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Cruise Tips & Answers Place - Preparing For 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 Prices and availability are subject to change and offers may be withdrawn, by the suppliers at any time.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

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Preparing For Your Cruise

as told by Princess Cruises...

An overview of the latest passport, customs, health and other essential requirements to help you prepare for your vacation. Click on a topic headline to view detailed information relating to your selection.

Cruise Personalizer®

In advance of your cruise, visit Cruise Personalizer® to confirm your booking is complete, tell us your favorite drink, any special needs, pre-reserve shore excursions and relaxing spa treatments or print your travel documents.

You’ll also need to ensure your name appears exactly as shown in your passport. If the name does not match, it's important you contact the Princess Reservations Department at 
1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or your travel agent to correct this information. Also, verify that your passport details and emergency contact information are complete and correct.

If you do not have Internet access, contact your travel agent for assistance.

Travel Document Requirements*

Each passenger is responsible for providing Princess Cruises® with complete and accurate immigration information. The Passenger Immigration Form (PIF) should be completed online using Cruise Personalizer®, upon confirmation of your booking.

Ensure your name appears exactly as shown on your travel document. If the name does not match, contact the Princess Cruises® Reservations Department at 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or your travel agent (the travel agent must call in corrections if the booking was made through a travel agency). Please provide Princess Cruises® with this information at least 45 days prior to your cruise. Failure to do so will result in delayed check-in and, possibly, denied boarding.

For non-US passport or non-US permanent residents disembarking in a US Port, the US Department of Homeland Security requires that before your cruise, you provide the address at which you will be staying in the US, post-cruise.

Travel Document requirements vary by destination and your citizenship. Below are document guidelines for both domestic and international voyages. Once a booking is made, you may view voyage specific requirements on the Cruise Personalizer

Document Requirements for US and Canadian Passport Holders

A valid passport is required for all international itineraries including Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, India, Central and South America, South Pacific, Tahiti and World Cruises. Although US and Canadian passport holders are not currently required to sail with a passport on most domestic itineraries (including Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexico and Panama Canal), Princess highly recommends they are carried.

If your cruise requires international air travel, including flights between the US and Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda or Mexico, you will be required to present a valid passport when departing from or returning to the US by air. Even if your cruise does not involve air travel outside the US, should you be required to unexpectedly depart a vessel prior to the end of the sailing, a passport would be required to re-enter the US by air.  As such, Princess Cruises® continues to strongly recommend that all passengers are in possession of a valid passport.

For domestic itineraries for which a passport is not required, US and Canadian passport holders must present one of the following valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant travel documents at cruise check-in:

  • Passport Book: Recommended travel document
     
  • US Passport Card
     
  • US or Canadian Issued 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
     

US and Canadian citizens ages 15 years and younger may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or citizenship card in lieu of the above documents on Domestic sailings^ only.  US citizens traveling on U.S. roundtrip or “closed-loop” voyages may also travel with an original certified birth certificate presented together with a valid government-issued photo identification. These voyages include:
 

  • Alaska roundtrip from San Francisco or Seattle (roundtrip Seattle cruisetours excluded)
     
  • Canada/New England roundtrip from New York
     
  • Caribbean roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale^, New York or San Juan
     
  • Hawaii roundtrip from Los Angeles
     
  • Mexico roundtrip from Los Angeles or San Francisco

^Voyages that call to Central or South America are excluded and only Passports or WHTI compliant documents are accepted.

For information regarding WHTI compliant documents, visit www.getyouhome.gov.

US Permanent Residents are required to present one of the following at cruise check-in:

  • Permanent Resident Card (ARC/I-55 card)
     
  • Temporary ARC/I-55 card and valid government-issued photo identification
     
  • Expired ARC/I-55 card and form I-797 and valid government-issued photo identification
     
  • Passport with “ARC” stamp in the passport

Canadian Permanent Residents are required to present a valid passport and Landed Permanent Resident Card at cruise check-in.

Non-US/Non-Canadian Passport Holders: A valid passport is required for all non-US and non-Canadian citizens for all itineraries.

Passport validity: Many countries require passports be valid for six months after the completion of your travel. Check your passport to verify it will be valid for this period of time. Please ensure the name on the passport matches the name on the booking. Additionally, make certain that your passport contains blank pages for entry and exit endorsements and any visas that may be required. If necessary, allow sufficient time to renew your passport and/or obtain additional pages. US and Canadian passport holders sailing on a domestic cruise should ensure passports or other travel documents are valid through the completion of travel.

There are over 7,000 Application Acceptance locations in the US Callers may locate the one closest to them by going to the US Department of State website at http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. The United States Postal Service also provides passport services. To obtain this information, go to usps.com to find a Post Office location, fees, and to download a passport application at http://www.usps.com/passport.

For information regarding Passport applications, please visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html or call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 (M-F, 5am - 5pm PST).

*This information is provided as general guidance. Because governmental travel requirements change periodically, you must check with your travel agent or the government authorities for all countries you will visit to determine or verify the actual requirements at the time of sailing. Princess assumes no responsibility for advising passengers of such requirements.

Visas

Visa requirements for US and Canadian citizens are listed on the passenger's Travel Summary under "Your Notification," if applicable. All other nationalities, including those with US or Canadian resident status, are responsible for verifying visa requirements for each port visited during the cruise.

IMPORTANT: Visa and documentation requirements vary by destination and change from time to time without prior notice. Passengers should check with the consulate of each country they will visit, or a visa service to verify current regulations. It is the passenger's responsibility to have proper travel documentation. They should reconfirm visa requirements with the consulate 14-30 days prior to the cruise.

The following information is provided as general guidance. Because governmental travel requirements change periodically, you must check with your travel agent or the government authorities for all countries you will visit to determine or verify the actual requirements at the time of sailing. Princess assumes no responsibility for advising passengers of such requirements.

Traveling To... Passport Holder:

USA or Canada

Visa Requirements
Australia

YES

Electronic Travel Authority must be obtained prior to departure. Some nationalities do not qualify for electronic visa application and are required to make application in person. ETA visa processing is offered by Princess to US and Canadian passport holders for a service fee. All other nationalities must verify requirements and obtain visa in advance of travel or risk denied boarding.
Benin

YES

A visa will be issued upon the ship's arrival and therefore you are not required to obtain one in advance of your cruise; a visa fee will be applied to your stateroom account.
Brazil

YES

Some nationalities require Visa. You are responsible to verify visa requirements and obtain visa in advance of travel or risk denied boarding.
Cambodia

YES

A visa can be issued on issued on arrival and therefore you are not required to obtain one in advance of your cruise; one passport size photo is required; a visa fee will be applied to your stateroom account.
Canada

NO

Some nationalities require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter or transit Canada. U.S. citizens and U.S. Resident Aliens are exempt from the visa requirement. All other nationalities are responsible to verify TRV requirement and obtain visa in advance of travel or risk denied boarding.
China

YES

All non-Chinese passport holders must obtain visa in advance of travel or risk denied boarding. Your voyage may require a single or double-entry visa. Currently, single entry visas expire 3 months after issue.  For longer voyages, we recommend obtaining a double-entry visa valid for 6 months to ensure validity upon arrival and throughout stay in China
Egypt

YES

A visa will be issued upon the ship’s arrival and therefore you are not required to obtain in advance of the cruise.  There is currently no charge for the Egyptian visa. A visa must be obtained in advance of the cruise for stays in Egypt longer than 72 hours.
Schengen Agreement Countries: (Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal and Spain)

NO

Some nationalities require Visa to enter or transit countries which are members of the Schengen Agreement. A multiple-entry visa will be required if a non-Schengen country is visited in between visits to Schengen countries. The visa must be obtained in advance of the voyage. Non-US and non-Canadian passport holders are responsible to verify requirements and obtain visa in advance of travel or risk denied boarding.
The Gambia

YES

A visa will be issued upon the ship's arrival and therefore you are not required to obtain one in advance of your cruise; a visa fee will be applied to your stateroom account.
Ghana

YES

A visa will be issued upon the ship's arrival and therefore you are not required to obtain one in advance of your cruise; a visa fee will be applied to your stateroom account.
India

YES

Some nationalities require visa. You are responsible to verify visa requirements and obtain visa in advance of travel or risk denied boarding.
Indonesia

YES

A visa can be issued on issued on arrival and therefore you are not required to obtain one in advance of your cruise; a visa fee will be applied to your stateroom account.
Myanmar (formally Burma)

YES

Some nationalities require a visa. You are responsible to verify visa requirements and obtain a visa in advance of travel or risk denied boarding.
Papa New Guinea

YES

A visa can be issued on issued on arrival and therefore you are not required to obtain one in advance of your cruise; a visa fee will be applied to your stateroom account.
Russia

YES

Visas are not required for any nationality if participating on a tour purchased through Princess Cruises. Passengers not participating on a tour purchased through Princess Cruises may require a visa to go ashore; please check requirements with your tour provider. All passengers must present their passport and have a photocopy of the photo/details page of their passport to provide to Russian Immigration when going ashore.

Please note, this information only applies if visiting St. Petersburg and Murmansk. For calls to Vladivostok, a Russian visa is not required to go ashore.
Vietnam

YES

A visa will be issued upon the ship’s arrival and therefore you are not required to obtain in advance of the cruise.  If you are participating in an overland tour, or ending your cruise in Vietnam, one passport size photograph is required. A visa fee will be applied to your stateroom account.
United States of America

NO

Some nationalities require Visa. Visas must be obtained in advance of travel or risk denied boarding.  Effective January 12, 2009, eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries will be required to obtain electronic travel authorization no less than 72 hours prior to boarding a carrier to the US. For more information visit "For International Visitors at www.cbp.gov/travel.
Visa fees and requirements are subject to change without notice

Vaccinations*

Information regarding required vaccinations for your cruise or cruisetour is listed on your Travel Summary (if applicable).

We recommend seasonal influenza vaccinations for all passengers. Furthermore, you are strongly urged to seek advice from your primary care physician or an approved public health advisory service to identify any specific vaccination or health precautions required for each port of call. For example, you may wish to reference the World Health Organization (WHO) (who.int/ith) or the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (cdc.gov/travel). Some countries strictly enforce certain health requirements, in which case you may be required to present a completed and original vaccination certificate. Failure to present appropriate vaccination documentation at embarkation will result in passengers being denied boarding.

Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the developed world. The health and well-being of our passengers and crew is our highest priority. There are several measures which have been placed to prevent and contain illnesses on our ships that meet or exceed standards set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The simplest way for you to stay healthy is to frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. You’ll also find hand sanitizers located throughout the ship for your use after washing your hands. If you feel ill during your voyage, please immediately report to the medical center.

IMPORTANT: Vaccination requirements vary by destination and do change from time to time. Passengers should check with their travel agent or contact the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/travel to verify current regulations.

*This information is provided as general guidance. Because governmental and medical vaccination requirements and recommendations change periodically you must check with your travel agent, government authorities for the countries you will visit and/or medical professionals to determine or verify the actual requirements and recommendations at the time of sailing. Princess assumes no liability for the passenger's failure to do so.

Passage Contract

With eTickets, you can access and print important Princess vacation documents conveniently online — including your Travel Summary, Passage Contract and cruise Boarding Pass.

Once your booking has been made, just visit Cruise Personalizer® and fill out the required voyage information. Then you’ll be able to view your booking information and print travel-related documents anytime, from any computer.

Please review our Passage Contract for full details.

Pre-/Post-Cruise Hotel Packages

Pre- or post-cruise packages offer hotels chosen for their excellent service and prime location, close to major attractions — and near to your embarkation port so you’ll be sure to board your ship on time.

You’ll be met by a Princess® representative who ensures all transfers and baggage handling are taken care of. You can also choose to stay on after your voyage to do some sightseeing. Either way, it’s a great option for extending your vacation with the peace of mind that Princess has handled all the details.

See your travel agent, contact Princess, or visit Cruise Personalizer for details.

Luggage Valet

Princess Luggage Valet delivers your bags from your home to your stateroom. No more hauling baggage through the airport, no more checking or standing in the crowd at the baggage claim. With Princess Luggage Valet you can enjoy the ultimate in ease and convenience when you travel. Make it a carefree escape with the new Princess Luggage Valet Service.

Princess Luggage Valet Service is provided by DHL Worldwide Express and Federal Express. Domestic and international shipping is available. Rates start as low as $90 US per piece each way for domestic express shipments and $250 US per piece each way for international. Rates are based on shipment size, weight and destination and include limited Shipment Value Protection. Reservations must be secured at least 35 days prior to your sailing date. Domestic shipments are typically scheduled for pick up 7 days prior to the sailing departure date and most international shipments are typically scheduled for pick up 14 days prior to the sailing departure date. Service is also available for post cruise shipping.

Serviceable Ports

Service is currently available for voyages embarking and disembarking in the following ports:
Athens (Disembarkation only) Los Angeles (Hawaii voyages only)
Auckland New York
Bangkok San Juan
Barcelona Seattle
Civitavecchia Southampton
Copenhagen Stockholm
Dover Sydney
Dubai Vancouver
Ft. Lauderdale Venice
Laem Chabang Whittier

Shipments

Shipments are limited to the shipping of luggage containing personal clothing and some sports equipment. Items such as toiletries, cosmetics, medication, vitamins, electronics and jewelry are prohibited. Keep these items in hand baggage and carry them personally. Garment bags are acceptable for shipment of clothing provided they fold in half, remain secured in that position, and resemble a piece of free standing luggage. Examples of sports equipment that are acceptable for shipment would include golf clubs, fishing poles and bicycles. It is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure that all sports equipment is packaged appropriately. Sports items must be shipped in an appropriate special-purpose hard sided carrier/container. Note that storage onboard is limited and the shipment of some large shipments of sports equipment, such as bicycles, will be subject to availability.

Restrictions

Individual shipments may not exceed 108 inches per piece for combined length, width and height. Weight may not exceed 150 pounds per piece. Should an individual shipment exceed number of total inches or weight, additional fees will apply and we cannot guarantee timely delivery of shipment. Goods or items purchased during your travels may not be shipped via Princess Luggage Valet as they could be subject to duties and taxes. Any duties and taxes assessed by customs will be billed to you. Items such as cologne, perfume, lighters are prohibited as they are considered combustible. Shipments may not be locked as they are subject to inspection.

Shipment Value Protection

Type Cost Coverage (actual cash value)
Basic Value Protection Inclusive in standard rates Up to $2,000 per piece
Additional Value Protection $10 per piece Up to an additional $1,000 per piece

Princess Cruises will not be responsible for any damage to or loss of luggage or contents. The courier will not be held responsible for damage to passenger's luggage (as it is considered the shipping container), loss of or damage to camera or electronic equipment, jewelry, cash, or other similarly fragile and valuable items. Valuable and fragile items should always be hand carried. When shipping valuable sports equipment, we strongly suggest purchasing additional Shipment Value Protection. While an itemized contents list is required for international shipments, we recommend that you prepare an itemized list for domestic shipments as well.

Any claims for loss or damage pertaining to covered items must be reported immediately to Princess Luggage Valet, who will initiate the claim with the courier. Claims must be submitted per the following schedule, based on the type of service purchased.

Courier Service Schedule
DHL Shipments 30 days from the date of pick-up
Federal Express Shipments 21 days from the date of delivery
Cancellation Policy
Schedule Cancellation Charge
From 60 days prior to sailing until your scheduled pick-up date $25
Once pick-up has been made 100%

How to Book Princess Luggage Valet

For rates, contact Princess Luggage Valet in the US or Canada at 800-399-7350 or email luggagevalet@princesscruises.com. Princess Luggage Valet agents are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST).

When requesting rates or reserving service, please be prepared to provide us with the following information:

  • Your Booking Number
  • Pre-cruise pick-up address and phone number
  • Post-cruise ship to address and phone number
  • Number of pieces to be shipped
  • Estimated weight of each piece
  • Declared value of each piece
  • Credit card for payment

How the Program Works

Once the reservation has been booked, we will provide you with the scheduled pick-up date for your luggage based on your cruise destination.

Prior to your scheduled pick-up date, we will mail you a packet containing the following items:

  • Airway bill for each piece of luggage to be shipped
  • Sturdy airway bill holders and ties for each piece
  • Customs forms to be completed for International shipments (International shipments also require a copy of your passport to accompany completed customs forms)
  • A return envelope for shipping copies of customs forms back to Princess Cruises
  • Detailed shipping instructions
  • Interior Luggage insert

Pre-cruise shipments will be picked up as scheduled and delivered to your stateroom on your day of embarkation.

For post-cruise shipments, you will be instructed to follow standard disembarkation procedures, which requires you to proceed through immigration and customs formalities. A drop-off area for Princess Luggage Valet will be located just outside the customs area. You will receive specific instructions onboard regarding your disembarkation and specific drop-off location, as this may vary from port to port.

Princess Luggage Valet is provided by DHL Worldwide Express and Federal Express. Rates include basic Shipment Value Protection. This luggage shipping service is for the personal luggage of Princess passengers only. A complete list of items that cannot be shipped will be supplied, along with terms and conditions, upon reserving this service. Princess will not be responsible for any damage to or loss of luggage or contents. DHL will not be held responsible for damage to the shipping container, loss of or damage to camera equipment, jewelry, electronics, cash or similarly fragile or valuable items. Items such as cologne, perfume and lighters are prohibited, as they are considered combustible. DHL Worldwide Express is an independent company and is not owned or operated by Princess. Princess reserves the right to modify or withdraw this service at any time.

Cruise Change Fees

A $50 service fee per passenger, per change will be assessed for each change to the cruise, cruisetour or Cruise Plus Hotel Packages beginning 45 days prior to sailing.

However, no change will be made unless permitted under our cancellation policy. The service fee will not be assessed when upgrading stateroom accommodations. Air tickets may not be changed within 30 days of your departure. Additional charges may be assessed for changes to air tickets or air reservations. Please review our Passage Contract for full details.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are not allowed to sail if they are entering the 24th week of their pregnancy by the last day of the cruise.

All pregnant women, in their second trimester, are required to produce 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 (EDD) calculated from both Last Menstrual Period (LMP) and ultrasound (if performed).

We strongly recommend you review your health insurance coverage before cruising. Many policies, including Medicare, will not pay for services or hospitalization outside of the country or for emergency evacuation.

You may want to consider Princess Vacation Protection to protect your vacation investment – which is available for purchase up to the time of final payment of your cruise fare. If you did not secure Princess Vacation Protection, we recommend you secure other travel protection.

Passengers with Disabilities

Princess makes every effort to accommodate our passengers with disabilities, but you can ensure a successful trip by working with us in advance.

Have your travel agent notify us of your wheelchair usage, special needs, and/or service animal before your voyage. Notices and requests must be made in writing and faxed to the Princess Access office at 661-284-4408 at least 30 days prior to sailing.

If you have questions about the program, please call the Princess Access office at 661-284-4521.

All Princess ships have wheelchair-accessible staterooms, but we highly recommend collapsible wheelchairs, as the widths of the stateroom doors vary. You may bring your own, or you can pre-reserve a wheelchair and have it and other medical equipment delivered to the ship by contacting Special Needs at Sea at 800-513-4515 (outside the US 954-585-0575) or by visiting specialneedsatsea.com. Alternatively, you can contact CareVacations at 877-478-7827 or cruiseshipassist.com. Some areas on some ships are not wheelchair accessible.

Passengers utilizing mobility devices with batteries are advised that the batteries must be a dry cell type, and must be stored and recharged in the stateroom. Mobility devices of any kind, like any other items, may not be left outside the stateroom. Because of staffing limitations, we recommend you be accompanied by someone who is physically able to assist you both onboard and onshore.

Travelers with disabilities should check in with the onboard Tour Office to ensure all shore excursions can accommodate them. Not all port facilities are accessible for those using mobility devices. Ports may be accessed by a variety of methods including a ramped gangway, a series of steps or by tender. In some cases, you may be able to access the tender, but the shoreside facility will not be accessible. Many ports of call use a mechanism known as a “stair climber” to assist passengers up and down the gangway. Passengers must transfer to a Princess wheelchair, which is connected to the stair climber and operated by the ship’s personnel. If you cannot transfer or your personal mobility device cannot be easily disembarked, you may be precluded from going ashore. With your safety and comfort in mind, the decision to permit or prohibit passengers from going ashore will be made on each occasion by the ship’s Captain, and the decision will be final. Ports that normally use tenders to access the shore are noted on the itinerary.

The maximum weight of the wheelchair including guest cannot exceed 600 lbs. on transportation lifts. If you have purchased a Princess Transfer at the start or end of the cruise, be aware that lift-equipped transportation may not be available in your port of embarkation or disembarkation.

Tender Port Policy

The goal of Princess Cruises is to provide a safe comfortable cruise experience for all passengers. If you will be using a mobility device during your sailing we strongly recommend you travel with a person physically fit to assist with your needs both onboard and ashore.

Embarking and disembarking can be challenging for those with limited mobility. Many major ports of call provide easy access for wheelchairs and scooters. However due to various conditions; steepness of the gangway, weather, shore-side facilities, tidal and sea conditions, passengers using mobility devices may be required to transfer to a stair climber or be precluded from going ashore. Princess staff will make every effort to assist but are not allowed to individually physically lift more than 50 pounds (22 kg).

Some ports of call require the ship to anchor off shore. Passengers are then taken to shore by small boats or tenders. When tendering is required, passengers using mobility devices will not be transferred into or out of the tender, if lifting in excess of the above limitation is required. Many tender ports do not provide wheelchair access so even if the passenger can board the tender they may not be able to disembark ashore. Again the shore-side facilities, movement of the tender, weather and tidal conditions can also preclude tendering.

The decision to allow any passenger to board a tender or disembark the vessel will be made by the Captain on the basis of the safety and welfare of all involved and is final.

If passengers are unable to tender or disembark because of circumstances outlined above there will be no refund or credit for missed ports. While Princess recognizes your disappointment the safety of both passengers and crew takes precedence.

Entry regulations for service animals vary by port. Passengers are advised to consult authorities at each port prior to departure for more information. Princess does not have food onboard for animals. The choice of dog litter material is limited and varies by ship.

Princess ships are equipped with “All-in-One Kits” with TTY that can be used in most passenger cabins and at Princess wilderness lodges. Most televisions onboard provide closed captioning and most onboard theaters have assisted listening devices. Electric outlets in most staterooms are limited to one and it is helpful to travel with an extension cord for electrical equipment. Princess also offers JAWS Professional software with a KOSS-TD/80 headset on one terminal in each Internet Café on every ship.

Dialysis

Princess Cruises will consider allowing passengers to go onboard who are undergoing peritoneal dialysis provided the following requirements are adhered to and approved by our Chief Medical Officer. Please fax the following information to Fleet Medical confidential fax: 661-753-0121.

Approval for sailing onboard will be granted on a case-by-case basis. In order to be eligible to sail, you will need to satisfy the following criteria:

  • You must have been stable on a self-administered home dialysis program for a minimum period of 18 months.
  • You must travel with an assistant who is able to operate and troubleshoot your self-dialysis unit. This can be a family member and must be confirmed by the treating dialysis center as having successfully completed any necessary training.
  • You must be able to procure and arrange delivery of all supplies needed for the duration of your trip. The company responsible for supplying the equipment should contact the Port Agent.
  • You must have the permission of your treating Doctor, who must be fully aware of the itinerary you intend to undertake. You should discuss the need to bring a supply of appropriate antibiotics should you develop an infection, any such medications must be prescribed by your treating Doctor and you must carry them with you on your trip.
  • You must obtain comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage that is valid after the declaration of all pre-existing medical conditions.

And prior to sailing you will need to provide:

  • A signed and dated letter confirming that you are fit to travel from your treating nephrologists dated no earlier than 30 days prior to the date of sailing.
  • All the paperwork required for safe travel as outlined by the manufacturer and operating company of your self-dialysis unit.
  • Results of your most recent blood work.
  • Confirmation of insurance coverage.

We are unable to accept passengers who will need Hemodialysis services on the ship.

Cashless Cruising

One of the best things about cruising with Princess is the convenience of being able to sign for all your expenses and have them charged to your stateroom.

When you check-in for your cruise, you’ll receive a Cruise Card (a personal identification card). The Cruise Card is used to access your personal shipboard account to which all purchases are charged.

An itemized statement will be delivered to your stateroom prior to disembarkation. By providing your credit card in advance, you are automatically registered for Express Check-Out. There is no need to visit the Passenger Services/Purser's Desk to settle your account. We accept U.S., Canadian, British and Euro currencies, and traveler's checks. Express/Optima®, Diners Club/Carte Blanche®, Discover® Network, the JCB Card®, MasterCard® and Visa® are also accepted. Those paying by traveler's checks or cash will be required to leave a cash deposit with the Purser's staff at the beginning of the cruise.

For passengers on Sun and Dawn Princess sailings to or from Australia, all onboard charges will be in Australian Dollars (AUD). 

Princess Cruises® Rewards Visa® cardholders earn DOUBLE Princess points on all Princess purchases. Learn more about the Princess Cruises® Rewards Visa.

Casino Cash Advances

Charges for obtaining chips and tokens in the casino are limited to $1,500 USD per day, up to a total limit of $15,000 USD per person, per cruise and are only available if you have pre-registered a credit card with the Passenger Service/Purser's Desk for Express Check-Out.

For inquiries, players should call 1-800-5CASINO (1-800-522-7466) or go to www.oceanplayersclub.com.

Passengers requesting to exceed maximum amounts listed above should fill out the Application for Casino Cash Advance and Higher Limit Blackjack Table form at www.princess.com.

These funds will be secured before the passenger boards the vessel by pre-approval of a credit card or deposit of funds directly to Princess.

The minimum age for gambling onboard is 21 years old.

Princess Vacation Protection

You never know what might put your vacation investment at risk. The last thing you want to think about is what would happen if you became ill or injured while away from home.

Put your mind at ease with Princess Vacation Protection

Fortunately, Princess Vacation Protection can protect you from unforeseeable losses stemming from an array of circumstances, and even allows you to cancel your vacation for any reason at all. Princess Vacation Protection is a comprehensive package of benefits comprised of the following: the Princess Cancellation Fee Waiver, the Princess Travel Insurance and the Princess Worldwide Emergency Assistance Programs.

Princess Vacation Protection is available for purchase on all Princess Cruises, Princess Cruisetours, Princess Alaska Land Tours and Princess Canadian Rockies Land Tours, and is available at two levels: Princess Vacation Protection and Princess Platinum Vacation Protection.

The Princess Vacation Protection package of benefits, like many travel protection programs, will refund 100% of your otherwise nonrefundable cancellation fees in the event of an emergency. Yet unlike similar programs, Princess Vacation Protection allows you to cancel your vacation no matter what the reason.

Even if the reason for your cancellation does not qualify you for a full refund under the Special Cruise Enhancement Feature of the Princess Cancellation Fee Waiver Program, you will receive 75% of the non-refundable fees in the form of a credit toward your next Princess vacation. That’s a service unique to Princess Vacation Protection.

And for those wanting even more peace of mind, Princess Platinum Vacation Protection doubles the limits of benefits for Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Accident & Sickness Medical Expense and Baggage/Personal Effects coverage under the Princess Travel Insurance Program and also increases the Special Cancellation Enhancement Feature of the Princess Cancellation Fee Waiver Program’s cancellation credit to 100% of the non-refundable fees.

With Princess Vacation Protection/Platinum Vacation Protection, if passengers are delayed pre-cruise for a covered reason, they are eligible for up to $500 per person to cover costs associated with catching up to the cruise.  If they're delayed post-cruise for a covered reason, they are eligible for up to $1,500 per person to cover associated costs. Alternatively, if passengers opt to cancel their cruise after being delayed, under the Princess Cancellation Fee Waiver Program’s Special Cancellation Enhancement they are eligible to receive cruise credits of 75% for Standard Vacation Protection and 100% for Platinum Vacation Protection.

Princess Vacation Protection is available for purchase up to the final payment due date of the voyage, even if your booking is already paid in full.  So protect your investment with Princess Vacation Protection or Princess Platinum Vacation Protection!

If you have any questions or require additional information, please call Berkely, the program administrator for Princess Vacation Protection, at 1-877-846-8833.

Office Hours:     8AM – 10PM (EST) Monday – Friday
                             9AM – 5PM (EST) Saturday

Princess Vacation Protection was designed and is administered by BerkelyCareSM.  IN CALIFORNIA: BerkelyCareSM is a service mark of Aon Direct Insurance Administrators, CA Insurance License #0795465. IN ALL OTHER STATES: BerkelyCareSM is a division of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. in all states other than CA, except AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. in MN and OK and AIS Affinity Insurance Agency in NY.  BerkelyCareSM also administers the non-insurance portions of Princess Vacation Protection on behalf of Princess Cruises.

Princess Vacation Protection Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Am I protected by my Princess Vacation Protection plan if my mother, who is not traveling with me, develops pneumonia and I have to cancel my trip to care for her?
A: Yes!  Princess will refund the cancellation fees (up to the full value of the cruise vacation) if you have to cancel your trip because of a specified reason such as illness, injury or death of yourself, a traveling companion or either of your immediate family members.

Q: If I have a heart condition and am on continuing medication, am I protected if my heart condition flares up during my vacation?
A:
Yes! Princess Vacation Protection provides reimbursement for conditions that are stable during the 60-days prior to purchase, so if you have had no changes in your health (even if you are continuous unchanged medication), you would be protected.

Q: What if my condition did change prior to purchasing Princess Vacation Protection?
A: Rest assured, emergency evacuation benefits are still provided in the event of a medical emergency. Also, if you cancel your cruise vacation and do not qualify for cash reimbursement due to an unstable  medical condition prior to purchase, you will have the benefit of cancel-for-any-reason protection from Princess.

Q: If my pet becomes ill and I have to cancel my trip as a result, will Princess Vacation Protection reimburse me?
A: Although you would not qualify for cash reimbursement, as an added feature for purchasing Princess Vacation Protection, Princess will provide a credit toward a future cruise equal to 75% of the cancellation fees imposed (100% if Platinum Vacation Protection is purchased) if you choose to cancel for an ineligible reason. This benefit is provided by Princess Cruises and/or Princess Tours*.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please call Berkely, the program administrator of Princess Vacation Protection, at 1-877-846-8833.

Office Hours:     8AM – 10PM (EST) Monday – Friday
                             9AM – 5PM (EST) Saturday

Princess Vacation Protection was designed and is administered by BerkelyCareSM.  IN CALIFORNIA: BerkelyCareSM is a service mark of Aon Direct Insurance Administrators, CA Insurance License #0795465. IN ALL OTHER STATES: BerkelyCareSM is a division of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. in all states other than CA, except AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. in MN and OK and AIS Affinity Insurance Agency in NY.  BerkelyCareSM also administers the non-insurance portions of Princess Vacation Protection on behalf of Princess Cruises.

*For New York State residents, the Princess Cancellation Fee Waiver Program is underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, an AEGON Company, Columbus, Ohio; NAIC # 10952 under Policy/Certificate Form Series TAHC5000.

Information about Princess Vacation Protection

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Bon Voyage Experience

The Bon Voyage Experience is an innovative new program harkening back to the nostalgic tradition from the early days of cruising, allowing passengers the opportunity to invite family and friends aboard your ship on embarkation day. The program's new twist also allows cruisers new to Princess to see the inside of a Princess ship and experience the excitement of cruising first-hand -- even if they're not affiliated with booked passengers.

Guests will spend up to four hours onboard before the ship sets sail, where they'll enjoy a four-course dining room lunch (including wine), a guided ship tour, and a souvenir photo! Plus, the $39 per person cost of the program can be applied toward a future cruise with Princess. Only 50 guests are able to participate in the Bon Voyage Experience on any given embarkation day, so make sure you make your reservations soon!

To learn more about Bon Voyage Experience reservations and availability near you, please contact your Travel Agent or call 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) as long as it is not within 7 days of sailing.

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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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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.

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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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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.

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