Independent Guide to Plus vs Premier Cruise Packages

Cruise bundles can simplify planning, but they can also make it harder to see what is actually included and what still costs extra. Plus and Premier are often compared because both combine common onboard expenses into one daily price, yet they are not identical in how they handle beverages, internet use, dining access, and additional perks. A useful comparison starts with one simple question: which items would you realistically pay for anyway? Once that is clear, the package decision becomes much less about labels and much more about everyday spending patterns.

Packages and inclusions

Both bundles are designed to wrap multiple onboard charges into a single rate. In broad terms, each package usually includes a drinks allowance, wifi access, and crew appreciation, with the higher tier expanding the limits or adding extra benefits. That structure can be appealing because it reduces the need to approve separate charges throughout the voyage. At the same time, an inclusive bundle is only valuable if the included items match your actual habits. Travelers who spend most of their time enjoying standard dining and minimal extras may not benefit from every feature that sounds attractive on paper.

Drinks and dining

For many passengers, drinks are the clearest dividing line. The lower package generally works well for travelers who want wine, cocktails, soft drinks, bottled water, and specialty coffee within a standard per-drink price cap. The higher package usually raises that cap, which matters if you prefer premium labels or more expensive menu options. Dining can also shape the value calculation. A lower-tier bundle may include limited specialty or casual dining credits, while the higher tier commonly offers broader access. If you expect to eat mainly in the main dining room or buffet, the premium dining advantages may not translate into meaningful savings.

Wifi and gratuities

Internet access can seem straightforward, but device limits make a real difference. A traveler who checks messages, reads email, and uploads a few photos from one phone may find the lower package adequate. A couple or family switching between phones, tablets, and laptops may find more value in the higher tier if it supports additional devices. Gratuities are equally important because they represent a daily expense that adds up across the length of a cruise. When crew appreciation is bundled into either package, the out-of-pocket difference between the basic fare and the package fare can become smaller than it first appears.

Fare, bundles, and real cost

Pricing is one of the main reasons travelers compare these packages so closely. Recent public pricing has often placed Plus at around US$60 per person per day and Premier at around US$90 per person per day, though actual rates may differ by itinerary, region, booking date, promotion, and package updates. These numbers are estimates, not permanent fixed rates. The lower bundle can offer solid value when drinks, wifi, and gratuities would already be purchased separately. The upgrade to the higher bundle usually makes more sense when premium beverages, expanded dining access, and stronger connectivity needs are part of the plan from the start.

Comparison and benefits

A direct comparison is often the easiest way to judge the difference between the two bundles. The table below summarizes the typical areas travelers review first when deciding whether the upgrade is justified. Package terms can change over time, so the latest booking details for a specific sailing should always be checked before making a final decision.

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

Which upgrade may suit different travelers

The lower bundle often suits travelers who want predictable onboard costs without paying for premium features they may never use. It can be especially practical for those who enjoy a few drinks each day, want basic internet access, and appreciate gratuities being built into the fare. The higher bundle is more likely to fit travelers who expect to use several premium benefits consistently, such as higher-priced beverages, multiple connected devices, and more frequent specialty dining. In that case, the upgrade is not just about having more perks; it is about replacing spending that would likely happen anyway.

How to judge value before booking

A simple personal checklist can make the decision clearer. Estimate how many drinks you would order on a typical sea day, whether one device is enough for internet use, how often you would reserve specialty dining, and whether bundled gratuities affect your comfort with the total fare. If most of those items would be purchased separately, either package may provide convenience and cost control. If only one or two apply, paying à la carte may sometimes be the more practical route. The key is to compare package pricing with realistic onboard behavior rather than idealized vacation spending.

In the end, Plus and Premier serve different types of cruise budgets and travel styles rather than representing a simple good-better choice. Plus often covers the essentials many passengers actually use, while Premier tends to reward heavier users of premium drinks, dining variety, and broader connectivity. A careful comparison of inclusions, limits, and expected daily habits is the most reliable way to decide which bundle offers the better fit.