Hello Cruisers!

As your Travel Advisor, I like let you know about good cruise fares and to keep you abreast of changes in the cruise industry. During the past few weeks, I have seen a big change to one particular cruise line that may soon shape other lines as well.  First let me discuss what is the norm for cruises.

In general terms most cruises have a base fare. From that fare you have options to add additional services such as WIFI, add gratuities, order a beverage package and choose specialty dining. Some companies will bundle these amenities, or some lines include many features.  All of these costs are going up so one company is rolling our an entirely new program that I think will change the landscape of cruising.

Princess Cruises rolled out their Medalion Net Max a few weeks ago. This is a Starlink based but accommodates the digital nomads who need to work from the ship or those who want to stream video. Other cruise lines have Starlink but unless you buy their top tier service, it is expensive and not as robust.

Princess then rolled out the Sanctuary Collection. This is private access to pool area and loungers on the Sun and Star Princess. They have their own private restaurant as well. What makes this luxury experience is that you don’t need to be in a suite to enjoy. There are Sanctuary Collection cabins that are suites, Mini-Suites and Balcony cabins. This is a comparable to MSC Yacht,  Club, NCL Haven or Celebrity Retreat. While not a complete ship within a ship experience it provides all the luxuries and privacy desired because no one under the age of 18 is permitted into the Sanctuary. That is the BIG difference from other lines who do allow children. Take a look for yourself.

https://www.princess.com/en-us/ships-and-experience/onboard-experience/sanctuary-collection

The final rollout that Princess made is across the fleet in their Princess Premier package. The premium drinks up to $20 are unlimited, it includes Medallion Net Max, gratuities, reserved show seating, exercise classes, and unlimited Specialty Dining! Wow, that is a lot of features rolled into one package price of $90 a day. Before you gasp at the amount, specialty dining alone can be from $45 to 90 per person on other lines. The idea is that whatever you want when you want it, is available because it is all included. The beauty to this package is that it is available to anyone who sails. From inside cabin to suite, a carefree and truly All Include package is available. The experiential dining is excluded.

While I sell many different lines, I think this roll out from Princess will be a game changer for other lines. Princess has a scaled down package called Princess Plus that does not include the Specialty Dining or unlimted premium beverages but a good inclusive program. Let’s watch to see who follows or devises a new program. In the meantime, I am here to help you find your next destination or cruise experience. I am always glad to help. I love referrals as well.

I will be sailing the Sun Princess in December and will give you and update on this roll out. There are so many different attributes about this new ship from Princess that is intended to reshape our cruise experience.

Cheers,

Kathy Hays

[email protected]

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