When a product is dubbed all-inclusive, there are usually degrees to how much is actually bundled in the fare — and cruise lines often re-evaluate their packages to stay competitive accordingly. American Queen Voyages and Princess Cruises are two of the latest to revise theirs on behalf of agents and clients alike.
Here’s what to know about these two cruise lines’ latest all-inclusive offerings.
American Queen Voyages
Starting on Jan. 2, 2023, American Queen Voyages (AQV) will add port charges, taxes, services fees and onboard crew gratuities into its all-inclusive fares. Plus, agents will be able to earn commissions on such previously non-commissionable fares (NCFs).
"At American Queen Voyages, our ultimate goal is to deliver a cut-above experience for our guests before they even step foot onboard our vessels,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president of American Queen Voyages. “To do this, we are rolling out extra inclusions at one bundled price to create the overall best cost point and financial transparency for our highly-valued guests. After listening to feedback from our travel partners, we knew this new pricing structure was the best way to bundle port charges, taxes, service fees and gratuities into one advertised fare, while offering an increased commission opportunity to our valued cruise travel agents.”
Part of AQV’s strategy is to remove any hidden fare surprises that might pop up during the planning process and offer a simple bottom-line price. The only remaining expenses to potentially be incurred are for optional premium shore excursions, top-shelf alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and retail purchases.
As for agents, such newly bundled fees and extras, which normally reside outside commissionable totals, will now apply to their earnings.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is also enhancing its all-inclusive Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages for sailings after Feb. 20, 2023.
"Adding more content to our much sought-after Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages with the addition of premium experiences including fitness and indulgences not only guarantees an exceptional onboard experience, but also ensures our guests have maximum options and superior value when vacationing with Princess,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.
Both add-on tiers will soon include Princess Premium desserts such as gelato, pastries and candies from the Gelateria, Swirls or Coffee and Cones venues. Pure Barre, Yoga Six and Stretch Lab classes in partnership with Xponential Fitness will also be included, with other classes from Club Pilates, Cycle Bar and Stride following shortly after.
Adding to Princess Plus' current inclusions of a Plus Beverage Package, single-device Wi-Fi access and daily crew gratuities, new additions will include two premium crafted desserts and two fitness classes per day, as well as unlimited juices and free shipping of Ocean Medallions prior to sailing.
For Princess Premier, meanwhile, inclusions range from a Premier Beverage Package to four-device Wi-Fi access, daily crew gratuities, two specialty dining nights, photo package and Princess Prizes perks, unlimited Premium crafted desserts, smoothies and juices, unlimited fitness courses, reserved Princess Theater seating and a free Ocean Medallion accessory.
The value proposition will now amount to $140 worth of selections for only $60 per day (resulting in nearly 60% savings) for Princess Plus, and up to $257 worth of items for only $80 per day (totaling nearly 70% savings) for Princess Premier.
