Cocktails anyone?
Many of the cruise lines have a predictable line-up for their promotions over the course of a year.
As a case in point, every summer, we expect Princess to offer its “Sip & Sail” promotion where they include a Beverage Package with the fare.
This is an eagerly anticipated event, and many of our clients wait until the summer to book their Princess cruises.
So, we were a bit taken by surprise this week, when Princess launched their “Best. Sale. Ever.”, a never-seen-before promotion that not only includes the Beverage Package, but Gratuities and Wifi as well.
This is a solid offer from Princess. Here’s what you get:
- Free Premier Beverage Package. This includes adult beverages, as well as soda, premium coffees etc. What we really like about the way Princess offers this is that it is truly inclusive. Some of the other cruise lines’ “free” beverage packages end up costing you several hundred dollars in extra fees – meaning it is not even close to being “free”. This one includes all taxes and tips on the drinks.
- Free Unlimited WiFi. Princess is part way through upgrading all their ships for enhanced internet, so if you find yourself on one of their Medallion Class ships, the promise is for internet fast enough to stream video. This is a significant improvement in and of itself. Not having to pay extra for this service is a huge bonus for those who like to be connected at sea.
- Free Pre-Paid Gratuities. Cruisers are accustomed to daily gratuities being added to their room charges, and these do add-up – particularly on longer itineraries. The amount varies a bit but it is safe to say that this perk will save you around $100 per person, per week, based on the suggested gratuity amount.
There is a bit of fine print on this promo (like any other one), but there are no “gotcha surprises” like we have seen on some of the other lines. Here is some of that fine print:
- All guests in the stateroom need to participate. If you don’t value the beverage package, for example, there is no way to get onboard credits instead.
- Only for select sailings from April 2020 and after. We went through and looked at the selected sailings and there are lots for Alaska, Europe, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand. There are very few for the Caribbean.
- WiFi is available for one device per guest, and speeds are not guaranteed.
While all the cruise lines have their own differentiators, I would suggest that Princess really shines in three areas:
- For families and multi-generational groups, Princess has an on-board program for everyone.
- Princess has some really interesting itineraries – particularly in Europe (both Northern Europe and the Mediterranean), as well as Asia and Australia/New Zealand.
- Princess is the largest operator in Alaska, and their shore packages (in collaboration with Holland America) are pretty hard to beat.
If you’re thinking about the Caribbean this winter, this offer is NOT particularly useful.
On the other hand, if you’re looking at any other destination, and you were considering Princess, you’ll want to take a serious look at this offer.
Book now and you’ll get free Beverages, Gratuities, and Wifi ALL included in your fare!
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I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
