Princess Cruises has quietly increased the price of bottled water, catching passengers off guard with no prior announcement. Overnight, the cost for pre-purchased bottled water surged, leaving passengers scrambling to adjust their budgets for upcoming voyages. This unexpected price hike has caused significant frustration among cruise-goers, especially since the change was implemented without warning.
As of September 17, 2024, passengers who had pre-ordered bottled water were paying $7 per case. However, just one day later, on September 18, those attempting to purchase water for their upcoming trips reported a dramatic jump in cost. The new price now stands at $24 per case for both domestic and international sailings, representing more than a threefold increase.
Passengers in Canada were also hit by this spike. Previously paying 10 CAD per case, they now face a staggering 32.40 CAD price tag. The new pricing is visible in the “Manage Booking” section of Princess Cruises, leaving customers little room to avoid the increase.
Outrage Over Sudden Price Hike
The unexpected jump in bottled water pricing has sparked outrage among passengers. Many have taken to online forums and social media platforms to vent their frustrations, with questions arising about the reasoning behind such a sharp increase. However, as Princess Cruises’ terms and conditions make clear, they reserve the right to change pricing at any time without notice.
According to Princess Cruises’ online terms policy, “Pricing is subject to change without notice, and for vessels designated in a foreign currency, packages purchased in advance may vary from onboard pricing due to timing and currency fluctuations.” This clause allows for sudden shifts in pricing, leaving passengers with little recourse.
The terms and conditions also note, “Princess Cruises may modify, amend or update the terms and conditions of our beverage packages at any time with or without notice to guests. The terms and conditions as published on Princess.com on the date of sailing will apply.” In other words, passengers are subject to the price in effect at the time of sailing, not at the time of booking.
Despite the uproar, Princess Cruises has yet to issue an official statement addressing the price change, leaving passengers to speculate on the reasons behind the surge.
Comparisons to Carnival Cruise Line
This price hike isn’t unique to Princess Cruises. In April 2024, Princess’ sister company, Carnival Cruise Line, also increased the price of bottled water without much fanfare. While Carnival has raised its bottled water prices multiple times over the past few years, the costs have never reached the levels Princess Cruises is now charging.
To give context, in early 2022, Carnival was charging $4.95 for a 12-pack of water, roughly $0.42 per 16-ounce bottle. By November of that year, the price doubled to $9.95 per case, and in December 2023, it rose again to $11.95. Today, passengers are paying $14.95 for a case of water on Carnival ships, which breaks down to $1.25 per bottle.
Comparatively, Princess Cruises’ new $24 price puts individual bottles at $2 each, significantly higher than Carnival. This has led many Princess Cruises passengers to wonder if they’ll see further price increases during their voyages, especially since some report that $2 per bottle is already the onboard price.
Beverage Packages as an Alternative
Although the sharp increase in the cost of bottled water has upset many passengers, those who have purchased Princess Cruises’ Plus or Premier Beverage Packages remain unaffected. These packages offer passengers unlimited bottled water, among other perks, which can help offset the sting of the price hike.
The Plus Beverage Package is priced at $60 per day (plus an 18% gratuity). It includes unlimited cocktails (up to $15 per drink), wine by the glass, beer, specialty coffees, fountain sodas, fresh juices, smoothies, and, of course, bottled water.
The Premier Beverage Package is more inclusive, offering everything available in the Plus Package but expanding the drink limit to $20 per drink. It also includes premium spirits, reserve wines, and unlimited specialty dining. This package costs $90 per day, plus gratuities.
Princess Cruises recently overhauled the Premier Beverage Package in August 2024, raising the daily price by $10. However, the new package now also includes unlimited MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi, giving passengers faster internet service as part of the deal.
For passengers who regularly purchase bottled water, these beverage packages offer a way to avoid the increased cost of water and get more value for money on their trip.
How Princess Cruises’ Price Compares to Competitors
Despite the significant price jump, Princess Cruises’ $24 per case of bottled water is still cheaper than some of its competitors. Royal Caribbean, for example, charges $39 per case, which breaks down to about $3.25 per bottle—considerably more expensive than Princess’ $2 per bottle rate.
However, it’s worth noting that passengers on all cruise lines have access to free tap water. Cruise ships filter their water onboard, and passengers can fill up reusable water bottles throughout their voyage. This is an excellent way to avoid paying for bottled water altogether, especially for travelers looking to score a great cruise deal while minimizing unnecessary expenses.
Tips for Avoiding Extra Costs on Cruises
To make the most of your vacation and avoid surprise costs like these, there are several strategies passengers can use:
- Pre-purchase Beverage Packages: If you anticipate drinking a lot of bottled water or other beverages, investing in one of Princess Cruises’ beverage packages may be a cost-effective option.
- Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: Avoid the cost of bottled water by bringing a refillable water bottle and using the free tap water available on board.
- Book Early: Prices for amenities like water, beverage packages, and excursions can increase closer to the sailing date. Pre-booking these items early can lock in lower rates.
- Look for Promotions: Cruise lines frequently offer special promotions, including beverage package discounts or onboard credit. Keep an eye out for these to help offset the cost of your cruise.
- Stay Informed: Terms and conditions for cruise amenities can change without notice, as demonstrated by the bottled water price increase. Staying informed by regularly checking your cruise line’s website can prevent surprises.
While Princess Cruises’ bottled water price increase is certainly frustrating for passengers, there are ways to avoid paying for bottled water onboard. Those looking for a cruise deal may want to consider alternative options like beverage packages or simply packing a reusable bottle to fill up onboard.
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