Question 1

What kind of cruise line is Princess Cruises?

Accepted Answer

Princess Cruises is an American cruise line founded in 1965. It is a premium-class line within Carnival Corporation, with Cunard Line and Holland America Line among its sister brands. Fleet : 15 ships (as of 2025), sailing regions around the world. What sets it apart : The line has introduced services ahead of the rest of the industry, including the widespread adoption of balcony cabins and "Anytime Dining", which lets you book a main dining room table at a time of your choosing within opening hours. Atmosphere : Built around an elegant-casual style that suits adults looking for a relaxed holiday. Age-grouped children's areas mean it also works well for family and multi-generational trips.

Question 2

Which regions does Princess Cruises sail, and is there a world cruise?

Accepted Answer

Princess Cruises sails regions across the world, including Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, Oceania, South America and Asia. Japan round-trip cruises have been operating since 2013.

A world cruise of three months or more is also scheduled every year, with the ports of call changing from year to year.

Question 3

What makes Diamond Princess, which sails from Japan, special?

Accepted Answer

Diamond Princess was built in Japan and sails mainly on Japan round-trip itineraries. Izumi public baths : The ship has large Japanese-style public baths, a rarity on a non-Japanese ship. Dining : Alongside the premium-class dining you would expect, Japanese menus are also available. Support in Japanese : Onboard signage is in Japanese as well as English, and Japanese-speaking staff are on board.

Question 4

I am a Princess Cruises repeat guest (Captain's Circle member) but there is no field to enter my membership number when booking. Can I still get the discount?

Accepted Answer

There is no field on the booking form for entering a Captain's Circle member (repeat guest) number. If you tick "One or more guests has sailed with Princess Cruises before" in the "Captain's Circle member (repeat guest) registration" section of the booking form, the discount is applied. If we are unable to match your sailing history, we will contact you via chat.

Question 5

How much is the repeat guest (Captain's Circle) discount?

Accepted Answer

The amount of the repeat guest discount varies depending on the cabin type booked and when you book.

Question 6

Everyone travelling with me is a Captain's Circle member. Can you register us all together?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Let us know each guest's Captain's Circle number via chat and we will complete the repeat guest registration for everyone.

Question 7

Where can I find my Princess Cruises reservation number?

Accepted Answer

Your Princess Cruises reservation number can be found after logging in to My Page, in the "PCL-＊＊＊＊" number shown at the top right of the screen. The alphanumeric part following "PCL-" is your reservation number.

Question 8

What is the difference between Princess Standard and Princess Plus?

Accepted Answer

Princess Plus includes drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities (the service charge included in the fare). Princess Standard is the basic plan without these. You can also upgrade from Princess Standard to Princess Plus in the app after booking.

Question 9

How much is the onboard service charge (gratuity)?

Accepted Answer

Princess Cruises applies an automatic gratuity, added to your onboard account for each night at the following rates per person. Suites: USD 16.50 Junior Suites and Premium Junior Suites: USD 15.50 All other cabins: USD 14.50 If you book "Princess Plus", which includes gratuities, this charge does not apply. A service charge of 18% is also added automatically to alcoholic drinks in bars, lounges and the dining rooms. Please note that these amounts are subject to change.

Question 10

Can I change from Princess Standard to Princess Plus after booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, changes can be made after booking. You can make the change yourself in the official Princess Cruises app. If you are unsure how to do this, we can also make the change for you, so please feel free to ask.

Question 11

What currency do I pay in, and when?

Accepted Answer

The full amount is payable at the time of booking. Prices are converted and displayed in your currently selected currency. Payment will also be processed through Stripe in the currently selected currency.

Question 12

When do cancellation fees start to apply? Do they apply immediately after booking?

Accepted Answer

With Princess Cruises, no cancellation fee applies until a set number of days before departure, counting from the day before the departure date (90 days for Japan round-trip cruises; for other cruises, 60 days for itineraries of 6 nights or less and 90 days for 7 nights or more). After that, cancellation fees apply in stages depending on when you cancel. No cancellation fee applies while the booking is still a provisional reservation, before payment. We do not charge a cancellation fee of our own; the only charge is the cancellation fee set by Princess Cruises.

Question 13

What is the Princess Cruises cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

The Princess Cruises cancellation policy is as follows. Japan round-trip cruises Up to 90 days before, counting from the day before departure: free 89–57 days before: 20% of the cruise fare 56–29 days before: 50% of the cruise fare 28–15 days before: 75% of the cruise fare From 14 days before: 100% of the cruise fare ※ "Cruise fare" above means the amount of each fare plan. Cruises other than Japan round-trips (all itineraries of 6 nights or less) Up to 60 days before, counting from the day before departure: free 59–45 days before: 20% of the cruise fare 44–15 days before: 50% of the cruise fare 14–8 days before: 75% of the cruise fare From 7 days before: 100% of the cruise fare Cruises other than Japan round-trips (all itineraries of 7 nights or more) Up to 90 days before, counting from the day before departure: free 89–60 days before: 20% of the cruise fare 59–29 days before: 50% of the cruise fare 28–15 days before: 75% of the cruise fare From 14 days before: 100% of the cruise fare ※ The cancellation charge date is whichever is earlier of the cruise embarkation date and the cruise tour start date. All pre- and post-cruise hotel packages 57 days or more before, counting from the day before the holiday departure: free 56–29 days before: 50% of the cruise fare 28–15 days before: 75% of the cruise fare From 14 days before: 100% of the cruise fare ※ "Holiday departure" means whichever is earliest of the start date of the cruise, cruise tour or hotel package.

Question 14

Where can I find the cancellation fee rules? I would like to know how much it would cost right now.

Accepted Answer

Cancellation fees are calculated according to the cancellation policy shown at the bottom of each cruise's itinerary page (the very bottom of the itinerary search screen). The cancellation rate varies by departure date and itinerary (whether it is a Japan round-trip cruise, and the number of nights), and is calculated by applying the prescribed rate to the cruise fare. If you would like to know the exact amount, please tell us your departure date, ship name, number of guests and cabin type, or your reservation number. We will check the current cancellation fee and let you know.

Question 15

Does a cancellation fee still apply for unavoidable reasons such as illness, injury or hospitalisation?

Accepted Answer

Even when a cancellation is due to unavoidable circumstances such as illness, injury or hospitalisation, the prescribed cancellation fee applies under the cancellation policy set by Princess Cruises. The fee varies depending on when you cancel and the details of your booking, so please refer to the cancellation policy for details.

Question 16

What if I want to cancel a shore excursion I have booked?

Accepted Answer

Bookings for drink packages, shore excursions, transfer services and onboard options (including speciality restaurants and the spa) are subject to the same Princess Cruises cancellation policy as the cruise itself. If you would like to change or cancel, please let us know via chat.

Question 17

Can I book Princess Premier (the Premier plan)?

Accepted Answer

On Japan round-trip itineraries, the "Princess Premier" plan is available on all sailings. For itineraries other than Japan round-trips, whether Princess Premier is offered varies by itinerary, ship and departure date. Sailings where it is available can also be checked on our website. Please feel free to ask us via chat about the plan contents and availability for each itinerary.

Question 18

Can I book a cruise with an Alaska land tour (Fairbanks, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

We also accept bookings for Alaska itineraries with a land tour.

Question 19

Can I choose the type of land tour and the number of nights?

Accepted Answer

Land tours combined with an Alaska cruise offer a wide choice of both type and length. Before or after the cruise there are 23 plans, such as three land nights with one night at Denali plus one at a wilderness lodge plus one at Mount McKinley, or three land nights with two at Denali plus one at Fairbanks.

Question 20

Can I find out the price of a cruise with a land tour straight away?

Accepted Answer

We provide the price including a land tour after checking with the cruise line (Princess Cruises), which can take some time. Once your provisional booking is complete, we will send you the details together: cruise line, voyage number, ship name, embarkation/disembarkation points, cruise tour category, cabin category and the per-person price.

Question 21

Can you arrange transfers between the hotel and the airport for a land tour?

Accepted Answer

Additional transfers can be arranged. In past cases we have quoted for airport–port transfers and hotel–airport transfers separately and added them on request. Please ask our support team if you would like this.

Question 22

I entered my reservation number in the official Princess Cruises app but the booking details are not showing.

Accepted Answer

Booking details may not appear in the app immediately after booking. It depends on the departure date, but if you booked more than 90 days before departure, the details usually become visible in the app around two weeks after booking. If they still do not appear after a reasonable time, please contact us via chat.

Question 23

I am having trouble downloading or using the app. Who should I contact?

Accepted Answer

If you have difficulty using the Princess Cruises app, please contact the Princess Cruises support desk directly. Telephone hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00–15:00 (excluding weekends, public holidays and the New Year period). You will need your departure date, reservation number and name (as shown on your passport) when you contact them.

Question 24

Can I use an onboard deposit (a future cruise deposit purchased on board)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. When you book a cruise a Princess Cruises reservation number is shown, so please let us know the number via chat before you pay by credit card . We will apply the deposit for you.

Question 25

Are there promotions that include onboard credit (spending money on board)?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the season, we sometimes run promotions that include a fixed amount of onboard credit per cabin (for example USD 300 during Black Friday, or USD 100 in another campaign). It can be used for onboard purchases, but any unused balance is not refunded.

Question 26

Can you arrange a birthday or anniversary celebration?

Accepted Answer

Princess Cruises offers complimentary celebration benefits for guests marking a special occasion such as a birthday or wedding anniversary. If you would like to celebrate a wedding anniversary, birthday, graduation, honeymoon, retirement or similar, please let us know via chat the type of occasion and the date on which you would like to celebrate. We will arrange it to suit your wishes.

Question 27

Can you arrange a shuttle bus to Yokohama port or similar?

Accepted Answer

After disembarking at Yokohama port, a shuttle bus service to Haneda Airport and Narita Airport is operated. Bookings are taken on board.

Question 28

Is the onboard fitness centre (gym) free to use?

Accepted Answer

The fitness centre is free to use. However, some classes such as yoga and Pilates are chargeable.

Question 29

Are there facilities and programmes for children?

Accepted Answer

There are Kids, Youth and Teen centres, offering programmes such as craft workshops, dance and video games, organised by age group for children from 3 to 17.

Question 30

Can I travel in a wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

Diamond Princess has 27 wheelchair-accessible cabins, and the ship itself is designed with few steps. The number of such cabins is limited, so please tell us when you book if you need one. Depending on the type of wheelchair, it may not be possible to bring it on board. At some ports of call, going ashore or returning aboard in a wheelchair may not be possible (for example where passengers land by tender).

Question 31

Can I use appliances from Japan in the cabin as they are?

Accepted Answer

Cabins on Princess Cruises ships have 110 volt / 60 Hz outlets, so appliances from Japan can be used as they are. USB outlets are also provided. For sensitive electronic equipment, however, we recommend using a transformer.

Question 32

What should I wear on board?

Accepted Answer

What to wear depends on the time of day. Daytime : Casual clothing such as T-shirts, polo shirts, shorts and dresses is fine. The ship is air-conditioned, so a cardigan or similar layer is worth bringing. Pool and spa : Swimwear is fine in these areas. Please do not wear swimwear in the restaurants or other indoor venues. Evenings (regular nights) : Smart casual is the guide. A collared shirt with trousers, or a dress, works well. Formal nights : Held one to three times depending on the length of the cruise. A suit or jacket with a tie for men, and a dress or something similarly dressy for women.

Question 33

Can our group or family be seated at the same table?

Accepted Answer

By registering several bookings as the same group, you can request the same or nearby tables in the main dining room. Please register via the official Princess Cruises app.

Question 34

Can I bring alcohol (wine) or bottled water on board?

Accepted Answer

Bringing alcoholic drinks and soft drinks on board Guests aged 20 and over may bring one bottle of wine or champagne (750 ml or less) per voyage, at the initial port of embarkation only. If you drink it anywhere other than your cabin, a corkage fee is added to your onboard account. Alcoholic drinks other than wine and champagne may not be brought on board, so please take note. Soft drinks may be brought on board only if they are unopened, in small quantities (up to twelve 350 ml containers), carried as hand luggage and ultimately approved by the ship's security. ※ Please carry them as hand luggage, not in checked baggage. ※ Conditions such as the number of containers may change without notice.

Question 35

Is there a self-service laundry on board? Is Japanese-language support available?

Accepted Answer

A self-service launderette is provided near the cabins (chargeable). Please bring your own detergent and fabric softener, or buy them at the launderette. Charges are added to your onboard account, so remember to bring your Medallion. Opening hours: 7:00–22:00 Charges: washing and drying USD 3 each per cycle / detergent, fabric softener and similar (imported brands) USD 1.5 per dose As for support in Japanese: on Japan round-trip sailings, onboard announcements and printed material are available in Japanese and Japanese-speaking crew are on board. On sailings outside Japan, announcements and crew support are mainly in English.

Question 36

Can guests in the same cabin choose different drink packages?

Accepted Answer

Guests sharing a cabin all use the same package. It is therefore not possible to choose different types of package within one cabin.

Question 37

How many devices can I use with "one device" of Wi-Fi? Can I switch between my phone and laptop?

Accepted Answer

With Princess Cruises' Wi-Fi you can switch the device used on a single contract. Please use whichever device you need, such as a smartphone or a laptop.

Question 38

How many people and devices does the Wi-Fi included in the cruise fare cover?

Accepted Answer

The Wi-Fi included in Princess Plus and Princess Premier covers one device per person. You can switch between devices such as a smartphone and a laptop as needed.

Question 39

Can I buy Wi-Fi after boarding? How does it differ from booking in advance?

Accepted Answer

Wi-Fi can also be purchased after boarding, via the official Princess Cruises app.

Question 40

When can I book shore excursions? When will I receive the information?

Accepted Answer

For Japan round-trip cruises, bookings open 60 days before departure. For cruises other than Japan round-trips, shore excursions generally become available on the Manage Booking site from around 100 days before the sailing date. https://jp-book.princess.com/manage-booking/index.page Please log in at the URL above and check the "Shore Excursions" tab.

Question 41

What is the process for booking and paying for a shore excursion?

Accepted Answer

Shore excursions can be booked through the official Princess Cruises app or the Manage Booking site. https://jp-book.princess.com/manage-booking/index.page Select the excursion you would like and book it, paying by credit card.

Question 42

What if a tour is fully booked (sold out)?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the excursion, bookings may close early or sell out. If the one you want is sold out, we will suggest alternative options where possible. The "Availability" figure shown in the list on My Page is a guide to remaining places. We often cannot confirm in advance whether separate places are held back for onboard desk bookings, so if you have already decided what you want we recommend booking in advance.

Question 43

Are there tours with a Japanese-speaking guide? Are the materials in Japanese?

Accepted Answer

Materials are provided in Japanese for both Japan round-trip cruises and cruises departing elsewhere. However, shore excursions are guided in Japanese on Japan round-trip cruises and in English on other cruises.

Question 44

Is there transport or a shuttle bus from the port to the city centre? Is there a charge?

Accepted Answer

The list of scheduled ports of call for Japan round-trip cruises and shuttle bus information can be found in the PDF below. Shuttle buses may be either chargeable or free. https://www.princesscruises.jp/pdf/ports_shuttlebus.pdf

Question 45

Is there a transfer (shuttle bus) from the airport to the embarkation port?

Accepted Answer

Airport–port transfer services are available. For Princess Cruises, there are also plans that include one night's accommodation before or after the cruise. If you are interested, please feel free to let us know via chat.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Princess Cruises