The Onboard Experience

Question: What is the alcohol policy onboard Princess Cruises?
Answer: We kindly request that you do not bring alcoholic beverages (other than wine and/or champagne) onboard for consumption. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from the ship's gift shop or at ports of call will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the voyage. A member of our Security Staff will be at the gangway to assist with the storage of your alcoholic beverage purchases.

Question: What are the age restrictions for alcohol consumption and access to the casino and disco?
Answer: The legal drinking age of 21 years is always observed onboard and proof of age may be required. All onboard staff are trained to take seriously their responsibility to not serve alcohol to underage passengers. The age restrictions are clearly posted in the bars. Entry into the disco is limited to passengers 18 years and older. Be sure to check with the child and teen centers, however, for special disco events designed just for kids. Children under the age of 18 are welcome in the gymnasium, spa and jacuzzi; and also in the evening entertainment show lounges when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

In line with domestic age limits, as well as Princess' company policy, the casino is reserved for passengers 21 years and older. Additionally, only those passengers 21 years and older will be allowed to purchase or consume alcohol. For those whose age is questionable, picture identification may be requested.

Question: What are the tipping guidelines for my cruise?
Answer: During your cruise, you will meet staff throughout the ship who provide you with excellent service. Many more crew support those who serve you directly. To save you the worry of who to tip and how much, Princess makes it easier for you to reward excellent service by automatically adding a discretionary Hotel and Dining charge of $11 USD for suites and mini-suites and $10.50 USD for all other staterooms per person per day (including children) to your shipboard account on a daily basis. This charge will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including the wait staff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff and others. Casino dealers and Lotus Spa personnel do not share in the Hotel and Dining charge as not all passengers utilize these services.

Casino dealers and Lotus Spa personnel do not share in the Hotel and Dining charge as not all passengers utilize these services.

A 15% charge is automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account. This is shared amongst the beverage staff and their support staff, including cleaners and utility staff.

What's Onboard

• Princess Patter
  Princess Patter is your daily schedule of ship activities and entertainment events. It's also your guide to shipboard services with hours of operation. Princess Patter is delivered nightly to your stateroom. Keep it close at hand, so you'll always know what's happening and where.
  
  
  
• Internet Services*
  Internet access is available on all Princess cruise vessels through our 24-hour onboard Internet Cafés and wireless network. Use our state-of-the-art computer systems to access your web-based e-mail account, or browse the Internet for world news, sports and stock trading. Or bring your wireless-enabled laptop and access the Internet from the comfort of our beautiful Purser's Lobby/Atrium and the surrounding lounges and bars. If your laptop is already equipped, wireless network cards are available for purchase onboard.
  
  Passengers who subscribe to e-mail services from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) are advised to verify that their ISP has a web-mail viewing site prior to sailing. Most major ISPs have websites that allow mail access via a web browser using an e-mail address and password.
  
  Please contact the Passenger Services/Purser's Desk onboard for information regarding the charges that apply to Internet and wireless services and any other specific requirements.
  
  * Ship Internet access is not guaranteed at all times due to the nature of satellite communications, which are subject to itinerary and possible disruption from weather patterns and various obstructions. Also, Internet access via satellite is significantly slower than high-speed connections on shore.
  
  
• In-Stateroom Amenities
  The little extras you find in the best hotels — fresh fruit (by request), evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow, complimentary shampoo, conditioner and body lotion — are provided in every stateroom. Waffle weave cloth bathrobes are available upon request from your stateroom steward for your comfort and convenience. For those of you who wish to enjoy a relaxing drink in the privacy of your stateroom, bottles of liquor and stateroom bar packages are available for purchase at non-duty-free prices through room service or from designated bar locations.
  
  Mini-suites include a welcome glass of champagne, two televisions, a sitting area and a spacious closet, while full suites offer all of these premiums plus amenities such as a DVD/CD player and free access to a DVD library. Full suite passengers also enjoy complimentary web access in the Internet Café, laundry and dry cleaning, use of the Lotus Spa® Thermal Suite (on select ships), one-time free mini-bar setup and use of our Disembarkation Lounge.
  
  Each stateroom has other luxuries for your convenience, such as a private safe and refrigerator. In addition, each room is equipped with a 110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings. Please ask your stateroom steward to check your appliances for suitability before use if you have any questions. All ships are equipped with an electric hair dryer in every stateroom.
  
  
• TV Programming*
  Getting away from it all doesn't mean being out of touch. Every stateroom on Princess ships has its own TV set featuring our multi-channel Princess Overseas Television programming.* We offer live satellite reception of CNN, ESPN International, TNT, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network and Boomerang where satellite coverage permits. Along with a movie channel featuring a wide selection of first-run movies, we also provide the latest sitcoms and dramas, an onboard version of the Discovery Channel, and a wide selection of special programming, including the Academy Awards® . Plus, for sports fans, we offer several major sporting events such as the Super Bowl® , BCS college bowl games, NBA Finals and the NCAA basketball tournament. Closed captioning is available on most Princess ships; please check with the Passenger Services Desk for information.
  * Ship television programming is not guaranteed at all times due to the nature of satellite communications, which are subject to itinerary and possible disruption from weather patterns and various obstructions. Also, Internet access via satellite is significantly slower than high-speed connections on shore
  
  
• Passport to Value
  Enjoy great savings on products and services onboard with our complimentary Passport to Value booklet. This handy item — worth up to $500 in total savings — can be found in your stateroom mailbox upon arrival. It offers substantial discounts on tax- and duty-free shopping, spa treatments, fine art, photo services and more. Plus, every time you redeem a participating Passport to Value coupon, you'll be entered to win a crystal replica of a Princess cruise ship — a $275 value — in our Passport to Value Sweepstakes. The more coupons you use, the more chances you'll have to win!
  
  
• Art Auction Program
  You will have a unique opportunity to view and purchase pieces of fine art from a wide range of artists during our onboard auctions. Art Directors are available throughout the cruise to answer your questions about the onboard art collection. At the end of your sailing, Princess will arrange to have your artwork framed, packaged and shipped to your home.
  
  
• Boutiques Onboard
  Shop our Boutiques Onboard for the perfect gifts to remember your Princess cruise vacation. We offer incredible tax- and duty-free savings off suggested U.S. retail prices on fragrances, cosmetics, jewelry, gifts, apparel, accessories and liquor. In addition to our everyday savings, we bring you special promotions throughout the cruise. Once onboard, please check the Princess Patter calendar for times and locations of these exciting events.
  
  
• Photography
  Photographs taken throughout the cruise by our team of professional photographers are available for purchase in our shipboard photo gallery and shop. For a truly special souvenir, have a portrait taken on a formal night. You can also purchase a video produced on your cruise — a wonderful keepsake of your dream vacation. Quality film processing is available using state-of-the-art equipment, as are frames and photo albums in which to display your new memories. You will also find advanced digital imaging services, memory card downloads, and CD-burning services.
  
  
• Library
  Onboard each of our ships, we've created a library that includes contemporary and classic titles, as well as books related to specific cruise itineraries. You'll find subjects on art, history, sports, travel, health and wellness, natural history and reference materials. And, we also have a fine selection of fiction and biographies. Princess onboard libraries have collections of up to 2,000 books, as well as Internet stations and music listening chairs. Read your Princess Patter for library hours and other information.

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Pre-Cruise

Question: How can I get information on current Passport requirements?
Answer: Click here for the latest Passport information regarding travel in and out of the United States.

Question: How can I get information on Princess' fares and availability?
Answer: For fare and availability information not listed under the "Specials" link in our website, please call 1-800-PRINCESS, or visit a travel agent in your area.

Question: Is there a fee to change my cruise?
Answer: A $50 service fee per passenger, per change will be assessed for each change to the cruise, cruisetour or Cruise Plus Hotel Packages beginning 45 days prior to sailing. However, no change will be made unless permitted under our cancellation policy. The service fee will not be assessed when upgrading stateroom accommodations. Air tickets may not be changed within 30 days of your departure. Additional charges may be assessed for changes to air tickets or air reservations. Please review our Passage Contract for full details.

Question: Do you have any tips for traveling?
Answer: For the latest information regarding what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to generally expect while traveling, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at http://www.tsa.gov/.

For current travel warnings issued by the State Department for countries Americans should avoid, please visit the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html.

For general travel information issued by the State Department, please visit the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/.

Question: What kind of weather should I expect during my cruise?
Answer: Click here for a list of high and low temperatures in Princess' destinations to help you plan your vacation.

Question: How many formal/smart casual nights are scheduled for my cruise?
Answer: There are only two types of evening dress onboard - smart casual and formal. When the ship is in port, evening dress is smart casual, and passenger attire should be in keeping with what would be worn to a nice restaurant at home. For formal evenings, men wear tuxedos, dark suits or dinner jackets, and women wear evening gowns, cocktail dresses or elegant pant suits.

LENGTH OF CRUISE NUMBER OF FORMAL EVENINGS NUMBER OF SMART CASUAL EVENINGS
3-6 Days 1 Formal; 1-5 Smart Casual
7-13 Days 2 Formal;5-11 Smart Casual
14-20 Days 3 Formal;11-17 Smart Casual
21-28 Days 4 Formal;17-24 Smart Casual
29 Days+ 5 minimum Formal;24+ Smart Casual

Dress code is subject to change with the ship's itinerary. The above is a general guide. The dress code suggested in the Princess Patter may vary from time to time.

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Youth & Teen Programs

• A Boatload of Fun
  Cruising with Princess is a complete escape for all ages. There's everything from arts and crafts, game tables, movies, and splash pools (on select cruise ships) to teen centers with ping-pong tables, juke boxes, and all the latest video games. There's a play area and special outdoor deck exclusively for toddlers. And Remix is designed to give teens their own space — and the time of their lives. In addition, kids on the Grand and Golden Princess will also enjoy their own deck space with a Whale's Tail splash pool, and teens have a separate hot tub and deck area just for them.
  
  All Youth and Teen Centers are fully supervised by our staff of Youth Activities Coordinators.
  
  Children are welcome on all Princess cruise ships, but facilities vary. Pacific Princess and Tahitian Princess do not have dedicated Youth and Teen Centers (programs are available only when 20 or more children are sailing). However, when 20 or more children ages 3 to 17 are traveling on these ships, they will enjoy a varied schedule of supervised activities organized by a Youth Activities Coordinator.
  
  
• Family Cruising Tips
  Anytime Dining is recommended for families who want to dine together, so children may fully participate in the evening youth activities (starting at 7 p.m.).
  The dining alternatives onboard our ships allow parents the freedom to spend time with their children while they eat an early dinner at the pizzeria, in the 24-hour restaurant offering a special children's menu, in their stateroom with 24-hour room service, or in one of our many alternative dining locations. After taking their children to the supervised Youth and Teen Centers, parents can enjoy dining on their own in the elegant dining rooms.
  Many shore excursions have been selected with family cruisers in mind. Discounted rates for children and "family-friendly" activities are available to make the most of your time in port.
  On embarkation day, the Princess Youth and Teen Schedule for the entire cruise will be delivered to your stateroom. If you need more than one copy, please contact your Youth Activities Coordinator.
  
  Don't miss the orientation and registration meeting on the first night of your cruise. You and your children can meet the Youth and Teen staff and learn more about our exciting shipboard programs. Parents are always welcome to join their children in the Youth and Teen Centers.
  
  Hours of Operation
  Sea Days: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  7 p.m. - 1 a.m. *
  Port Days: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. †
  
  On Pacific and Tahitian Princess, the Princess Youth and Teen Programs are available when 20 or more children are sailing.
  
  Please note: no group kidsitting on Pacific Princess and Tahitian Princess.
  * A $5 USD per child/hour group kidsitting charge is applicable from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. for youth passengers ages 3-12.
  † A supervised, complimentary lunch service is available with parent consent.
  
  
• California Science Center
  In a cruise industry exclusive, this respected Los Angeles institution provides educational and entertaining interactive science activities for children onboard most Princess cruise ships. Young passengers will be enthralled with award-winning science programs geared toward their particular ship's destination. Whale watching, chemistry experiments, building and racing sailboats, marine biology studies, and squid dissection are just some of the activities that may be offered.
  
  
• Pete's PalsSM
  Youngsters who participate in Princess Youth events will take home a limited-edition member of Pete's PalsSM as a way to learn more about endangered species in the areas in which Princess sails. On each cruise, Princess will issue a specially designed plush animal — beginning with "Pelican Pete," the program's mascot. In conjunction, kids will learn about the plight of many such threatened and endangered creatures, including white pelicans, manatees, sea turtles and bald eagles.
  
  
• Pelican's PerchSM
  Kids can make the most of their Caribbean adventure in this supervised play area on our own private island, Princess Cays.®. This special playground is managed by the shipboard youth staff and provides a secure place for children while parents enjoy the many beach amenities and water sports offered. Pelican's PerchSM is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  
  
• Princess Youth & Teen Dinner Events
  As part of the Princess Youth and Teen program, junior cruisers will also participate in two special dinner evenings designed for each age group. Younger passengers will enjoy dinner without parents and in the company of newfound friends and counselors in one of their ship's many eateries. For teens, one of the two evenings will feature a formal get-together in one of the main dining rooms, complete with photographs and a group night out to enjoy many Princess evening offerings*.
  * The teen dinner may be held in a different location other than the main dining room.
  
  
• Children's TV Programming*
  In addition to Cartoon Network and Boomerang, movies and TV programs for children may be shown on the in-stateroom television and in the Youth and Teen Centers throughout the day on Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Diamond Princess, Dawn Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sea Princess, Star Princess, Sun Princess and Regal Princess. Pacific Princess, Tahitian Princess and Royal Princess do not have specially designated Youth and Teen Centers, but offer programs for youth when there are 20 or more aboard.
  * Where satellite permits.
  
  
• Additional Reminders
  Children under 3 are not permitted in the Youth Center unless accompanied by a parent at all times. Youth Center staff cannot administer medication, bottle-feed, change diapers, or provide meal service.* Private in-cabin babysitting is not available on any Princess ship. All children must be potty-trained.
  * Lunch is provided outside the Youth and Teen Centers on days when ship is in port or during special events. Parental consent is required.
  
  
• Children with Special Needs
  Princess welcomes all teens and children ages 3-17 to participate in our programs. Let our staff know of all medical and/or special needs for your children. We will make every effort to accommodate them. Please be advised that Princess Youth staff may not offer individual one-on-one supervision.
  
  

Princess Youth & Teen Programs
Princess Pelicans, ages 3 to 7, are entertained with non-stop activities:
Activities
* Arts and crafts
* Backstage tours
* Disco night
* Movies and cartoons
* Scavenger hunts
* Talent shows

Parties
* Birthday parties
* Kids dance parties
* Pajama parties

Food
* Afternoon ice cream
* Kids-only dinners
* Pizza and ice cream parties

Shockwaves, ages 8 to 12, is always busy with activities such as:
Activities
* Arts and crafts
* Backstage tours
* PlayStation® 2
* Movies and cartoons
* Scavenger hunts
* Talent shows
* "Edutainment" programs and services
* Shipboard olympics

Parties
* Birthday parties
* Kids dance parties

Food
* Pizza and ice cream parties
* Kids-only dinners

Remix, designed for teens ages 13 to 17, offers a wide range of activities:
Activities
* Sports Competitions
* Late-night movies
* "The Dating Game"
* T-shirt painting
* Karaoke and lip-sync shows
* Casino night
* PlayStation® 2
* Talent shows
* DJ workshops
* Hip-Hop dance classes

Parties
* Dance parties
* Hot Tub parties

Food
* Pizza parties
* Mocktail parties

Note: Age groups may differ on Caribbean Princess, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Star Princess, Pacific Princess and Tahitian Princess.

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