Introduction
Cruising with Princess Cruises offers the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and indulgence — but with so many things to do on board, it’s easy to miss out if you don’t plan wisely. Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifth, these tips will help you make the absolute most of every moment at sea.
1. Plan Ahead Using the MedallionClass® App
Before you even step on board, download the Princess MedallionClass® app. It’s more than just a tech perk — it’s your cruise command center. Use it to:
Check in early to skip lines at the port
Book dining reservations, spa treatments, and excursions
See the daily schedule and activity highlights
Order drinks, snacks, or even retail items right to your location onboard
Pro Tip: Complete your pre-boarding steps before arriving to speed through embarkation.
2. Don’t Just Eat — Dine Around
Princess Cruises offers a wide variety of dining options — and they’re all worth exploring.
Main Dining Rooms: Rotating menus and excellent service nightly
Specialty Dining: Treat yourself at Crown Grill (steak & seafood), Sabatini’s (Italian), or The Catch by Rudi
Casual Eats: Grab a slice from Slice Pizzeria, or enjoy light bites from the International Café
Room Service: Free for many items — perfect for breakfast on your balcony
Maximize It: Try a new dining venue each night. Book specialty restaurants early via the app — they fill up fast.
3. Catch the Best Entertainment (and Show Up Early)
Princess Cruises is known for its high-quality performances — from Broadway-style shows to live bands and comedy.
Production Shows: These sell out, so arrive 15–20 minutes early for good seats
Movies Under the Stars®: Watch blockbusters on a giant screen, poolside, with complimentary popcorn and blankets
Live Music: Don’t miss performances at venues like the Piazza or Crooners Bar
Theme Nights: Participate in dance parties, trivia, or game shows
Bonus Tip: Schedule quieter activities (like the spa or hot tub) during major showtimes if you prefer serenity.
4. Balance Action with Relaxation
With so many onboard activities — trivia, wine tastings, lectures, cooking demos, dance classes — it’s easy to fill your schedule. But don’t forget to relax.
The Sanctuary®: Adults-only retreat with plush loungers and peace & quiet
Lotus Spa®: Book a massage, facial, or thermal suite day pass
Library & Lounges: Ideal for quiet reading or journaling with ocean views
Reset: Plan at least one “slow day” during your cruise to do absolutely nothing — it’s a vacation, after all.
5. Take Advantage of Onboard Extras
Princess often offers:
Shopping promotions with giveaways and raffles
Wine & spirits tastings
Free enrichment classes (on destinations, photography, cooking, etc.)
Health & wellness demos with spa discounts
Cruiser Tip: Use port days to enjoy ship amenities with fewer crowds — spa treatments and pools are often quieter when most passengers are ashore.
6. Pick Your Priorities Early
There’s no way to do everything — and that’s okay. Choose your must-do activities in three key areas:
Dining (e.g., Crown Grill dinner)
Entertainment (e.g., a particular show or themed night)
Relaxation (e.g., Sanctuary day pass or massage)
Customize It: Use the app to “favorite” events and set reminders for a personalized cruise schedule.
Final Thoughts: Let the Ocean Set the Pace
Maximizing your time on a Princess Cruise doesn’t mean doing everything — it means doing what matters most to you. Whether you're sipping cocktails on your balcony, dancing under the stars, or soaking up a lecture on Alaskan wildlife, the beauty of cruising is having the freedom to choose your own adventure.
