In a quiet shift that has caught the attention of loyal cruise-goers, Princess Cruises has made changes to its high-tier beverage packages, removing canned sodas from its Plus and Premier offerings. Although the change wasn’t officially announced, is now reflected in the cruise line’s updated descriptions for both packages, which do not mention canned soda.
Travelers who opt for the Princess Plus or Princess Premier drink packages will still have access to unlimited fountain sodas. But, canned soft drinks—which were included for a time—are no longer part of the deal, Cruise Hive reported.
“At the original launch of Princess Plus and Princess Premier, we did not include soda cans in the offering. We made a decision to try having the can soda included but have recently made the decision to go back to excluding cans,” Princess Cruises confirmed in response to guest inquiries.
The switch, which guests have already noticed aboard various vessels, is expected to roll out across the entire fleet in the coming weeks. Guests may experience inconsistencies depending on the ship they’re sailing on, as onboard systems and drink menus undergo updates, and bar staff are retrained to reflect the revised policy.
While no official explanation has been given for the decision, factors such as the cost of stocking and storing cans, recycling costs, and the price difference between cans and fountain beverages may have played a role. A single can of soda on board typically costs around $3, plus an 18 percent gratuity. However, guests with a Plus or Premier package will be eligible for a 25 percent discount.
For travelers who still want access to canned soda as part of their drink plan, Princess Cruises offers two alternative packages: the Classic Soda Package and the Zero-Alcohol Package. The soda-focused package includes not only fountain sodas and canned soft drinks, but also mocktails, juices and smoothies. Meanwhile, the alcohol-free package expands on this by adding specialty coffees and teas, bottled water, energy drinks, and a wider selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
Guest responses to the change have been mixed. While some travelers are frustrated, others are largely indifferent, noting that fountain sodas are still available. Still, some passengers prefer canned drinks due to more consistent taste and carbonation, which can vary with fountain dispensers.
Cruisers who want to ensure access to their favorite canned sodas can still bring up to 12 sealed cans (12 ounces or less each) onboard at embarkation, giving them a way to avoid onboard drink charges and guarantee access to their preferred brands.
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