Princess Plus worth the money?

[Torfamm]

14 hours ago, nursemom23 said:

First time cruiser on Princess. Would love to hear your thoughts on whether or not Princess Plus is worth purchasing? Thanks!

The cost for gratuity and internet is about $31 per day. It would take spending $25 ($29.50 after 18% gratuity) on beverages to come out ahead. A specialty coffee, two bottles of water or soft drinks, and a glass of wine would get you there.

[SleeStack1]

39 minutes ago, roxievegas said:

We just got off the Emerald for a 7 night cruise.  We had no package.

 

$315.50

 

We do not have drinks, food delivered to us.  Emerald does not have Alfreds's/Gigi's and we don't eat at the places that cost extra.  We do not carry our phones around with us - they are locked in the safe.

 

If you are not a drinker, it does not make sense to get the package.  

 

Consider what you are going to be doing, where you are going to eat, how much you are going to drink and then do the math.

We are more like you and most of the time we don't buy a package.

 

When we do, it has to at least come close to what we might indulge a little on.

 

Its a good point to consider though.  If we skipped the package we would definitely save some money and we would skip out on some coffee, casual dining, wifi, and probably a couple alcoholic drinks.

 

Still...when the price delta is below a certain threshold...we go ahead with it.  For our upcoming cruise, we are indulging at +$20 ea per day.  At $30+, for us, it'd be a definite No.  At $25...a Maybe.  Pick your own price point...

[Nebr.cruiser]

Like everyone else says, you just have to do the math, being honest about what you will or can drink.  For us, it makes no sense, even factoring in the gratuities and wifi (which we get for half price, being elite anyway).  We also get a one-time mini bar set up.  Last cruise, we changed it for water and pop and didn't even drink all the pop.  

 

We very seldom drink and have never once bought pop, specialty coffee, smoothies, etc. on a cruise, so unless there is some big special, or some travel agent is including some of this 'free' of charge, just makes no sense to get it and then go out of our way to be sure we get value from it.

 

We will be sailing with Celebrity in May and for the first time will have a drink package (plus wifi and grats), and are taking the deal because strangely, the price was higher if we opted out of those options.  I guess it will be nice to have a few beverages, but I don't really care.  Price was excellent for the cruise, and lots of OBC as well.

[Pine Man]

My wife and I are creatures of habit, and taking into account our last ten cruises we know precisely what our needs are likely to be on a day to day basis.

 

Each of us will pay for two coffees, one soft drink, one cocktail and one glass of wine each day. Maybe fractionally less on port days depending on how long we are likely to be ashore. Neither of us has any need for WIFI as we can get ourselves updated free of charge when ashore.

 

On our next cruise we will have $300 OBC. Taking this into account with the current prices, the gratuities and the service charges, it should be about $200 cheaper than taking out the Plus package. There could be additional savings if we substitute drinks in the Platinum lounge for the cocktails, where I believe they are discounted to members.

 

Better to buy what you want, when you want it without having to worry about making sure you use up all your Plus allowances and also consider that it is unlikely that Princess are selling packages that risk them loosing money!!

Edited August 16, 2023 by Pine Man

[PMGS247]

While I'm fully supportive of many of the previous posts that talk about how to calculate the math, including their own demonstration of how their math works.  That's how I do it, and I'm fully capable of writing another novel here on the topic but there's enough content already on that topic.

 

I'll throw out another thought, for someone not interested in doing the full accounting...this is how I've boiled it down for a new cruiser or at least new to princess.  As a general rule most people who average at least 2-4 alcoholic beverages per day will benefit from the plus package.

 

You should take a closer look if you:

Don't care about/don't intend to use wi-fi

Intend to remove the automatic gratuities

 

That's my overly simplistic outlook for people not looking to put in a ton of effort to do all the math. I encourage doing the full math, but if you check the box for getting the package based on the above, you're most likely going to come out comfortably ahead, and basically no risk of egregiously overpaying for what you get.

[kywildcatfanone]

It completely depends on how much you drink, and how much value you place on each drink you have. 

[SleeStack1]

37 minutes ago, Pine Man said:

My wife and I are creatures of habit, and taking into account our last ten cruises we know precisely what our needs are likely to be on a day to day basis.

 

Each of us will pay for two coffees, one soft drink, one cocktail and one glass of wine each day. Maybe fractionally less on port days depending on how long we are likely to be ashore. Neither of us has any need for WIFI as we can get ourselves updated free of charge when ashore.

Wifi is good to keep in mind for ones calculation..

 

For a domestic cruise, I'd value it at near zero because of 'free' cellular access in port.

 

Our next cruise will be in the Med though, so we'd have to buy international cellular at $10 per day in port.  Its why I personally valued wifi at $5 per day (for an international cruise).

 

I have peon status on every cruise line.  We just always pick the cruise by itinerary and (hopefullly) value.  Elite perks just don't apply to us and likely never will.

Edited August 16, 2023 by SleeStack1

[kywildcatfanone]

I should have added, we don't think it's worth it for us.  Here's my math for a 7 day cruise.

 

Plus adds $840.

 

Gratuities: $224

Internet (elite): 102.50

Daily Latte:  $75.82 (used to be included in elite benefits, but one of the cuts).  Yep, still mad about it.

Total: 402.32

 

I can bring on all my own soda and water I want (yes, mildly inconvenient) and we do not drink the alcohol, and if we did, maybe one or two drinks max).

 

So for us, we spend less than 1/2 of what plus costs for one person.  We will only eat in the included venues.  No way I would pay for something that previously was free.  

 

And we usually have enough OBC to cover most of that cost.

 

As I mentioned in my previous post, it's all about how you value the drinks you consume.  

Edited August 16, 2023 by kywildcatfanone

[MamaFej]

Another factor is how long the cruise is. 

 

For a 2 or 3 day cruise, Princess Plus gets you 2 casual dining meals and 2 fitness classes.

For a 28 day cruise (like my next one) Princess Plus gets you 2 casual dining meals and 2 fitness classes.

For a 51 day cruise around South America, Princess Plus gets you  2 casual dining meals and 2 fitness classes.

For the 116 day World cruise, Princess Plus gets you (wait for it) 2 casual dining meals and 2 fitness classes.

 

The Premier Package gets you 2 specialty dining meals, regardless of the length of the cruise.

 

It seems to me that it would be more reasonable to offer the meals and classes each 7 days, like Azamara does with some of their benefits. 

 

Alas, Princess doesn't consult me on such things (or any things). 

 

 

[ExploringTheGlobe]

As I've stated in the numerous other threads on this exact topic, yes it is.  Actually, I find even more value in the Premier fare. 

[Potstech]

16 hours ago, nursemom23 said:

First time cruiser on Princess. Would love to hear your thoughts on whether or not Princess Plus is worth purchasing? Thanks!

Totally confused yet?  Good luck on your decision.

[JGmf]

Yes, worth it.  My wife and I easily exceed the 2-4 drinks per day consumption level, so it's a no-brainer for us. 

[Oxo]

Bottom line.

Only you know if it is worth it or not!

Anyone can justify their reason for or against.

 

We talk to some people who would never go on a cruise.

Some would never go on that cruise line.

Some would never do that category of cabin.

Some would never.......

 

Which some are you?

Happy Cruising! 

[Steelers36]

4 hours ago, JimmyVWine said:

To be fair, you still need to add in the purchase price of the wine that you plan to bring on, especially if you buy it at the port of departure.  I often bring on wines from my cellar that I have owned for years, and lie to myself and consider them "free".  But if I go to Total in FLL the day before my cruise and spend $300 on wine, I can't lie to myself and pretend that this was not part of the cost of the cruise.  

You are correct and I do count that for sure.  I don't spend a ton but get far better value than the mid range offerings on ship.

[Tedferg]

3 hours ago, Pine Man said:

My wife and I are creatures of habit, and taking into account our last ten cruises we know precisely what our needs are likely to be on a day to day basis.

 

Each of us will pay for two coffees, one soft drink, one cocktail and one glass of wine each day. Maybe fractionally less on port days depending on how long we are likely to be ashore. Neither of us has any need for WIFI as we can get ourselves updated free of charge when ashore.

 

We are very similar and recently I calculated that we would be slightly better off on our 12 day cruise. Also applying OBC by buying onboard. As I sat in the bar on sail day I said, 'To heck with the calculations' and signed up for Plus. 🙂

 

[drwbrt]

1 hour ago, ExploringTheGlobe said:

As I've stated in the numerous other threads on this exact topic, yes it is.  Actually, I find even more value in the Premier fare. 

I don't disagree, but can I have some clarity here?  I get to exceptional value on Plus very quickly.  Because so many of the inclusions on Premier are also included in Plus it makes it harder to recover the additional $20/day.  See the below based on a 7-day.  I'd love your thoughts.  A couple notes:

• I have prioritized these inclusions based on my preference (gratuities and wifi are automatic for me, I don't really care about the premium ice cream sundaes).
• I can and will consume more beverages that listed, but I was very conservative and used the non-drinker in my party as the example.
• Casual dining was figured as daily lunch (2x for plus, 5 additional for premier)
• I valued the photo package based on the prints included, this could be worth a lot more
• Prizes is a calculated value (expected return)
• Assumed daily fitness class usage
• I valued Reserved Seating as what I would cash tip in order to get a reserved seat

 

If you're so inclined I'd love your thoughts.  I think Plus is a no-brainer for me, I think Premier is still a value-winner for me, but Plus-->Premier isn't as compelling as Standard-->Plus.

[drwbrt]

13 minutes ago, Tedferg said:

Also applying OBC by buying onboard.

New to this concept.  Buying onboard generates a "cash-back offer" as OBC?  Is this associated to loyalty or for all passengers?  Does this only work on Plus/Premier or for all purchases?  Does this take place at guest services or can I do so onboard through the app?

[d9704011]

8 minutes ago, drwbrt said:

I can and will consume more beverages that listed, but I was very conservative and used the non-drinker in my party as the example.

Your analysis is fair enough but I don't think you've really given the Plus and Premier the credit they wojld provide for those who like to have a few drinks (or up-market drinks). 

[memoak]

11 minutes ago, drwbrt said:

I don't disagree, but can I have some clarity here?  I get to exceptional value on Plus very quickly.  Because so many of the inclusions on Premier are also included in Plus it makes it harder to recover the additional $20/day.  See the below based on a 7-day.  I'd love your thoughts.  A couple notes:

• I have prioritized these inclusions based on my preference (gratuities and wifi are automatic for me, I don't really care about the premium ice cream sundaes).
• I can and will consume more beverages that listed, but I was very conservative and used the non-drinker in my party as the example.
• Casual dining was figured as daily lunch (2x for plus, 5 additional for premier)
• I valued the photo package based on the prints included, this could be worth a lot more
• Prizes is a calculated value (expected return)
• Assumed daily fitness class usage
• I valued Reserved Seating as what I would cash tip in order to get a reserved seat

 

If you're so inclined I'd love your thoughts.  I think Plus is a no-brainer for me, I think Premier is still a value-winner for me, but Plus-->Premier isn't as compelling as Standard-->Plus.

Some of those offerings really have no meaning for most. If you were to actually eat 2 of those desserts per day you would need to see a surgeon after your cruise. We take the Plus for the basics which have always been there. We don’t usually cruise on ships with a pizzeria, we don’t use room service or order through the app, don’t buy photos or go to production shows. We find it works just fine for our 8-10 drinks a day plus grats and Wi-Fi 

[Lady Arwen]

8 minutes ago, drwbrt said:

I don't disagree, but can I have some clarity here?  I get to exceptional value on Plus very quickly.  Because so many of the inclusions on Premier are also included in Plus it makes it harder to recover the additional $20/day.  See the below based on a 7-day.  I'd love your thoughts.  A couple notes:

• I have prioritized these inclusions based on my preference (gratuities and wifi are automatic for me, I don't really care about the premium ice cream sundaes).
• I can and will consume more beverages that listed, but I was very conservative and used the non-drinker in my party as the example.
• Casual dining was figured as daily lunch (2x for plus, 5 additional for premier)
• I valued the photo package based on the prints included, this could be worth a lot more
• Prizes is a calculated value (expected return)
• Assumed daily fitness class usage
• I valued Reserved Seating as what I would cash tip in order to get a reserved seat

 

If you're so inclined I'd love your thoughts.  I think Plus is a no-brainer for me, I think Premier is still a value-winner for me, but Plus-->Premier isn't as compelling as Standard-->Plus.

Great job, very professional.  We choose Plus this way:  “Honey, you still want a couple of glasses of wine with dinner and probably three specialty coffees and some Perrier and maybe a couple of sodas and fresh juice and some cocktails in the casino?”   “Yes, dear I do!”   “Okay, Plus it is!”  Done deal for us. lol
,

[drwbrt]

3 minutes ago, d9704011 said:

Your analysis is fair enough but I don't think you've really given the Plus and Premier the credit they wojld provide for those who like to have a few drinks (or up-market drinks). 

I haven't. Intentionally.  I will get the value on drinks alone in the form of coffee, Pellegrino, and bourbon.  This was initially an exercise to demonstrate the value is there EVEN for someone very casual on beverages. 

[memoak]

1 minute ago, Lady Arwen said:

Great job, very professional.  We choose Plus this way:  “Honey, you still want a couple of glasses of wine with dinner and probably three specialty coffees and some Perrier and maybe a couple of sodas and fresh juice and some cocktails in the casino?”   “Yes, dear I do!”   “Okay, Plus it is!”  Done deal for us. lol
,

Likewise. We seem to be the same type of cruisers

[JimmyVWine]

 

31 minutes ago, drwbrt said:

If you're so inclined I'd love your thoughts.

I think you are right on the money, pun intended.  Your cruising lifestyle causes you to come out ahead under either plan, perhaps with a greater benefit under "Plus".  But since this isn't a game where you get paid in cash the difference at the end, it doesn't really matter which saves you more, if both save you money.  As a wine drinker, when choosing between the two plans the next time I book, I am inclined to take the advice below, refusing to stress over the price of the glass of wine I have my eye on.  Which is why I said in my earlier post that "emotionally" Princess is pushing people into Plans. At some point there is value in just sitting back and relaxing.  

37 minutes ago, Tedferg said:

As I sat in the bar on sail day I said, 'To heck with the calculations'

[Lady Arwen]

25 minutes ago, memoak said:

Likewise. We seem to be the same type of cruisers

 

25 minutes ago, memoak said:

Likewise. We seem to be the same type of cruisers

Delete

[drwbrt]

3 minutes ago, JimmyVWine said:

At some point there is value in just sitting back and relaxing.

This is where we ultimately landed.  We call this value "King for the cruise".  Not that we are above any other cruiser but that we refuse ourselves nothing.  I never do that on land.