princess cruises dress code

Princess Cruise Formal Nights: Dress Code, Etiquette & More!

Embarking on a Princess Cruise is a ticket to a world filled with majestic experiences, a realm where elegance meets the endless horizon.

Among the bouquet of cherished memories you’ll collect, the cruise formal nights stand as glittering jewels, reflecting an ambiance laced with sophistication and celebratory spirit.

This guide aims to be your companion, unraveling the tapestry of Princess Cruise formal nights. So grab your free cruise planner and let’s go!

Princess Cruises Formal Night Dress Code

Sailing through the gentle waves under a starlit sky, the Princess Cruises formal nights invite you to a realm where elegance is the dress code.

Stepping into this grand affair requires a finesse adorned in attire that resonates with the night’s royal essence.

This section aims to unfurl the fabric of dress code etiquette, ensuring you glide through the evening with grace and ease.

Overview of Princess Cruise Dress Code

Princess Cruises advocates a dress code that balances sophistication with comfort.

The atmosphere on formal nights is one of refined elegance, where every guest is a jewel in the crown of the night. Here’s a glimpse into the attire guidelines:

• Men : Traditionally, a suit or tuxedo encapsulates the desired look. A dark suit paired with a crisp dress shirt and a tie or bow tie is a classic choice.
• Women : Evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant pantsuits echo the night’s elegance. The length of dresses can vary, though a knee-length or longer is often preferred.
• Children : While there’s a touch of leniency for the younger guests, dressing them in formal or semi-formal attire complements the evening’s atmosphere.

Men’s Dress Code

Dressing for a formal night is an ode to elegance. Here’s a more detailed insight into men’s attire:

• Suits and Tuxedos : A well-fitted suit or a tuxedo is a timeless choice. While black is a classic, feel free to explore navy or charcoal grey for a touch of uniqueness.
• Dress Shirts and Ties : A crisp dress shirt, coupled with a tie or bow tie, polishes the look. A light-colored shirt contrasting with a dark suit often creates a sharp ensemble.
• Footwear : Leather dress shoes or other formal footwear complete the outfit. Remember, comfort is key as you may find yourself dancing the night away!

Women’s Dress Code

The night beckons women to flaunt their style with an array of attire choices of dresses for cruise formal night :

• Evening Gowns : An evening gown is a quintessential choice for a royal soiree. The flow of the fabric, a tasteful neckline, and a flattering silhouette are elements to consider.
• Cocktail Dresses : For those who prefer a shorter length, cocktail dresses offer a blend of formal with a dash of playful.
• Elegant Pantsuits : A well-tailored, elegant pantsuit is also a fitting choice, embodying a modern yet refined look.
• Accessories : Complement your outfit with subtle accessories. A string of pearls, a delicate bracelet, or a pair of chandelier earrings can be the perfect finishing touches.

Children’s Dress Code

The younger royals are not left behind in this grandiose affair:

• Boys : A suit or a dress shirt with formal trousers reflects the evening’s formal tone. A tie can be a whimsical addition.
• Girls : Dresses or formal skirts paired with a nice top can be delightful choices. The attire can range from semi-formal to formal, allowing room for comfort and movement.

Where to Shop

Preparation for the formal night can commence well before you set sail:

• Online Retailers : Websites like Amazon , Nordstrom , or specialized formal wear outlets are great platforms to explore.
• Rental Services : Consider rental services like The Black Tux or Rent the Runway for a budget-friendly alternative.
• Onboard Shops : Once onboard, the cruise shops also offer a selection of formal wear, though it’s advisable to have your attire sorted out beforehand to avoid last-minute rushes.

Dressing for Princess Cruises formal nights is an invitation to partake in a tradition of elegance.

As you prepare to honor the dress code, remember, the essence of the night is to celebrate together the splendid journey across the seas.

Schedule of Princess Formal Nights

Amidst the tranquil days and gentle evenings of your journey, the Princess Cruise Formal Nights shimmer on the horizon as events steeped in elegance.

Knowing when these special nights occur aids in shaping your cruise experience to its fullest. Let’s delve into how these nights are scheduled and how you can uncover the details specific to your voyage.

Typical Schedule

The formal nights are thoughtfully interspersed through your cruise itinerary. Though the schedule may vary based on the length and nature of your voyage, here’s a general outline:

• Short Cruises (1-4 days) : Typically, one formal night is scheduled.
• Medium Cruises (5-9 days) : Usually, two formal nights are featured.
• Long Cruises (10+ days) : Expect at least two, and possibly more formal nights, spaced out throughout the voyage.

How to Find the Schedule

Being privy to the schedule beforehand allows for impeccable planning. Here’s how you can ascertain the formal night schedule for your cruise:

• Cruise Personalizer : By logging into the Cruise Personalizer on the Princess Cruises website, you can access a detailed itinerary, which includes the schedule for formal nights.
• Daily Patter : Once onboard, the ‘Daily Patter’, a newsletter delivered to your stateroom, will have the schedule for each day’s events, including the formal nights.
• Guest Services : You can also inquire at the guest services desk onboard for the formal night schedule.

Special Themed Formal Nights

Sometimes, Princess Cruises infuses a thematic essence into the formal nights. Here’s a peek into these special editions:

• Themes : Themes such as ‘Black and White Ball’ or ‘Captain’s Gala’ bring a vibrant layer to the formal evenings.
• Attire : While the base dress code remains elegant, the theme may invite additional color schemes or accessories.
• Activities : Themed nights may feature special activities, dance routines, or contests that echo the theme’s spirit.

These themed formal nights are a mélange of creativity and elegance, where tradition waltzes with whimsical fun.

Preparing for Princess Formal Nights

The allure of Princess Cruise Formal Nights blossoms with a touch of preparation.

As the stars align to light up your evenings at sea, a few orchestrated steps can escort you into the heart of these majestic nights with ease and elegance.

Let’s set sail through the pre-cruise and onboard preparations that frame your formal nights in a glow of seamless enjoyment.

Pre-Cruise Preparations

A stitch in time, as they say, here’s how you can weave your preparations into the fabric of an unforgettable formal night:

• Explore sales or rentals for formal attire well ahead of your cruise.
• Pack a blend of options to suit your mood and the potential themes.
• Include comfortable formal shoes, as the night holds promises of dance and delightful wanderings.
• Pre-book hair and makeup appointments if you prefer a professional touch.
• Alternatively, consider packing your favorite beauty products to style yourself.
• Browse through forums, blogs, and Princess Cruises’ official guidelines to gather insights on what to expect.
• Engage with past cruisers to glean tips and recommendations.

Onboard Preparations

As the cruise sails towards the horizon of formal nights, here’s how you can prepare on board:

• The ship’s salon offers hair, makeup, and nail services. It’s advisable to book your appointments early to secure your preferred time slot.
• Check the spa/salon’s opening hours and services offered to plan your day.
• Ensure your formal wear is pressed and ready. The onboard laundry services include pressing services to have your attire looking pristine.
• Assemble your accessories, shoes, and any other items you’ll need.
• Formal nights are photo-worthy moments. Booking a session with the onboard professional photographers ensures you have timeless mementos of the evening.

Your preparation, both pre-cruise and onboard, lays down a red carpet, leading you into the glamour and cheer of Princess Formal Nights. It’s a voyage through a starlit evening, where every detail you’ve orchestrated plays a note in the melody of unforgettable memories.

The Formal Night Experience

The aura of elegance, a gentle breeze, the subtle murmur of waves kissing the hull – the scene is set for a night of majestic experiences.

As the sun casts a golden farewell to the day, the allure of the formal night unfolds, sweeping you into a realm of high-class dining, soulful music, and congenial company.

Let’s voyage through the facets that craft the essence of Princess Cruise Formal Nights.

The Dinner Affair

A culinary voyage lies at the heart of the formal night:

• Your table awaits at the ship’s sophisticated dining rooms. Reserved seating ensures a place amidst the evening’s elegance.
• A menu curated for the formal night promises a gourmet journey through appetizers, entrées, and desserts.
• For a touch of flexibility, Anytime Dining allows you to dine at your leisure between the designated hours.
• Advance reservations at the specialty restaurants usher you into a realm of culinary artistry.

Dancing and Entertainment

As dinner fades into a memory, the night blooms with music and laughter:

• The gentle strains of a live orchestra invite you to the dance floor. Whether a seasoned dancer or stepping to the tune for the first time, the ballroom beckons.
• A schedule of live entertainment ranging from musical shows to magic acts enlivens the night.
• Engage in theme-specific contests or activities, amplifying the joy of the night.

Socializing and Networking

Amidst the sparkle, connections blossom:

• Formal nights often host Captain’s welcome parties or other meet-and-greet events, opening doors to mingle with fellow cruisers and the ship’s crew.
• The professional photographers capture moments as you socialize, leaving you with memories framed in elegance.
• Retire to the sophisticated lounges or bars to continue the conversations over fine wines or crafted cocktails.

The Night’s Closure

As the night matures, the gentle return to your stateroom:

• A stroll on the deck under a starlit sky is a serene closure to the formal night.
• Your stateroom awaits to cocoon you in comfort as you reminisce about the night’s splendors, perhaps with a nightcap delivered via room service.

The orchestrated blend of gourmet dining, engaging entertainment, and congenial company shape the tapestry of Princess Formal Nights.

As the soft strains of music fade into the ocean’s lullaby, the memory of a majestic night at sea finds a harbor in your heart.

Common Mishaps and How to Avoid Them

A voyage into the regal realms of Princess Formal Nights is often smooth sailing. However, unforeseen ripples could attempt to cloud the elegance of your evening.

Awareness and a dash of preparation are your compass and anchor through these minor mishaps. Let’s navigate through common misadventures and how to steer clear of them.

Dress Code Missteps

A misinterpretation of the dress code can lead to discomfort. Here’s how to avoid such a situation:

• Thoroughly read through the dress code guidelines provided by Princess Cruises.
• Seek insights from seasoned cruisers on forums or social media groups.
• Confirm the dress code with guest services once onboard.
• If in doubt, opt for a slightly more formal attire to blend well with the evening’s tone.

Overbooking

A Princess cruise formal night can turn hectic if overbooked with reservations and activities. Balance is key:

• Choose the experiences that matter most to you – be it a special dinner, a show, or dancing.
• Avoid back-to-back reservations to ensure you have enough time to relish each experience.

Missed Reservations

Missing a dining or spa reservation can be disappointing:

• Ensure you check the timings and arrive a bit earlier to avoid any mishaps.
• Use your smartphone or the stateroom’s alarm clock to set reminders for your reservations.

Photographic Faux Pas

An unflattering or missed photo op can be a small regret:

• Have a brief consultation with the onboard photographers about your preferred poses or settings.
• Schedule your photo sessions at a comfortable time, ensuring you are not rushed.

Dietary Restrictions

A smooth dining experience hinges on addressing dietary needs:

• Notify Princess Cruises of any dietary restrictions or allergies before embarking.
• Confirm with the dining staff to ensure your dietary needs are well-addressed.

The voyage through possible mishaps prepares you to circumvent minor bumps, ensuring your evening sails smoothly into the horizon of memorable experiences.

As our guide sails towards the conclusion, the upcoming section encapsulates the quintessence of Princess Formal Nights, rounding off your preparation for an elegant and enjoyable experience under the starlit canopy of the open sea.

With this conclusion, we wrap up the folds of preparation and insight, opening the gateway to the awaiting elegance of Princess Cruise Formal Nights.

This guide aims to be your companion in ensuring that the experience resonates with splendor, joy, and smooth sailing, shaping your cruise into a narrative of unforgettable evenings under the starlit canopy of the vast, tranquil sea.

FAQs on Princess Cruise Formal Nights

In the crescendo towards the elegant evenings of Princess Cruise Formal Nights, several queries may dance across your mind.

This section is tailored to waltz through some of the commonly asked questions, providing a soft landing into the realm of clarity as you prepare for your voyage into elegance.

1. What Exactly Constitutes Formal Attire?

• Formal attire typically refers to suits with ties, or tuxedos for men, and evening dresses or elegant pantsuits for women. It’s the attire you would wear to a very upscale event or a high-end restaurant.

2. How Strict is the Dress Code?

• While Princess Cruises encourages adherence to the dress code to maintain the elegant ambiance, a modest degree of flexibility is often observed. It’s always a good idea to check with guest services for the specific expectations on your cruise.

3. Can I Rent Formal Wear Onboard?

• Yes, Princess Cruises often offers formal wear rental services onboard. It’s advisable to inquire about this service and make your selections early on in the cruise.

4. Are Children Expected to Adhere to the Formal Dress Code?

• While children are welcome to dress formally, the dress code is often more relaxed for young cruisers. Nice, clean, smart casual attire is generally accepted.

5. What if I Prefer Not to Participate in Formal Nights?

• If formal nights aren’t your cup of tea, there are alternative dining venues like the buffet or casual eateries where the dress code is relaxed.

6. Are There Professional Photographers Available?

• Absolutely! Professional photographers are available to capture your elegant moments. It’s a wonderful opportunity for a portrait against the ship’s stunning backdrops.

7. Can I Book a Specialty Restaurant for Formal Night?

• Yes, you can! It’s advisable to make your reservations well in advance as specialty restaurants are quite popular, especially on formal nights.

8. Is There Any Extra Cost Associated with Formal Nights?

• The cost of the formal nights is usually included in your cruise fare. However, certain extras like professional photos, specialty dining, or spa and beauty services would incur additional charges.

9. What Kind of Entertainment Can I Expect?

• Expect a bouquet of entertainment from live orchestral music, ballroom dancing, live shows, to themed activities that resonate with the elegance of the evening.

10. How Can I Find Out About the Theme of Formal Nights?

• Information about themed formal nights can often be found in the daily planner delivered to your stateroom, or by checking with guest services.

11. Are Special Diets Catered For During Formal Nights?

• Absolutely! Princess Cruises takes pride in accommodating a variety of dietary requirements. It’s advisable to notify the cruise line of any special dietary needs before embarking, and confirm with the dining staff once onboard.

12. Will There Be Dance Lessons Available Prior to Formal Nights?

• Often, there are dance lessons available on board in the days leading up to formal nights. It’s a fun way to prepare for the ballroom dancing in the evening.

13. Can I Choose My Dining Companions on Formal Nights?

• While seating arrangements vary, you can certainly request to be seated with particular guests. It’s advisable to speak with the maitre d’ early on to make any special seating arrangements.

14. Is There a Formal Night Every Night?

• No, formal nights are special evenings that occur once or twice during a cruise, depending on the length of the voyage.

15. What is the Typical Schedule for Formal Nights?

• The schedule for formal nights can vary, but it often includes a formal dinner, followed by dancing, live shows, and other themed activities. Check the daily planner delivered to your stateroom for the schedule on your cruise.

16. Are There Any Age Restrictions on Formal Nights?

• Formal nights are a celebration for all ages. However, certain venues or events during the evening may have age restrictions, so it’s always a good idea to check in advance.

17. What Kind of Music Can I Expect?

• The music on formal nights often includes a blend of classic ballroom tunes, contemporary hits, and live orchestral performances, catering to a variety of musical tastes.

18. Is There an Opportunity to Meet the Captain During Formal Nights?

• Indeed, formal nights often include a Captain’s welcome party where you have the opportunity to meet the captain and some other senior officers.

19. Do I Need to Make Reservations for Dinner on Formal Nights?

• It’s a good practice to make dinner reservations especially if you prefer to dine at a specific time or at a specialty restaurant.

20. Where Can I Find More Information About Princess Formal Nights Once Onboard?

• More information can be found in the daily planner, through the interactive TV system in your stateroom, or by checking with guest services.

Dress Codes

Shipboard dress is casual during the day. Shorts and tasteful T-shirts are acceptable even in the dining room. At dinner, dress codes will vary daily, among the following:

Smart Casual: Skirts/dresses, slacks, and sweaters for ladies; Pants and open-neck shirts for men.

Formal: Evening gowns and cocktail dresses for women; tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits with a tie for men.

Understanding Princess Cruises Dress Code Policy

Princess Cruises offers an exquisite experience at sea, and part of that includes adhering to their dress code policy. As you embark on your voyage, it’s important to understand how strict Princess Cruises’ dress code truly is. From elegant formal nights to casual daytime attire, this article will guide you through the different dress code requirements onboard, ensuring that you are well-prepared and polished for every occasion. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this comprehensive overview will help you navigate Princess Cruises ‘ dress code policy with ease.

Table of Contents

Princess Cruises Dress Code Policy

Welcome aboard Princess Cruises, where elegance and style are celebrated! Our dress code policy is designed to enhance the overall ambiance of your cruise experience, ensuring that you feel comfortable and appropriately attired for every occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the various dress code requirements, from daytime attire to themed nights, and help you understand the different terms and guidelines. So, let’s dive in and get you acquainted with the Princess Cruises dress code!

Overview of Princess Cruises Dress Code

Importance of dress code on princess cruises.

Princess Cruises places great importance on maintaining an appropriate dress code, as it contributes to the overall atmosphere and creates a sense of elegance and sophistication on board. By adhering to the dress code policy, you can fully immerse yourself in the cruise experience and enjoy the refined ambiance that Princess Cruises is renowned for.

Goal of Dress Code

The dress code policy aboard Princess Cruises aims to strike a balance between formal elegance and relaxed informality. Whether you prefer to dress up or keep it casual, our dress code ensures that everyone can find an appropriate style that suits their personal comfort level.

Princess Cruises’ Dress Code Reputation

Princess Cruises has a well-established reputation for its dress code policy. Known for its refined and upscale atmosphere, Princess Cruises has consistently upheld its dress code standards over the years, ensuring that all guests have a memorable and sophisticated experience.

Daytime Attire

Casual dress code.

During the daytime, Princess Cruises adopts a relaxed and casual dress code. You can dress comfortably in resort-style clothing, such as shorts, sundresses, jeans, and t-shirts. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for walking around the ship and engaging in various activities.

Appropriate Attire for Daytime Activities

While the dress code is casual, there are a few exceptions when it comes to specific activities. If you plan to participate in activities such as yoga, fitness classes, or any athletic pursuits, it is advisable to wear appropriate workout attire. Additionally, when visiting public areas like the dining rooms or lounges, it is recommended to dress slightly more presentably.

Swimwear and Poolside Dress Code

When spending time by the pool, feel free to wear your swimsuit and cover-up. However, we kindly request that you refrain from walking around the ship in your swimwear. To maintain a respectful environment for all guests, please remember to use appropriate attire when leaving the pool area.

Evening Attire

Importance of evening attire.

Evenings aboard Princess Cruises are a special time, bringing a touch of elegance and sophistication to your experience. As such, we have specific dress code guidelines to help you create a stylish evening look.

General Evening Dress Code

In the evenings, a more sophisticated dress code is in effect. Smart casual or formal attire is usually required when visiting the main dining rooms, lounges, and entertainment venues after 6:00 PM. This allows for a more refined atmosphere and adds to the overall elegance of the evening experience.

Appropriate Attire for Dining

When dining in our main dining rooms, the Horizon Court buffet, or other specialty restaurants, it is recommended to dress in smart casual evening attire. This includes slacks or trousers, a collared shirt, and closed-toe shoes for gentlemen, while ladies can opt for dresses, skirts, or dressy pantsuits.

Attire for Entertainment Venues

For shows, theaters, and lounges, it is advisable to follow the smart casual dress code, similar to dining attire. Please note that specific dress code requirements may vary depending on the evening’s events, so it is always a good idea to check the daily schedule for any additional guidelines.

Formal Nights

Definition and purpose of formal nights.

Formal nights on Princess Cruises are an opportunity for guests to showcase their most elegant attire and enjoy a glamorous evening of fine dining and entertainment. These special nights bring an air of sophistication to the ship and are typically held on longer cruises.

Appropriate Formal Attire

For formal nights, gentlemen are expected to dress in traditional formal wear, such as tuxedos, suits, or dinner jackets. Ladies can opt for elegant cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or dressy pantsuits. This is the perfect occasion to bring out your finest attire and create lasting memories.

Gentlemen’s Guidelines

For gentlemen, traditional formal wear is recommended. This includes a tuxedo or a dark suit, a formal shirt, dress shoes, and, if desired, a bow tie or necktie. While tuxedo rentals are available on board, it is advisable to pre-book to ensure availability.

Ladies’ Guidelines

Ladies have the opportunity to showcase their style and grace with elegant evening wear. This can be a formal gown, cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. Accessorize with jewelry, heels, and a clutch to complete your sophisticated look.

Acceptable Alternatives

If you prefer not to dress in formal attire, alternative elegant options are also accepted on formal nights. For gentlemen, a dark suit and tie can be worn, while ladies can opt for a formal dress or pantsuit. The key is to maintain an elegant appearance that aligns with the occasion.

Informal Nights

Definition and expectations of informal nights.

Informal nights offer a slightly less formal dress code compared to formal nights while still maintaining an elegant atmosphere. On these nights, you have more flexibility in your attire while remaining respectful to the occasion.

Recommended Attire

For informal nights, gentlemen can wear a jacket with slacks or trousers, a dress shirt, and dress shoes. Ladies have the option to wear a dressy outfit, such as a skirt or dress pants paired with a blouse or a dressy top. This provides a balance between formal and casual, allowing you to express your personal style.

Dress Code for Children

Children, just like adults, are expected to adhere to the dress code policy during informal nights. It is important to ensure that they are dressed smartly, in appropriate clothing for the occasion.

Smart Casual Nights

Definition and recommendations for smart casual nights.

Smart casual nights offer a more relaxed and contemporary dress code option, allowing for stylish yet comfortable attire. It strikes a balance between formal and casual, resulting in a sophisticated and fashionable look.

Appropriate Attire for Smart Casual Nights

For gentlemen, smart casual attire can include dress pants or khakis, paired with a collared shirt or a sweater. Ladies can opt for a dressy blouse, a skirt or dress pants, and stylish footwear. The focus is on creating a polished appearance without the formality of formal nights.

Children are also expected to adhere to the smart casual dress code during these nights. Encourage them to dress in stylish yet comfortable clothing that fits the occasion.

Themed Nights

Introduction to themed nights.

Themed nights on Princess Cruises add an extra element of fun and excitement to your cruise experience. These nights allow you to showcase your creativity and participate in themed events throughout the ship.

Examples of Themed Nights

Themed nights can vary depending on the itinerary and cruise duration. Some popular examples of themed nights include Tropical Night, 70s Disco Party, or Pirate Night . These nights provide an opportunity for guests to dress up according to the theme and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.

Appropriate Attire for Themed Nights

The dress code for themed nights is generally more relaxed and playful. You are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the theme and dress accordingly. Be sure to check the daily schedule for specific guidelines on costumes and attire related to the theme of the evening.

Understanding the Dress Code Terms

Explanation of dress code terminology.

To ensure clarity and understanding, let’s define the different dress code terms used aboard Princess Cruises.

Formal attire refers to the highest level of elegance on board. It typically includes tuxedos, suits, dinner jackets, and evening gowns.

Informal attire represents a step below formal wear. It allows for more flexibility while maintaining an elegant appearance. Informal attire for gentlemen often includes jackets with slacks or trousers, while ladies can opt for dressy outfits.

Smart Casual

Smart casual attire strikes a balance between formal and casual wear. It focuses on a polished appearance without the rigid formality of formal nights.

Casual attire is appropriate during the daytime and certain casual events on board. It includes comfortable resort-style clothing such as shorts, sundresses, jeans, and t-shirts.

Enforcement of Dress Code

Princess Cruises ensures the enforcement of the dress code policy by its staff members who monitor the appropriate attire in various venues and public areas. While we strive for compliance, our approach is friendly and understanding, recognizing that guests may have varying interpretations of the dress code guidelines. However, we kindly request that all guests make an effort to adhere to the dress code policy to preserve the elegant ambiance for everyone on board.

Dress Code Exceptions

Special occasions.

If you are celebrating a special occasion on board, such as a birthday or anniversary, you may want to dress more formally or elegantly. Princess Cruises understands and accommodates these exceptions, allowing you to create lasting memories in your finest attire.

Medical Conditions

Guests with certain medical conditions that require specific attire or adjustments may be exempt from the dress code policy. We encourage you to contact our Guest Services team in advance to discuss any special requirements or accommodations needed.

Guests with Disabilities

Princess Cruises strives to provide a comfortable and inclusive experience for all guests, including those with disabilities. If you or a member of your party requires specific accommodations in terms of attire, please reach out to our Access Office for further assistance.

We hope this comprehensive article has provided you with a thorough understanding of the Princess Cruises dress code policy. By following the guidelines, you can ensure that you are appropriately attired for each occasion and fully immerse yourself in the elegant and refined atmosphere of your cruise. Enjoy your journey with Princess Cruises!

Hi, I'm Mike, the author of Ocean Bliss Journeys. As the captain of this incredible website, my mission is to provide you with the ultimate sailing experience. Set sail on a journey of discovery with us and indulge in the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Our handpicked cruises offer unparalleled luxury and unforgettable destinations. From romantic getaways to family vacations and hidden gem exploration, I've carefully curated tailored packages to ensure every moment is cherished. So, join me and embark on your dream cruise today. Let's create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Tips on What to Pack for a Cruise and Dress Code

A cruise can be the vacation of a lifetime, allowing travelers to visit exotic destinations and stay in the lap of luxury aboard a world-class ship. Here are a few tips on how you should pack your bag before you leave for an exciting adventure on the high seas.

The most critical thing you should bring with you in your carry-on bag is a folder full of all the  important documents related to your trip. This includes airline tickets to the port of embarkation, cruise reservation documents, passports and necessary visas, medical insurance cards and credit cards. By having these pieces of paper handy, you can make sure that you will be properly taken care of if an emergency arises and that you will not have any problems getting off the boat during a shore excursion in a new country. You should also make sure to keep copies of these documents in both your luggage and at home, as this ensures that you will be covered in case the original is lost, stolen or damaged.

Your cruise ship will provide basic toiletries for the shower, so there is no reason to waste precious luggage space on shampoo and conditioner. Check the bathroom before you leave to make sure you haven't left behind contact lenses, contact solution, glasses, medications, deodorant, mouthwash and hair gel. If you do forget anything, however, the ship will have a convenience store where you can pick up any toiletries or sundries that you left behind at home.

You should make sure you have a wide array of clothing packed away in your suitcase, as cruises may require everything from a casual swimsuit to a formal tuxedo. Princess Cruises is smart casual, so pack clothing that adheres to that guideline. On the informal side of things, both men and women may want to pack away breezy shirts, comfortable sandals and shorts for the day, while they can opt for a sweatshirt or windbreaker to help them stay warm if temperatures drop. In addition, bringing along a rain jacket, an umbrella and galoshes may be a good idea if rainy weather interrupts any scheduled shore excursions. For more formal settings, men should bring a dinner jacket, slacks, or a dark suit and a nice pair of shoes, while women may want to bring an evening gown, cocktail dress, or elegant pant suit. When packing, bring wrinkle-free items or try rolling your clothes. Folding clothes can create creases, and cruise cabins are not equipped with irons (although they can be found in the ship's laundry rooms).

21 Princess Cruise Tips You Need to Know

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: May 8, 2019  - Last updated: November 19, 2021

Are you planning on taking a Princess cruise? It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Princess. Learning the ins and outs of any cruise line takes a lot of experience and research – but you don’t have to do that. I’ve done the hard work for you! From how to earn extra on board credit to what you should wear for formal nights, here are my 21 top Princess cruise tips to make the most of your vacation at sea.

Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. For more info, please read my  Disclosure Policy .

1. Read the Princess Patter

If you’re a seasoned Princess cruiser, you’ll know that the arrival of the Princess Patter in your stateroom mailbox each evening is a highly-anticipated event! But if you’re new to Princess or new to cruising in general, you may be wondering what is the Princess Patter, and why is it important?

The Patter is a daily newsletter that shares tons of important information for the next day. It gives a detailed list of all the day’s activities, along with a weather report, scheduled arrival and departure times on port days, and notifications of any changes to the itinerary. It also specifies the dress code for the following evening (smart casual or formal), along with opening and closing times for restaurants, bars, and shops.

Reading the Princess Patter thoroughly is important to keep you in the know – things can change on a cruise!

On a Panama Canal cruise, we were surprised by the Captain’s announcement that due to weather, our scheduled stop at Princess Cays was being replaced by a stop at Ocho Rios, Jamaica . Understandably, not everyone heard the announcement. However, it was also posted prominently on the front page of the Patter, and lots of people still missed the change!

You’ve probably seen news articles (or YouTube videos) about passengers who get left behind in port. A common reason why this happens? The departure time was changed, and the cruisers missed the announcement in the newsletter.

Definitely take a few minutes each evening to read the Princess Patter. Any really important announcements and changes will be on the front page, so read at least that to avoid missing important information for the next day.

2. Use up those old coffee cards! There’s a new coffee package…

For years, Princess sold the New Grounds Coffee Card that allowed you 15 specialty coffee drinks, along with unlimited brewed coffee and tea. The cards were transferable and could be used on multiple cruises. Many people hacked the system by saving one punch spot on their coffee card, enabling them to get free brewed coffee and tea…forever!

Recently, Princess transitioned to an onboard account based specialty coffee package, much like how their other beverage packages function.

This new program isn’t entirely transferable like the paper cards were, but they do allow some flexibility. The specialty coffees can be given to another passenger, but the brewed coffee and tea may only be consumed by the person who has the package on their account.

The biggest change with this program is that if you don’t use all of your specialty coffees during your cruise, you forfeit the rest.

Another change to the program is that the amount of specialty coffees you can order is based on the length of your cruise.

Make sure you order your coffee package online at least four days prior to your cruise – it won’t be available after that.

Can you still use the old Princess coffee cards?

So what happens if you have one of the old cards, and it has no expiration date (some do and some don’t)? When Princess transitioned to the new coffee program, they announced they would continue to accept the cards through August 31, 2019.

If you have an old card without an expiration, I’d still take the card and try to use it. The worst that can happen is they say no!

3. Everyone can request a bathrobe

One of the perks that Princess lists for suite passengers is plush bathrobes. If you’re not in a suite, you might think that you can’t have a bathrobe…but you can! Just ask your cabin steward when he comes to introduce himself on embarkation day . Plus, he’ll deliver them on hangers, which there are never enough of in cruise staterooms (you can also ask for extra hangers while you’re at it).

You’ll be glad you did, because stateroom bathrooms are tiny and steamy. There’s no ventilation! It’s nice to cool off after a shower in your robe before you get dressed.

Wondering what else your cabin steward can (and can’t) do for you? Read Eight Things That Will Surprise New Cruisers to find out.

4. Try the afternoon tea

Princess offers a free British-style afternoon tea each day. Finger sandwiches, cookies, biscuits and cakes are served by white-gloved waiters. This is a rarity among cruise lines these days, and it’s a nice mid-afternoon treat for a sea day, or if you decide to head back to the ship early from port.

Check the Patter for locations and times.

5. The Shopping Talk – should you go?

You may notice an announcement in the Patter about a shopping talk, hosted by the ship’s Shopping Host. Shopping hosts are cruise line employees who are paid commission by specific stores on land that they have a relationship with.

Your shopping host will encourage you to visit these specific shops, will give out coupons, and will sometimes even be in a shop (usually a high-end jewelry store) when you visit ports.

Don’t be fooled – the shopping hosts work on commission, and may not be pointing you to the best stores, just the ones that will make them money.

However, before you decide to skip the shopping talk altogether, the shopping guides are a wealth of information. They’ll often tell you the best way to get around the ports, and other information about what’s going on when you’ll be visiting. Just take their advice about the “approved” shops with a grain of salt.

If you go, make sure to sit near the front, because they often throw prizes during the talk, and I’ve never seen them reach the back rows!

6. Enter some prize drawings

Many of the shops have drawings to win merchandise. Prizes that I’ve seen include a piece of art, a spa voucher, and even a piece of diamond jewelry! I’m not very lucky with winning anything in general, but I’ve won a pair of earrings and a necklace onboard (neither was of the diamond variety).

Check the Patter for the drawing times – you have to be present at the drawing to collect your prize. Lots of people don’t show up, and they will continue to pull names until they pick someone who’s there.

7. Ultimate Balcony Dining is a great value – but only for dinner

If you’re thinking of splurging on a dinner or two at a specialty restaurant, and you have a balcony, doing the Ultimate Balcony Dining is a fantastic alternative. At $100 per couple for dinner (you can book this for two or four people), you’ll get a vase of fresh flowers delivered to your room, hors d’oeuvres, a cocktail each (or a half-bottle of Champagne), an amazing multi-course dinner featuring lobster and steak served by two dedicated servers, dessert, and an 8×10 photograph.

We did the Ultimate Balcony Dining on our last Princess cruise, and it was fantastic. It lasted about two hours, and the servers didn’t hover over us (or wait inside our stateroom as I had feared). Although they couldn’t see us from wherever they were hiding between courses, our servers seemed to have an uncanny sense of when to clear our plates and bring the next ones.

An Ultimate Balcony Breakfast is also available, for $45, but it doesn’t come with the dedicated service, flowers, or a photo. They just set up your table and deliver the meal – it’s pretty much room service with elevated breakfast food. Although it’s half the price, my advice is to skip this one.

8. All about food and drinks on Princess Cays

If your itinerary includes a stop at Princess Cays, Princess’ private resort on Eleuthera, Bahamas you’ll be glad to know that food is included. Plus, if you have a beverage package, you’re able to use it on the island as well!

(Princess Cruises owns Princess Cays, but they allow Carnival cruises to visit as well. If you happen to be visiting Princess Cays on a Carnival Cruise, the CHEERS! Beverage Package doesn’t work – only Princess cruise passengers’ beverage packages are accepted here.)

The crew brings over food from the ship and cooks it on the island. It’s pretty basic beach food like burgers and hot dogs, side dishes, and cookies. The cookout is only available during specific hours. Be aware of this if you take a shore excursion – the food might not be still available when you return.

Tap water, iced tea and lemonade are available at no charge. There aren’t any soda fountains on the beach, and the canned soft drinks aren’t covered in any beverage packages.

Bonus Princess Cays tip: Bring water shoes and bug spray . The shore is a bit rocky, and the sand fleas can be annoying!

Read more: Ultimate Guide to Princess Cays

9. Bartenders make great friends

Make friends with your bartenders. This may be my number-one tip for cruising in general, but especially on Princess! I’m not saying this so you can get stiffer drinks or faster service (but you might…). I’m saying this because the bartenders know everything.

If you want to know where to find free WiFi in port, where to find a cheap but delicious meal at your next stop, or what’s going on onboard that you absolutely can’t miss, your bartender friends will know the answer. Not only do they live on the ship, but they chat with passengers all day long! They’ll know if the comedian performing that night gets rave reviews or is a dud.

One secret rule that I never knew about until recently (that I had to drag out of a Princess bartender) is that if a passenger is still sitting at the bar, the head bartender can’t close the bar service down and leave for the night. Unlike bars on land, cruise ship bars don’t kick patrons out – you can sit in a lounge all night if you want, even if the bar isn’t serving drinks. So keep on their good side by moving to a nearby chair when bar service is scheduled to close.

10. Get extra perks with Captain’s Circle

You can join the free Captain’s Circle loyalty program at any time after completing your first cruise. Unlike many other loyalty programs in the travel industry, you don’t lose your loyalty level if you don’t cruise for a while.

You can reach the next level by hitting either a certain number of completed cruises, or by total number of cruise days sailed. This way, those who tend to book longer sailings aren’t penalized.

Note that if you sail in a full suite or you’re traveling solo, you’ll get double cruise credit for that sailing! Just remember that if you’ll reach the next level due to days sailed, you won’t change levels in the middle of the cruise. Your new level will be effective on your next sailing.

What perks do you receive at each Captain’s Circle level?

After your first completed cruise, you’re Gold level. You’ll be at this level from your second through third cruises. What does Gold Captain’s Circle status get you?

• An additional discount off your cruise fare (for the first 2 guests in the stateroom) when you book early
• Members Only Onboard Events
• Access to a Circle Host Onboard
• Every three months, you’ll receive Circle Magazine, featuring advance notification of promotions, itineraries, and ships, as well as behind the scenes information.
• Access to Captain’s Circle Online, for extra benefits including the Refer-a-Friend program

On your fourth through sixth cruises, or after completing 31-50 cruise days, you’re Ruby level. What does Ruby Captain’s Circle status get you?

• All Gold benefits plus:
• Free travel insurance upgrade: when you purchase Princess Vacation Protection, you’ll be automatically upgraded to Princess Platinum Vacation Protection.
• Priority customer service phone number
• 10% discount on the Reflections DVD. This is filmed live during your cruise, and is sold onboard in the Photo/Video Department.

Platinum is where it starts to get good! On your 7th through 16th cruises, or after completing 51-150 cruise days, you’re Platinum level. What does Platinum Captain’s Circle status get you?

• All Ruby benefits plus:
• Priority check-in at embarkation: don’t wait in line! Platinum members plus anyone traveling with you in the same stateroom can go right to the Priority Check-In desk.
• Platinum Members, along with everyone in the same stateroom, can use the Platinum Disembarkation Lounge, with light refreshments and a less-crowded atmosphere.
• Each Platinum member receives a complimentary Internet package that can be used in the Internet Café or on your own device. (Voyages 7 days or less, 150 minutes; Voyages 8-20 days, 250 minutes; Voyages 21+ days, 500 minutes.)

You’ve hit the big time! From your 17th cruise on, or after completing 151 cruise days, you’re Elite level, forever! Unless Princess changes its loyalty program, you can keep this level regardless of how often you cruise. What does Elite Captain’s Circle status get you?

• All Platinum benefits plus:
• Elite members can preview and book cruises before the general public
• Priority tender embarkation: Elite members don’t have to wait in line to get on a tender to or from the ship. This applies to everyone in your stateroom, even if they’re not all Elite!
• Priority disembarkation – you can let the Circle Host know what time you’d like to disembark.
• Complimentary shoe polishing service, upon request.
• Free laundry and professional cleaning services: just let your steward know!
• Complimentary mini bar set up: you’ll receive a selection of liquors, soft drinks, beer, still and sparkling water in your stateroom.
• Upon request, a complimentary selection of canapés will be delivered to your stateroom on formal nights. (This can be ordered by completing the card in your stateroom and hanging it on your door the night prior.)
• Complimentary afternoon tea may be served in your stateroom. (Request this via room service at least six hours prior.)
• No matter what kind of stateroom you’re in, the bathroom will be stocked with the upgraded amenities normally reserved only for Suite guests.
• 10% discount in the onboard shops
• Complimentary Grapevine Wine Tasting: this popular event usually costs $25 per person, and is not covered by any drink packages.

Swapping out your mini-bar setup

If you’ve reached the coveted Elite Captain’s Circle level, you’re not stuck with the selection of beverages they provide. You can call room service and have them swap the standard grouping for drinks that you prefer! They do have a limited selection, so your best bet is to ask for more of what you like from what they initially give you. They’ll replace the items you don’t care for with more of what you’ll actually drink.

If you’d prefer specialty coffees over liquor, beer, and soda, you can swap the mini bar setup for a coffee package. I’ve even heard of people switching out their mini bar for wine or bottled water. Just call room service and they’ll take care of the switch.

11. Princess has self-service laundry rooms

If you’re a fanatic about clean, pressed clothing like I am, you’ll be happy to know that Princess has a self-service laundry room on each floor. You can pay for detergent and the washers and dryers with your cruise card, and there are irons and ironing boards set up as well.

I like to take along a ziploc bag of powdered detergent and some fabric softener sheets – it saves a little money and I’m not stuck using whatever brand they have in the vending machine.

12. The adults-only pool is free

For some reason, many Princess cruisers think that the adults-only Lotus and Retreat Pools require a fee to enter. This is not true! These pools are free for all passengers 18 and over.

Maybe people confuse them with the (also adults-only) Sanctuary, which is fee-based?

If you want a quieter, less crowded pool experience, definitely check out the adults-only Princess pools. If you’re on a Royal Class ship, you can even rent a cabana at the Retreat Pool for a little added luxury.

13. How to get extra onboard credit

Onboard credit can be stacked on Princess, so don’t worry if you’ve already received some from a Princess promotion or from your travel agent – you can get even more if you’re eligible.

Not sure how onboard credit works? It’s loaded onto your account when you embark, and you can use it at the shops, specialty restaurants, and bars on board. You can also use it to purchase shore excursions, spa treatments, and photos on the ship.

Note that if you pre-pay for any of these things before your cruise, you won’t be refunded. OBC is only good for purchases made on the ship. Also, if you don’t use all of it by the end of your sailing, you forfeit whatever’s left.

Future cruise deposits

If you’re even considering another cruise in the next two years, it’s crazy not to get a future cruise deposit while you’re on board. This costs $100 per person and entitles you to OBC on your next cruise, up to $300.

Your $100 is held by Princess, and you can use it for your deposit for your next cruise. If you don’t use the deposit in two years, the money you paid is automatically refunded to your original form of payment. You can also request to have the money refunded before the two years are up, in case you completely change your mind.

Future Cruise Deposit on board credit by cruise length

• 17 – 44 day cruises: $150 Balcony, Mini-Suite & Suite; $125 Interior & Oceanview
• 11 – 16 day cruises: $100 Balcony, Mini-Suite & Suite; $75 Interior & Oceanview
• 7 – 10 day cruises: $50 Balcony, Mini-Suite & Suite; $25 Interior & Oceanview
• 3 – 6 day cruises: $25 Balcony, Mini-Suite & Suite; $15 Interior & Oceanview

I usually don’t like the idea of making a deposit on something I’m not sure I’ll be doing (I like to keep my money in my savings account where it earns interest). But this deal is too good to pass up.

For example, Mr. SBC and I both bought Future Cruise Deposits on our last Princess cruise. We used them to pay our entire deposit for our 11-day Scandinavia cruise this summer. Since we have a balcony, we’re each getting $100 in OBC. That’s a 100% return on our investment. I don’t know if you’ve checked savings account interest rates recently, but let me know if you find one that offers that kind of return!

Use a travel agent

We always use a travel agent when we book a cruise, especially because we often get extra discounts, reduced deposits, and on board credit. My pro tip? Look at various travel agencies to see what OBC they’re offering for your particular cruise.

When booking our upcoming cruise, I noticed that another travel agency was advertising OBC offered through a credit card issuer. We have that card, so I mentioned it to our travel agent. She made a few phone calls, and we got an extra $200 in on board credit.

Check out my Travel Resources page to see what companies I trust when booking our travel.

Refer a Friend Program

If you’re a member of Captain’s Circle, you can refer a friend who has never sailed with Princess and you’ll both get $25 OBC when they complete their first cruise.

If you haven’t yet made your first booking for a Princess cruise, reach out to a friend who has previously sailed. The application is quick and easy, and you’ll both receive the on board credit. More details and the application page are on Princess’ website .

Carnival shareholders

Princess is owned by the Carnival Corporation, so Carnival shareholders are eligible for free extra onboard credit. You have to own at least 100 shares, but you’ll get extra OBC for each Princess cruise that you take.

For detailed instructions, check out my post How to Get Onboard Credit for Owning Carnival Stock .

US and Canadian military veterans as well as active, retired or disabled military personnel are also eligible for OBC ($50 for sailings less than 6 days, $100 for 7-13 days, and $250 for 14 days or longer).

More details (and how to apply) are listed on Princess’ website .

14. Upgrade to Club Class

If you’re planning on booking a mini-suite, be sure to check out the Club Class mini-suites. Princess began offering this level in 2016 on select ships, and it’s now rolled out to the entire fleet.

On our Panama Canal cruise, we had a mini-suite, but Club Class was sadly sold out when we booked. I was surprised that the cost wasn’t much more than our stateroom’s cost, but it would have given us so many perks! I’m not surprised that they sold out so quickly.

Here’s what you’ll get with a Club Class mini-suite:

Premium location: The best locations among the mini-suites are reserved for Club Class, typically the mid-ship or aft spots that used to sell out quickly.

Exclusive Club Class dining: Formerly reserved for only full-suite passengers, the Club Class dining room is available for breakfast and dinner, as well as for lunch on sea days. There’s no wait for a table, and the upgraded menu options include tableside preparation.

Priority embarkation and disembarkation: You can skip the long line to check in on embarkation day and head right to Priority Check-In. On the last morning, join the full suite and Elite passengers in the priority disembarkation lounge.

Complimentary wine: A half-bottle of red wine plus a half-bottle of white wine will be waiting in your stateroom on embarkation day.

Priority specialty dining reservations: If you’d like to make a reservation for specialty dining, you’ll have VIP priority.

Evening canapés: Upon request, canapés will be delivered to your stateroom each evening.

Upgraded bathrobes: You’ll receive the same extra-plush bathrobes normally reserved for full suites.

15. You can make reservations with Anytime Dining

If you’ve read my article about food and drink on a cruise , you’ll know that you can choose between a traditional set dining time and “Anytime Dining”.

We like to choose Anytime Dining because we’re not always hungry at the same time. But what about if you know that you’ll need to have dinner at a certain hour – like if you want to be sure that you get a seat for a show and you want to eat first?

You can make reservations for the main dining rooms, even if you have Anytime Dining. If you’ve noticed that there’s always a line for the dining room at 6:30 save time by making a reservation. Just call the Dine Line on your stateroom phone.

16. How to eat at any time…even 3 AM!

International café.

If you’re a night owl or a super-early riser, you may be wondering where to get food (or a coffee) outside of “normal” dining times. You have options!

Most Princess ships have the International Café in the Piazza, and it’s open round-the-clock! Food is complimentary, although there is a charge for coffee and tea. In addition to fantastic pastries and cookies, International Café also serves breakfast parfaits, panini and salads.

If you’re starving after a night of dancing or losing track of time in the casino, this is the place to go to refuel in the wee hours. If they have the curry chicken salad when you visit, give it a try – it’s my favorite!

Complimentary room service 24/7

While other cruise lines are moving away from free 24-hour room service, Princess still offers this with a limited menu. You can call room service from your stateroom phone, or place a breakfast order hang tag on the outside of your door the night before.

Tip: Do you want something that’s not listed on the breakfast hangtag? I’ve had success with writing extra requests on it, like non-dairy milk or a sandwich to save for later.

Related: What New Cruisers Don’t Know About Cruise Food & Drinks

17. Movies under the Stars

Many Princess ships offer Movies Under the Stars, where they play recent films on the big screen. While you relax on your lounger, attendants will come around with fleece blankets, popcorn, or milk and cookies, for free!

18. How to plan for formal nights

Although Princess’ dress code in general is “smart casual”, your cruise will most likely have a formal night or two. All Princess cruises of five days or more will have at least one formal night.

What is Princess’ formal night?

On Princess sailings with a formal night, the dress code is elevated in the Main Dining Rooms during the dinner service. Most people who participate remain in their formal attire for the evening. Formal night almost always is in effect the same night as the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Party (with a Champagne waterfall), which is a great opportunity for photos!

When is formal night?

The exact dates of formal nights are never announced before a cruise, but your embarkation day Patter should tell you when they’ll be happening.

But what if you want to book reservations based on when the formal nights will be? There are a few ways to narrow down which nights will be chosen.

• Formal Nights are (usually) never on the first or last night of a cruise.
• Formal nights (almost) always take place on a sea day.
• Formal nights are (usually) not held two nights in a row.

We like to make an educated guess, and then make our specialty restaurant reservations for evenings that most likely won’t be formal. Why? The food in the main dining rooms is slightly elevated on formal nights. Also, the specialty restaurants can be busier on formal nights, because they don’t have a formal dress code. If lots of people on a cruise are avoiding dressing up, the specialty restaurant reservations can fill up fast.

What do I wear on Formal Night on a Princess cruise?

Do you detest formal clothing? You can opt out – the buffet never has a formal dress code. You can also order room service. If you plan on checking out a specialty restaurant (a cover charge applies) their dress code is always smart casual.

If you want to take part in formal night, you don’t have to wear an evening gown or a tuxedo, although many do, and that’s fine! I’ve had lots of friends and readers ask me what to wear for formal night (I spent 20 years in the fashion industry, in addition to being a cruise fanatic). I always tell them to dress as you would if you were a guest at a wedding.

Ladies, this is a great opportunity to re-wear those bridesmaid’s dresses you have hanging in the closet! (I can’t do this – the last time I was a bridesmaid was in the 90s. And I was six months pregnant). Recent bridesmaid’s dresses, I should say.

I always wear a knee-length cocktail dress and heels. Mr. SBC always wears a dark suit (I recommend a summerweight wool). We both feel comfortable in these kinds of outfits – we’re never the most dressed up passengers, and never the most casual.

For the guys on Princess’ formal nights, anything from a dress shirt and chinos with a blazer, to a suit or a tux is fine. If you really hate the idea of wearing a jacket, I’ve never seen anyone turned away from the dining room for not having one. Ties are also not a requirement.

For women, a dressy pants outfit can work, as can a less-formal dress (a dark color and some accessories can always make a casual dress look more dressy). Cocktail dresses and longer gowns are always a good choice.

Tip: To keep your formal night outfits looking good, my article How to Prevent Wrinkled Clothes on a Cruise shares all my secrets!

19. Try the Pub Lunch

I didn’t try the free Pub Lunch until my second Princess cruise, when my fave bartender talked us into it. It’s always held on sea days, sometimes in the Wheelhouse Bar, but often in the Crown Grill, normally a fee-based specialty restaurant.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the UK, and even lived there for a while, so I’m very familiar with traditional pub food. I usually don’t like going to faux British pubs, for the same reason I don’t go to “American-style” restaurants overseas.

Obviously, a cruise line isn’t going to be able to replicate the feeling of a village pub on a cruise ship full of tourists. But, what they did amazingly well was the food. I had the steak-and-kidney pie, and Mr. SBC had the bangers and mash. Of course we sampled each other’s dishes, and they were both amazing.

If you’re an Anglophile, a homesick Brit, or just in need of some comfort food, definitely try the Pub Lunch.

Read more: Princess Cruises Pub Lunch Review (With Menu)

20. How to get a bargain at the Effy jewelry store

If you’ve been on a Princess cruise before, you’ve definitely noticed the Effy jewelry shop on board (or your other half has!) They have beautiful pieces of fine jewelry in many price ranges – but none of it is cheap.

Haggling in Effy

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that my vacation tradition is to choose a piece of jewelry on most of my trips. It doesn’t have to be expensive; just something that I love. When I wear it I’m reminded of time spent with family and friends.

I’m also always looking for a good deal, and I despise paying full price for anything. In my travels, I always haggle if I know it’s part of the culture, or if I feel like the shopkeeper wants to play the game.

But on a cruise ship? Buying jewelry? You most certainly can, and you should.

I’ve had very good luck negotiating the price down in the Effy shops on Princess. Try on a few pieces you like, and check the price tags. That sticker price is just the starting point. If you like something and it’s a bit more than you’d want to pay, let the sales associate know. I can almost guarantee they’ll whip out a calculator and give you a better offer. Push back again, and the manager will be called over, with yet again a better offer. You can save a significant amount over the marked price if you do this!

The Final Call sale

Not into haggling? I get it, especially if you’re American like me. We’re more used to saving money with clearance sales and coupons.

Near the end of each Princess cruise, the Effy shop will have a Final Call sale, with clearance prices on certain pieces.

What’s in the sale? Older pieces, things they only have a few of. But the discounts are significant. Don’t try to haggle unless you’re braver than I am – from what I’ve seen, these are pretty rock-bottom prices. Also don’t expect top-notch service if you’re looking at these pieces. Margins are miniscule, so it’s likely you’ll have to flag someone down to try something on.

21. How to get free drinks on Princess

Alcoholic drinks are rarely free on Princess cruises, but if you’re looking to save on your alcohol budget, I have a couple of tips.

Related: What Beverages Can I Bring On My Cruise?

Book during the Sip & Sail promotion

For the last several summers, Princess has offered a Sip & Sail promotion where the first two passengers in a stateroom receive a complimentary Premier Beverage Package (for select sailings and stateroom categories). You still need to pay for gratuities (18% of the total cost of the package will be charged to your account), but this is a savings of about $60 per day compared to if you purchased the package yourself.

Along with unlimited soda, juice, specialty coffees and more, you can get up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day. Drinks must have a menu price of $12.00 or less to be eligible, but that includes most of what they have on offer.

Check the Princess website beginning in June (or ask your travel agent to remind you) to see if this promotion will return.

Related: Is a Cruise Beverage Package a Good Value?

Attend events for free Champagne

If you didn’t get the Sip & Sail deal and you’re looking to maximize your free alcohol on Princess, I hope you like Champagne! Here’s a list of some of the events where you’ll often be served a complimentary glass. Occasionally another drink will be served, but it’s usually just bubbly.

• Captain’s Welcome Aboard Party
• Captain’s Circle (past passenger) Party
• Art Auction
• Morning Mimosas at Effy
• Lightning Fast Art Auction
• Pink Party at Effy

Check the Patter for times and locations of these events.

Looking for more cruise tips? I have plenty! Take a peek at my tips page for even more insider cruise information.

Have you been on a Princess cruise? What’s your favorite Princess cruise tip? Let me know in the comments below!

Like this post? Pin it for later!

Looking fo r more tips for new cruisers? Check out our New Cruisers section!

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Monday 28th of October 2019

I am looking at booking one!

Tuesday 29th of October 2019

I hope you have a great cruise!

What to wear on a cruise: Cruise attire and cruise line dress codes

Editor's Note

Have you ever had that nightmare where you're at work, in school or giving an important presentation only to look down to discover you're only wearing underwear (or worse, nothing at all)? If you're new to vacationing at sea, knowing how to dress for a cruise can be confusing and just as potentially embarrassing if you're not prepared.

Packing acceptable attire for a cruise is simple if you remember a few general rules. Here, I'll break down some safe options if you're unsure, and I'll give an overview of the cruise dress codes for each of the "big eight" cruise lines.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What do people wear on a cruise?

You can't go wrong with resort-casual clothing for sea days when you'll remain on board your ship. Although some lines will be more or less casual than that, it's a good baseline. What is "resort casual" though?

Khaki pants or shorts with loose-fitting, short-sleeved button-down shirts or even nice, plain T-shirts work well for men. Women might opt for khaki shorts or palazzo pants with a nice top or a sundress. In most cases, nice jeans (dark wash with no holes) will also work well.

On most ships, this clothing will also be acceptable at night in the main dining rooms. For extra-fee restaurants, you might choose to dress up a bit more. Collared shirts or long-sleeved button-downs are acceptable for men, and slacks with a blouse or a dress for women are acceptable.

For formal nights, which are optional on many lines' ships, men will want to bring a collared, button-down shirt at the bare minimum. For something a little more snazzy, bring a jacket to wear over your shirt, with or without a tie. Some men opt for suits or tuxes. For women, pantsuits and dressy pants outfits are a great choice, as are party dresses or even ball gowns.

Although most lines have eased dress codes on formal or "elegant" nights, jeans are generally not allowed in the main dining rooms. Cut-off shorts, baseball caps and flip-flops are banned at all times — not just on formal nights — during dinner in the main dining rooms.

Related: 7 cruise ship packing mistakes you want to avoid at all costs

Another key piece of clothing to bring is a bathing suit. Whether you're headed to a warm-weather destination and plan to laze by the pool or on the beach, or you're visiting somewhere chilly but want to take advantage of your vessel's hot tubs, it's an item you won't want to forget. Note that cover-ups are required for entry at all restaurants and dining rooms, with the exception of walk-up poolside window-service venues.

For shore excursions — particularly those in more rugged or active destinations that require a lot of walking — comfortable, casual clothing and sturdy footwear are a must. Bring layers for cold climates and moisture-wicking fabrics for places where it's warm or where you expect to work up a sweat.

Finally, check to see if your cruise line has any special theme nights planned. If so, you might want to pack an outfit for the white party or '80s night.

Carnival cruise dress code

Carnival is one line where casual is the name of the game. Passengers will be fine in jeans, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and bathing suits for their days on board or ashore.

At night, nice jeans and nice tops are perfect for eating in the main dining rooms.

On Carnival cruise formal nights, known as "cruise elegant" nights, cruisers wear everything from slacks with nice shirts to tuxes and ball gowns. However, most passengers stick to clothes that fall somewhere in the middle.

Voyages of six nights or longer will have two "cruise elegant" nights, while those five nights or shorter will see only one.

Celebrity Cruises dress code

Celebrity Cruises maintains a dress code that's best described as chic-casual. The demographic on board tends to be a bit more upscale than what you'll find on Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. That means khaki shorts with nice button-downs are more common than jean shorts and tank tops, although you won't be out of place in the latter.

For dinner, you'll want to dress it up even more, as the line has a smart-casual dress code at night in most restaurants, including the main dining room. Anything from unripped jeans to dress pants with nice blouses or button-downs is acceptable.

Related: 20 must-have items I won't cruise without

Are there formal nights on Celebrity cruises? Yes, the line holds one "evening chic" night on every sailing of six nights or fewer and two on voyages of a week or more. The dress code encourages passengers to go all-out with tuxes and evening gowns. However, most men choose slacks with collared or button-down shirts and jackets, sans ties. Most women choose slacks and nice blouses, sundresses or party dresses.

Disney Cruise Line dress code

Disney Cruise Line is synonymous with children, and children like to be comfortable. With that in mind, just about anything goes in terms of dress on The Mouse's ships. These cruises tend toward casual in spite of their stellar service and high price point.

It's not uncommon to see jeans, shorts, T-shirts or bathing suits during the day. Unlike most other lines, the same goes at dinnertime, with jeans and T-shirts just as common as dressier attire like slacks and button-downs.

Exceptions are the line's "dress-up" nights — two on sailings of a week or more and one on shorter voyages. For those, DCL suggests that men avoid jeans and wear jackets. Women should go with dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families

Some of Disney Cruise Line's added-fee restaurants, such as Remy — one of the most expensive alternative eateries at sea — require jackets for men and don't allow jeans.

Each Disney sailing features a Pirate Night; cruisers wishing to participate should pack their best swashbuckling gear. As is standard at Disney parks, you're also likely to see large numbers of costumes and mouse ears at all hours of the day.

Holland America Line dress code

Although the dress code on Holland America ships is technically "cruise casual," you'll rarely spot anyone looking disheveled or like they just rolled out of bed. Most passengers tend toward resortwear or, at the bare minimum, nice jeans with pressed T-shirts.

The casual dress code carries through to dinner, but HAL cruisers often dress up a bit more. This includes collared shirts or button-downs (sometimes with jackets) and slacks for men and slacks with nice tops or dresses for women.

As for Holland America formal nights, on sailings shorter than a week, there will be one "gala night," during which travelers don evening or ball gowns, suits or tuxedos. Voyages of eight to 13 nights will see two gala nights, while any cruises of two weeks or longer will have three chances to dress to the nines.

MSC Cruises dress code

What to wear on MSC cruises largely depends on the crowd with whom you're sailing. On European cruises, your fellow passengers are likely to dress up more often — even during the day; skimpy resortwear and designer bathing suits often grace the pool deck as far as the eye can see. On those voyages, dinner is an even more fancy affair, with elegance as the norm. Expect to see glittering dresses and stylish pants and button-downs with dress shoes, even when it's not a formal night.

On cruises that depart from the U.S., expect a more casual vibe, with jeans, T-shirts and bathing suits ruling the day. At night, you'll be fine with nice jeans and a collared shirt or a sundress, although you might want to dress up a bit more to match the ship's ambience.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Are there formal nights on MSC cruises? Absolutely. They're called "gala dinners," and they appear at least once per voyage, but the number can vary by itinerary. The dress code is strict, with the buffet the only place that will allow T-shirts and shorts. You'll fit in best in a ball gown, cocktail dress, suit or tuxedo.

Norwegian Cruise Line dress code

Norwegian , which pioneered the concept of "freestyle cruising," prides itself on allowing cruisers to dress as they please, providing a "come as you are" atmosphere during the day and at night. The most popular clothing is cruise casual, and passengers are free to wear whatever they'd like with an emphasis on comfort.

The only exception is at dinner, when a smart-casual vibe encourages travelers to avoid torn clothes or suggestive or skimpy outfits.

In a nod to Norwegian's laid-back style, NCL formal nights — dubbed "Dress Up or Not" nights — provide a chance for you to get dolled up. However, it's not required, and you won't be turned away from the main dining rooms if you choose not to participate. Passengers have been spotted wearing everything from jeans and T-shirts to ball gowns and tuxes, and all coexist in perfect harmony.

Princess Cruises dress code

Princess ' casual daytime mindset means you can wear the same types of clothing on board as you would during a day ashore — activewear, beachwear and jeans or T-shirts are totally fine.

Princess' formal nights are special because the line is one of the few industry holdouts in that it still has an official formal night. Its passengers enjoy a more traditional cruise experience, and they relish the romantic vibe that a formal night can provide. With that in mind, the line doesn't mention super-fancy garb like ball gowns or tuxes; instead, it advises suits or slacks with jackets for men and cocktail dresses or pantsuits for the ladies.

On voyages of less than a week, passengers should plan for one formal night, while sailings of a week to 13 days will have two, and cruises two weeks or longer will have three.

All other nights are listed as "smart casual." This means sundresses or pants with flowy tops for women and nice jeans or slacks with collared shirts for men will suffice.

Royal Caribbean dress code

As is the case with Carnival and Norwegian, Royal Caribbean is a casual line during the day. Like Disney Cruise Line, it caters to a lot of families. Translation: Wear what allows you to have the most fun in the most comfort. Expect to see shorts or jeans with T-shirts or tank tops and bathing suits or beachwear almost exclusively during the daytime.

At night, you might want to put on something a little less comfortable, but it's certainly not required unless it's a formal night. (Like Princess, Royal still has those.) The confusing part is that the line has three different dress codes, all of which are loosely enforced: casual, smart casual and formal. The ones that show up on your voyage will depend on the length of the cruise.

The only difference between the first two is that smart casual recommends pantsuits for ladies and jackets for the guys, but skirts or trousers with blouses or collared shirts are fine in both cases. Smart casual also strongly discourages jeans — even nice ones.

Royal Caribbean formal nights have the highest expectations for passengers, urging them to wear their finest cocktail dresses, evening gowns, suits or tuxes. As with the line's smart-casual dress code, jeans are not allowed in the main dining rooms on formal nights.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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What to Pack for a Princess Cruise (outfits & essentials)

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Are you going on a Princess cruise and wondering what to pack? While a Princess Cruises packing list will be similar to cruising other cruise lines, there are some things that make preparing for a Princess cruise unique.

I’ve cruised with Princess several times over the years and always adapt my cruise packing list when sailing with them. 

In this post I share what to pack for a Princess Cruise , keeping in mind Princess Cruises’ dress code. In addition, I’ve included some useful cruise and travel essentials to bring to keep your cabin organized and have everything you need for days at sea and in ports of call.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Princess Cruises Packing List: 30+ Useful Cruise Must-Haves

1. ocean medallion & accessories.

All Princess cruise ships are now Medallion Class. Onboard your cruise, you’ll have an Ocean Medallion instead of a cruise card. The medallion will unlock your cabin door and be used as a touchless pay method for any purchases, among other things.

If you live in the United States, Princess Cruises may ship your Ocean Medallion to your home before your cruise. 

It’s important to bring this with you, for fast check in on your embarkation day . Don’t forget to do your online check in , make reservations and fill in your health questionnaire on the Medallion Class app as soon as possible.

If you don’t live in the United States, or if you’ve booked last minute, you’ll be able to pick up your Ocean Medallion at the cruise terminal on embarkation day. I’ve done this a few times and everything works out just fine.

2. Passports & Government ID

The most important things to pack for your cruise are your passport, is applicable, and government ID. Make sure to have this on you, and do not pack it in your checked luggage . If this happens, there’s a good chance that you won’t be able to get it back on time to be able to board your cruise.

3. Proof of Vaccine (only if required)

Most cruises do not require proof of vaccination or testing. However, there are some itineraries which may require them.

Since health protocols can change, always check the current information on the Princess Cruises website or ask your travel agent for requirements for your booking.

4. Cruise Documents & Reservations

If you have your phone or tablet with you, you’ll be able to access your Medallion Class app with the information for your cruise. However, it’s still a good idea to print out your cruise boarding documents, hotel reservations and shore excursion information, especially if you’re booked with an independent tour operator.

If you’re having trouble connecting to wifi and accessing your emails, the printed documents will come in handy.

5. Carry-on Bag for Embarkation

Make sure to bring carry on bag or backpack with the essentials you need for the first day of your cruise. Since your luggage will be delivered a few hours after boarding , make sure to have your valuables, medication and a change of clothing in your embarkation day bag.

Here’s a list of the items you may want to bring and pack in your embarkation day bag .

6. Medallion Accessories

Either before or during your cruise, you can purchase Medallion accessories for your Princess cruise. On the Princess Cruises website, you’ll find various Medallion holders, wristbands and bracelets.

Some people prefer to use a wallet style Medallion accessory , which is useful as you leave the cruise ship on port days.

Recommended: Medallion holder wallet (check price & details on Amazon here)

This clip on style metal Medallion holder is nice and thin, and a good alternative to bulky bracelets.

Recommended: Ocean Medallion holder wallet clip

Princess allows each guest over 21 to bring one bottle of wine on board at embarkation if you like. If you want to bring additional bottles, you can do so. However,  you will be charged a corkage fee of $15 upon embarkation.

Do you have Princess Plus ? If so, you can probably scratch the wine bottles off your Princess Cruises packing list.

Read more:   Princess Plus – What’s Included and Is it Worth it?

8. Small Bills

It’s a good idea to bring some small bills with you to tip the porters who’ll help you with your luggage at the cruise terminal, as well as for small purchases in the markets or local stores in the ports of call.

9. Sunscreen

If you’re going on Caribbean or Bahamas Princess cruise, or any hot and sunny destination, packing sunscreen is a must. It’s best to get a reef safe sunscreen , as many islands don’t allow any other kinds. This is especially important if you have beach or snorkeling excursions planned.

Recommended: Reef safe sunscreen (verify price & check Amazon reviews here)

Don’t forget to to pack an after sun lotion aloe vera gel as well as a lip balm with SPF .

Recommended: Aloe Vera gel (non-sticky – read over 50,000 Amazon reviews)

10. Medication

Make sure to pack your prescription and over the counter medication. Princess recommends bringing 2 additional weeks of medication when you travel, as well as a list of your prescription medications in case you ever needed to refill them or they are lost.

11. Basic First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit is a must-have that often gets forgotten and left off the cruise packing list. You’ll be thankful to have some bandaids and antibiotic ointment if you get a small cut, blister or other small wound. 

Read more:   31 First Aid Kit Essentials to Pack for Your Cruise

12. Daytime Clothing

During the day, the dress code on Princess is fairly casual. Sundresses , shorts and t-shirts are perfect. Keep in mind that you’ll want to pack a swimsuit cover up for when walking on the pool deck. Something to note is that pool wear isn’t allowed inside the buffet and other indoor restaurants.

For days in port and shore excursions, plan accordingly based on your activity. Remember to pack sleepwear and undergarments.

Read more: What to Wear on a Cruise (with clothing packing list)

13. Evening Outfits

Princess has 2 dress codes for the main dining room – smart casual and formal.

The amount of formal nights depends on the length of cruise.

• 4 days and less – no formal nights
• 5-6 days – 1 formal night
• 7-13 days – 2 formal nights
• 14-20 days – 3 formal nights
• 21-28 days – 4 formal nights
• 29 days+ – 5 or more formal nights

Smart casual dress is similar to what you might wear to a nice restaurant at home.

Ladies:  Dresses, skirts or pants, blouses and tops 

Men: Polo style shirts and pants. Clean, nice jeans are good as well.

Related: What I Wore on a 7 Day Princess Caribbean Cruise (with photos & links)

14. Formal Clothing

When planning your cruise outfits, make sure to pack your formal wear or dressy outfit. Princess has 2 formal nights on a 7 day cruise and more on longer cruises. Short cruises under 4 days don’t have a formal night.

How formal are Princess Cruises for formal nights ?

Princess maintains a traditional dress code for the evenings in the main dining room, although it has relaxed in recent years.

In our experience, most men dress in suits or a sports jacket and dress pants. Some men wear tuxedos, although less than years ago. An outfit of a dress shirt and dress pants are also worn, with or without a tie.

Ladies may want to pack a cocktail dress, evening gown or an attractive “little black dress” or pantsuit.

Related:   What To Wear on a Cruise Vacation (day, evening & formal night)

  Cruise Wear over 50: Flattering Cruise Outfits for Women (plus packing list)

25 Affordable Cruise Outfits for Ladies

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

15. A Shawl or Pashmina 

Bring a shawl or pashmina  to cover your shoulders in the evening, since air conditioning can be cool in the public areas around the cruise ship, including in restaurants, theatres and lounges.

I like to pack a light scarf in my shore excursion bag as well, to cover my shoulders if needed when sightseeing and entering a religious building.

Recommended: Pashmina shawl wrap (check price & amazon reviews here)

16. Evening Bag (for ladies)

While you won’t need to carry a purse on a cruise, having a small evening bag to keep your ocean medallion and a lipstick is handy. I like to wear an evening clutch with my cocktail dress as I do think it completes an outfit.

17. Bathing Suits & Cover ups

Make sure to pack at least 2-3  bathing suits for any warm weather cruise. Swimsuits can take time to dry, and there’s nothing more uncomfortable than starting your day off in damp swimwear.

Remember to bring a couple of swimsuit cover ups , as well as some casual sandals or flip flops to wear by the pool.

Recommended: Bathing suit cover up (see colors & 15,000+ reviews on Amazon here)

Related:   Caribbean Cruise Packing List

18. Binoculars 

Travel binoculars are an Alaskan cruise essential, however they can be so useful in other destinations as well. From your balcony, you may be able to get a better view of marine life like whales, dolphins and flying fish.

Recommended: Binoculars (waterproof & lightweight)

Related post:   Princess Cruises Drink Packages (with bar menus and drink photos)

19. Poncho and/or Umbrella

Cruising with Princess to Alaska or Canada and New England? Make sure to pack a poncho or umbrella for possible rainy weather. Truthfully, it’s a good idea to have this on any cruise itinerary, but these are must-bring items on certain sailings.

20. Towel Clips or Bands

Bring towel clips or towel bands to secure your towels on breezy days on the lido deck!

Towel Clips

Things to Pack for Your Princess Cruise Cabin

The cabins on Princess cruise ships have large closets and several shelves, so storage for clothing and shoes is pretty good. However, there are a few items that you may want to pack and bring with you, to make your stateroom more functional and comfortable.

21. Hanging Toiletry Bag

The bathrooms in Princess cabins are quite small. Using a hanging toiletry bag saves space and is very convenient.

Recommended: Hanging toiletry bag (with detachable make up pouch)

22. Magnet Hooks

We like to hang a few heavy duty magnet hooks on the cabin walls (they are metal). This way, we can hang our medallions, hats, bathing suits to dry and even backpacks and beach bags.

Recommended: Heavy duty magnet hooks (a best selling cruise essential)

23. Power Bar (non-surge protected)

There aren’t many electric or USB outlets in the cabins on Princess cruise ships. It’s a good idea to bring along a non-surge protected power bar , so you can always keep your phone and tablets charged during your cruise.

Recommended: Non-surge protected power bar (cruise approved – see 5000+ 5* amazon reviews)

24. Charger Cables & Power Bank

Make sure to pack your charger cables for your phone or iPad. As well, it’s a good idea to pack a power bank or portable charger, especially for long days in cruise ports of call.

25. Poo-Pourri Bathroom Spray

A bathroom spray is useful in compact cruise cabins for obvious reasons. Poo-pourri is a favorite “before you go” spray that works quite well.

Recommended: Poo-Pourri bathroom spray

26. Travel Alarm Clock

A simple travel alarm clock is super practical, since the time will likely only be visible on the stateroom telephone (way too small). Many cruisers appreciate having a simple digital alarm clock that they can set and make sure they’re on time for early shore excursions.

Recommended: Travel alarm clock (check 9000+ reviews here)

27. Portable Fan

If you tend to find the air stuffy in cabins at night, bring along a battery operated fan . This one is quiet and perfect for travel.

Recommended: Portable travel fan (check Amazon price & see reviews here)

28. Wrinkle Release Spray & Tide to Go

Since Princess cruise ships have self serve laundry rooms on board, you can wash and dry items if you want to. However, if you just need to deal with a small stain on your clothes, a Tide to Go pen is a must-have.

It’s also a great idea to bring Downy Wrinkle Release Spray to get wrinkles out of your cruise outfits.

Packing for a Princess Cruise

29. luggage tags.

Remember to print out your luggage tags before your cruise. Plastic luggage tag holders are available specifically for Princess cruiseline. They are durable are reusable.

Recommended: Princess luggage tag holders

30. Packing Cubes

While packing cubes are not a must, they definitely help to keep organized when packing for your cruise. There are several sets to choose from, however I like a mix of small, medium and large packing cubes.

Recommended: Packing cubes set (read reviews & see color options)

31. Carry-on Tote Bag

Remember to pack a carry-on tote bag for embarkation day . This one can be used on your flight, for a pre-cruise hotel stay, and even as a shore excursion day bag .

Recommended: Nautical carry on bag (see color and style options here)

32. iPad or Tablet

Since Princess cruise ships are Medallion Class, it’s pretty convenient to have a smartphone, iPad or other smart device. You will be able to cruise without a phone – you can use the portals around the ship as well as your stateroom T.V. to access many of the features. However, having a mobile phone or tablet will be very useful for your Princess Cruise .

Video: Princess Cruises Drink Packages, Princess Plus & Princess Premier

More Cruise Packing Lists

For more specific cruise packing lists and tips, please read the posts next:

• What Toiletries to Pack for a Cruise – The Ultimate Guide
• What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise (full packing list included)
• 50 Must-have Amazon Cruise Essentials
• 40+ Must-Have Dollar Store Cruise Essentials
• 30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know
• What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Final Thoughts on What to Pack for a Princess Cruise

If you’re going on a Princess cruise, you want to be prepared and make sure to pack all you need. I hope this Princess cruise packing list was helpful as you make your own cruise packing list.

Are you cruising with Princess? What are you making sure to pack and bring on your cruise?

Happy Cruising!

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• Princess Cruises

What's the "real deal" on Princess' dress code?

By bernardch , April 8, 2020 in Princess Cruises

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After 18 cruises since 2010 on Carnival we still enjoy the Carnival experience, but it's grown a little stale and my wife and I are looking for a change of scenery for our Decembrr voyage.

We're considering a 7-day Western Caribbean on the Enchanted.  One aspect of Carnival we like is the flexibility of their dress code, especially on their "fancier" evenings.  I can meet at least the minimum of the elgant night dress  code with a pair of khakis, button down shirt and (sometimes) a tie; seldom any jacket or blazer.  Some passengers are dressed better,  like they're directly out of central casting for the latest James Bond movie, others, not so much.  So I know the reality compared the the official published dress code.

That brings me to Princess.  I can read the published dress code (dark suit, tux), but those of you that sail Princess, what's the "real deal" compared to the published code?  Percentage of passengers in tuxes or suits?  What's the minimum acceptable you've seen?

Again, I don't need anyone to paste the published code; I have it.  I also don't want to hear "eat at the buffet if you don't want to dress up."  Not gonna happen.  If I absolutely,,positively have to dress up, fine.  But since I refuse to pay the airline extortion, err, excess bag fees, the fancy clothes will be the first to go if not absolutely needed.

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Let me make a comment before the fashion police strike.  What I wear on "formal night" is a pair of dockers and a long sleeved shirt with collar and have been doing this for years.  I don't own a suit (that I can wear!) much less a tux (wore one once to get married many decades ago).  I refuse to wear a tie now that I am retired and really never did on any cruise.  Lately I have gone to a black pair of jeans and a short sleeved guayabera (aka Mexican wedding shirt).  I have never had a problem.  So your khakis and button down shirt will be acceptable sans tie.  I also wear the same on Carnival's elegant night.

Regular nights a pair of jeans or pants and a shirt (even tshirt) will be acceptable.  I have been on two Princess ships out of a US port in the last two years and they have been allowing shorts and tshirt on normal nights.  The only thing they seen to get fussy about is shorts on formal night and occasionally a hat but that seems to be allowed now.  

Have a great quiet cruise on Princess and see why we who are empty nesters are sailing on Princess ships.  If you like to imbibe Princess will allow one adult in the state room to buy the beverage package without making the other.  Also Princess will allow all the wine you can carry at embarkation or any port stop with the first bottle/adult allowed free and all the rest charged a $15 corking fee payable upon entering the ship.   

I have never seen shorts after the first evening in traditional dining on Princess. However, I'm on longer cruises, not to the Caribbean so that may be the difference.  I don't have a problem with it, not my business, Princess issue not mine.

Satxdiver has it right though, I see men with khakis, dark jeans, nice short or long sleeve shirts, all the time, polo shirts, too.  It isn't an issue, neat looking, clean clothes, no baseball cap, good to go in my book!  Enjoy your cruise! 🙂  

For formal nights I wear slacks, shirt and jacket

You have the printed dress code.   Not sure what you are expecting anyone to tell you here on CC.    There is no answer.   Wear what you want.    It is all up to who is at the door of the dining room the night you go in.  If you get turned away  then you have your answer for the ship you are on. 

10 minutes ago, waltd said: You have the printed dress code.   Not sure what you are expecting anyone to tell you here on CC.    There is no answer.   Wear what you want.    It is all up to who is at the door of the dining room the night you go in.  If you get turned away  then you have your answer for the ship you are on. 

It also depends on which ship, sailing out of which port.

It very much depends on itinerary location.  Hot destinations are more casual imo

My husband wears slacks, one of his  nice collared golf shirts. He may wear a sport coat for warmth if it's chilly. Hasn't packed a tie in years. Some pax love to dress truly formal on formal nights. Some dress like my husband. You'll be totally fine. Enjoy your 1st Princess cruise. ♡

Observations. The dress code isn't one consistent policy and enforcement on every ship and every itinerary.

Smart casual generally means long pants and slacks with a nice shirt such as a golf shirt, short or long sleeve sport shirt, island print shirts. Shorts normally permitted in DR on boarding day and the last evening. I have seen men turned away for wearing shorts on other days, especially formal nights. I have seen some men in T shirts in the DR. I have seen some turned away for wearing sleeveless shirts. You may be asked to remove a hat at any meal in the DR. Passengers are permitted into specialty dining restaurants any evening wearing smart casual. Some specialty dining, such as the Crab Shack, Salty Dog Gastropub, Planks & Steamers, Alfredo's (no charge) are casual every evening.

Amount of passengers dressed up for formal night depends on the itinerary. For a U.S. based warm weather itinerary you will probably see about 15% of the passengers in formal wear, another 70% or so in either a suit & tie, sport jacket and tie, sport jacket & no tie. The remaining are really dressed smart casual and are not turned away. Those in shorts are generally turned away and asked to change.

Short and sweet. Women always seen to know what to wear. I have never witnessed a women turned away for improper clothing, although I expect it is possible.

Comment: The average age on a Princess cruise is "old" 50+, even older on long voyages. Dress is seldom an issue.

7 hours ago, waltd said: You have the printed dress code.   Not sure what you are expecting anyone to tell you here on CC.    There is no answer.   Wear what you want.    It is all up to who is at the door of the dining room the night you go in.  If you get turned away  then you have your answer for the ship you are on. 

They expect reality and the truth.

I have been on two Princess Cruises.  The suggested dress code on formal night is suit and tie. The actual dress code on formal night is 75% dress shirt and slacks, 15% suit and tie, 10% mix of tux, dress shirt and tie.  This is what I have seen on my two sailings.  I have not seen anyone turned away for dress code violations.  On other nights, there are jeans, slacks, and suits.  Hope this helps. 

Totally agree with the comments thus far, it can be hit and miss depending upon the ship. 

I'll start by saying that while we like to dress up we could care less if anyone else does.  On the other side of the coin I would think common sense says that gym shorts and ratty T-shirts (which we have seen in the dining room) may not be appropriate in the dining room on any night, especially if you like to sit with other passengers at a shared table .  I know that was not the question but just an observation we have made in the past.

Back to the original topic, several Maitre D's that we know say that formal night dress is one of the things that has become unmanageable for them.  Some want to enforce the rules but realize it is a losing proposition for them.  So if anyone is reasonably dressed on formal night (say dockers and a decent shirt), or in nice shorts and a golf shirt on regular nights, they are not prepared to get into an argument about it.  It really is a balancing act because if they turn away anyone they get grief, and if they let them in, one of the so called "fashion police" will give them grief.  

Totally aside from the argument, it appears that Princess may actually be attempting something that may appease everyone.  On our 15 day South America cruise in February on the Coral, we had 2 formal nights and 1 "Dress to Impress" evening in the dining room (normally we would have had 3 formals).  When we asked what Dress to Impress was, no one actually seemed to know - Head Waiters weighed in that this is being tried out to keep the formal aspect for those it is important to, while taking away the formal aspect for those who don't want to dress up.

Hope this helps.  Hope you get to enjoy your cruise!

In 55 cruises we have only encountered issues on Cunard.

Every other ship we take polo shirts/dress shirt but no tie and slacks for my hubby. I take slacks and a nice blouse and occasionally a long dress ( only because it is made of a material that rolls up small and does not wrinkle)

We gave up carrying suits and vests except for Cunard voyages.It makes for heavy and cumbersome suitcases.

Hope that helps!!

I'd say smaller and smaller numbers in tuxs. 20 years ago, DH used to bring his tux, 10 years ago a suit, now  DH usually doesn't bring a jacket, due to packing space. He brought one for the 10 day (because we cruised with his Mom). 

On our 10 day Carib. in Feb (which had an older crowd), at most 25% in Tuxs, 50% in suits or coat/tie (navy blazer, etc.) and about 25% in pants/oxford/with or not tie. When walking around the ship, some chose to eat at buffet and not do formal-so there's still a mix of non-dressy people.

You'll feel appropriate in khakis, button down shirt and a tie for guys, dressy pants, dress, or skirt/top for ladies. I did not see anyone in MDR  in nice shorts and a golf shirt on any nights. 

Send your DW in first, you follow behind, both of you smile and say good evening, don’t demand special seating, wear pants and a shirt....you are fine 🤗

19 hours ago, bernardch said: We're considering a 7-day Western Caribbean on the Enchanted.  One aspect of Carnival we like is the flexibility of their dress code, especially on their "fancier" evenings.  I can meet at least the minimum of the elgant night dress  code with a pair of khakis, button down shirt and (sometimes) a tie; seldom any jacket or blazer. 

This has been the way my DH dressed for the past 20 years on Princess without anyone saying a word. What they publish & what the reality on the ships is are two distinct things. 

Especially after this virus shutdown is over I'm sure it will be even more relaxed for fear of scaring off even more potential customers which is the last thing they'll need.

Cruiserkenn

Once when I was nervous, a dining captain told me I was "more than formal" when I was wearing dark pants, shirt and tie, and a Mr, Rogers sweater.  So nice, and I was so relieved 🌝 🌅 🌈 🌅 ⚓ ️⛴🛳 🙂

Several hundred trips to the MDR and I can only recall one incident in which they actually warned somebody about their dress-- he was wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops on a non-formal day... they told him to go back and change his shoes. He said he'd go back and change once they were seated, and they left it at that. No idea if he ever went back.

After a couple of dozen cruises with Princess I've settled in to the following which is consistent with the vast majority of prior posts.  What OP describes would suffice any Princess ship I've been on (though I agree policies for dress, and just about everything else, vary ship to ship on Princess).

On Formal nights Dockers or the like, a (typically) long sleeved, collared shirt, loafers or the like.  After 40 years in business, I'm done with ties.  I own a blue blazer which will take me most anywhere, I pack it for cruises however only in cooler climates.

On Casual nights I stick with my dockers and switch over to a short sleeve shirt, often an Aloha variety or a golf polo.  The shoes remain my loafers.  

I've never been turned away nor seen anyone dressed as such turned away.  

I was just wondering if this advice also applies to cruises in Asia or Europe as most advice seems to come from cruisers who mainly sail the East and West Coast and the Caribbean

sailed all over the world with princess—-geography makes no difference

1 hour ago, WmFCoyote said: I was just wondering if this advice also applies to cruises in Asia or Europe as most advice seems to come from cruisers who mainly sail the East and West Coast and the Caribbean

We have cruised in northern Europe and the British Aisles.  If there are a preponderance of North Americans and Aussies aboard the dress will be less formal.  Last cruise in Northern Europe there were a large number of Brits aboard and they dress more formal.  I had never seen (31 cruises on Princess and 16 on other cruise lines) so many men dressed in tux and women in long dresses.  I kept to my routine of black jeans and button down long sleeved dress shirt sans tie.  I did not have a problem but we do always get a table for 2 in traditional dinning.  We have not been to Asia yet.

Although the recommendations for clothing are singular in nature with Princess, it has been well-documented that Alaska and Caribbean are two sectors with more relaxed dress on a percentage basis (basically from people reporting observations of the DR they are in). 

I am thinking things may be different again once the ships start sailing again.  What was may not be.  However, I do think Princess is going to still promote at least formal-optional evenings.  Just my guess.

First everyone who has been on Princess must know that the "rules" are mere suggestions and not exactly followed. 

I overheard a maitre'd tell a pax that they cannot enforce the dress code as written as the head office will not let them.  On another occasion I was told that women can wear about anything and call it formal including flip flops (which I was complaining about).  

I was on the Star out of San Pedro to HI last fall and they were allowing shorts and tshirts in the MDR on normal nights.   Also being allowed was jeans on formal night and in fact very few in late TD were in formal clothes.

I was on the CB out of PE in late 2018 again in TD second seating.  They were allowing shorts and tshirt on regular nights and jeans and polo or Hawaiian type shirts on formal nights.  Again I did not see all that many in formal.  One thing I have noted in the last few years has been men in suits and no ties - new trend?  

13 minutes ago, Steelers36 said: Although the recommendations for clothing are singular in nature with Princess, it has been well-documented that Alaska and Caribbean are two sectors with more relaxed dress on a percentage basis (basically from people reporting observations of the DR they are in).    I am thinking things may be different again once the ships start sailing again.  What was may not be.  However, I do think Princess is going to still promote at least formal-optional evenings.  Just my guess.

 Add Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera.   

On our South American cruises the dress has been towards informal but not as much as the cruises you mentioned.  One thing about South Americans is that they like to eat late (8:00 on) making long lines at that time.  

I agree that once Princess starts sailing again, conditions aboard (i.e. dress codes etc) may be different.  Most likely the pax cruising will be the regulars with few newbies aboard.  

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A ghost pianist and color-changing cocktails: Inside Princess Cruises' hidden magic club

The pianist at a lounge on Princess Cruises’ new ship played the theme song from “Titanic” while guests sipped their cocktails.

It may seem like dark humor, but the musician is a ghost, after all. As the story goes, Isabella lives inside the space entertaining guests (she even takes requests).

In actuality, the instrument – which appeared to play itself – is part of Spellbound by Magic Castle, a new venue on the Sun Princess that combines dinner, drinks and magic. The speakeasy-like space was created in partnership with the Magic Castle , a legendary private club in Los Angeles.

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Denise Saviss, the cruise line’s vice president for entertainment experience, said during a recent sailing that the Magic Castle has been a “well-protected secret.”

“As a members-only club, you can only attend by invitation, but they are keen to expand, and a partnership with us was a really great way to do that where we have a ton of international guests who may not ever get over to Hollywood and therefore it's not in reach,” Saviss said. 

USA TODAY got a preview of Spellbound during a cruise ahead of its opening next month. Here’s what guests can expect.

What is Spellbound like?

Guests will start the evening with dinner in the Horizons Dining Room, choosing from a menu not found elsewhere on board (our preview did not include the dinner portion). They will then be escorted through an inconspicuous black door off the ship’s Piazza into Spellbound’s small foyer. There, a voice on a speaker tells the story of the Larsen family, who opened the Magic Castle in 1963, for a few minutes.

We were prompted to say the magic words (“Open sesame”), and the fireplace in front of us moved aside to reveal a music room and the Parlor Bar, lined with art and artifacts curated with help from the Magic Castle. A pair of handcuffs used by famed escape artist Harry Houdini even hung on one wall.

Isabella and her companion, a white bird named The Professor, can be seen in a portrait in the music room. She is the cousin of another ghost, Irma, who lives at the Magic Castle in California.

“Irma never loved to travel, but Isabella did,” said Kerry Lovegrove, Princess’ director of entertainment experience. “She traveled probably one too many times across the Atlantic, and then all of a sudden she was lost at sea. So she suddenly found the Sun Princess being built in Monfalcone and thought she’d attach herself onto that ship.”

Isabella disappears from view when she’s ready to play. The Professor, meanwhile, moves over to a nearby birdcage to enjoy the music (I saw him swaying to “My Heart Will Go On” at one point).

Behind the bar, a library holds its own not-so-hidden treasures. I picked up a gold rotary phone and heard someone ask “How can I help?” before changing their mind and hanging up. Guests might also see books float and fall, according to Lovegrove.

Even the drinks appear enchanted. One cocktail I ordered, The Magician, featured butterfly pea tequila that turned from blue to purple as the server poured it into the glass (also containing mezcal, lime, grapefruit, serrano peppers and agave).

Spellbound hosts magic in the bar as well as its 30-seat theater. Before theater seating opened, Mark Gibson kept us glued to his card deck, at one point finding the card a fellow guest chose by cutting the deck with the assistance of a tiny plunger. Woody Aragon also used cards in the theater, including asking an audience member to call someone who wasn’t in the room to pick one. (Spoiler: he named their chosen card correctly.)

The Parlor Bar magician will stay on the ship for a couple of months at a time, and the magician performing in the theater will change every cruise or two, but all are vetted by the Magic Castle team.

When will Spellbound by Magic Castle open?

Spellbound will open April 8 and is now available to book. Guests must be at least 13 to enter and just like at the venue’s Hollywood namesake, there is a mandatory dress code (my invitation called for cocktail attire).

The cruise line also will host its second Magic Castle Conjurer’s Cruise themed sailing on Sun Princess in November.

How much does Spellbound cost?

The experience costs $149 per person, including dinner, entertainment and unlimited drinks. 

Spellbound will offer three theater shows a night and can accommodate a total of 90 guests (30 each night). Once they’re in the space, they can stay as long as they like (until it closes for the night). There are dinner seatings at 5, 7 and 9 p.m., and Spellbound is expected to close around midnight, though there is no hard closing time.

Best times to go on a cruise: We broke it down by region

Lovegrove said the venue serves as a new home base for magic, which already proved popular with Princess guests in other spaces on its ships. “If you love magicians, this is the spot for you.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Princess Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A ghost pianist and color-changing cocktails: Inside Princess Cruises' hidden magic club

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Princess Charlotte Nailed Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Dress Code in a Fearless -Coded Sequined Dress

By Emily Tannenbaum

Prince William celebrated his 42nd birthday by bringing Princess Charlotte and Prince George to see Taylor Swift ’s Eras Tour.

While the Wales family were not spotted in the VIP tent alongside Jason and Kylie Kelce , The Sunday Times ’s royals editor reported that the royal trio were among 90,000 Swifties at Wembley Stadium on June 21. Those rumors were quickly confirmed with fan-recorded video of Prince William dancing to “Shake It Off.”

And while Taylor Swift doesn’t always have time to link up with famous fans before or after the show ( just ask Travis Kelce ), she made an exception for the Wales family. On June 22, Swift and the Prince of Wales shared photographic evidence of the meetup on Instagram.

“Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start 🇬🇧🇺🇸🤝,” Swift captioned a selfie she took with William, George, Charlotte, and Kelce while dressed in the black sequined pinstripe blazer she wears to perform “The Man.”

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Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales shared the moment from another angle, posting a photo of Swift taking another selfie with her royal fans without the NFL player. “Thank you @taylorswift for a great evening,” read the caption . Do you think Kelce got cut from the snap because he was wearing a Team USA hat?

Supporters of the royal family were struck by how joyful all three royals appeared in the snaps, especially nine-year-old Charlotte, who was dressed in a Fearless -coded sequined dress with a cute braided hairstyle. “Charlotte is a real Swiftie she even got the dress code 😭,” one user commented , while another wrote , “This is actually the cutest picture ever. Core memory for Charlotte right there 😍.”

Others pointed out that her brother and father looked just as happy to be there, with one fan joking that Prince William is the “real Swiftie” and brought his two eldest children “as a cover up!” Meanwhile, one user wrote , “Prince William, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte are the Swifties we didn’t know we needed, and I am here for it! Just look at their collective unbridled JOY!”

Joy seemed to be the theme for Prince William’s birthday. Just hours before the concert the Waleses’ official Instagram page shared the latest family portrait captured by Kate Middleton . In the photo, which appeared to have been taken on the same day as the Father’s Day portrait shared earlier this month, William holds hand with their three children as they take a big jump on a sandy beach.

“Happy birthday Papa, we all love you so much,” read the caption , which was signed by the Princess of Wales with a “Cx.”

Clearly, they found the perfect way to celebrate on the big day.

There's also a sweet video of Kylie dancing to “Love Story.”

By Anna Bader

By Elizabeth Logan

By Kathleen Walsh

Princess Cruises Announces VIP Package for ‘The Love Boat’ Cruise

• June 23, 2024

Princess Cruises announced an exclusive VIP package for its second Love Boat-themed cruise featuring the show’s characters – Doc, Gopher, Isaac, and Vicki Stubing.

Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan (aka Vicki) will join Love Boat cast members including Bernie Kopell (Doc), Fred Grandy (Gopher) and Ted Lange (Isaac) for the second themed cruise, sailing aboard the Enchanted Princess to Canada/New England, August 31-Sept. 7, 2024, according to a press release. 

Ezra Freeman, the bartender from “The Real Love Boat” reality dating series on CBS and Paramount+, will also join the lineup.

“After the tremendous outpouring of love on the first themed cruise, we knew we had to create an exclusive experience for our super fans on the upcoming voyage,” said Whelan. “My castmates and I are highly anticipating the upcoming cruise, where we’ll be able to spend more time with these passionate cruisers and fans and we can’t wait to hear how the show impacted their lives.”

The new Love Boat VIP Package with exclusive access to the cast includes:

• Exclusive Cast Cocktail Party – practice the Isaac finger-point
• Reserved seating at the Q&A in the Princess Theater – hear the cast members share their favorite show-related stories, with premier seating
• Front-of-line access for the Cast Meet & Greet – plenty of chances for personal photos and autographs
• Dinner with the cast
• Love Boat T-shirt and mug
• Signed cast photo

The seven-day Love Boat itinerary sails roundtrip from New York City and visits Boston; Eastport, Maine; Saint John, Canada (for Bay of Fundy); and Halifax, Canada. 

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9 bucket list cruises for seniors and retirees.

These cruise lines appeal to older travelers with adults-only sailings, accessible staterooms and more.

Cruises for Seniors and Retirees

Courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Make the memories of a lifetime on a cruise for seniors and retirees.

Cruises are an often dreamt-about retirement goal, especially for long-time cruise lovers who have always been short on time. Retirement can be the ideal season of life to sail off into the sunset for several weeks, whether to far-off lands like Antarctica or a peaceful journey down the Danube. In some cases, seniors embrace their golden years by booking epic, monthslong voyages around the world.

Many small- and medium-sized ships cater to the over-60 crowd, but that doesn't mean guests will be relegated to shuffleboard and bingo games. Today's seniors still have plenty of adventures to experience and memories to make, both on board and on shore. The following cruise lines offer the top bucket list sailings for seniors and retirees.

Windstar Cruises

Uniworld boutique river cruises, oceania cruises, holland america line, cunard line, aurora expeditions.

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Anyone who has ever fancied a near-private yacht-style cruise experience will love the vibe of Windstar Cruises. Each of its yachts holds between 148 and 342 guests, with a 1-to-1.5 crew-to-guest ratio. This makes for more intimate sailings – not only because there's simply less ship to maneuver on foot, but also because Windstar ships have access to ports that megaships aren't permitted to enter. The end result is the unique ability to explore lesser-known destinations and smaller cities. While Windstar is not a strictly adults-only cruise line , you won't see any little ones on board, either. Children must be at least 8 years old to sail on the line, which further adds to the high-end ambiance.

In 2021 and 2022, Windstar's Star Breeze, Star Pride and Star Legend ships received a refresh. The three all-suite yachts were cut in half and enhanced with new suites and amenities, bringing the capacity to 312 passengers on each vessel. These Star Plus Class ships also boast new restaurants, a reimagined spa and fitness center, and more efficient engines, among other improvements. Elevators help make the Star Plus Class ships more accessible for anyone with limited mobility (note that Wind Class ships Wind Star and Wind Spirit do not have elevators). Additionally, Star Breeze, Star Pride and Star Legend each have four wheelchair-accessible suites, which feature a smaller queen bed and reduced "wheel around" space.

On board, passengers can drop by the Open Bridge anytime for an impromptu lesson in chart reading, listen to live music in the Lounge or jump directly into the water from the Watersports Platform. Culinary highlights include restaurant Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, which serves a twist on modern Spanish cuisine by the 10-time Michelin-starred chef, as well as culinary shore excursions with hands-on cooking classes and chef-led market tours to explore fresh local ingredients.

The cruise industry is abuzz with interest in one of Windstar's newest itineraries, which introduces passengers to the Middle East. The Inaugural Sparkling Sands & Cities itinerary sets sail in November 2023, visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Doha, Qatar; and Muscat, Oman, among others. Foodies will be especially interested in the James Beard Foundation's Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf itinerary, scheduled to embark in February 2024. Windstar's other destinations include Asia, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the South Pacific and more.

Read: How to Get Airport Wheelchair Assistance

Adam Hillier | Courtesy of Viking

Spanning seven continents via river, ocean and expedition vessels, Viking is considered a quintessential high-end cruise experience. For more than 25 years, it has provided destination-focused sailings designed to allow its guests to explore the world in supreme comfort. Its voyages particularly appeal to travelers older than 50 who are interested in science, history, culture and cuisine.

Every Viking cruise fare includes a complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, onboard meals, beer and wine (with lunch and dinner service), Wi-Fi access, and all port charges and government taxes. On Viking's ocean and expedition vessels, guests also enjoy complimentary self-service laundry, access to the Thermal Suite in The Spa, high tea service, alternative restaurant dining and 24-hour room service. But the best part for older cruisers may be what's not included on Viking sailings: kids. This adults-only cruise line is dedicated to guests 18 and older.

Viking's fleet – with capacities ranging from 80 to 998 passengers (on river and ocean cruises, respectively) – feature elegant Scandinavian-style decor. The small ship cruises get closer to their destinations, spend more time in port and include more overnight stays, too.

One of Viking's newest ocean vessels, the all-veranda Viking Saturn, debuted in 2023 and focuses on European sailings. Its 10-day Empires of the Mediterranean route from Venice to Athens is particular popular, with stops in Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Greece. Another in-demand route is the Danube Christmas Delights itinerary on the Viking Longships, which visits enchanting villages, cultural capitals and iconic Christmas markets for a festive holiday cruise .

To suit their needs, guests can choose between different activity levels for walking tour-focused shore excursions. For bibliophiles, The Library on each ship is curated by acclaimed London bookshop Heywood Hill, as well as Cambridge University's Scott Polar Research Institute on the expedition vessels. Viking also holds exclusive partnerships with prestigious scientific institutions, which makes it possible for at least 36 experts – including field research scientists, mountain guides, submarine pilots and other specialists – to accompany passengers on each expedition journey.

Book a  Viking cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Billed as one of the world's most luxurious all-inclusive river cruise lines , Uniworld Boutique River Cruises features small ships with an average capacity of 120 guests and one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios on the rivers of 1-to-2.4. Part of the allure of the small ship size is a more personalized travel experience that delivers passengers to destinations ocean liners aren't able to visit (such as the Venetian Lagoon, where large ships have been banned from entry).

Uniworld ships are akin to floating boutique hotels, designed to reflect the destinations in which they sail – a vast list that includes ports in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. Guests will appreciate the exquisite details on board, including unique artwork from some of the most famous artists in the world (think: Pablo Picasso and David Hockney), handmade fabrics from local artisans and handcarved furnishings.

Additionally, Uniworld's all-inclusive cruise experience includes all onboard meals, which are made with fresh farm-to-table ingredients, as well as unlimited premium spirits and fine wines. In the base fare, voyages also include a selection of shore excursions, daily entertainment, fitness centers, wellness classes, airport transfers, onboard gratuities, high-speed Wi-Fi access and more.

Uniworld makes it particularly easy to visit many of Europe's most enchanting Christmas towns on a single cruise, where passengers can visit the festive holiday markets and get all their seasonal shopping done. For seniors with more time to spare, the Rivers of the World Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. This 55-day itinerary departs from Lima, Peru , in October 2024 and takes 40 guests across three continents via four ships to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Find  Uniworld Boutique River Cruises  on GoToSea.

This upscale brand recently relaunched under A&K Travel Group with a reimagined vision. Crystal Serenity (which holds up to 740 guests) and Crystal Symphony (carrying up to 606 passengers) underwent a combined $150 million dollar refurbishment that includes updated suites and new wellness offerings at the Aurōra spa. While sailing the high seas with Crystal, passengers' needs are met at every step of the way – a perk made possible by the nearly 1-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio. A dedicated butler in every stateroom and suite will help with packing and unpacking, stocking your fridge, making restaurant reservations, booking excursions and more.

Crystal offers impressive enrichment programming, hosting high-profile lecturers with backgrounds in sports, entertainment and science. Spend some time refining your technology skills at Computer University@Sea and perfecting your ballroom dance moves, photography abilities, golf swing or bridge game. There's also a well-stocked library containing books on a range of subjects, along with board games and a pickleball court.

Dining options on board include Umi Uma, a Japanese-Peruvian dining venue developed by Michelin-starred chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa. Unlike some other cruise lines that charge a fee for each specialty dining reservation, Crystal allows guests to enjoy one complimentary reservation per person for sailings of 11 days or less. After dinner, nightly entertainment can be found in several venues, such as live music in the Galaxy Lounge.

Crystal sails on itineraries of varying length to the Mediterranean, the Baltic, Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada, Africa and the Indian Ocean, the South Pacific, and Asia. If you're planning a bucket list trip, consider the line's 123-night 2025 World Cruise, which travels to 62 destinations across 31 countries between Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and Barcelona, Spain .

Read: Crystal Symphony Review: First Impressions of Crystal's Revamped Ship

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Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Seniors with a penchant for epicurean delights tend to gravitate toward Oceania Cruises for their cruise vacations – it's known for having one of the finest culinary programs at sea. This cruise line focuses on small ship luxury, with seven ships currently in service carrying between 670 and 1,250 passengers each. An eighth ship, Allura, is set to debut in 2025.

Newer ships like the Vista – the first of the Allura class vessels, which joined the fleet in May 2023 – have wheelchair-accessible rooms and a plethora of onboard culinary venues. A few highlights include Aquamar Kitchen, offering an array of wellness-inspired dishes; The Bakery at Baristas, serving freshly baked pastries; and new signature restaurant Ember, an upscale American eatery. Don't miss the Cellar Master's Wine Luncheon: a two-hour, hand-selected tasting led by the head sommelier that features a five-course menu paired with premium wines for each dish.

Senior cruisers will enjoy the Aquamar Spa's signature massage therapies, which use natural ingredients and modern techniques to release stress and tension. The Vitality Center offers a steam room, a thalassotherapy pool and heated lounge beds for extra relief. Onboard entertainment on Oceania, meanwhile, includes musical performances and immersive shows with dance numbers led by "Dancing With the Stars" choreographer Britt Stewart. The Culinary Center is a fan favorite for seniors, offering the opportunity to practice cooking techniques and learn about the unique flavor profiles of regional dishes.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a location Oceania doesn't sail to, with cruises to Africa, Asia, South America, the Middle East, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, Antarctica and more, as well as transoceanic voyages and 180-day world cruises. Oceania also provides a good overall value, thanks to its included specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi access, shore excursions, round-trip airfare and transfers, and in-port shuttle service.

Explore  Oceania Cruises  deals on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

As a premium, midsize cruise line, Holland America Line offers plenty of destinations, excursions and activities aligned to an older audience. The smaller ship size, which averages around 2,000 passengers per sailing, allows for many of the ships to dock in ports that are inaccessible to larger ships, getting passengers even closer to the destinations they're visiting. For older passengers who may have limited mobility, the option to simply disembark the ship without waiting for a tender or other means of transportation can make or break a trip.

Holland America Line, though family-friendly, offers myriad excursions that are primarily adult-oriented and open to all types of adventurers. Shore excursions are clearly marked with an activity level ranging from easy to strenuous, from leisurely wine tastings and relaxing strolls through ancient towns to ATV rides through the jungle and dog-sledding on a glacier only accessible via helicopter.

Onboard entertainment and activities are plentiful; guests often enjoy the multiple music lounges and venues on each ship, along with hosted programs such as bingo and trivia. For seniors who can't get enough of the pickleball trend, Holland America Line has partnered with the Professional Pickleball Association to bring branded courts and equipment on board. After all that action on the court, unwind in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon with a rejuvenating treatment. (Pro tip: Add on the Thermal Suite for access to the healing hydrotherapy circuit and heated, tiled loungers that will melt all your cares away.)

The numerous onboard dining options bring together cuisines and flavors from all over the world, with specialty restaurants featuring menus developed by a team of master chefs known as Holland America's Culinary Council. In addition to casual dining in the Lido Market and multicourse affairs in The Dining Room, each ship also features the Pinnacle Grill, an onboard steakhouse offering high-end meats and seafood. Other specialty restaurants vary by ship and may include Italian eatery Canaletto and the French-inspired Rudi's Sel de Mer.

Holland America Line sails all over the world. It does an especially nice job with its Greek island cruises and Adriatic Sea adventures. One of the line's newest ships, Rotterdam , is a crowd-pleaser with its sleek design details and an onboard art collection valued at more than $4.1 million. Still, longtime favorites like the refurbished Oosterdam and Eurodam host plenty of happy guests.

Compare  Holland America Line  cruises on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Azamara

Another all-inclusive, senior-friendly brand is Azamara, which boasts a long list of perks covered in the base fare. Your one-time payment covers meals and beverages, including standard spirits, international beers and a limited amount of wine by the glass; you can upgrade to a beverage package if you'd like access to premium brands. Other included amenities range from self-service laundry to gratuities to special cultural evenings featuring onboard or onshore performances by locals.

There are four ships in Azamara's fleet. Each carries up to 702 passengers, so they still fit comfortably into the small ship category and can access less-visited ports than larger vessels. Destinations on Azamara include ports throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, the Americas, and the Caribbean; there are also transoceanic itineraries. If spending roughly half a year on a cruise ship sounds like your ideal retirement plan, consider the Azamara World Voyage in 2025. Over 155 nights, you'll visit 37 countries.

Each of the line's ships has staterooms designed to accommodate guests with mobility limitations, and Azamara has created customized shore excursion tours for guests with disabilities as well. Accessible tours are designed for full-time wheelchair users or guests unable to navigate motor-coach steps.

There are plenty of entertainment options on board, including Club Crooner's hits from current and classic songbirds, as well as ship-specific venues with various song and dance performances. Plus, every cruise hosts a White Night signature dinner and entertainment event on the pool deck (so be sure to pack your favorite white attire). Unwind with darts, arts and crafts, pingpong, shuffleboard, trivia contests, bingo and dance lessons. Don't miss opportunities to attend lectures through the enrichment program.

Find an  Azamara  cruise on GoToSea.

Christopher Ison | Courtesy of Cunard Line

Cunard Line's ocean liners have sailed between the U.K. and New York since 1840 – and the brand's relationship with the British monarchy is integral to its heritage. As such, each ship is named after a British queen. The newest ship, Queen Anne, joins the fleet in 2024.

In keeping with its history, Cunard Line has several signature experiences that help set the brand apart. Afternoon tea is a Cunard tradition observed daily in the Queen's Room; expect white-gloved waiters serving scones and finger sandwiches alongside infused teas in silver teapots (add Champagne for an additional fee). During gala evenings, guests don tuxedos and ballgowns for a sophisticated celebration you won't soon forget. Themes range from Masquerade to Roaring 20s; you'll get a heads-up before you pack your cruise attire .

Each of the four stateroom grades has its own dedicated fine dining restaurant with excellent service and indulgent menus, though there are several casual dining options as well – not to mention specialty dining venues for an additional fee. A host of activities will keep you busy day and night, including a library, open-air pools, fitness facilities, live music, theater performances, guest speaker events, board games, film screenings, art classes, planetarium shows (on Queen Mary 2) and group dance classes.

Accessible shore experiences are available in many ports, ranging from lower activity-level tours to adaptations for wheelchair users. Accessible staterooms are available on Queen Victoria , Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2 ; these come with modifications like wider entryways, nonslip bathroom floors and shower seats.

Explore  Cunard Line  deals on GoToSea.

Scott Portelli | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Nothing says "once-in-a-lifetime" quite like embarking on an expedition to the world's most remote destinations – and, specifically, to Antarctica. For cruisers looking to explore this far-off land, Aurora Expeditions is one of the most trusted names in the industry. Founded by legendary adventurer Greg Mortimer, the brand sends an education-focused expedition team on each voyage, with a ratio of about one team member per every eight passengers. With an average of just 132 cruisers on these sailings, you'll get more one-on-one time with your expedition team.

Seniors can climb aboard Aurora Expeditions' Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle ship for innovative itineraries to the Great White Continent. When the ship isn't pausing to watch breaching whales, passengers can kayak between icebergs, visit penguin colonies or take guided hikes across the tundra. Aurora describes its cruises as "100% climate neutral," with a commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

All of Aurora Expeditions' voyages let travelers explore at their own pace, making it a great option for all ages. There are many included activities on each expedition, such as bird-watching, photography, lectures on wildlife, Zodiac cruises and near-shore excursions. The line will even outfit you with Muck boots and waterproof polar jackets. The entire voyage is laid-back, with an informal dress code.

On board, all cabins have a view of the ocean, and most have their own balcony. Tips are included in the cost of your cruise, and guests can enjoy a complimentary house wine or beer with dinner. Look forward to hearty dishes to help fuel your activities, with some buffet-style meals, a la carte options and a reservations-required restaurant on each ship.

Read: The Top Antarctica Cruises

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Jill Schildhouse has been an avid cruiser since the mid-'90s and has since visited dozens of destinations around the globe. Whether she's on the newest megaship, an older small ship or a luxury yacht, she loves life at sea. She used extensive research and her decades of experience as a cruiser to write this article (she has taken two cruises with her 70-year-old dad just this year). Schildhouse covers the travel industry for myriad top-tier outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, Travel + Leisure, AARP, Fodor's, Reader's Digest and Insider.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Solo Cruises (No Supplement Fare)
• The Top Transatlantic Cruises
• First-Time Cruise Tips: Mistakes to Avoid
• How Much Does a Cruise Cost?
• The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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