🌊 Princess Cruises Tips for First‑Timers
Sailing Glacier Bay National Park on the Royal Princess
Everything you need to know before your first Princess cruise—dining, embarkation, money‑saving tips, and what to expect onboard.
Princess Cruises is one of the most beginner‑friendly cruise lines out there, but your first sailing can still feel overwhelming. From dining reservations to embarkation day to what’s actually included, there are a lot of moving parts. This guide breaks everything down in a simple, stress‑free way so you can board feeling confident and prepared.
If you’re still deciding which cruise to book, my Princess Cruises Hub and How I Booked My Alaska Cruise for $325 are great places to start.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate or referral links, which means I may earn a small commission or bonus if you decide to use them. It helps support my travel guides and keeps everything free for readers—thank you for being here!
🛳️ Understanding Princess Cruises as a First‑Timer
Mykonos from the Sun Princess 09/25
Princess is known for a relaxed, classic cruise experience with great food, beautiful ships, and itineraries that focus on the destinations. It’s not a party line, and it’s not a mega‑ship theme‑park experience. It’s perfect for:
Couples
Families
Multi‑generational trips
Alaska and Mediterranean travelers
Anyone who wants a calmer, more elevated cruise vibe
If you’re sailing Alaska, check out my Alaska Cruise Guide and Alaska Cruise Packing List for weather‑specific tips.
📱 Set Up the Princess App Before You Sail
The Princess app is essential for:
Checking in
Selecting arrival times
Making dining reservations
Viewing daily schedules
Messaging your travel party
Ordering food and drinks (on some ships)
Make sure you:
Link your reservation
Add your travel party
Set your preferred dining times
Upload your security photo
Complete check‑in early
If dining looks “sold out,” don’t stress—Princess holds back a lot of availability for onboard booking. I explain exactly what to do in my Princess Dining Reservations Guide.
🍽️ Dining Tips for First‑Timers
Princess offers several dining styles, and knowing how they work makes your cruise smoother.
Dine My Way (Flexible Dining)
You choose your preferred times in the app. If everything looks booked, visit the dining desk on Day 1—they can override the app and assign you times.
Traditional Dining
You’re assigned a set time (early or late) and the same table each night.
Specialty Dining
Worth booking at least once. Popular options include:
Crown Grill
Sabatini’s
Catch by Rudi
Umai Teppanyaki
Walk‑ups often work even when the app shows no availability.
Included Casual Dining
Princess has excellent included options:
International Café
World Fresh Marketplace
Slice
Salty Dog Grill
If you want a deeper dive into dining strategy, see my Princess Dining Tips post.
🧳 What to Pack for Your Princess Cruise
My embarkation bag ready to cruise!
Princess is casual‑elegant, not formal. You don’t need ball gowns or tuxedos unless you want them.
Pack:
Layers (especially for Alaska)
A light jacket or cardigan for cool dining rooms
Comfortable walking shoes
A day bag for port days
A swimsuit and cover‑up
A small crossbody for evenings
My Cruise Packing List covers everything I actually bring—including embarkation day essentials.
For Alaska specifically, see my Alaska Cruise Packing List.
🚢 Embarkation Day Tips
Embarkation day sets the tone for your whole cruise. A few simple steps make it smooth:
Arrive early for your assigned check‑in time
Keep your passport, meds, and valuables in your carry‑on
Eat lunch somewhere other than the buffet
Visit the dining desk if you need reservations
Explore the ship before sailaway
Unpack early so your cabin stays organized
My Embarkation Day Tips guide has a full checklist.
🛏️ What to Expect in Your Stateroom
Princess cabins are clean, comfortable, and functional. A few things to know:
Outlets are limited—bring a non‑surge power strip
Storage is excellent (especially closets)
Beds are comfortable and can be separated
Balconies are worth it on Alaska itineraries
Bring magnets for the walls (they’re metal!)
If you’re sailing Alaska, balcony cabins are especially magical for glacier days.
🎭 Entertainment & Activities
Princess focuses on enrichment and relaxation rather than high‑energy nightlife. Expect:
Broadway‑style shows
Live music
Trivia
Movies Under the Stars
Destination talks
Wine tastings
Quiet lounges and bars
If you want a calmer cruise experience, Princess is perfect.
🧠 Money‑Saving Tips for First‑Timers
Princess offers plenty of ways to save without sacrificing the experience.
Use points and miles for flights + hotels
I saved thousands on my Alaska cruise using stacking strategies. See the full breakdown in How I Booked My Alaska Cruise for $325.
Skip the drink package unless you truly need it
Princess allows you to bring wine onboard and offers free water, tea, and coffee.
Book excursions independently
You’ll save money and often get a better experience. My Alaska Port Guides and Mediterranean Port Guides help you DIY your days.
Watch for casino offers
These can drastically reduce cruise fares—even for beginners.
Use your credit card perks
Travel credits, multipliers, and shopping portals add up fast. My Stack & Save Credit Card Hub shows exactly how to layer them.
💳 The Best Tip for First‑Timers: Learn to Stack
Stacking is how I turn normal spending into free flights, hotel nights, and deeply discounted cruises. It’s not extreme couponing—it’s smart strategy.
If you want to travel more for less, start with my Stack & Save Credit Card Hub.
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About the Author
Julie is a travel‑hacking expert and the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, a resource for families who want to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. She shares practical guides, points strategies, and real‑life travel experiences to help you maximize every dollar. Stay connected — follow Julie on Facebook for fresh travel tips and join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group to be part of a supportive community of travelers learning together.
