Princess Cruises Enhances 2026 Packages With More Value, Shore Excursion Credits, and Dining Perks
Princess Cruises has announced significant enhancements to its 2026 cruise packages, positioning itself alongside cruise industry giants such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, and Celebrity Cruises. The cruise line, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, is redesigning its Princess Premier and Princess Plus packages to deliver better value, flexibility, and elevated onboard experiences for its growing customer base.
This strategic upgrade comes as Princess Cruises prepares for the July 22 maiden voyage of its latest Sphere Class ships—the Sun Princess and Star Princess—which promise modern amenities and expanded guest services. These changes are in direct response to feedback from loyal cruisers and are aimed at meeting the evolving expectations of modern travelers who seek convenience, luxury, and authentic destination engagement.
Revamped Princess Premier Package: Enhanced Shore Excursion Credits
One of the most noteworthy enhancements is the overhaul of the Princess Premier Package, which now includes shore excursion credits based on cruise length—a unique approach in the cruise industry. Here’s a breakdown:
- $100 credit for voyages lasting 6–9 days
- $150 credit for voyages of 10 days or longer
- $200 credit for 10–20-day cruises
- $300 maximum credit for cruises 21 days or more
These credits allow guests to enjoy immersive and often exclusive onshore experiences—from local cooking classes in Italy to snorkeling excursions in the Caribbean—without additional booking stress.
The updated Premier Package retains its core benefits:
- Unlimited Premier Beverage Package
- Unlimited casual and specialty dining
- Wi-Fi for up to four devices
- Room service and OceanNow® delivery, including associated fees
- Unlimited digital professional photos
- Reserved theater seating
- Daily crew appreciation tips
This move is seen as a major step forward in delivering luxury experiences at a bundled value that remains competitively priced.
Princess Plus Package: More Dining, Small Price Bump
The Princess Plus Package also receives a boost. Guests will now enjoy four casual dining meals per voyage, up from two previously, giving them greater flexibility and choice when exploring culinary options onboard.
It continues to include:
- Plus Beverage Package
- Wi-Fi for one device
- Complimentary OceanNow® delivery and room service fees
- Daily crew appreciation tips
While there is a $5 per person, per day increase across both packages, Princess Cruises argues the value far outweighs the incremental cost, as these packages provide a 30–70% savings compared to purchasing services à la carte.
New 2026 Pricing Structure
Effective for the 2026 cruise season, the new daily rates are:
- Princess Premier:
- $100 per person/day on Standard ships
- $105 per person/day on Sphere Class ships
- Princess Plus:
- $65 per person/day on Standard ships
- $70 per person/day on Sphere Class ships
Discontinued Benefits: Streamlining for Value
To focus on high-value offerings, Princess Cruises is discontinuing a few lesser-used perks, including:
- Premium dessert offerings
- Juice bar access
- Complimentary Medallion shipping
- Fitness classes
- Princess Prizes game access
This consolidation reflects the cruise line’s desire to streamline services, reducing waste and maximizing guest satisfaction with relevant, in-demand experiences.
A More Personalized Cruise Experience
“Our goal is to create more tailored, flexible cruise experiences that resonate with today’s traveler,” stated a Princess Cruises spokesperson. “With the expansion of our shore excursion credits and culinary offerings, we’re giving guests more freedom to personalize how they explore our destinations—from Alaska to Europe and the Caribbean.”
This guest-centric focus aligns with Princess’ broader strategy of innovation, value, and service excellence. The new packages are also designed to complement Princess’ Captain’s Circle loyalty program, rewarding frequent travelers with exclusive perks and upgrades.
How It Compares to Other Cruise Lines
While other leading cruise brands—including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity—offer bundled benefits such as drink packages and shore excursions, Princess Cruises stands out for its tiered shore credit system based on voyage length. This tailored approach offers travelers more relevant value for longer sailings and exotic itineraries.
Additionally, the debut of the Sun Princess and Star Princess will bring a new era of Sphere Class innovation to the brand, promising elevated onboard design, entertainment, and luxury accommodations.
What This Means for 2026 Cruise Travelers
The 2026 upgrades are part of Princess Cruises’ evolving commitment to making luxury cruising accessible, customizable, and value-driven. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time cruiser, the improved packages provide clarity, cost savings, and convenience—all while maintaining the line’s award-winning service standards.
As the cruise industry prepares for an anticipated surge in bookings post-2025, these package reforms ensure that Princess Cruises remains a leading choice for travelers seeking immersive, relaxing, and well-curated experiences at sea.
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