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Princess Plus to Premier: a seven-night couple needs to justify a $490 upgrade

At Princess's current advertised pre-cruise rates, the gap between Plus and Premier is $35 per person per day. For two guests on a seven-night sailing, that is $490. I would start with that total before deciding that the higher package is only a small daily step up.

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Princess Cruises promotional image of Star Princess; representative fleet imagery.
Princess Cruises promotional image of Star Princess; representative fleet imagery. · Photo: Princess Cruises

At Princess's current advertised pre-cruise rates, the gap between Plus and Premier is $35 per person per day. For two guests on a seven-night sailing, that is $490. I would start with that total before deciding that the higher package is only a small daily step up.

The official package comparison lists Plus at $70 and Premier at $105 per person per day, with higher prices of $75 and $110 on Sun Princess and Star Princess. The difference remains $35. Check your booking and purchase date because existing packages can have different protected terms.

Compare the extra benefits only

Both packages already include a set of benefits. When deciding whether to upgrade, do not count everything in Premier as new value. Count only what you gain above the Plus package you would otherwise buy.

The current comparison includes more extensive dining, more connected devices and a shore-excursion credit in Premier. Read the precise limits for your sailing. The Princess line guide is useful context, but the package terms in the reservation should settle the details.

Put the dining on a calendar

Write down the specialty meals you genuinely want and can fit around port days. An unlimited benefit does not create unlimited evenings. If you plan to eat ashore during late calls, the onboard dining value may be lower than it first appears.

Check reservation availability and whether the venues you want operate on your ship. Our dining-package planning guide explains why the meal schedule should come before the package purchase.

Count an excursion credit only when it replaces spending

Princess lists a $100 credit per guest for cruises of six to nine days under the current Premier terms. In a seven-night example, two guests could therefore have $200 of credits, subject to the offer rules. That does not make the $490 upgrade cost $290 in every household's budget.

It only offsets spending if you would buy eligible excursions and can use the credits. If you planned independent walks, the credit may persuade you to buy something extra rather than save money. I would count its usable value, not its maximum face value.

Devices and drinks need the same discipline

Check how many devices the party actually uses at once. A higher device allowance is useful for some travelers and unnecessary for others. The same applies to drink limits and eligible menu prices: compare what you expect to order, not the most expensive theoretical day.

Buying late can also change the price. Princess says purchases onboard or within four days of departure cost an additional $5 per person per day. Confirm the exact cutoff and current quote before waiting until embarkation.

My choice would be based on a simple list: extra meals I want, usable excursion credit, needed connectivity and realistic drink differences. If those benefits do not approach $490 for the couple, Plus may be the more comfortable financial choice. Premier can be excellent for the right sailing, but it should earn its place in the budget.

Keep planning

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