Princess Cruises Will Soon Raise Prices: Here’s What You Need to Know.
Travelers should prepare for higher costs on their next Princess Cruises journey.
The cruise line is increasing its crew appreciation fee starting later this month. Those staying in suites will now pay $19 per person, per day, a rise from the previous $18. For passengers in mini suites, cabanas, and Club Class rooms, the fee will go up from $17 to $18, while guests in standard rooms will see the charge increase from $16 to $17.
This adjustment will be implemented across the fleet as follows:
- Enchanted Princess on Aug. 31
- Majestic Princess and Sky Princess on Sept. 1
- Crown Princess on Sept. 2
- Ruby Princess on Sept. 3
- Grand Princess on Sept. 4
- Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess, and Sun Princess on Sept. 7
- Caribbean Princess and Regal Princess on Sept. 12
- Royal Princess and Sapphire Princess on Sept. 14
- Island Princess on Sept. 25
- Diamond Princess on Sept. 26
- Coral Princess on Oct. 17
The charges will be automatically added to guests’ accounts while onboard, but they can be adjusted prior to disembarkation. Princess had previously raised these crew appreciation fees in February 2023.
These fees, along with service charges for certain purchases, are collected and “distributed throughout the year as compensation, such as bonuses, to crew members across the fleet who engage directly with guests or work behind the scenes, including staff in Bars, Dining, Entertainment, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Galley, and Onboard Revenue,” as stated on the cruise line’s website.
Cruise lines occasionally increase gratuity fees, often in response to factors such as inflation or fluctuations in the economy. “When you consider the costs of hotels, transportation, fuel, and food, this is merely a natural reaction,” commented Danny Genung, CEO of travel agency Harr Travel, in November. “It’s about ensuring employees are compensated and adjusting for rising expenses.”
Similarly, Holland America Line also increased its crew appreciation charge in February, following similar decisions made by other cruise lines including Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.
