Princess Cruises has taken a step back—or a step forward, depending on how you look at it – when it comes to the price of water bottles onboard. Last week, with no warning, it tripled the price of a 12-pack of water from $7.09 to $24 (10 CAD to 32.40 CAD for Canadian guests).
On social media some lamented the big jump, calling it corporate greed, but others applauded the efforts of Princess and other travel suppliers to cut down on the use of plastics in the industry.
“I hope they are wearing masks because that’s daylight robbery,” said one member of the Prince Cruises Passenger Forum.
“I’m guessing they are trying to make up for some of the waste they are seeing as more and more people get packages that include unlimited water. I see half-finished and almost full bottles. Everywhere on cruise ships now,” explained another.
“They should raise it to $80 a case,” suggested a third.
There are other options for potable water, of course. Water in the cabin – on which Princess now has installed taps – is safe to drink, and guests can bring their own water bottles and fill them. It’s also permissible to bring up to 12 sealed, unopened 12-ounce cans or cartons of water or soda per passenger in your hand luggage.
Still, many guests have appreciated the convenience of pre-ordering water and having it delivered to their stateroom.
Kiss that option goodbye – or pay up for the privilege of polluting the planet and having someone else recycle all those bottles.
(Note: Princess Cruises did not reply to our request for a comment on this story.)
