Princess Cruises Information

How much do I pay in tips?

• PRINCESS EXPANDS AUTOMATIC GRATUITY PROGRAM
  Convenient Tipping Option Now Includes All Shipboard Service Staff

• Princess has made it easier than ever for passengers to recognize the waiters, assistant waiters and cabin stewards who serve them during their cruise. The line recently expanded its automatic gratuity program to cover all service staff with a convenient daily charge of $10 per person, which is placed on the passenger's shipboard account.
  "When we introduced Personal Choice Dining, we began an automatic gratuity program for the dining room staff that was very well received, as it made tipping convenient and hassle-free," said Dean Brown, Princess' executive vice president of customer service and sales. "As a result, we have now expanded the program to cover all dining and accommodation staff who serve our passengers so well, giving our guests one less thing to concern themselves with at the end of their cruise."

• In keeping with Princess' emphasis on Personal Choice Cruising, passengers can easily make adjustments to the automatic charge. Those who wish to change the amount given, or who would prefer to tip crew members in person, can do so by visiting or simply calling the front desk at any time during their cruise.

• "Passengers who choose to tip in the traditional manner can continue to do so," said Brown. "This program is an addition to our onboard service. We are not taking anything away from our customers' choices."

What to Bring

• CRUISE DOCUMENTS, PASSAGE CONTRACT, PASSPORT AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
  Before leaving home, ensure you have all the proper documentation required to travel. Without appropriate documentation, you may be denied boarding of your flight, cruise, or cruisetour. All travel documents are your responsibility. Please read the Passage Contract carefully  its terms and conditions apply to you and your cruise and cruisetour(s).

• In addition to carrying your Cruise Documents, Passage Contract, passport and other required travel documents, we also recommend you bring your medical insurance cards and travel protection plan, if purchased. Make sure you carry these items with you. Do not pack them in your checked luggage.

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

• CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS
  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 and jogging suits, is the order of the day both at sea and ashore in hotter climates. See the temperature chart for guidance. 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, rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck, as well as comfortable walking shoes or sandals to wear while on shore excursions.

• THE CLIMATE
  Click here for a list of high-low daytime temperatures in Princess' destinations to help you plan for your cruise vacation. This list will help you to decide what type of clothing to bring on your cruise.

• ONBOARD ATTIRE
  Princess makes it easy to know what to pack and what to wear when you're dining onboard. There are two designations for dress codes: Smart Casual and Formal.

• Smart Casual Evenings:
  Passengers dress as they would for a fine restaurant at home.
   Skirts/dresses, slacks, and sweaters for ladies
   Pants and open-neck shirts for men
  In the dining room, items such as cutoff T-shirts, shorts, halter tops, and jeans are not permitted; shoes must be worn at all times.

• Formal Evenings:
   Evening gowns and cocktail dresses for ladies
   Tuxedo, slacks with dinner jackets, or suits for men

• Princess offers formal wear rental on all cruises; this can be arranged prior to embarkation.

• Dress code is subject to change with the ships itinerary. The above is a general guide. The dress code suggested in the Princess Patter may vary from time to time.

What's Onboard

• PRINCESS PATTER
  Princess Patter is your daily schedule of ship activities and entertainment events. It's also your guide to shipboard services with hours of operation. Princess Patter is delivered nightly to your stateroom. Keep it close at hand, so you'll always know what's happening and where.

• TOUR OFFICE
  A Tour Office with a Shore Excursion Manager is onboard each ship, ready to assist you with your port and tour-related questions and purchases.

• PRINCESS CAPTAIN'S CIRCLE HOST
  Each sailing includes a Princess Captain's Circle Host to assist with exclusive "Members only" onboard events and other Member benefits.

• IN-STATEROOM AMENITIES
  The little extras you find in the best hotels  fresh fruit (by request), evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow, complimentary shampoo, conditioner and body lotion  are provided in every stateroom. Waffle weave cloth bathrobes are available upon request from your stateroom steward for your comfort and convenience. For those of you who wish to enjoy a relaxing drink in the privacy of your stateroom, bottles of liquor and stateroom bar packages are available for purchase at non-duty-free prices through room service, from designated bar locations, or through our stateroom packages. Click here to download our menu of offerings.

• Mini-suites include a welcome glass of champagne, two televisions, a refrigerator and a walk-in closet, while full suites offer all of these premiums plus additional amenities such as a DVD/CD player and free access to a DVD library. Full suite passengers also enjoy complimentary web access in the Internet Cafi, laundry and dry cleaning, and use of the Lotus Spa Thermal Suite (on select ships).

• Each stateroom has other items for your convenience, such as a private safe and refrigerator. In addition, each room is equipped with a 110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings. Please ask your stateroom steward to check your appliances for suitability before use if you have any questions. All ships are equipped with an electric hair dryer in every stateroom.

• TV PROGRAMMING*
  Getting away from it all doesn't mean being out of touch. Every stateroom on Princess ships has its own TV set featuring our multi-channel Princess Overseas Television programming. We offer live satellite reception of CNN, ESPN International, TNT, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network and Boomerang where satellite coverage permits. Along with a movie channel featuring a wide selection of first-run movies, we also provide the latest sitcoms and dramas, an onboard version of the Discovery Channel, and a wide selection of special programming, including the Academy Awards.. Plus, for sports fans, we offer several major sporting events such as the Super Bowl., college bowl games and the NCAA basketball tournament.

• INTERNET AND E-MAIL ACCESS*
  Internet access is available on all Princess vessels through our onboard Internet Cafis and wireless networks. Use our stateof- the-art computer systems to access your web-based e-mail account, or browse the Internet for world news, sports and stock trading. Or bring your wireless-enabled laptop and access the Internet from the comfort of our beautiful Purser's Lobby/Atrium and the surrounding lounges and bars*. Wireless network cards are also available for purchase onboard.

• Passengers who subscribe to e-mail services from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) are advised to verify that their ISP has a web-mail viewing site prior to sailing. Most major ISPs have websites that allow mail access via a web browser using an e-mail address and password.

• Please contact the Passenger Service/Purser's Desk onboard for information regarding the charges that apply to Internet and wireless services, the hours of operation and any other specific requirements.

• * Note: Vessel Internet access and television programming are not guaranteed to be available at all times due to the nature of satellite connections, which are subject to disruption from weather and land-based obstructions.

• PASSPORT TO VALUE
  Enjoy great savings on products and services onboard with our complimentary Passport to Value booklet. This handy item  worth up to $1,100 in total savings  can be found in the mailbox just outside your stateroom upon arrival. It offers substantial discounts on tax- and duty-free shopping, spa treatments, fine art, photo services and more. Plus, every time you redeem a participating Passport to Value coupon, you'll be entered to win a crystal replica of a Princess ship  a $275 value  in our Passport to Value Sweepstakes. The more coupons you use, the more chances you'll have to win!

• BOUTIQUES
  Shop our boutiques for the perfect gifts to remember your cruise vacation. We offer incredible tax- and duty-free savings off suggested U.S. retail prices on fragrances, cosmetics, jewelry, gifts, apparel, accessories and liquor. In addition to our everyday savings, we bring you special promotions throughout the cruise. Once onboard, please check the Princess Patter calendar for times and locations of these exciting events.

• ART AUCTION PROGRAM
  You will have a unique opportunity to view and purchase pieces of fine art from a wide range of artists via onboard auctions. Art Directors are available throughout the cruise to answer your questions about the onboard art collection. At the end of your sailing, Princess will arrange to have your artwork framed, packaged and shipped to your home.

• PHOTOGRAPHY
  Photographs taken throughout the cruise by our team of professional photographers are available for purchase in our shipboard photo gallery and shop. For a truly special souvenir, have a portrait taken on a formal night. Quality film processing is available using state-of-the-art equipment, as are frames and photo albums in which to display your new memories. You will also find advanced digital imaging services, memory card downloads, and CD-burning services.

• LIBRARY
  Onboard each of our ships, we've created a library that includes contemporary and classic titles, as well as books related to specific cruise itineraries. You'll find subjects on art, history, sports, travel, health and wellness, natural history and reference materials. And, we also have a fine selection of fiction and biographies. Princess onboard libraries have collections of up to 2,000 books, as well as Internet stations and music listening chairs. Read your Princess Patter for library hours and other information.

Exercise & Activities

• LOTUS SPA & FITNESS
  Whether you enjoy a brief respite, a bracing workout, or a full day of pampering, the Lotus Spa is dedicated to renewing body, mind and spirit. You'll find a full range of personalized spa treatments including traditional hair and beauty services, massage, sensuous wraps and aroma therapies. The state-of-the-art fitness center features a professional staff, weight and aerobic conditioning equipment, sauna, solarium, steam rooms and classes ranging from aerobics to pilates to kickboxing. The spa is open daily, but we suggest you make arrangements on embarkation day for an appointment time that works best for you. Advance reservations on select ships are available via the Cruise Personalizer.

• TAKING A DIVE
  Learn to snorkel and/or scuba dive with professional, fullycertified PADI instructors. Our New WavesSM program is available on all 7-day cruises with Princess to the Caribbean. Under the guidance of the New Waves staff, you can get your feet wet with snorkeling and scuba demonstrations, snorkeling classes and tours, and scuba tours for non-certified and certified divers. You can even get a full scuba certification during your cruise. To book your dives in advance, visit our Cruise Personalizer.

• GOLF
  If golf is your sport, Princess can take you to the best places around the world to tee off. Try our sophisticated golf simulator featuring 35 of the world's most famous golf courses . We also offer a nine-hole putting green on select ships.

• While sailing on Mexican Riviera, Caribbean, Hawaii and Panama Canal itineraries, you can become part of our Princess Golf Club complete with a certified golf professional. Whether you're a scratch golfer or just starting out, our golf pro will provide personalized instruction to improve your game. Professionally guided golf excursions are also available with priority tee times and roundtrip transportation in almost every port of call. You can pre-reserve your tee time by calling 1-800-PRINCESS or visiting the Cruise Personalizer.

• PRINCESS SCHOLARSHIP@SEA. PROGRAM
  Now expanded to our entire Princess fleet, our ScholarShip@Sea. program offers contemporary enrichment to enhance your vacation experience.

• From wine tasting to web design to digital travel photography, choose from up to 40 courses per voyage, six per sea day, from core topic areas including: Photography, Computers, Culinary, Visual Arts, and Special Topics. Guests also have the opportunity to expand their ScholarShip@Sea. experience as small group instruction will be offered for pottery courses, photography, ceramics, in-depth computer programs and more.*

• * Some courses may not be available on every ship. Space is limited and group instruction courses are offered for a minimal fee.

Entertainment

• FIRST-CLASS ACTIVITIES, DAY AND NIGHT
  You can fill every day with a wide array of exciting onboard activities from paddle tennis to painting lessons. Take a galley tour; enjoy wine tasting; experience our traditional Champagne Waterfall, or join in games by the pool. You can even take a backstage tour, or take center stage at our karaoke lounge. Ships filled with amenities, equal in luxury to the finest land-based resorts  that's what makes Princess the ultimate vacation and a complete escape.

• PRODUCTION SHOWS
  Enjoy an exciting array of stage shows, most of which are written, costumed and choreographed exclusively by Princess. Curtain times vary; check your onboard newsletter, the Princess Patter, for show times.

• DANCE DATE
  Don't forget to bring along your dancing shoes, because Princess has several dance venues and live entertainment to get you into the swing of things. We start early and finish late. Just check Princess Patter for the times and places to give your partner a whirl.

• COCKTAIL HOUR
  Kick off the evening with cocktails in one of the ship's cozy lounges or bars. This is the perfect time to meet shipboard friends and swap stories about the afternoon's adventures.

• FEATURE MOVIES
  Every cruise features a great selection of first-run feature films for your viewing pleasure. On select ships, guests can experience Movies Under the Stars, our 300-square-foot outdoor movie screen.

• CASINO PLAY
  Our casinos offer the most popular table games, including blackjack, roulette, Caribbean stud poker and craps. We also feature a full range of exciting slot and video poker machines, as well as regular Snowball Jackpot Bingo sessions held throughout the cruise. Complimentary gaming lessons for slots and table games are held each cruise, along with exciting tournaments. Please check Princess Patter for our daily special promotions and opening hours. Plus, if you want to surprise your friends with a lucky side bet, you can choose a $25, $50, or $100 credit, redeemable in the shipboard casino.

• Persons under the age of 21 are not permitted to gamble or remain in the casino. For those passengers interested in playing at our higher limit tables, please contact our Casino Department at 1-800-5CASINO (1-800-522-7466) for more details.

• RAVE REVUES
  In addition to our main stage entertainment, Princess features talented magicians, comedians and guest singers who'll keep you guessing, laughing and singing along.

• TAKING THE SPOTLIGHT
  Passengers can also be stars. You can kick up your heels at our Country & Western Party  bring your cowboy boots and hats and join the line dancing. Or bring your tropical wear for our Island Night deck party on all warm weather sailings. There will be limbo contests, games and calypso music for "dancin' in the aisles." And don't be shy  audition for Princess Pop Star and share your vocal talents with the world.

Personal Choice Dining.

• A REVOLUTION IN CRUISE CUISINE
  Welcome to a flexible dining experience in cruising. One that gives you the freedom to choose where, when, and with whom you wish to dine. Princess is the only cruise line to offer four personal choice dining options  Traditional Dining, Anytime Dining, Specialty Dining and Casual Dining. Click here to see our Personal Choice Dining Options.

• Whichever dining options you choose, you'll enjoy great delectable menus. Simply let your travel agent know your preference when you book your cruise.

• And also remember to try Ultimate Balcony Dining for an elegant breakfast or dinner served in the privacy of your balcony stateroom.

• TRADITIONAL DINING
  Indulge in award-winning cuisine, served in an elegant, comfortable dining room each evening at 6 p.m. (early seating) or 8:15 p.m. (late seating).

• ANYTIME DINING
  For passengers wanting more flexibility in their dining schedule. Just like in a restaurant, show up when you like, to enjoy dinner alone or with friends between 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.

• SPECIALTY DINING
  When it comes to gourmet fare, variety is the spice of life  so Princess offers several specialty dining options. Sterling Steakhouse is an upscale take on the traditional steakhouse, serving favorites like New York steak and rib eye. Sabatini's, our Italian trattoria, is as authentic as they come  featuring fresh pasta dishes and Mediterranean seafood specialties. And the Bayou Cafi & Steakhouse will transport your tastebuds to Cajun country.

• CASUAL DINING
  All throughout each ship, we have a wide variety of casual dining options:  24-hour buffet  Burger & hot dog grill
   Late-night bistro  Ice cream bar
   Patisserie  24-hour room service
   Wine and caviar bar  Pizzeria

• ULTIMATE BALCONY DINING
  Enjoy Ultimate Balcony Dining, featuring fresh lobster, delicious delicacies and private service, all on your own balcony. Treat yourself to this unparalleled level of luxury morning or night, available for an additional cost.

• Note: Dining options vary by ship. Once onboard and subject to availability, you may switch from Traditional Dining to Anytime Dining with 24 hours notice to the Maitre D' Httel. Actual meal times are subject to change based on itinerary and season. Specialty Dining and Casual Dining venues vary by ship and charges may apply. Ultimate Balcony Dining available in select staterooms.

• AFTERNOON TEA
  Indulge in afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, cookies, music and white-glove service. It's the perfect interlude between sunning and swimming out on deck and a star-studded evening at sea. Enjoy a wide selection of premium teas  from Earl Grey to herbal infusions. And of course there's coffee, if you prefer. The choice is up to you.

• ROOM SERVICE
  Call for personal room service at any time of the day or night. To have continental breakfast delivered to your stateroom, just fill out the breakfast card included in your stateroom portfolio (one is also placed on your pillow) and hang it out at night on your stateroom door. For a full stateroom menu, please see your stateroom portfolio or call the number listed in your telephone directory.

• DISCRETIONARY HOTEL AND DINING CHARGE
  During your cruise, you will meet our staff in a variety of locations who provide you with excellent service. Many more crew support those who serve you directly. For your convenience a discretionary Hotel and Dining charge of $10 per passenger per day (including children) will be added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. This charge will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including the wait staff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff and others. Please note this is a discretionary charge and should you wish to remove or make any adjustments, you may do so by contacting the Passenger Service/Purser's Desk onboard.

• Casino dealers and Lotus Spa personnel do not share in the Hotel and Dining charge as not all passengers utilize these services.

• BAR AND WINE SERVICE CHARGE
  A 15% gratuity is added to bar charges and dining room wine accounts. This is shared amongst the beverage staff and their support staff, including cleaners and utility staff. Princess feels certain you will find the services onboard exemplary.

• ADDITIONAL FEES
  A cover charge of $15 to $20 per person may apply at our alternative dining venues. Prices may vary or change without notice.

• PRIVATE COCKTAILS & HORS D'OEUVRES
  What could be more fun than throwing a party at sea? We'll arrange for the invitations, mix the cocktails, and pour the wine. Our chef will even prepare a selection of your favorite hors d'oeuvres. Just contact the Passenger Service/Purser's Desk to plan all the details.

• SMOKE-FREE DINING
  To enhance your dining experience, we have established a smoke-free dining policy. For your convenience, we offer other smoking areas throughout the ship.

• ALCOHOL POLICY
  Passengers under 21 years of age are not permitted to purchase or consume alcohol onboard. Duty- and tax-free alcohol is available for purchase and may be delivered to your stateroom the last day of your cruise. Discounted stateroom packages are available. Click here to download our beverage menu.

• Alcohol purchased at any port of call, including the port of embarkation, may not be consumed onboard. It will be collected at the gangway for safekeeping and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of your cruise, prior to your disembarkation. You may bring wine or champagne onboard to celebrate special occasions. If consumed in the dining rooms or alternative restaurants, each bottle will be subject to a $10 corkage fee.

• ATTIRE FOR MAIN DINING ROOM
  Please see section entitled: Onboard Attire for details and section entitled: Formal Wear for rental.

We're At Your Service

• GROUP SERVICES
  For group travel, Princess offers a number of onboard services to suit any organization. Meeting rooms and audio/visual equipment are available for conferences. Group cocktail parties and activities can be arranged to follow work sessions. Speak to your travel agent or a Princess Onboard Services Coordinator for details.

• POSTAL SERVICE
  Since U.S. stamps are acceptable for use only within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, the Passenger Service/Purser's Desk has stamps for most ports you'll be visiting. Mail can be dropped in the mailbox located at the Purser's Desk.

• PASSENGER SERVICE/PURSER'S DESK
  The Passenger Service/Purser's Desk in the ship's lobby is the place to cash traveler's checks, buy stamps, ask questions, settle your shipboard account and check Lost and Found.

• MEDICAL CENTER
  It is comforting to know that the onboard medical center is staffed by full-time British-registered doctors and nurses. In addition to twice-daily office hours, they are available 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency.

• Charges for medical services will be added to your shipboard account, and you will be provided with an itemized account to submit to your insurance company. Remember, Princess ships are registered in Gibraltar and Bermuda. Verify with your insurer if your coverage applies outside the United States, or purchase appropriate travel insurance.

• RELIGIOUS SERVICES
  Princess provides Catholic, Jewish and Protestant services on the following religious holidays: Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Easter, Christmas, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover, Chanukah, Passover and Christmas.

• LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANING
  Take advantage of our onboard laundry service for a nominal fee. All laundry is returned within 48 hours, or on the same day with our express service. We also offer dry cleaning and self-service coin-operated launderettes.

• PRINCESS FLORAL
  Make your cruise a memorable one! Our professional florist onboard offers a wide range of fresh flowers for any occasion. Choose from corsages, boutonnieres, rose arrangements and bouquets, exotic tropical arrangements, all occasion bouquets and more. Call 1-800-PRINCESS to pre-order your flowers or visit the Passenger Service/Purser's Desk once you're onboard. Note: To ensure the freshest arrangements, we ask you to place your order at least seven days prior to sailing (if you pre-order). Flower varieties may vary by region, season and weather conditions. We can only fulfill pre-orders on Tahitian Princess and Pacific Princess.