Before Cruising

• Travel Documents: U.S. citizens sailing on a closed-loop cruise departing from and returning to the same U.S. port may generally travel with an original or certified birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. A valid passport book is still strongly recommended in case an emergency requires you to return home by air from a foreign country.
• International Itineraries: Cruises beginning or ending in different countries, along with many international itineraries, require a valid passport book. Some destinations also require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
• Non-U.S. Citizens: Passport, visa, and residency document requirements vary depending on your citizenship, residency status, itinerary, and ports of call. Review the latest requirements well before your sailing date.
• Name Matching: The name on your reservation must exactly match your government-issued identification. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or another legal reason, carry the appropriate supporting documentation during your trip.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for international cruises. Third-party policies often provide broader medical, cancellation, baggage, trip interruption, and emergency transportation coverage than plans purchased directly through the cruise line.
• Research Your Ship: Princess ships vary in size, dining venues, entertainment, and onboard amenities. Reviewing your ship's deck plans before sailing will help you locate restaurants, theaters, pools, lounges, and your stateroom more quickly once onboard.
• Pre-Cruise Savings: Princess Plus, Princess Premier, shore excursions, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and spa treatments are frequently offered at discounted prices before sailing, often providing better value than purchasing onboard.
• Luggage Tags: Print your Princess luggage tags before leaving home and attach them securely after arriving at the cruise terminal to help prevent damage during your travels.
• Carry-On Essentials: Pack medications, passports, valuables, electronics, swimwear, and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage. Checked bags may not arrive outside your stateroom until later in the afternoon.

Princess App & OceanMedallion

• MedallionClass Experience: Princess's OceanMedallion is a complimentary wearable device that personalizes many aspects of your cruise. It serves as your stateroom key, onboard identification, payment method, and connects you to many of the ship's digital services.
• Princess App: Download the Princess Cruises App before sailing to complete online check-in, access your boarding information, manage reservations, review your itinerary, and personalize your Medallion experience before arriving at the terminal.
• Touchless Convenience: OceanMedallion technology enables touchless cabin entry, expedited boarding, contactless purchases, and personalized service throughout much of the ship, helping create one of the most seamless cruise experiences at sea.
• OceanNow Delivery: Depending on your ship and itinerary, food, beverages, and other selected items can often be delivered directly to your location onboard using the Princess App and OceanMedallion technology.
• Finding Friends & Family: With permission, OceanMedallion allows members of your travel party to locate one another onboard, making it especially useful for families and larger groups sailing together.
• Stay Updated: The Princess App provides the daily Princess Patter schedule, entertainment, dining reservations, deck maps, onboard account information, and activity updates throughout your cruise.

Tipping / Gratuities

• Crew Appreciation: As of July 2026, Princess recommends daily Crew Appreciation of $18.00 per person for standard staterooms, $19.00 for Mini-Suites, Cabanas, and Reserve Collection accommodations, and $20.00 for Suites. These gratuities recognize both guest-facing and behind-the-scenes crew members.
• Prepay or Pay Onboard: Crew Appreciation may be prepaid before sailing or automatically added to your onboard account during the cruise. Guests wishing to discuss adjustments may do so through Guest Services before disembarkation.
• Additional Service Charges: A 20% service charge is automatically added to beverages, specialty dining, spa services, mini-bar purchases, and many other onboard purchases. These charges are separate from your daily Crew Appreciation.
• Exceptional Service: While never required, many guests choose to provide additional cash tips to crew members who provide exceptional service throughout their voyage.

Embarking

• Online Check-In: Complete online check-in through the Princess App or website before arriving at the terminal. During check-in you'll upload travel documents, receive your boarding information, and complete your OceanMedallion setup.
• Arrival Time: Plan to arrive during your assigned Port Arrival Time for the smoothest boarding experience. Many terminals now use facial recognition and Medallion technology to help speed embarkation.
• Carry-On Beverages: Guests of legal drinking age may bring one unopened 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage on embarkation day. A corkage fee may apply if consumed in public dining venues. Beer and hard liquor are not permitted.
• Carry-On Essentials: Keep medications, travel documents, valuables, electronics, swimwear, and a change of clothes with you. Checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until later in the afternoon.
• Embarkation Day Lunch: The World Fresh Marketplace buffet is often the busiest dining venue immediately after boarding. Many ships also offer complimentary lunch in other venues, providing a quieter way to begin your cruise.
• Explore The Ship: Once onboard, take time to familiarize yourself with your ship's layout, dining venues, entertainment spaces, pools, and lounges before the ship departs.
• Airplane Mode: Switch your phone to Airplane Mode before sailing and connect only to the ship's Wi-Fi if you've purchased an internet package to avoid expensive international roaming charges.
• All-Aboard Time: Princess strictly enforces all-aboard times at every port. Plan to return at least 30 to 60 minutes before the published departure time.

Cabin

• Stateroom Amenities: Princess staterooms include a private bathroom, individually controlled climate settings, television, mini refrigerator, hair dryer, in-room safe, closet space, and under-bed luggage storage. Available outlets and USB charging ports vary by ship and cabin category.
• OceanMedallion: Your OceanMedallion unlocks your stateroom door automatically as you approach, eliminating the need to carry a traditional key card while also serving as your onboard identification and payment method.
• Room Service: Room service is available throughout the day, with complimentary and premium menu options depending on your sailing, package, and cabin category.
• Stateroom Steward: Your stateroom steward services your cabin each day and can assist with extra towels, pillows, blankets, ice, and other reasonable requests during your cruise.
• Storage Space: Store suitcases under the bed after unpacking to maximize available floor space. Princess cabins generally offer generous closet, drawer, and shelf storage for longer voyages.
• Balcony Cabins: Keep the balcony door completely closed whenever the air conditioning is operating. Opening the balcony door disables the air conditioning system on most Princess ships until the door is fully closed.
• Location Services: OceanMedallion technology allows crew members delivering food, beverages, and other requested items to locate you almost anywhere onboard, eliminating the need to wait in your stateroom for deliveries.

On Deck

• Pools & Relaxation: Princess ships feature multiple pools, hot tubs, spacious sun decks, and comfortable outdoor seating designed for relaxation. The atmosphere is generally quieter and more laid-back than many family-focused cruise lines.
• The Sanctuary: Available on many Princess ships, The Sanctuary is an adults-only retreat offering reserved loungers, attentive service, light meals, beverages, and a peaceful environment for guests seeking a quieter escape. An additional fee applies.
• Movies Under the Stars: One of Princess Cruises' signature experiences, Movies Under the Stars features first-run movies, concerts, and sporting events on a giant outdoor screen with comfortable loungers and complimentary popcorn on many evenings.
• Sports & Recreation: Depending on your ship, you'll find jogging tracks, sports courts, pickleball, miniature golf, fitness centers, pools, and recreational activities throughout the day.
• Chair Etiquette: Princess asks guests not to reserve lounge chairs for extended periods without using them. During busy times, unattended belongings may be removed to make seating available for other guests.
• The Piazza: Found aboard most Princess ships, the Piazza serves as the social heart of the ship, hosting live music, entertainment, demonstrations, specialty cafés, and numerous activities throughout the day and evening.
• Destination-Focused Cruising: Princess is known for destination-focused itineraries and a refined onboard atmosphere, making it especially popular with couples, multigenerational families, and guests who enjoy enrichment programs and leisurely sea days.

Dining

• Main Dining Rooms: Princess offers breakfast, lunch on select sea days, and dinner in beautifully appointed Main Dining Rooms featuring rotating menus, regional specialties, and Princess favorites throughout your voyage.
• Dining Options: Depending on your ship and itinerary, guests may choose Traditional Dining with a fixed dining time or Flexible Dining for greater scheduling freedom. Reservations are recommended for Flexible Dining during peak hours.
• Reserve Collection Dining: Guests staying in eligible Reserve Collection accommodations enjoy access to an exclusive dining area with expedited seating, dedicated service, and additional menu selections on participating ships.
• Specialty Dining: Princess offers specialty restaurants including Crown Grill, Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, The Catch by Rudi, Chef's Table, and other ship-specific venues for an additional charge.
• Dietary Requests: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, low-sugar, kosher, and many other dietary needs can usually be accommodated. Notify Princess before sailing whenever possible and remind your dining team once onboard.
• Reservations: Specialty restaurants and popular dining times often fill before sailing. Booking early through the Princess App provides the greatest choice of dining times.
• Sea Day Breakfast & Lunch: On most sea days, the Main Dining Rooms remain open for both breakfast and lunch, providing a quieter alternative to the buffet with full table service.

Food & Beverage

• Included Dining: Complimentary dining varies by ship and may include the Main Dining Rooms, World Fresh Marketplace buffet, International Café, Alfredo's Pizzeria or Gigi's Pizzeria, poolside grills, and other casual venues.
• Complimentary Beverages: Coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, iced tea, lemonade, fountain water, and select breakfast juices are available throughout your cruise at no additional charge.
• International Café: Open 24 hours on most ships, the International Café is a guest favorite for complimentary light meals, sandwiches, salads, pastries, desserts, and specialty snacks throughout the day and evening.
• Specialty Coffee: Princess serves premium coffees, espresso drinks, teas, smoothies, and specialty beverages at the International Café and other coffee venues. These beverages may be included with eligible Princess packages.
• Hydration: Spending time in the sun, participating in shore excursions, and consuming alcoholic beverages can quickly lead to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water throughout your cruise will help you feel your best.

Princess Plus Package

• What's Included: Princess Plus bundles many of the cruise line's most popular amenities into one package. Benefits typically include the Plus Beverage Package, single-device MedallionNet Wi-Fi, Crew Appreciation, premium desserts, fitness classes, casual dining credits, room service delivery, and other onboard perks.
• Excellent Value: For many guests, Princess Plus represents one of the best overall values at sea, particularly if you plan to purchase Wi-Fi, beverages, or Crew Appreciation separately.
• Pricing: Package pricing varies by sailing and promotional offers. Purchasing before your cruise generally provides the best value.

Princess Premier Package

• Enhanced Benefits: Princess Premier includes everything offered in Princess Plus while adding multi-device MedallionNet Wi-Fi, unlimited specialty dining, unlimited casual dining, unlimited premium desserts, reserved theater seating on select ships, professional photo packages, and additional premium benefits.
• Best For: Premier is designed for guests who plan to fully enjoy specialty dining, premium beverages, photography, and other onboard experiences throughout their cruise.

Classic Soda Package

• Unlimited Soda: The Classic Soda Package provides unlimited fountain soft drinks throughout your cruise, making it a popular option for guests who don't require the broader beverage selections included with Princess Plus.

Water Package

• Convenient Delivery: Bottled water packages may be purchased before your cruise and delivered directly to your stateroom, providing a convenient way to stay hydrated throughout your voyage.

Private Destinations

• Princess Cays: Located on the southern tip of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, Princess Cays offers beautiful beaches, swimming, snorkeling, shopping, beach bungalows, water sports, and a complimentary barbecue lunch. Most visits require a short tender ride from the ship.
• Food & Beverage: Complimentary lunch is served ashore at Princess Cays, allowing guests to spend the day enjoying the island without returning to the ship for meals.
• Beach Towels: Complimentary beach towels are available onboard and may be taken ashore. Remember to return them before the end of the day to avoid replacement charges.
• Drink Packages: Beverage package acceptance at Princess Cays may vary depending on your package and current Princess policies. Verify current benefits before sailing.
• Internet Access: Internet availability may differ from onboard service. Check current MedallionNet coverage before relying on internet access while ashore.
• Water Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, bicycle rentals, and other optional activities are available at Princess Cays for an additional charge, while the beaches and swimming areas remain complimentary.

Onboard Planning & Reservations

• Princess App: The Princess App serves as your daily planner throughout the cruise, displaying the Princess Patter schedule, entertainment, dining reservations, deck maps, onboard account, and many other cruise details.
• Pre-Cruise Reservations: Reserve specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, The Sanctuary, and other popular experiences before sailing whenever possible. Many activities reach capacity on longer and more popular itineraries.
• Entertainment: Princess offers Broadway-style productions, comedians, live music, destination enrichment presentations, cooking demonstrations, game shows, and numerous activities throughout each voyage.
• Daily Planner: Review the Princess Patter each evening to plan the following day. Popular activities and presentations sometimes overlap, making a little advance planning worthwhile.
• OceanNow: OceanNow allows eligible guests to order food, beverages, and selected items directly to their location onboard using the Princess App and OceanMedallion technology.

Ports / Shore Excursions

• Princess Shore Excursions: Booking directly through Princess provides additional peace of mind because the cruise line coordinates your return if a Princess-sponsored excursion is delayed through no fault of your own.
• Independent Tours: Independent tour operators often provide smaller groups and unique experiences at competitive prices. Research operators carefully and always allow sufficient time to return before the published all-aboard time.
• Ship Time vs. Local Time: Some destinations observe a different time zone than the ship. Always verify whether Princess is using ship time or local time before exploring independently.
• Return Early: Plan to return to the ship at least 30 to 60 minutes before the published all-aboard time. Ships cannot delay departure for late-arriving guests.
• Destination Focus: Princess is known for destination-rich itineraries, including Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean, Australia, Asia, and the Panama Canal. Many cruises include extended port visits and scenic cruising opportunities that are highlights of the voyage.

Casino

• Princess Casino: Princess casinos feature slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, poker tournaments, and other popular table games. Gaming is generally available only while the ship is sailing in international waters.
• Casino Rewards: Guests earn casino rewards while playing, with qualifying players receiving promotional offers, future cruise discounts, complimentary cruises, and other casino benefits.
• Smoke-Free Areas: Many Princess ships include designated non-smoking casino areas, although availability varies by ship.
• Cash & Charges: Casino transactions may be completed using cash or eligible onboard account charges. Additional fees may apply to certain account advances.

Wi-Fi / Internet Access

• MedallionNet: MedallionNet provides one of the fastest internet services at sea and continues to expand across the Princess fleet with Starlink connectivity on many ships.
• Princess Plus & Premier: Wi-Fi is included with Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, with the number of connected devices varying by package level.
• Performance: Internet speeds vary depending on your ship's location, weather conditions, satellite coverage, and the number of guests online, but performance has improved significantly across much of the fleet.
• Pre-Cruise Savings: Internet packages purchased before sailing often provide better value than purchasing onboard.
• Airplane Mode: Keep your mobile devices in Airplane Mode while at sea and connect only to MedallionNet to avoid international roaming charges.

Families & Kids

• Camp Discovery: Princess offers age-appropriate youth programs through Camp Discovery, with activities developed in partnership with Discovery™. Programs combine games, science, arts, outdoor exploration, and educational experiences for younger cruisers.
• Age Groups: Youth activities are divided into The Treehouse (ages 3-7), The Lodge (ages 8-12), and The Beach House (ages 13-17), allowing children and teens to participate with others in similar age groups.
• Family Activities: Princess offers family trivia, Movies Under the Stars, sports tournaments, game shows, arts and crafts, destination-themed activities, and numerous events designed for families to enjoy together.
• Youth Registration: Register children for Camp Discovery soon after boarding to avoid delays and ensure they're ready to participate when activities begin.
• A Relaxed Family Experience: While Princess isn't specifically designed as a family cruise line, many families appreciate its quieter atmosphere, destination-focused itineraries, excellent dining, and engaging youth programs.

Complimentary Extras

• Movies Under the Stars: One of Princess Cruises' signature experiences, Movies Under the Stars offers complimentary evening movies, concerts, and sporting events on the giant outdoor screen, often accompanied by complimentary popcorn on select evenings.
• Afternoon Tea: Princess continues the traditional afternoon tea service on many sailings, offering complimentary tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, cookies, and scones in an elegant dining room setting.
• Destination Enrichment: Depending on your itinerary, complimentary destination lectures, cultural presentations, naturalist talks, and local performances provide valuable insight into the places you'll be visiting.
• Fitness Center: Modern fitness centers are available aboard every Princess ship with cardio equipment, weight machines, and free weights. Some specialty fitness classes may require an additional fee.
• Live Music & Entertainment: Throughout each cruise you'll find complimentary live music, classical performances, themed entertainment, game shows, trivia, and activities taking place in lounges and public spaces throughout the ship.
• Ocean Views: Whether enjoying scenic cruising, relaxing on deck with a book, or watching a sunrise over the open ocean, some of the most memorable moments onboard don't cost anything at all.
• The Piazza: Throughout the day and evening, The Piazza hosts complimentary live music, performers, demonstrations, games, and seasonal events, making it one of the liveliest gathering places aboard many Princess ships.

Disembarking

• Express Walk-Off: Guests carrying all of their own luggage may choose Express Walk-Off, allowing them to leave the ship earlier than standard departure groups.
• Standard Departure: Guests placing luggage outside their stateroom the night before departure receive luggage tags with an assigned departure group. Wait in the designated public area until your group is called.
• Final Morning: Staterooms are generally vacated early on disembarkation morning. Breakfast is available before leaving the ship, and public lounges remain open while departure groups are called.
• Customs & Immigration: Many U.S. cruise terminals now use facial recognition technology to speed arrival for eligible travelers. Guests traveling with passports often experience the quickest processing.
• Porters: Porters are available inside most cruise terminals to assist with luggage. A gratuity of approximately $1-2 per bag is customary for this service.
• Ground Transportation: Whether using Princess transfers, ride-share services, taxis, rental cars, or personal vehicles, review your transportation plans before leaving the terminal to help ensure a smooth trip home.
• Before You Leave: Before leaving your stateroom, double-check the safe, closets, drawers, charging outlets, and under the bed. Taking one final look around can help prevent accidentally leaving behind passports, medications, electronics, or other valuables.