Standard or plus

[caribill]

2 hours ago, roadster08 said:

There is another element to this discussion that is worth mentioning. At least before COVID, cruise lines expected to get 2/3 of their revenue from cabin prices, 1/3 from onboard purchases, and make a net profit on those revenues of between 14 and 18%.

 

By taking the plus package, you are making it a lot easier on yourself to meet the minimums that cruise lines expect you to pay in total for your cruise. In other words, if you don't take plus, they are going to find other ways to extract that 1/3 from you, on average.

 

The Plus and Premier package elements are considered onboard revenue, just purchased pre-cruise.

 

Of course those who purchase drinks and Internet and tips pre-cruise would normally have little to pay post-cruise from onboard purchases.

 

Cruise lines have found that psychologically people who expect a very low onboard bill will actually spend more and end up spending more than if they had waited to purchases drinks, Internet and tips until they were on board.

[CruizinSusan70]

37 minutes ago, Diamondring said:

I've appreciated this thread.  I understand better the different plans.  I like to have Wifi, DH can live with out it.  We don't drink any coffee or alcohol.  DH likes Pepsi, but in the past we've always brought it onboard with us.  Bottled water would be nice, as well as gratuities paid ahead.  Desserts don't interest me, but DH might have one a day and the premium ones are not important (he just wants chocolate).  I'd rather walk around the promenade deck than to go to the gym.  Juice bar, eh... maybe.  So, doing the math, Not sure Plus is a good choice for us.  Thoughts? We are both Platinum, if that matters.  

You're teetotalers and you also don't want the espresso based coffees. Nothing else needs to be said.  Plus is not for you

[CruizinSusan70]

9 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

I don't understand all the errors with Crew Appreciation (not just you).  The new minimum cost of CA is $16/pp/day.  Add $1 for Mini's and $2 for Suites, IIRC.

 

So, the gap is $44/pp/day for drinks and MedallionNet (wifi is free).

 

If you are using Internet, then the gap reduces to $29/pp/day if have to pay full prices for MedallionNet, or reduces to $36.50/pp/day if you are eligible for 50% discount on MedallionNet.

 

You're gonna bust me for 50 cents?  My 34.50 was based on the 50 minus 15.50, which was the post I was referring.

[Steelers36]

2 minutes ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

You're gonna bust me for 50 cents?  My 34.50 was based on the 50 minus 15.50, which was the post I was referring.

The Plus Cruise Fare option has been increased to $60/pp/day for some time now.  And I am just trying to be factual and post the correct numbers. 

[FrankieJayIII]

16 minutes ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

You're teetotalers and you also don't want the espresso based coffees. Nothing else needs to be said.  Plus is not for you

I agree with this.

I love espresso... and although I haven't had alcohol in 2 years... I will have a glass or two of wine per night... on the cruise.   Maybe even an afternoon cocktail.   2 espressos... maybe an iced coffee? 

 

Makes sense for me to get the PREMIER.    I will probably go to a class or two...  definitely wont eat the dessert unless I can just get the gelato with some hot fudge?    I see value.   Princess Prizes?  Sure... as the lottery commercial says "who's next".   

[CruizinSusan70]

19 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

The Plus Cruise Fare option has been increased to $60/pp/day for some time now.  And I am just trying to be factual and post the correct numbers. 

I am aware about the increase.  The 50.00 plus price was only in effect for substantially less than a year.  

[pompeii]

1 hour ago, Diamondring said:

I've appreciated this thread.  I understand better the different plans.  I like to have Wifi, DH can live with out it.  We don't drink any coffee or alcohol.  DH likes Pepsi, but in the past we've always brought it onboard with us.  Bottled water would be nice, as well as gratuities paid ahead.  

If you want bottled water, don’t forget you can preorder 12-packs delivered to your cabin for about $7.  We usually order a couple 12-packs before the cruise and have as much water as we need for the duration. 

[MissP22]

1 hour ago, caribill said:

 

Cruise lines have found that psychologically people who expect a very low onboard bill will actually spend more and end up spending more than if they had waited to purchases drinks, Internet and tips until they were on board.

I believe that qualifies as enticement. 😄

[roadster08]

1 hour ago, caribill said:

 

The Plus and Premier package elements are considered onboard revenue, just purchased pre-cruise.

 

Of course those who purchase drinks and Internet and tips pre-cruise would normally have little to pay post-cruise from onboard purchases.

 

Cruise lines have found that psychologically people who expect a very low onboard bill will actually spend more and end up spending more than if they had waited to purchases drinks, Internet and tips until they were on board.

True, and similarly so with casino discounted cruises.

 

I prefer to surrender my third upfront rather than be turned upside down and have the loose change shaken out of my pockets at every opportunity while onboard.🙂

[Happiest when cruising]

2 hours ago, Diamondring said:

I've appreciated this thread.  I understand better the different plans.  I like to have Wifi, DH can live with out it.  We don't drink any coffee or alcohol.  DH likes Pepsi, but in the past we've always brought it onboard with us.  Bottled water would be nice, as well as gratuities paid ahead.  Desserts don't interest me, but DH might have one a day and the premium ones are not important (he just wants chocolate).  I'd rather walk around the promenade deck than to go to the gym.  Juice bar, eh... maybe.  So, doing the math, Not sure Plus is a good choice for us.  Thoughts? We are both Platinum, if that matters.  

Well… they don’t have Pepsi onboard, only a few Coke products. You can certainly bring on a case, if you like. Getting the wifi at half price, would seal the deal for me, not to get the Plus or Premium package. 

You could always just use WIFI on port days to catch up on things, if you decided to pass on that, too. Paying the gratuities before you board, if you don’t have any OBC, will make it easier to have a small folio at the end. 

 

I hope that helps. 

 

  
 

 

[Diamondring]

7 minutes ago, Happiest when cruising said:

Well… they don’t have Pepsi onboard, only a few Coke products. You can certainly bring on a case, if you like. Getting the wifi at half price, would seal the deal for me, not to get the Plus or Premium package. 

You could always just use WIFI on port days to catch up on things, if you decided to pass on that, too. Paying the gratuities before you board, if you don’t have any OBC, will make it easier to have a small folio at the end. 

 

I hope that helps. 

 

  
 

 

Thank you, all good points.  I will probably get the wifi pkg. My mom is 93 and still lives in her home and is in good health, but I want to keep track.  She does well using smart phone and computer, so she texts or emails me at least twice a day.  (TMI? :))

[CruizinSusan70]

26 minutes ago, roadster08 said:

True, and similarly so with casino discounted cruises.

 

I prefer to surrender my third upfront rather than be turned upside down and have the loose change shaken out of my pockets at every opportunity while onboard.🙂

Thought we were on a NCL thread after reading this post. 😉

[Happiest when cruising]

7 minutes ago, Diamondring said:

Thank you, all good points.  I will probably get the wifi pkg. My mom is 93 and still lives in her home and is in good health, but I want to keep track.  She does well using smart phone and computer, so she texts or emails me at least twice a day.  (TMI? :))

Not TMI… I lost my mom awhile ago so it fun to read. I’d get the wifi, for peace of mind. That’s so great your mom can figure out all of the technology. 

[Bwana Tom]

For the wife and I the Plus was questionable at $40/person/day. We are very moderate drinkers. When it went to $50/person we thought it was unquestionably not worth it and that is doubly the case now at $60/person. As far as tips go we generally have onboard credit to cover at least some of that. As far as your situation goes maybe it would be best to avoid buying into the Plus option the first time around then think about it the next trip. And certainly don’t get sucked into the very expensive Premier package.

You’ll still have a great time.

Happy cruising.

[Knickearth]

10 hours ago, Coral said:

Does this really surprise you? I don't plan on using either of those features if I get the Plus package in the future. I don't remember people saying "I wish they would create these outrageous desserts" or "I wish they would now charge for fitness classes". They probably did charge for a few previously. Just not something people seemed thrilled about - I think most would have preferred the $50 Plus package with out these 2 features.

I have the plus package from before the increase in price.  It does not include the premium desserts or fitness classes???.

[CruizinSusan70]

21 minutes ago, Knickearth said:

I have the plus package from before the increase in price.  It does not include the premium desserts or fitness classes???.

No, they are only included if you paid the 60.00 per day.  Not included at 40 or 50.

[pink845]

XuGator, Very Well Said.!!  "There will never be a universal answer on this for everyone because people drink different amounts and different types of drinks and some do not care for wifi. So its best to do your own math on how much you forecast spending per day out of pocket vs plus  for everything (drinks, wifi, tips, etc).    For a people on their first cruise paying an additional $600 to $700 bucks each (maybe a trip of a lifetime type of thing), wanting to experience it all, that extra money put towards an expensive beverage package might be worth it.  Are they sailing in an inside cabin, cheaper, then sure, Princess Plus Beverage Package may seem worth it to them.   Remember too, OP, that you are allowed to bring on two bottles of wine upon embarkation.  For me, I usually leave one bottle behind, shows you how much I drink.   Years ago, when I drank a bit more, we did have and having a massive cruise credit, we had to use it somehow by a certain date, so we splurged on the all inclusive drink package and a suite.   Loved the suite more than the beverage package actually. Got tired after the first couple of days of different cocktails.  At one point I was simply taking photos with them.  Anyhow, very personal preference.  Now bring back my coffee card.

[cr8tiv1]

The gap ($44/pp/pd) also includes the 18% gratuity.  I am not a drinker so don't have a clue how much drinks really cost.  IF...I get the plus package, it is usually for a less port intensive cruise.  Then I can explore new drinks.  

 

Whatever you decide...Please do not remove or decrease your daily gratuities.  (One of the best reasons for keeping the Plus or Premier).  

 

It was a no-brainer at $40.  A contemplative decision at $50.  But really a difficult decision at $60.

 

I wonder how many people would have continued to purchase the Plus at $40?  Would it have brought in as much revenue at $60?  

 

8 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

I don't understand all the errors with Crew Appreciation (not just you).  The new minimum cost of CA is $16/pp/day.  Add $1 for Mini's and $2 for Suites, IIRC.

 

So, the gap is $44/pp/day for drinks and MedallionNet (wifi is free).

 

If you are using Internet, then the gap reduces to $29/pp/day if have to pay full prices for MedallionNet, or reduces to $36.50/pp/day if you are eligible for 50% discount on MedallionNet.

 

 

[Steelers36]

3 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

The gap ($44/pp/pd) also includes the 18% gratuity.

Yes, it sure does.

 

With discounted MedallionNet in the picture, the bar menu pricing is virtually $31/day.

Edited April 4, 2023 by Steelers36

[cr8tiv1]

8 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Yes, it sure does.

 

Math brain isn't working so I can't compare the drink package (including 18%) to what an "average" drink plus 18%.  I was sure you would do that for me.  Or if it would even be the same in these cases.

[FrankieJayIII]

multiple by .2 and that gives you the number.  basically $2 per $10 drink and every $5 dollars above that is $1

 

its .20 cents per dollar give or take...   approximately 

[Steelers36]

30 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

Math brain isn't working so I can't compare the drink package (including 18%) to what an "average" drink plus 18%.  I was sure you would do that for me.  Or if it would even be the same in these cases.

IDK what current menu pricing is for bar drinks - and there is quite a variety of those.  Sometimes, some menus get posted in "live from" reports.  Bar prices have gone up, but I don't know them.  Depending what you order, you could drop $31 (+ 18%) on two glasses of wine or you could get a 5-beer special likely, or maybe three mixed drinks that aren't overly fancy.  Just a guess, though.

 

And then you have the whole range of non-alcoholic drinks, including virgin versions of many mixed drinks.

[justafem]

We enjoy the heck out of the plus package.  It takes the psychological 'hit' of buying booze drinks away.  I can drink my weight in butter pecan lattes and grab bottles of water when and wherever I am. Heck, I can even have all those things delivered to my room at 3 am, without any kind of charge.  I have days where I drink, days where I drink heavily and days I don't drink booze at all. But I will have at least 4 butter pecan lattes a day, possibly 8 and a minimum of 6 bottles of water. 

 

I'm happy with the pricing.

 

It's also a heck of a bargain compared to other lines.  

 

I even enjoyed a couple of the monster desserts during our last cruise. Shared all of them as I sure couldn't eat a whole one, but I sure tried! 

[MissP22]

10 hours ago, Knickearth said:

I have the plus package from before the increase in price.  It does not include the premium desserts or fitness classes???.

Unfortunately no, although I don't see that as any big loss. 

[TN-Mountains]

On 4/2/2023 at 6:16 PM, Lorenky1 said:

Hello. I’ve never been on a cruise before but my husband and I are considering taking the Enchanted Princess 10 day Carribean cruise next February. What is the difference between standard package and plus? It looks like it would be $1200 more for 2 people for the plus plan. Is that really worth it? We would want wi-fi for both of our phones, and might average 2 drinks each day for each of us. And I guess tips are included in the plus plan. How do we figure how much extra that would cost us if we don’t take the plus plan? Thanks.

I didn't read all the replies.  It drives me crazy to see internet math.  I wouldn't be surprised if there are at least 5 different solutions to the same math problem in this thread!  🤣  Forgive me if I'm repeating something that has already been said....My suggestion is to purchase the standard fare.  As of Feb. 2023 Princess started allowing passengers to purchase the Plus & Premier packages as on Day 1 onboard the ship.  If you purchase onboard, you can use any OBC towards the upgrade and your insurance premium won't increase.  Even if you don't have any OBC to use, you'll get to keep the $1200 in your pocket a few months longer since it won't be due with your final payment. You'll also have additional time to research the cost of your preferred beverages and do your own math.

 

As for me, I have a 14 day cruise coming up in June.  The Plus package will add another $1680 for the two of us!  I'm not sure I can justify the splurge since I'm not a huge drinker.  I don't include wifi in my math, because there have been too many posts about slow/non-existence internet at sea.  My cell phones will work in the ports, so I'll keep in touch with family that way.  I would be very upset if I paid $420 for internet for the two of us and it didn't work, so I'm not including it as a package perk.  If someone on a similar itinerary in May posts that the Internet is great on the Sky Princess, I'll will reevaluate.  If I were on a shorter cruise, I'd be more likely to upgrade as a convenience to not have to keep track of my drinks, etc.