Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is owned by Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company. This means when you book a Princess cruise, you're sailing with a trusted name backed by global strength and stability. Carnival owns several well-known cruise brands, including P&O Cruises and Cunard, and has a strong presence in the UK. Thanks to this support, Princess Cruises can offer fantastic ships, advanced MedallionClass® technology, and high levels of service – all with a focus on British guests. With regular sailings from Southampton and pricing in pounds, Princess is a smart choice for UK cruisers who want both peace of mind and a premium holiday at sea.

Princess Cruises offers a range of drinks packages to suit your style of holiday. The popular Plus Beverage Package costs around $65 per person, per day, covering cocktails, wine (up to $15 per glass), beer, specialty coffees, soft drinks, smoothies, and bottled water. With the added 18% service charge, the total comes to approximately $76.70 per day. If you enjoy premium spirits, top-shelf wines, and an even wider selection, the Premier Beverage Package is available for around $85 per day (about $100 including service charge). For non-drinkers or younger guests, there are also soda and zero-alcohol packages available from just $15 per day.

How much are drinks without a package?

If you’d rather pay as you go, drinks on board are priced in US dollars. Cocktails typically range from $11 to $15, while a glass of wine is usually $10 to $20. Beers come in at around $6 to $7, and soft drinks or fountain sodas are $2.50 to $3. Specialty coffees, like lattes and cappuccinos, are usually $5 to $6, and bottled water is about $3. Don’t forget there’s an 18% service charge added to each drink. If you plan to have a few drinks each day, one of the packages could end up saving you money – and it keeps things simple once you're on board.

Please note all prices are a guide and should be checked with our team prior to booking.

Princess Cruises usually departs from the Ocean Cruise Terminal (Berth 46) in Southampton, located in the Eastern Docks. This terminal offers a smooth and efficient check-in process, with luggage drop-off and passenger access right outside the entrance. However, cruise terminals can vary depending on ship schedules, so it’s always worth double-checking your travel documents or final cruise itinerary a few days before departure.

A Princess Cruise includes everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday at sea. Your fare covers comfortable accommodation, full-board dining across a variety of restaurants, and a wide range of entertainment – from live shows and music to Movies Under the Stars®. You’ll also have access to pools, fitness facilities, youth clubs for children and teens, and daily activities led by the friendly onboard team. Most itineraries include calls at multiple destinations, with your transport between them all taken care of. While extras like drinks packages, speciality dining, excursions, and Wi-Fi cost more, Princess often offers packages like Princess Plus or Princess Premier, which bundle those perks into one great-value price – giving you even more for your money.

Speak to our team today on 02380 658 386 about booking or upgrading to Princess Plus or Princess Premier!

Gratuities – also known as crew appreciation – are automatically added to your onboard account unless you’ve chosen a fare like Princess Plus or Princess Premier, where they’re already included in the price.

As of 2025, the daily gratuity rates are:

• $16.00 per person, per day for Interior, Oceanview and Balcony cabins
• $17.00 per person, per day for Mini-Suites and Club Class
• $18.00 per person, per day for Suites

These charges are shared among your stateroom steward, dining room staff, and other crew members who work hard to make your cruise experience exceptional. It’s a simple way to say thank you for great service throughout your holiday.

Can I remove or adjust gratuities?

Yes, gratuities can be removed or changed at your request. Simply visit the Guest Services desk while onboard and they’ll be happy to assist. That said, most guests choose to leave them as they are, knowing they directly support the fantastic crew who help make every Princess cruise so special. If you prefer to tip individuals personally instead, that’s entirely up to you.

Princess Cruises offers two Wi‑Fi options through its MedallionNet service. If you're paying as you go, the standard MedallionNet Classic package costs around $24.99 per day for one device, or $44.99 per day for up to four devices. These packages provide fast and reliable internet at sea for browsing, messaging, and social media.

If you only need Wi‑Fi for a short time, you can also buy it onboard by the day – prices are usually around $30 for one device or $55 for four devices per 24-hour period.

Is Wi‑Fi included in any packages?

Yes – faster, enhanced internet known as MedallionNet Max is included when you upgrade to Princess Plus (1 device per guest) or Princess Premier (up to 4 devices per guest). This version offers better speeds and is great for streaming, video calling, and staying connected throughout your cruise.

Southampton Cruise Centre tip:
If you plan to use Wi‑Fi daily, adding Princess Plus or Premier to your booking is usually better value than paying onboard. Plus, it bundles in other great extras like drinks and gratuities too!

Discover all the inclusions and additional perks in our blog, where you can find out the difference between Princess Plus & Princess Premier.

Princess Cruises keeps things relaxed and comfortable during the day, with most guests opting for smart-casual attire around the ship. In the evening, the dress code depends on the night:

• Smart Casual Evenings: Think stylish but comfortable – dresses, skirts, trousers or smart jeans with a blouse or shirt. Polo shirts, jumpers and chinos are perfect for men. No swimwear, baseball caps or gym wear in the main dining rooms.
• Formal Evenings (usually 1–2 per cruise): This is your chance to dress up a little more. Cocktail dresses or evening gowns for ladies, and a suit or jacket and trousers for gents – a tie is optional, but encouraged. Some guests go all out with tuxedos or long dresses, but it’s not required.

Princess still embraces the joy of dressing for dinner, but there’s no pressure – if you prefer to skip formalwear, you can always dine in the buffet or a more casual venue on board.

Southampton Cruise Centre tip:
Bring layers for cooler evenings and something smart if you fancy getting glammed up for photos, cocktails or a night at the theatre – it’s all part of the fun!