Princess Cruises continues to modernize their offerings, moving one of the 80's most iconic cruise lines into the future and that now includes embracing zero-proof cocktails under the Amore branding. While enjoying a few drinks is a typical part of any cruise vacation experience, I recognized myself that I truly enjoy cruising and exploring more when I'm sober ... rather than the first few times I sailed around the Caribbean moving from one bar to the next chasing a constant buzz for a week but not really remembering a lot of the overall details from the incredible places we'd just visited.
As a long-time West Coast cruise specialist and creator of Cruise West Coast, I'm thrilled to share this groundbreaking news from Princess Cruises! After many years of helping clients plan their dream vacations from San Diego and Los Angeles, I've developed a deep understanding of how cruise culture intersects with passenger experiences. In particular I've noticed that trends around alcohol consumption have changed dramatically in recent years. This in particular is the notion that "alcohol free" is the domain of people being forced to make decisions about sobriety due to medical complications and addiction. That just isn't the case today with millions of Americans choosing to enjoy their vacation experiences without being buzzed.
Let me share some key insights about alcohol packages and cruise culture:
- Traditional cruise drink packages often cost between $65-95 per day, pushing passengers to drink 6-8 cocktails daily just to "break even" - a pattern I've seen lead to missed shore excursions and wasted vacation days recovering from hangovers, particularly on those beautiful Mexican Riviera mornings when you should be exploring Puerto Vallarta's hidden beaches
- On Alaska cruises, where daylight can last until 10pm in summer, I've noticed passengers missing spectacular glacier viewings and wildlife sightings due to excessive drinking the night before - something that particularly pains me as these are once-in-a-lifetime moments
- West Coast cruises often feature some of the most spectacular scenery in the world - from the Baja coastline to Hawaii's Na Pali Coast - experiences that deserve your full attention and clarity
That's why Princess Cruises' new Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection feels like such a revolutionary addition to the cruise industry. Here's what makes it special:
- The collection features premium brands rarely seen in the cruise industry - Betty Buzz (known for its natural mixers), Lyre's (award-winning spirit alternatives), and even Kylie Minogue's non-alcoholic sparkling rosé, which recently won gold at the International Wine Challenge
- The zero-proof cocktails are being developed in collaboration with mixologists from Sips Barcelona (currently ranked #1 bar in the world) - a level of expertise that promises sophisticated flavor profiles rather than simple "mocktails"
- Most importantly, these drinks are included in Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, making it the first major cruise line to treat non-alcoholic options with the same premium status as traditional spirits
Drawing from my extensive sailing experience along the West Coast, I can particularly see these options enhancing specific itineraries:
- For Alaska cruises, staying clear-headed means never missing those spontaneous whale breaches or bear sightings from your balcony
- On Mexican Riviera cruises, where temperatures often reach 85°F+, these sophisticated non-alcoholic options offer better hydration while still feeling festive and vacation-worthy
After years of writing about cruise trends, I believe this marks a significant shift toward more mindful cruising and a welcome addition to the marketplace that will certainly attract a new generation of cruisers as well as older folks like myself who still want something that tastes great without alcohol but isn't just a fancy soda.
If you're interested in exploring a sober curious cruise experience, I highly recommend reaching out to Heather Hills at Flow Voyages. As a specialist in mindful travel experiences, she can craft an itinerary that focuses on destination immersion and authentic relaxation rather than the traditional "party at sea" approach.
Thanks for reading. We hope this was helpful!
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