Guests with upcoming sailings with Princess Cruises noticed a startling price increase this past week while finalizing their bookings.
Packs of 12 500-milliliter bottles of water, which used to cost $7.09, are now being sold for $24.00. The new rate represents a huge jump of around 239%.
Based on initial reports, the price increase affects Princess Cruises’ US and international itineraries. Canadian cruisers noticed a similar price hike when packs of 12 water bottles went from 10 CAD to 32.40 CAD, 224% higher.
Princess Cruises introduced the change quietly, exercising its right to raise prices without notifying the public. Several passengers expressed their surprise online after realizing that the price didn’t just go up, it went up a lot.
Other Ways To Bring In Water
If paying $24 for water is too steep, Princess allows you to bring 12 sealed, unopened cans or cartons per passenger, each containing 12 ounces or less. However, it would be best to pack it in your hand luggage.
Section 5 of the company’s Passage Contract states explicitly:
| “A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought on board on embarkation day, only if carried on in Guests’ hand luggage (not in checked luggage). A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person. Guests will be asked to discard open beverages in plastic containers prior to boarding.” |
Drinking water in your stateroom, the vessel’s water fountains and drink stations is a cheaper alternative. These sources are accessible and potable, and the United States Public Health regularly tests water from these sources during inspections.
But how does Princess Cruises’ water bottle price stack up against other cruise lines? We looked at a couple.
| Cruise Line | Price of 12 Bottles of Water (From Lowest to Highest) |
| Carnival Cruise Line | $17.64 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | $19.95 |
| Royal Caribbean | $39.00 |
Princess Cruises’ price for bottled water is mid-range compared to other major cruise operators, even after significantly raising the price.
A few eagle-eyed observers have pointed out that the price increase could be Princess’ way of nudging vacationers toward its pricier Princess Plus and Premier Package.
The bundle includes faster Wi-Fi, specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, bottled water, fitness classes, and new unlimited perks.
Carnival Cruise Line has increased bottled water pricing by over 200% since 2022.
