Pre-cruise FAQs

Get ready for your Princess Cruise with the OceanReady® steps

Princess® MedallionClass makes cruising effortless. It all begins with the Medallion®, a quarter-sized device that never needs to be turned on or off. Download the Princess® Cruises App to complete the OceanReady® steps before you sail. You'll want to complete the following steps to ensure access to the Green Lane in the terminal for faster check-in with less waiting:

• Order and Customize your Medallion*
• Personal Information & Travel Docs
• Payment Information
• Passage Contract
• Security & Profile Photos
• Emergency Information

*Currently, only available for shipping to addresses within the United States and Puerto Rico. Medallions will be available for pick-up at the terminal if one was not mailed to you.

Guests who don't complete all of the above steps in the app will access the Blue Lane for check-in, where our Navigators will help ensure all steps are complete and issue guest Medallions.

Visit Manage Booking  to book flights and transfers, reserve shore excursions and make spa appointments, and purchase any packages if they are not already included in your booking. Before you leave for your cruise, you can print your luggage tags from Manage Booking.

When you enter your personal information and upload your travel documents in the app make sure your name appears in your OceanReady® Profile exactly as entered in your passport. If the name does not match, it's important you contact your Travel Advisor or the Princess Reservations Department at 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) to correct this information. Also, verify that your passport details and emergency contact information are complete and correct.

1. What are Princess Future Cruise Packages?

Princess Future Cruise Packages are the newest, most flexible way to bundle your next Princess cruise, even if you aren’t sure when or where you want to go! Each Princess Future Cruise Package includes Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) to use when you are ready to book your next Princess cruise, Premium Land Stay Certificates, Hotel Credits, and Onboard Credits. Additionally, select Future Cruise Packages include Pre/Post Cruise Hotel Stay Certificates and allow you to earn FCCs on eligible wine and merchandise purchases in the Princess Promotions store.

2. What are the Future Cruise Credits (FCC) included in the Princess Future Cruise Packages?

The Future Cruise Credits you receive in your Princess Future Cruise Package allow you to purchase your Princess cruise(s) once you are ready to book. Each FCC is worth $1, can be used toward any future cruise booking with Princess, and may be applied to one cruise or multiple cruises.

3. How do I redeem the Future Cruise Credits (FCC) I received with my Princess Future Cruise Package?

Your FCC balance can be found in your My Princess account and may be redeemed directly on our website or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS. If you have a travel advisor or Cruise Vacation Planner, you can contact them directly to use your Future Cruise Credits.

4. What is Princess Promotions?

At Princess, we are always looking for ways to provide our guests with the best value while creating new and innovative cruise products, experiences, and programs. Princess Promotions is a new program that offers guests access to products that add value to your Princess vacation and complementary products like pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, Onboard Credits, and more!

5. How do I redeem my Princess Future Cruise Package Stays Certificates and Hotel Credits?

Once you purchase a Princess Future Cruise Package, you can redeem your certificates and Hotel Credits by calling 1-800-PRINCESS and choosing option 5.

6. Do my Future Cruise Credits (FCC) and Stay Certificates expire?

FCCs and Stay Certificates purchased as part of a Princess Future Cruise Package must be booked within 18 months of the package purchase date. However, you can travel up to 24 months from when you purchased the package.

7. What are Princess Future Cruise Packages Hotel Credits?

Hotel Credits are the easiest way to save on all your hotel stays. Each Hotel Credit is equal to $1 and can be redeemed for significant savings on hotel rooms booked on our hotel booking engine or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS. Choose from thousands of hotels worldwide with exclusive savings available only through Princess.

8. Can I cancel my Future Princess Promotions Package?

You have seven (7) business days after the purchase of the package to cancel (Florida residents have thirty (30) business days to cancel the package). Cancellations can be made by calling 1-800-PRINCESS and choosing option 5. Useful links: https://www.princess.com/faq/pre-cruise · https://www.princess.com/my-princess/login/

For peace of mind, Princess Cruises® offers guests from select markets the Cancellation Protection. The program offers a cancellation fee waiver. This program is not trip interruption insurance and only covers cancellation fees.
* A guest is not required to purchase the waiver program and is free to purchase travel insurance offered by an outside party.

Program Benefits

Cancellation fee waiver — Upon purchase of the non-refundable Cancellation Protection, no cancellation fees will be assessed for a guest’s cancellation of the trip for any reason, provided that Princess Cruises is notified by telephone or in writing at least 72 hours prior to midnight on the guest’s scheduled departure date from the embarkation port.

In the case of Cruise Plus hotel packages or cruisetour, notice must be received at least 72 hours prior to midnight on the commencement of the package date or the embarkation date, whichever is earliest.

Payment

The program is not available for bookings made within the final payment period unless added at time of booking and is not refundable once penalties apply. Benefits of Cancellation protection are not active until the plan has been paid in full.

Cancellation Protection is available globally except in the UK, AU & NZ.

*General Terms & Conditions: This program is not trip interruption insurance and only covers cancellation fees. This program expires 72 hours prior to midnight on the day of commencement of the package or embarkation date, whichever is earliest. Thereafter, cancellation fees are per the normal schedule (i.e. 100%); there is no protection from cancellation fees within 72 hours of sailing date.

For guests that have Future Cruise Credits, visit our Princess® Cruise Credits page to learn about how to use them.

For the latest updates regarding cancelled cruises, view the Impacted & Cancelled Cruises page for more information.

Visa fees and requirements are subject to change without notice

Travel Document Requirements*

Nothing gets in the way of a good trip like paperwork issues. So we want to make sure you know you’re responsible for meeting all the documentation and proof-of-citizenship requirements for your travel. Check out the guidelines below, as the last thing we want is for you to be denied boarding.

In many cases, you’ll need a valid passport, but even if you don’t, we really recommend traveling with one. You never know when the unexpected might happen – like leaving your ship before the end of your cruise – and it’s always better to be prepared.

General guidelines

Make sure the name on your booking matches the name on your travel document exactly. If the names do not match, contact your Travel Advisor (for bookings through a travel agency) or the Princess Cruises Reservations Department (for direct bookings) at 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237). To avoid check-in delays or even denied boarding, please provide Princess Cruises with this information at least 45 days before your cruise.

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

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

Document Requirements for U.S. and Canadian Citizens/Nationals

International itineraries

A valid passport book is required for all international itineraries including:

• Africa
• Asia
• Australia & New Zealand
• Europe
• India
• Central and South America
• Panama Canal (partial and full transit)
• Caribbean (any sailings that visit Martinique or Guadeloupe)
• South Pacific & Tahiti
• World Cruises

If your cruise involves international air travel (including flights between the U.S. and Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda or Mexico) you will be required to present a valid passport when departing from or returning to the U.S. by air.

Domestic itineraries

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) governs acceptable travel documents for entry into the U.S. by sea from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico or within the United States. We highly recommend a passport. We also require a passport for all guests in a travel party when minors are traveling with only one adult (21 years and older).† However, for U.S. and Canadian citizens/nationals on select itineraries a passport is not always required. In lieu of a passport book, these individuals must present one of the following valid WHTI-compliant travel documents at cruise check-in:

• U.S. Passport Card
• U.S. or Canadian Issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) (A REAL ID is not the same and doesn’t fulfill this requirement.)
• U.S. or Canadian Issued Identification Card (issued to minors and non-drivers)
• NEXUS Card Air travel is limited to participating airports (for entry to Canada)
• SENTRI (for entry to Mexico) and FAST cards
• I-872 American Indian Card or Enhanced Tribal ID Card (ETC)

†We have implemented this requirement because we want to ensure that your party remains together should an emergency arise that requires one or more members to be disembarked in a non-U.S. port. We cannot guarantee that all members of your party will be allowed to disembark with just a WHTI-compliant document or birth certificate. Failure to present a valid passport for all guests traveling together will result in denial of boarding without refund of the cruise or cruisetour fare.

On select U.S. roundtrip (sometimes called “closed-loop”) voyages, U.S. citizens ages 16 and above may also travel with an original or certified copy U.S. birth certificate (or U.S. Certificate of Naturalization if foreign born) presented together with a valid U.S. government-issued photo identification. U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 15 and younger may travel with a birth certificate.

• Alaska roundtrip from San Francisco, Los Angeles or Seattle (roundtrip Seattle cruisetours excluded)
• Canada/New England roundtrip from New York
• Caribbean roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale^, Galveston^ or New York (voyages that do not call to Martinque or Guadeloupe only)
• Hawaii roundtrip from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, or Seattle
• Mexico roundtrip from Los Angeles, San Francisco or San Diego

^Voyages that call to Central or South America are excluded and only passports are accepted. All voyages that call to Martinique or Guadeloupe require a passport.

For information regarding WHTI-compliant documents, visit the US Customs and Border Protection website.

U.S. 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

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

Non-U.S./Non-Canadian Passport Holders: A valid passport is required for all non-U.S. 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. 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. (It may take longer than you think it will!) U.S. and Canadian passport holders sailing on a domestic cruise should ensure passports or other travel documents are valid through the completion of travel. There may be occasions where we retain your passport at check-in. This is to ensure that you are not inconvenienced by immigration clearance during your cruise and where face-to-face inspection is not required. We recommend you bring a second government-issued photo ID if you want to have one with you while in port.

There are over 7,000 Passport Application Acceptance locations in the U.S. You may locate the one closest to you by going to the U.S. Department of State website. The United States Postal Service also provides passport services. Visit the U.S. Postal website to find a post office location, get a list of fees and download a passport application.

For information regarding passport applications, please visit the U.S. Department of State travel website or call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 (M-F, 5 a.m.–5 p.m. PST).

*This information is provided as general guidance. Because governmental travel requirements change periodically, you must check with your Travel Advisor 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 guests of such requirements.

Guests are advised not to bring any prohibited items to the ship. Prohibited items will not be allowed or stored on board the vessel with no exceptions. Guests are fully responsible for either storing these items ashore or disposing of them prior to embarkation.

The following items will not be allowed on board without a valid lawful reason:

• All firearms including non-firing weapons.  An exception to this rule is law enforcement agents acting in an official capacity and certified armed security guards acting in an official capacity (with full permission of the ship’s Master).
• All forms of ammunition, explosive materials and propellants, projectiles of all kinds, cartridges. 
• All imitation or replica weapons including de-commissioned weapons, those not capable of being fired and realistic imitation/toy weapons.
• Air/Pellet guns or any other variety of projectile firing weapon.
• Stun Guns, Tasers, or any other electroshock device.
• All explosives and explosive device components including but not limited to military, civilian and safety devices, detonators, detonation cords, blasting caps, smoke cartridges, grenades, mines, imitation explosives/devices.
• Fireworks, Flares and Pyrotechnics
• Knives (with a blade over 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches), or 1.25 cm (½ inch) at widest point). bladed weapons, sharp pointed weapons, daggers, sabers, swords, axes, ice axes, hatchets, straight razors (shaving safety razors are allowed), razor blades not in a cartridge, box cutters, ice picks, meat cleavers, and utility knives, (unless specifically authorized for personnel who in the normal course of their duties on board the ship require to be in possession of a knife with a more substantial blade i.e. Galley Staff and Deck Ratings).
• Flick knives, gravity knives, switchblades, or lock knives.  Small locking pocket-knife with blade lengths less than 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches) and widths ½ inch or less are allowed. 
• Concealed bladed weapons such as belt buckles knives, cane and umbrella knives/swords, pen knives and credit card knives.
• Recreational Diver’s Knives unless accompanied by other diving/snorkeling equipment and a valid diving ID card/license (must be held in the custody of the Security Officer). Dive knives may be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise whereby 24 hours’ notice is provided.
• Diver’s spears and spear guns/slings.
• Ceremonial knives/swords as well as entertainment props are at times permitted with prior notification from the Fleet Security Department (must be held on-board in the same manner as dive knives).
• Scissors with blades longer than 4 inches.
• Telescopic or regular truncheons/batons/clubs/coshes/nightsticks/billy clubs/blow pipes/ASPs and or any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon.
• Archery equipment including crossbows and bolts.
• Catapults.
• Martial Arts Equipment including flails, throwing stars, nunchakus/nun chucks, Ku batons, Bo staff, etc.
• Knuckle Dusters, brass knuckles, or any other item constructed for use as a weapon in hand-to-hand combat.
• Handcuffs
• Items containing Incapacitating Substances such as gas guns, tear gas sprays, pepper/mace cartridges, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable.
• Flammable Liquids and hazardous chemicals/substances including gasoline/petrol, cooking fuel, acid, spill able batteries (except those in wheelchairs), phosphorous, oil, lighter fluid (common lighters are permitted), methylated spirits, paint thinners, acid, turpentine, spray paint, chlorine, bleach, spray paint and any other dangerous chemicals that could burn, maim, incapacitate or disable.
• Compressed gas bottles/cylinders including propane tanks and aerosol cans (except for personal care or toiletries in limited quantities). Dive Tanks are not permitted, empty or full.  Medical gas bottles are allowed in connection with a certified medical condition but cannot be packed in baggage.  Oxygen cylinders must be delivered to the Purser’s Office and stored in a designated safe area. Oxygen cylinders are not x-rayed.
• Drones also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA), and any other remote-controlled aerial devices/toys. (The exception is when permitted for company sponsored events when approved in advance by Fleet Security)
• Any other item made, adapted, or intended for use as a weapon.
• All illegal drugs, including medications without proper prescriptions. This includes legal intoxicant synthetic or “designer” drugs also known as “Legal Highs” such as Lysergamides, Opioids, Methoxetamine, Synthetic Cannabis, Betel Nuts or Kava (Cava).
• Medical Marijuana
• Poisons
• Noxious Items
• Baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, lacrosse sticks, pool cues, ski poles, and skateboards.
• Lasers and laser pointers
• Tools of trade/hobby including any type of hand or power tool.  This includes hammers, drills, drill bits, crow bars, saws, power saws, chef/cooking knives/utensils, tools greater than 7 inches in length such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers (unless prior authorization is provided by Corporate Headquarters and strict controls are maintained on-board).
  
  Items posing a Safety hazard:
• Hookah and Water Hookah Pipes, candles, incense, strike-anywhere matches.
• Items containing any kind of heating element, such as but not limited to: immersion heaters, heating blankets, clothing (garment) irons, water heaters, coffee machines with heating / hot plates, etc.
• Electrical devices with surge protectors such as small fans, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, power strips/extension cords.
  
  
• Alcohol in violation of the company alcohol policy.
• Scooters (only permitted if used for mobility), Segway’s (only permitted ashore if used for mobility limitations – cannot be used onboard the ship), Heely Shoes, Hoverboards/self-balancing scooters.
• Surfboards – (Boogie boards no longer than 42 inches in length are allowed).
• Boats/canoes/kayaks,
• Coolers - only coolers approximately 12 x 12 x 12 in size (holds 6-12 cans of non-alcoholic beverages) are allowed. Guests carrying larger sizes will be directed to return them to their vehicle. If the guest is without a vehicle, the cooler will be destroyed in the same manner as other prohibited items.
  • Exception: if the cooler is larger and contains baby food/formula, kosher food/special dietary food, or medication - these must be hand-carried. Coolers cannot be accepted as checked baggage. Whenever there is doubt, an embarkation supervisor, or shipboard personnel can be contacted to make the decision.
• Communication Devices including Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) ham radios, communication scanners, wide-band receivers, satellite phones, personal satellite dish/receivers, routers, and transformers.
• Bicycles, including electric bicycles.

The above list is not exhaustive. 

*Electrical devices such as small fans, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, power strips/extension cords without surge protectors and electric extension cords with surge protectors are allowed onboard when used with proper caution and following inspection/tests from the onboard electrical department. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard then they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise prior to debark.

As our guest, please follow the above precautions while traveling on any of our ships, and please refrain from taking these devices with you on board.

One of the best things about cruising with Princess is the convenience of being able to charge all your onboard expenses to your stateroom.

You will receive your OceanMedallion before you board. Guests will either receive it in the mail or pick it up in the terminal during the check-in process. The Medallion allows you to make TrulyTouchless™ purchases on board and is linked to your personal shipboard account where all purchases are charged.

Guests who have a credit card on file for their shipboard account, an authorization hold of $100 is placed on the credit card to ensure validity of the account. While you are on board, your daily charges will be authorized throughout the day with your card provider. These authorizations can remain on your card for up to 30 days. Due to this, on extended voyages (in excess of 30 days) your credit card on file will need to be settled at or before the 30-day mark as a result of this authorization timing limit. Following this mid-voyage settlement, a new authorization will be placed on your credit card on file and be settled again at the end of your voyage. 3rd party credit cards will not be accepted for charges on board since the cardholder needs to sign for the charges.

Card must be valid for the length of the cruise. This information will be kept confidential. Princess Cruises use a “pre-authorization” system to charge credit and debit cards for onboard spend. This is standard hotel practice and places a “hold” on your credit or debit card, although your bank does not actually release any money to us. At the end of your cruise, your onboard spend will be charged in one transaction, and the holds will then be released by your issuing bank. Please note, some banks hold pre-authorized funds for up to 30 days limiting the funds available in your debit or credit account. We strongly recommend you check your bank’s pre-authorization process if you have any concerns about this system. To avoid your bank or credit card company blocking onboard transactions, please alert them of your travel plans ahead of time.

An itemized statement will be emailed to you post cruise. By providing your credit card in advance, you are automatically registered for Express Check-Out. There is no need to visit the Guest Services Desk to settle your account. We accept all major credit cards in most currencies. Those paying by traveler's checks or cash will be required to leave a cash deposit with the Guest Services staff at the beginning of the cruise.

Onboard charges are in United States Dollars (USD) with the following exceptions: for guests on sailings operating roundtrip from Australia, all onboard charges are in Australian Dollars (AUD)

If you are using a credit card to pay for your onboard charges on an AUD currency sailing, a surcharge fee of 1.1% will be applied (regardless of cardholder nationality). Debit cards do not incur a surcharge.

The Princess EZpay Cruise Payment Plan allows you to spread out the cost of your cruise with monthly installments and budget your vacation the easy way – with no extra fees! It’s easy to enroll in and easy to use; Princess EZpay simply charges the credit card on file every month until final payment is due – you can set it and forget it.

Charges for obtaining chips and tokens in the casino are limited to $5,000 USD per day, up to a total limit of $100,000 USD per person, per cruise and are only available if you have pre-registered a credit card with the Guest Service Desk for Express Check-Out.

Guests requiring extensions to daily or cruises limits should contact our Casino Department on 1-888-772-6697 prior to cruising for further details. Information and application forms for a casino credit line can be found at Ocean Players Club website under 'VIP Services'.

The minimum age for gambling on board is 18* years old.

*20 years old in Japan

Princess Luggage Valet delivers your bags from your home to your stateroom, and then back home again. The service is offered in partnership with Luggage Forward® in order to make your travel experience easier. No more hauling baggage through the airport, no more long check-in lines or waiting for your luggage to arrive at baggage claim, and no more risk of being held up in lengthy bag inspections at Customs. 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.

Luggage Valet includes:

• Worldwide service to and from more than 170 ports
• All-inclusive rates charged at the time of booking, no hidden fees
• Guaranteed to arrive on time or a refund of double what you paid to ship the bag

To book, visit the Luggage Forward web site. Inquiries can be sent via email to support@luggageforward.com or you can call Luggage Forward directly at: 1-860-866-4172.

Please review our Passage Contract for full details. You’ll need to accept the terms and conditions of the Passage Contract before your cruise.

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 Advisor, contact Princess, or visit Manage Booking for details.

If you have chosen to make a booking on a ‘Guarantee Basis’ you will often not have a cabin number allocated until very close to the time of travel, occasionally not until you embark.

Booking under a ‘Guarantee Basis’ means that you are guaranteed a cabin on the grade you have booked, or higher, at no additional cost, however this can be allocated anywhere onboard the ship and is not allocated at the time of booking. Please note that we are unable to guarantee a queen size bed when booking under a guarantee basis as not all of our staterooms can convert to a queen size configuration.

Passengers are asked to check their Manage Booking approximately one week prior to travel, by which time most cabins will have been allocated. If your cabin has not been allocated by this time, please continue to print your Boarding Passes and Luggage Tags, your luggage will be delivered to your allocated cabin directly from the ship’s manifest.

If you would like to learn more about our Loyalty Program, view our Captain’s Circle page.

If you have any questions or queries regarding your Captain’s Circle Membership, please email pcc@princesscruises.co.uk or call 0344 3388 674 (UK).

Please ensure you include your full name and Captain’s Circle number in the email. Alternatively please write to;

Princess Cruises - Captain’s Circle
Carnival House
100 Harbour Parade
Southampton
SO15 1ST

If you require assistance with a booking or have general inquiries, please contact the customer service team in your region:

China: Email: info@carnival-cn.com
Hong Kong: Call: 2952 8088 / Email: info@carnival-hk.com
Singapore: Email: support@carnival-sg.com
South Korea: Call: +82 2 318 1918 / E-Mail: support@carnival-kr.com
Taiwan: Email: info@carnival-tw.com

If you would like to be considered for a complimentary upgrade please speak to our Reservations Team on 0344 3388 663. Upgrades are only given subject to availability and are never guaranteed.

Please note; you could be moved to any deck and position onboard your Princess ship and you will be unable to decline this cabin once moved.

Should you wish to upgrade your cabin, please call our Reservations Team on 0344 3388 663, and they will be more than happy to discuss upgrade costs with you. Please note; if you have booked via a Travel Agent any upgrade requests will need to go through them.

Princess Cruises does not offer a guided ship visit facility while the ships are in Southampton and Dover. During turnaround days the ship’s company is extremely busy with embarking and disembarking passengers, ship preparation and the loading of stores, so showing parties around is not logistically feasible. Our website contains a comprehensive guide to our ships, including staterooms and facilities. If you have further questions please contact our Reservations Team on 0344 3388 663, and they will be happy to help you.
Due to strict Maritime Law and security policies we are unable to allow friends or family of our booked guests onboard our ships during turnaround days or during port calls.

Some cruises are a combination of two cruises back to back. This means that the ship’s entertainment programmes and menus will be repeated in the second half of the cruise. However, because of the choice and variety available onboard we are sure this will not impact on your overall enjoyment of the cruise. Please note that access to/from the ship may be restricted on the day linking the two cruises due to customs regulations, and some services may not be available. We regret that we cannot guarantee that the same stateroom number will be allocated for the consecutive cruise, but all attempts will be made to achieve this. These voyages will generally be identified with a letter (A-M) after the voyage number, eg 1725A.

Princess Cruises enables customers to book groups of guests that want to travel together to enjoy the benefit of a ‘free’ place for one in every 16 lower berth guests booked into the group. Group organisers have the support of our Reservations team to create, tailor and make their bookings. Please contact them on 0344 3388 663 to arrange a group booking.

Groups under this policy earn one refund credit for every 16 lower berth guests booked within the group. The refund credit is applied to the group organiser on bookings made directly with Princess Cruises. The organiser is responsible for the administration of the group and must make all payments via the same card so that the refund can be returned to that individual.

When making a group booking, please ensure the group leader provides immigration information for all members of the group, including their email address at the time of booking. This will ensure that all members of the group have access to the Cruise Personaliser, updates regarding their booking along with the Captain Circle benefits.

The value of the refund credit is calculated based on the group’s average cruise fare, less Tax, Fees and Port Expenses for first and second berth guests only. The credits are calculated at the time of finalisation (14 days prior to departure) and applied to a booking at the discretion of Princess Cruises. The credit is refunded 7 - 10 days before the sailing date via the same payment process as the balance was originally paid.

The maximum group size covered by this policy is 250 lower berths on most ships (except on Pacific Princess where the maximum size is 32 lower berths). For Alaska Cruisetours, the maximum group size is 32 lower berths.

Cruisetour allocations can be included in the total allocation limits although some departures with small capacity may not offer any group allocations. All bookings must be made within 7 days of opening the group. Groups will not be available on cruises within 120 days of departure and is not applicable on voyages less than three nights in duration.

Please note Princess UK Large Group policy is available at the discretion of Princess Cruises and may be withdrawn at any time on any cruise without prior notice. Captains Circle & Loyalty benefits are unaffected by this policy and will be applied as usual to qualifying guests. This policy is also combinable with other promotional offers. Normal cancellation terms and conditions apply to all bookings under this policy.

We strongly recommend obtaining additional travel insurance that covers routine and medical emergencies, including evacuation if necessary. Your plan should provide coverage for your age, pre-existing medical conditions, any recent changes in health status, countries you plan to visit, and any hazardous activities you may participate in. Most health insurance plans require you to pay the cost of care upfront and submit a foreign claim once you return home. The ship’s medical center will provide an itemized receipt of professional services, medications, and supply charges that may be used for claim reimbursement if eligible. 

All ships have a well-equipped medical center that is staffed by licensed doctors and nurses.  For routine care, the Medical Center is open twice a day by appointment and for walk-ins. For urgent or emergency care, the medical staff is available 24/7. We recommend you bring a copy of your medical record with you or have it immediately available in your electronic medical record including any recent specialty reports and test results. Guests may also purchase several over-the-counter medications from our onboard shops or the medical center. Our on-board medical centers meet or exceed the Health Care guidelines for cruise ship medical centers outlined by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Health Care Guidelines for Cruise Ship Medical Facilities

Yes. You will be charged for professional services including additional fees for pharmacy, laboratory, imaging, and supplies.  The medical center will issue you an itemized receipt for any services rendered, and a summary of your medical record that may be submitted for reimbursement to your health or travel insurance. We are unable to directly bill your insurance plan. As our ships are not registered as a medical provider in the United States, the following information is not available:

• Doctor’s tax ID, National Provider Identification, Social Security Number, Medicare Provider Number (MPN) or DEA number
• CPT codes, RVS Coded 1500 Forms, UB92 Forms, 40-1 Forms or any other health provider coding or forms.

Guests can also purchase several over the counter (OTC) medications and supplies from the medical center or shops onboard.

Staterooms have both 110V and 220V outlets. Your medical equipment, extension cords, power banks, and surge protectors may be checked for electrical safety before use. Please note that power to your stateroom may include a keycard switch - an energy-saving feature that requires your stateroom keycard to be inserted into a slot to provide power to your stateroom. If you remove the keycard, power may be shut off to your stateroom. Please speak with Guest Services if you need to override this feature for safety reasons. Emergency interruptions in the power supply to your stateroom may occur.  Medical devices requiring power should have fully charged batteries and/or a back-up option that does not require electricity.

Yes. Please contact accessofficeprincess@princesscruises.com prior to sailing if you require oxygen during your cruise. .If using your own personal supply of oxygen, you should carry it in your hand luggage at embarkation. Do not place any oxygen equipment in checked luggage as staff and crew are not permitted to handle them during the embarkation and disembarkation process. Travel with your oxygen prescription and all required supplies. Label all the items you bring on board with your full name, contact details, and stateroom number. It is not necessary to send your oxygen prescription to the shipboard or shoreside medical teams prior to the cruise. Airlines have restrictions on traveling with oxygen, so carefully review airline regulations prior to travel.

• Onboard storage of oxygen tanks: 
  Calculate the amount of oxygen you will likely need for the duration of your cruise, and any additional needs. Ships cannot replace or refill oxygen cylinders. Shoreside purchases at the local ports of additional oxygen are likely to be unavailable or limited. Our ships have limited capacity to store oxygen tanks, so we recommend that you arrange delivery of oxygen racks to store your tanks. Before your cruise, inform the Access Team of the exact quantity of oxygen tanks/cylinders that you plan to bring onboard. Once approved, proceed with planning for delivery of supplies. Contact Guest Services once on board for further information regarding storage of oxygen.

Oxygen concentrators, CPAP, BiPAP, APAP, nebulizer, and ventilator machines are allowed to be used on board. Permission or approval is not required to bring these devices on board, and there is no requirement to notify us in advance. Remember to bring all the necessary supplies for your device as these are not available on board. Carry these devices in your hand luggage. The ship’s crew is not permitted to handle medical equipment during the embarkation and disembarkation process, so you will be expected to carry all your own equipment and supplies. 

Although we do not rent medical devices onboard for personal use, you are welcome to bring your own device. Alternatively, we do partner with the following companies who provide oxygen concentrators and other medical equipment for rent, and they can deliver directly to the ship. If a rental is a better solution for you, please contact them directly.

• Special Needs at Sea: 800-513-4515 or 954-585-0575, or visit the Special Needs at Sea website
• Scootaround: 888-441-7575 or 204-982-0657, or visit the Scootaround website

Guests on dialysis are welcome on board if their condition is stable; they carry their own dialysis equipment and self-administer the dialysis according to their nephrologist's instruction. Our onboard medical staff is not equipped or trained to perform any type of dialysis. The cruising environment for guests on dialysis is a higher risk than a home setting. Access to specialist services ashore may be limited, so we recommend that guests are stable on dialysis for at least twelve (12) months prior to travel. We do not recommend traveling on remote itineraries, including ocean crossings, specific regions such as Antarctica, Amazon or Africa, or itineraries with multiple consecutive sea days in remote locations with limited evacuation opportunities. The ship does not have nephrology specialty services on board, and timely availability of this specialty may be unavailable or limited during port visits. Guests must be able to perform hemodialysis/peritoneal dialysis independently or travel with a trained individual. Guests are responsible for supplying all medications and supplies necessary to perform dialysis. Due to the possible risks and complications that can arise while undergoing dialysis treatments on a ship, we strongly recommend guests purchase additional travel insurance that covers treatment of the specific condition and medical evacuation services that may be needed outside of your home country.

While guests may also arrange for dialysis treatments in ports of call, it is important that guests understand that due to circumstances beyond our control, there is no guarantee the ship will call into the designated ports of call at the scheduled date and time. There are many unpredictable reasons a port call may be altered or canceled, so guests travel at their own risk and should be prepared for the possibility of missing a scheduled port of call.

The requirements to sail with us if you are on dialysis include:

• Be stable on treatment for at least 12 months on self-administered hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
• Obtain medical clearance and a report with prescription from your treating doctor for your particular itinerary. Carry these documents with you during your travels.
• Ensure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies for the duration of the voyage.
• Make arrangements with vendors to deliver supplies to the ship (if applicable).

Information specific to self-administered hemodialysis/NxStage:

We allow guests to travel if they use a self-administered dialysis system, such as NxStage. Guests traveling with this type of system, and anyone caring for the guest, should have at least 12 months of experience using the system prior to sailing. Ships do not carry back-up battery support for dialysis-related equipment.

Peritoneal dialysis:

Guests requiring peritoneal dialysis during their cruise must arrange for adequate solutions and supplies to be delivered to the ship prior to sailing. You must contact our Access & Compliance department at accessofficeprincess@princesscruises.com to arrange port clearance for your medical supply company to deliver and pick up supplies, or they may be denied access to the port.

Equipment and Supplies:

Label all equipment and supplies you bring on board with your full name, contact details, and stateroom number.

Rental Companies:

You and the medical supplier are responsible for the delivery of all dialysis equipment rentals and supplies before the ship sails. You assume the risk of using third-party services subject to their contractual terms, including refunds. We recommend contacting third-party providers as soon as possible to confirm the availability and supplies you need can be delivered to the ship on your sailing date.

If you’ve completed the required OceanReady® steps and have your Medallion® device, you can expect a streamlined embarkation.

If you have not received your Medallion wearable ahead of time, you will be asked to show your OceanReady QR code to terminal personnel during the health screening process and once again at check-in. This code can be accessed through the Princess® Cruises App on your smart device. To streamline the check-in process, we ask that you print your OceanReady QR code. Your OceanReady QR code only becomes available once you complete your health questionnaire and accept passage contract and acceptances.

Please remember to have your Medallion device, mobile device with the Princess® Cruises App downloaded, and your luggage tags when you get to the terminal.

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

Simply log-in to Manage Booking to access and print this information!

Age requirements
Guests under the age of 21 years must travel in a stateroom with a guest 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 guest agrees and warrants that he/she will supervise any guest 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 guests under their supervision.

Passport requirement when minors travel with one adult on voyages governed by the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (includes travel within Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico & United States)

When minors (any guest under the age of 18) are traveling with only one adult 21 years of age or older, Princess requires that all guests possess a valid passport. Carrier has implemented this requirement so that your party remains together should an emergency arise that requires one or more in your party to disembark in a non-U.S. port. Carrier cannot guarantee that all members of your party are allowed to disembark with just a WHTI-compliant document or birth certificate. Failure to present a valid passport for all guests traveling together results in denial of boarding without refund of the of the cruise or cruisetour fare.

Minimum Age Requirements:
Infants must be at least 6 months of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail.
Children must be at least 12 months of age at the time of embarkation to sail on trans-ocean crossings and remote itineraries, where there are more than 2 consecutive sea days.

Cruisetours: The minimum age for escorted cruisetours is 5 years.

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 on board and is intended for the public health safety of all guests.

Documents for guests 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 guests 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 guests 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.
• Guests 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 guests 18 years and older. Picture identification may be requested.
• Guests under the age of 18 are prohibited from purchasing cigarettes or tobacco products while on board.

Youth programs
Princess offers youth programs, where your little ones will have engaging, supervised activities designed specifically for them. The Treehouse (for ages 3-7) and The Lodge (for ages 8-12) give kids the chance to enjoy everything from arts and crafts, game tables, movies, and more.

Children are welcome on all Princess ships, facilities vary.

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. The Youth and Teen Club are “Adult Free Zones” (18+)*. Parents are only allowed in the Youth Centers on embarkation day during Open House hours.

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS
*Children six months to 2 years may enjoy the youth centers under parent/guardian supervision during dedicated Family Play Times. Youth counselors 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 counselors 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 counselors do not offer individual one-on-one supervision.

JUST FOR TEENS
And for cruisers age 13-17, we have The Beach House, a contemporary surf-themed lounge just for teens. The Beach House offers teens a range of activities including teen only dance parties, sports tournaments and talent shows. Those seeking a creative retreat will enjoy hip-hop dance classes, T-shirt painting, casino nights, mocktails, pizza parties or special teen-only dinners.

During voyages with a high number of families on board, we will make all efforts to accommodate interested parties. However, participation in our program cannot be guaranteed. Hours of operation may change to better serve our guests.

For your convenience, if your fare did not include pre-paid crew appreciation, we're pleased to offer you the ability to pre-pay the crew appreciation that is included in your folio on board at the end of your cruise. You can also utilize this service as a gift for someone else who may be cruising.

To simplify the tipping process for our guests, a crew appreciation of $20.00 per guest for suites, $19.00 per guest for mini-suites and Reserve Collection, $18.00 per guest (including children) in all other staterooms, per day, is automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. The crew appreciation is a daily (adjustable) amount added to your onboard account and pooled in order to recognize the many crew members in the Bar, Dining, Entertainment, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Galley and Onboard Revenue areas and entertainment areas throughout our fleet who contribute to the guest experience. 

To take advantage of this service, login to Manage Booking to pre-pay online, or simply call 0344 338 8663 (United Kingdom) and reference Special Service Item #0591. Pre-payment is available up to 2 days prior to departure.

Pre-paying beverage packages offer a great way to save time at embarkation, if one was not included in your fare. From a bottle of wine to beer specials to our Plus Beverage Package* option that features cocktails, fountain sodas and bottled water, there's a beverage package to quench every thirst.

To take advantage of pre-payment, login to Manage Booking to pre-pay online, or simply call 1-855-500-7690. Pre-payment is available up to 3 days prior to departure.

*Please note: Beverage Packages are calculated based on the total number of days of your cruise. Plus Beverage Package does not include bottles of wine; however, wine is available at a 25% discount from the menu price when purchased from bar or dining room locations by guests with a Plus Beverage Package.

Package is NOT available for purchase within 3 days of sailing and is NOT available for voyages 2 nights or fewer. Package must be purchased for full length of voyage, cannot be shared, is non-transferable, and is non-refundable within 3 days of sailing. Alcoholic drinks are limited to 15 beverages per 24 hour period (non-alcoholic beverages do not have this limitation).

The Lotus Spa offers a tranquil environment where you can renew your mind and body with restorative spa therapies from around the world.

To help you unwind, 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.

Book a shore excursion with Princess® to make the most of your time ashore in your destination. Princess offers a variety of experiences perfect for those visiting a port for the first time, experienced cruisers, families, and more. We offer excursions focused on sightseeing, culture & history activities & adventure, and nature & wildlife. You can book your shore excursion online with Manage Booking when you book your cruise and up to 5 days before you depart. Please note, unless otherwise specified, shore excursions are advertised and booked in US Dollars. Learn more about our ports and excursions.

Guests with disabilities should email the Access Office for assistance with accessible shore excursions. The Access Office works in partnership with our Shore Excursion department who will assist and advise you directly of your options. Please be advised that accessible shore excursions may not be available in some international ports.

Onboard credit and shore excursion credit can be redeemed for pre-cruise shore excursion purchases or payment for additional excursions purchased onboard.

We make it easy for you to get to know your ship, so that you can start your vacation on the right foot. With interactive deck plans and virtual tours, you’ll be able to see your ship before you board.

Visit our Cruise Ports & Hotels page for general port information (including driving directions to the port) and hotel packages.

Getting to Southampton

By car
If you are joining your Princess ship in Southampton at the Mayflower or City Cruise Terminal you will need to follow the signs for ‘Western Docks’ which will start to appear as you approach Southampton on either the M27 or the M3. On arrival at Western Docks proceed to Dock Gate 10.

If you are joining your ship at the Ocean or QEII Cruise Terminal, follow signs for the Waterfront, to reach Dock Gate 4. If you will be using satellite navigation equipment, the Cruise Terminal postcodes are as follows:

• Mayflower Cruise Terminal SO15 1HJ
• City Cruise Terminal SO15 1AJ
• QEII Cruise Terminal SO14 3GG
• Ocean Cruise Terminal SO14 3QN

Southampton car parking
We have made special arrangements for long stay car parking at the Port of Southampton with check-in and vehicle reception at the Cruise Terminals. Upon arrival your vehicle will be checked in and you will be responsible for unloading your baggage, although porters will be on hand to assist. Your vehicle will be driven away by a careful and experienced driver and kept in secure storage until your cruise returns. At the end of your holiday, you will be able to collect your keys from the car park operator who will direct you to where your car is parked.

For details of prices and how to book, please contact
Cruise & Guest Services on 0345 071 3939, open 08:00-17:00 Monday to Friday, or at Cruise & Passenger Services.

Major credit cards are accepted. Please note car parking must be booked no later than 35 days prior to departure.

By rail
Southampton is easily accessible by rail with two stations: Southampton Central and Southampton Airport Parkway. Both the Mayflower, City, Ocean and QEII Cruise Terminals are a short taxi ride from Southampton Central.

By coach
Cruise Connect is a coach transfer service that provides Princess Cruises guests with a simple journey to and from their cruise ship for selected roundtrip Southampton sailings (excluding British Isles) via over 50 collection and drop-off points throughout the UK. To book, please call 0344 338 8690 or visit Cruise Connect quoting your six-digit cruise booking reference.

Southampton is also easily accessible by coach with National Express. For further details, please contact National Express on 0871 781 8181 or visit their website.

All of the Cruise Terminals are a short taxi ride from the coach station.

Late arrival
If you should become delayed on your journey to Southampton and anticipate arriving at the Cruise Terminal after 15:30 hrs please contact our Ground Services staff for advice on:

Mayflower Cruise Terminal - 023 8065 6429
Ocean Cruise Terminal - 023 80717997
Queen Elizabeth II Terminal - 07917 520099
City Cruise Terminal - 07917 520099

Staying in Southampton

For a relaxed start to your cruise, why not travel to Southampton the day before you sail? Simply contact the hotel for further details or to make a booking.

The De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel ☆☆☆☆
West Quay Road, Southampton SO15 1AG
Tel 023 8063 3033
Fax 023 8063 3066

Botley Park Hotel ☆☆☆☆
Winchester Road, Botley Green,
Botley, Hampshire SO32 2UA
Tel 01489 780 888
Fax 01489 789 242

The Hilton - Southampton ☆☆☆☆
Bracken Place, Chilworth,
Southampton SO16 3RB
Tel 023 8070 2700
Fax 023 8076 7233

Holiday Inn - Southampton ☆☆☆
Herbert Walker Avenue,
Southampton SO15 1HJ
Tel 0871 942 9073
Fax 023 8033 2510

Holiday Inn - Eastleigh
Leigh Road, Eastleigh,
Hampshire SO50 9PG
Tel 0870 400 9075
Fax 023 8064 3945

Getting to Dover

By car
If you are joining your Princess ship in Dover you are advised to travel on the M20/A20 and the cruise terminal is clearly sign-posted on arrival. Further maps can be found on the Port of Dover website.

If you will be using satellite navigation equipment, the cruise terminal post code is: CT17 9DQ

Dover car parking
You are advised to book parking online from Port of Dover website. Parking places at peak season (June-August) cannot be guaranteed if they are not pre-booked.

Alternatively, Dover Port Parking offer a secure long or short term parking facility, with minibus transfers to and from the terminal.

To book please call 01304-211718 or visit the Dover Port Parking website.

By rail
Dover is easily accessible by rail. Trains from London leave from either Victoria Station or Charing Cross. From the station it is a short taxi ride to the docks.

By coach
Dover is also easily accessible by coach with National Express. For further details, please contact National Express on 0871 781 8181 or visit National Express.

Late Arrival
If you should become delayed on your journey to Dover and anticipate arriving at the cruise terminal after 16.00 please contact our Ground Services staff for advice on 01304 201201.

Getting to the airport

By car
Heathrow and Gatwick airports are well sign-posted for guests travelling by car. Heathrow airport lies of the M4 motorway and Gatwick airport lies of the M23 motorway. Glasgow airport lies 8 miles to the west of Glasgow city of Junction 28 of the M8 motorway. Manchester airport is situated 10 miles south of Manchester city centre of Junction 5 of the M56. Birmingham International airport is only 1 mile from Junction 6 of the M42. East Midlands airport is situated 1 mile from Junction 23A of the M1.
Cardiff International airport is located 10 miles from Junction 33 of the M4, and Doncaster Sheffield airport is easily accessible from several major motorways.

By rail
Both Heathrow and Gatwick airports are accessible by train from central London. Manchester and Birmingham International airports are also well served by rail. Please check with National Rail Enquiries for train times.

The nearest train station to Glasgow airport is Paisley’s Gilmour Street station, just two miles from the guest terminal. Doncaster Sheffield airport is linked to Doncaster station with a regular shuttle service, and Cardiff International airport is linked to
Cardiff Central station with a regular shuttle service.

The nearest train stations for East Midlands airport are in Loughborough, Derby, Nottingham, Long Eaton and Leicester.

A combined bus and rail ticket is available for travel via Loughborough, Derby and Nottingham railway stations to the airport, which allows more convenient connections between bus and train.

By coach
All airports are easily accessible by coach with National Express. For further details please call 08705 808080 or visit National Express.

If you need to get from Heathrow to Gatwick airport or vice-versa, Princess Cruises can issue pre-paid coach tickets. These are available on request and will be sent with your ticket pack.

At the airport

Airport car parking
We have teamed up with a company called APH who can arrange airport car parking at all the airports we use (with the exception of Doncaster Sheffield). APH is one of the UK’s leading booking agencies for secure parking and offers a choice of different car parks at each airport. You can benefit from a 25% early booking discount (dependent on how far in advance you book) and a further 5% discount if you quote our reference PRC when you call. For details of prices and how to book, please call 0870 737 7671 or visit their website and advise APH that you are a Princess Cruises guest quoting the reference PRC. APH accept all major credit and debit cards. We would recommend reserving your car parking space early at all airports to avoid disappointment.

Airport check-in
Please refer to your flight confirmation for full details on which airport and terminal to go to for your flight. We recommend that you report to the check-in desk for your international flight no later than three hours before the departure time shown on your airline ticket. If you also have a domestic flight, the recommended check-in time is one hour before the departure time shown on the domestic ticket. The minimum connecting time between a domestic and international flight as advertised by the airlines is three hours. Please note that these times are subject to schedule change and you should check your airline tickets for the most up-to-date departure times.

You will have to present your airline ticket, passport and luggage to the airline staff at check-in and you will also be required to show your valid passport to a HM Immigration Officer. All non-British guests (except EU nationals) will have to complete a Government Embarkation Card (IS 29A) and these are available at the immigration desk.

For those guests with connecting flights within the USA, you will need to check in your luggage for your connecting flight at the first port of entry into the USA, at the relevant airline check-in desk. Please also take note of the airline instructions given to you onboard the aircraft with regard to this. You will also need to clear immigration upon your arrival at the first port of entry into the USA.

Guests and their luggage are carried by the airline subject to the terms and conditions of contract on their air ticket. Under the terms of the contracts with the airlines the right is reserved to operate a substitute aircraft should the nominated type not be available.

Airline seat assignment
Although we are happy to note your seat assignment requests, Princess Cruises cannot confirm any of these in advance. We therefore recommend early check-in on the day of departure.

Security
In the interest of your own security your attention is drawn to the following points:
• If you have been given a present or other articles by anyone with the request that you take it with you on your flight you should inform an airline representative, police or customs official immediately.
• Do not accept such presents or articles from anyone after checking in for your flight.
• Do not leave your luggage unattended at anytime.
• In accordance with international policy there will be a physical check of hand luggage by security personnel prior to boarding the aircraft.
• You may be asked to produce electrical items for inspection by the airline representatives or security staff at the airport. 

UK Customs information
If you need help or assistance with UK customs information, please contact HM Customs and Excise National Advice Service available on 0845 010 9000 from 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday or their local number as shown in your telephone directory. Alternatively you can visit their website.

We can arrange ground transfers on your behalf, partnering with local experts.

Ensure a smooth journey from the airport to ship - simply book your transfer, provide your flight details, and meet our local transportation partners upon arrival.*

To ensure seamless service, flight details must be submitted in advance and must fall within our published flight guidelines for your specific port, ship, and embarkation date.

Why book your transfer through us?

• Peace of mind knowing you’ll be dropped off at the correct cruise terminal.
• No language barriers — our local experts handle the details.
• Fixed pricing that avoids surge rates during peak times.
• Our partners monitor your flight and ensure timely pickup upon arrival.

For domestic flights, look for staff holding signage with the Princess logo near the baggage claim area. For international flights, staff will be positioned just after you exit the immigration area.

*Transportation services are provided by local vendors. Princess Cruises acts solely as an agent in arranging these services on your behalf.

Visit our Cruise Ports & Hotels page for general port information (including driving directions to the port) and hotel packages.

For the latest information regarding what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to generally expect while traveling, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website.

For current travel warnings issued by the State Department for countries Americans should avoid, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.

For general travel information issued by the State Department, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Princess Cruises has established the following air flight guidelines for guests who choose to purchase air from a source other than Princess. Please select the port(s) of embarkation and/or disembarkation from the list below to view the air flight guidelines.

The times listed below are subject to change. 

If you encounter unforeseen flight or weather-related delays, you’ll need to advise accordingly:

• If you have booked EZair, please contact the Princess En Route Desk for assistance with rebooking options.
• If you have made independent flight arrangements and have not booked Princess Vacation Protection, please contact the Princess En Route Desk so they can inform the ship of your delays.

Princess En Route Desk Contact Info:

• Within the U.S. or Canada, please call 1-800-545-0008.
• Outside of the U.S. or Canada, please call 1-661-284-4410.
• Within Australia, please call 13 24 88.

If you have booked Princess Vacation Protection and have made independent flight arrangements (have not booked EZair) call the travel assistance provider under the plan:

• Within the U.S. or Canada: 1-877-303-5909.
• Outside of the U.S. or Canada, call collect: 1-516-342-4594.

Flights

Princess offers a variety of flight options to purchase with your cruise, depending on your chosen itinerary and personal preferences. If you book your cruise more than 320 days before the return date of your cruise holiday, you will be offered a set price for your flights and we will confirm the flight details around 10 months before your departure. If you book your cruise within 320 days before the return date, our innovative Plane Sailing programme is designed to seamlessly coordinate your air travel with your cruise itinerary.

Plane Sailing

Within 320 days of your cruise return date, our Plane Sailing programme allows you to review up-to-the-minute flight schedules, with competitive, real-time Princess airfare pricing and inventory for only those flights that complement your cruise. Plus, you'll find a host of other exciting benefits:

• Competitive airfare pricing – See real-time airline availability from multiple carriers at competitive Princess rates in a side-by-side layout for easy comparison.
• Holiday Package Protection – If you book your flights with Princess you’ll have peace of mind that your cruise holiday package (including your flights) is protected by our Air Travel Operators License (number 6294). Further, in the event of an airline delay or cancellation, we will do all we reasonably can to ensure that you can continue your holiday with minimal disruption. In particular, if a delay or cancellation means that you miss your cruise embarkation, we will work with our airline partners to seek to re-arrange your travel arrangements to enable you to embark at the next appropriate port. We know often in these situations time is of the essence and therefore you may prefer to make your own arrangements to the ship and submit your reasonable expenses once you arrive on board or when you return via our Guest Relations team.
• Immediate flight confirmations – Your preferred airline, route and flight times will be confirmed at the time of the flight booking.

Princess Cruises’ Plane Sailing programme offers two distinct pricing options, each with specific features and benefits depending on your travel needs:

Flexible Fares

Flexible fares are designed for those guests who have less certainty in their travel plans and want the freedom to cancel their flight arrangements easily. These fares are typically higher than Restricted fares, but include the following added benefits:

• Flight payment is due on the date of the final cruise payment – not at the time of the flight booking.
• Flight charges are fully refundable until 54 days prior to departure.
• There are no fees for flight changes made until 54 days prior to departure. Guests will only pay any additional costs if they change to a more expensive flight, which will constitute the creation of a new flight. The new flight will be priced at the newly booked fare, which can be higher or lower than the original fare booked. Fees up to the value of the ticket may be charged within 54 days of departure.

Restricted Fares

Our Restricted fares will typically be lower than our Flexible fares, with the following terms:

• Cancellation charges up to the full cost of the flights apply from the moment the flight booking is made.
• Payment is due immediately upon time of flight booking by credit or debit card.

If you have already booked a cruise, login to Manage Booking to learn more about Princess Plane Sailing.

If you have not booked a cruise yet, search for cruises and airfare.

Terms and conditions for all flights booked through Plane Sailing:

Fares and availability are not guaranteed until the flight booking is confirmed. Tickets are non-transferable. Fares are per person, and include all flight taxes and fees with the exception of locally payable airport taxes. Fares may not include baggage fees for some low cost carriers or some US domestic flights which may vary. Please contact your airline for further details. Tickets are no longer valid after the flight departure time and cannot be refunded, exchanged or transferred to another flight. Failure to check in for your flight will result in your flight booking being cancelled (this includes your return flight if applicable). All flights will be issued with e-tickets. Reconfirming flights is the customer's responsibility; please contact your airline for confirmation of your return flight times. With both restricted and flexible fares, any changes to flights (e.g. different dates) and name changes will require cancellation and rebooking of flights. Changes and cancellations will incur cancellation charges up to the full cost of the ticket, per ticket. For restricted fares cancellation charges will apply from the time of making the booking. For flexible fares, tickets are fully refundable up to 54 days prior to departure, and cancellation charges will only apply to changes and cancellations made 54 days or less from departure, however the original fare and schedule may no longer be available and a new reservation will be made at the current available price. If the current available price exceeds the original fare, the customer must pay the additional charge, even if this occurs more than 54 days from departure.

In ports where the main town or point of interest is relatively close to the cruise terminal, a shuttle service may be provided, using a local carrier. These shuttle services will run throughout the day on a rolling service, to and from the ship.

Details on whether we are able to provide shuttle services, how to obtain a ticket (if required) and how much Princess charges for this service (if applicable) is only available once onboard. We regret that no information regarding shuttles can be offered prior to the cruise departing.

Details of any available shuttle services will be available in the Princess Patter, our onboard newspaper, which is delivered to your cabin each evening and is a comprehensive summary of the next day’s activities.

Where the cruise terminal is some distance from the main town or point of interest, Princess will provide details of local travel links in the Princess Patter, including train and bus information, where available. Local Taxis are regularly available at the port entrance. Passengers managing their own activities in port must ensure that they arrive back to the ship in plenty of time for sailaway, information regarding Sailaway times will be provided in the Princess Patter.

Alternatively passengers may prefer to book an “On Your Own” shore excursion which will transfer you to the main town or point of interest, and collect you again at a pre-arranged time. Shore excursions are available to book approximately 120 days prior to travel and can be pre-booked via Manage Booking.

If you need to contact Princess whilst travelling, you can reach Princess Cruises UK on 0344 338 8663.

If you should become delayed on your journey to Southampton and anticipate arriving at the Cruise Terminal after 15:30 hrs (Mayflower Cruise Terminal, Ocean Cruise Terminal, Queen Elizabeth II Terminal or City Cruise Terminal), please contact our Ground Services staff for advice by calling +447715182038 or +447909226603.

You can also reach Customer Assistance from the US or Canada by calling 1 800 545 0008, or from outside of the UK, US and Canada by calling +1 661 284 4410.

You should dress for a cruise with Princess the same way you would for any stylish land-based resort.

Casual sportswear, including shorts, lightweight pants, sundresses, will keep you feeling fresh and looking your best while at sea and ashore in hotter climates.

We recommend you bring a sweater, a jacket or an all-weather coat for cool evenings, and for shore excursions, depending on your destination. Due to unpredictable weather, don't forget a hat or visor and a collapsible umbrella. Please be sure to bring proper clothing for visits to religious sites. You'll also want low-heeled, rubbersoled shoes for strolling on deck, as well as comfortable walking shoes or sandals to wear.

Princess makes it easy to know what to pack and what to wear when you’re dining on board our spectacular ships. There are two designations for dress codes: Smart Casual and Formal.

Smart Casual
Guest attire should be in keeping with what they would wear to a nice restaurant at home.

• Skirts/dresses, slacks, blouses, and sweaters for women
• Pants and collared or dress shirts for men

Pool or beach attire, shorts, ball caps or jeans with fraying and/or holes are not welcomed in the dining room. Shoes must be worn.

Formal
When formal nights are held, please observe the dress code in the dining venues for the enjoyment of all our guests.

• Evening gown, cocktail dress or elegant pant suit for women
• Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket and slacks for men

Follow these important luggage reminders:

• Essential medicines, travel documents, valuables and breakables should be hand carried in your possession at all times.
• Many domestic airline carriers now impose excess baggage fees for one or more bags and bags weighing over 50 lbs., so check with your carrier regarding weight restrictions.
• Princess will make every effort to assist you in safeguarding your belongings. But remember, you are responsible for your things at all times. Princess is not responsible for money, jewelry, cameras, binoculars, documents or any other articles you retain in your personal control.
• All luggage should have a sturdy personal identification tag that will not be lost or damaged in the course of typical airport and trucked luggage handling.
• On journeys including air travel, luggage will be subject to a considerable amount of handling and we would recommend that your luggage be of sturdy construction.
• Princess recommends that your travel protection is adequate enough to cover any possible loss or damage which may occur. Any loss or damage caused by Princess or an airline must be reported immediately to the responsible party.
• Preparing for an upcoming Alaska cruise? Be prepared to take on this amazing adventure with everything we recommend you bring in our comprehensive Alaska cruise packing list.

In the event of unexpected travel delays and emergencies, please remember to bring additional prescription medication for at least 2 weeks beyond the length of the cruise. Also bring a list of the names, strengths and dosages of all medications in case refills are required.

As provided in the Passage Contract, on the day of embarkation, guests are permitted to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne on board per voyage, which will not be subject to a corkage fee if consumed in your stateroom. Additional wine or champagne bottles are welcome, but will incur a US$20/AU$30 (depending on shipboard currency) corkage fee each, irrespective of where they are intended to be consumed. Liquor, spirits, or beers are not permitted. Please remember that luggage will be scanned and alcohol outside of our policy will be removed and discarded.*

Alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from The Shops of Princess, or at ports of call, will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to the guest's stateroom on the last day of the cruise. A member of the ship's staff will be at the gangway to assist guests with the storage of their shoreside alcoholic purchases while The Shops of Princess staff will assist guests with shipboard alcoholic purchases.

*Princess is not responsible for any alcoholic beverages removed and discarded by shoreside security staff. Such items are not eligible for monetary refund or replacement. Guests found with prohibited items, including alcohol outside of the policy, may need to collect their luggage at a security checkpoint on board.

We strongly recommend you hand-carry all valuables and breakables, including jewelry, electronics and cameras as well as any medications. Please read the Passage Contract for limitations and responsibilities for lost items and baggage.

Book a shore excursion with Princess® to make the most of your time ashore in your destination. Princess offers a variety of experiences perfect for those visiting a port for the first time, experienced cruisers, families, and more. We offer excursions focused on sightseeing, culture & history activities & adventure, and nature & wildlife. You can book your shore excursion online with Manage Booking when you book your cruise and up to 5 days before you depart. Please note, unless otherwise specified, shore excursions are advertised and booked in US Dollars. Learn more about our ports and excursions.

Guests with disabilities should email the Access Office for assistance with accessible shore excursions. The Access Office works in partnership with our Shore Excursion department who will assist and advise you directly of your options. Please be advised that accessible shore excursions may not be available in some international ports.

Our primary concern at Princess is your health, safety and security. We are in continuous contact with authorities concerning any travel advisories that might impact our cruises.

If the U.S. State Department advises against travel to specific locations we visit, we would make the necessary changes to the published itinerary. Although such itinerary changes occur infrequently, please understand that these changes are for your own safety and security and are beyond our control.

We remind all of our guests that they must ultimately assume responsibility for their actions while ashore. In this regard, we would like to remind you of some common sense precautions when visiting ports-of-call:

• Stay in the normal tourist areas and don’t travel to out-of-the-way places without the benefit of a guided tour.
• Do not leave any of your belongings unattended in public areas.
• Be generally aware of people and activities around you.
• Do not accept packages from anyone you don’t know personally.
• Keep a low profile–dress and behave conservatively.
• Be careful when eating and drinking ashore.

We will always adhere to local guidelines and protocols regarding the health and safety of our guests and crew.

We thank you in advance for following these recommendations, which we believe will enhance the enjoyment of your cruise.

Cancellation of Pre-Paid Shore Excursions:

If you have pre-paid a shore excursion and wish to cancel, the following shall also apply:

If a pre-paid shore excursion is cancelled five (5) days or more prior to sailing a refund of the pre-paid amount will be made in one of the following ways:

1. If there is a shore excursion balance for the guest named on the reservation being cancelled then the pre-paid amount shall be applied to this balance.

   Or,

2. If there is no shore excursion balance for the guest named on the reservation being cancelled then the pre-paid amount will be refunded to the credit card used to pre-pay the shore excursion. All refunds will be processed in due course, but delays should be anticipated. Please allow sufficient time for us to manage this process and know we are doing everything in our power to expedite where possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

If a pre-paid shore excursion is not cancelled within the above time frame or is cancelled during the voyage prior to the "Closing Time for Cancellation" listed for the particular excursion you wish to cancel, then the pre-paid amount will be refunded to the guest named on the pre-paid reservation as a shipboard credit on this guest's shipboard folio. Please note this is done regardless of which guest pre-paid for the shore excursion.

Cancellation of Pre-Reserved Shore Excursions

Due to the nature of excursions involving hotel accommodations, flights and private vehicles, these excursions are not refundable after the closing date, which is 30 days prior to sailing.

Due to the limited capacity and high demand for helicopter flights, any excursion involving a helicopter flight is not refundable unless cancelled no later than 12:00pm on the day after embarkation.

For other excursions in each port of call, a "Closing Time for Cancellations" is listed on the Shore Excursion Order Form found in your stateroom. This is the time when the bookings for the excursions in that port close and we notify the local operators of the final excursion requirements. You may cancel an excursion if it is prior to the closing time whether you reserve an excursion in advance of the cruise or book on board. However, we cannot cancel an excursion if it is past this closing time, nor will we refund an excursion on which you have reserved but do not to attend.

Cancellation of Alaska Land Excursions

Alaska Land Excursions, purchased through Manage Booking, may be cancelled up to three days prior to travel without any cancellation fees.  Land Excursions cancelled prior to the cancellation deadline will be refunded to the credit card that you provided in Manage Booking to purchase your tours.  Excursions cancelled within three (3) days prior travel are subject to a 100% cancellation fee, unless the operator, at their sole discretion, is unable to operate the program due to unforeseen circumstances.  All sales of tours booked while on your land tour are considered final at the time of purchase and are 100% non-refundable except in the case of an operator approved cancellation.

If you choose to book more than one excursion in a single day, please allow at least 60 minutes between each excursion. All excursions depart from, and return to, the cruise ship pier. By scheduling in this manner, you will have sufficient time to take multiple excursions.

One very important feature of taking an excursion organized by Princess is that we closely monitor the departures and returns of all excursions. Therefore, our ships do not sail until all of our organized excursion transportation has returned, so you can be assured that you won't miss the ship.

Please keep in mind that when you make your own arrangements in port, or if you leave an organized excursion, we will no longer be aware of your whereabouts; so be sure to schedule yourself with ample time to return to the ship before it sails.

All excursions are operated by local, independent companies and not by Princess.

We selected only the most reputable companies available to provide your excursions. The companies providing your excursions are selected by Princess based on their excellent reputation for service and safety.

Select excursions offer child pricing. Our reservation system will automatically apply a child rate if one is available on eligible tours when you make your reservation.

Once on board, check your excursion tickets to ensure you have received the correct number of child tickets. If you have received the incorrect number of child tickets, visit the Shore Excursion Desk as soon as possible to make any necessary adjustments.

Child Prices are not available for excursions involving flights or hotel stays. Toddlers below the age of 2, sitting on a parent’s lap (not occupying a seat), are not charged for most excursions.

For most excursions, there is no minimum age for children as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Guests under the age of 18 years cannot participate without a parent or guardian. A few operators may allow an unaccompanied minor on an excursion if a waiver is signed by the parent or guardian in the operator’s presence.

All excursions include local English-speaking guides except for "On Your Own" excursions and where otherwise noted.

Where possible, time for shopping has been allowed within the framework of some excursions. However, excursions are not primarily designed for shopping, and time allowed for this purpose may be limited.