Princess Cruises Tips and Tricks

ADVERTISING

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard

Shop now »

NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Charger

Shop now »

RHINO USA Boat Trailer Transom Straps (2PK)

Shop now »

LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder

Shop now »

Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask

Shop now »

Most popular comments
for Princess Cruises Tips and Tricks

Live comments
Comments on YouTube

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Here’s a link to my favorite Alaska pre-cruise book, which comes
with a map to hang on your stateroom wall:

http://amzn.to/2oZ0A2C

Lillian James - 6 years ago

Its a nice cruise ,was my first time and is looking out to go again..is relaxing and good.

channa keshava - 6 years ago

Hii ! I liked to work in princess Cruises can you help me how apply for this job .some consultants are asking to pay registration fees after paying they send flight tickets and visa it seems. Can you help me

Andrew Hibble - 6 years ago

You are way too annoying to watch

Ada Cotto - 6 years ago

Princess is like being in a nursing home... Omg

Robert Barnier - 6 years ago

Also Sanctuary is a huge ripoff

Robert Barnier - 6 years ago

Got to say you are really overselling Princess - very ordinary experience on Princess

steve read - 6 years ago

Re #5 .. just to add .. at the International cafe, the food is complimentary

Steve

Richard Turcott - 6 years ago

Is there any place to find out what movies are scheduled on princess ships before sailing.

10. comment for Princess Cruises Tips and Tricks

SirLoneWolf - 6 years ago

Thanks for the tips.

CruiseTipsTV - 6 years ago

Our pleasure

Lyttle Starboard - 6 years ago

are those anchors on your shirt?? :)

meinkephoto - 6 years ago

As usual, a very helpful vlog!

Here are our Princess Tips.
1) If you have friends or family that live near the embarkation port, see if Princess is offering a Bon Voyage Experience. You will be the first group to board the ship after any In-Transit Passengers. Your company will get to board with you and spend about 3 hours on the ship. Includes a photo and lunch. Well worth the $39.00 per person fee as it can be applied to a future cruise.
2) We got the Princess Visa Card. Since cruising is our vacation of choice, we use the points to pay all of our excursions, tips and onboard spending. If you redeem more points than you spend, the difference is refundable.
3) If you can swing it, buy at least 100 shares of Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) stock. Depending on the length of cruise, you will receive a shareholders benefit. For example, you will receive a $100.00 (non-refundable) stateroom credit for a 7 day cruise.

meinkephoto - 6 years ago

Hi Sheri, Yes. The Shareholder Benefit works for Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Seabourn, Cunard and Costa in the US. It is an investment of 100 shares but thanks to a 401k rollover, I was able to swing it. The form can be found here. http://www.carnivalcorp.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=140690&p=irol-sharebenefit. On our last back to back (total 14 days), we got $100 onboard credit for each cruise.

CruiseTipsTV - 6 years ago

Love these. I REALLY need to buy stock. are you getting credit on princess too?

Golden Gamers - 6 years ago

OMG im about to go on my 2nd princess cruise. And when I clicked on this video, Just OMG HOW IS SHE SO DARN HAPPY?????

Golden Gamers - 6 years ago

Thats It. Im Subscribing

Cheryl28100 - 6 years ago

So Sanctuary is a pay extra adult only location....is the indoor pool area adults only as well? If so, do they have family time at the indoor pool for the cool weather sailings? Thanks in advance.

Rick Smith - 6 years ago

I've never paid to enjoy the Sanctuary! Everything in the area is Adults only. My last Cruise was only a few months ago so things may have changed - I'll probably find out in Jan 2018 when my next is.

CruiseTipsTV - 6 years ago

+Cheryl28100 the sanctuary is paid, adults only bit many princess ships have covered pools that are for the general audience and kids are always welcome. The after Terry’s pool on my last because this has been the one that is adults only.

jaime 1251 - 6 years ago

the bathtub in the mini-suite also means you have a regular shower as opposed to a micro shower. There is an additional tv in the sitting area, too. love your blouse.

CruiseTipsTV - 6 years ago

+jaime 1251 thank you so much! Good point about the bathtub.

j parks - 6 years ago

wow, too much 's'. seriously annoying and unwatchable

Caroleannegar - 6 years ago

Please some one help me we will be travelling on Golden Princess. We have not cruised before. Just two of us are travelling, Myself and my husband. We not suer wether to book anytime dinning or fixed dinning. We like to eat around 7:00 and 7:30 pm.Please can you advise me . Regards Pods

CruiseTipsTV - 6 years ago

if you want to dine at that time, book anytime, but know that you MAY sometimes have to wait for a table .That is peak dinner time.

me me - 6 years ago

hi ia there any way you can make a video about shore excursion in alaska inclusing the prices. thank you

CruiseTipsTV - 6 years ago

We have some Alaska videos in our Alaska playlists- they include excursions. Check them out!

mm11234 - 6 years ago

Hi I'm cruising on the Emerald princess of C at all the 1st week of August. I have the unlimited soft drink package. To I just ordered drinks at any bar. Or do I have to use of certain cup they give to you. Do they still give out the travel cup ?.. Thanks if anybody could help and if anyone else is on the Emerald princess on the scene crews please give me suggestions comments or anything please

David Lefort - 6 years ago

Last time I was on the Emerald, you could bring your cup or not and it didn't matter. The really important bit was having the drink package indicated on the card. On my cruise, they placed a little sticker on the card to show which kind of drink package you had. This prevents people from sharing cups etc. That said, they're pretty relaxed about the soda package but strict about the alcoholic drinks. Only one drink at a time and such.

Kathi Sparkes - 6 years ago

Princess keeps changing things up. Last month they were starting to keep beverage package info electronically (on the cruise cards.) The cruise before that, they had a sticker on your card. The dining staff was having a hard time getting used to the new electronic system, so they manually took our dinner drinks order and went back later to add the info electronically. The 1st half of the cruise the Int'l Cafe staff took our word that we had the drink package but by the end of the cruise they were sliding our cards. I think Princess is trying to get everyone ready for the medallions, but they are taking it slow. Good luck.

mm11234 - 6 years ago

Sorry about type o's

20. comment for Princess Cruises Tips and Tricks

Susan Alexander - 6 years ago

I booked a cruise on Crown Princess to Southern Carribean. However I ran into a site that shows CDC sanitary inspection results. The crown princess got a below standard 84 on its April 2017 inspection. So... I am thinking I will probably cancel and book on another line. Any suggestions?

CruiseTipsTV - 6 years ago

Susan- is it possible to see the details on the report? i've learned that those inspections are extremely rigorous, and something as simple as a missing inch of floor tile can throw off a score. It's not all entirely "sanitation" based, per se.

Christine Crawford - 6 years ago

In addition to the Ultimate Balcony Dining, Princess also offers the Ultimate Balcony Breakfast. Absolutely amazing way to start a Sea Day. You won't need lunch after this special treat which includes a half bottle of champagne. Don't forget you can supplement the breakfast with anything on the regular in-room menu so be sure to add orange juice (mimosas anyone?) or any other juices or milk.

CruiseTipsTV - 6 years ago

Awesome, thanks Christine. Sounds yummy!

Kelley ONeal - 7 years ago

What is Princess's policy for carrying on non-alcoholic drinks?

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Hey Kelley! I'll answer in Tuesdays vlog.

Jasmine Rae - 7 years ago

Hi I'm going on the carnival miracle do you have tips or hits I'm going to Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta thank you Sherry and sorry if I spelled your name wrong

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+Jasmine Rae Miracle is a great trip!! It depends on your age group and tastes - we love gatsbys garden, alchemy bar, the pools and sea day brunch the most.

Pamela Hicks - 7 years ago

We are considering a New England/Canada cruise. Any info and tips for this will be welcome. We are older and are stuck in slow mode. We enjoyed our Alaskan cruise on Princess.

Pamela Hicks - 7 years ago

CruiseTipsTV We are thinking we definitely want to go on Regal Princess. We wanted a round trip cruise that included Boston and Newport. We love anytime dining. 2 formal nights is about all I want. Now that they will have Ocean Medallion cruising, that excites me. Get pampered without being stuffy and use it for everything on the ship. It reminded me of Disney World Magic Bands, only better. The ship looks beautiful!!! I still don't understand why Princess doesn't have central elevators. I remember how frustrating it was to go down to a lower level; walk to another part of the ship and take another elevator and/or the stairs to get to where we wanted to go.

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

I'll answer on Tuesdays vlog.

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+Pamela Hicks have you already chose a cruise line?

Nunya Bizness - 7 years ago

You really need to ease down on the fake enthusiasm and cheesy emphasis. It's ear-jarringly saccharine.

Angela Johnson - 6 years ago

Nunya Bizness wow rude much

peaceonthis265 - 7 years ago

THE EATERS VACATION. If I were not so trim I might feel tempted. Aside from that I have loved the ports of call, and all the other amenities.

billjanetcsu - 7 years ago

Excellent review. We love the International Cafe, and the coffee card. It's a great place to meet people or just engage in people watching with occasional entertainment.

Bruce Klang - 6 years ago

Yes it is included

Stacey - 6 years ago

Is the food free at the International café?

Kathi Sparkes - 6 years ago

The Coffee Card gives you fresh brewed coffee (instead of instant) and/or high end tea at no charge at the Int'l Cafe on the sailing you purchases the coffee card.

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+billjanetcsu I agree! One of my favorite spots and the first one I hit each morning :)-

Cody Love - 7 years ago

hey your video are supper helpful my grandma is taking my wife and I on the 12 day Alaska princess out of socal in 2018 any tips for longer trips or anything more on Alaska my wife and I are first timers to Alaska as well was such a long cruise

TheAnimeCats - 7 years ago

Cody Love
Bring wipes to wipe down your room, cause don't want to get sick on a cruise, also use any hand sanitizer or sink your come across. And don't feel the need to bring any entertainment things like puzzles or games, unless you stay in the room the whole time. And sea days are the best

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Ah, how fun!! I love family cruises. Yes, a few tips for you: plan to do laundry, take a few travel size laundry detergents so you can pack a bit more light. Here's a playlist, just for you on cruising to Alaska. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCLybRxC0VFKMJYXpAl7QlVl1Z9G-kTdE

jeromep - 7 years ago

Julian O, in all fairness, mainstream cruise lines are not all inclusive. It isn't hard to not spend much while on board, but be prepared to only drink water, juice, milk, and coffee made from concentrate; don't bother with speciality dining of any kind, and don't plan on visiting the spa for a treatment. You are still on the hook for the auto-gratuity for your cabin steward and wait staff, but you can really limit your on board spending if you don't buy anything while on board. If you are looking for an all inclusive experience, the you need to look at lux lines, but be prepared for fares to be 4x or more than what you would pay with Princess or any other main line.

30. comment for Princess Cruises Tips and Tricks

Jules canidoit - 7 years ago

CruiseTipsTV lol no things that dont cost extra. i mean ive paid a fortune on my cruize later this year...who wants to pay even more. i am grateful for yr posts btw. most entertaining.

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Do you mean tips on how much cruise's cost?

prikljucak - 7 years ago

all of you guys one thing: free stuffs!! that is a only thing that everyone looking for. they will do anything just to get smth for free!!

Angela Johnson - 6 years ago

prikljucak what? Lol

Stuart Arts - 7 years ago

Great video! Here is our favorite moment of every cruise: https://youtu.be/_3vb81KYgFY

Robert Kaufman - 7 years ago

We are cruising to Alaska next Sept on the Emerald Princess. This is our first cruise on any cruise line other than Carnival, even got married on the Carnival Celebration out of New Orleans 18 years ago. The kids programs on the Princess ship looks more educational than Carnival, and also we are not partiers, so Princess seemed perfect for the Alaska cruise. Are the kids and adult programs as informative as they look? Kids are 12 and 14. Any other tips for Texans cruising in Alaska?

TheAnimeCats - 7 years ago

Robert Kaufman
The kids rooms are as fun as they look. I didn't go on the Emerald Princess but I'm pretty sure it will be a great experience for your kids

jeromep - 7 years ago

Robert Kaufman I think that Princess is the leader in Alaskan cruises. We did RT Seattle a few years back and the on board naturalists were excellent and very educational. Princess also sells a book on board called the Alaska Cruise Companion. It contains a map and reference numbers which coincide with the Navigator's section in the daily Princess Patter. The Navigator has a write up every day about the ship's movements and his description of the ship's navigation has references by number to the Alaska Cruise Companion. It is a great way to stay familiar with where the ship is each day.

Robert Kaufman - 7 years ago

That would be great, thanks!

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+Robert Kaufman hey Robert. If it's OK with you I'll answer this on next weeks vlog. So excited for u!

Joe Dutton - 7 years ago

Princess is great in Alaska per Dutton Travel

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Agreed!

Stuart Arts - 7 years ago

We had an AWESOME time: https://youtu.be/7EKMeAAsf6k

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Wait, did you really forget your pants??

Light Life - 7 years ago

Good vid

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Thx!

Evelyn Ceballos - 7 years ago

Can u do a video like this for carnival please

Evelyn Ceballos - 7 years ago

CruiseTipsTV thanks

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+Evelyn Ceballos carnival tips and tricks

Evelyn Ceballos - 7 years ago

CruiseTipsTV

Evelyn Ceballos - 7 years ago

What's the name of the video ? Since I'm on my phone it won't let me click the link

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+Evelyn Ceballos We did - here you go: https://youtu.be/UyfTeBmD2qo

Gnanamani Amburose - 7 years ago

Can you please do a video about carnival cruises? I have heard rumors that it is not that good. And what about Mexico cruises? Which excursions do you like?

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+Gnanamani Amburose this playlist shows our most recent carnival cruise. It will give you a feel for what to expect.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCLybRxC0VFKGmi8kVQ2SxH1NIgVd8QKm

Mexico cruises are great if you live near west coast. We have a Carnival video coming soon and dozens on our channel. Scroll through the videos and playlists and you'll find a ton.

visualize2feel - 7 years ago

I am glad to have come across your channel. I like your cruise tips. I'll be sailing on the star princess for the first time next month to the Mexican Riviera.

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+visualize2feel awesome! Thank u! Be sure to watch our upcoming vlogs for a cruise announcement - hint: Princess!!!

Catharine's Life - 7 years ago

I love Princess! Great video.

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+Catharine's Life Me too! Thank you for the kind comment.

Elizabeth B SoCal - 7 years ago

Very helpful video. Hoping to take my parents on Princess LA to HI in 2017. ~Elizabeth

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Oh, that sounds like a good one! Lot's of seadays!

Yvonne Li - 7 years ago

Bali travel

Jeremy E - 7 years ago

Great advice. We're returning to Princess after 10 years (previous was our honeymoon cruise) this upcoming January. (Had been sailing Celebrity in between). Here's one I noticed on the "manage my cruise": you can pre-order a 12-pack of 500ml bottled water for $6.90 ($6 + tip) to be delivered to your stateroom. In past cruises, I would haul in bottled water from the pier, since it's expensive to buy on board and/or inconvenient to get a glass from buffet. At 50 cent/bottle, that's worth the convenience. But I think you can only "pre-order" it, not once you're on the ship. Question: Is the international café noshing included (I know the coffees require a card) in the fare? Finally, yes, Ultimate Balcony Dining is terrific and completely worth it. My wife and I have fond memories of it, and can't wait to do it again.

Jeremy E - 7 years ago

Can't wait to see it! (currently looking at hotel options in Ft. Lauderdale for the night before our January cruise--another interesting topic, how early to arrive in port prior to the cruise...)

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Same here, $8 is too pricey, I agree! Filming the vlog this weekend, and you'll see it next week.

Jeremy E - 7 years ago

Would be honored to have it shared, Sheri. I should also mention that it seems the "unlimited soda package" is something like $8/day. In 2007 on Princess, it was more like $4.50 or so. I think at $8, we'll just bring in cans of Diet Coke (like I saw you do too!), especially as the soda fountain drinks on some ships aren't so tasty. Rather spend the money on specialty restaurants, corkage fees, and ultimate balcony dining. But we'll definitely order the water at that price. And thanks for info on the International Café!

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Love this tip, and will share it on a future vlog, if that's okay.
To answer you question, YES, International Cafe is FREE! Gelato on some ships may accrue a charge, but the food is FREE! Yum!

tarf01 - 7 years ago

Thanks, Sheri! we, too, are sailing Princess for the first time. Royal Princess, to be exact. We booked the mini-suite, as suggested, and after listening to your advice, glad we did.

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Ah, good choice! Let me know how it goes.

SiouxzQ - 7 years ago

I just found your channel. Hubby and I are taking our 2nd cruise in December on the Regal. It's a belated celebration for my 50th this yr.

Rick Smith - 6 years ago

G'day from down under. The Regal is a fab ship, only has a passenger max of 3500 so its not overly crowded but not so few that you bump into the same people all the time. Happy 51st for next year and enjoy your Cruise.

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Awesome! I just had a dear friend sail Regal in April and she LOVED it. I hope you do too!

TP Gaming Official - 7 years ago

I'm about to board royal Caribbean liberty of the sea? Any tips for this cruise line? Thanks!

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+Trung Phan Bon voyage to you! Yes, certainly: first, have you seen our liberty of the seas videos? They are a little bit outdated because the ship was renovated afterward but I suggest that you watch them. And for some tips: I highly recommend that you make your ice-skating reservations soon as they're available as they do sell out very quickly. We also recommend the ice shows and all of the other entertainment is excellent in the main theater. Don't miss the shows.

China Addison - 7 years ago

Yay! This video has got me pumped for my cruise on Princess in a few days!

MARIA MARTINEZ - 7 years ago

CruiseTipsTV

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+China Addison how was your cruise?

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+China Addison Whohoo!! Bon Voyage. Be sure to tell us about your trip on return!

Sharon C - 7 years ago

Which ship did you take when you cruised to Alaska? If Princess, which ship? We are planning a second cruise (even before our 1st!) and we want to cruise Alaska.

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+Sharon C Hey there! I'll answer in our next vlog next week :-) Alaska is something I would do every year if I could!

50. comment for Princess Cruises Tips and Tricks

Luke Slavicek - 7 years ago

Coffee cards include free hot chocolate

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+Luke Slavicek Awesome tip. I didn't know that.

Crazy Life - 7 years ago

We always go for freedom dining becuase we can wait a long time for food so it is much better for us. However P&O offered us a discount on our last holiday for this year if we didn't choose our dining or where our cabin was just the deck and type. so we won't know what we have till we board!

Crazy Life - 7 years ago

+CruiseTipsTV thank you. Yes we just go for it and have fun!

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

+Crazy Life that sounds like quite the adventure. I imagine you have an excellent travel-attitude.

James King - 7 years ago

We have loved our multiple voyages on Princess! Feels like our second home onboard :)

ainslie thomas - 7 years ago

You could do this with each cruise line :) I'm sure you'd have a lot of good insight

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Great idea! Hope you're having a great week!

◢DoAndroidzDream◤ - 7 years ago

Love the blouse :)

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Thank you! I love anything with anchors on it ;-)

newattnow - 7 years ago

Love this!!! I am planning to cruise Princess for the first time in 2018. This video hit all my interests.

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

I'm so glad to hear that. Let us know if there is anything else you're curious about, and we'll do our best to answer.

Jennifer Adolphsen - 7 years ago

Thank you so much for the fantastic tips and tricks!! I can't wait for our cruise aboard the Caribbean Princess!

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Our pleasure, and thank you SO much for the inspiration for the episode. Let me know how you enjoy the Caribbean Princess. I'm jealous!

Sharon C - 7 years ago

Princess is starting something new with mini-suites. They are offering a Club Class soon which allows special treatment for dining, embarkation, etc. We are taking the Regal in March, and have one of these mini-suites, so I'm very excited. This will be our very first cruise, and I'm afraid once I experience this, I won't want anything less....

Sharon C - 7 years ago

Club Class Dining will debut on board Ruby Princess (Dec 10, 2016) and
Emerald Princess (Dec 12, 2016), followed by Island Princess (Jan 4,
2017), Sapphire Princess (Jan 7, 2017), Regal Princess (Jan 8, 2017),
Grand Princess (Jan 9, 2017), Royal Princess (Jan 29, 2017), Coral
Princess (Feb 6, 2017), Majestic Princess (Mar 30, 2017), Caribbean
Princess (Apr 6, 2017), Crown Princess (Apr 8, 2017), Star Princess (Apr
11, 2017), Diamond Princess (Apr 20, 2017), Sun Princess (Apr 25,
2017), Pacific Princess (Jun 9, 2017), Sea Princess (Sep 19, 2017) and
Golden Princess (Oct 2, 2017). Please note this schedule is subject to
change.

Sharon C - 7 years ago

Hi Sheri, yes, here is the link. http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/staterooms/club-class/ It's rolling out in some of the ships starting in January. Certain mini-suites will have the club-class notation, and I believe we paid $500 more for it.

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

I noticed that! Can you tell us more about what the Club Class offerings? I do agree, you may end up spoiled Sharon. I'm SO in love with the mini suite cabin category.

Cruise Planners - 7 years ago

Enjoy the SeaWalk: Glass-Bottomed Walkway - Try it especially at sunset!

Nancy Rafaelian - 7 years ago

YAY! 2 videos in 1 day :))

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Haha, I'm glad you noticed ;-)
We felt it was called for- we were excited about these two.

Maddie Lynn - 7 years ago

Amazing video! I love the chocolate thing they do! Do you know if maybe you could do a video like this for Royal Caribbean?

Maddie Lynn - 7 years ago

+CruiseTipsTV Thank you!!

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

Maddie, we've only sailed twice on Royal, but I'll look into this and we'll see if we have some good material for you!

Cruise Planners - 7 years ago

Princess does an excellent "Tea Time" in the afternoon. Meeting other guest with the support of great treats is a great time on Princess.

CruiseTipsTV - 7 years ago

YES! Thank you! I kicked myself for not including this one. Princess tea-time is superior. White gloves, clotted cream and worlds most amazing scones.