Princess Cruises First Timer

Embarkation Day: Your First Onboard Adventure

Ah, embarkation day—the chaotic cocktail of excitement and stress. Think of it as the cruise version of Black Friday shopping. You’re about to board a floating hotel, and a little strategy goes a long way.

Check-in Process

Princess Cruises has this nifty thing called OceanReady. Get your medallion in advance (basically your all-access pass to everything onboard) and breeze through the check-in lines like a VIP. Spoiler alert: You are not the only one with this idea, so expect some lines regardless. If you’re itching to get on board, aim to arrive at the port early, but not too early. Use the extra time to scope out the port area or grab some last-minute necessities.

Settling In

Once onboard, head straight to your cabin to drop off your stuff if it’s ready. Otherwise, hit the buffet because, let’s face it, waiting isn’t your strong suit. Keep your essential items in your carry-on, like swimwear and sunscreen, because who knows when your luggage will finally decide to join the cruise.

Must-Do Activities: Let the Fun Begin

Princess Cruises offers activities for everyone, from those who want to relax to those who think “vacation” means “do everything.”

Entertainment

Catch a show at the Princess Theater or enjoy Movies Under the Stars—it’s like Netflix, but with unlimited popcorn and an ocean breeze. If you’re feeling extra, try the Voice of the Ocean singing competition. Whether you’re a bathroom-singer or a shower-soprano, it’s a fun way to embarrass yourself.

Relaxation

The Sanctuary is your go-to for adult-only tranquility. Yes, it costs extra, but it’s worth it for a day of bliss. Just remember, this is a kid-free zone, so you can finally read that book you bought last year.

Dining Tips: Navigating the Food Maze

You’ve got options, and lots of them. Princess Cruises is known for its dining, but figuring out what to eat can feel like choosing between your children.

Main Dining vs Specialty

The Main Dining Room is included in your fare, but specialty restaurants like Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria or Crown Grill will cost extra. Think of these as “treat yourself” nights. Pro tip: book these in advance, because everybody loves a good steak.

Buffet Strategy

The buffet is where you can indulge your indecisiveness. Want a sushi roll with your burger? Go for it. Just know it gets crowded at peak times, so consider dining at odd hours, like 7 PM or 9 PM.

Secret Spots

Trident Grill and International Café are your late-night saviors. Hit them up when the dining rooms close but your hunger pangs don’t. They’re included in your fare, so no need to smuggle in sandwiches.

Common Surprises: What You Didn’t See Coming

Even the best-run ships have their quirks. Here’s what might catch you off guard.

Gratuities

Gratuities are automatically added to your bill. It’s not a scam; it’s how crew members earn their living. You can adjust these at guest services, but remember, karma will find you.

Onboard Expenses

The medallion makes charging purchases to your room seamless—almost too seamless. Keep an eye on your onboard account using the app to prevent a nasty surprise at the end of your cruise.

Maximizing Day One: Hit the Ground Running

Day one is all about setting the tone for your cruise. Here’s how to kick things off right.

Ship Exploration

Get familiar with the ship layout early on. This will save you hours of wandering around like a lost tourist in midtown Manhattan. Use the Princess MedallionClass app to navigate and find things to do.

Activities Booking

Use the app to book spa treatments and shore excursions as soon as you board. Popular activities sell out fast, and you don’t want to be stuck playing shuffleboard while missing out on that helicopter ride you’ve been dreaming of.

App and Technology Tips: Bridging the Tech Gap

The Princess MedallionClass app is your new best friend. It does everything except captain the ship.

App Must-Knows

Use it to check your itinerary, see daily events, and even locate your kids. It’s like a shipwide GPS, minus the annoying voice. Make sure to download it before you board because ship Wi-Fi is reminiscent of dial-up speeds.

Medallion Tech

Your medallion unlocks your room, pays for your drinks, and even helps crew members locate you for drink delivery. It’s like magic but with less Hogwarts and more sea salt.

What to Book in Advance vs. Wing It

Pre-planning can make or break your cruise experience. Here’s the lowdown on what to secure before stepping aboard.

Book in Advance

• Spa services
• Specialty dining
• Popular shore excursions

These can fill up faster than you can say “bon voyage.”

Wing It

• Buffet meals
• Poolside lounging
• Participating in onboard trivia

These activities have more flexibility, so you can go with the flow.

Cabin Selection Advice: Your Home at Sea

Choosing a cabin is like choosing a high school locker. Location is everything.

Types of Cabins

Interior cabins are for those who consider sleep a waste of time. If you plan on being a social butterfly, save cash and go for these. Oceanview and Balcony cabins are for the lazy sunbathers who want ocean views without leaving their pajamas.

Location, Location, Location

Midship cabins are the sweet spot for stability if you’re prone to seasickness. Avoid cabins right below nightclubs unless you enjoy the sound of bass as your lullaby.