Princess Embarkation Day Tips: (2026 Guide)
This post may contain affiliate or personal referral links. Using them never costs you anything extra, and it helps support the free travel‑hacking resources on NoPointLeftBehind.net.
Embarkation Day is one of my favorite parts of any Princess cruise — that moment when you step onto the ship, smell the ocean air, and feel your shoulders drop about three inches. But it can also feel a little chaotic if you’re not sure what to do first.
This guide walks you through exactly what to expect, what to do, and what to skip on Day 1 so you can start your vacation relaxed, organized, and already a little bit ahead of everyone else.
Planning a Princess cruise? Start with my Lazy Girl Princess Guide — it’s the hub for all my updated Princess posts, including spa, dining, cabins, and onboard credit strategies. This post is part of that series, so everything connects for easier planning and smarter travel.
Before You Arrive at the Port
A smooth embarkation starts before you even get to the terminal.
Have your Medallion ready (if you have it already)
Luggage tags attached
Carry‑on packed with essentials
Boarding group time handy
Princess app logged in
If you’re not sure what to pack in your carry‑on, here’s my Embarkation Bag Guide — it’s the exact setup I use on every Princess cruise to keep Day 1 stress‑free.
If you want a full walkthrough of how the app behaves in 2026, I break it down in my OceanNow Review.
Once You Board: What to Do First
1. Drop your bags in your stateroom
Cabins are usually ready early afternoon.
2. Connect to MedallionNet
Even if you don’t plan to use Wi‑Fi much, connecting early helps the app behave better. You can start watching the safety video on your phone
3. Check the Princess app for Day 1 events
I always check:
Sailaway party
Muster drill
Dining room hours
Day‑1‑only activities
If you’re sailing with Plus or Premier, this is a great time to start using your included drinks. If you’re still deciding which package is worth it, I compare them in my Princess Plus vs Premier Guide.
Muster Drill: What You Actually Need to Do
Princess uses the eMuster system now.
You’ll:
Watch the safety video in the app
Scan your Medallion at your muster station
Done.
Where to Eat on Embarkation Day
Skip the buffet if you can — it’s the most crowded place on the ship.
Better options:
Main Dining Room
Alfredo’s / Gigi’s (included in the plus & premier package)
International Café
If you have Plus or Premier, this is a great time to grab your first included latte or cocktail.
What to Book or Reserve on Day 1
These fill up fast:
Specialty dining
Spa appointments
Sanctuary passes
Limited‑capacity activities
If you’re sailing on a casino offer, check your free play or casino credit once the casino opens. If you’re new to casino offers, my Princess Casino Guideexplains how my dad earned his first free cruise with just $0.25 video poker.
Explore the Ship
This is the perfect time to:
Walk the decks
Find dining rooms
Check out the pools
Visit kids/teen clubs
Scope out coffee spots
I always take a few photos while the ship is still quiet — great for memories and future posts.
OceanNow: Should You Use It on Day 1?
Yes — Day 1 is the best time to test it.
You can:
Order drinks to your lounger
Have snacks delivered
Try the app before the ship gets busy
If you want the full breakdown of how it works in 2026, here’s my OceanNow Review.
Unpack Before Dinner
Your luggage usually arrives mid‑afternoon.
I always:
Hang dresses and nicer outfits
Put swimsuits in a drawer
Set up a charging station
Put Medallion accessories where everyone can find them
If you want to see exactly what I bring onboard with me (not in checked bags), here’s my Embarkation Bag Guide.
If you need a full packing list, myCruise Essentials Guide has everything I bring (and what I skip).
Dinner + Sailaway
Sailaway is one of the best moments of the entire cruise. Grab a drink, head to the top deck, and enjoy the music and energy.
For dinner:
Traditional dining: go at your assigned time
Dine My Way: check the app
Specialty dining: enjoy a quieter first night
Evening Entertainment
After dinner, check out:
Welcome Aboard show
Live music in the Piazza
Casino
A walk on the open decks
Day 1 is usually low‑stress and full of excitement.
Final Tips for a Smooth Embarkation Day
Don’t overpack your carry‑on
Drink water
Wear comfortable shoes
Don’t try to do everything
Take a few minutes to just breathe and enjoy the moment
Your cruise is officially underway.
About the Author
Julie Davis is the creator of No Point Left Behind, where she helps families travel better for less using points, miles, and simple, repeatable strategies. After 20 years as a stay‑at‑home mom turned travel‑hacking expert, she now teaches others how to stack deals, maximize credit card perks, and cruise smarter without the overwhelm. Julie and her family travel 12–15 times a year across the U.S., Europe, Alaska, and the Caribbean — always finding the hidden wins along the way.
