Princess Cruises updates 2026 packages with new benefits, offering more value for travelers through enhanced dining options and shore excursion credits. The cruise line continues to refine its guest experience by evolving its most popular bundles: the Princess Premier and Princess Plus packages.
Announced just before the official launch on July 22, these changes will affect voyages departing in 2026. Travelers will notice revised pricing for each package, along with newly added perks that reflect guest preferences gathered over time. The changes were designed to reward loyalty while offering flexibility and convenience.
What’s New in the Premier and Plus Packages?
Premier Package: Elevated Shore Excursion Credits
For those selecting the Princess Premier Package, guests will now receive shore excursion credits tailored to voyage length. The updated credits are as follows:
- $100 credit for voyages lasting 6–9 days
- $200 credit for voyages lasting 10–20 days
- Up to $300 credit for voyages 21 days or longer
These credits can be used to book enriching shore activities, giving travelers greater access to cultural excursions, guided adventures, and one-of-a-kind local experiences. This addition enhances the shore-based portion of any itinerary, making the overall cruise package more appealing.
The Premier Package still retains its valuable inclusions:
- Unlimited Premier Beverage Package
- Unlimited casual and specialty dining
- Wi-Fi for up to four devices
- Fees waived for OceanNow® delivery and room service
- Unlimited digital professional photos
- Reserved seating at theater shows
- Daily crew appreciation
Plus Package: Expanded Dining Choices
Meanwhile, the Princess Plus Package sees a modest price adjustment along with new inclusions. Guests will now receive four casual dining meals per voyage—up from the previous two. This change responds to strong demand for more culinary flexibility and is intended to enhance mealtime variety across the journey.
Other benefits remain unchanged, including:
- Plus Beverage Package
- Single-device Wi-Fi
- Fees waived for OceanNow® delivery and room service
- Daily crew appreciation
Pricing Breakdown
The updated pricing for 2026 is as follows:
| Package | Standard Ships | Sphere Class Ships (Sun/Star Princess) |
|---|---|---|
| Princess Premier | $100 per person/day | $105 per person/day |
| Princess Plus | $65 per person/day | $70 per person/day |
Despite the price increase—$5 to $10 more per person per day—the packages still promise up to 70% savings compared to booking these services à la carte. This bundling strategy makes premium experiences more accessible to a broader group of travelers.
What’s Being Removed and Why
To accommodate these guest-driven improvements, Princess Cruises will be retiring a few package features that were less frequently used. Among the items being removed:
- Premium desserts
- Juice bar access
- Medallion shipping
- Fitness classes
- Princess Prizes game access
The decision to streamline offerings underscores the cruise line’s focus on delivering high-impact value while reducing underutilized amenities. This strategy ensures that every component of the package serves a meaningful role in the guest experience.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Cruise Season
The updates come as Princess Cruises continues its broader efforts to innovate in both onboard and onshore offerings. In 2025, the launch of the Sun Princess and upcoming debut of the Star Princess will mark a new era of the cruise line’s Sphere Class ships—vessels that blend luxury with large-scale amenities.
Guests sailing on these advanced ships will also see package-specific pricing due to the premium onboard offerings. With a clear commitment to evolving alongside its customers, Princess Cruises aims to keep its brand promise: to create personalized, memorable, and value-rich vacations at sea.
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