Planning the best vacation on a cruise? Well, if you’re thinking about hydrating while soaking in the sun on a Princess Cruises voyage, be prepared for a splash of sticker shock. Princess Cruises has quietly and significantly increased the price of bottled water, leaving passengers feeling high and dry—literally and financially. And no, this wasn’t announced in a grand, glamorous fashion as you might expect from a cruise line. It was more of a stealthy price hike, leaving passengers scrambling to figure out why their water bill suddenly feels like they’re buying artisan spring water hand-delivered by dolphins.
The Bottled Water Price Jump: What Happened?
Passengers who pre-purchased bottled water before September 17, 2024, probably felt like they snagged a deal at $7 per case. But if you blinked and tried to order bottled water a day later, on September 18 or after, you would’ve found yourself paying a hefty $24 per case. Yes, that’s more than triple the original price. And it’s not just affecting passengers on U.S. sailings. Canadians, too, saw their bottled water price leap from 10 CAD to a whopping 32.40 CAD per case. So, unless you’re ready to pay nearly $2 per bottle, you might want to start getting cozy with that complimentary tap water.
If you’re booking a trip with Princess Cruises anytime soon, you’ll spot these jaw-dropping new prices right there in the “Manage Booking” section of the cruise line’s website. The online cruise community is understandably bubbling over with complaints and confusion, wondering why Princess Cruises pulled off such a dramatic price hike without any announcement. One minute, you’re packing sunscreen for the best vacation, and the next minute, you’re considering bringing your own camel for hydration.
No Announcement, No Problem?
While some passengers are drowning in confusion, it seems Princess Cruises isn’t legally required to explain this price jump. According to their terms and conditions (which, let’s face it, few people read while dreaming of their next mojito by the pool), the company can change prices without any notice. Here’s the kicker: they’ve been very transparent about their ability to not be transparent. Their terms state, “Pricing is subject to change without notice,” adding that this includes adjustments due to currency fluctuations and timing differences for foreign vessels.
And just in case passengers had any lingering hope of consistency, the terms add that Princess Cruises can “modify, amend or update the terms and conditions of our beverage packages at any time with or without notice.” So, if you’re caught off guard by this sneaky water price hike, technically, you were warned—just not in a way you could’ve anticipated while booking your dream vacation.
The Quiet Cruise Water War
Princess Cruises isn’t the only one testing the waters with higher prices. In fact, they seem to be in competition with their own sister line, Carnival Cruise Line, which also increased their bottled water prices earlier this year. Carnival raised their prices for the third time in 17 months, bumping a 12-pack from $4.95 to $14.95—still cheaper than Princess Cruises’ $24 price tag.
In comparison, Carnival now charges about $1.25 per bottle, while Princess Cruises’ new price works out to about $2 per bottle. It’s safe to say that passengers are feeling a bit parched over this news.
But if you think Princess Cruises’ new $24 price is a lot, just wait until you hear what Royal Caribbean is charging—$39 per case! Suddenly, Princess Cruises feels like a bargain. Of course, with these rates, you’d hope the water has magical healing powers or at least sparkles a little.
How To Avoid the Hike and Still Have the Best Vacation
Sure, you could pay $24 for bottled water. But why let that stop you from enjoying the best vacation? If you’re savvy, there are ways around these sudden price hikes. First, consider the beverage packages offered by Princess Cruises. If you’ve opted for the Plus or Premier Beverage Packages, you can sip as much bottled water as your heart desires, without breaking the bank.
The Plus Beverage Package comes in at $60 per day (plus 18% gratuities) and includes unlimited cocktails, beer, wine, specialty coffees, and—of course—bottled water. The Premier Beverage Package, at $90 per day, adds top-shelf spirits and fancier wines to the deal. And yes, that also includes unlimited bottled water. So, for those who like to indulge in a drink or two (or ten) while cruising, these packages are a steal compared to paying $24 for a case of water alone.
But if you’re not a big drinker and just need to stay hydrated, here’s a pro tip: bring your own refillable water bottle. Cruise lines offer free tap water, which is perfectly drinkable. Just fill up before heading out for your day on the ship or your shore excursions. It may not come in a sleek, branded bottle, but it’ll quench your thirst all the same.
Why Did Princess Cruises Increase Their Prices?
This leads us to the million-dollar—or should we say $24—question: why did Princess Cruises hike their bottled water prices so suddenly? As of now, they haven’t issued any official statement on the matter. It could be due to rising operational costs, or maybe they just figured that passengers wouldn’t notice while they’re busy enjoying their dream vacation.
The cruise line industry is known for adjusting prices to stay competitive or cover increasing expenses, and Princess Cruises isn’t alone in this tactic. Other cruise lines are also upping their game (and their prices), with Royal Caribbean being a prime example. Whether it’s inflation, supply chain issues, or the general cost of running a luxury cruise, it’s clear that prices are sailing higher across the board.
Sail Smoothly, Hydrate Smartly
In the grand scheme of your best vacation with Princess Cruises, paying $24 for bottled water might not seem like the end of the world. However, if you’re the type to pinch pennies where you can, there are plenty of ways to avoid this price hike while still living your best life on the high seas. Whether it’s opting for a beverage package, sipping free tap water, or packing a reusable bottle, there’s no need to let this unexpected price increase dampen your vacation spirit.
At the end of the day, your cruise is about enjoying every moment—from sunsets on the deck to discovering new destinations—not sweating over bottled water prices. Just make sure you’re aware of the fine print before you set sail, and you’ll be all set for smooth sailing!
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