A Different Way of Looking at Plus/Premier

[JG&Lcruisingnewbies]

On 4/11/2024 at 6:49 PM, Drew B 58 said:

I am suddenly not only free to but actually incentivized to treat myself to an experience I never would otherwise have had!  That feeling of being spoiled has a value that is not necessarily simple  to plug in to a simple math formula…

We completely agree! We tend to go with being more careful at home before a cruise so that we can get the plus package and not have to worry about totting things up through the Cruise.

 

We don’t drink alcohol but still feel Plus is worth it for the amount we drink. I will try juices, Mocktails, pretty much any non alcoholic drink including the more expensive, but I can. And if I don’t like it I’m not stressing about wasting money either

 

The grats are sorted, which we always pay, internet sorted which we always get for all 3 of us anyway, we use ocean now too. And room delivery so if I don’t want to go out of my cabin I don’t feel like I have to go out to get food to save £

 

somtimes I get overwhelmed due to my Sensory processing and associated anxiety issues. Which is another reason to pay for plus and not need to think about £ all the time. I’ll save that thinking for the shops!

 

Princess were amazing on our 1st and so far only cruise on Sky to Norway. We had premier package only because it was on offer with our TA and same price as the plus & it was so relaxing to not think about should I, shouldn’t I

 

i appreciate we are lucky to be able to have this attitude though and also get that some prefer to ‘do the maths’. Your own reasons are very valid whatever you decide you need

[insidecabin]

My OH is not a big drinker of anything and is fine with the free tea, and I can do that for my hot drinks.

 

This means our numbers are skewed.

Plus used to be a no brainer at £30pppd 

 

Now at £50 it is a lot harder to make work if you don't use the stuffing(cake and fitness, many of our trips data roaming is good and very cheap).

On a longer cruise not unknown to have a relatively dry day every now and then with very low spends.

 

If we were doing 1 or 2 a year we would probably take package but now doing 5+ not every cruise needs to be that full on as long as the basics like  included food and entertainment are upto scratch.

PAYG drinks we can easily stay under the £100pppd total with the add-ons(including the CA).

We do this on other lines as well.

(Our last one package £410 we spent £260)

 

Now Princess UK has deals where plus and  premium get discounted often enough to grab one when the cruise fare is still ok.

 

This year there was a 50% offer on both options for a load of cruises.

Plus at £25pppd we can make work, premium at an extra £7.50pppd is marginal on longer trips but this is where the convenience value kicks in and our door prizes(if any) may help top up our 2 speciality meals.

We booked a few any we add if there are late fare discount we can consider the basic cruise option

 

The last UK offer a couple of weeks back was premier at plus price which adds quite a bit of value to plus, current offer is some  OBC and flight discount which helps.

 

 

On the don't have to think,

You need to check your account every day(package or not) for errors, so even PAYG it's a quick have I hit the £100pd.

We know some days may go over but there will be some that don't it's the total at the end.

[CAZephyr]

On 4/11/2024 at 9:49 AM, Drew B 58 said:

However, by making one simple choice - to buy one of the packages - the cruise immediately switches from basic and utilitarian to bountiful and indulgent.

I, too, do the math.  You eloquently put into words what I consider when contemplating the package.  Our last cruise spanned celebratory days: Superbowl, Fat Tuesday, and Valentines Day.  I left the wine at home and ordered wine from the menu; I ordered single malt scotch at the bar or via Ocean Now, instead of, drinking what was available in the room; brought espresso infused drinks to the room with a pastry instead of buffet coffee.  I am perfectly fine with a Blue Hawaii embarkation cocktail and less during the cruise.  But, for celebratory occasions I will lean toward fun instead of fundamental. 

[Knickearth]

On 4/11/2024 at 1:19 PM, Wishing on a star said:

Glad to hear that the Buffet looks great!   Might have to do with the Executive Chef and staff onboard.

I think that there are a lot of new staff on some of the older ships, with the SUN Princess sailing now.  Sounds like a common complaint with a staff shortage of bartenders and servers.  If this is true, then I wish Princess would make some headway with bringing in and keeping employees!

 

I don't know why,  but why do I always seem to notice poor reviews of the Emerald???

I believe it was due to the refurbishing a couple of years ago.  As for the ships staff, it is the first time ever I have been on a ship where everyone seems to be new to princess.  I have gone 3 times to the front desk and asked questions I had.  They have yet to know any answers.  We asked the cabin steward a question and he too did not know a thing.

[lahlah57]

On 4/11/2024 at 9:49 AM, Drew B 58 said:

When people are looking into getting the Plus or Premier package, the advice I invariably hear is to “do the math”.  If what you would otherwise spend on what is covered by the package comes out to more than $60 per day, then they say Plus is worth it.  If it comes out to more than $80 per day, then perhaps Premier would be worth it (although Plus may still be the better choice).  There is nothing wrong with this approach to the question, but I’d like to suggest another way to look at it:

 

if I were sailing on the Standard package, there is NO WAY I would spend more than $60/$80 on these things.  I’m too in the habit of denying myself indulgences, and I am basically cheap at heart.  Each purchase would be a struggle.  I WOULD pay the gratuities.  IMO, those are not discretionary.  I would split one internet package with my cabin mates, even if that meant I could only use WiFi at restricted times.  I would probably splurge on 12-15 alcoholic beverages over the course of a week-long cruise (which is not to say that I wouldn’t WANT more).  I would probably not buy a single specialty coffee/soda/juice/mocktail.  I like these things, but couldn’t justify the money. I wouldn’t spend to eat at casual or specialty restaurants (in my fifteen previous cruises, I’ve never paid for upcharge food), even though I would love to try some of them.  I probably WOULD pay to activate Ocean Now because I would really feel like I was missing out if I never tried that.  I would definitely not pay for premium desserts or fitness classes.

 

So if you take a look at all of that, it makes for a pretty basic no-frills cruise experience.  I would be fine with it.  I have been fine with it or something very much like it on every previous cruise I’ve taken.  However, by making one simple choice - to buy one of the packages - the cruise immediately switches from basic and utilitarian to bountiful and indulgent.  I will be able to eat what I want (to an extent), drink what I want, surf the net when I want, etc.  Yes, it is hard for me to make the decision to spend that kind of money.  However, once I do, I am suddenly not only free to but actually incentivized to treat myself to an experience I never would otherwise have had!  That feeling of being spoiled has a value that is not necessarily simple  to plug in to a simple math formula…

 

Is this a good decision?  I don’t know yet.  I’m getting ready to take my first Princess cruise under the Premier plan.  I will let you know after if I made the right choice!

I have the same mindset as you!

Don't want to think about what I am spending and a package allows me that from the gate! 

I want to indulge because year round in every day living at home we spend to save so the packages allow us to let go and indulge without a thought! 

[lorri111]

We just got off our first Plus cruise, - our first cruise post Covid. We really enjoyed the experience, it was a real treat to try a new drink whenever you wanted! Normally we are very careful with our pennies so it is a real luxury to not have to worry about whether I can justify the expense of another drink when on holiday. Plus all the way!

[EclipseChaser9]

We are halfway through our 15 day cruise, and I’m happy to have the Plus package.  We have tried new drinks, all the speciality coffees, premium desserts, and we visit the juice bar a few times every day.  
 

The poolside delivery is excellent and we have made good use of delivery to our stateroom.  We order speciality coffees as soon as we wake up and Bailey’s late night for a before bed drink.

 

Even when we were just at a random place on the deck before the eclipse we were able to get water, drinks, and snacks delivered directly to us. The medallion is wonderful as we can be located wherever we are on the ship.

[Mary loves to travel]

On 4/11/2024 at 4:42 PM, memoak said:

Remember those people who gamble a lot are paying 30% to 100% less in their cruise  fare than you did

Sure.   But, on average, it still works to the cruise line's benefit, or the casino offers would change.

[memoak]

41 minutes ago, Mary loves to travel said:

Sure.   But, on average, it still works to the cruise line's benefit, or the casino offers would change.

They already have now that shops are sailing full. Our offers used to contain up to $1,000 free play per person now it is between $250 to $400   Also plus package is rarely included

[Mary loves to travel]

50 minutes ago, memoak said:

They already have now that shops are sailing full. Our offers used to contain up to $1,000 free play per person now it is between $250 to $400   Also plus package is rarely included

That is quite a change!

[memoak]

15 minutes ago, Mary loves to travel said:

That is quite a change!

Yeah but as long we get free balconies it is hard to complain

 

[alwalaska]

On 4/11/2024 at 1:07 PM, XBGuy said:

@Drew B 58, your new approach is completely reasonable.  Go for it.

 

I am also an analytical guy.  Some time ago I posted a comparison spreadsheet that pretty convincingly demonstrated that neither of the package plans "pencil out" for me.  However, what works for me has nothing to do with what works for somebody else.

 

I agree that a cruise should be a "splurge."  Don't deny yourself.

@XBGuy Do you happen to have a copy of your spreadsheet that you would be willing to share?  I tried to look through your older posts, but wasn't able to find it.  

[XBGuy]

Here you go, @alwalaska.

 

Reading across the sheet, you can see that my methodology was to items costs for the three pricing scenarios:  Standard Pricing (with not package), Princess Plus addon pricing and Princess Premier addon pricing.

 

The reason, neither plan seem to work for me is that we order wine by the bottle, and the 25% discount that the plans offer on bottle purchases do not cover the cost of the packages.

 

While this spreadsheet demonstrates that the addon packages would cost rather than save me money, anybody can modify it to better reflect their cruising preferences, and I would not be at all surprised if it showed that the packages work out to their benefit.

 

I know that some of the amounts that I have entered for some of the items have to be updated.  Specifically,

• Gratuities.  I really don't recall where I found that number.
• Wi-Fi -- We are Captain's Circle Elite Level.  We also, really don't use internet access very much when we cruise.  So, a single-device plan works fine for us.  However, I know that Princess has increased the rate since I built this.  I think it doubled.
• Specialty Dining -- I know there was an increase (18%?) recently.  That would have to be added in.

 

 

The pricing that I used for the "Wines" line item in the "Standard Pricing" column was based on the final folio from a previous cruise--that was our actual consumption.  The Plus/Premier entries for that line reflect the 25% discount on bottles of wine.  You can see that I created a second version of my spreadsheet starting in row 25.  The only difference here was that I inflated the price of the wines in the "Standard" scenario figuring that Princess had increased their prices since my last cruise.

 

I do not expect people to cruise the same way I do.  Anybody can take these sheets and plug in the numbers that they typically spend.

• I like my coffee hot and black.  The standard hot-and-black coffee offered in the various rooms is fine for me.  Mrs.  XBGuy does not drink coffee.  If you like custom coffees, then enter a line for that.
• In addition to not drinking wines by the glass, we do not drink cocktails.  If you do, then put in a line for that.
• We do not attend fitness classes.  If you do, . . . .
• If you require multi-device connectivity, then you would would have to update the Wi-Fi line.

 

We have a domestic situation that precludes us from cruising in the immediate future,  When that situation is resolved, I will look at this comparison again, and see whether or not it works for me.

[ReligBookFreak]

On 4/11/2024 at 2:07 PM, XBGuy said:

@Drew B 58, your new approach is completely reasonable.  Go for it.

 

I am also an analytical guy.  Some time ago I posted a comparison spreadsheet that pretty convincingly demonstrated that neither of the package plans "pencil out" for me.  However, what works for me has nothing to do with what works for somebody else.

 

I agree that a cruise should be a "splurge."  Don't deny yourself.

For me, gratuities and Wifi are an absolute must. Regarding Wifi, if you are sailing in Europe, Africa, or Asia and need to remain in contact with family, then purchasing Wifi is NOT an option but mandatory. Wifi Calling and Mobile Hotspots can be VERY useful if you don't want to purchase an international plan from your cell phone provider.

Alan

[ReligBookFreak]

5 hours ago, XBGuy said:

Here you go, @alwalaska

• Wi-Fi -- We are Captain's Circle Elite Level.  We also, really don't use internet access very much when we cruise.  So, a single-device plan works fine for us.  However, I know that Princess has increased the rate since I built this.  I think it doubled.

• If you require multi-device connectivity, then you would would have to update the Wi-Fi line.

You don't need to upgrade your Wifi if you use a Mobile Hotspot.

Alan

[Mary loves to travel]

The spreadsheet approach is really useful.  We do something similar. 
 

The key point the OP is making is that the intangible benefit — be it convenience, a break from thinking about spending, or a feeling of luxury — isn’t worth zero.  
“Doing the math” lets you see the price of the intangible.   Especially on shorter cruises, the intangible benefits may be worth it even if the math says otherwise 😊

[FancyPants21]

@XBGuy Thanks for sharing.

 

Looks like you only drink wine? I wonder if, and if so by how much, that might skew the figures down and away from the packages? It isn't unusual for us to get through $100 a day on cocktails and other alcoholic drinks and that is on top of wine we have at dinner. So that would all be covered by the package so we would have a zero for alcohol under the packages and $100pd added to the standard fare... things then look very different 🙂  

 

I think the fact that you would still pay for your wine on a package, albeit with the discount, makes the packages unattractive for you. This would not apply to most people I suspect.

Edited April 14 by FancyPants21

[tulok]

For someone that makes and uses spreadsheets all day, I am feeling a little vacation lazy. I just looked at the included list with the plus and premier and the cost, decided premier for us and booked it with our cruise. It’s like ordering a salad. Yes, I could make it myself cheaper, but it just tastes

so much better when someone else does all the work. And I never regret ordering it. 

[Lady Arwen]

11 minutes ago, tulok said:

For someone that makes and uses spreadsheets all day, I am feeling a little vacation lazy. I just looked at the included list with the plus and premier and the cost, decided premier for us and booked it with our cruise. It’s like ordering a salad. Yes, I could make it myself cheaper, but it just tastes

so much better when someone else does all the work. And I never regret ordering it. 

If I had to make spreadsheets just to see if I could afford a little extra for a package, I’m sure I’d just stay home.  I look at it this way:  Can I afford the extra $xxxx it costs for Plus or Premier?  In the big picture does a few hundred dollars make the slightest difference in my future lifestyle?  Will we enjoy having it?  Do we care if one or two days we’re under break even?   
 

The answer for us is clear.  Enjoy your life, it’s too short to worry about this  for more than two minutes.  I understand I’m probably in the minority, so my thoughts certainly don’t apply to everyone.  

[tulok]

1 minute ago, Lady Arwen said:

If I had to make spreadsheets just to see if I could afford a little extra for a package, I’m sure I’d just stay home.  I look at it this way:  Can I afford the extra $xxxx it costs for Plus or Premier?  In the big picture does a few hundred dollars make the slightest difference in my future lifestyle?  Will we enjoy having it?  Do we care if one or two days we’re under break even?   
 

The answer for us is clear.  Enjoy your life, it’s too short to worry about this  for more than two minutes.  I understand I’m probably in the minority, so my thoughts certainly don’t apply to everyone.  

Ditto for us. 

[JamieLogical]

1 hour ago, ReligBookFreak said:

For me, gratuities and Wifi are an absolute must. Regarding Wifi, if you are sailing in Europe, Africa, or Asia and need to remain in contact with family, then purchasing Wifi is NOT an option but mandatory. Wifi Calling and Mobile Hotspots can be VERY useful if you don't want to purchase an international plan from your cell phone provider.

Alan

 

Depends on your cell service. I have Google Fi and international text and data rates are the same as in the US. Only change for me is the cents per minute with cell calls (not wifi calls). So it I am comfortable just having Internet and and contacting loved ones in port, then I have no need for the wifi plan. However I do like being able to surf the Internet while at sea and have to check in with work frequently, so for me, wifi is worthwhile.

[alwalaska]

7 hours ago, XBGuy said:

Here you go, @alwalaska.

 

Reading across the sheet, you can see that my methodology was to items costs for the three pricing scenarios:  Standard Pricing (with not package), Princess Plus addon pricing and Princess Premier addon pricing.

 

The reason, neither plan seem to work for me is that we order wine by the bottle, and the 25% discount that the plans offer on bottle purchases do not cover the cost of the packages.

 

While this spreadsheet demonstrates that the addon packages would cost rather than save me money, anybody can modify it to better reflect their cruising preferences, and I would not be at all surprised if it showed that the packages work out to their benefit.

 

I know that some of the amounts that I have entered for some of the items have to be updated.  Specifically,

• Gratuities.  I really don't recall where I found that number.
• Wi-Fi -- We are Captain's Circle Elite Level.  We also, really don't use internet access very much when we cruise.  So, a single-device plan works fine for us.  However, I know that Princess has increased the rate since I built this.  I think it doubled.
• Specialty Dining -- I know there was an increase (18%?) recently.  That would have to be added in.

 

 

The pricing that I used for the "Wines" line item in the "Standard Pricing" column was based on the final folio from a previous cruise--that was our actual consumption.  The Plus/Premier entries for that line reflect the 25% discount on bottles of wine.  You can see that I created a second version of my spreadsheet starting in row 25.  The only difference here was that I inflated the price of the wines in the "Standard" scenario figuring that Princess had increased their prices since my last cruise.

 

I do not expect people to cruise the same way I do.  Anybody can take these sheets and plug in the numbers that they typically spend.

• I like my coffee hot and black.  The standard hot-and-black coffee offered in the various rooms is fine for me.  Mrs.  XBGuy does not drink coffee.  If you like custom coffees, then enter a line for that.
• In addition to not drinking wines by the glass, we do not drink cocktails.  If you do, then put in a line for that.
• We do not attend fitness classes.  If you do, . . . .
• If you require multi-device connectivity, then you would would have to update the Wi-Fi line.

 

We have a domestic situation that precludes us from cruising in the immediate future,  When that situation is resolved, I will look at this comparison again, and see whether or not it works for me.

Thank you for taking the time to post all of that.  It is very helpful.

[ReligBookFreak]

17 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Depends on your cell service. I have Google Fi and international text and data rates are the same as in the US. Only change for me is the cents per minute with cell calls (not wifi calls). So it I am comfortable just having Internet and and contacting loved ones in port, then I have no need for the wifi plan. However I do like being able to surf the Internet while at sea and have to check in with work frequently, so for me, wifi is worthwhile.

We do a LOT of transatlantic cruises where we are in the ocean for 7 days straight. This, waiting until we are on port to make a call does NOT work for us.

Alan

[JamieLogical]

2 hours ago, ReligBookFreak said:

We do a LOT of transatlantic cruises where we are in the ocean for 7 days straight. This, waiting until we are on port to make a call does NOT work for us.

Alan

 

For sure, on an itinerary with a lot of sea days, I can't imagine not having a wifi plan!

[susancruzs]

Another interesting thread!  I'm all for the Plus package, haven't cruised in a long time, can't wait for my Apr. '25 canal cruise, 23 days.

 

When I think of all the specialty coffees plus wine with my salad at lunch, trying different wines at dinner, a fancy ice tea then a margarita, a no brainer to me.

 

Not a big tracker of money, in the past I've checked my account balance now and then but that's about it.