Let’s be honest… booking a cruise today isn’t as simple as picking a ship and itinerary anymore.
You might think two people on the same Princess Cruises sailing are getting the exact same experience—but in 2026, that’s not always true.
From packages to WiFi to pricing, a lot has changed behind the scenes.
And if you don’t pay attention, you could end up paying more… for less value.
Let’s break it down
1. Beverage Package Rules Have Changed
One important update many cruisers miss is the change in drink package limits.
What’s new in 2026:
- The 15-drink daily limit now also includes some non-alcoholic drinks.
- Premier Package now offers:
- Unlimited premium drinks
- Value up to $20 per drink
Why This Matters
This quietly changes how people use drink packages.
Before:
- The limit is mostly applied to alcohol.
Now:
- It can include extras like specialty coffees, mocktails, etc.
So heavy users may hit limits faster than expected.
2. Specialty Dining Prices Have Jumped Significantly
This is a big one—and most cruisers only notice it onboard.
Updated pricing:
- Cover charges are now around $55–$60 per person.
- Increase of roughly 22%–33%
- Plus an extra service charge on top.
Why This Matters
Specialty dining used to feel like a “treat.”
Now it’s becoming a premium add-on experience
This makes packages like Premier more important if you plan to dine out onboard.
3. Princess Plus & Premier Got Better… But Also More Confusing
At first glance, the updated Princess Plus and Premier packages look like a big win.
Here’s what’s new in 2026:
- Princess Plus now includes 4 casual dining meals per guest
- Princess Premier includes:
- Unlimited casual dining
- Unlimited specialty dining
- Shore excursion credits:
- $100 (6–9 nights)
- $200 (10–20 nights)
- Up to $300 (21+ nights)
Sounds great, right?
But here’s where it gets tricky…
Not Everyone Gets the Same Benefits
This is the part that catches a lot of cruisers off guard.
Two guests on the same ship can both say:
“I booked Princess Plus.”
…but still get different perks.
Why?
Because it depends on when you purchased the package, not just when you booked the cruise.
- Bought before July 22, 2025 ➝ older benefits.
- Bought after that date ➝ updated 2026 perks.
Better Value… But a higher price
Let’s be real—those upgrades didn’t come free.
Packages now:
- Cost more
- Have more fine print
- Require closer comparison before booking
So instead of being a simple “upgrade,” it’s now a decision you actually need to analyze.
Real Talk
If you’re cruising in 2026, don’t assume your package includes everything you’ve seen online.
Always check your booking confirmation carefully.
Because in 2026:
- Same ship
- Same package name
- Same experience
4. Alaska Is Bigger Than Ever… But Still Hard to Book
If Alaska has been on your bucket list, 2026 might look like the perfect year.
Princess Cruises is going all in with:
- 180+ sailings
- 19 destinations
- One of their largest Alaska seasons ever
And there’s another big highlight…
The debut of Star Princess in Alaska.
But Here’s the Reality: Most People Learn Too Late
Even with all this expansion…
The best cruises still sell out fast.
We’re talking:
- Balcony cabins with prime glacier views.
- Peak summer dates.
- First sailings of new ships.
These are the ones experienced cruisers grab early.
What This Means for You
More sailings ≠ more availability (for the best options)
If Alaska is your goal:
- Book early
- Don’t wait for deals
- Prioritize cabin location over price
Because the “perfect” Alaska cruise?
It’s usually gone first.
5. The Caribbean Just Became a Year-Round Option
Now let’s talk about something more exciting…
Princess is going big on the Caribbean in 2026.
We’re talking:
- More sailings than ever.
- Summer itineraries (not just winter).
- More departure options from Florida.
Key ships include:
- Regal Princess (Fort Lauderdale)
- Caribbean Princess (Port Canaveral)
Why This Actually Matters
If you’ve ever tried to plan a cruise around:
- School holidays
- Work schedules
- Special occasions
…you’ll know how frustrating limited dates can be.
This change means:
- More flexibility
- More itinerary choices
- More chances to find the perfect sailing
A Subtle Shift Most People Miss
The Caribbean used to feel like a “winter cruise destination.”
In 2026, it’s becoming a year-round option.
And that’s a big deal if you:
- Prefer quieter summer cruises
- Want better availability
- Or plan back-to-back sailings
6. New “Sphere Class” Ships Are Changing the Experience
Princess is introducing a new generation of ships, starting with:
Star Princess (debuting May 2026)
What’s New on These Ships
- Dome-style glass entertainment spaces.
- Better scenic viewing (especially for Alaska).
- Expanded casual dining options.
- More modern layout compared to older ships.
Why This Matters
This creates a huge experience gap:
New ships = next-gen cruise feel.
Older ships = more traditional experience.
So again:
Ship selection matters more than ever in 2026.
7. WiFi Is No Longer Optional—It’s Part of the Experience
Let’s be honest…
WiFi used to be something you ignored on cruises.
Not anymore.
In 2026, WiFi is becoming a key booking decision.
Here’s What’s Changed
Princess is now bundling WiFi into its packages:
- Princess Plus ➝ 1 device.
- Princess Premier ➝ up to 4 devices.
And the upgraded system (MedallionNet Max) is designed to handle:
- Streaming
- Video calls
- Social media uploads
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Picture this:
- You’re trying to upload photos.
- Your partner is messaging family.
- Someone else is checking excursions.
Suddenly… 1 device isn’t enough.
The Smart Cruiser Move
Instead of asking:
“Do I need WiFi?”
Start asking:
“How many devices will I actually use?”
Because in 2026:
The “cheaper package” isn’t always the better deal.
8. Dining Is Getting Better… But Not on Every Ship
Here’s something many cruisers overlook…
Dining upgrades in 2026 are ship-specific.
That means:
Your experience depends heavily on which ship you choose.
Example Upgrades
Ships like Diamond Princess now feature:
- Makoto Ocean
- Crown Grill
And newer ships like:
- Sun Princess
- Star Princess
…are getting enhanced dining options too.
Why This Matters
Two cruises with the same itinerary can feel completely different based on:
- Dining venues
- Food quality
- Variety of options
In 2026, the ship matters more than ever.
9. Medallion Check-In Is Becoming Mandatory (Faster Boarding — If You Do It Right)
One of the biggest behind-the-scenes shifts is how boarding works.
Princess Cruises is pushing guests to complete the OceanReady process via the app before sailing.
Here’s what changed:
- Guests who complete everything early get “Green Lane” fast-track boarding.
- Guests who don’t ➝ go through the slower “Blue Lane” check-in.
This includes:
- Uploading documents
- Adding payment method
- Completing security steps
If you don’t do it in advance, expect delays at the terminal.
Why This Matters
This is a BIG shift in how cruises start.
Boarding is no longer equal for everyone.
Preparation = faster embarkation.
So now:
- Organized travelers = breeze through
- Last-minute travelers = wait longer
10. The Costs That Keep Sneaking Up
Now let’s talk about the part nobody likes…
Hidden or rising costs.
What’s Changing
Princess hasn’t made one big price jump—but several smaller ones.
These include:
- Some fares with 100% non-refundable deposits.
- Earlier final payment deadlines:
- 90 days (shorter cruises)
- 120 days (longer voyages)
And onboard…
Service charges have quietly increased:
- From 18% ➝ 20% on:
- Drinks
- Specialty dining
- Extras
The “Day 3 Realization”
Most cruisers don’t notice this immediately.
But by day 3, you start thinking:
“Why is everything adding up so fast?”
What You Should Do
Before booking:
- Check cancellation terms.
- Look at the deposit rules.
- Factor in onboard charges.
Because the base fare doesn’t tell the full story anymore.
What Smart Princess Cruisers Are Doing Differently in 2026
If there’s one thing clear from all these changes, it’s this—cruising with Princess Cruises in 2026 isn’t as simple as it used to be.
It’s no longer just about picking a ship and destination.
The real difference now comes down to the small decisions you make before you even step onboard—when you book, which package you choose, what ship you sail on, and how closely you read the fine print.
Two people can book the same cruise and walk away with completely different experiences—better dining, faster WiFi, more perks… or unexpected costs and limitations.
That’s why the smartest cruisers in 2026 aren’t just chasing deals.
They’re paying attention to the details.
Because in today’s cruise world, the best vacations don’t just happen…
They’re planned smarter.
