What Drinks Are Free on Princess Cruises?

One of the biggest questions people ask before their first Princess cruise is about drinks. With so many bars, lounges, and restaurants on board, it can feel a bit confusing working out what’s included and what comes at an extra cost. The good news is, Princess Cruises does include a decent selection of drinks in your fare – and for everything else, you can choose to pay as you go or pick up one of their drinks packages.

Let’s break down exactly what you can get without spending an extra penny.

Drinks That Are Always Free

No matter which Princess ship you’re on, the following drinks are included in your cruise fare:

• Water – Tap water is free throughout the ship, whether you’re in the buffet, dining room, or grabbing a glass at a bar. Bottled water, however, is chargeable unless you’ve got a drinks package that covers it.

• Coffee & Tea – Basic brewed coffee and hot tea (English breakfast, herbal, green etc.) are available free of charge in the buffet and main dining rooms. Speciality coffees like lattes, cappuccinos, and cold brew do cost extra unless you’ve got a package.

• Iced Tea – A refreshing staple in the buffet and dining rooms, free all day long.

• Lemonade – Self-serve in the buffet and often available at lunch and dinner.

• Hot Chocolate – Usually available from drinks stations in the buffet.

• Fruit Juices (at breakfast) – Apple juice, orange juice, cranberry, and sometimes tropical blends are included with your morning meal.

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Where You’ll Find Free Drinks

• Buffet & Dining Rooms – This is the easiest place to grab your free coffee, tea, juices, or iced tea.

• Poolside Stations – Lemonade and iced tea are often available from dispensers.

• Room Service – If you order coffee, tea, or juices with breakfast room service, those are included too (though a delivery fee might apply unless you’re in certain suites or packages).

• On some UK cruises there will be a small selection of tea & coffee in your cabin.

What’s Not Free

• It’s important to know what falls outside the included drinks, as this is where costs can add up if you don’t plan ahead. Drinks you’ll need to pay for (or cover with a package) include:Soft drinks like Coke, Sprite, Fanta, tonic water, ginger ale

• Bottled water (still and sparkling)

• Speciality coffees and teas from the International Café or Coffee & Cones

• Freshly squeezed juices

• Mocktails, cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits

• Smoothies and milkshakes

Do You Need a Drinks Package?

Princess offers two main packages: Plus and Premier, which both include a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks up to a certain price. If you’re someone who enjoys speciality coffees, sodas, or the occasional cocktail, these can work out great value.

If, however, you’re happy with just the included tea, coffee, water, and juices, you can easily avoid paying extra. Many cruisers stick to the free options and save their budget for excursions or speciality dining instead.

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So, what drinks are free on Princess Cruises? In short: water, brewed coffee and tea, hot chocolate, iced tea, lemonade, and juices at breakfast. Everything else – from fizzy drinks to cocktails – is chargeable unless you pick up a package.

It’s worth having a think about your habits before you sail. If you can’t start the day without a cappuccino or enjoy a glass of wine each evening, a package could save you money. But if you’re happy with the basics, you’ll still be well looked after with the free options on board.

Happy cruising!

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