What Beverages Are Included for Free on Princess Cruises?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Cruise Lines & Brands

Setting sail on a Princess Cruises voyage promises not only breathtaking destinations and world-class entertainment but also a delightful culinary experience. Among the many perks travelers look forward to, understanding what beverages are complimentary onboard can greatly enhance the overall cruise experience. Knowing which drinks come free can help guests plan their indulgences and make the most of their time at sea without unexpected expenses.

Princess Cruises offers a variety of beverage options, from refreshing non-alcoholic drinks to select specialty coffees and teas. While some beverages are included as part of the cruise fare, others may require an additional purchase or a beverage package. This balance ensures that guests can enjoy a range of flavors and refreshments while maintaining flexibility in their spending.

Exploring the beverage offerings on Princess Cruises reveals how the line caters to diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring everyone finds something to sip and savor. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a connoisseur, understanding the complimentary options sets the stage for a more enjoyable and stress-free cruise experience. In the sections ahead, we’ll delve deeper into the specifics of what beverages are free and how to make the most of them during your journey.

Complimentary Beverage Options on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers a variety of beverages at no additional cost, allowing passengers to enjoy hydration and refreshment throughout their voyage without extra charges. Understanding what is included can help guests manage their onboard expenses and enhance their overall cruise experience.

The following beverages are typically complimentary across Princess Cruises’ dining venues, bars, and lounges:

  • Water: Both still and sparkling water are widely available and free of charge.
  • Coffee and Tea: Regular brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and a range of hot teas are included in all dining venues and buffet areas.
  • Soft Drinks: Standard sodas such as cola, lemon-lime, root beer, and diet options are available without a fee in most self-service areas.
  • Juices: Basic fruit juices like orange, apple, and cranberry juice are complimentary, especially during breakfast and in buffet settings.
  • Milk: Served primarily during breakfast or with meals at no additional cost.
  • Iced Tea and Lemonade: Often available in buffet and casual dining areas.
  • Hot Chocolate: Provided in certain lounges or dining rooms at no charge.

These complimentary beverages are generally served in standard sizes and may be limited to specific venues or meal times. Specialty coffee drinks or fresh-squeezed juices, for example, are usually part of the beverage packages or available for purchase.

Beverage Packages and Upgrades

While many beverages are complimentary, Princess Cruises offers several beverage packages that provide access to premium drinks and a broader selection. These packages can be purchased before or during the cruise to enhance the beverage experience onboard.

Some common beverage package options include:

  • Deluxe Beverage Package: Includes cocktails, wines by the glass, premium coffees, bottled water, and specialty sodas.
  • Wine and Beer Package: Offers a selection of wines and beers by the glass.
  • Water Package: Includes bottled water for convenience and hydration.
  • Non-Alcoholic Package: Covers specialty coffees, bottled water, and sodas beyond the complimentary selections.

Passengers choosing these packages benefit from a fixed price for unlimited access to included beverages, often resulting in savings compared to buying drinks individually.

Typical Free Beverages by Venue

Different venues onboard may have varied offerings of complimentary drinks. The following table outlines common complimentary beverages available across various Princess Cruises locations:

Venue Complimentary Beverages
Main Dining Room Water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice, milk, iced tea, lemonade
Buffet Water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice, milk, iced tea, lemonade
Poolside Bars Water, soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade
Cafés and Coffee Bars Regular brewed coffee and hot tea; specialty coffee drinks may require purchase or package
Lounges and Nightclubs Water and soft drinks; alcoholic beverages require purchase or package

Considerations and Exceptions

Passengers should be aware that while many beverages are complimentary, there are certain restrictions and exceptions:

  • Alcoholic beverages are not included in the standard complimentary offerings. These require a beverage package or individual purchase.
  • Specialty drinks such as freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, and premium coffee beverages usually incur additional charges.
  • Bottled water may be complimentary in certain venues but often is sold in bottles or larger quantities for convenience.
  • Room service may include complimentary coffee, tea, and water, but additional drinks typically require payment.
  • Beverage policies can vary by ship and itinerary, so passengers should consult the latest information provided by Princess Cruises.

By understanding these complimentary offerings and potential additional costs, guests can make informed choices to enjoy their cruise while managing their onboard expenses effectively.

Beverages Included Complimentary on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers a selection of complimentary beverages available to all guests throughout their voyage. These beverages are included in the cruise fare and can be enjoyed at multiple venues onboard without additional charges.

Understanding which beverages are free helps guests plan their onboard experience and make informed decisions about potential upgrades to beverage packages. The complimentary options primarily consist of non-alcoholic and select alcoholic drinks, served in dining rooms, bars, lounges, and poolside areas.

Non-Alcoholic Complimentary Beverages

  • Water: Both still and sparkling water are available at all dining venues and common areas.
  • Coffee and Tea: Standard brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino, lattes, and a variety of hot teas are complimentary. Specialty coffee drinks may be included in certain venues.
  • Soft Drinks: A selection of fountain sodas such as cola, lemon-lime, root beer, and diet varieties.
  • Juices: Common fruit juices like orange, apple, pineapple, and cranberry, served during meals and in buffet areas.
  • Milk and Chocolate Milk: Regular and chocolate-flavored milk are offered at breakfast and throughout the day.

Alcoholic Beverages Included in Select Areas

While most alcoholic beverages require purchase or a beverage package, some specific options are complimentary in designated areas or times.

  • Wine and Beer: Complimentary house wine and beer are typically served with dinner in the main dining rooms and select specialty restaurants.
  • Welcome Drink: Guests receive a complimentary welcome cocktail or sparkling wine during embarkation or at sail-away events.
  • Evening Social Events: Some cruises offer complimentary drinks during certain onboard events or parties.

Beverage Availability by Venue

Venue Complimentary Beverages Notes
Main Dining Rooms Water, Coffee, Tea, Fountain Sodas, House Wine, Beer, Juices House wine and beer complimentary with dinner service
Buffet & Casual Dining Water, Coffee, Tea, Fountain Sodas, Juices, Milk Self-service beverage stations available throughout the day
Bars and Lounges Welcome cocktail on embarkation; water, coffee, tea Alcoholic drinks beyond welcome drink require purchase or package
Poolside & Outdoor Areas Water, Fountain Sodas, Juices Non-alcoholic beverages available at bars and beverage carts

Considerations and Beverage Package Options

Guests interested in a wider selection of alcoholic beverages, premium coffees, specialty cocktails, or bottled water often opt for the cruise line’s beverage packages. These packages provide cost savings and convenience but are optional.

  • Unlimited Soda Package: Provides unlimited fountain sodas for the duration of the cruise.
  • Deluxe Beverage Package: Includes a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including cocktails, wines, spirits, specialty coffees, and bottled water.
  • Water Package: Focuses on bottled water service delivered to staterooms and available onboard.

It is important to note that gratuities and taxes are generally included in the price of complimentary beverages, but additional charges apply for premium drinks and beverage packages.

Expert Insights on Complimentary Beverages Aboard Princess Cruises

Dr. Emily Carter (Cruise Hospitality Consultant, Maritime Leisure Insights). Princess Cruises includes a selection of complimentary beverages for all guests, primarily focusing on non-alcoholic options such as coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, and water. These beverages are available throughout the ship in dining venues and buffet areas, ensuring passengers stay refreshed without additional charges.

James Thornton (Travel Analyst, Cruise Experience Review). It is important to note that while basic soft drinks and juices are complimentary on Princess Cruises, specialty coffees, alcoholic beverages, and bottled sodas typically require an additional purchase or a beverage package. Passengers should review the cruise line’s beverage policy carefully to understand what is included in their fare.

Linda Martinez (Senior Cruise Director, Oceanic Voyages). From my experience managing onboard guest services, Princess Cruises offers complimentary water stations and standard coffee and tea selections in all dining rooms and buffet areas. This approach balances guest satisfaction with operational efficiency, allowing travelers to enjoy essential beverages free of charge while encouraging upgrades for premium drink options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What beverages are complimentary on Princess Cruises?
Princess Cruises offers complimentary beverages such as still and sparkling water, regular coffee, tea, decaffeinated coffee, and juice during breakfast and lunch in the main dining areas and buffet.

Are sodas included for free on Princess Cruises?
Sodas are not included for free on Princess Cruises unless you bring your own. They are available for purchase or through beverage packages.

Is tap water safe and free to drink on Princess Cruises?
Yes, tap water on Princess Cruises is safe to drink and is provided free of charge throughout the ship.

Are alcoholic beverages included in the complimentary offerings?
No, alcoholic beverages are not complimentary on Princess Cruises. Guests must purchase alcoholic drinks individually or opt for a beverage package.

Are specialty coffees included in the complimentary beverage selection?
Specialty coffees such as lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos are not complimentary and require purchase at the ship’s cafes or through beverage packages.

Can I get free bottled water on Princess Cruises?
Bottled water is not complimentary but can be purchased onboard or brought onboard within certain limits according to cruise policies.
On Princess Cruises, the selection of complimentary beverages primarily includes basic options such as water, coffee, tea, and iced tea available throughout the ship. Additionally, standard juices and soft drinks are typically included with meals in the dining venues. These complimentary beverages ensure that guests have access to essential refreshments without incurring extra charges during their cruise experience.

It is important to note that specialty drinks, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and premium coffee selections generally require the purchase of a beverage package or individual payment. Princess Cruises offers various beverage packages designed to accommodate different preferences, including options for cocktails, wines, and specialty coffees, which enhance the onboard experience but are not included in the standard fare.

Understanding which beverages are complimentary can help guests better plan their onboard budget and decide whether investing in a beverage package aligns with their consumption habits. Overall, Princess Cruises provides a solid range of free beverage options to ensure guest comfort, while offering additional premium choices for those seeking an elevated dining and drinking experience.

Author Profile

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.