Most people think the cost of a cruise starts with the deposit and ends with the final payment. I wish. The truth is, the real spending begins long before you ever step onboard — and it continues every single day of your sailing.
After booking our upcoming 23‑day cruise, I sat down and did the math. And wow… the numbers tell a very different story than the glossy brochures.
The Daily Packages: Worth It or Not?
Cruise lines love their “packages.” They bundle drinks, Wi‑Fi, tips, and a few extras and sell it at a daily rate. For our sailing, the Princess Plus package is:
US $70 per person per day × 23 days = US $1,610 per person = US $3,220 for two people
That’s before you’ve even had a sip of anything.
Now here’s the thing: I’m not drinking alcohol or pop. I’ll happily exchange the bar package for bottled water. I also get 50% off Wi‑Fi, which changes the math dramatically.
Wi‑Fi: The Hidden Budget Buster
Princess Plus only includes one device per person. That doesn’t work for us. We each use: one phone and one computer each = 4 devices
So I always buy the full package for four devices.
I paid:
CAD $746.45 / US $525.87 (for 4 devices, for the entire cruise that includes my 50% past passenger discount)
Worth it for peace of mind and not having to sign on and off like a circus act. For 23 days, I’m not playing that game.
Gratuities: Included… or Not?
Princess Plus includes tips, but I prefer to pay them myself.
US $18 per day × 23 days = US $414 per person = US $828 for two
Who Does the Package Work For?
If you:
Drink 6 alcoholic drinks a day
Like bottled water
Enjoy fancy coffees
Plan to use only one Wi‑Fi device
Want casual dining included
…then yes, the package might be worth it.
But for people like me? Do the math. Every time.
I did and I saved US$1,866.13
