Cruise VIP Packages: You Want More?
Celebrity Cruises quietly trimmed back its Premium Access Pass earlier this month, removing the embarkation-day welcome lunch and reserved theater seating from it’s VIP package. While consumer response has been mixed, the move raises a bigger question: how do cruise VIP packages work, and are they worth it?
Many cruise lines sell add-ons designed to save time, add convenience, or bundle popular extras, which appeal to customers who want smoother sailing without booking a suite. These packages are usually found on large-ship brands, where thousands of passengers mean lines and wait times are part of the experience. While each line markets them under different names—like The Key, Premium Access, or Have It All—passengers and travel advisors often call them VIP packages.
Small Privileges Can Go A Long Way
Cruise VIP packages highlight an interesting reality for me: I prefer smaller, boutique ships. But sometimes I find myself on a mega-liner. The reasons are simple: family and friends trips, work, or a good deal. Large ships offer the variety of dining, entertainment and experiences that make me feel confident to travel in a group. And everyone on board agrees. All 3,000 to 6,000 fellow passengers on board.
That scale is what makes VIP add-ons attractive. On a ship with several thousand passengers, faster boarding, smoother tendering, or a guaranteed seat in the theater can help reduce stress. Inclusions like bundled Wi-Fi or drinks also bring a taste of the all-inclusive style, of which I’ve become accustomed from luxury ships. While these packages won’t turn a mega-ship into a boutique yacht, they can help make your experience feel calmer and more personalized.
The Benefits Breakdown
Among the six big brands selling VIP add-ons, the balance of perks varies.
- Carnival’s Faster to the Fun and Norwegian’s Priority Access lean almost entirely on priority.
- Celebrity’s Premium Access and Royal Caribbean’s The Key combine priority with extras like Wi-Fi and dining. Royal stands out for its welcome lunch and reserved show seating.
- Princess Plus and Premier focus on inclusions, rolling drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and even theater seating into flat daily rates.
- Holland America’s Have It All also emphasizes inclusions, bundling shore excursions, beverages, dining, and Wi-Fi without strong priority perks.
These VIP add-ons are separate from suite privileges or loyalty status benefits. They are purchasable bundles available to any passenger, and each line packages convenience differently. Some sell speed, others certainty, and a few offer both.
| Cruise Line / Package | Price | Priority | Inclusions (bundled items + discounts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Cruises – Premium Access | ~$15–$25 pp/day | • Early terminal access • Priority luggage delivery • Tender priority • Express luggage/debarkation | • Premium Wi-Fi (2 devices) • Unlimited room service • Premium drinks package |
| Royal Caribbean – The Key | ~$25–$35 pp/day | • Priority check-in/boarding • Carry-on bag drop & delivery • Tender priority • Priority debarkation breakfast | • VOOM Wi-Fi (1 device pp) • Welcome lunch (Chops Grille menu) • Dining discount (20% off on Day 1) |
| Carnival – Faster to the Fun | ~$8–$15 pp/day | • Priority boarding/check-in • Early stateroom access • Priority luggage delivery • Guest Services priority line • Priority water shuttle (tender) | |
| Princess Cruises – Premier Package | ~$100 pp/day | • Reserved theater seating for production shows | • Unlimited specialty & casual dining (2026+) • Unlimited drinks (up to ~$20 each) • Wi-Fi (4 devices pp) • Photo package • Shore excursion credits • Gratuities included |
| Norwegian – Priority Access | ~$14–$22 pp/day | • Priority check-in/boarding • Priority tender & debarkation | • Room service breakfast (daily) • Spa credit • Inclusions may vary by ship |
| Holland America – Have It All | ~$60 pp/day | • Shore excursion credits • Signature beverage package • Specialty dining nights • Surf Wi-Fi package • Occasional booking bonuses |
Is It Worth It?
The answer depends on your priorities.
- Convenience seekers: Carnival’s Faster to the Fun and Norwegian’s Priority Access are modestly priced and save time.
- Digital travelers: Celebrity Premium Access and Royal Caribbean’s The Key include Wi-Fi, which can justify the cost on its own.
- All-inclusive fans: Princess Premier and Holland America’s Have It All let you pre-pay for nearly everything—drinks, dining, Wi-Fi, and gratuities—removing surprises from the final bill.
It’s also worth considering the itinerary. On cruises with many tender ports, priority debarkation may save real time. On holiday sailings when ships run at full capacity, VIP perks can feel more valuable.
For many travelers, a VIP pass can be the difference between a hectic sailing and one that feels easy and enjoyable.
