Princess Cruises Uncorks New Wine List (2022 Update)

The Princess Cruises wine list has been revamped recently with a new list and new menus being introduced across the entire fleet. In this post, I take a look at the main dining room wine list and how you can make the most of the Princess drinks package.

New Wine Menu in the Main Dining Rooms

The Main Dining Rooms’ wine menu took a year to develop and this expanded wine list includes over 140 choices. A range of options have been introduced from across the world including France, Italy, Australia, South America and New Zealand to reflect the cruise line’s itineraries.

How much does a glass of wine cost on a Princess Cruise?

Princess Cruises’ wine choices have been designed to cater for all Princess guests, from occasional wine drinkers to passionate connoisseurs. For this reason you will find wines at a variety of different price points.

Here is a guide to prices by the glass:

• Prosecco $11
• White wines $10-12
• Rose wines $9
• Red wines $10-13
• Dessert wines $9-10

Two-thirds of the bottles of wine are under £40 and one-third under £30. These include traditional favourites such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Shiraz.

You can also enjoy Ao Yun Cabernet Sauvignon for $399 a bottle and the new high-end Lafitte Bordeaux for $1,250.

Wine Selections

The selections were made by wine expert Doug Frost. He is one of only four people in the world to have both a Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certification. He focused on three areas to help improve the menu: 

• Value for money 
• Variety 
• Quality of the producer 

“Princess Cruises’ guests have a passion for culinary travel so our goal in creating this new wine menu was to find fascinating wines from some of the memorable destinations Princess visits. This way guests can return from shore and still experience local tastes with exciting wines at all prices. Plus, what better way to celebrate any occasion than with a special bottle of wine that can be shared with friends and loved ones on a cruise.” 

Master Sommelier Doug Frost

The new wine philosophy of exploration, discovery and enrichment was used to curate a selection of wines

The menu denotes the wines that are biodynamic, organic, vegan and ‘recommended by Princess’. The verdict on the new wine list from the lovely Sanna, a vegan cruiser.

You can view the complete wine list here

Princess Cruises Wine Pairings

Princess Cruises unveiled a series of culinary-focused shore excursions around the world, which pair local food and wine together. There are also special wine pairing events held in Vines Wine Bar for an additional fee.

You may want to consider pre-booking the Fine Wine Tasting (£18) or the Grapevine Wine Tasting (£8.64) on the Princess Cruise Personalizer.

New Beverage Menus

The Princess Cruises Beverage Team has overhauled its cocktail and beer menus. It has 20 new exotic spirits, 17 international and craft beers and 39 new wines by the glass added to its general menu. 

You will also find a selection of exclusive drinks on bar menus in certain venues like the Wheelhouse Bar, Bellinis and Good Spirits Bar.

You may come across special drinks unique to the cruise ship you’re sailing on, for example the Sapphire Princess Cocktail.

Princess Cruises Drinks Package

The Premier Beverage Package includes cocktails, wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffees, bottled water, teas and other individual beverages up to $12 each. It costs $59.99 per person, per day and includes the service charge.

Wine by the glass (up to $12) is included in this drinks package and you can save 25% on all bottles of wine. This is the best Princess Cruises beverage package if you plan to enjoy a range of alcoholic drinks.

The most cost-effective option available is Princess Plus. It includes the Premier Beverage Package, WiFi and crew incentives (gratuities) for £30 per person, per day. If you’re still not sure if Princess Plus is right for you, take a look at my in-depth analysis.

If you don’t think you would get good value from these packages, you may could consider the New Grounds Coffee Package or the Classic Soda Package.

Princess Cruises Wine Packages

Princess Cruises no longer offers wine packages. You can pre-order bottles of wine through the Cruise Personalizer that will be waiting for you when you get onboard. You don’t need to pay a corkage fee on bottles of wine and spirits purchased in this way. A corkage fee is only charged on bottles you bring onboard that you decide to drink in Princess ships public areas and restaurants.

Free Drinks on Princess Cruises

Can you get free drinks on a Princess cruise? There are certain drinks that Princess Cruises’ guests can enjoy without the need to purchase a Princess cruise drink package: tea, coffee, water, lemonade and iced tea. It does not include premier coffee.

There are some opportunities during you cruise. You can to grab a free drink during the first formal night, during cocktail making demonstrations and shopping events. If you are looking for other free things to take advantage of on your cruise, I’d recommend reading my 50+ free things to do on Regal Princess. Many of these things are also available fleet wide.