Princess Cruises Tips: Your Guide to a Perfect Voyage

So, you've booked a voyage with [Princess Cruises](/cruise-lines/princess-cruises)! Get ready for an incredible vacation filled with relaxation, discovery, and exceptional service. Known for its 'Love Boat' heritage and innovative technology, Princess offers a refined yet accessible cruising experience.

To ensure you squeeze every drop of enjoyment from your trip, we've compiled the ultimate guide packed with insider tips and essential knowledge. From mastering the high-tech Medallion to navigating the dining scene like a seasoned foodie, here's everything you need to know before you set sail.

Key Takeaways

* Embrace MedallionClass Early: Complete the 'OceanReady' steps in the app before you leave home for the fastest, most seamless embarkation experience you've ever had.

* Understand Your Fare Package: Decide if the inclusive Princess Plus or Princess Premier package is right for you. They often provide significant value on Wi-Fi, drinks, and gratuities.

* Plan Your Dining: Use the 'Dine My Way' feature in the app to make reservations for main and specialty dining, but don't overlook the fantastic casual spots like the International Café and Alfredo's Pizzeria.

* Use the App as Your Onboard Concierge: The MedallionClass app is your key to everything – ordering food and drinks to your location, checking daily schedules, navigating the ship, and messaging your travel party.

Master the MedallionClass Experience Before You Board

One of the biggest game-changers in modern cruising is Princess's MedallionClass technology. This isn't just a gimmick; it's a system designed to make your vacation smoother and more personalized. It all starts with a small, quarter-sized wearable device called the Medallion.

Your Medallion is your room key, your charge card, and your identity onboard. But its real power is unlocked when you prepare ahead of time using the MedallionClass app.

Get "OceanReady" at Home

This is the single most important tip for a stress-free start to your cruise. Weeks before you sail, download the MedallionClass app and complete the "OceanReady" steps. This involves:

* Uploading your security photo.

* Scanning your passport or entering your travel document information.

* Providing a credit card for onboard purchases.

* Ordering your Medallion and accessories (lanyards, clips, bracelets) to be shipped to your home for free.

Completing these steps means you'll be in the 'Green Lane' at the terminal. You'll literally walk past the long check-in lines, flash your documents, and be on the ship in minutes. It's a truly revolutionary embarkation process.

Understanding the Medallion and Its Powers

Once onboard, your Medallion works passively to enhance your experience. You don't need to tap it for most things. As you approach your stateroom, the door will unlock for you automatically. Crew members will greet you by name because their tablets recognize your Medallion as you approach.

This technology also powers one of the best perks: OceanNow delivery. Lounging by the pool and want a piña colada? Open the app, order your drink, and a crew member will bring it directly to your lounge chair, finding you via your Medallion's location.

Using the MedallionClass App Onboard

The app is your command center on the ship. Take some time to explore its features:

* JourneyView: A full, filterable schedule of all daily activities, shows, and events.

* ShipMates: Find and message your family and friends onboard (a huge help on large ships like the [Discovery Princess](/ships/princess-cruises/discovery-princess)).

* OceanNow: Order food, drinks, and even retail items like sunscreen to be delivered anywhere on the ship.

* Dine My Way: Manage all your dining reservations.

Navigate Princess Dining Like a Pro

Princess has a well-deserved reputation for excellent food, from the elegant main dining rooms to world-class specialty restaurants. With the 'Dine My Way' system, you have complete control over your culinary journey.

Mastering "Dine My Way" Reservations

Gone are the days of rigid, fixed dining times (unless you want one!). With Dine My Way, you can make reservations in the main dining room for whatever time and party size you like. You can choose to dine with your own group or be seated with other guests.

Pro Tip: Make your main dining room reservations as soon as you get onboard, especially for formal nights or at peak times (7:00-8:00 PM). You can do this easily in the app. This ensures you get your preferred time and avoid a wait.

Specialty Dining: Is It Worth the Splurge?

Absolutely. While the included dining is excellent, the specialty restaurants on Princess are a true highlight and offer incredible value for a modest cover charge. Two must-try venues are:

* Crown Grill: A classic, elegant steakhouse experience. Perfectly cooked steaks, chops, and incredible seafood. The service is impeccable.

* Sabatini's Italian Trattoria: Authentic, handmade pasta and sophisticated Italian dishes. It’s far more than your typical spaghetti and meatballs.

If you have a Princess Premier package, two specialty dining meals are included, making it a fantastic deal. Even if you don't, booking one or two special occasion meals is highly recommended.

Don't Miss These Casual Eateries

Some of the best food on a Princess cruise is found at the complimentary casual spots. Don't spend your whole cruise at the buffet! Make sure to visit:

* International Café: Located in the Piazza and open 24/7, this is the perfect spot for specialty coffees (for a fee, but included in drink packages), pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and salads. It's a lifesaver for a quick, quality bite at any time.

* Alfredo's/Gigi's Pizzeria: Consistently voted the "Best Pizza at Sea," this complimentary sit-down pizzeria serves up delicious, made-to-order pizzas, calzones, and pastas. It’s the perfect casual lunch on a sea day.

Understanding the Princess Fare Packages: Plus vs. Premier

Princess has moved to an all-inclusive pricing model with its fare packages, which can save you a significant amount of money. When you book, you'll choose between the standard Princess Standard fare, Princess Plus, or Princess Premier.

What's Included in Princess Plus?

The Princess Plus package is the most popular choice and offers fantastic value. It typically includes:

* Plus Beverage Package: Covers drinks up to $15 each, including most cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, specialty coffees, and bottled water.

* Wi-Fi: High-speed MedallionNet internet for one device per person.

* Crew Appreciation: Your daily gratuities are covered.

* Two Casual Dining Meals: Enjoy two meals at venues like Alfredo's or the Salty Dog Gastropub.

* Two Fitness Classes: Try out a yoga or cycling class.

For the vast majority of cruisers who enjoy a few drinks a day and want to stay connected, this package pays for itself very quickly.

The Added Benefits of Princess Premier

For those who want the ultimate inclusive experience, Princess Premier adds even more. On top of everything in the Plus package, you get:

* Premier Beverage Package: An upgraded drink package covering top-shelf spirits and wines by the glass up to $20.

* Wi-Fi for Four Devices: The whole family can stay connected on all their gadgets.

* Two Specialty Dining Meals: A huge value, covering dinner at places like Crown Grill and Sabatini's.

* Photo Package: Digital downloads of all your professional photos taken onboard.

* Princess Prizes: A fun onboard game where you have a chance to win prizes, including a free cruise, every time you open your stateroom door.

How to Choose the Right Package for You

Do the math. If you plan on buying a drink package and Wi-Fi separately, Princess Plus is almost always the better deal. If you also know you want to eat at two specialty restaurants and love having all your photos, Princess Premier provides exceptional, stress-free value.

Unforgettable Onboard Activities and Entertainment

Your days at sea on a Princess cruise can be as relaxed or as busy as you wish. Beyond the pools and casino, Princess offers some unique signature experiences you won't want to miss while on your [Caribbean cruise](/destinations/caribbean) or sailing through the fjords of [Alaska](/destinations/alaska).

The Magic of Movies Under the Stars

One of the most iconic Princess experiences is Movies Under the Stars. Grab a comfortable, padded lounger on the top deck, snuggle under a warm blanket, and enjoy a blockbuster movie on the giant poolside screen. They even provide complimentary popcorn and cookies. It's a simple, perfect way to end a day.

The Piazza: The Heart of the Ship

Modeled after a vibrant European square, the multi-story Piazza is the central hub of your ship. Throughout the day and night, you'll find live music, pop-up performances, and a buzzing atmosphere. It's home to the International Café, bars, and shops, making it a great place to people-watch or meet up with friends.

Production Shows and Live Entertainment

Princess offers Broadway-caliber production shows in the main theater with talented singers and dancers. But don't stop there! Check your JourneyView schedule for live bands in the lounges, hilarious comedians in the Vista Lounge, and game shows hosted by the cruise director's staff. There's always something happening around the ship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Cruises

We've covered the big topics, but you might still have a few specific questions. Here are answers to some common queries.

What is the dress code on a Princess Cruise?

Princess has a 'smart casual' dress code for evenings. This means long pants and a collared shirt for men, and a dress, skirt, or nice pants for women. On formal nights (typically two on a 7-night cruise), you'll see everything from tuxedos and ball gowns to a simple suit or cocktail dress. It's your chance to dress up, but it's not strictly enforced if you prefer to remain smart casual.

Can I bring my own drinks on a Princess cruise?

Princess policy allows each guest of legal drinking age to bring one bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) onboard at embarkation. If you consume it in a public area like a restaurant, a corkage fee of around $20 will apply. No other alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages are permitted to be brought onboard.

What is the muster drill like on Princess Cruises?

Thanks to MedallionClass, the old-fashioned, crowded muster drill is a thing of the past. When you board, you simply watch a short safety video on your stateroom TV or in the app. Then, you just need to visit your designated muster station at your leisure, where a crew member will scan your Medallion to confirm you know the location. It's quick, easy, and crowd-free.

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Your Princess cruise is an opportunity to create lifelong memories. By taking a little time to prepare with these tips, you'll step aboard ready to relax, explore, and enjoy every moment.

Ready to plan your next adventure or have more questions? The perfect cruise is just a conversation away. Try CruiseGPT by 360Cruising now for instant, personalized recommendations tailored just for you.