Thinking of enhancing your cruise experience with a Princess drink package? Before you dive in, let's explore the exciting world of Princess' beverages and the rules governing their drink packages. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your inclusive options at sea.
The excitement of a Princess cruise often revolves around discovering new tastes and flavors. One of the most popular ways to immerse yourself in Princess' culinary journey is by indulging in their beverage packages. However, like any other onboard service, these packages come with their own set of rules. Let's dive right in.
Princess Plus Beverage Package
The Princess Plus Beverage Package is the most inclusive of their drink packages, offering a vast range of beverages. But what's included, and what are the rules that govern it?
First, let's talk about what you'll enjoy with Princess Plus. This package grants unlimited drinks, including cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks, juice, and even specialty coffee and tea. It's important to note that while this package is incredibly comprehensive, it does not include room service orders. So, if you're craving a midnight burger and a drink, you'll need to order it over the phone or at the Burgundy Restaurant.
cocktails and Spirits
One of the standout features of Princess Plus is the access it grants to a wide array of cocktails, including those made with premium spirits. However, there's a caveat. While you can enjoy these beverages anytime, anywhere throughout the cruise, Princess has set a responsible servings policy. This means that you'll only be able to order a maximum of 15 individual beverages per day. But worry not, as this cap applies to the total number of drinks, not types. So, you can still enjoy a mix of cocktails, wine, and beer throughout the day.
Another important rule to keep in mind is the age policy. Only guests aged 21 and above are permitted to order alcoholic beverages, regardless of whether you've purchased a drink package. Princess maintains a strict ID verification policy to ensure responsible drinking.
Specialty Coffee and Tea
Princess Plus also includes a wide selection of specialty coffee and tea options. From lattes and cappuccinos to herbal teas and iced tea, you'll have access to a wide variety of beverages to suit every taste. However, these drinks can only be ordered during specific times of the day. General coffee and tea stations are available throughout the day, but specialty beverages are only served during breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants.
One more thing to note is the room service policy. While Princess Plus grants you access to a wide array of beverages, room service orders are unfortunately not included. So, if you're craving a late-night latte in the comfort of your room, you'll need to order it over the phone or visit one of the onboard coffee bars.
Cafe Select Beverage Package
If the Princess Plus package feels a tad too extensive for your taste, you might prefer the Cafe Select Beverage Package. This package focuses on providing unlimited access to specialty coffee and tea, as well as soft drinks, juice, and hot chocolate. Let's explore the rules and offerings of this package.
With Cafe Select, you can enjoy a variety of specialty coffee and tea options throughout the day. As previously mentioned, these beverages are only served during breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants. However, with this package, you can also enjoy these drinks at your leisure in the coffee bars scattered throughout the ship.
Specialty Coffee and Tea
One of the standout features of Cafe Select is the variety of specialty coffee and tea it offers. From espresso to cappuccino, and herbal tea to chai latte, you'll have a wide range of beverages to choose from. However, it's essential to note that these drinks are not included in room service orders. So, if you're craving a latte in the comfort of your room, you'll need to order it over the phone or visit one of the onboard coffee bars.
Another critical rule to keep in mind is the age policy. While Cafe Select allows you to enjoy a wide range of beverages, it's essential to note that only guests aged 21 and above are permitted to order specialty coffee and tea containing alcohol, such as amaretto coffee. Princess maintains a strict ID verification policy to ensure responsible drinking, so always have your ID card handy.
Soft Drinks, Juice, and Hot Chocolate
In addition to specialty coffee and tea, Cafe Select also grants you unlimited access to a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages. This includes soft drinks, juice, and hot chocolate. These drinks are available 24/7 throughout the cruise, making it an excellent option for those looking to stay refreshed and hydrated at any hour of the day.
One more thing to note is the ship-wide policy on refillable water bottles. Regardless of which beverage package you choose, Princess encourages guests to reduce plastic waste by providing reusable water bottles in their staterooms. These bottles can be refilled at numerous stations throughout the ship, ensuring you always have access to fresh, clean water.
Understanding the Rules
Now that we've explored the rules governing Princess' beverage packages, you're perhaps wondering how you can make the most of these inclusive options. The key lies in understanding your choices and planning accordingly. If you're a coffee lover, Cafe Select might be the ideal pick. However, if you enjoy a broader range of beverages, Princess Plus could be the way to go.
It's also crucial to note that while these packages offer incredible value, they do not include gratuities. Be sure to factor this into your budget, as a service charge of approximately 18% per person, per day will be added to your account for any beverage package you choose. Moreover, these packages must be purchased for the entire duration of your cruise, and all guests in your stateroom must also purchase the package.
In conclusion, Princess' beverage packages open up a world of possibilities for your cruise experience, offering a fantastic way to indulge in a wide range of beverages while setting sail. With a bit of planning and understanding of the rules, you can make the most of these inclusive options, ensuring a truly unforgettable journey at sea.