What does a Princess cruise actually cost?
Updated 2026-07 · 5 min read
Princess is the line behind "The Love Boat," with its own private Bahamian destination, Princess Cays. Traditional and polished, strong on production shows and a loyal repeat-cruiser base. Like every premium-tier line, the advertised fare is only the starting point — here's what the rest of the trip typically adds.
What's included vs. what's extra
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Gratuities | $19 / person / day |
| Drink package | $105 / adult / day |
| Wi-Fi | $20 / day |
| Specialty dining | $60 / adult / night (typically 2 nights) |
| Shore excursions | ~$110 / adult / port |
A worked example
Two adults, balcony cabin, 7 nights, 3 ports, with the drink package, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions turned on:
| Line item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cruise fare (sticker price) | $3,885 |
| Taxes & port fees | $336 |
| Gratuities | $259 |
| Drink package | $1,470 |
| Wi-Fi | $140 |
| Specialty dining | — |
| Shore excursions | $660 |
| Travel insurance | — |
Sticker price: $3,885. Real total: $6,750 (roughly $6,075–$7,425), or about $482 per person, per night, all-in.
For a family of four (2 adults, 2 kids) on the same itinerary, the real total comes to roughly $10,066 ($9,059–$11,073).
Adjust cabin, nights, or family size for Princess →Where Princess sails from
Common homeports include Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Vancouver, Seattle. Positioning cruises and repositioning sailings (moving a ship between seasonal regions) can carry lower fares than round-trip itineraries from the same port — worth checking if your dates are flexible.
Our take
Princess leans on Alaska and long itineraries where premium-tier pricing is easier to justify — it's a weaker value pick for a standard 7-night Caribbean run against Celebrity or Holland America at similar prices.
Frequently asked questions
What's included in Princess's fare?
Princess's advertised fare covers the cabin and standard dining and entertainment only. Gratuities ($19/person/day), drink packages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and shore excursions are all sold separately.
How much is the Princess drink package?
Roughly $105 per adult, per day, based on typical premium-tier pricing. For two adults on a 7-night cruise that's about $1,470.
Is Princess a good value?
Princess leans on Alaska and long itineraries where premium-tier pricing is easier to justify — it's a weaker value pick for a standard 7-night Caribbean run against Celebrity or Holland America at similar prices.
What will a Princess cruise actually cost?
For two adults in a balcony cabin on a 7-night, 3-port itinerary with drinks, Wi-Fi, and excursions included, expect a real total around $6,750 (roughly $6,075–$7,425) against a sticker fare of $3,885. Run your own cabin and family size in the calculator for an exact estimate.