Cruise Packages, Perks & Add-Ons Explained
Compare cruise drink packages, WiFi plans, dining packages, priority boarding programs, and bundled cruise perks before spending extra money. Learn which upgrades may actually be worth the cost and which travelers benefit most from them.
Understanding Cruise Packages Before You Buy
Cruise lines offer a variety of packages, bundled perks, and optional upgrades designed to enhance the onboard experience. Some focus on drinks, dining, and internet access while others provide priority boarding, exclusive amenities, or bundled savings.
Before spending money on any package, it's important to understand your overall vacation goals. Our Cruise Planning Guide and First-Time Cruiser Guide help travelers understand where these upgrades fit into the cruise planning process.
The biggest mistake many travelers make is assuming every package automatically saves money. In reality, value depends on how you travel, what you typically purchase onboard, and the type of cruise experience you want.
Holland America Cruise Packages
Holland America is known for its bundled package offerings that combine several common onboard purchases into a single package.
Have It All
Have It All is Holland America's flagship package and combines several of the cruise line's most popular onboard purchases into a single bundled fare. Depending on the sailing, benefits typically include the Signature Beverage Package, WiFi access, specialty dining, and shore excursion credit.
For travelers who plan to use these amenities, Have It All can simplify budgeting and may provide better overall value than purchasing each item separately after booking. It is especially popular on longer cruises where guests are more likely to use WiFi, dine in specialty restaurants, enjoy beverages throughout the voyage, and book shore excursions in multiple ports.
Learn more in our complete Holland America Have It All guide.
Have It All Plus
Have It All Plus is Holland America's upgraded package option that builds upon the standard Have It All package with additional premium benefits and enhanced inclusions. While the standard package already bundles popular extras such as beverages, WiFi, specialty dining, and shore excursion credits, Have It All Plus is designed for travelers seeking a more premium onboard experience.
Depending on the sailing and promotion, the upgraded package may provide enhanced beverage benefits, upgraded connectivity options, and additional onboard perks beyond those included with the standard package. The value ultimately depends on how much you expect to use the added benefits during your cruise.
Learn more in our complete Holland America Have It All Plus Guide.
Princess Cruise Packages
Princess Cruises offers some of the most discussed package programs in the cruise industry.
Princess Plus
Princess Plus is one of the most popular cruise packages in the industry because it bundles several common onboard purchases into a single daily rate. The package typically includes beverages, internet access, gratuities, and additional onboard benefits that many travelers would otherwise purchase separately.
For guests who plan to stay connected, enjoy premium beverages, and prepay gratuities before sailing, Princess Plus can provide meaningful value while simplifying vacation budgeting. Many Princess cruisers consider it the package that offers the best balance between cost and included benefits.
Learn more in our complete Princess Plus Package Guide.
Princess Premier
Princess Premier is Princess Cruises' highest-tier package and is designed for travelers who want the most inclusive onboard experience available. It builds upon Princess Plus by adding enhanced beverage benefits, expanded specialty dining opportunities, upgraded package perks, and additional premium inclusions depending on the sailing.
For guests who regularly purchase premium beverages, dine in specialty restaurants, and take advantage of onboard extras, Princess Premier can provide meaningful value while simplifying vacation budgeting before embarkation.
Learn more in our complete Princess Premier Package Guide.
Princess Plus vs Princess Premier
One of the most common questions Princess travelers ask is whether Premier provides enough additional value to justify the higher cost. The answer depends largely on how much you expect to use the upgraded benefits included with Premier.
For many travelers, Princess Plus delivers the best balance of value and affordability. Others find that the enhanced beverage options, specialty dining benefits, and premium perks included with Premier create a more complete cruise experience.
Before deciding, compare both options in our Princess Plus Guide and Princess Premier Guide.
Royal Caribbean Packages & Add-Ons
Royal Caribbean offers a variety of optional purchases designed to customize the cruise experience.
The Key
The Key is Royal Caribbean's optional priority access program that combines internet access with a collection of convenience-focused benefits throughout the cruise. Unlike beverage or dining packages, The Key is designed to save time and simplify the overall cruise experience.
Benefits may include priority embarkation, internet access, reserved seating opportunities for select entertainment, an exclusive embarkation-day lunch, and expedited debarkation at the end of the cruise. For travelers who value convenience and already plan to purchase WiFi, The Key can be one of Royal Caribbean's most popular upgrades.
Learn more in our complete Royal Caribbean The Key Guide.
Dining Packages
Royal Caribbean dining packages provide access to specialty restaurants throughout the fleet and can be an attractive option for travelers who enjoy upgraded dining experiences beyond the Main Dining Room and Windjammer buffet.
Depending on the package selected, guests may enjoy restaurants such as Chops Grille, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, Izumi, Hooked Seafood, and other specialty venues available onboard. Dining packages are often most valuable on longer cruises where guests have more opportunities to use them.
Learn more about specialty restaurants and onboard food options in our Cruise Dining Guide.
Internet Packages
Internet access continues to be one of the most purchased cruise add-ons, especially for travelers who need to stay connected while sailing.
Carnival Cruise Packages & Upgrades
Carnival Cruise Line focuses heavily on optional upgrades designed to improve convenience and onboard enjoyment.
Faster To The Fun
Faster To The Fun (FTTF) is Carnival Cruise Line's priority access program and one of the most popular convenience upgrades available. Rather than focusing on drinks or dining, the program is designed to save time and reduce common cruise-day frustrations.
Benefits may include priority embarkation, earlier stateroom access, expedited Guest Services access, priority water shuttle access at select ports, and priority debarkation at the end of the cruise. For travelers who value convenience and shorter wait times, Faster To The Fun can create a smoother overall cruise experience.
Learn more in our complete Carnival Faster To The Fun Guide.
CHEERS! Beverage Program
CHEERS! is Carnival Cruise Line's signature beverage package and one of the most popular cruise add-ons available. The package includes many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for a flat daily rate, allowing travelers to budget beverage costs before their cruise begins.
Depending on your onboard habits, CHEERS! may include cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee drinks, bottled water, energy drinks, soft drinks, and other qualifying beverages. For guests who regularly purchase premium drinks throughout their vacation, the package can provide both convenience and potential savings.
Learn more in our complete Carnival CHEERS! Package Guide.
Carnival WiFi Plans
Carnival offers multiple internet package tiers designed for social media users, casual browsing, and more demanding internet usage.
Cruise Drink Packages
Drink packages remain one of the most debated cruise purchases. Some travelers save money while others spend more than they would purchasing beverages individually.
Not sure whether a beverage package makes sense for your travel style? Try our Cruise Drink Package Calculator to estimate your onboard beverage spending.
Before purchasing a beverage package, review our Cruise Drink Package Guide and Cruise Drink Package Truth Guide.
Understanding total cruise costs is equally important. Our Cruise Pricing Explained Guide breaks down where your cruise budget actually goes.
Cruise WiFi Packages
Internet access at sea has improved significantly in recent years, but cruise WiFi remains one of the most misunderstood purchases.
Before purchasing internet access, review our Cruise Ship WiFi vs Cell Service Guide to understand your options.
Cruise Dining Packages
Dining packages appeal primarily to travelers who enjoy specialty restaurants and prefer additional dining variety beyond included venues.
Many travelers also pair dining upgrades with better cabin locations. Our Best Cabin Location Guide can help you evaluate cabin choices before booking.
Which Cruise Packages Are Actually Worth It?
There is no universal answer because value depends on how you travel.
Couples, families, retirees, first-time cruisers, and experienced cruisers often evaluate packages very differently.
Travelers focused on maximizing value should also review our Best Cruise Deals Guide and Wave Season Booking Guide.
Compare Before You Book
Cruise packages, perks, and add-ons can significantly impact both your onboard experience and your total vacation cost.
Before purchasing any package, compare the included benefits, understand the restrictions, and evaluate whether the package aligns with your travel style.
Once you've narrowed your options, request a personalized quote through our Cruise Quote Form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cruise packages worth the money?
Some cruise packages provide excellent value while others may cost more than purchasing services individually. The answer depends on your travel style, spending habits, and the specific package being considered.
What cruise line has the best package program?
Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival all offer popular package programs. The best option depends on your travel preferences and how you use onboard amenities.
Should I buy a drink package before my cruise?
Many cruise lines offer discounted pricing before embarkation, making advance purchases worth considering if you expect to use the package during your cruise.
Do cruise WiFi packages work well?
Cruise internet quality has improved significantly in recent years, but performance still varies by ship, itinerary, weather conditions, and provider.
What is The Key on Royal Caribbean?
The Key is a Royal Caribbean add-on that includes internet access and a variety of priority benefits throughout the cruise experience.
What is Faster To The Fun?
Faster To The Fun is a Carnival Cruise Line upgrade that provides priority boarding, expedited guest services access, and priority debarkation benefits.
Is Princess Plus worth it?
Princess Plus can provide strong value for travelers who plan to purchase beverages, internet access, and prepaid gratuities. The value depends on your onboard spending habits and cruise length.
Is Holland America Have It All worth it?
Have It All can be a valuable package for travelers who would otherwise purchase beverages, internet access, specialty dining, and shore excursions separately. The package is often most attractive on longer sailings.
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