Princess Cruises: Planning for Your Adventure

Arrive at the port the day before embarkation day (the day your ship leaves the home port). Explore the port area (it’s a destination too!) or relax without the stress of delayed or cancelled flights and sudden traffic incidents (trust me!). Your Wish Upon a Star with Us Travel Agent can easily arrange airfare and a pre/post-cruise hotel through the cruise line at competitive rates! Boarding time on embarkation day depends on your cabin location. You will see a specific timeframe for arrival during Online Check-in.

Please be sure to read the “Before You Cruise FAQs” for more information.

For documentation requirements, it is crucial to visit Preparing for your Cruise and select Travel Document Requirements. Please take note: passengers who are not natural-born US citizens or carry a birth certificate from Puerto Rico may have additional documentation requirements.

Passports are highly recommended for cruises but not required on every sailing.  It is each cruise passenger’s responsibility to make sure they have the proper identification documents needed to board. Though Passports are not required in order to board some sailings, they are strongly recommended and would be required in the event you must return to the United States by air.

If your cruise does require a passport:

Ensure that the name on the photo page matches the name on your cruise reservation and is valid for 6 months after travel.

If your cruise does not require a Passport:

You may choose to use a valid Passport to board the ship.

If you do not present a Passport, you will be required to provide proof of citizenship in the form of an original/certified copy of a government issued birth certificate (with raised seal and signature), and a laminated government-issued photo ID (driver’s license) for each passenger age 16+ that matches the name on the cruise reservation. If the name on your ID does not match the name on your Birth Certificate and/or Driver’s License, you may be asked to present a supporting document (i.e. a Marriage License, which shows your maiden and married name). It’s heartbreaking to see someone left behind in the terminal, denied boarding for not having the right ID.

Children traveling without both birth parents or children with a different last name than their parent may be required to show additional notarized consent.

Visas

Some countries require that any American passenger departing the ship obtain a Travel Visa and/or be booked on a cruise line shore excursion (Russia, Australia, China, India, and Cuba for example) in order to exit the ship.

Visa requirements for U.S. and Canadian citizens are listed on your Booking Confirmation under “Notices,” if applicable. You’ll want to check if an Visa Application Kit is needed for your sailing. All other nationalities, including those with U.S. or Canadian resident status, should contact me ASAP for info in obtaining the appropriate documents.

STEP/Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

International cruise passengers are strongly encouraged to register each trip with the US Dept. of Consular Affairs Smart Travel Enrollment Program (STEP) . By signing up you’ll be notified of new travel advisories and pertinent tourist information. Plus, registering for this free service by the US Dept. of State also enables them to better assist you during an emergency.

Princess Cruises ships provide quality service and accessible features to make your experience as relaxing and enjoyable as can be. Each ship is equipped with an Infirmary and Ship Doctor, available for an additional fee. ***Important: Please inform your Wish Upon a Star with Us Travel Agent of any new or existing pregnancy, routine dialysis, special needs, dietary restrictions, or medical concerns so we can inform the appropriate department.

Medical vaccination requirements and recommendations change periodically. Visit the CDC website for recommendations specific to each country on your itinerary. Travel health experts recommend giving yourself 4-6 weeks to meet with a travel health provider about how to plan for your travel and to get any needed travel vaccinations.

Princess Cruises does not limit the amount of luggage each guest brings aboard; however, for your comfort and convenience, it is recommended that you limit the number of pieces you take. Keep in mind that airline luggage policies may differ from cruise line luggage policies. Some items are permitted only in carry-on luggage (a CPAP machine, for example). Pack that carry-on wisely!

What not to bring: Prohibited Items Policy

Guests may bring 1 bottle (750 ml) of wine or champagne per adult, per voyage.   Any additional wine or champagne is welcome but will incur a $20/bottle corkage fee in order to be taken aboard. Beer, hard liquor, and fortified wines are not allowed to be brought onboard. Any beverages bought in duty-free shops on the ship or in port will be stored by the ship until the final day of the cruise.

As with most cruise lines, Princess Cruises automatically adds the standard gratuities to each guest’s onboard account while sailing. These “tips” are divided among your Dining Room Server, Dining Room Assistant Server, and Dining Room Head Server as well as your Stateroom Host/Hostess. It is recommended to add prepaid gratuities during Final Payment because it’s one less thing to budget for on the ship – let your Wish Upon a Star with Us Travel Agent know if you’d like to pay in advance.

Ships generally arrive back at their home port early in the morning, around 7am though this can vary by ship and sail date. The Captain will make an announcement soon after that for passengers to begin disembarkation.  Princess Cruises states that disembarkation may take up to 4 hours after the scheduled arrival of the ship in order to clear Customs and Immigration, so please be sure to keep this in mind as you are considering flight departure times.

• All purchases made onboard are charged to your Onboard Princess MedallionClass Account by scanning your room key card.
• Dining and beverage packages can be a great value. Your Wish Upon a Star with Us Travel Agent can help you decide if you’re unsure.
• Be sure to download the Princess MedallionClass app before your cruise! You can use the app to view the daily schedule, make reservations onboard, and so much more.