50+ Ultimate Princess Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Insider Secrets

1. What is the Medallion on Princess Cruise Line?

Princess Cruise Line is the only cruise line that has what is called The Medallion. This nifty piece of technology looks just like an apple airtag and you’ll keep it on you for the entire cruise. The Medallion will automatically unlock your door, it will show where members of your party are located on the ship through the app, and it allows the staff to automatically be able to identify you.

For example, when you walk up to order a drink at the bar, all you have to do is give them your room number, and they will see you pop up on their screen.

2. Buy a Medallion Accessory on Amazon Before Your Cruise

Since you will be wearing the Medallion for your entire cruise, you will want to get an accessory. Most cruisers get a bracelet they can just wear, while others seem to prefer a clip. Any accessory that fits an Apple AirTag will also fit your medallion. They also sell accessories on board, which will be much more expensive. Below are some great options.

• Silicone Medallion Bracelet
• Breathable Nylon Medallion Bracelet
• Rhinestone Medallion Necklace
• Rose Gold Medallion Clip

3. Balcony, Deluxe Balcony, Premium Deluxe Balcony, or Mini-Suite: Which is Better?

Here is a simple breakdown of the most commonly booked rooms. These are important to point out because one might assume that having a mini suite would also get you a huge balcony but that is not the case on Princess Cruises. This is why it’s really important to look at the deck plans.

• Balcony Cabin: A Balcony cabin typically have a small balcony and the room will have two twin beds which can be put together to make a queen-size bed, a small desk, and a small cocktail area with a mini fridge.
• Premium Balcony: The Premium Balcony offers everything in a regular balcony room, but offers slightly more interior space by having a couch.
• Premium Deluxe Balcony: This room has the same inside space as a Premium Balcony, but offers a much larger balcony that is twice the size of a regular balcony.
• Mini-Suite: A Mini-Suite offers even more interior space with an additional TV and much more bathroom space with a tub and shower. However, it is important to note that it does not have a larger balcony. It has the same small balcony as a regular balcony room.

My personal preference is the Premium Deluxe Balcony, especially if you like to enjoy a nice balcony breakfast. However, if you are travelling with family or friends and all staying in the same room, then you will likely prefer to have the extra interior space.

7. Princess Cruises Best Price Guarantee

Do NOT pay for all of your cruise upfront, or you will NOT be price-matched if the cost of your cruise drops. You are better off paying for your cruise in payments. This way, if your cruise drops in price, you will get the difference refunded or 120% back as OBC (On Board Credit).

8. Should You Book the Plus or Premier Package

The Premier package offered by Princess Cruises is the best all-inclusive package you will find from any cruise line. If you enjoy alcoholic drinks during your cruise, are a wine connoisseur, or consider yourself a foodie, then Premiere is 100% the way to go.

If you enjoy alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee, want fresh-squeezed OJ for breakfast, and want unlimited wi-fi, then choose Plus.

9. Tips for Avoiding the Drink Packages

If you’re trying to avoid getting any beverage package, here are some rules for carrying on soda, water, and wine. Remember no plastic bottles are allowed on board so any soda or water must be in a can.

• Soda: While on Princess, you can bring a 12 pack of canned soda in your carry on luggage. You can also bring on an additional 12 cans at each port stop!
• Wine: You can bring a 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person and enjoy in your room with no corkage fee. You can also bring a bottle per person back at each port stop.
• Water: You can bring 12 canned or cartons of water on board in your carry-on and at each port stop. I also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle.
• Free Beverages: Drip coffee, hot tea, lemonade, milk, and certain juices during breakfast are free for all cruisers.

12. Embarkation

Instead of rushing to get on the ship, you are better off arriving by 11:30 am or later, even if you have priority boarding. My cruise out of Seattle did not board until 10:45, and we all sat in a room for almost an hour like cattle. Priority boarding gets you on the ship 5 minutes before everyone else. If you arrive later, you will walk right on the ship.

The only reason to rush to board the ship is if you want to be the first to book The Sanctuary & Specialty Dining.

The Orange Soufflé from the Embarkation Lunch in the MDR on Princess Cruise Line

13. Embarkation Lunch

Embarkation lunch always serves the Orange Soufflé and tenderloin. Personally, I was not as impressed as I was hoping, but this is a much better experience than rushing to the buffet as everyone else does. Lunch typically begins at 12:00 pm and only lasts until 1:30 pm.

14. Pack Your Prescription Medications and Anything You Need Access To In Your Carry-On

Do not put prescription medications or anything you need direct access to in your Check-In luggage. Make sure you put them in your carry-on, which you are bringing onto the ship and will have with you. It can take until 6 pm to get your check-in luggage to your room.

If you want to change for dinner or use the pool, pack a change of clothes and a swimsuit in your carry-on bag. I did not get my luggage until after my dinner reservation and was really glad I packed a change of clothes.

The Princess Premier Package gives you unlimited photo downloads and 3 printed photos. This is one of my favorites.

19. Free Photos

If you are a person who likes to capture memories with your family, do not discount the unlimited photo downloads and 3 prints that come with the Premier Package. These are professional photographers and photo stations set up all over the cruise ship throughout the entire day, and they take incredible photos with professional lighting. If you were to hire a professional photographer to take this many portrait photos of your family, it would easily cost $500 – $1,000.

20. Clothes Packing Tips

Trying to plan outfits for your cruise is not as easy as one might think. Here are some tips that may help you.

• Lounge Wear: I guarantee that during your cruise, there will be times when you want to go out and grab something while you are already in your pajamas. Pack a comfortable lounge outfit that you can lie around in, but also leave the cabin in. I pack cozy joggers, a workout tank top, and always bring a casual sweatshirt or zip-up sweater jacket that I can just throw on to leave my room. On Caribbean cruises, I pack a light duster.
• Dressing Up: Not everyone dresses up for dinners, and I am crazy and dress up every evening. The simple solution for the best of both worlds is to pack black slacks or a plain color skirt you can wear more than once, and different blouses. Same for men. A pair of neutral slacks and some polos or button-ups.
• Alaska Packing Tips: Alaska is all about layers. Bring leggings or jeans, a few tanks tops or short sleeves tops (I bring a few lululemon align tops), a few long sleeve tops you can tie around your waist if it gets warm, a water resistant puffer jacket with a hood (these are great because they can be compacted and take up less luggage space), one pair of water resistant shoes, gloves, and a warm hat.

21. Bring Tape to Cover the Motion Activated Sensors

This one is important enough that I wanted to separate it as a standalone tip. Princess has motion light sensors that are Very Bright! If you are a light sleeper and need to use the restroom, this will make it difficult for you to get back to sleep. They take forever to turn off. Many seasoned Princess Cruisers bring blue tape to cover the sensors so they don’t turn on. Then they bring a small non-intrusive motion sensor light, nightlight, or even tea light candles.

22. Laundry

Princess Cruises is unique in that it offers public laundry facilities on its ships. There is only one on each floor, and you’ll need to bring your own supplies. This is a much cheaper option than sending your clothes away on the ship to have them laundered. There is also an iron you can use for free.

23. Electrical Outlets

Princess Cruise Line has very few outlets. My last cruise had two! Bring a non-surge protector power strip with you. The charging is also very slow, so bring an Apple Lightning charger that charges more quickly. I also recommend bringing 1-2 external batteries. Another trick is to bring a European outlet converter so you can use that plug as well.

Here is my full list of Cruise Essentials on Amazon

24. Read the Princess Patter

Every cabin receives a Princess Patter which will go over the next day’s cruise activities, docking times, and dining hours. Make sure to read this because there is often information on the Patter that is not listed on the app.

25. First Time Cruisers Gathering

If you’re a first-time cruiser, be sure to attend the Princess Welcome Presentation listed on your Patter, which takes place on the second day of the cruise. They give away numerous prizes, and one lucky cruiser will win Elite Status for their entire cruise!

26. Solo Cruise Meetups

If you’re a solo cruiser, Princess holds a Solo and Singles Cruise Meetup each night. It can be a little tricky to find, but on the first night there will be a sign, so don’t give up and search the entire bar.

28. Captains Champagne Waterfall

Don’t miss the special Captain’s Champagne Waterfront event, which typically takes place on the second evening of your cruise on a Gala Night in the main promenade area. Champagne will be passed around, and be sure to get in line early for the awesome photo opportunity of pretending to pour the champagne with the captain. I wish I had known about this because I would have gotten in line or waited in the bottom area early!

29. What Main Dining Room Should You Book?

On Princess Cruise Line you can utilize 3 different types of dining rooms. A walk-in at any time dining room, a dining room where you have the same waiter and set time every day, and a reservation dining room. For more personalized service and if you have dietary restrictions, go with the same waiter and same time every night. The second best would be making a reservation so you do not risk waiting on line during busy times.

30. Breakfast Room Service

I’ll be honest, the room service menu offered by Princess Cruise Line leaves much to be desired, but what many cruisers don’t know is that you can write in your requests and they will often be delivered. During my cruise I wrote in eggs over medium, crispy bacon, hash browns, almond croissant, pistachio croissant, and mixed fruit with cottage cheese. I received my order as requested each time.

One rumor is that the higher your cabin category and placing the earliest delivery time, the more likely to receive your requests.

31. Specialty Coffee

Specialty Coffee can easily be ordered via the Oceans Now app as early as 6 am. I ordered my latte as soon as I woke up, and it arrived within minutes. Oceans Now, and Room service is free if you have the plus or premier packages.

32. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Princess no longer serves fresh-squeezed orange juice for free. If you want fresh-squeezed orange juice, it is at an extra cost, so consider this when ordering and when purchasing your beverage packages. When you are in the MDR, be sure to request fresh-squeezed OJ and also be sure to write it in if you are ordering room service for breakfast.

33. Off-Menu MDR Breakfast Items

During your cruise you can enjoy breakfast at the buffet or MDR (main dining room) for free. I highly recomend going to the MDR for a more relaxing experience. On Princess Cruises, however, many people avoid it because the MDR breakfast menu leaves much to be desired. It is very minimal. What people do not realize, however, is that you can order many items that are not actually listed on the menu.

For example, you can customize your own omelet, ask for fruit in your pancakes, order Eggs Benedict, request the amazing almond croissant, and request the specific fruit you want.

34. Additional Included Food

Here are additional food venues that are free besides the buffet and MDR (Main Dining Room)

• Salty Dogs: Offers various hot dogs and is located at the AFT of the ship
• Slice: offers pizza slices and is located next to Salty Dogs at the Aft of the ship
• Soft-Serve Ice Cream: There is free soft-serve ice cream located in the buffet area
• International Cafe: found in the main promenade area, and offers a variety of desserts, breakfast items, croissants, sandwiches, and salads. It is also opened 24hrs.

35. Gala Nights

Princess has two Gala Nights on a 7 day cruise which are typically held on sea days. This evening guests get dressed up and the food in the MDR is elevated with a nicer selection. The last sea day is the evening that they typically serve the filet and lobster.

On my Alaskan cruise onboard the Discovery Princess, I did observe that most guests dressed up by wearing nice dresses. You do not need to wear a formal gown or tuxedo, but I would say 80% of guests had on a nice outfit you would wear if you were going to a fine dining restaurant.

36. Grab a Cocktail Before Heading to Dinner

If you like to enjoy a cocktail with your dinner, I highly recommend stopping off at one of the bars on the ship and grabbing your cocktail first, as the wait times can take a while. Many diners will receive their food before their drinks arrive, so it’s a good idea to walk to your table with a beverage already in hand. Then you can go ahead and place your beverage order once you sit down, and it will likely arrive by the time you finish your first drink.

Above is Princess Cruises Jame Beard Cornflake Crusted French Toast available in the MDR as a specialty breakfast item

37. Best Foods to Try on Princess Cruises

Speaking of Almond Croissant, here are a few items you should definitely try on your next Princess Cruise, with the most popular being the Almond Croissant, which is only available for Breakfast at the International Cafe. You can also write it in on your room service menu and request one in the MDR. Here is a list of foods you should try while on your Princess Cruise and where to find them.

• Almond Croissant: Best thing I had on the cruise.
• All the Breads: Don’t skip the breads served before your meals. They are made fresh on the ship and I can confirm they are delicious, especially at the specialty restaurants.
• Fruit Soups: You will often find Fruit Soups available in the MDR and they are delicious, definitely try them.
• Escargot: Cruisers love the escargot, available in the MDR and if you’ve never tried it before, this is the best time to do it!
• Ethnic Food: You can find Indian food and sometimes Filipino food in the buffet. You can even request it in the MDR. This type of cuisine is often authentic to the chefs making it in the kitchen.
• Soufflé: On Princess Cruises, you’ll find a variety of different soufflés on the MDR menu, and you should definitely try them all!
• Dirty Banana: If you’re into blended vacation drinks, this is the one everyone raves about.
• Gala Nights: If you are not enjoying specialty dining with the premier package, then make sure to visit the MDR on Gala Nights for a more elevated menu, which typically includes filet & lobster on the last Gala Night.
• JB French Toast: This is a specialty breakfast item served in the MDR that’s delicious!

38. Sample Cocktails Free at “Good Spirits”

Check out your Daily Patter for the Good Spirits cocktail making classes. They will teach you how to make some of the ships signature cocktails and everyone will get to sample them. There are usually several throughout the cruise.

39. Free Sparkling Wine

If you do not have a beverage package and want to enjoy some free sparkling wine, check out the different events such as the art auctions, that always serve a complimentary glass to attendees. There are many on the first day of your cruise.

43. Seeing the Aurora Borealis on Your Princess Cruise

Princess Cruises is awesome and will announce an Aurora Borealis sighting in the middle of the night. On my last cruise I we were woken up at 2:30am and I was so excited to jump out of bed and capture this phenomenal display. Most Aurora Borealis sightings are only visible on camera. I highly recommend quickly throwing on a robe, grabbing your camera, and making your way to an outside deck. Be sire to listen to what side of the ship the sighting is on.

44. Glacier Bay

Both Princess Cruise Lines and Holland America have priority access and the most dates available to visit Glacier Bay. If you are trying to decide between glaciers, one convenience of visiting Glacier Bay is that it is a 9:30 ,am visit and you will be able to stay longer. The Tracy Arms cruise, you need to be up at 5 am, and if you step away for even a few seconds you might miss the entire view as they only do a 360 turn with the ship once!

45. Glacier Bay Photos

One of the best reasons to splurge on the Premier Package is the photo opportunity at Glacier Bay. You can capture the most amazing family photo with Glacier Bay as the backdrop. It is only around $20 to have this blown up on a canvas for your home and the photos are awesome!

46. What Time Should You Book Your Flight Home?

Princess Cruises runs a pretty smooth disembarkation, but the line to be the first off the ship can be insane. To be safe, I would not book a flight home earlier than 11 am. Do not underestimate how busy certain airports can be. In Seattle, it took me an hour to get through TSA Pre-Check. There is also always a mad rush of people trying to get off the ship, and the line can be very long.

47. Port Valet

Port Valet is a great service that allows you to place your checked luggage outside the room the night before you disembark the cruise, and your luggage will automatically be checked in on your flight. You will see your luggage again once you arrive at your home airport. This means you will not have to lug a heavy suitcase off the ship or through the airport.

This service is even completely free in Seattle. In addition to having your luggage checked in the evening before, you will also receive your boarding pass in your room the evening before your flight. It is a great service! Just remember to leave out what you need to get dressed and ready the morning of your flight and remember to use travel size products that can go in your carry-on.

48. Disembarkation Breakfast

If you’ve planned well and booked a later flight, be sure to enjoy a final delicious, relaxing breakfast in the MDR. One Main Dining Room always serves a final breakfast, and you can leave your carry-on luggage at the front if you need to. Everyone is typically expected to be out of their rooms by 8:30 am and off the ship by 9:30 am.

49. Lounge Access at Airports

Many people do not know this, but if you have a long wait until your flight, most airlines will let you purchase a day pass for around $65 even if you are flying economy. Considering how expensive airport food is, it can be a great deal and includes food and alcoholic beverages.

If you are flying first class, the Alaskan Airlines lounge is only $35 and I am usually there long enough to enjoy breakfast & lunch along with numerous cocktails with comfortable lounge chairs before my flight takes off.

50. Booking an Excursion Before Your Flight Home

If your flight is late in the evening, consider booking a final excursion before heading home. The cruise ship excursion will handle your luggage and drop you off at the airport.

51. Book a Shuttle to the Airport

If you’re traveling with a large family, it will likely be much easier to book the shuttle home through the cruise, than to try and rent an XL Uber.You will likely have a longer walk to your check in however, which is something to consider.