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Cruise Tips & Answers Place - Before You Leave On Your Cruise 

Cruise information and tips for your next Princess Cruise vacation.

All About Preparing For Your Cruise.

Information You Will Need To Know Before You Go.

Cruise Tips from your friends, fellow cruise travelers, cruise industry experts, favorite cruise lines, destinations and ships.

It's all about what’s happening around the world of cruising.

Visit Princess Cruises Online for great deals on Princess Cruises and Cruisetours worldwide.

All About What You See & Read.

Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all cruise related information, dates, destination, and accommodation details directly with the cruise line mentioned before planning your cruise vacation.  Please note that this information can change with notice to you. So, you will need to visit the cruise line's official web site ( www.princess.com )  to check what's on offer today, to stay updated on information about your cruise, check on recent deals, and to take advantage of opportunities to save before they are sold out or their time is (or was) up. Prices and availability are subject to change and offers may be withdrawn, by the suppliers at any time. There is no guarantee that the information noted here, cruise rates, free extras or special amenities will be available at the time of your search for information or at the time of your actual booking. Use this information as a starting point in your vacation planning process. Check with your travel agent or the cruise line directly for the latest up-to-date-offers. 

Additional Resources....

You will need a free copy of Adobe's PDF Reader:  http://get.adobe.com/reader to view the following information.

http://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/other/alaska_cruisetour_answer_book.pdf

http://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/other/Cruise_Answer_Book.pdf

https://book.princess.com/pdf/cp/Pre_Cruise_Checklist.pdf

Please Select A Topic


Before You Leave On Your Cruise

as told by Princess Cruises...

Pre-reserve popular shore excursions, Lotus Spa appointments, arrange for flowers to be delivered to your stateroom and much more! Click on a topic headline to view detailed information relating to your selection.

Boarding Passes and Luggage Tags

 

The Boarding Pass provides information required at embarkation. There are two types of Boarding Passes: Regular and Preferred.

Regular Boarding Pass

  • The booking has been paid in full
  • The required immigration information has been added to the booking
  • A credit card has been registered for onboard use

Preferred Boarding Pass

  • The passenger is either a Platinum or Elite member of the Princess Captain's Circle or booked in a full suite
  • The booking has been paid in full
  • The required immigration information has been added to the booking
  • A credit card has been registered for onboard use

Printing your boarding pass and luggage tags is fast and easy! Beginning 75 days prior to sailing, you can print your boarding pass and luggage tags once the booking is paid in full and we’ve been provided with all your passenger immigration information and credit card registration.

Simply log-in to Cruise Personalizer® to access and print this information!

Travel Summary

 

Your Travel Summary, an electronic version of the cruise ticket, is available online via the Cruise Personalizer®. The Travel Summary provides the following booking details and options:

  • Cruise Summary
  • Flights 
  • Itinerary 
  • Packages & Transfers (if purchased) 
  • Important Notices 
  • Pre-Reserved Shore Excursions 
  • Lotus Spa Appointments 
  • Special Services (if purchased by the passenger)

Click here to use our email request form to send your travel summary to your friends and loved ones. Don’t worry, we won’t spam or sell their email address.

Simply choose which passenger’s documents you wish to send, then enter the email addresses you want to send them to.

Age Requirements/Traveling with Children

 

Age requirements
Passengers under the age of 21 years must travel in a stateroom with a passenger 21 years or older who shall assume responsibility for their care during the cruise. For family groups booking multiple staterooms, the minimum age for each stateroom is 16 years of age, provided they are traveling with a parent or legal guardian. We are unable to accept group reservations for student or youth groups that do not conform to our minimum age requirements. Each passenger agrees and warrants that he/she will supervise any passenger in his/her care at all times to ensure all policies, along with all other rules of the Carrier and ship, are strictly adhered to by all passengers under their supervision.

Age requirements for children
Children over six (6) months of age at the date of sailing will be accepted on the following itineraries: Alaska, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico and Panama Canal.

Only children over the age of one (1) year at the date of sailing will be accepted for the following itineraries: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Indian subcontinent, South America, South Pacific, Hawaii, Tahiti, Transatlantics and world cruises.

The minimum age for Escorted cruisetours is five (5) years old.

Car seats
US and Canadian regulations require that children up to the age of 8 years old may be required to travel in a car seat, booster seat or other child restraint system. When being transported by car, taxi, limo, van or shuttle, it is your responsibility to know the regulations and provide the applicable child restraint system.

Infants/Young Children and Swimming Pools
Parents/guardians are reminded to bring their children dressed in appropriate attire with towel and sunscreen. Youth staff will not conduct children's activities in the adult or splash pools. Parents must supervise their children at all times when using the pools. Infants and young children in diapers and/or swim diapers, and children who are not toilet trained are NOT permitted in any of the pools or spas due to public health concerns.

Our policy is strictly observed onboard and is intended for the public health safety of all passengers.

Documents for passengers under the age of 18
Several countries require special documentation for children traveling with only one parent or with neither parent; these requirements are subject to change without notice. Many foreign countries require any single parent or guardian to bring a permission slip for the minor to travel abroad. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess the proper documents for all of the countries that you will visit. Please verify requirements with the consulates of the countries visited prior to your cruise.

For passengers under 21 years of age or those who are traveling with children, please note:

  • Entry into the disco after 10 p.m. is limited to passengers 18 years and over. Be sure to check with the Youth and Teen Centers for special dance parties designed for kids and teens.
  • Children who are toilet-trained and accompanied by a parent or guardian are permitted in the sauna and hot tub(s) unless otherwise specified.
  • Passengers under the age of 13 are allowed in the evening entertainment show lounges if they are with their parent or guardian.
  • In line with domestic U.S. age limits, as well as our company policy, the casino, cash prize bingo and horse racing are reserved for passengers 21 years and older. Additionally, only those passengers 21 years and older will be allowed to purchase or consume alcohol. Picture identification may be requested.
  • Passengers under the age of 18 are prohibited from purchasing cigarettes or tobacco products while on board.

Youth and teen programs
Princess offers entertaining options for all ages, with our Pelicans and Shockwaves programs made especially with junior cruisers ages 3-12 in mind. And for cruisers age 13-17, we offer a unique Teen Center. Pelicans and Shockwaves give kids the chance to enjoy everything from arts and crafts, game tables, movies, splash pools (on select ships) and more. For toddlers, there’s even a special play area and outdoor deck.

Children are welcome on all Princess ships, but facilities vary. Pacific Princess® and Ocean Princess® do not have dedicated Youth and Teen Centers. However, when 20 or more children ages 3 to 17 are traveling on these ships, they will enjoy a varied schedule of supervised activities organized by a Youth Activities Coordinator. All Youth and Teen Centers are fully supervised by our staff of Youth Activities Coordinators.

Don’t miss the orientation and registration meeting on the first night of your cruise. You and your children can meet the Youth and Teen staff and learn more about our exciting shipboard programs. Parents are always welcome to join their children in the Youth and Teen Centers.

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS
Children under 3 are not permitted in the Youth Center unless accompanied by a parent at all times. Youth Center staff cannot administer medication, bottle-feed, change diapers, or provide meal service. Private in-cabin babysitting is not available on any Princess ship. All children participating in the Youth program must be potty-trained. Children who are not potty-trained are not permitted in hot tub or pool facilities.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Princess welcomes all children and teens ages 3-17 to participate in our programs. Let our staff know of all medical and/or special needs for your children. We will make every effort to accommodate them. Please be advised that Princess Youth staff do not offer individual one-on-one supervision.

JUST FOR TEENS
Remix offers teens a range of activities including teen only dance parties, sports tournaments and talent shows. Or, have fun meeting other teens with the Dating Game. Those seeking a creative retreat will enjoy hip-hop dance classes, T-shirt painting, casino nights, mocktails, pizza parties or special teen-only dinners.

Pre-Reserving Shore Excursions

 

Exploring ports of call will be one of the highlights of your cruise, and one of the best ways to do this is on a shore excursion.

Tours are operated by local independent companies, not by Princess®. You will find a variety of shore excursion options selected specifically with families in mind. Discounted rates for children and family-friendly activities may be available to make the most of your time in port.

You can reserve shore excursions for your voyage before you depart with Cruise Personalizer®. Just log-in using your reservation name and booking number, and you’ll be able to secure your place on any of the land-based adventures offered in every port.

Pre-Reserving Lotus Spa Appointments

 

Like the Lotus flower, the Lotus Spa offers a tranquil environment where you can renew your mind and body with exotic spa therapies from around the world. As you embark on this sensory journey, you’ll instantly achieve a blissful state of nirvana — leaving you completely revitalized as you welcome another day.

To help you achieve this revitalization, the Lotus Spa offers a full range of personalized spa treatments, including hair and beauty services, massage, sensuous wraps, aroma therapies and even teeth whitening.

Spa advance reservations are accepted between 120 to 7 days prior to departure. Guests must be 18 years or older to indulge in any body treatments and at least 16 years of age to utilize the fitness facilities. Other Spa services are available  to guests 13 years and older when accompanied by an adult.

Visit Cruise Personalizer® to pre-reserve your Lotus Spa appointment today!

Ship Deck Plans

 

We make it easy for you to get to know your ship. With industry-leading interactive deck plans and virtual tours, you’ll be able to see your ship before you board.

To learn more about your ship, click here and select the ship you’ll be sailing on.

Port Driving Directions

 

We’ve put together embarkation port guides that provide details – including driving directions, parking information, luggage handling tips and more for your reference!

Click here to view your port guide!

Passengers who are driving should arrive at the pier 2-3 hours prior to sailing. Passengers who arrive earlier than recommended will have to wait until embarkation begins.

For sailings from Port Everglades (FLL), Vancouver (YVR), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (NYC), and Seattle (SEA), passengers may obtain information and parking rates by calling the below listed numbers:

PORT PHONE NUMBER
Ft. Lauderdale - Port Everglades
Please check the signage at the port for your pier location.
954-462-7287
Vancouver - Canada Place 604-684-2251 or 604-681-8306 or 800-665-0050
San Francisco - Pier 35 415-398-0208 (ACE Parking)
Los Angeles - San Pedro World Cruise Terminal 310-547-4357
Seattle - Pier 91 206-783-4144
New York - Brooklyn Cruise Terminal 718-246-2794 x303

Parking Prices are approximate and subject to change:

  • FLL - There are about 2,500 parking spaces available in a six-level parking garage adjacent to Pier 2 for cruise passengers in the Northport Parking Garage. Prices are $15 per day per vehicle. Please note that oversized vehicles are $19 per day and any vehicles over 20' in length cannot be accommodated.There is NO RV parking. Cash and credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard, & Discover) are accepted.
     
  • YVR - On-site parking for Canada Place pier is run by Citipark (Canada Place) in a two-story parking garage. Awaiting confirmation for pricing per day. Passengers may contact Citipark toll free at 866-856-8080 or at 604-684-2251 with any additional questions.
     
  • SFO - ACE Parking located at 55 Francisco St. San Francisco CA 94133. Parking is available for cruise passengers for $12 per calender day. Parking lot is run by Ace Parking and ONLY cash is accepted for payment (NO credit cards or personal checks). For information, passenger can call 415-398-0208.
     
  • LAX - There are over 2,500 parking spots in a secure lot which is run by Parking Concepts Inc. Overnight parking is available at a maximum of $12 per day per parking space (if you are in a large vehicle or occupy multiple spaces, you will be charged for all occupied spaces). Cash, travelers checks, and credit cards are all accepted. Parking is on a first come, first served basis and no reservations are required. Lot hours are between 9:00 am - 6:00 pm pst. Passengers can visit www.lacruisecenter.com or call 310-547-4357 for more information.
     
  • SEA - Parking is available at Pier 91 (provided by Republic Parking Northwest) for $20 per day or $140 per week for regular sized vehicles. For RVs up to 18', the cost is $196 per week and for RVs 18' and larger (including 5th wheels) is $245 per week. If passenger has an RV towing a car on a trailer, they must pay both the RV and the regular sized car pricing. There are 1000+ parking spaces (including handicapped parking) and oversized vehicles and RVs are welcome. Parking is on a first come, first served basis and Republic Parking Northwest does not take reservations, however, passengers can go to www.rpnw.com/cruise and pre-pay (online only) for a quicker exit post cruise.
     
  • NYC - Parking is available at the Brooklyn Cruise terminal for $23 for the first night and $20 for each day after that (for multiple days) in a secure lot which includes handicapped spaces as well. Passengers can visit www.nycruise.com or call 718-246-2794 x303 for additional information.

Princess Countdown ConnectionSM

 

Countdown to your next cruise!

Download the Princess Countdown ConnectionSM and start escaping today with this fun, interactive desktop application!

  • Watch the days, hours and minutes tick down until you sail!
  • View highlights, photographs and temperatures for the ports you'll visit.
  • Watch your ship's bridge cam in real time and access interactive deck plans.
  • Receive travel tips and alerts for Princess promotions as they're announced.
  • Or, customize and create a countdown to your own personal event.

After booking your cruise, please allow 24 hours for your cruise information to display in the Princess Countdown ConnectionSM.

You must be registered on princess.com in order to use the Princess Countdown ConnectionSM. If you are not registered, please register now »

Click here for other Princess downloads.

Get Cruise Coverage through Travel Guard, starting at $30. Get a quote today.


 

All About What You See & Read.

Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all cruise rates, destination, and accommodation details directly with the cruise line mentioned before planning your cruise vacation.  The cruises shown on this web site are capacity-controlled and similar deals may be available from competing online, neighborhood travel agents, as well as the cruise line directly. All rates are per person for an inside cabin unless otherwise stated, and include port charges. Prices may vary by departure date. Please note these recent deals were limited-time offers, when we searched the Internet. Cruise lines raise and lower rates according to demand and available inventory, just about every week. Sometimes daily. So, you will need to click on an available link to check what's on offer today, to stay updated on recent deals, and to take advantage of opportunities to save before they are sold out or their time is (or was) up. Prices and availability are subject to change and offers may be withdrawn, by the suppliers at any time. There is no guarantee that these rates, free extras or special amenities will be available at the time of your search or actual booking. Use this information as a starting point in your vacation planning process. Check with your travel agent or the cruise line directly for the latest up-to-date-offers.

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Ask The Experts

The Editor's of Cruise Traveler Magazine present Your Ultimate Cruise Guide - Know Before You Go. Tried-and-true Tips on how to have a successful cruise vacation. Get the latest cruise news, cruise reviews, and feature cruise articles. Be sure to read their Ultimate Packing List. A must read, before you plan your next cruise. Add your own article....share the experience.

Raye & Marty Trencher

Cruise Traveler Magazine

Publisher and Editors

Welcome to the ultimate source of information about your cruise. From planning to packing, from discount rates to departure dates, everything you need to know before you go.  Such as our Ultimate Packing List. The definitive guide to what to pack on your next cruise....read about exciting locales in Destinations Uncovered...or read about readers favorite cruise lines for taking the kids and teens. All the Tips and tricks to have a successful cruise vacation. Click here to find out more.

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Looking to research, find, or book a Princess Cruise. Visit www.cruisedirectonline.com/princesscruisesonline/cruises_and_cruise_tours.htm


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You can cruise from the wonder and wild beauty of Alaska to the sophisticated capitals of Northern Europe or the Mediterranean . Sail to the lush landscapes of the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean, Bermuda  and South America. Marvel at the engineering of the Panama Canal or experience the beauty of Hawaii. Immerse yourself in the diversity of Asia, Australia  and New Zealand, the South Pacific as well as Tahiti. Take a cruise to Africa or explore the variety of cultures in the Middle East.  Experience the legacy of a Transatlantic Cruise or the ultimate journey of a World Cruise or Grand Voyage


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CRUISE TIPS

Did You Know: Most cruise lines require guests to be checked in no later than 90 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing time*. Guests arriving late will not be permitted to sail. This supports government regulations in some ports that require cruise lines to submit a departure manifest 60 minutes prior to sailing. Guests are requested to complete Online Check-In no later than 3 days prior to the cruise in order to expedite the pier check-in process. *Some sailings may require an earlier check-in time. Please contact your cruise line direct for specific boarding information.
Booked on a Special fare or Discount? It is important that at least one guest per stateroom be eligible to be considered in compliance with a restricted price program, such as a Senior, Military, or Resident rate. It is also important to note that non-compliance of the restricted price program terms will result in the reservation being re-priced to the lowest available fare for that particular day. Furthermore, you will be responsible to pay for any differences immediately or else your boarding rights will be denied.

Traveling with a minor without the parent or legal guardian?
Should the last names of the parent and minor child traveling with them differ, the parent is required to present the child's valid passport and visa (if required) and the child's birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy). The name of the parent(s) and the child must be linked through legal documentation.

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Looking for new ways to cruise for less? Here’s a tip that even experienced cruisers may not know. Start your search for a low-cost cruise by researching resident rates. Where you live could entitle you to exclusive savings. Just click on your home state or region below to see qualifying cruises for your state. Specific sail dates will be marked with an asterisks * next to the sailing date. It’s that easy to unlock the special fares.

Adults who are not the parent or Legal Guardian of any minor child traveling with them are required to present the child's valid passport and visa or the child's birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy) and an original notarized letter signed by at least one of the child's parents. The notarized letter from the child's parent must authorize the traveling adult to take the child on the specific cruise, must authorize guardian to sign legal documentation/waivers for participation in any activities requiring them and must authorize the traveling adult to supervise the child and permit any medical treatment that must be administered to the child. If a non-parent adult is a Legal Guardian, the adult must present a certified certificate of Guardianship with respect to the child.

Directions to the Cruise Terminals and Parking Information 
Please visit our Directions to the Pier web page to obtain parking information, directions to the pier and transit information where available.

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