee or juice component? I would suggest looking at all the features and then make a decision that pencils out for you.

 

When you factor in the increased cost of the WiFi for those without a loyalty discount and add in the cost of a few alcoholic beverages, or special coffees, juices, or quite a few sodas per day – it does make sense for some people, but certainly not all. If you feel you won’t use it or even just barely break even, you might be better off going ala carte and buying what you want as you go. 

 

Another thing to consider is the number of days you will be in port. We tend to really be off ship for most of the time on port days and eat and drink on shore, so would be even less likely to get the full benefit those days. That might be something you want to take into account in making your decision.

 

If your husband prefers soda or bottled water, you can preorder packages to be delivered to your stateroom in advance via the Princess beverage program that are quite cost effective and nice to have in your room.

 

You will get lots of opinions here, but only you can decide if it matches your consumption onboard, so think it through and make a decision that works best for your personal case. Don't feel pressured if you aren't sure its right for you just because there is sometimes a "peer" pressure atmosphere that makes you feel you "have" to buy it. You can always purchase onboard if you prefer, a decision that many here suggest since buying it in advance increases the cost of your Princess Vacation insurance.

 

Happy cruising, whatever you decide!

 

Edited February 28 by karatemom2

[cnice515]

3 minutes ago, karatemom2 said:

This tends to be a hot topic here

 

No truth has ever been spoken 🤣

 

And welcome to the boards @Ccr18.  Please make sure to tune out some of the instigators, it really is a wonderful place for knowledge and insight from other cruisers.

[Lady Arwen]

2 minutes ago, cnice515 said:

No truth has ever been spoken 🤣

 

And welcome to the boards @Ccr18.  Please make sure to tune out some of the instigators, it really is a wonderful place for knowledge and insight from other cruisers.

Well said, my friend.  You and I are on the same page with this topic.

[cnice515]

I do think the worth of the plus package to someone boils down to three factors when considering the cost of gratuities that is already factored in on the Plus package.

 

1) If you plan to buy an Internet package then it is probably worth it considering the little cost difference from individually paying for gratuities and for internet to Plus.  A difference which can be satisfied by simply the bottled water that you should be drinking to stay hydrated lol let alone the unlimited teas, juices, sodas, premium coffee that is also included.

2)  If you do plan on drinking 5+ alcohol drinks per day, which is not that hard to do imho, my DW and I are not heavy drinkers but find it pretty easy to have at least 5 a day and much more than that on sea days

3) Peace of mind that you don't have to worry about the cost

 

That is one mans opinion but put a bit of thought into it since we are not heavy drinkers in the least bit...and yes, we have the Plus package and I promise you (and not mentioned above), I am going to CRUSH one of those premium ice cream sunday desserts 🤑 

[cnice515]

9 minutes ago, Lady Arwen said:

Well said, my friend.  You and I are on the same page with this topic.

I forgot to mention...ALWAYS listen to Lady Arwen, she's the BEST!!!

[Lady Arwen]

1 minute ago, cnice515 said:

I forgot to mention...ALWAYS listen to Lady Arwen, she's the BEST!!!

No, no, no!  You are very kind, but there are many members here who teach me something new every single day.  They’ve forgotten more than I ever knew.  They are experts when it comes to cruising and I salute them.  You’ll get to know them and appreciate them as much as I do.  We need members just like you!  Eager to learn and share their knowledge.  We all win!

[mamafun]

5 minutes ago, cnice515 said:

That is one mans opinion but put a bit of thought into it since we are not heavy drinkers in the least bit...and yes, we have the Plus package and I promise you (and not mentioned above)

 

I will agree with you.  Adding Plus was simple math for us to decide.  Wifi (which we would want) and Crew Appreciation cover $40 each day right off the top.  It's not hard to spend the extra $20 if I have a couple of drinks, bottles of water.  And then there's the dining, desserts, OceanReady fee, etc.  (And I will definitely be having more than a couple of drinks each day!)

[MacMadame]

8 hours ago, cnice515 said:

2)  If you do plan on drinking 5+ alcohol drinks per day,

You don't really have to drink that much alcohol if you drink soda, fancy coffee drinks, bottled water and/or fresh juice. For Mr. Mac and I, we figure we'll break even with just 1 alcoholic drink a day. Since OP's husband doesn't drink, OP will have to drink 2 a day though. 😄 

 

It made sense for us because we do plan to drink 1 alcoholic drink a day, maybe 2 and Mr. Mac likes soda and coffee and I drink a lot of water and would want to bring bottled water on all our excursions. But I plan to use the fitness classes and we will both use the casual dining and turn on Ocean Now while other people might not.

[Torfamm]

If you share a 4 device wi fi plan, the cost for that and crew appreciation would be over $38 per person per day, leaving $22 per person per day as the cost for beverages and the other Plus package inclusions.

 

All beverages have an automatic 18% gratuity, so if you’d spend $37 per day between you on drinks, you’ll come out ahead. A glass of wine can easily eat up half of that. 

[Guest Snaxmuppet]

Welcome!

 

Well, you have picked a hot topic for your first post 🙂

 

The most truthful answer is this: It depends.

 

It will be worth it for some and not for others. As @MacMadame showed, it doesn't take much consumption of special coffees, water or alcohol to at least breakeven so if you plan at least a couple of speciality coffees, a soda or two and an alcoholic drink or two per day (and that is not difficult on a cruise for most people) then the Plus package might be worthwhile. If you don't do those things then it might be worthwhile not getting the package and see how you go for next time.

 

Whatever you choose... don't stress over it. It isn't worth it. Make your choice and enjoy the cruise your way.

[555]

15 hours ago, Ccr18 said:

Is it worth it to buy the plus package on Princess cruise? my husband doesn't drink alcohol,

 

It's hard to justify that plus package if you don't drink alcohol. Possibly one of the other packages might be better suited since you're eliminating one of the most costly parts. 

[Lady Arwen]

1 hour ago, Snaxmuppet said:

Welcome!

 

Well, you have picked a hot topic for your first post 🙂

 

The most truthful answer is this: It depends.

 

It will be worth it for some and not for others. As @MacMadame showed, it doesn't take much consumption of special coffees, water or alcohol to at least breakeven so if you plan at least a couple of speciality coffees, a soda or two and an alcoholic drink or two per day (and that is not difficult on a cruise for most people) then the Plus package might be worthwhile. If you don't do those things then it might be worthwhile not getting the package and see how you go for next time.

 

Whatever you choose... don't stress over it. It isn't worth it. Make your choice and enjoy the cruise your way.

I like your style…..well said.