Princess Cruises: Things to Know Before Cruising

Allow Princess Cruise Line to spark up your travel inspiration and usher you to worlds unknown and newfangled personal discoveries. From the pristine white sand beaches of the Caribbean, sun-kissed waters of the Orient, to the magnificent ports in Europe further aggrandized with some of the continent’s majestic spots, your call to adventure begins as you board, and what happens next is the exciting part as you author the tale of your nautical adventure.

As your journey’s inception draws near, your mind saturates with exhilarating thoughts and inevitably, questions on what to expect on your first Princess Cruise. We’re here to provide you with insights on essential things to know before you embark on your Princess Cruise.
Check out other cruise articles that might help you on your journey. Bon Voyage!

1. 33 Things To Pack For A Cruise Besides Clothes
2. Things to Leave Behind When Packing For Your Next Cruise
3. 18 Hidden Costs That Bump Up Your Cruising Budget

Many thanks to Lynne Snyder, a seasoned Princess cruiser, who shared tremendous insights with me in the completion of this article.

#1 Travel Documents

After you book your cruise, It is your responsibility to fill out the Passenger Immigration Form (PIF) using Cruise Personalizer at least 45 days before your cruise.

Ensure your name appears exactly as shown on your travel documents which must be presented on your embarkation day during your final check in. Without proper documentation, you will be denied boarding and no refunds will be given. Remember, travel documents vary by destination and citizenship.

Valid Passport

Recommended travel document for traveling via land, sea or air. It must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your cruise.

For minors traveling with only one adult, a valid passport is required for every member. This is to ensure that during emergency situations when docking on a non-US port is inevitable, your party won’t be separated.

For non-US passport or non-US permanent residents disembarking in a US Port, you will be required to provide the address where you will be staying in the US after your cruise ends to comply with immigration requirements.

For Closed Loop Cruises:

• Passport Book: Recommended travel document
• US Passport Card
• US or Canadian Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
• US or Canadian Issued Identification Card (issued to minors and non-drivers)
• NEXUS Card Air travel is limited to participating airports
• SENTRI and FAST cards
• I-872 American Indian Card or Enhanced Tribal ID Card (ETC)

Note: For Canadians, a valid passport is required in addition to your other travel documents.

#2 Princess@Sea

This is Princess Cruises’ free web tool that opens you up to a wealth of information onboard your cruise, especially for ships that do not have the Ocean Medallion system yet. To access, just connect to your ship’s WiFi network on your mobile device (laptop, tablet or smart phone) and open your browser. Princess@Sea will be your default page. No need to download, plus it works even on airplane mode with no data charges.

For those who will be sailing on MedallionClass ships, download the MedallionClass App on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Features:
a. Discover events and activities onboard
b. Send text messages to other guests
c. Track your stateroom account
d. Check your ship’s itinerary
e. Browse dining options and compare restaurant menus
f. Check your ship’s venue details
g. Access your daily Princess Patter newsletter

#3 Dining and Beverage

From the opulence of upscale fine dining to a relaxed casual culinary experience, cruise dining soars beyond expectations with plethora of palatable offerings, endless indulgences and ice cold refreshments to wash it all down. There is something to awaken the foodie in everyone. Tease your palate with new discoveries at the main dining room, go all out at the laid back buffet, or enjoy the smell of the open sea as you snack on pizza and burgers.

Complimentary Dining

Good food shouldn’t cost extra, at least when you’re immersed into the world of cruising. Princess Cruises offer an amazing array of dining options to choose from. Best part is that they’re already included in your cruise fare. Imagine dining without thinking about footing the bill. Count me in!

So what’s included? Plenty. Horizon Court offer unlimited buffet style dining with an ever-changing menu meant to satiate every taste preference. Head out to the main dining room and feast on a vibrant selection of fresh and exciting dishes including some local delicacies unique to the places you’re visiting. Revel in a multi-course meal with stunning appetizers, beautifully carved prime chops, fresh seafood selections, and sinfully decadent desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. For a more casual dining experience, grab a slice of pizza or a grilled panini at the 24-hour International Cafe. There will also be plenty of complimentary beverages to choose from.

Note: Dining venues may be named differently depending on the ship you’re sailing. Please click here for a more complete list of complimentary (and specialty) dining venues on your ship.

Dining Room Preferences

a. Anytime Dining

• Gives you the flexibility of dining any time between 5:30pm and 10pm.
• You will be dining with different guests and served by a different waiter each night.
• You also have the option to be seated at a more intimate table for just you and your dining companion(s). Just ask, the choice is yours.

b. Traditional Dining

• You will be dining at the same table with the same guests, and served by the same waiter each night.
• Generally, you can opt for Early Seating (5:30pm), 1st Seating (6pm) or 2nd Seating (8:15pm) as the seating times may vary slightly by ship.

Specialty Dining

For a more intimate and upscale dining setting, Princess Cruises got you covered with specialty dining venues and menu options designed to impress even the most particular of food connoisseurs. Reservations are highly recommended at these venues, plus a small cover charge is applied per person. Specialty restaurants vary by ship but would typically include a steakhouse, Italian fare, Asian fare and seafood specialties.

Click here for a complete list of specialty dining options.

Room Service

Room service is complimentary and is available at any time during the day or night. There’s a “Room Service” button on your stateroom phone for your convenience. If you wish to have a continental breakfast delivered to your stateroom at a time of your choosing, fill out the breakfast card in your stateroom portfolio and hang it outside your door at night.

There will be a menu available inside your stateroom. You can also order continental breakfast for the next morning using Princess@Sea or OceanNow in the MedallionClass App on Ocean Medallion enabled ships.

Specialty Dining Packages

Princess Cruises does not currently offer dining packages for their specialty dining restaurants. However, you have the option of enjoying an intimate dining experience on your stateroom balcony served by your own waitstaff. Orders can be made by contacting room service or pre-purchased as a special service item. It comes with the following options:

a. Deluxe Breakfast ($45 for two people)
– Includes specialty pastries, fresh fruits, quiche, smoked salmon served with a half bottle of chilled sparkling wine. (Item #3009)

b. Lobster or Steak Dinner ($100 for two)
– Four-course meal with a choice of fresh lobster tail or tender steak cooked to your liking. (Item #3011)

Beverage Packages

Beverage Packages allow you to save money as you enjoy premium drinks throughout your cruise. Here are some options to choose from:

a. Premier Beverage Package

• includes all alcoholic beverages and cocktails, fountain soda, energy drinks, premium coffee and tea and bottled water (500ml) valued up to $12 per order with a limit of 15 drinks in a 24-hour period.
• 25% discount on excluded items like bottled wine, one liter bottles of water, canned sofa and bottled juices.
• $59 per person per day plus 18% service charge
• Click here to read the full terms and conditions of this package.

b. Premier Coffee & Soda Package

• Includes non-alcoholic beverages such as premium coffee and tea, fountain soda, energy drinks, fruit juices, hot cocoa and mock-tails.
• Also includes one souvenir tumbler based on availability
• 25% discount on bottle water, canned soda and bottled juices.
• $19.99 per person per day plus 18% service charge
• Click here to read the full terms and conditions of this package.

c. Classic Soda Package

• includes fountain sodas, fruit juices, mock-tails and smoothies.
• $9.99 per person per day plus 18% service charge
• Click here to read the full terms and conditions of this package.

#4 Internet Packages

Stay connected while you cruise with these internet packages you can purchase pre-cruise.

a. Princess Connect Social

• Allows access to social media sites for $14.99 per day

b. Princess Connect Surf

• Unlimited access to the internet except video streaming and Skype for $24.99 per day

c. Princess Connect Premium

• Unlimited internet access plus video streaming and Skype for $29.99 per day.

d. Medallion Net

• Fast, unlimited and affordable internet for only $9.99 per day when you purchase for the entire cruise duration.
• Available only on Medallion Class Ships

e. Pay Per Usage (By minutes)

• Includes the following packages: 120 mins ($69), 240 mins ($99), 460 mins ($159), 680 mins ($199)

Notes:

• MedallionNet is only available on Medallion Class ships. However, more ships on their fleet are being upgraded through 2020. Otherwise PrincessConnect and Pay Per Usage is available on non-Medallion Class ships.
• There is also a 24-hour onboard Internet Cafe that offers limited complimentary access to Platinum and Elite members of the Princess Captain’s Circle program.

#5 Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets onboard are very limited as each stateroom only has two grounded 110V electric outlets located at the desk and one non-grounded outlet in the bathroom.

Multi box outlets/adaptors and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed on board when used with proper caution. 

#6 Cruise Cabin Types

Your cruise cabin can have an overall impact on your entire cruise experience. Whether you want prefer a small yet accommodating cabin as an interior room, or desire the touch of luxury and opulence of a suite room, the choice is yours. Here are the different cabin types on your cruise ship:

a. Interior Cabin
Most affordable cabin type with standard amenities. Small and compact in size but more than accommodating to your cruise vacation.

b. Ocean View
These cabins are equipped with a picture window or porthole to enjoy an amazing view of the ocean. A bit pricier than an inside cabin. (Note: Not available on Royal Class ships)

c. Balcony
These rooms have floor to ceiling sliding glass doors leading to a private balcony and an awesome view of the ocean. They are a little bit more spacious than ocean view.

d. Deluxe Balcony
Enhanced version of a Balcony Stateroom with more space and a sofa bed. It also has a larger balcony and includes some of the amenities offered in a Mini Suite Stateroom.

e. Mini Suite
Spacious accommodation type with a larger balcony area, two flat screen TVs (except Pacific Princess) and a bathtub. Room is also equipped with a separate seating area with a sofa and coffee table.

f. Suite Room
Very spacious accommodation, private balcony, great for traveling with kids, separate living and sleeping area. Balcony is equipped with two loungers, four chairs, table and ottoman.

Exclusive Suite Room Perks:

• Complimentary use of the Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
• Complimentary laundry and professional cleaning services
• Complimentary dinner in a specialty restaurant on embarkation day
• Priority specialty dining and shore excursion reservation
• Priority disembarkation at tender ports

Tip: Choosing a stateroom that is located mid ship on a lower deck is ideal for those who easily gets seasick regardless of your accommodation type.

#7 Online Check-In

Within 75 days from your sailing date, you can log in to Cruise Personalizer to check in and print your boarding pass and luggage tags once the following requirements are met:

a. Booking paid in full
b. Requires immigration information has been entered
c. Credit card has been registered for your onboard account.

Types of Boarding Passes:

a. Regular

b. Preferred

• Platinum or Elite members of the Captain’s Circle
• Guests who booked a full suite

On MedallionClass Ships:

Download the MedallionClass App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Under OceanReady, you can upload your travel document information.

If you’re picking up your Medallion at the pier, bring your Medallion Access pass in order to enter the cruise terminal and head to the OceanReady check-in area. If you’ve had your Medallion sent to your home, bring your OceanMedallion and travel documents with you. If you do not become OceanReady, bring your Boarding Pass to the terminal.

#8 Luggage Valet

Princess Luggage Valet is a safe and convenient luggage delivery service that pick your bags up from home, deliver them to your stateroom and being them back home after your cruise ends.

To book, you can check out the Luggage Forward website or call them at (888)693-8229.

In addition, Princess also offers the Princess EZ Check service. With this service, your luggage gets picked up from your stateroom and transported to the airport and onto your flight. Note: This service is available in certain ports only and only for flights on partner airlines. Information regarding this service will be sent to your stateroom shortly before the end of your cruise.

#9 Seasickness Remedies

When you’re on a cruise, the one thing you don’t ever want to have is to get seasick. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent you from being seasick.

Here’s a few of our recommendations that helps:
a. Scopolamine patch (Prescription – prevents motion sickness)
b. Dramamine (Over the counter but get the less drowsy kind)
c. Zofran (Prescription – helps with nausea)
d. Ginger Pills (Natural way to prevent motion sickness)
e. Seabands (Naturally prevents motion sickness by applying pressure to certain point on your wrist)
f. Fresh fruits like green apples or oranges.
g. Choose a stateroom on a lower deck and located mid ship.  Rooms closest to the front or the stern of the cruise ship experience most of the rocking motion.

#10 Stateroom Amenities

Each stateroom comes with a private safe, refrigerator, TV, closet and a bathroom with shower along with a complimentary set of shampoo, conditioner , body wash and body lotion. All rooms are equipped with an electric hair dryer for your convenience.

Mini-suites come with a welcome glass of champagne, two televisions, a sitting area and a spacious closet. Full suites have the above-mentioned perks plus complimentary laundry service, and use of the Lotus Spa.

#11 Laundry Services

Each ship has a self-service laundry area which you can use for a nominal fee. Laundry products are also available for a negligible charge. Guests can use their own laundry products brought from home.

Iron/ironing boards are available but can only be used in the laundry room and are not permitted in staterooms.

Onboard professional laundry and pressing services are available for a fee. Clothes are returned within 48 hours. Express service is available if you need your clothes back within 24 hours. Please note that non-express laundry service is complimentary to full suite guests and Elite Captain’s Circle members.

#12 Onboard Purchases

Things to know:
a. All items onboard are priced in US dollars except for Australian itineraries with currencies in Australian Dollars.

b. Validate your account with a credit card at the check-in desk or during online check-in.

c. You can place a deposit with the Purser’s staff at the beginning of your cruise if you would like to pay with cash or traveler’s check.

d. Final settlement is done at the end of your cruise with an itemized statement of your purchases.

e. During your cruise, you will be paying with your Cruise Card. On Medallion Class Ships, you will be using your Ocean Medallion for your purchases.

#13 Princess Patter

The Princess Patter is the cruise line’s daily newsletter sent to each cabin every night. It will contain the following information of your next cruise day. You can also access the Princess Patter using the Princess@Sea web tool on your mobile devices. On Ocean Medallion-enabled ships, you can access the ship’s daily activities in JourneyView in your MedallionClass App.

a. Hour-by-hour schedule of onboard and in-port activities

b. Information on all your ship’s venues including dining venues, bars, boutiques, spa and all others.

c. Description of each port including weather information, emergency contacts and other pertinent information.

d. Announcements such as dress codes, special offers and events.

#14 Alcohol Policy

Guests 21 years or older are permitted to bring wine or champagne with a 750ml limit upon boarding. Any other alcoholic beverages is not allowed to be brought onboard.  However, Princess does not currently have any restrictions to non-alcoholic beverages you can bring onboard your cruise.  Feel free to bring your favorite drinks as long as they’re sealed.

You also have the option to pre-order bottles of alcohol via the Cruiser Personalizer, which will be delivered to your stateroom. Bottles of alcohol can also be ordered through room service.

Corkage Fees

No corkage fee is charged on the first bottle only if consumed in the stateroom. Additional wine or champagne bottles will incur a $15 corkage fee regardless of where it’s consumed.

Alcohol Purchases

Alcoholic beverages purchased onboard, or at ports, will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to the guest’s stateroom on the last day of the cruise.

#15 Muster Drill

The Muster Drill is a mandatory drill that everyone must participate before the ship sets sail.

The proper technique of putting on your lifejacket will be demonstrated during the drill, but the lifejackets should stay in the stateroom. The location of your muster station is posted at the back of your cabin door.

#16 Pregnancy

All pregnant women entering the 24th week of their pregnancy at any time during the cruise will not be allowed to board the ship.

Pregnant women must procure a physician’s letter stating that mother and baby are in good health, fit to travel and the pregnancy is not high risk. The letter must also include the estimated date of delivery. This letter must be sent to the Fleet Medical Department confidential fax at (661) 753-0121.

#17 All Inclusive Photo Package

Immortalize those precious cruise moments with Princess Cruises’ All Inclusive Photo Package. With one package that you can purchase pre-cruise at a discounted price, you will get prints and digital files of pictures taken on your cruise by professional photographers onboard.

Prices are based on the length of your voyage.
a. 7 to 24 days: $249 pre-cruise, $299 onboard
b. 25 to 39 days: $299 pre-cruise, $399 onboard
c. 40 days or longer: $399 pre-cruise, $549 onboard

Please click here to learn more.

#18 Ways You Can Communicate Onboard

Here are some ways you can keep in touch while onboard the ship:

a. Cellular Roaming

• The ship is equipped with a cell tower that allows you to text and make calls onboard. However, roaming charges will apply and rates are based on your cellphone carrier.

b. Princess@Sea

• With this complimentary web tool, you can send messages to your fellow cruisers while connected to the ship’s Wifi network

c. Stateroom Phone

• For $10 per minute, you can make ship-to-shore calls with your stateroom phone. This is automatically charged to your cruise account.

d. Internet VOIP

• You can also purchase an internet package and connect via VOIP or video calls online.

e. OceanCompass Shipmates

• On Ocean Medallion-enabled ships, you can locate and message/chat with friends and family using OceanCompass Shipmates in the Medallion Class app.

#19 Captain’s Circle

Princess Cruises rewards its most loyal cruisers with perks and onboard benefits for their next cruise bookings.

Reward Tiers:

a. Gold (After your 1st completed cruise)
b. Ruby (4th – 5th cruise credit or 31 – 50 cruise days)
c. Platinum (6th – 15th cruise credit or 51 – 150 cruise days)
d. Elite (After 16th cruise credit or over 150 cruise days)

Click here to know more about the perks and benefits of being a Captain’s Circle member.

#20 Camp Discovery

To keep young cruisers entertained, Princess Cruises’ youth centers offer age-appropriate activities and programs that are available for children between 3 – 17 years of age.

a. The Treehouse (Ages 3 – 7 years)
b. The Lodge (Ages 8 – 12 years)
c. The Beach House (Ages 13 – 17 years)
d. Club 1820 (Ages 18 – 20 years)

Notes:

• Children younger than 3 can explore the youth center with an adult.
• To register, you can log in to your Cruise Personalizer or you can go to the youth center onboard.
• Availability is based on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• You can review schedule of activities in your Stateroom Welcome Packet with the Kid’s Patter.

#21 Babysitting Services

Babysitting services are available during the day through the Camp Discovery kid’s programs between the hours of:

• 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Nighttime group sitting is also available through the youth center from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for children ages 3 to 12. The price is $5 an hour per child.

Even during port days, you can drop the kids off at the youth center. Pick up is a 5pm each day. For early or late excursions, they will open early or stay late to accommodate you.

#22 Smoking Policy

Smoking is not permitted except for designated areas onboard the ship. Generally, these areas include: Cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub and a section of the open decks.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in staterooms and stateroom balconies. Any violation would incur a $250 charge for each occurrence.

Electronic cigarettes are allowed in staterooms and designated smoking areas only, but not on your stateroom balcony.

#23 Onboard Entertainment

One of the highlights of cruising is experiencing the lineup of absolutely breathtaking Broadway-caliber shows that will surely spice up your evenings.

With that being said, popular show times especially the early shows draw in huge crowds and finding good seats a proven difficulty. Princess Cruises does not take reservations and seating is based on a first-come-first-serve basis. Showing up at least 30 minutes before the show begins might help you procure good seats but even that is not a guarantee. Productions shows are usually more popular so plan on showing up earlier.

Please click here for more details on the shows offered onboard.

Otherwise, Movies Under The Stars lets you enjoy a movie or two in the poolside amphitheater, complete with milk and cookies in the day, and fresh popcorn in the evening.

#24 Automatic Gratuities

Automatic daily gratuity is added to your stateroom account at a rate of $14.50 per guest for Interior, Oceanview or Balcony staterooms, $15.50 per guest for Mini-Suites and Club Class, and $16.50 per guest for Suite Rooms. This is shared among the waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, and housekeeping staff.

An 18% gratuity is added to bar charges, dining room wine accounts, and spa services. This is shared among beverage staff and spa personnel.

Notes:

• You can pre-pay your gratuities online via Cruise Personalizer or by calling (855)500-7690 up to 2 days before your cruise.
• If for whatever reason you would like to modify your gratuities, you can do so while onboard by talking to Guest Services.

#25 Dress Code

Princess has two designations for dress codes for the main dining room.

a. Smart Casual

• Skirts/dresses, slacks, and sweaters for ladies
• Pants and open-neck shirts for men

b. Formal Attire

• Evening gowns and cocktail dresses for women
• Tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits with a tie for men

Notes:

• Buffet area and snack bars are always casual.
• Pool or beach attire, shorts, ball caps and casual jeans (with fraying and/or holes) are not allowed in the dining rooms. Shoes must be worn.
• Formal wear rental is available and can be arranged pre-cruise.
• The number of Formal Nights depends on the length of your cruise.

#26 Shore Excursions

Princess Cruises offers a variety of fun filled excursions with plenty of opportunities to explore and immerse with the locals. You can book your excursions with your cruise by logging in to your Cruise Personalizer account. You can do this from 180 days prior to your cruise up until 5 days before your scheduled departure.

Best Price Guarantee

After you have booked your excursion with Princess and later on find a similar excursion at a lower price, you will receive a non-refundable onboard credit equal to 110% of the price difference.

Here are the steps:
a. Book your cruise
b. If you find a lower price elsewhere, download the Best Prince Guarantee Form
c. Send it via email to Princess Shore Excursions by clicking here or by faxing it to (661)753-1433.
d. In 2 business days, you will be notified if you are eligible to receive an onboard cruise credit.

#27 Refer-A-Friend

Princess’ Refer-A-Friend program rewards past cruisers with onboard spending credits for their next cruise for each new guest they refer.

Notes:

• Spending credit of $25 per guest, up to $50 per stateroom is rewarded to both the referrer and the new guest.
• New guest must sail within 24 months from referral date and can sail separately from the referrer.
• Referrer will get their onboard credit on their next cruise booked within 24 months after his/her referral has sailed.
• Click here to learn more about the Princess Referral Program.