General Information and Tips for the Cruise

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Activities on Board
1
Arrive early for shows. Most venues open seating a half hour before show time, and some even earlier. If the ship is full, the shows will fill-up fast!
2
Attend the Spa & Fitness Center Orientation if you're planning to use the Spa ($). Usually held in the early afternoon on the day of embarkation in the Lotus Spa, Sun deck, Deck 15 Forward.
3
Enjoy the great views while working out in the Fitness Center on Sun Deck, Deck 15 Forward. It's one of the few places on the whole ship you can look over the Bow!
4
Expect the Fitness Center to be very crowded in the mornings, especially on days at sea or if arrival at port is later in the day. It's less crowded in the afternoons and evenings.
5
Go to the fitness center overview if you plan to take classes ($) or use the facilities while on board. Usually offered continuously during the early afternoon on day of embarkation in the Fitness Studio, Sun Deck, Deck 15 Forward.
6
If you're brining the kids (age 3 +) they have free, supervised activities for them in the Kids & Teen Center (Fun Zone/Off Limits) Although times vary, they'll even feed the kids with the parents' permission!
7
It's a really big ship. Take advantage of the free tour of the ship offered in the early afternoon on the day of embarkation, usually starting near the Skywalker's Lounge, Deck 18 Aft. Bring your ship's pocket guide map from your stateroom, and highlighter's, pens, markers, etc. to make notes.
8
Make spa and salon appointments ($) either before you leave or the first day on the ship — prime appointment times fill up fast!
9
Port days are an excellent time to schedule treatments in the Lotus Spa — watch for enticing special price reductions!
10
ScholarShip@Sea, Princess Cruises' innovative enrichment program, offers classes in ceramics, photography, culinary arts, wine tasting, dance lessons, and a back stage tour to examine the ship's theatrical technology
11
Sign-up for the cooking demonstration and tour of the galley (kitchen).
12
Try a late night fresh water swim or Jacuzzi, way aft under the stars, all alone on your 1/2 Billion dollar ship — you and the Universe.
13
Try the Master Class Wine Tasting ($10 to $15 charge) usually on the first full day at sea in the mid afternoon.
14
Watch the "Morning Show" hosted by your Cruise Director for daily activities, entertainment options and the drink of the day ($2 to $3). It's always informative, entertaining and fun!
Cabin Details
1
Be aware that walls and doors are often paper-thin in the cabins. Your conversations are no secret when walking down the corridor or talking in your cabin.
2
Beach Towels for use on Deck and at the Pool, are only be available in your cabin. You'll need to bring them with you to the Pool, and then back to your cabin.
3
If you have a balcony and your chairs have cushions, these cushions will be brought into the cabin at turndown each night by the steward.
4
In the bathroom, the top knob in the shower controls the water pressure. The bottom knob controls the temp. If you want the knob to turn further push in the button on the knob.
5
In the non-suite/non-mini suite cabins, the bathrooms are really tiny – you can honestly sit on the toilet, brush your teeth over the sink, and wash ½ half of your body in the very small plastic shower — all at the same time!
6
7
The dresser, desk and nightstand drawers open/close in a special way. You have to lift drawers up to open and close them all of the way. This is so the drawers don't fly open during rough seas.
8
You can store your suitcases under your bed.
First Day (Immediately before and after boarding the ship)
1
Ask the cabin steward for a daily bucket of ice.
2
Ask you cabin steward for soft feather pillows. They sure beat the hard ones you normally get. Ask for an egg-crate mattress pad. They make those hard mattress's very comfortable.
3
Ask your cabin steward for extra hangers.
4
Ask your cabin steward to leave 2 Princess Patters (the daily newsletter of what's happening on your cruise) in your room (one for each of you, in case one gets lost, etc.)
5
Ask your cabin steward to remove the cruise line's stocked items from the mini-fridge so you will have more room for your items.
6
At the pier in Seattle, be sure to pick up an Alaska Coupon Book. This will have valuable coupons for all Alaska and Canadian ports on your trip.
7
Don't miss the Bon Voyage on Lido Deck, Deck 14, and other open Decks immediately before sailing. Streamers and confetti provided!
8
Expect the life boat drill (everyone to their muster stations with life jackets!) to occur about a 30 to 45 minutes before sailing on the first day. Be prepared for a lecture and a demonstration of the safety procedures ending with everyone trying on life vests -- a painless procedure.
9
When checking in at the port, you'll be directed to get in a line for your specific deck. It's possible that if you're traveling with others in your party who are not on your deck, you'll be in separate lines and may not board the ship at the same time!


Food, Beverages and Dining
1
At breakfast, the Horizon Food Court has made-to-order omelets along with the normal buffet.
2
At Sabatini's Trattatoria (the specialty Italian restaurant with an additional $20 charge per person) you order an entree, a soup, and salad. The waiter brings you everything else: 11 types of antipasto (including melon, sun dried tomatoes, porcini mushrooms in olive oil, steamed black mussels, crab cakes, eggplant, shrimp, fried cheese and marinated artichokes.) You then have the soup and salad, followed by three types of pasta; continue with the entree and end with dessert!
3
At the Horizon Food Court, there are no trays but the plates are more like a platter!
4
Attend High Tea in the afternoon (usually around 3:30 PM) in one of the Dining Rooms. Served by white gloved waiters "putting on the Ritz" accompanied by talented musicians playing soft, soothing music.
5
Be a considerate cruiser, adhere to each evening's dress code and don't rush back to your cabin to change into shorts after dinner. It's an insult to your fellow passengers
6
Be sure to eat in the Dining Rooms for Breakfast and Lunch at least once during your cruise. You'll enjoy the service, and be able to compare the food to the other dining options.
7
Depending on the cruise and who's in charge of the dining room, the Dress Code may not be fully enforced -- even on Formal Nights!
8
Dining Dress Code (All the time): No Shorts, No Jeans, No Sneakers, No Sandals (men), No Bathing Suits, No Cut-offs, No T-Shirts, No Hats, No Tank Tops in the Dining Rooms.
9
Dining Dress Code (Formal): as an alternative for the ladies: black velvet pants, black cut velvet tunic, a short straight black silk skirt, a bare black camisole or a simple black silk sheath dress. Add a simple tailored jacket of pale gold Chinese brocade or a soft loose jacket of black chiffon or a taupe linen blazer. You can then wear these pieces in many different combinations and change the look with jewelry or a silk scarf.
10
Dining Dress Code (Formal): evening gowns, cocktail dresses and fancy shoes for the ladies; tuxedos, slacks with white dinner (NOT sport) jackets, suits, tie and dress shoes for the men. No Short Sleeve Shirts on Formal Nights for the men.
11
Dining Dress Code (Smart Casual): Skirts/dresses, slacks, sweaters, blouses, shoes/sandals for the ladies; Pants, open neck shirts, shoes for the men
12
Dinner may take 1½ to 2 hours in the Dining Rooms. Expect up to 3 hours in Sabatini's Trattatoria ($) since they serve a very small portion of all the appetizers on the menu in addition to soup, salad, pasta, the entree and, of course, dessert!
13
Donatello, and Bernini are for Any Time (Personal Choice) Dining. Canaletto is for Traditional Dining. For faster service, try the Bernini Dining Room (Plaza Deck 5); it's usually less crowded.
14
Expect the first formal night to be the first full day at sea. Expect the second, and final, formal night (with a Champagne Waterfall) to be the second to last night of the cruise.
15
For breakfast, in any cabin, you can order something not on the room service menu by just writing it on the breakfast card. Be sure to indicate explicitly everything you may want with your food (e.g. syrup with waffles, butter with pancakes, jelly with toast, etc.)
16
Get a balcony or mini-suite; bring wine and/or champagne onboard -- permitted by Princess; ask the cabin steward for clean wine glasses and champagne flutes every day - they are happy to oblige. Then, sit back on the balcony and enjoy the wine or champagne.
17
Grab a table at the Horizon Food Court first before getting your food. Then take turns going to the buffet. Tables fill up fast.
18
Grab your meal at the Horizon Buffet, walk 100 feet straight back to the stern where there are nice tables, rarely used, with beautiful views of the water
19
Ice Cream is available in the Horizon Food Court in the afternoons (usually 3 PM to 4 PM) and in the Dining Rooms during dinner.
20
If you are in a full suite, you can order room service from the restaurant menu. Call Room Service and ask to order from "the Restaurant Menu”, and then ask what's available that day if you don't know.
21
If you can't decide between two entrees in the dining room, ask the waiter for one of each! You don't have to eat all of both entrees, just try them both.
22
If you drink soda, buy a soda card when you first board the ship (about $32, including gratuity). You'll get all the soda (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Diet Sprite, Ginger Ale & Club Soda) you could drink for the length of the cruise.
23
If you have a balcony, have coffee or tea delivered via room service. Sit and watch the ship arrive in port, and experience the most relaxing part of the day.
24
If you like specialty coffees (cappuccinos, espresso, etc.), these are offered in the Dining Rooms with desert ($).
25
If you plan to eat at the Specialty Dining Restaurants (Sabatini's Trattatoria or Sterling Steakhouse), eat there the first 2 nights on the ship. They'll be less crowded, and the first 2 nights you're at sea anyway.
26
If you're traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast the day of your ship's sailing, keep in mind the time change. Realize you may not get anything to eat until you are on the ship and settled in your cabin. This can be 2 PM (or later), which will be 5 PM back home!
27
In addition to the 3 Dining Rooms and the 2 Specialty Restaurants ($), there's: the Horizon Food Court (24 Hours), Room Service (24 Hours), Prego (Pizza), Trident Grill (Burgers/Dogs/Fries), Ultimate Balcony Dining ($ - Breakfast on select sea days: 7 AM to 11 AM; Dinner 5:30 PM to 10 PM)
28
Instead of bottled water ($3 - $4 for 1½ liter bottle), fill-up your own containers at the Horizon Food Court water station - ocean water desalinated, distilled and filtered. Then put it in your min fridge. It's; it's then cold, free, and tastes just great!
29
Instead of Room Service, go up to Horizon Food Court, pile your plate up with food, and return to your cabin to eat on your balcony If you have one).
30
On the first formal evening, all passengers are invited to the Captain's "Welcome Aboard" cocktail party. Aside from the fact that it's a major breach of etiquette to decline an invitation from the Captain, all beverages at this event are complimentary!
31
Prego Pizza serves three types of pizza a day, a Margarita pizza (cheese, tomatoes, herbs), a pepperoni pizza and a daily special.
32
Straws are only available at the bars.
33
The Dining Rooms (Donatello, Canaletto and Bernini) serve sit-down breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Dining Rooms are usually closed for lunch the day you first board.
34
The Horizon Food Court offers different stations with different choices at each station. Look around first before deciding on what to select. It can be a bit hectic when many people are trying to all get their food!
35
The in-cabin free daily fresh fruit basket is a great. Just ask your steward or fill out the card in your cabin everyday for the next day.
36
The night before, order cut up fruit with your morning coffee, and put this in your room fridge for later. When you return to your room after a day of activities, the cold, already cut up, fruit is refreshing!
37
They charge for spring (bottled) water in your cabin. If you drink the bottle in your cabin when you arrive, your account will be charged
38
With Anytime Dining, you can make reservations at 8 AM in the morning for that night's dinner. But, plan to wait 5 to 10 minutes for a table in the Dining Rooms for dinner even with reservations, especially after 7 PM.


General Stuff
1
Announcements via the ship's PA system will be plentiful, even in the cabins!
2
As often as possible, wash your hands or use the hand sanitizer lotion provided! Avoid cruise flu (imagine being quarantined and sick while everyone else is off enjoying the ports and the ship's common areas!
3
Catch the moonlight shining on the sea at night.
4
Cruises made on Princess, P&O Cruises, Swan Helenic, Ocean Village and Sitmar will be included in your total cruise count for Captains Circle (Frequent Cruising Program) benefits.
5
Don't jump at buying your pictures right away -- they take lots of pictures and you can decide later in the week which ones to buy. On formal night, have lots of formal pictures taken at all location's (that part is free) so you have a nice selection to choose from ($20 for one 8 ½ by 11).
6
Due to strong winds in the channel approaching Victoria, BC, it's possible this port may be skipped.
7
Go to the Skywalkers Lounge during the day for a great place to relax. The views are incredible from this observation point.
8
Hand cleaning dispensers with sanitizing liquid are everywhere: upon boarding the ship for the first time, after each port visit, and at the Horizon Food Court. You are required to used them
9
If you and your spouse have joint credit cards already, be sure to take different ones between the two of you (or leave the '2nd' card in the safe while onshore). If one is stolen or lost, you'll still have another card to use.
10
If you travel with expensive jewelry, use the purser's safe when you're not wearing it. Although room safes are available on many ships, only valuables locked up in the purser's safe are covered under the ship's insurance
11
If you're concerned about the well being of your crew, every modern cruise vessel is equipped with a crew fitness center, a crew recreation room with bar, a crew restaurant/cafeteria and a crew deck with a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. These areas are rarely, if ever, seen by the passengers.
12
In case of an emergency, you can reached by phone while you are on the ship. The phone number is 1-900-329-7447. The caller must include the ship's name, your name & cabin number. Cost: $.95 per minute.
13
Keep images of your passports and phone numbers, addresses, etc. of family and major contacts on HotMail (or another email service) so in an emergency situation you can locate them from any PC internet connection in the world and have them printed.
14
Life is too short to sit on the shore and watch your ship sail without you!
15
Make copies of your passport and put them in several places (luggage, carry-on, etc.). This will help if yours gets lost or stolen. Bring a copy of your passport with you when you get off the ship.
16
Many of the crew will be off on Port Days. The shops and casino will be closed, and there will be limited services on these days.
17
On an Alaskan Cruise traveling North, the clocks will be set back 1 hour usually on the second night to adjust for the Alaskan Time Zone. Traveling South, clocks are set to the Pacific Time Zone usually on the second to last night. These clock adjustments are usually on the Formal Dress nights.
18
One of the biggest tips that people forget is sit back, enjoy the moment and have some fun!
19
Princess has food, drink and activities available 24/7; be sure to do some star grazing.
20
Remember Alaska is the "Land of the Midnight Sun" -- sunset around 10 PM and sunrise around 4 AM in the middle of June! Plus, it's not really dark until a ½ hour to an hour after sunset and before sunrise!
21
See the purser's desk for an extra set of playing cards you can keep as a souvenir ($).
22
Smoking is not allowed in the dining rooms, or any other food service area, or in the show lounges and theaters. Smoking is permitted in staterooms, stateroom balconies, and designated areas. There are additional restrictions on smoking which will be in the Princess Patter
23
They can burn your digital camera photos to a CD for about $10.00 to $19.00. This will free up space on your memory card.
24
US Immigration Service Agents may board the ship the last full day of the cruise in preparation for your arrival the next day at your final destination to inspect everyone's citizenship documents.
25
When food, drinks, products or services are suggested or offered, immediately ask "How Much?" before agreeing to anything



Money Matters
1
Be sure to check your account balance periodically during the cruise at the Purser's Desk. Ask for a print out every couple of days. Straighten out any discrepancies immediately and avoid a long line at the Purser's Desk that last morning after your final bill arrives. Also, you won't be surprised at the end of the cruise!
2
If you need cash before going on a port visit, the on-board ATM charges a $5.50 transaction fee. It's probably less expensive to get your cash at or near the port.
3
There is a state-of-the-art money changer near the Purser’s desk. Just put in US $ and it will give you Canadian $ the day the ship is in Victoria, BC. Easy and hassle-free, but there is a $3.50 charge per transaction.
4
To save money: book shore excursions yourselves, bypassing the cruise line.
5
To save money: book your own air flights.
6
To save money: curtail some of the more expensive excursions, excluding any helicopter/glacier hiking tour (which is worth every penny though!)
7
To save money: don't splurge in seemingly every area and eliminate all the surcharge restaurants, balcony dining experiences, special breakfasts and formal night pictures.
8
To save money: downgrade from a mini-suite to a stateroom with balcony. You may really like your mini suite with the extra sitting area, large deck and bathtub, but you now know that you could survive nicely on a less grand scale and save a small fortune!
9
Travelers checks can be cashed at the purser's desks or in the casino with no additional charge.
10
Gratuities for other shipboard staff such as casino dealers, room service and Lotus Spa personnel are at your discretion, and are not included in the $10 per day per person charged to your account.
11
It's customary to tip the Room Service Delivery Person ($2 to $5 depending on what you've ordered).
Packing Tips
1
A pair of binoculars is invaluable even if you don't have a balcony, you'll use them on the deck.
2
Absolutely pack an outlet strip, there is only one plug in the cabin.
3
Before you pack your clothes, wrap your fancy clothes (suits & dresses) in the cellophane wrap from the dry cleaners. This will help keep your clothes from wrinkling.
4
Bring a can of air freshener for the bathroom. Bathrooms don't usually have vents or fans on the ship.
5
Bring a nightlight, especially if you're in an inside cabin.
6
Bring an insulated mug with lid. Fill-it up at the buffet with hot or cold beverages. Your drinks will stay the right temperature, and you won't spill it!
7
Bring Post-It-Notes to leave messages for you steward, your cabin mate and your shipboard friends/family members.
8
Bring pre-addressed address labels to send postcards to family & friends back home. It'll avoid taking (and maybe losing!) a bulky address book.
9
Come prepared with every possible medical remedy - Imodium, Bonine, Meclizine, Aspirin, Tums, etc., and you'll be healthy all week!
10
Don't panic about remembering to pack everything. If you forget something you can either purchase it at one of the ship's shops or at a port.
11
First pack your suitcase(s), then take out half the clothes and leave them home. Replace half the clothes with twice as much money you planned to bring!
12
If plan to watch a lot of TV and you're in a mini suite, bring a extra, programmable remote. The mini suites have 2 TVs, but only 1 remote.
13
If you have a balcony an indoor/outdoor thermometer is good to have along.
14
Pack a collapsible, hanging shoe organizer. It barely takes up any space in your luggage, and will allow you to organize your small items in your closet on the ship.
15
Pack toiletries, clothing, and other items in clear zipper top bags for faster security examination of your carry-on at the airport and pier. This method makes it easier to repack if your bag is emptied and searched.
16
Pack before going to dinner on the last night. Then, you can enjoy the evening without worrying about having to pack and have your luggage in the hallway before you got to bed. That evening, wear to dinner what you plan to wear home. Warning! If you pack late, remember to leave out clothes to wear home or you'll wind up walking down the gangway with a sheet wrapped around you and your nightclothes (if any). Don't laugh, it's happened!
17
Take an extra electrical cord because your cabin won't have enough outlets, or it will be in an awkward place (hint check behind they TV).
18
Take two large suitcases and pack half of your clothes in your suitcase and the other half in your cabin mate's suitcase, just in case one of the two gets lost. Also, have carry-ons that include one pair of casual clothes and one pair of smart casual so you're prepared for dinner just in case your luggage arrives a couple of days later.
19
Your luggage may not arrive in your cabin until right before dinner on the first day. Pack what you need the first few hours on the ship in your carry on bag. Of course, carry all documents, medicines, essentials and valuables with you in your carry-on.
20
Since cabin walls and doors are metal, bring small magnets to hold up your pictures and maps while on board.
21
Since all you'll need while on board is your cruise card, bring a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck.
22
Weight limits for suitcases on most major airlines are 50 pounds per checked bag and 40 pounds per carry-on bag.
23
There are linear (length plus width plus height) measurement restrictions as well: 62 inches for a checked bag and 51 inches for a carry-on bag.
24
You may have only 2 checked bags and 1 carry-on bag. In addition, you may carry on a small personal item such as a purse, lap-top, diaper bag, or approved child seat.


Health & Safety
1
All water, even that piped on board from shore, is treated with chlorine and ultraviolet rays to eliminate all waterborne organisms! Bubbles are added to water to add volume and reduce consumption.
2
Arrangements have been made with Los Angeles's Cedar-Sinai Medical Center for telemedical services. When needed, a video, audio, and data link is established to provide access to shore side medical specialists.
3
Many ships carry "smoke helmets" containing a thermal imaging camera inside. Firefighters can see passengers trapped in otherwise impenetrably thick smoke.
4
Make sure when leaving your cabin that your door is properly closed.
5
On the ship, all vital machinery is located at least 26 feet from the hull, providing a safety buffer assuring operational integrity in the event of a collision.
6
The Medical Center ($) on Gala Deck, Deck 4, is usually only open 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. The crew (1,000 + on most ships) needs to use the facility during other times.
7
There are enough life boats for everyone on the ship. Usually, 2 of them are "fast rescue boats" designed for rapid deployment and capable of 35 knot speeds. A test run on the Sun Princess managed to: sound a warning, launch the boats, recover the victim and return to the side of the ship for recovery within 8 minutes!
8
There are portable cardiac defibrillators placed strategically throughout the ship.


Ship Information
1
Every Princess ship has a bridge cam -- available for viewing over the Internet by the general public. You just might be caught on camera if you're on one of the upper decks!
2
For overall health and exercise, take the stairs on the ship instead of the elevators. The stairs are never out of order, there's never a wait, and it will help keep off the pounds!
3
If you are in port and another Princess ship is in the same port, you can visit that ship with just your cruise card. It's a great way to compare the differences between 2 ships
4
On many ships, below deck in the engine spaces, there is a railroad track and trolley for moving parts and machinery throughout the area.
5
Self service laundry facilities: washers ($1 per load), dryers ($1 per load), irons (free) & ironing boards (free). Buy detergent ($1) or bring your own. Also bring dryer sheets if you use these.
6
The decking or wooden veneer on the Promenade deck is very slippery when wet for people walking and running for exercise.
7
The Golden Princess is going into a dry dock in Marseille, France for 7 days (November 22 - 28, 2006). Carpet replacement in passenger areas & cabins; upholstery replacement; and plumbing work. Also, the hull will be repaired from coral damage in the Fall of 2006.
8
To help you from getting lost, carpets on the left side of the ship (Port) are trimmed in red and carpets on the right side of the ship (Starboard - our side) are trimmed in blue.
9
Usually on the first or second day in port, there will be a "Full Crew Drill" in the mid-morning. The crew will participate in various exercises. Stay clear of the Promenade Deck and any other area where exercises are occurring.


Shore Excursions
1
Always carry the Patter with you on shore excursions. It always lists the Princess port agent. If you run into trouble, can't find the ship, have your purse/wallet stolen, you'll know who to contact to help you out.
2
Booking your shore excursions through Princess, although more expensive then going through another company, offers some benefits: the ship won't leave without you if you're late getting back from the excursion; 100% refund if the excursion gets cancelled; ability to cancel approximately 24 hours in advance and get 100% of your money back.
3
Expect to receive a very detailed tour and port information in your stateroom prior to arrival at a destination. In addition to descriptions of the ship's shore excursions and a booking form, the packet includes a sheet for each port with an overview, port highlights, a map, and other important facts about the availability of shuttles and private transportation. Very useful, especially for those going ashore independently. This information may be in a portfolio/notebook in your cabin so be sure to find it!
4
Shore excursions may be booked up to 120 days in advance of sailing on your Cruise Personalizer on http://www.princess.com/

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