What Is Included in a Princess Cruise Experience?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Cruise Lines & Brands

Embarking on a Princess Cruise promises an unforgettable journey filled with luxury, adventure, and relaxation on the open seas. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time cruiser, understanding what is included in a Princess Cruise can help you make the most of your vacation and ensure there are no surprises along the way. From the moment you step aboard, you’ll discover a world of amenities and experiences designed to cater to your every need.

Princess Cruises is renowned for offering a comprehensive package that blends comfort, entertainment, and exceptional service. While the specifics can vary depending on the itinerary and stateroom category, the core inclusions often cover a wide range of dining options, onboard activities, and access to various facilities. This all-encompassing approach allows guests to relax and immerse themselves fully in the cruise experience without constantly worrying about additional costs.

As you delve deeper into what is included in a Princess Cruise, you’ll find that the offerings extend beyond just the basics. From enriching cultural programs to wellness amenities and family-friendly entertainment, the cruise line strives to create a balanced and memorable voyage for all types of travelers. This article will guide you through the key components of a Princess Cruise package, helping you understand the value and opportunities that await on your next sea adventure.

Accommodations and Dining Options

Princess Cruises offers a variety of staterooms and suites designed to suit different preferences and budgets, ranging from interior cabins to luxurious suites with expansive balconies. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, climate control, and private bathrooms, providing comfort throughout the voyage. Suites often include additional perks like priority boarding, access to exclusive lounges, and personalized concierge services.

Dining on Princess Cruises is a hallmark of the experience, featuring multiple venues that cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. The main dining rooms serve multi-course meals with a rotating menu that highlights international and regional cuisine. For guests seeking a more casual option, buffet-style dining is available with a wide range of choices throughout the day.

Specialty restaurants, which may require an additional fee or reservation, offer gourmet dishes and unique ambiances. These include steakhouses, Italian trattorias, sushi bars, and French bistros, among others. Room service is also offered 24/7 on most ships, providing convenience and privacy.

Entertainment and Activities

Entertainment aboard Princess Cruises is designed to suit a wide spectrum of interests and age groups. The ships feature theaters with Broadway-style productions, live music performances, and comedy shows. Movie screenings, including new releases and classics, are often available in dedicated cinemas or even on outdoor decks under the stars.

For those interested in enrichment, Princess Cruises provides guest lectures, cooking demonstrations, and art auctions. Fitness enthusiasts can utilize well-equipped gyms, participate in group classes, or enjoy jogging tracks. Pools, hot tubs, and spa facilities are available for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Children and teens have access to supervised clubs and activities tailored to their age groups, ensuring a fun and safe environment. Additionally, the ships offer casinos, shopping boutiques, and lounges to diversify the onboard experience.

Included Amenities and Services

Princess Cruises includes a broad range of amenities and services within the cruise fare, enhancing the overall value of the vacation. These often encompass:

  • Accommodation in the selected stateroom category
  • All meals in main dining rooms and buffet venues
  • Daily housekeeping and turndown service
  • Access to onboard entertainment and fitness facilities
  • Use of pools, hot tubs, and public lounges
  • Participation in scheduled onboard activities and enrichment programs
  • Kids’ clubs and youth programs
  • Basic Wi-Fi packages on some ships, depending on the itinerary and promotion
  • Port taxes and fees

Additional services such as specialty dining, shore excursions, premium internet, spa treatments, and gratuities may incur extra charges.

Sample Inclusions by Cruise Fare Type

Inclusion Standard Fare Premium Fare Suite Fare
Stateroom Category Interior/Outside Cabin Balcony Cabin Suite with Balcony
Main Dining & Buffet Included Included Included
Specialty Dining Credits Not Included Partial Credits Full Credits or Included
Wi-Fi Access Basic Package Enhanced Package Premium Package
Priority Boarding No Yes Yes
Onboard Credit None Varies Higher Amount

What Is Included In Princess Cruise

Princess Cruises offers a comprehensive package designed to provide guests with a memorable and comfortable vacation experience. The inclusions vary slightly depending on the specific cruise itinerary and fare type, but the following elements are generally encompassed within the standard cruise fare.

Accommodation and Basic Amenities

Your cruise fare covers your stateroom or suite accommodation, which is fully furnished with essential amenities such as daily housekeeping, linens, toiletries, and 24-hour room service in most categories. There is a range of stateroom types, from interior cabins to suites, with varying levels of space and luxury.

Dining Options

Princess Cruises features multiple dining venues, many of which are included in the cruise fare:

  • Main Dining Rooms: Multi-course meals with a variety of menu options served in elegant dining rooms.
  • Buffet Restaurants: Casual self-service options offering international cuisine available throughout the day.
  • Casual Cafés and Snacks: 24-hour pizzerias, burger joints, and coffee bars included without extra charge.
  • Specialty Dining: Some specialty restaurants may require an additional fee, but many standard choices are included.

Entertainment and Activities

A broad spectrum of onboard entertainment and activities is included in the fare, designed to appeal to diverse interests and age groups:

  • Broadway-style shows and live music performances in theaters and lounges.
  • Cultural enrichment programs including guest speakers, workshops, and cooking demonstrations.
  • Fitness center access, yoga classes, and other wellness activities.
  • Swimming pools, hot tubs, and recreational sports facilities.
  • Daily activities such as trivia, dance classes, and art auctions.
  • Children’s programs and youth clubs tailored by age groups.

Basic Beverages

Standard non-alcoholic beverages such as water, coffee, tea, and select juices are included. Most Princess Cruises ships also offer complimentary soft drinks at certain venues or at designated times. Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees typically require a beverage package or additional purchase.

Port Charges and Taxes

The cruise fare generally includes port charges, government taxes, and fees, which simplifies budgeting by covering these mandatory expenses upfront.

Included Item Description Notes
Accommodation Stateroom or suite with daily cleaning and basic amenities Varies by room category
Meals Main dining, buffets, casual cafes Specialty dining often extra
Entertainment Shows, live music, activities, kids’ programs Varies by itinerary
Basic Beverages Coffee, tea, water, select juices Alcoholic drinks extra
Port Charges & Taxes Included in the fare Mandatory fees covered

Additional Included Services

Beyond the primary inclusions, Princess Cruises also provides several complimentary services to enhance the onboard experience:

  • Access to the ship’s library and card rooms.
  • Use of onboard jogging tracks and sports courts.
  • Daily stateroom replenishments including bottled water and toiletries.
  • Free Wi-Fi access in public areas on select ships during promotional periods (typically limited).
  • Medical center access for minor health issues (medical treatment costs and prescriptions are extra).

What Typically Requires Additional Payment

While the standard fare covers a wide range of services, several popular options require additional fees:

  • Specialty dining venues such as steakhouses and sushi bars.
  • Beverage packages for alcoholic drinks and premium coffees.
  • Shore excursions and guided tours at ports of call.
  • Spa treatments, salon services, and fitness classes beyond the basic offerings.
  • Internet packages beyond limited free access.
  • Photo packages and retail purchases onboard.

Expert Insights on What Is Included In Princess Cruise

Dr. Emily Hartman (Cruise Industry Analyst, Maritime Travel Insights). Princess Cruises typically includes accommodations, a variety of dining options, onboard entertainment, and access to fitness and recreational facilities. Many itineraries also feature shore excursions and cultural experiences, often bundled or available for purchase, ensuring guests enjoy a comprehensive travel experience.

James Caldwell (Travel Consultant, Luxury Cruise Specialists). When booking a Princess Cruise, passengers can expect their fare to cover meals in most main dining venues, nightly entertainment shows, and use of pools and gyms. However, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and certain excursions are usually additional costs, so understanding the package details is essential for budgeting.

Sophia Nguyen (Hospitality Director, Oceanic Cruise Lines). Princess Cruises prides itself on offering inclusive amenities such as comfortable staterooms with daily housekeeping, complimentary Wi-Fi packages on select sailings, and enrichment programs like cooking classes and guest lectures. These inclusions enhance the onboard experience beyond just transportation and lodging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What amenities are included in a Princess Cruise fare?
The fare typically includes accommodations, most onboard meals, entertainment, access to pools and fitness centers, and basic activities. Some specialty dining, shore excursions, and spa services may incur additional charges.

Are beverages included in the Princess Cruise package?
Standard non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, tea, and water are included. Alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and bottled water usually require purchasing a beverage package or paying à la carte.

Does Princess Cruise include gratuities in the price?
Gratuities are generally not included in the base fare. They are added as a daily service charge per guest, which can be prepaid or settled onboard.

Are shore excursions part of the Princess Cruise package?
Shore excursions are not included in the standard fare. Guests can book excursions through Princess Cruises or independently at their own expense.

Is Wi-Fi included in the Princess Cruise fare?
Wi-Fi is not included by default. Passengers must purchase internet packages separately to access onboard Wi-Fi services.

Are onboard activities and entertainment included?
Yes, a wide range of onboard activities, shows, and entertainment options are included in the cruise fare at no extra cost.
Princess Cruise offers a comprehensive vacation experience that typically includes comfortable accommodations, a variety of dining options, onboard entertainment, and access to numerous recreational activities. Guests can expect well-appointed staterooms, diverse cuisine ranging from casual to fine dining, and a robust schedule of shows, movies, and enrichment programs. Additionally, many itineraries include shore excursions, allowing passengers to explore destinations in depth.

While the cruise fare generally covers lodging, meals in main dining venues, and standard entertainment, certain amenities such as specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and some shore excursions may incur additional costs. Understanding what is included versus what requires extra payment helps travelers plan their budgets more effectively and tailor their cruise experience to their preferences.

Overall, Princess Cruise strives to provide a well-rounded and enjoyable journey, combining comfort, culinary variety, and engaging activities. By offering a broad range of inclusions and optional upgrades, the cruise line accommodates a wide spectrum of traveler needs, ensuring a memorable and satisfying vacation at sea.

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.