Princess Cruises has responded to guest criticism by updating its recently revised Plus add-on package – a move that came just days after the original changes were introduced.
The cruise line, part of the Carnival Corporation family, initially sparked backlash by adjusting its beverage policy so that non-alcoholic drinks would count toward the 15-drink daily limit under the Plus package.
Previously, only alcoholic beverages were included in that cap.
But the cruise line has now issued a press release with updates to that limit.
“We wanted to share an update following the Premier and Plus Packages changes earlier this week. In listening to our Princess community, we have made a change – specialty coffee and teas are now unlimited in our Plus package and will not count towards the 15-drink daily limit.”
Mixed Reactions as Soft Drinks Remain Limited
Despite the adjustment, many guests remain unhappy.
Soft drinks such as Coca-Cola or Diet Coke will still count toward the 15-drink daily maximum, even though alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are both unlimited under the Premier package, which costs more.
“Been on 11 Princess Cruises and already booked numbers 12 and 13… very, very disappointed with Princess’ decision to have [soft drinks] count towards 15 a day,” one long-time cruiser wrote. “Princess seems to be pushing everyone towards the Premium package.”
Others pointed out how the update favours coffee and tea drinkers over those who prefer fizzy drinks.
“That’s lovely for coffee and tea drinkers, but you are disadvantaging those of us who drink neither and prefer Diet Coke or water,” said another guest. “Wish you could identify as a non-coffee drinker and get cans of soda not counting towards the day’s total.”
To be clear, water is not included in the 15 drink limit despite this guest’s comment. On the Plus package, guests can enjoy 12 bottles of water per day – which is a separate limit to the 15-drink limit.
Price Increases and Added Perks in 2026 Sailings
The revised Premier and Plus packages went on sale on 22nd July 2025 and will apply to voyages sailing in 2026 and beyond.
The updates include price increases for US guests, although UK passengers will only see increases on select ships:
- Premier Package: Now $100/£75 per person per day (US price up $10), with unlimited drinks (alcoholic and soft), shore excursion credits from $100 to $300 depending on cruise length, and other perks.
- Plus Package: Now $65/£50 per person per day (US price up $5), offering 15 drinks per day (including now unlimited specialty coffees/teas), four casual dining meals per cruise (up from two), and basic WiFi.
On the new Sphere Class ships – Sun Princess and the upcoming Star Princess – both packages will cost an additional $5/£5 per day.
Guest Feedback Still Influencing Policy
While not all passengers are satisfied, many applauded the cruise line for listening to feedback and responding quickly.
Princess Cruises has positioned these changes as part of a wider effort to enhance onboard flexibility and value, especially for travellers looking to personalise their cruise experience.
Expanding casual dining access and increasing shore excursion benefits were aimed at making the packages more attractive without making them compulsory.
Still, with soft drinks remaining limited under the Plus plan, the debate continues – and the cruise line may need to make further tweaks to strike the right balance.
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People can moan about princess plus & premier but it’s still the best package at sea .. we’ve used the plus a lot at £50 pp per day for what you get. Look at P&O their drinks package is more and so is RCI and Celebrity plus if you’re an elite member they fill your fridge with soft drinks and larger and you also get 8 miniature alcoholic drinks and water