Drink prices on Princess Cruises vary by type and location
Princess Cruises charges for most alcoholic and specialty beverages, though basic drinks like water, coffee, and tea are included with your fare. A beer or cocktail at a bar typically costs between $7 and $12, depending on the drink and which ship you're on. Wine by the glass runs $8 to $16. Specialty coffees from the café cost $5 to $7. Soft drinks and juices are usually $3 to $4 per bottle if purchased individually, though unlimited soda packages are available.
The exact prices depend on which Princess ship you're sailing and when you booked. Newer ships sometimes charge slightly more than older ones. Prices can also shift seasonally or by itinerary, so the best way to know what you'll pay is to check your specific sailing on the Princess website or call their reservations line before you board.
Key Takeaways
- Water, coffee, and tea are free; beer and cocktails typically cost $7 to $12 per drink.
- You can buy drinks individually at the bar or purchase a beverage package before your cruise that covers multiple drinks per day.
- Specialty coffees, bottled soft drinks, and premium spirits cost more than standard bar drinks.
- Prices vary slightly by ship and sailing date, so confirm the current rates when you book.
- Gratuity (tip) is usually added automatically to bar tabs, typically 18 percent unless you adjust it.
Beverage packages and what they cover
Princess offers several drink packages you can purchase before boarding. The most common is the Unlimited Beverage Package, which covers most alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and soft drinks throughout your cruise. This package costs roughly $15 to $18 per person per day, depending on your sailing length and when you purchase it—buying ahead is cheaper than buying onboard. The package typically includes beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, and non-alcoholic specialty drinks, but excludes premium spirits and bottles of wine.
A second option is the Soda Package, which covers unlimited soft drinks, juices, and bottled water for about $8 to $10 per person per day. This is useful if you don't drink alcohol but want unlimited fountain sodas and specialty beverages. Some cruisers find it worthwhile just for the convenience of not carrying cash or a card to the pool deck.
If you drink only occasionally, buying drinks as you go may cost less than a package. A typical seven-day cruise with two or three drinks per day would cost $100 to $250 in individual purchases, whereas a beverage package for the same week runs $105 to $126 per person. Do the math for your own habits before you book.
Where to find drinks and how pricing works by location
Drinks are sold at multiple venues across the ship: the main dining room (included with dinner), poolside bars, the casino bar, specialty restaurants, and the coffee shop. Prices are consistent across most bars, though some specialty venues—like wine bars or premium lounges—may charge more. The coffee shop is usually the most expensive place to buy a beverage, so if you're budget-conscious, order coffee at breakfast in the dining room instead.
Room service also offers drinks, and those typically carry a small delivery charge on top of the drink price. Minibar items in your cabin are pre-stocked and charged to your account if you use them, so check what's in there when you board if you want to avoid surprise charges.
How gratuity and automatic charges work
When you order a drink at a bar, Princess automatically adds an 18 percent gratuity to your tab. This goes to the bartender and bar staff. You can adjust the tip up or down when you sign the receipt, but the default is already included. Some passengers don't realize this and tip twice, so watch for it when you pay.
If you purchase a beverage package, the gratuity is usually already factored into the package price, so you don't add another tip on top. Confirm this when you buy the package so there's no confusion at the bar.
Comparing individual purchases to packages
The decision between buying drinks individually and purchasing a package depends on how much you drink and how long your cruise is. Here's how to think about it:
| Scenario | Individual Drinks | Beverage Package | Better Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| One drink per day, 7-day cruise | $49 to $84 (plus 18% tip) | $105 to $126 | Individual drinks |
| Two drinks per day, 7-day cruise | $98 to $168 (plus 18% tip) | $105 to $126 | Package (roughly equal) |
| Three or more drinks per day, 7-day cruise | $147 to $252 (plus 18% tip) | $105 to $126 | Package |
Remember that package prices are lower if you purchase them before your cruise rather than onboard. Buying a few days before you sail can save you $2 to $4 per person per day.
What's included and what costs extra
The Unlimited Beverage Package covers most bar drinks, but premium spirits like top-shelf vodka, whiskey, or rum may cost extra. Bottles of wine purchased to take to your cabin are not included and must be bought separately, though you can bring your own wine onboard for a small corkage fee in certain venues. Champagne for special occasions is usually not covered either.
Drinks at specialty restaurants—like steakhouses or Italian venues that charge a cover fee—may have separate pricing. Always ask your server whether a drink is included in your package or if there's an upcharge. Most bartenders will tell you upfront if something isn't covered.
Tips for managing your drink budget
If you're not sure whether to buy a package, purchase one for the first day or two and track how many drinks you actually order. Many cruisers overestimate how much they'll drink once they're on the ship, especially if they're busy with activities and dining. You can always buy a package mid-cruise if you realize you want one, though the per-day cost will be higher.
Drink prices are the same whether you pay with your onboard account or cash, so there's no advantage to either method. Most people use their room key card, which charges everything to their account and they settle at the end of the cruise. Keep an eye on your account balance if you're concerned about overspending.
If you're traveling with a group, coordinate whether everyone will buy a package or go individual. Some cabins share a bar tab, which can make splitting costs easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?
Princess allows you to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person in your carry-on luggage. Other alcohol is not permitted. If you bring wine, you can drink it in your cabin or have it opened at dinner for a corkage fee (typically $15 to $20). Hard liquor and beer cannot be brought onboard.
Do kids' drinks cost extra?
Soft drinks, juices, and milk for children are included with your cruise fare. Specialty drinks like smoothies or blended beverages may have a small charge. If you buy a soda package, it covers kids' drinks too.
What happens if I don't finish my beverage package?
Beverage packages are per-day, not per-drink, so you don't lose money if you don't use all your drinks. You straightforward pay for the days you're onboard, and any unused portion does not carry over or refund.
Are there drink specials or happy hour discounts?
Princess occasionally runs promotions on drinks during certain times of day, though these are not may provide on every sailing. Check the daily program onboard or ask at the bar about any current specials. These discounts typically explore only to individual drinks, not package holders.
Do I need to tip on top of the automatic gratuity?
The 18 percent gratuity added to your bar tab is the standard tip. You can adjust it up if you want to reward exceptional service, but you're not required to add more. If you're unhappy with the service, you can lower it when you sign the receipt.