Your Ultimate Guide to Princess Cruises

A little bit of planning goes a long way in making sure your cruise is smooth sailing from start to finish. Here’s what you need to know.

Best Times to Book

Timing your booking can make a big difference to the price you pay and the choices you have.

• Wave Season (January to March): This is the cruise industry’s biggest sale period. It’s the perfect time to look for special offers like free cabin upgrades, reduced fares, and bonus onboard spending money.⁴⁷
• Advance Booking (6-12+ months out): For popular or limited-run itineraries like World Cruises or Alaska, booking well in advance is essential. It guarantees you the best choice of cabins (especially if you need an accessible room) and allows you to pay off your holiday in instalments.⁴⁷
• Last-Minute Deals (within 90 days): If you have a flexible schedule, you can often snap up a bargain as the cruise line looks to fill the last few empty cabins. The downside is that your choice of cabin location will be limited, and last-minute airfares can be more expensive.⁴⁷
• Shoulder Seasons: Consider travelling just before or after the peak season for a particular destination (like May or September for an Alaskan cruise). You’ll often find a fantastic balance of lower prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.⁴⁷

Getting the Best Value

Beyond just the cruise fare, there are several ways to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

• Analyse the Packages: The Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages are central to the line’s value proposition. They bundle key extras like drinks, Wi-Fi, and sometimes gratuities and specialty dining. For most travellers who enjoy a few cocktails or glasses of wine a day and want to stay connected online, these packages offer significant savings compared to paying for everything separately.16 We’ll break these down in more detail in the “Dining Deep Dive” section.
  • Travel Tip: Choosing Your Cabin Wisely
    • For Seasickness: If you’re prone to motion sickness, choose a cabin on a lower deck and in the middle of the ship (midship), where you’ll feel the least movement. Having a balcony can also be a great help, as it gives you instant access to fresh air.⁵²
    • For Mobility: To minimise long walks down corridors, pick a cabin located close to a bank of elevators. It’s worth studying the ship’s deck plans online to see how close you are to the venues you’ll use most often, like the main dining room, buffet, or theatre.⁵²
    • For Quiet: For the best chance of a peaceful night’s sleep, avoid cabins that are directly above or below high-traffic public areas like the pool deck, theatre, bars, or nightclubs. A cabin with other cabins both above and below it is usually your quietest bet.
  • Travel Agent vs. Direct Booking: There are pros and cons to both approaches.
    • Travel Agent: A good agent who specialises in cruising can be worth their weight in gold. They offer expert advice, may have access to group rates or exclusive perks (like onboard credit) that you can’t get by booking direct, and they handle all the tricky logistics for you. This is particularly valuable for complex trips or if you’re new to cruising.⁵⁴
    • Booking Direct: This is a good option for experienced cruisers who know exactly which ship and cabin they want. It gives you full control to manage your booking and make changes online without needing to go through a third party.⁵⁵

Pre & Post Cruise Options

Extend your holiday and take the stress out of travel day with these handy options.

• Cruise Plus Hotel Packages: Princess offers convenient packages that bundle a hotel stay for the night before or after your cruise with all the necessary transfers between the airport, hotel, and cruise terminal. It’s a seamless, worry-free way to start or end your trip.⁵⁷
• Fly-Cruise Deals (Princess EZair): For international cruises, this Princess service helps you book flights at competitive rates. Crucially, it comes with protection, meaning if your flight is delayed or cancelled, Princess will help ensure you still make it to the ship. This offers fantastic peace of mind.⁵⁸
• Cruisetours: For destinations that deserve deeper exploration, like Alaska or the Australian Outback, Princess offers “Cruisetours.” These are extended multi-night land tours that connect seamlessly with your cruise, providing a more immersive and comprehensive travel experience.¹⁴

From elegant dining rooms to casual poolside snacks, Princess takes its food very seriously. Here’s a closer look at what’s on the menu.

Your Main Dining Choices

• Main Dining Room: This is the heart of the ship’s culinary experience, offering traditional sit-down service for breakfast, lunch (on sea days), and a multi-course dinner. You have two main options: “Traditional Dining,” where you have the same table, dining time, and waitstaff each evening, or “Dine My Way,” which allows you to make reservations at different times each night.⁷³ Traditional dinner seatings are usually around 5:30 PM and 8:15 PM.⁸²
• Buffet (World Fresh Marketplace/Horizon Court): For a more casual and flexible option, the buffet is open for long hours (typically from around 5 AM to 11 PM). It offers a huge variety of international dishes, a carvery, fresh salads, breads, and a tempting dessert station. Waitstaff are always on hand to bring you drinks.⁸¹
• Specialty Restaurants: For a special occasion or a gourmet treat, these restaurants offer an elevated dining experience for an additional cover charge. Popular options include the Crown Grill, a classic American steakhouse, and Sabatini’s, which serves authentic Italian cuisine. On Australian sailings, the cover charge for these is approximately $80 AUD per person.83 Other more casual specialty spots, like The Salty Dog Gastropub or Alfredo’s Pizzeria, have smaller cover charges or à la carte pricing.⁸¹

Dietary & Health Accommodations

• Special Diets: Princess has an excellent reputation for catering to special dietary needs. When you book, you can note any requirements—such as gluten-free, low-sodium, diabetic, or vegetarian—in your profile on the MedallionClass app or by informing your travel agent.26 In the Main Dining Room, the head waiter will be your main point of contact. They will often show you the next day’s menu in advance so the chefs can prepare a suitable meal just for you.⁸⁶
• Room Service: You can order a complimentary continental breakfast to your cabin by filling out a door hanger card the night before.⁸⁷ A broader 24-hour menu featuring sandwiches, salads, and some hot items is also available.⁸⁹ While basic room service is often complimentary, some premium items or delivery via the OceanNow app may have a fee, which is waived for guests with a Princess Plus or Premier package.⁵¹
• Tea & Coffee Availability: Complimentary brewed coffee, tea (various types), and iced tea are available 24/7 from the self-serve stations in the buffet.⁸⁷ For specialty coffees like lattes and cappuccinos, you can visit the International Café, where they are available for an extra charge or are included as part of a beverage package.⁹²

Senior Saver: Are the All-Inclusive Packages Worth It?

One of the best ways to manage your onboard spending is with a Princess Plus or Princess Premier package. But do they offer good value? For most people, the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide.

The Verdict: The value is clear. If you plan on having just 3-4 alcoholic drinks and using the Wi-Fi each day, the Princess Plus package has already paid for itself.16 The Premier package is a fantastic option for those who want the ultimate indulgence, with unlimited specialty dining and premium drinks included.

An Important Note for Aussie Cruisers: On international sailings (where the currency is USD), these packages also include the daily crew gratuities. However, on local cruises departing from Australia, gratuities are already built into your base fare.25 The package price doesn’t change, so this “included” benefit doesn’t apply. This means the value proposition on local sailings rests more heavily on your drink and Wi-Fi usage, but for most, it still represents excellent value.

Whether you want to share photos with family back home or just check the news, staying connected at sea is easier than ever.

• Wi-Fi Packages (MedallionNet): Princess’s onboard Wi-Fi, called MedallionNet, is widely regarded as one of the best at sea, generally fast and reliable enough for streaming, browsing, and even video calls.¹⁰¹
• Costs: If you don’t have an all-inclusive package, buying Wi-Fi on its own is quite expensive, costing around $25 USD per day for a single device.102 This makes the Princess Plus package, which includes Wi-Fi for one device, an extremely cost-effective option if you plan to be online at all.¹⁰⁴
• Mobile Coverage & Roaming: Your mobile phone will likely connect to the ship’s satellite network while at sea. Be very careful, as using this “maritime roaming” is extremely expensive for both calls and data (often over $5 per minute for calls).¹⁰⁵ The safest bet is to switch your phone to aeroplane mode as soon as you sail to avoid any surprise bills. You’ll get your normal mobile coverage when you are close to shore or in port.
• Tech Help Desks: If you need any help with the ship’s technology, from connecting to the Wi-Fi to using the app, head to the OceanFront desk. The dedicated staff there, known as OceanNavigators, are on hand to assist with any tech-related queries.¹⁰⁶
• The Princess App (MedallionClass App): This app is your essential cruise companion. Before you leave home, you use it to complete your “OceanReady” check-in steps, such as uploading your photo and travel documents, which speeds up the boarding process immensely.¹⁰⁷ Once onboard, the app becomes your daily planner, interactive map, and personal concierge. You can view the day’s activities, make dining reservations, order food and drinks to be delivered wherever you are (OceanNow), and even locate your travel companions on the ship.¹⁰⁶
• Calling Home: The most affordable way to call home is to use the ship’s Wi-Fi to make calls through apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype.105 Using the phone in your cabin is also an option, but it is very expensive, costing around $10 USD per minute.¹⁰⁸

Princess places a high priority on the health and safety of its guests, with excellent medical facilities and clear procedures in place.

• Medical Facility Standards: Every Princess ship has a modern medical centre that functions like a well-equipped clinic. They are set up to handle a wide range of common illnesses and injuries, and are equipped for stabilising patients in an emergency. Facilities include examination rooms, hospital beds, and equipment for lab tests, X-rays, and minor surgical procedures.⁶⁷
• Staff Qualifications: The medical team consists of fully qualified doctors and registered nurses. Doctors are required to have at least three years of post-graduate experience in fields like emergency medicine or internal medicine, while nurses typically have recent experience in emergency or intensive care. All medical staff hold certifications in areas like Advanced Cardiac Life Support.⁶⁸
• Prescription Medication Policy:
  • It is highly recommended that you bring all medications in their original, labeled containers from the pharmacy. This can prevent any issues with customs officials in foreign ports.¹¹²
  • Always pack at least two weeks’ worth of extra medication beyond the length of your cruise, just in case of any unexpected travel delays.²⁶
  • Crucially, you must carry all your medications in your hand luggage. Never pack them in your checked bags, in case your luggage is delayed or lost.¹¹²
  • If you use injectable medications, you can ask your cabin steward for a sharps disposal container for your room.¹¹⁵
• Mobility Equipment Onboard: As noted previously, all personal mobility scooters and wheelchairs must be stored and charged inside your stateroom for safety reasons.⁶⁴ If you don’t wish to bring your own, you can rent a cruise-compliant device from third-party companies like Scootaround or Special Needs at Sea, and they will deliver it directly to your cabin.⁶⁶
• Emergency Evacuation & Insurance: In the event of a serious medical emergency, the ship’s medical team will stabilise the patient for transfer to a hospital at the next port of call. In very rare and critical situations at sea, a helicopter evacuation may be necessary.⁶⁸ These procedures can be incredibly expensive, potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars. For this reason, it is absolutely essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers cruising and has a high limit for medical evacuation. 
• Princess offers its own travel protection plan, but you should always compare its coverage limits (e.g., $50,000-$75,000 for evacuation) with those of independent insurers, which often offer much higher levels of cover.¹¹⁷
• Seasickness Management:
  • Prevention: If you’re worried about seasickness, choose a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. Many find over-the-counter remedies like Bonine or Dramamine to be very effective. Natural options include ginger candies and green apples (which you can grab from the buffet). Acupressure wristbands (Seabands) are also a popular drug-free option.¹¹⁹
  • Treatment: If you do feel unwell, the ship’s medical centre can provide stronger medication. The reception desk may also have complimentary seasickness tablets available.¹²⁰
  • Health Protocols: In today’s world, onboard hygiene is paramount. Princess ships feature enhanced air filtration systems that change the air in public spaces and cabins every few minutes, frequent sanitisation of high-touch surfaces, and numerous hand washing and sanitiser stations throughout the vessel.¹²¹

There’s never a dull moment on a Princess cruise, with a fantastic variety of activities designed to entertain, engage, and enrich.

• Typical Daily Programs: The “Princess Patter,” your daily schedule, is delivered to your cabin each evening and is also available on the ship’s app. It’s packed with options, from morning trivia contests and arts and crafts sessions to afternoon dance classes (you’ll find everything from ballroom to line dancing), cooking demonstrations, and friendly competitions in shuffleboard or mini-golf.⁴³
• Guest Speakers & Lectures: A real highlight, especially on longer voyages, is the “Encounters with Discovery at SEA™” speaker series. Princess invites experts like historians, naturalists, and cultural specialists onboard to give fascinating lectures that provide deeper insights into the destinations you’re about to visit. It’s a wonderful way to learn more about the history, wildlife, and culture of the region.⁴³
• Library & Quiet Spaces: Most ships have a dedicated library and card room, offering a peaceful sanctuary for reading, quiet reflection, or a game of bridge with new friends. It’s worth noting that on some of the newest ships, the library might be a smaller, curated collection of books within another lounge rather than a separate large room.¹²² The adults-only Sanctuary is another perfect spot to escape for some quiet time.⁷⁷
• Classes & Activities: There’s always an opportunity to learn something new or enjoy a favourite hobby. Activities like bridge, trivia, and various dance classes are incredibly popular with senior travellers and are a great way to socialise.⁴ The lively Champagne art auctions are also a regular and entertaining social event.⁷⁹
• Production Shows: The main Princess Theater is home to spectacular, large-scale production shows. These are far more than your average cruise ship performance, often featuring Broadway-style choreography, elaborate costumes and sets, and talented international casts. The musical themes are diverse, ranging from dazzling rock operas to shows that blend classical music with modern pop hits.⁷⁶ Accessible seating for wheelchair users is available, though it can be limited, so arriving a little early is a good idea. Hearing assistance systems are also provided in the theatres.³¹

One of the best parts of a cruise is the people you meet along the way. Princess makes it wonderfully easy to connect with your fellow travellers.

• Solo Traveller Meet-ups: Princess has a well-deserved reputation for being very welcoming to those travelling alone. There are hosted meet-ups for solo travellers scheduled every day, usually for a casual pre-dinner drink. These are a fantastic, low-pressure way to meet other solos and make plans for dinner or the evening’s entertainment.³² When dining, you can also ask to be seated at a shared table, which is another great way to strike up a conversation.³²
• Special Interest Groups: While not always formally organised by the cruise line, you’ll often find fellow passengers forming their own casual groups based on shared interests. The daily schedule will list meeting times and locations for groups like “Knitters and Knatters” or bridge players.122 Princess also has a robust program for pre-booking larger affinity groups with shared interests, from wellness retreats to food and wine clubs.¹²⁴
• Dress Codes Explained:
  • Smart Casual (Most Nights): This is the standard for evenings. For the ladies, this means a dress, a skirt or nice trousers with a blouse. For the gents, it’s trousers (not jeans with holes) and a collared shirt. Shorts, t-shirts, and thongs are not permitted in the main dining rooms in the evening.²³
  • Formal Nights: These are a fun opportunity to get dressed up. The number of formal nights depends on the length of your cruise (usually two on a 7-13 night sailing). For women, a cocktail dress, gown, or an elegant pantsuit is perfect. For men, a suit and tie or a dinner jacket is ideal. A tuxedo is entirely optional.²³
  • Tips for Making Friends: Don’t be shy! Attend the solo traveller meet-up on the first day. Join a trivia team—they’re always looking for extra players. Sit at the bar in a lounge instead of a table by yourself. In the busy buffet, if you see someone looking for a seat, offer to share your table. And the sail-away party on the top deck is always a great place to strike up a conversation.32

You Should Know: Unwritten Social Etiquette

A few simple courtesies can make the cruise experience more pleasant for everyone.

• Chair Hogging: It’s considered poor form to reserve a poolside sun lounger with a book or towel for hours on end if you’re not using it. Be considerate of others, as staff may remove unattended items after about 30-45 minutes.¹²⁶
• Elevator Courtesy: Always let people exit the lift before you step in. Be patient and make room for those with walkers or wheelchairs.¹²⁶
• Hallway Noise: Remember that the cabin walls aren’t soundproof. Try to keep your conversations and the TV volume down, especially late at night or early in the morning, out of respect for your neighbours.¹²⁶

Crew Interaction: The crew work incredibly long hours to make your holiday special. A friendly “good morning,” a smile, and a “thank you” are always deeply appreciated and go a long way.¹²⁶

Understanding what your cruise fare includes—and what it doesn’t—is key to managing your holiday budget.

• What’s Truly Included: Your base cruise fare covers your accommodation, all meals in the main dining rooms and the buffet, and at other casual eateries like the poolside grill and pizzeria. Basic beverages like water, iced tea, and brewed coffee are also included, as is most of the onboard entertainment, such as the theatre shows and live music.¹¹
• Common Extra Charges:
  • Drinks: All alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, and specialty coffees (like lattes) cost extra unless you have a beverage package.
  • Specialty Dining: All specialty restaurants have a cover charge.
  • Gratuities: On international sailings, an automatic daily “Crew Appreciation” fee is added to your onboard account.²⁶
  • Wi-Fi: There is a daily charge for internet access unless it’s included in your package.
  • Shore Excursions: All organised tours in port are an additional cost.
  • Other Onboard Spending: Be sure to budget for other potential expenses like spa treatments, casino play, bingo, professional photos taken by the ship’s photographers, and any shopping you might do in the boutiques.
• Currency & Payment Methods: When you board, you’ll link a credit card to your cruise account. Your cabin key (or your wearable Medallion) then acts as your charge card for all onboard purchases. The onboard currency is Australian Dollars (AUD) on local sailings and US Dollars (USD) on most international itineraries.²⁵
• Final Account Settlement: You can keep track of your onboard spending at any time via the Princess app or on your stateroom television. On the last morning of your cruise, your final bill will be automatically charged to the credit card you have on file.
• Tipping Beyond Auto-Gratuities: On sailings where an automatic gratuity is charged, this amount is shared among a wide range of service staff. However, if a particular room steward, waiter, or bar attendant has provided you with truly exceptional service, it is a lovely and much-appreciated gesture to give them an extra cash tip directly. This is, of course, entirely at your discretion.

Princess does a great job of looking after its repeat passengers through its loyalty program, the Captain’s Circle.

• Program Tiers & Earning: You are automatically enrolled and become a Gold member after you complete your very first cruise. From there, you can advance through the tiers based on either the number of cruises you’ve taken or the number of days you’ve sailed:
  • Ruby: 3 cruises or 30 days
  • Platinum: 5 cruises or 50 days
  • Elite: 15 cruises or 150 days
    You can move up the ranks faster by booking a full suite or by travelling solo and paying the single-person supplement, as both of these earn you double cruise credits.128
• Senior-Relevant Perks by Level: While all tiers offer benefits, the perks become particularly valuable for senior travellers as you reach the higher levels.
  • Gold: You’ll get access to preferential pricing offers and early booking windows for new itineraries, which is great for planning ahead.¹²⁸
  • Platinum: This is where the benefits really start to shine. You receive a 50% discount on the Wi-Fi package, priority boarding (a huge plus for avoiding long queues), and priority access to the water shuttles at tender ports, which can be a massive help for those with mobility concerns. You also get access to a dedicated Platinum and Elite Lounge onboard.¹³⁰
  • Elite: Reaching the top tier unlocks some truly fantastic perks. The most valued is arguably the complimentary laundry service, which can save you a significant amount of money and hassle on longer voyages. You also get priority disembarkation, a complimentary mini-bar setup in your cabin, and a 10% discount on shore excursions.¹³⁰
• Status Match: Princess does not generally offer to match your loyalty status from other cruise lines.
• Maximising Your Benefits: For seniors who cruise regularly, the Platinum and Elite tiers offer the most tangible and useful rewards. The priority services dramatically reduce waiting times and stress, while the complimentary laundry at the Elite level is a game-changer, adding a real touch of luxury and convenience to your holiday.

Princess offers some incredible itineraries right from our doorstep, perfect for exploring near and far.

• Itinerary 1: The Classic New Zealand Loop
  • Season/Duration: Primarily during the summer months (December-March), these cruises are typically 13-14 days long, sailing roundtrip from Sydney or Brisbane.
  • Key Ports: Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch (Lyttelton), Dunedin, and the unforgettable scenic cruising through the majestic Fiordland National Park.
  • Price Indicator: $$$
  • Why it Suits Seniors: This itinerary is a fantastic blend of vibrant cities, rich Maori culture, and absolutely breathtaking natural scenery. The pace is generally relaxed, and it’s a culturally familiar destination with no language barrier. The days spent scenic cruising through the fiords are a major highlight that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your balcony or the ship’s public decks.¹²
• Itinerary 2: The Full Lap – Round Australia
  • Season/Duration: These epic voyages usually take place in the spring and autumn to avoid the extreme weather of summer and the northern wet season. They are typically 28 days long and sail roundtrip from major ports like Sydney, Brisbane, or Fremantle.
  • Key Ports: Melbourne, Adelaide, Albany, Fremantle (for Perth), Broome, Darwin, Cairns, and Brisbane.
  • Price Indicator: $$$$
  • Why it Suits Seniors: This is a true bucket-list journey that allows you to see the vast and varied coastline of our own country without a single flight. It’s the ultimate in convenient travel. The longer duration means the passenger demographic is predominantly older and retired, leading to a very relaxed and social atmosphere onboard. Plus, the onboard currency is AUD and gratuities are included, making budgeting a breeze.¹¹
• Itinerary 3: A Taste of Tassie
  • Season/Duration: A popular summer getaway, these shorter cruises are usually 7-8 days long, sailing roundtrip from Sydney or Melbourne.
  • Key Ports: Hobart, the historic site of Port Arthur, and sometimes Burnie or another regional port.
  • Price Indicator: $$
  • Why it Suits Seniors: This is a perfect short break that’s both easy and affordable. It offers a wonderful mix of Australian history at Port Arthur, the vibrant food and culture of Hobart’s Salamanca Market, and beautiful scenery. The shorter duration is ideal for first-time cruisers or those who don’t want to be away from home for too long.¹²

After a deep dive into everything Princess Cruises has to offer, here’s our take for our members.

• Best Suited For:
  • Seniors seeking a classic, comfortable, and relaxing cruise experience with a touch of elegance.
  • Travellers who appreciate traditional onboard activities like trivia, guest lectures, and ballroom dancing.
  • Value-conscious cruisers who will get great use out of the all-inclusive drinks and Wi-Fi packages.
  • Solo travellers looking for a friendly and welcoming environment where it’s easy to meet new people.
  • Multi-generational families who need a holiday that can successfully cater to different ages and interests.
• May Not Suit:
  • Travellers looking for a high-energy, late-night party atmosphere.
  • Seniors with significant mobility impairments who are considering an itinerary with multiple tender ports, as going ashore could be a major challenge.
  • Those who prefer the intimate, all-inclusive luxury of smaller, high-end cruise lines and are willing to pay a higher price point.
  • Cruisers who want a completely child-free environment (while there are excellent adults-only areas, children will be onboard, especially during school holidays).
• Overall Value & Recommendation: Princess Cruises hits a fantastic sweet spot for the Australian senior traveller. It consistently delivers a reliable, comfortable, and engaging holiday at a price that feels premium but not prohibitively expensive. The value is particularly strong on local itineraries sailing from Australia, where the onboard currency is in Aussie dollars and you don’t have to worry about daily gratuities. For a hassle-free, enjoyable, and enriching way to see Australia, New Zealand, and the wider world, Princess Cruises remains an excellent and highly recommended choice for our members.

As Princess Cruises says, their goal is for you to “Come Back New®”—and after a relaxing and enriching journey with them, we’re sure you will. Happy sailing!