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On Board FAQ

From shipboard policies to wi-fi, youth programs, and dining reservations, find all you need to know on board..

• Onboard Experience

Get answers to everything from the Best Wi-Fi at Sea and onboard atmosphere to crew appreciation and stateroom services.

Crew Appreciation

What is “Crew Appreciation”? A crew appreciation is a daily amount added to your onboard account, which is shared among the many members of our crew in hotel, dining and entertainment throughout the fleet who help make your cruise experience special. The daily amount of the Crew Appreciation is based on stateroom category.

What if I purchased Princess Plus® or Princess Premier®? * If you pre-paid the Crew Appreciation and/or Service Charge as part of an all-inclusive or other applicable package:

• the payments are bundled into your fare
• the payments are nonrefundable from the time of purchase, except as part of the cruise fare, which refund shall be provided in accordance with our cancelation policy
• no additional amount will be added to your onboard account for the Crew Incentive or for those Service Charges covered by such package

* Find our complete terms & conditions here .

What if I am not satisfied and don’t want to pay the Crew Appreciation? We are committed to meeting and exceeding guest expectations and pride ourselves in delivering excellent guest satisfaction and our onboard team is available to immediately address any concerns you may have about your cruise. We strive to resolve any issues promptly. In the unlikely event you are dissatisfied for any reason, the Crew Appreciation is subject to adjustment, at your discretion, at any time during the cruise up to the time you settle your onboard account prior to disembarkation.

To learn more, see our  Crew Appreciation and Service Charge Policy .

MedallionNet® – Best Wi-Fi at Sea

All ships have been upgraded with MedallionNet® Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stay connected to the web like never before. You can text, post photos, video chat and stream your favorite shows, movies, music and sports with ease. All ships in the Princess® fleet are MedallionNet enabled.  To learn more, visit the MedallionNet page .

Guests can choose to bundle unlimited Wi-Fi (along with other perks) with their cruise with Princess Plus fares. MedallionNet Wi-Fi is also available for purchase in the MedallionClass® app starting at $24.99 USD pre-cruise for a single-device. Platinum and Elite Captain’s Circle members receive a 50% discount on their MedallionNet purchase.

Princess reserves the right to filter content accessed via the ship's internet services. Please note high bandwidth consuming applications such as voice over IP telephony, peer-to-peer file sharing and streaming media may be restricted on board select Princess vessels.

Onboard Atmosphere

Everyone at Princess is committed to ensuring you have a great time on your cruise. So, to preserve a relaxed and friendly atmosphere onboard, we ask that you observe a couple guidelines.

• Should you wish to videotape onboard during your cruise, please feel free to do so. However, videotaping the onboard entertainment performances is not allowed for copyright reasons.
• To reflect the suggested dress code, dinner wear such as pool or beach attire, gym shorts, ball caps and casual jeans (with fraying and/or holes), is not welcomed in the dining rooms. Shoes must be worn.

Stateroom Services

The little extras you find in the best hotels — fresh fruit (by request), available evening bed turn-down, 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 pre-cruise in Cruise Personalizer at non-duty-free prices through room service. The stateroom directory available on your stateroom television lists a complete menu of offerings.

Mini-suites include a welcome glass of sparkling wine, two televisions, a sitting area and a spacious closet, while full suites offer all of these premiums plus complimentary laundry, and use of the Lotus Spa® Thermal Suite (on select ships, excluding Discovery Princess℠, Sky Princess®, Enchanted Princess®, Royal Princess®, Regal Princess®, Majestic Princess®, and Grand Princess®), 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.

Stateroom configuration Staterooms with 3 and 4 berths can be a bunk bed, murphy bed, sofa bed or a rollaway bed. The specific configuration can be confirmed directly through Princess Reservations or your travel agent. Photos, floor plan diagrams, and amenities represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship.

Shopping On Board

The Shops of Princess offer more than just accessories and sundries you may have left at home. Shop on board and benefit from incredible tax-and duty-free savings off suggested U.S. retail prices on fragrances, cosmetics, jewelry and gifts, apparel and liquor.

In addition to our everyday savings, we bring you special promotions throughout the cruise. Once on board, please check for times and locations of these exciting events by accessing  JourneyView™ on your mobile device.

Plus, Elite Captain’s Circle members receive an extra 10% discount in the Shops of Princess– no exclusions!

Special Occasions

Princess makes your birthday, wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or renewal of vows even more memorable. When you’re onboard a cruise with Princess, you’re surrounded by warm, caring people dedicated to making each day a celebration. And for those times in your life that are special, we’ve created a collection of memorable celebration experiences to help you savor those moments for years and years to come.

If you or your travel agent advise us of any occasions of particular importance at least 45 days prior to your departure, we’ll set our “special occasion” staff in motion to spotlight your special event in the dining room or with our special packages and fabulous “extra mile” service. You can advise us of your special occasion directly through the MedallionClass® app.

Choose from a selection of our  Celebration offerings , with extra touches like stateroom decorations, flowers, wine and champagne. To order a gift or to plan a special event, review our selections and complete the order form.

Smoking Policy

Keeping the comfort of our guests a priority, and in consideration of consumer studies which show smokers are a small minority of guests, Princess has implemented the following smoking policy:

Designated Smoking Areas Clearly marked “Designated Smoking Areas” are available on board and include a sufficient number of ashtrays that are emptied regularly. Generally, these areas include cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub, as well as a portion of the open decks. The Casino and Casino Bar are non-smoking areas on board, with the exception of designated slot machines where guests are permitted to smoke only while playing at those machines. All table games are non-smoking. The Casino will also have one or more non-smoking nights (6 pm to closing), depending on length of voyage. Show lounges, dining rooms and all food services areas on board all Princess ships are non-smoking. As a safety precaution, guests are reminded to properly dispose of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco, which are never to be thrown overboard as this may be sucked back into the ship and cause fires.

Stateroom Smoking Policy Princess Cruises prohibits smoking or vaping of all types, including e-cigarettes, in guest staterooms and balconies. This reflects the preferences of a vast majority of our guests who value having their primary living space (both stateroom and balcony) smoke-free. As balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises, we believe it is important to keep this peaceful space clear of smoke. Violations to this policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence, which will be charged to the guest’s stateroom account. Keeping with the global trend toward more restrictive smoking policies and honoring the wishes of our guests, we feel this enhances our onboard experience.

Alcohol Policy

As provided in the Passage Contract, on the day of embarkation, guests are permitted to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne on board per voyage, which will not be subject to a corkage fee if consumed in your stateroom. Additional wine or champagne bottles are welcome, but will incur a US$20/AU$30 (depending on shipboard currency) corkage fee each, irrespective of where they are intended to be consumed. Liquor, spirits, or beers are not permitted. Please remember that luggage will be scanned and alcohol outside of our policy will be removed and discarded.*

Alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from The Shops of Princess, or at ports of call, will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to the guest's stateroom on the last day of the cruise. A member of the ship's staff will be at the gangway to assist guests with the storage of their shoreside alcoholic purchases while The Shops of Princess staff will assist guests with shipboard alcoholic purchases.

*Princess is not responsible for any alcoholic beverages removed and discarded by shoreside security staff. Such items are not eligible for monetary refund or replacement. Guests found with prohibited items, including alcohol outside of the policy, may need to collect their luggage at a security checkpoint on board.

Age Restrictions on Drinking and Gambling

The age for gambling on Princess ships is 18 years old. The age for drinking on Princess ships is 21 years old*. Guests under the age of 18 will not be permitted in the Casino.

*For cruises between Australia/New Zealand, China, Europe, Singapore and South America ports, the drinking age will be 18 years old. For cruises between Japan ports, the drinking age will be 20 years old.

Security Guide

CRIME PREVENTION AND RESPONSE GUIDE

Princess has zero tolerance for crime on board its ships. This guide is designed to offer information to all guests on proper response procedures and available law enforcement processes in the event that an incident occurs.   

Guests should immediately report missing persons and criminal activity to ship’s personnel so appropriate action may be taken to ensure the safety and security of all persons on board. Timely reporting of an incident is also imperative so that necessary law enforcement notifications can be made as expeditiously as possible. Incidents may be reported at any time by dialing the Purser’s Desk. Missing persons or criminal activity may also be reported to the on board Security Department by dialing the Purser’s Desk. Any situations requiring medical assistance can be reported to the Medical Department at any time by dialing 911 or through the Purser’s Desk.

Princess reports all missing persons and serious criminal incidents such as homicide, suspicious death, kidnapping, assault with serious bodily injury, sexual assaults as defined by existing laws, firing or tampering with the vessel, or theft of money or property in excess of $10,000 to appropriate law enforcement authorities.  In addition to our own reporting policies and other legal requirements, on international voyages that embark or disembark in the United States, U.S. federal law requires Princess to report missing U.S. nationals and the above felonies to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) by telephone as soon as possible, to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security electronically, and to the U.S. Coast Guard in writing.  These U.S. requirements apply to all such incidents that occur on board in U.S. territorial waters, or at sea or in another country’s territorial waters if the individuals involved are U.S. nationals.  The U.S. FBI may assert criminal jurisdiction in all of these circumstances.  Each of the countries visited, as well as the ship’s country of registry (Bermuda), may also assert jurisdiction and impose additional reporting requirements.  

For missing persons or serious criminal incidents that occur within countries visited or their territorial waters, and for incidents within U.S. states, you may independently contact local law enforcement authorities. You may also contact the U.S. FBI or U.S. Coast Guard for incidents that arise at any time during the voyage. Princess encourages all guests to learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you will visit. Good resources are your library, your travel agents, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the countries you will visit. In addition, keep track of what is being reported in the media about recent developments in those countries. Contact information for the FBI, U.S. Coast Guard and the National Sexual Assault Hotline is listed below. Locations of U.S. Embassies or Consulates in the ports visited and contact information for local law enforcement in these ports is listed on your stateroom's TV.

U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Headquarters, Washington DC (202) 324-3000 Visit FBI website

U.S. Coast Guard National Command Center (800) 323-7233 Visit United States Coast Guard website

National Sexual Assault Hotline Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (800) 656-4673 Visit RAINN website

Staying Healthy

The health and well-being of our guests and crew is our highest priority. And there are several measures that meet or exceed standards set by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which are currently in place to prevent and contain illnesses on our ships.

The simplest way for you to stay healthy is to frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. You'll also find hand sanitizers located throughout the ship for your use after washing your hands.

If you feel ill during your voyage, please immediately report to the medical center. All of our onboard medical facilities meet or exceed the standards established by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Our onboard medical facilities are staffed by full-time registered doctors and nurses. In addition to twice-daily office hours, they are available 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency.

Charges for medical services will be added to your shipboard account, and you will be provided with an itemized account to submit to your insurance company. Important: Princess ships are registered in Bermuda. Verify with your insurer if your coverage applies outside the United States, or purchase appropriate travel insurance.

In the event of unexpected travel delays and emergencies, please remember to bring additional prescription medication for at least 2 weeks beyond the length of the cruise. Also bring a list of the names, strengths and dosages of all medications in case refills are required.

Medical Assistance

Our medical centers are primarily intended to provide acute care for illness and accidents that may occur while on vacation and are not intended to provide long term care for patients with chronic illnesses or as a substitute for regular health care.

Our intention is to:

• Provide quality maritime medical care for guests and crew members aboard our ships.
• Initiate appropriate stabilization, diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers for critically ill or medically unstable patients.
• Support, comfort and care for patients onboard.
• Facilitate the timely medical evacuation of patients, if appropriate.

All of our onboard medical facilities meet or exceed the standards established by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Our onboard medical facilities are staffed by full-time registered doctors and nurses. In addition to twice-daily office hours, they are available 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency.

Laundry Services

Take advantage of our onboard laundry, press-only and professional cleaning service for a nominal fee. All laundry is returned within 48 hours, or on the same day with our express service.

Full suite guests and Elite Captain’s Circle members also enjoy complimentary laundry and professional cleaning service, except for same day service, which carries a charge.

Launderette services may be impacted to adhere to the Health and Safety protocols set by the CDC.

For your convenience, Princess vessels have self-service launderettes where washers, dryers and laundry products are available for a negligible charge. You can conveniently purchase tokens with your Medallion. Please note that irons/ironing boards are available in the self-service laundry rooms. Ironing and using personal clothes steamers are not permitted in any stateroom. Although rare, on certain itineraries environmental regulations relating to the consumption of water may impact the operating hours of the launderettes.

Onboard Currency

Unless noted, onboard currency is in U.S. dollars. However, on select Australian-based itineraries, the onboard currency is in Australian dollars.

By providing your credit card in advance, you are automatically registered for Express Check-Out. There is no need to visit Guest Services to settle your account. We accept U.S. dollars and other major foreign currencies. American Express/Optima®, Diners Club/Carte Blanche®, Discover® Network, the JCB Card®, MasterCard® and Visa® are also accepted. Those paying by traveler's checks or cash will be required to leave a cash deposit with the Guest Services staff at the beginning of the cruise.

For your convenience, Automated Teller Machines for the exchange of foreign currencies are available on vessels sailing out of European ports and on selected exotic itineraries. Use of such machines may involve transaction fees that are subject to change without notice. Please visit the Guest Services staff for more information.

Religious Services

We respect our guests' religious beliefs and invite them to practice on their own or with their fellow guests. Guests who wish to lead religious services may volunteer by contacting Guest Services or a member of the Cruise Staff. In some cases, our shipboard staff will lead services. However, Princess does not place clergy on board our vessels.

Clergy traveling as Guests onboard our vessels are welcome to conduct services while sailing. They should leave their name, cabin number, and services offered at Guest Services and they will be contacted by a member of the Cruise Director's Staff. Approval of services will be made based on schedule suitability, appropriate onboard supplies, etc. Please bring your Letter of Celebret or Letter of Good Standing with you to provide to the onboard staff.

Please note that during Passover, there will be a Seder service (including Passover meal) held onboard. For Hanukkah, services are available and will be guest-led with wine, Challah bread, prayers and an electric Menorah (no candles or live flames) provided by Princess. Supplies are present and available for anyone who wants to lead the service at 5:30 PM on Friday evenings.

If you would like to bring on your own Menorah, you may. However, since candles are prohibited onboard all Princess ships, it must be electric (no live flame).

 Ashes at Sea Ceremony

Princess Cruises offers private shipboard ceremonies for those guests who want to honor their loved ones by resting their ashes at sea. This service must be arranged prior to sailing and approved in advance.

Ship Deck Plans

We make it easy for you to get to know your ship, so that you can start your vacation on the right foot. With interactive deck plans and virtual tours, you’ll be able to see your ship before you board.

Television 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 state of the art video on demand OceanView® system.*

We offer live satellite reception of many popular networks. Channel line ups availability may vary between trades based on availability. A wide array of movies and tv programs are also available on demand to watch at your convenience. A large number of live sporting and entertainment events are available across our fleet. For more information on what might be available on your specific voyage, please feel free to contact Princess Guest Services prior to your voyage, or Guest Services once onboard. Princess offers closed-captioning whenever available from our media providers. Please be advised that some international channels do not offer this feature even though it is standard for US channels. Onboard theaters are equipped with assistive listening devices and they can be provided on request. Please check with Guest Services for more 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.

Cruising with Family & Kids

Leave your worries behind as you set sail on an adventure the whole family will love.

Preparing for Your Cruise

What is the minimum age to cruise?

Minimum age requirements:

Guests must be at least 6 months of age at the time of embarkation and at least 12 months of age for trans-atlantic crossings and remote itineraries.

Cruisetours: The minimum age for escorted cruisetours is 5 years.

Guests under the age of 21 need to travel in a stateroom with a guest 21 years or older who will assume responsibility for them during the cruise. For family groups booking multiple staterooms, the minimum age for each guest is 16, provided they are traveling with a parent or legal guardian. Unfortunately we are unable to accept group reservations for student or youth groups that do not meet our minimum age requirements.

What travel documents do I need to bring for my child?

Passport requirements: Travel document requirements For U.S. and Canadian citizens

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL GUESTS TRAVEL WITH A PASSPORT.

Documents for guests under the age of 18:

Several countries require special documentation for children traveling with only one parent or with neither parent, and these requirements can change without notice. Many foreign countries require a single parent or guardian to bring a permission slip for the minor to travel abroad. It’s your responsibility to ensure you have the proper documents for all of the countries you’ll visit. Please verify requirements with the consulates of these countries prior to your cruise.

What other supplies should I bring for my children?

Here are some recommendations:

Travel documents

• Child's airline tickets or e-tickets
• Child's passport, visa and other proof of citizenship
• Notarized statements from spouse/ex-spouse if traveling alone with kids under 18
• Notarized forms if traveling with grandchildren/kids under 18 who aren't your own
• Pediatrician's name and phone numbers (daytime and emergency)
• Child’s ID card (optional)

Medicines & sundries

• Child's prescription drugs or other important medication (in carry-on bag)
• Children’s Benadryl
• Antibiotic cream
• Anti-itch cream
• Children's anti-diarrhea medication
• Children's Tylenol, Advil, Aleve and/or aspirin
• Sun protection – sunscreen, sunburn gel, hat
• Antibacterial hand sanitizer
• Children's insect repellant
• Infant/child's thermometer
• Drops/antibiotics for eye and ear infections

Baby/toddler items

• Diapers (Parents are given special waste bags for diapers, which are removed daily from cabins.)
• Diaper rash ointment
• Ziploc bags (many for diapers and other messes)
• Sippy cups and plastic bottles (keep one in your carry-on)
• Baby formula
• Portable crib if needed
• Stroller: umbrella strollers are most convenient

Other handy items

• Small flashlight
• Favorite stuffed animals, toys and travel games
• Inflatable swim aids

Onboard Activities

What is there for kids and teens to do with and without supervision on board?

Our Camp Discovery Youth Program for kids ages 3-11 will keep little ones entertained all day and evening. To participate independently, children must be age 3+ and potty trained. Our youth centers are operated by experienced staff, dedicated to keeping our youngest guests safe and happy. Our Beach House Teen Lounge is available for teens ages 12-17, with fun activities hosted by our staff.

Family activities include festivals, entertainment, Discovery at SEA experiences such as Stargazing, dining events and, of course, Movies Under the Stars®. Each cruise may have slightly different programs. Please contact us with any questions or reservations for specific childcare and family activities.

COVID-19 Guidelines

• Unfortunately, we will not be offering port day lunch service or dining events.
• Masks required when visiting the youth and teen centers.

What movies are shown? I’m selective about what movies my kids watch.

In the Camp Discovery Youth Program, we show G and PG-rated movies. At the Beach House, teens view G, PG and PG 13 rated movies. Stateroom TVs feature several categories, including a family/kids section. Movies Under the Stars offers family-friendly options throughout your cruise. Check the JourneyView® planner for viewing times.

Will my family like cruising?

Princess offers something for everyone. Taking a cruise is an adventure for family members of all ages: The range of onboard activities is sure to please your toddler, teenager and mother-in-law alike. There are activities and dining options for the most adventurous and the simplest eater in your household. You can choose to be as active or relaxed as you feel like that day. And there’s entertainment for everyone, from Movies Under the Stars® to Broadway-caliber musical productions. On a cruise with Princess you have experiences to share as well as the opportunity and space to do your own thing.

What about “me time” for adults?

We want parents to enjoy their vacations too. Drop off your kids in Camp Discovery during the day (it's free!) so you can explore ashore, visit the Lotus Spa® or read a book in The Sanctuary. Want a date night, perhaps taking in a movie or playing in the casino? For a small fee, we offer babysitting in the evening hours.

Can my kids go on shore excursions with me?

Absolutely. Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ tours are good places to start. Every excursion designates appropriate age ranges, as well as the level of activity to be expected. If you’d rather explore on your own, your child can stay on board at Camp Discovery with our youth staff while in port. Our Beach House Teen Lounge will also be open so your teen can hang out with us should they decide not to go ashore.

COVID-19 Guidelines:  We are unable to offer meal services so our centers will close during lunch and dinner. Children must be picked up during meal times.

How do I coordinate with others in our travel party if we’ve booked separately?

Friends and family often travel together, so this is a common concern. The first thing to do is to call 1-800-PRINCESS or your travel consultant to link your group’s reservations. Secondly, be sure to use our Princess@Sea app to communicate on board via text messaging for supreme convenience. For MedallionClass® ships, you’ll be able to locate your group anywhere on the ship using your personal device through our OceanCompass™ app.

How can I plan a birthday (or another celebration) on board?

Let us know about your special occasions in your Cruise Personalizer, and we’ll prepare a festive welcome aboard note. You can also order celebration packages there, everything from fun gifts to unique experiences on board, even themed stateroom decorations. If the celebration is for one of your children, notify the Youth Staff, and they’ll be happy to collaborate with ideas.

Age-Appropriate Customized Programs

Is there a dedicated space for kids?

Our youth and teen centers entertain ages 3 to 17. Our pools and sports courts are both child- and family-friendly spaces to be experienced together.

What is available per age group and what are the rules around signing in and out?

• Ages 3-11: Camp Discovery (The Treehouse and The Lodge)

*Children must be at least 3 years old and toilet trained to participate independently. Children ages 3-7 must be signed in and out by a parent or person authorized by the parent(s). Children ages 8-11 may sign themselves in and out with parent approval.

• Ages 12-17: The Beach House

*Teens can come and go from the center as they please, with no sign in/out required. However, parents can restrict this privilege for their child at anytime.

Who operates the youth centers?

Our team of experienced youth staff undergo stringent background checks and must be recently certified in CPR and basic first aid. In case of a true medical emergency, onboard medical staff are just a phone call away.

Can adults visit the youth centers?

We’re happy for parents and others to join in the fun. In fact, we offer an open house event on embarkation day for loved ones to take a peek at all the fun. For the safety and security of our young guests, we only allow adults in our centers who have children participating in the program. If the center is full, we may ask parents to come back at another time.

COVID-19 Guidelines:  At this time, we are limiting access to the centers. Only participants are permitted.

How do I register my child for the youth program?

It’s simple. Register through your Cruise Personalizer, or you can come directly to the youth center to meet the team. We look forward to showing you around and telling you about our program. FYI: Participation in our program cannot be guaranteed, especially on cruises with lots of families, but we’ll make every effort to include everyone we can. Hours of operation are subject to change.

Where can I find a schedule of activities for kids?

You can find this information in JourneyView®. Get the Patter and schedule of events in the centers from the Youth Staff.

It’s Our Pleasure to Accommodate You

What if I've forgotten something?

Of course! We’re happy to accommodate special arrangements before you embark or while on board the ship. If you want to request certain items, i.e. a portable crib, please call 1-800-774-6237 (1-800-PRINCESS) or visit your Cruise Personalizer in advance. Many items, such as high chairs and boosters, can be requested once on board by calling the Guest Services Desk. (Quantities are limited.)

Can I purchase baby supplies on board?

We recommend buying baby supplies before embarking on your voyage.  Only some ships have diapers/wipes on board for purchase.  Jarred baby food, Stages 1 & 2, can be requested in advance through your Cruise Personalizer. Fresh pureed fruits and vegetables can also be requested in the main dining rooms.

Who should I inform if my child has special needs?

Simply go to the MedallionClass® app. Under your OceanProfile® click on the “ accessibility & dietary requirements ” tab. Dietary restrictions and food allergies can be added in the MedallionClass® app or sent to  [email protected] .

When registering for our Camp Discovery Youth and Teen Programs, please add any information you feel would assist our staff in accommodating your child. As part of the registration, there is a section to complete regarding allergies, special needs, medical conditions and more. Our team is happy to provide accommodations to ensure your child has a great experience in our youth centers.

Who should I inform about my child’s allergies or medical condition?

Also in the MedallionClass® app, under your OceanProfile® click on “ accessibility & dietary requirements ". These notations will notify all restaurants on the ship about food allergies, and special accommodations will be made to keep your family safe. For your added peace of mind, our onboard medical facilities are staffed by full-time registered doctors and nurses. In addition to twice-daily office hours, they are available 24 hours a day in case of an emergency.

How do I reserve a portable crib?

Call 1-800-PRINCESS to reserve ahead of time, or request one from your cabin steward once on board. Cribs are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. You are always welcome to bring your own travel crib.

Seeking a Babysitter?

Is there babysitting available on board? Yes. Camp Discovery and Beach House Teen Lounge is open during the day and evening for your convenience, on sea days and port days. From 10PM – 1AM, we offer group babysitting in the centers for kids ages 3-11 for $5 per child per hour.

Do you have childcare while the ship is in port?  We do, and it’s complimentary! Just drop the kids off, and we’ll take care of them. The Beach House is also open for teens while in port. Early/late excursion? No problem; we’ll open early or stay late to accommodate you.

Dining Options for Families

Where can families eat together on the ship?

There are plenty of casual dining options in the World Fresh Marketplace, The Eatery, Horizon Court, International Café, and at our top deck grill, pizzeria and ice cream bar. More formal options are also available any time in the main dining room. If you are in a hurry and are eating in the main dining room, please mention this to your waiter and they will accommodate a ‘quick service’ request.

Are there children’s menus or other foods for children?

Children’s menus are offered in main dining rooms and by request at specialty restaurants. Kids eat for half price in our specialty restaurants. Pizza, burgers, hot dogs and ice cream can be found at various dining locations. Complimentary jarred stage 1 & 2 baby food is available, if requested in advance via the Cruise Personalizer. Additionally, pureed fruits or veggies can be requested in the main dining room.

Beverages on us:

• Main dining room and World Fresh Marketplace/Horizon Court at  breakfast  only: apple, orange, cranberry, pineapple, tomato and prune juices (excludes freshly squeezed orange juice)
• All-day offerings: lemonade, milk and chocolate milk
• Complimentary on ships in Alaska in the main dining room and Horizon Court/World Fresh Marketplace: hot chocolate

Get a booster chair and/or high chair:

• Request on board with restaurant staff.
• High chairs and booster seats are available in the main dining room, specialty dining restaurants and Horizon Court/World Fresh Marketplace on all ships. Quantities are determined by ship size and dining capacity and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Neither high chairs nor booster seats may be reserved ahead of time.

Children with Special Needs

Go to the MedallionClass® app, and under your OceanProfile select the “ accessibility & dietary requirements ” tab. Dietary restrictions and food allergies can be added here or sent to  [email protected] .

When registering for our Camp Discovery youth and teen programs, let our youth staff know of any medical, special needs and/or allergies, and we will make every effort to accommodate them. Please be advised that youth staff may not offer one-on-one supervision or administer medication. Our team is happy to provide accommodations to ensure your child has a great experience in our youth centers.

Please be advised that filling out the Mobility Questionnaire is to ensure that our Access Office can properly assist you with your accessibility and mobility needs. It is not an approval or confirmation of any request, nor does it guarantee being booked into or moved to an accessible cabin. Please ensure that you discuss your cabin needs with your Travel Advisor or our Reservations department.

Safety First (and Second and Third)

What if there’s an emergency at sea?

Rest easy: Your crew is fully trained to respond to emergencies, following strict protocols. If the issue is medical, there’s a fully operational clinic on board, equipped to treat more than just seasickness. Youth staff members are certified in CPR and basic first aid and have experience accommodating everything from allergies to special needs.

Do onboard pools have age or height restrictions?

Parents must supervise their children at all times when using the pools, as there are no lifeguards on duty. Because of U.S. public health restrictions, children in diapers, even swim diapers, may not use the pools.

Do you have safety floatation devices for the children who are unable to swim?

No, but parents are welcome to bring their own inflatable safety floating devices appropriate for their child’s age and weight.

How can I communicate with my kids on board?

On Princess MedallionClass® ships, we offer tracking that lets you know where your child is at any time, thanks to the complimentary, wearable device known as the OceanMedallion™. Also through the MedallionClass® app, you can chat/text with your kids, anywhere on board.

Are there age restrictions in general on the ship?

Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult when:

• They’re under 18 and want to use the spa, sauna or steam room
• They’re under 16 and want to use the fitness centers

Guests must be at least 18 to:

• Receive body treatments in the spa. (Other services are okay, if a parent accompanies them).
• Play in our casinos
• Visit the night club after 11 p.m.

Take note, we’re mindful of the drinking age for the places we sail, which is:

• 21+ in the U.S.
• 20+ in Japan
• 18+ in Europe, Australia, China and Singapore
• Dining & Nightlife

Experience a variety of dining options and nightlife on board a Princess cruise.

Formal Nights

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to know what to pack and what to wear when you’re dining onboard.

Dress code: When formal nights are held, please observe the dress code in the dining venues for the enjoyment of all our guests.

• Evening gown, cocktail dress or elegant pant suit for women
• Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket and slacks for men

See below for an example of formal night schedules based on the length of your cruise.

Onboard Entertainment

Fill every day with a wide variety of exciting onboard activities from basketball to table tennis to trivia. Watch a culinary demonstration, enjoy wine tasting, or join in games by the pool. Our ships have all the amenities you need for a real vacation, one where you can recharge and reconnect with loved ones.

Or opt for an exciting array of stage shows, most of which are written, costumed and choreographed exclusively by Princess. Curtain times vary; Just check JourneyView® activities timeline in the MedallionClass® app for show times.

Don't forget to bring along your dancing shoes, because Princess has several dance venues and live entertainment to get you into the swing of things. We start early and finish late. Just check JourneyView® activities timeline in the MedallionClass® app for show times and places to give your partner a whirl.

Every cruise also features a great selection of recent hit feature films for your viewing pleasure. On all ships, guests can also experience Movies Under the Stars®, our 300-square-foot outdoor movie screen and watch the latest films, sporting events and concert videos - all from a comfortable deck chair. Movies Under the Stars lights up your life - day and night.

Casino Games

Our casinos offer the most popular table games, including blackjack, roulette, Caribbean stud poker and craps. We also feature a full range of exciting slot and video poker machines, as well as regular Snowball Jackpot Bingo sessions held throughout the cruise.

Complimentary gaming lessons for slots and table games are held on each cruise, along with exciting tournaments. Plus, if you want to surprise your friends with a lucky side bet, you can choose a $25, $50, or $100 credit, redeemable in the shipboard casino.

Take the fun of casino games wherever you go. With Ocean® Casino you can wager on portals around the ship or play wherever you please – stateroom, poolside, spa, anywhere! – through the MedallionClass® app. Our practice mode uses virtual money so you can get to know our casino games on board when the ship’s casino is closed. Raise the stakes and even place wagers on sporting events with the Ocean® Sportsbook feature.

Persons under the age of 18 are not permitted to gamble or remain in the casino. For those guests interested in playing at our higher limit tables, please contact our Casino Department at 1-800-5CASINO (1-800-522-7466) for more details.

Which forms of payment can you use at the Princess Casino? Credit cards are not accepted in the casino; all activity is charged to the guest’s stateroom account, which must then be settled prior to disembarking from the ship. Cash or traveler’s checks may be exchanged for casino chips.

What are the Casino’s hours of operation? Hours vary from ship to ship, depending on the itinerary. We recommend guests check the MedallionClass® app for casino operating hours. We offer 24-hour* slots while the ship is at sea.

What are the rules on cameras? Guests are allowed to take still photographs in the casino but video recording and cellphones are not allowed. Guests are asked to respect the privacy of other guests as they use their cameras.

Is smoking allowed? Guests may smoke in designated areas when the casino is operating.

*Not offered on Australian controlled ships.

1st Day Dining

Shortly after we welcome you on board your spectacular Princess ship, you're invited to relax and dine at the World Fresh Marketplace at Horizon Court (varies by ship). The ship's multiple main dining rooms are also available.

Open from 5 am to 11 pm (12 am on select itineraries), World Fresh Marketplace at Horizon Court offer a wide selection of quick meals and snacks.

Or join us in one of our main dining rooms for lunch served up by a staff – from chefs to waiters – dedicated to making your dining experience something special.

Together, Princess' unique combination of gracious dining staff, fine continental cuisine and new friends make every meal on board a memorable occasion.

Personalized Dining

Dine when and how you want with this new offering that lets you customize every aspect of mealtime. Make reservations for the main dining room or specialty restaurants at your preferred time each day. Fit in a formal dinner before a show, or order food and drinks to your poolside perch with OceanNow®. The choice really is up to you.

Specialty Restaurants

Variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to evenings when you want an extra memorable dining experience. That's why Princess offers several specialty restaurant options for you to choose from on every ship.

Our distinctive restaurants provide intimate dining in an upscale atmosphere. Reservations are suggested at these popular venues. And because our restaurants at sea are truly a unique treat, a specialty restaurant cover charge will apply per person.

Specialty restaurants vary on a ship basis.

Casual Dining Venues

When a casual mood calls, you have plenty of choices – even on formal nights, you’re able to choose how you dine with us.

Room Service

Guests may call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® MedallionClass® app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 USD per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 USD room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. To order, guests can press the "Room Service" button on their stateroom phone, or order through OceanNow®.

Limitations, restrictions and conditions apply.

Dietary Restrictions and Requirements

Princess is happy to meet your request for low-sodium, low-fat, low-sugar and vegetarian diets.  Visit Cruise Personalizer®  to indicate your dietary preferences.

In addition, kosher meals and baby food are available upon advance written request. Any other special diet requests must be authorized in advance by the Princess corporate office.

You or your travel consultant must advise Princess in writing of any special diet, allergies or medical needs. Requests must be received no later than  35 days prior  to departure for cruises to Alaska, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal and Coastal Getaways.  For all other cruises, requests must be received no later than 65 days prior to departure.  Once onboard, please check with the Director of Restaurant Operations to confirm your request.

Any special dining requests (name brands, daily food order requests, sample menus, etc.) not related to medical or allergy requirements should be directed to the onboard dining staff and is not handled by our Dietary Office.

Wi-Fi & Phone Communication

To provide greater peace of mind, we make it easy to stay in touch.

MedallionNet® Wi-Fi

Cell phones at sea.

Every Princess ship is equipped with an advanced cellular communications network. This network allows you to send as well as receive voice calls, text messages and data services on your personal mobile device. Mobile device service is available for use when the ship is at sea, in international waters and in other areas where such use is permitted. All charges will be conveniently billed to you by your mobile device provider.

Your wireless provider must have a roaming agreement with Wireless Maritime Services (WMS) in order for you to use your mobile phone with this service. Your mobile device must be able to roam internationally, and international roaming must be enabled on your device. If you have a prepaid device, please confirm with your wireless carrier if you are able to use it at sea; not all prepaid devices are supported.

Rates for cellular service at sea are determined by your wireless carrier.  For questions about your service while cruising, including cruise packages offered, pricing or billing, please contact your wireless provider's customer service department.

For additional information and tips on using your cellular while cruising visit  cellularatsea.com

Contact Phone Numbers

To provide greater peace of mind while you're away from home, give friends and relatives the following information on how to telephone you. Contact your phone company directly for rates, your phone company will charge you directly for calls made to the ship. When calling, please include guest name and stateroom number to ensure quick delivery.

Guests may use their personal mobile devices onboard while at sea in international waters and in other areas where such use is permitted. A compatible mobile device and a service plan capable of roaming internationally with Maritime Communications Partners AS is required. Please contact your wireless service provider for availability and rates. 

For calls originating outside of the US and Canada, the following numbers should be used, preceded by your country's International Direct Dialing (IDD) code. Please contact your long distance service provider for pricing. For example, if you would like to call the Diamond Princess from the United States, dial +1 661 593 6070.

En Route Delays

If you encounter unforeseen flight or weather-related delays on sailing day, we suggest you immediately advise an airline representative at the airport that you are a cruise guest destined for sailing that day. Typically, airlines are able to arrange alternative flights at the airline counter for passengers to continue with their travel to the point of embarkation. It is the airline’s responsibility to make alternate flight arrangements resulting from a delay or cancellation.

In the event costs are incurred, you are responsible for out of pocket expenses. If you have purchased travel protection, costs incurred as a result of trip delay are likely to be covered by Trip Delay protection. Please ensure to keep all receipts for submission and contact your travel plan administrator for assistance and clarification.

If your delay involves missing the ship in the port of embarkation, you must immediately contact the En Route Desk to confirm that you will be permitted to join the vessel at the next port of call. In certain instance, you will not be permitted to join the vessel at the next port, if the late embarkation will result in a violation of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA).

Upon learning your new flight arrangements, we ask that you immediately contact Princess with your new flight information for our records. You may call us toll-free at 800-545-0008. This special number is operational only in the United States and Canada.

Outside of the United States and Canada you may reach us at 661-284-4410. Within Australia, use 13 24 88. Princess representatives are available to answer this emergency en route line from  5 a.m. - 8 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, and 5 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Saturday and Sunday.

After hours support is available in the event of “en route” delays. These calls will be routed to our customer service centers in Australia or the United Kingdom, subject to the time of call. Our representatives will record your new flight information into your booking record.

If your checked baggage is delayed or misdirected by a common carrier, immediately report this to the carrier. Once you arrive onboard, report this delay to the Passenger Services Desk, providing the claim number and bag description.

As a courtesy, the onboard staff will assist in following up with the airline; however, any costs incurred in forwarding the luggage to the ship is at the guest’s expense. Guests who have purchased travel protection should verify with their policy carrier regarding Baggage Protection, which may include baggage delay coverage. Please keep all receipts for submission and contact your travel plan administrator for assistance.

If you have purchased Princess Vacation Protection (PVP) and Princess EZair® and experience a delay reaching your cruise or land package, and you require assistance booking flights, accommodations, and transfers, please contact On Call International toll-free at 866-509-7712, or from outside the U.S. or Canada call collect at 603-894-9386. Payment is required up front for these arrangements, but can be submitted to the plan administrator for reimbursement of eligible expenses after your trip. Once your new arrangements are confirmed, the representative at On Call International will contact the En Route Desk to provide us with the details.

IMPORTANT:  The En Route numbers provided above are for unforeseen delays. If you have any other questions, please contact your travel consultant. Princess is not responsible for any airline delays regarding Baggage Protection, which may include baggage delay coverage. Please ensure to keep all receipts for submission and contact your travel plan administrator for assistance.

More Frequently Asked Questions

• Prepare for Your Cruise
• Before You Leave for Your Cruise
• What To Pack for a Cruise
• Travel & Transportation
• Shore Excursions
• Cruising with Family & Kids
• Keeping in Touch
• Disembarkation
• Report a Lost Item or Luggage
• Onboard Stateroom Account
• Alaska Cruisetours
• Asia Cruisetours
• Australia Cruisetours
• Canada & New England Cruisetours
• Europe Cruisetours
• South America Cruisetours

Common questions and topics

The OceanReady® Process

Princess MedallionClass® FAQ

Dress Code and What to Pack for a Cruise

Cancellation Policy

Future Cruise Credits (FCC)

Travel Documents

Prohibited Items

You may also like

• Princess Vacation Protection
• Princess EZair®
• Cruise Tips, Advice and Information
• Military Cruise Benefit Program
• Princess® Rewards Visa® Card
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14 Tricks to Board Your Cruise Ship Faster on Embarkation Day

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Embarkation day can be an exciting start to your cruise vacation, but it can also involve long lines and wait times. Getting onboard your cruise ship faster on embarkation day can help you get the most of the first day of your cruise!

Cruises are relaxing and fun vacations, but there are a few things passengers have to do once onboard.

These embarkation day cruise tips & tricks will help you speed up the boarding process. Here are 12 ways to help you board your cruise ship faster on embarkation day.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Board Faster on the First Day of Your Cruise

1. Complete Online Check-In ASAP

Most cruise lines offer online check-in around 45 days to 2 weeks before your cruise begins.You’ll fill out your identification (ie. passport info) and payment information in advance. 

This is also the time that you can choose an embarkation check in time. While there have been some changes over the last few months, most cruise lines still require cruise passengers to choose an appointment or cruise check in time.

The earliest times are taken first. Doing your online check in as soon as possible will help you snag the most coveted boarding times.

2. Book a Higher Tier Cabin

While cruisers in standard cabins have to use specific strategies to board early, one of the many benefits of higher level cabins and suites is priority embarkation.

For example, book a suite in Norwegian’s Haven or MSC’s Yacht Club and you’ll get exclusive early boarding privileges. You’ll also be seated in an exclusive embarkation lounge with some light refreshments before making your way to the cruise ship.

3. Consider Priority Boarding Packages

Some cruise lines offer priority boarding packages that you can purchase for an extra fee . These can provide expedited check-in and boarding, in addition to other benefits.

Even if you aren’t paying for a suite, these benefits might be worth it – not only on embarkation day as you’ll board early, but throughout the cruise if you can use the perks.

Royal Caribbean’s The Key

Royal Caribbean’s The Key program,  provides priority check-in, boarding, and an exclusive lunch with a special Chops Grille Menu.

Holland America Line Club Orange

Holland America Line Club Orange program, available for a fee, provides priority embarkation, a private dining venue, and other privileges.

Carnival Cruise Line Faster to the Fun (FTTF)

Carnival offers the Faster to the Fun (FTTF) program for a fee, which provides priority boarding and early access to cabin & luggage drop off.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Priority Access

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Priority Access program can be purchased for expedited embarkation and other benefits, including priority tender tickets. This is a good benefit for some itineraries where tendering can be a long & frustrating experience.

4. Join Cruise Line Loyalty Programs

Many cruise lines have loyalty programs that offer priority boarding to returning passengers. The higher the tier, the more benefits you get. Early boarding is often a perk.

Keep in mind that some cruise lines have a status match program. This includes MSC Cruises and at certain times, Virgin Voyages.

5. Choose a Pre-Cruise Hotel Wisely

To avoid a common cruise embarkation day mistake , always arrive at least one day early before your cruise.

To make it faster on boarding day, book a hotel that is close to the cruise port, to avoid potential traffic jams on the day of your cruise.

6. Plan Your Arrival Transportation

Arrange transportation to the cruise terminal in advance, whether it’s a shuttle, taxi, or car service. Knowing your transportation details will reduce stress on embarkation day.

If your hotel has a shuttle service, book one of the earliest available. Their drivers are usually very experienced with the local roads and know the fastest way to the terminal. Uber & taxi are fine too in most locations.

7. Allow Extra Time for Parking

If you’re driving to the cruise terminal, allow an extra 30 minutes minimum than what GPS says. You’ll often have a line up when arriving at the cruise terminal area, as there can be several ships in port at busy cruise ports (ie. Miami & Fort Lauderdale).

Smaller ports with 1-3 ships may  experience less traffic overall, but can still be very busy with traffic going in and out of the terminal area, including disembarking .

If you need to park, remember that the parking lot can be busy. You may find a parking spot in 5-10 minutes if you arrive early, but it can take 30 minutes to an hour if you arrive later in the day.

If you’re parking off site (at a non cruise line lot), allow ample time for the distance and transportation to get to the port.

8. Check for Special Boarding Needs

If you have special needs, such as mobility issues or a medical condition, inform the cruise line in advance. They can often accommodate you more efficiently.

This can include having a wheelchair at the cruise port to help, access to elevators and priority boarding onto the cruise ship.

If you need a wheelchair or scooter for the duration of the cruise, there are rental services that can provide this. You can contact your travel agent or cruise line for the best options.

9. Label Your Luggage with Cruise Luggage Tags

Make sure your luggage has clear and secure cruise line luggage tags with your name, cabin number, and the ship’s name.

Print your luggage tags out at home before your cruise. Then, fix them onto your checked luggage before you arrive at the cruise terminal on boarding day.

A faster way to do this is to use clear plastic luggage tag holders. You can adhere your tags to your suitcases the morning of your cruise at the hotel.

These luggage tag holders (on amazon) are what I use and recommend:

• Carnival luggage tag holders
• Royal Caribbean luggage tag holders
• Norwegian luggage tag holders
• Princess luggage tag holders
• Holland America luggage tag holders
• Celebrity luggage tag holders

Having luggage tags securely attached will help the cruise line crew to deliver your bags to your room as quickly as possible.

10. Be Prepared with Required Documents

Ensure you have your passport, cruise documents, and any other required identification ready and easily accessible. Never pack your passport or government ID in your checked luggage !

Keep these items handy, as you’ll need to show them multiple times before you board your cruise ship. This includes before you enter the cruise terminal building, before you go through the ship’s security check and at the check in counter.

11. Pack Essentials in a Carry-On Bag

Pack your important documents, medications, swimsuits, sunscreen and other essentials in a carry-on bag for the first day of your cruise. Your checked luggage may take some time to reach your cabin, so having these items with you can be convenient.

This can be a small suitcase, backpack or weekender style bag. 

Your cabin may not be ready as soon as you board, but most of the time your room will be available as of about 1-1:30 pm. Up until then, you can eat lunch, tour the ship and use the pool and hot tubs.

12. Give Your Checked Luggage to the Porters

Have your checked luggage prepared with luggage tags attached & ready for porters to take them, put them onto luggage carts and have them sent over to the cruise ship.

Keep your carry on bag with you! Never leave passports, money or medication in your checked luggage!

It’s also a good idea to have a few dollars prepared & in hand for a customary tip to porters .

13. Don’t Bring any Prohibited Items on a Cruise

Cruise ships have rules of what you can & cannot bring on a cruise ship. Bringing banned or prohibited items will result in a delay to board (at a minimum), so don’t do this.

Items such as irons and clothing steamers, surge protected power bars , hard alcohol & CBD/Marijuana are not allowed on cruise ships.

Cruise ships are strict about the rules, and in the case of illegal substances, have kicked cruise passengers off the ship .

14. Memorize Your Cabin Number

Know your stateroom number, as you’ll want to get to your cabin quickly on boarding day. However, it’s so easy to forget your stateroom number with the rush and excitement of the first day of your cruise.

You’ll also be asked by crew members what your cabin number is on embarkation day and throughout your cruise, so memorizing it in advance just makes things easier and more efficient.

I print out an extra cruise luggage tag, which has my cabin number printed on it. This helps me out on embarkation day! Another cruise tip is to take a photo of your stateroom number and use it as a screensaver on your phone.

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Final Thoughts on How to Board Your Cruise Ship Faster on Embarkation Day

While everyone has a different idea of what makes a perfect embarkation day, getting onboard early allows cruise passengers to get the most out of that first vacation day!

These cruise tips, tricks & hacks will help to speed up the embarkation day boarding process.

How early to you like to board your cruise ship? Please share your tips in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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How To Board A Cruise Ship?

Boarding your cruise ship will be the most important step of your cruising holiday! Check out this article below to find out how.

On Arrival At The Cruise Terminal

The arrival and check-in process for a cruise ship can be chaotic, but it’s usually organized. Your cruise line will let you know when to arrive at the port, usually from late morning to mid- afternoon.

It’s possible to show up at any time. Usually the busiest time for boarding is between noon and 2 p.m., so we recommend arriving just before or after that window.

If the passengers from the previous cruise are still disembarking, you’ll have to wait around. You also shouldn’t cut it too close; understand that if you arrive after check-in has ended, even by just a few minutes, you likely will not be allowed to board.

You should be aware that if you arrive after check-in has ended, you won’t be allowed to board the ship.

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, the first thing to do is locate your boarding documents . If you don’t already have them with you, make sure they’re ready ahead of time.

Once you’ve located these items, head over to the embarkation desk where you’ll need to present yourself in person. The staff there will ask you some questions about who you are and what type of cabin you want on the ship. They may also take down information such as your passport number and contact details.

Once all of this paperwork is taken care of, you’ll receive an electronic ticket which allows you access to the ship. This means you no longer need to carry paper tickets.

Security Clearance Before You Board The Cruise Ship

Your final task is to go through security screening. Cruise ships use metal detectors to screen guests entering their premises. These devices look for weapons, explosives, drugs, and other contraband.

They scan each passenger individually, so everyone must pass through the machine. It takes only seconds to complete, but it does mean you might get delayed while waiting for others to clear customs.

After passing through security, you’ll be given instructions regarding where to meet your crew members. Crew members are responsible for helping you settle into your stateroom once onboard.

How Do I Get On The Cruise Ship

Once you have checked in and have your cruise card , you’ll be escorted off the pier onto the boat. Once aboard, you’ll be shown to your room by the onboard crew members, either using the elevators and staircases.

Most cruises offer several different types of cabins: inside, balcony, suite, mini-suite, and ocean view. Each one offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks. You would have selected the type of cabin when you booked the cruise with your cruise line or Travel Agent.

Inside cabins are typically smaller than suites, but they come equipped with more amenities like televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.

Will I Have To Carry The Suitcases When I Board The Cruise Ship?

When you board the cruise ship you will not have to carry any luggage. Your bags will be delivered directly to your room upon arrival. However, you can choose to bring along personal belongings such as clothing, toiletries, etc., depending on how long you plan to stay onboard.

Will My Cabin Be Ready When I Board The Cruise Ship?

Your cabin may not be ready when you board In fact, most people find that their rooms aren’t fully furnished until around two hours before departure.

Wait For The Announcement For When Cabins Are Ready

Dropping off your stuff and putting valuables in a safe feels great. If you packed your swimsuit or gym clothing, you can go swim for rest of the afternoon. The cabin steward can introduce you to their services and give you a tour of your cabin. After you’ve boarded, your luggage will be on it’s way. You can either place it in your room or outside. It’s a good idea to unpack before the muster drill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What deck do you enter a cruise ship on.

You enter a cruise ship from the main deck level. Most cruise lines allow passengers to walk up and down stairs between decks during embarkation. Some cruise lines also provide special areas called “stairways” where passengers can wait for boarding without having to climb stairs. Stairs are usually located near the front entrance of the vessel.

The first time you step foot on a cruise ship, you’re going to feel overwhelmed at all the new things you see. Don’t worry! We’ve got some tips to help make sure everything goes smoothly.

Does It Get Crowded When You Embark On A Cruise Ship?

Yes, there is always a crowd waiting to get on board. This is normal and expected. There are many reasons why this happens. First, you need to remember that these ships were built specifically for cruising. They are designed to accommodate large numbers of guests comfortably. Second, most cruise lines require reservations for specific dates and times. Third, if you book early enough, you might even score an upgrade. Fourth, sometimes cruise lines add extra capacity to accommodate last minute cancellations. Fifth, some cruise lines hold back certain sailings so they don’t overcrowd their vessels. Finally, some cruise lines only sell tickets online because they want to avoid crowds.

Due to the recent pandemic, people will now be given dedicated times to board the cruise ship to stagger everyone boarding.

Do I Have To Show Identity When I Board The Cruise Ship?

Children ages 5-17 must present proof of parental consent. Passengers age 17 and older must produce valid photo identification.

Do I Need Travel Insurance To Board A Cruise Ship?

No, travel insurance isn’t required to board a cruise ship. However, we recommend purchasing trip cancellation/interruption coverage while booking your vacation package. Trip interruption coverage protects against unexpected events like illness, injury, natural disasters, terrorism, war, riots, civil unrest, strikes, weather conditions, acts of God, government restrictions, political instability, labor disputes, accidents, fires, theft, loss of property, quarantine, detention by immigration authorities, and other similar occurrences.

Trip cancellation coverage provides compensation for missed itineraries due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

Edit: Due to the recent pandemic, travel insurance is now required for most cruise lines to cover repatriation costs if needed.

When Is The Best Time To Board A Cruise Ship?

The best time to board a cruise ship depends on what type of cruise line you choose. If you have booked a private cabin or suite with balcony, then it’s probably better to arrive when the ship docks in port rather than before. Otherwise, arriving as close to departure as possible may work out well. For example, if you plan to depart from Miami, Florida, USA, then you should try to arrive around noon to ensure you catch the ship right after lunch.

What Documents Do You Need To Board A Cruise Ship

You’ll need to bring along all documents listed below. These include passports, visa requirements, health certificates, immunization records, etc. Some cruises also ask passengers to provide additional documentation such as birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, court order, adoption papers, medical history, military discharge papers, police record, social security card, driver’s license, passport photos, etc.

Passport – Required for international travelers.

Visa – Required for foreign nationals traveling outside of North America.

Immunizations – Recommended but not mandatory for those who are healthy.

Health Certificate – Must be provided within 72 hours prior to sailing.

Medical History Form – This form can help determine whether someone has any pre-existing conditions that could affect his or her ability to safely participate in activities onboard the vessel. It includes questions about previous illnesses, surgeries, hospital stays, medications taken, allergies, pregnancy status, family members’ medical histories, current vaccinations, blood types, etc.

Marriage License – Only necessary if you’re getting married during the voyage.

Divorce Decree – Only necessary if you’ve been divorced recently.

Court Order – Only necessary if you were convicted of a crime.

Adoption Papers – Only necessary if you adopted a child recently.

Military Discharge Paper – Only necessary if you served in the armed forces.

Police Record – Only necessary if you had an arrest warrant issued against you.

Social Security Card – Only necessary if you don’t already have one.

Driver’s License – Only necessary if there was a reason why you didn’t receive a US Passport.

Birth Certificate – Only necessary if you haven’t received a new passport yet.

Photo ID – Bring photo identification showing name, date of birth, address, and signature.

Photocopy of your passport – Photocopies aren’t accepted by some ports so make sure you get copies made at home.

What Are The Requirements For Boarding A Cruise Ship?

If you want to travel aboard a luxury liner like Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line or Holland American Line, then you will likely find yourself having to meet certain criteria. In most cases, these rules apply only to first time guests. However, they might change depending on what type of cruise line you choose. Here is a list of things you must know:

The minimum age requirement varies between different lines. If you’re under 18 years old, then you won’t qualify for many cruises unless you have parental consent. On RCI ships, children ages 5 through 12 require special permission from their parents. Children younger than 4 cannot join HAL ships. NCL requires that kids be 6 years old or older.

Children Under 2 Years Old Can Be Brought Onboard With Their Parents

On all major cruise lines, babies up to two years old can come along with their parents as long as both adults hold tickets. You’ll need to provide proof of insurance coverage for them. They also need to stay below deck until it’s time to disembark. Babysitting services may be available onboard.

Carry Your Own Documents

You should bring your own documents when boarding a cruise ship because you won’t always be able to access the ones you carry. Make sure you keep photocopies of everything important including passports, visas, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, criminal records, health certificates, immunization forms, etc.

Bring Cash And Credit Cards

Cash and credit cards are not allowed onboard any cruise ship. This includes debit cards too. It’s best to use cash instead since you can exchange money at the port where you arrive. Also, you could lose your wallet while traveling.

Can You Board A Cruise Ship With A Cold?

You can board a cruise ship with a cold but you shouldn’t expect much help from crew members. Most people who work on cruise ships are just doing their job. Some staff members might even refuse to serve you food or drinks. But this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your vacation! Just remember to take care of yourself during your trip. Take plenty of rest days and drink lots of water. Don’t forget to eat healthy meals every day.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine which can dehydrate you further. Try to avoid crowds whenever possible. Stay away from places where germs spread easily such as public restrooms, elevators, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, casinos, movie theaters, etc. Keep your hands clean and wash frequently. Use hand sanitizer before touching anything.

What Is Security Like When You Board A Cruise Ship?

Security measures vary by company. For example, Royal Caribbean has an extensive security system in place. Passengers enter through one checkpoint and leave through another. The same goes for Carnival Corporation. Other companies like P&O Cruises don’t seem to have any kind of security whatsoever. So if you want peace of mind, make sure you check out each individual cruise line’s website beforehand.

Do I Need A Boarding Pass For A Cruise Ship?

If you’re worried about safety aboard a cruise ship, there is no reason to worry. There are strict rules regarding what passengers can and can’t wear. Crew members will inspect luggage thoroughly before allowing anyone into the cabin. If they find something suspicious, they will confiscate it immediately. In addition, some cruise lines offer free baggage storage facilities so you don’t have to lug around heavy suitcases.

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Complete Guide to Sailing Norwegian Cruise Line (What It’s Like)

What is it like to sail on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)?

The experience can vary from ship to ship, but expect to have a great time. While the cruise line is the third of the “Big Three” in size among rivals Carnival and Royal Caribbean, it doesn’t mean that its cruises lag compared to its larger competitors.

If you haven’t yet sailed Norwegian, you might not be sure what to expect. The name of the cruise line makes it sound like it is Nordic, however, as you’ll see below, the experience is anything but.

Today the cruise line of about 18 ships sails worldwide, including cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, and Asia. In total, Norwegian carries millions of passengers each year, making it among the largest cruise lines in the world.

For those unfamiliar with sailing NCL and who aren’t sure what the cruise line is all about, we’ve put together the following guide to help familiarize you with everything you need to know.

In This Article...

Overview of Norwegian Cruise Line

Founded in the 1960s, NCL is the smallest of the big three cruise lines — but it is no slouch. However, in recent years it has made a big push with a lineup of huge new ships. In total, the line has seven new ships in the past decade, with another newbuild on order each year through 2027. 

Like competitors Carnival and Royal Caribbean , Norwegian is what we call a mass market cruise line. This means it offers mega ships designed to appeal to all types of passengers. You’ll find options for everyone from families with kids to couples on romantic holidays, young, old, and in between.

Not the sort of person who likes huge ships? It is also making an effort to offer more exclusive service and a smaller ship atmosphere with “The Haven” on many vessels.

The Haven is a luxurious, high-end “resort within a resort” experience with dedicated space and amenities like a pool, restaurant, and bar that are only open to The Haven guests.

While the cruise line sails globally, North America — and the United States — is its largest market. You can find all types of sailings from the U.S., ranging from quick trips to the Bahamas (including Norwegian’s private island), to Alaskan cruises to Hawaiian cruises.

In short, no matter what you look for in a cruise, Norwegian likely has something for you.

Atmosphere of Norwegian Cruise Lines

In general the atmosphere that you’ll find on Norwegian’s ships is on par with other mass market cruise lines, although it does seem to focus on a more luxury and and upscale vibe. It is still warm, inviting, and comfortable. After all, you’re there to have a fun vacation.

You’ll find plenty of friendly staff, ready to welcome you to the ship and help with anything you need. And because Norwegian is known for its “Freestyle Cruising,” that means you can set your own schedule for dining — taking some of the rigid atmosphere out of mealtime.

Ships can vary, but with a relatively new fleet, the décor and atmosphere is modern. You’ll see bright colors painted on the ship’s hull, but the interior is more subdued with lots of wood and metal finishes.

The style seems more in line with a high-end hotel than a classic cruise ship. That said, the people — both crew and passengers — keep things friendly and down-to-earth.

If you are looking for more exclusivity and a higher-end experience, then Norwegian offers “The Haven.” Mentioned above, this is a separate area of the ships with access only for The Haven guests. It includes higher-end cabins, your own restaurant, pool, and more.

Price of Cruising

With a wide range of cruise options from quick Bahamian getaways to Alaskan cruises, and also sailings worldwide, it can be a little tricky to nail down exact pricing.

As well, there’s a wide range for prices even within a region depending on the ship you sail and the length of journey.

During the height of summer, we found prices starting around $80-120 per day on cruises from Miami on Norwegian Sky (an older ship in the fleet). For example, a five-day cruise on the Sky to Key West and the Bahamas ran $599 per person for an interior room in a recent search.

Longer trips and newer ships are usually more expensive. The summer season sees 7-day cruises from Miami to the Caribbean aboard Norwegian Escape (a newer ship, but not the newest) running around $899 per person.

However, what you spend on cruise fare is just a portion of what you’ll spend on your entire cruise. Norwegian is big on generating onboard spending.

The cruise line charges for many amenities on the ship, and at prices higher than you’ll find on other lines.

For example, while Carnival charges around $60 per day for its drink package, NCL charges $99 per day. The highest tier of wi-fi service costs about $40 per day on the ship. The cruise line also has a heavy focus on specialty restaurants that are an extra charge, as well as charges for some things to do on the ship like laser tag and go-karts.

Don’t like extra charges? Norwegian offers a “Free at Sea” sale that can give you certain perks for free, including free drinks, Internet, shore excursions, and specialty dining. For some passengers this can save money, just be aware that the rate for a cabin with these perks included is usually higher than the base price for the room.

Ports of Departure

As we’ve mentioned, Norwegian sails around the world. You can board a cruise anywhere from London to Lisbon to Los Angeles. In total, the cruise line has sailings from more than 40 ports worldwide.

In the United States Norwegian has a smaller presence than bigger lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival. That means the cruise line is more limited when it comes to U.S. departure ports. Smaller ports typically don’t have as many sailing options as you will find with larger lines.

All told, Norwegian sails from the following U.S. ports:

• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• Port Canaveral

Ports of Call and Itineraries

No matter where on the planet you want to go, if it has a coastline then Norwegian likely sails there. This includes exotic destinations like the Greek Isles, Scandinavia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and Alaska.

Sailings include everything from short three-day getaways all the way to three-week tours of entire regions. This includes numerous trips to The Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska. 

Two specific ports of call deserve special mention: Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) and Harvest Caye (Belize). These two spots are Norwegian’s private islands for the exclusive use of NCL’s passengers.

Great Stirrup Cay features ziplining, several stretches of white-sand beaches, and beautiful blue water. If you’ve ever wanted to spend your day in a postcard-perfect island, this is your chance. Located about 140 miles due east of Miami, the island is a regular on itineraries that go to the Bahamas.

Harvest Caye is located in Belize and is often visited on cruises to the western Caribbean. Like Great Stirrup Cay, the island’s big draw is the beach and water. As well, Harvest Caye has a large freshwater pool, as well as a number of bars and restaurants, wildlife exhibits, ziplining, and more to do.

One other unique thing about Norwegian is that it has the Pride of America — a U.S.-flagged cruise ship. This allows it to sail U.S.-only itineraries around the Hawaiian islands. Foreign flagged ships (which most are) must incorporate a stop in a foreign port before they return to the United States. So if you’ve ever wanted to cruise Hawaii, NCL is your choice.

Things to Do on Norwegian

Over the past several years, Norwegian has put a major emphasis on things to do on its ships.

As with other lines, the newest and largest cruise ships will have the most — and latest — things to do. Older ships are more limited in what they offer, but still offer plenty of basics including pools, spas, casinos, and shows.

Here are a number of things to do that you’ll find on Norwegian’s newest ships:

Speedway (Go-Karts) Available on NCL’s newest and largest ships like Bliss, Joy , and Encore , the speedway is the only racetrack at sea. The electric carts race around a custom-built track that twists and turns around the top decks of these ships. It’s one of the most unique experiences you can have at sea and a lot of fun. You have to pay to ride, but it is definitely worth the price for a turn.

For more, see our guide to the go-karts on Norwegian .

Laser Tag Along with go-karts, Norwegian has made a name for itself with outdoor laser tag games. Suit up and use your gun to blast the other team. The sets that are built are immersive and extremely impressive. Our suggestion is to sign up to play at night when the laser colors and lights are easier to see.

Evening Shows Norwegian has put a big emphasis on its entertainment onboard the ship, and that means bringing Broadway shows to sea. The biggest-name shows are on their newest ships, including Choir of Man, Kinky Boots, and Footloose. Considering that people normally pay hundreds to watch these performances on Broadway, but they are free on the ship, it’s a great deal and a can’t miss.

Mandara Spa Want to pamper yourself? Check out the Mandara Spa on Norwegian ships. Here you can get any treatment under the sun, from a massage to a haircut. A day in the spa can also come with access to many unique areas, including the heated loungers, a salt therapy room, whirlpools, and a snow room.

Galaxy Pavilion A newer feature on some ships, the Galaxy Pavilion is a virtual reality playground. You can walk a plank above the city, race an F1 car, outrun dinosaurs, and blast zombies — all virtually, of course. It does cost money to play and some things (like the driving simulator) are extra on top of that.

Casino Every cruise ship in the fleet will have a casino — except for Pride of America. Gambling on cruises is always popular, and NCL is no different. Casinos on older ships are usually more closed, separate areas. On newer ships the cruise line has built them to be open and airy, which is a nice touch.

All your favorite games will be here, including slots, tables games, craps, roulette, and even a few games you won’t see on land like “claw games” where you try to maneuver the claw to pick up money.

Outdoor Dining One of the unique things about Norwegian is that they’ve placed a lot of focus on connecting people to the outdoors. Despite a cruise ship being at sea, so much takes place indoors.

Norwegian puts a big focus on outdoor dining. It may not seem like a big deal, but with the sun and wind, eating outdoors on a cruise ship can be a pain.

Instead, NCL has done thoughtful design for outdoor eating with covered spaces and windbreaks to make it pleasant to sit out and enjoy your meal. The cruise line definitely focuses on bringing people closer to the sea.

Daily Activities There is never a shortage of things to do on the ship, and what we’ve covered above is just a taster of all the things going on while you sail. (For more see our 25+ Fun Things to Do on a Norwegian Cruise .)

In addition, there are plenty of activities put on by the staff. Below is a sample of the activities on board a ship in just a single morning:

Norwegian Ships

All told, NCL offers 17 different ships, but with six new ships in the past seven years, much of its fleet consists of newer vessels. Its oldest ship, Norwegian Spirit, was built in 1998 and last refurbished in 2020.

To us, there is a big difference between the cruise line’s ships. While older ships still have plenty to love, its newer ships are much more modern in both amenities and atmosphere and have more things to do.

We’d prefer to sail on the biggest and newest vessels. That said, the lower prices for sailing older ships can be tough to ignore. You can sail largely the same trip for potentially hundreds of dollars less on an older, smaller ship.

Here’s a breakdown of all ships for NCL:

• Spirit Class (1 ship, built 1998) Norwegian Spirit
• Sun Class (2 ships, built 1999-2001) Norwegian Sky Norwegian Sun
• Dawn Class (2 ships, built 2001-2002) Norwegian Star Norwegian Dawn
• Pride of America Class (1 ship, built 2005) Pride of America
• Jewel Class (4 ships, built 2005-2007) Norwegian Jewel Norwegian Jade Norwegian Pearl Norwegian Gem
• Epic Class (1 ship, built 2010) Norwegian Epic
• Breakaway Class (2 ships, built 2013-2014) Norwegian Breakaway Norwegian Getaway
• Breakaway-Plus Class (4 ships, built 2015-2019) Norwegian Escape Norwegian Joy Norwegian Bliss Norwegian Encore
• Prima Class (6 ships, built 2022-2027 Norwegian Prima Norwegian Viva Unnamed #3 Unnamed #4 Unnamed #5 Unnamed #6

Food & Restaurants

Norwegian takes its food seriously. While you don’t have to be a foodie to appreciate a good meal, even diners with high expectations should be pleased.

Specialty Restaurants Most eateries on the ship are specialty restaurants. Just like a restaurant on land, you’ll have a full menu with a la carte prices. Specialty restaurants range from steakhouses, to Italian, seafood, Japanese, Mexican, BBQ, French, and more.

We’d suggest planning to eat in a specialty restaurant at least a couple of times during your cruise. Not only is the food great, but you can pick a style that fits your taste buds.

While we have yet to try every specialty restaurant on Norwegian, the ones we have had were fantastic. We were especially surprised by Q Texas Smokehouse — a BBQ restaurant on a handful of ships. Being from Texas, we’ve grown up on BBQ and what we had would fit right in back home.

Other favorites that earn strong reviews are Food Republic (a fun spot where you order small dishes that are Asian and Mexican inspired) and Onda by Scarpetta — a high-end Italian spot.

Keep in mind that the restaurants on your specific ship will vary. Here is a list of what’s available:

• Ocean Blue (seafood)
• Onda by Scarpetta (Italian)
• La Cucina (Italian)
• Cagney’s Steakhouse
• Food Republic (Asian fusion)
• Teppanyaki (Japanese)
• Los Lobos (Mexican)
• American Diner
• Le Bistro (French)
• Q Texas Smokehouse
• Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian)

Included Dining As far as number of options, you have a lot fewer spots to eat that are included with your fare. That doesn’t mean you will go hungry. There is plenty to eat, all around the clock.

Main Dining Room Just as with any other cruise line, Norwegian has the classic main dining rooms. With its famous “Freestyle Cruising,” one thing you don’t have to worry about is a set dining time. Simply show up when you’re hungry.

Expect classic cruise classics like steak, chick, pasta, and lobster, all served in white tablecloth atmosphere.

Garden Cafe Garden Cafe is NCL’s main buffet. (There are sometimes other spots that serve the same food in different locations on the ship.) You’ll get the classic buffet fare like burgers, dogs, entrees, salads, and desserts for lunch and dinner. In the morning, breakfast is served.

The buffet is fine, but you certainly don’t want to eat it for every meal for a week. That’s why we suggest trying breakfast in the main dining room and checking out specialty restaurants during your cruise.

The Local/O’Sheehans No matter when you get hungry, The Local or O’Sheehans will have you covered. Each ship will have one or the other, but they fill the same space — a spot to grab a bite to eat 24 hours a day. They feature sit-down dining where you eat your fill with classics ranging from burgers to salads and more.

While most people won’t stay in The Haven during their cruise, it is an important differentiation between Norwegian and other cruise lines. As well, it’s also a sign of the more upscale atmosphere that NCL has for passengers.

As mentioned, you can think of The Haven as a “resort within a resort.” So passengers staying in these rooms can get the experience of sailing on a large cruise ship with all the amenities and activities it offers, but also have the small-ship, exclusive experience.

Not every ship has this area, but many — especially newer vessels — do. To put simply, staying at The Haven makes you a VIP. Rooms are more luxurious than the rest of the cabins, and you are given access to an area reserved only for The Haven guests. Amenities include a private pool, bar, and restaurant. You also earn priority status for boarding, tendering, and even restaurants and entertainment. 

Passengers staying here also have a 24-hour butler and personal concierge. In short, if you’re looking for the most upscale experience on NCL, then you’ll find it in The Haven.

Gratuities on Norwegian

Like other cruise lines, Norwegian charges a daily gratuity (the cruise line calls it a “service charge”).

The daily rate is $16.00 for most passengers who book interior, oceanview, or balcony cabins. Guests in The Haven, Concierge or Suites pay $20 per person, per day. The rate is charged to all guests three years and older.

A couple staying in a balcony cabin would pay $32 per day in total. A week’s cruise would cost a little over $220 in these service charges.

You can pay the amount ahead of time (so you don’t have to worry about the charge during your trip) or you can have it charged to your account each day that you sail. 

As well, NCL charges a 20% gratuity on things like drinks, spa treatments, and specialty restaurants.

Plan to have a drink… or ten… on your cruise? You’re not alone. Alcohol is popular on a cruise, but it’s also expensive. Expect to pay $6-8 for a beer and $10-12 for a cocktail.

If you want to better budget your cruise, then you might want a drink package. These offer all-you-can-drink for a set daily price. This way, you don’t have to worry about a surprise bill at the end of your cruise.

Norwegian offers several different packages, for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages:

Premium Beverage Package | $109 per day + 20% gratuity The Premium Beverage Package is the base package for alcoholic drinks. It offers your choice of beverages, from water to soda to beer, wine, and cocktails. The package covers drinks on board up to $15 per glass.

Premium Plus Beverage Package | $138 per day + 20% gratuity The Premium Plus Beverage Package is made for those with higher-end tastes. It includes practically any drink on the ship as it has no dollar limit on the price of the drink. So if you are someone with top-shelf preferences, then this might be the deal for you.

Corks and Caps Package | $65 per day + 20% gratuity Beer or wine drinker? This less-expensive package could be a better deal for you. It offers up beers, wine, sodas, and more, but not cocktails.

Soda Program | $6-8 per day + 20% gratuity If you have kids or simply like to drink soda, then you can get the Soda Program. Prices vary by age. Older kids and adults pay $8 per day, while younger kids are charged $6. The program gives you your fill of any sodas on the ship.

Before you purchase a beverage package, there are a number of things to know. For example, if you purchase the package for one adult in the cabin, all adults in the cabin must buy it. For more on what you need to know, see our guide to Norwegian’s drink packages here .

What Norwegian Cruise Line Does Well

Norwegian Cruise Lines has a lot to like. In fact, it’s among our favorite lines. New ships are especially modern and gorgeous, and the newer things to do like the go-kart track are lots of fun.

In our opinion, Norwegian is a great all-around cruise line. We like the upscale, yet welcoming feel of the ships. We also like how NCL has taken special effort to bring people closer to the water with outdoor eating and outdoor promenades. Entertainment and shows are also top-notch.

Solo cruiser? Norwegian is one of the few lines that takes special effort to cater to you. Many ships have solo cabins that aren’t charged a single passenger supplement. They also feature solo-cruiser lounges for socializing with your other solo passengers.

What Norwegian Cruise Line Could Improve

That’s not to say that the cruise line is perfect. While we haven’t sailed every ship in the fleet, there is a big difference between the newest ships and older ships we’ve seen (just like on many other lines). Your impression of the line may vary based on whether you sail an older ship or the newer fleet.

What we’d like to see improved is pricing of things on the ship. Norwegian seems to price at a premium, which means the costs you see can be higher than what you’d find on rival lines, especially with drink packages. 

As well, there are charges for many things to do on the ships (such as Galaxy Pavilion and go-karts), which we’d like to see reduced or eliminated altogether.

We certainly don’t mind spending money on vacation, but seeing charges for items that are considerably less expensive on other cruise lines is hard to swallow sometimes.

More on Sailing Norwegian Cruise Lines

• 17 Tips & Tricks for Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian’s Private Island)
• 27 Fun Things to Do on a Norwegian Cruise
• Norwegian Cruise Tips & Tricks
• Complete Guide to Norwegian Drink Packages

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Cruise onboard credit: What it is, where to get it and how best to use it

Spend any time shopping for cruises online, and you'll likely come across the term "onboard credit," also known as OBC. Cruise lines and online travel agencies often promote it as a booking bonus. They might offer as little as $25 cruise onboard credit for booking an inside cabin on a short sailing and all the way up to thousands of dollars for booking suites on longer cruises or with luxury lines.

But what exactly is onboard credit, and what can you do with it once you have it? Find out here if cruise onboard credit is a perk you can use on your next sailing.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What is onboard credit?

Onboard credit is free money you can use to buy things on your cruise ship. It's a financial credit to your shipboard account; the amount of your onboard credit will be deducted from your final bill of purchases made on board during your cruise.

If you've never cruised, know that a cruise ship is a cashless society. You don't use credit cards, either. Instead, the cruise line opens a charge account for every passenger on embarkation day. You will either connect the account to a credit or debit card or pre-load it with a cash payment.

Your onboard account is how you pay for almost everything you need that isn't included in your cruise fare or wasn't paid for in advance. That includes store purchases, bar drinks, spa and salon treatments, fitness classes, and shore excursions. The same cruise keycard that opens your cabin door also functions as a shipboard credit card. Hand it over to the bartender or salesperson to bill a purchase to your onboard account.

Most cruise lines place no restrictions on the use of onboard credit; if you can bill it to your account, you can cover the cost with your cruise onboard credit. A few don't allow OBC use in the casino or to pay for crew gratuities. Some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line , offer specific onboard credits, limited to one type of purchase. For example, NCL's "shore excursion credits" can only be used to purchase tours.

In most cases, onboard credit is nonrefundable. If you don't use it up on your current cruise, you neither get paid out in cash nor can you roll it over to your next cruise.

How do you get onboard credit?

Cruise travelers have several ways to acquire onboard credit; some are easier than others.

Booking bonuses

Onboard credit is a popular booking bonus , offered during a cruise sale instead of (or in conjunction with) price drops, reduced deposits and other free perks.

Cruise lines that regularly post booking bonus offers of onboard credit include most of the popular big-ship lines: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises , plus more luxurious lines, such as Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises. Some lines offer extra onboard credit for first responders and members of the military .

Travel agents, both online and in person, often have onboard credits at their disposal to use as booking bonuses, as well. Sometimes, the amounts they hand out are larger than what the cruise lines are offering. I booked an Alaska cruise recently through United Cruises and got $50 OBC; the cruise line was offering $25 for the same cabin.

The sales agents on board your cruise also have onboard credit booking bonuses to hand out, almost always in amounts larger than you'll find elsewhere. If you are loving the cruise you're on, it pays to book the next one while you're still on board .

Price drops

Once you've paid for your cruise in full, some lines will offer you a refund in the form of onboard credit if you notify them that the price of your cabin category dropped. This isn't quite the same as free spending money since you already spent it on your cruise. But it's fun to have a little of that money back to use for extras instead of the base fare. It happens more often than you might think. Your travel agent might already be watching those fares for you; if not, you should be doing it yourself.

For some cruise lines, having you share your enthusiasm for their brand with your friends is reason enough to send a bit of OBC your way. Windstar Cruises , for example, offers both you and friends you refer $100 each in onboard credit once they pay in full for a cruise.

Credit cards

If your favorite cruise line has a cobranded credit card , check to see if it offers onboard credit, either as a sign-up bonus or as one of the points redemption options. Celebrity Cruises' and Royal Caribbean's branded Bank of America Visa Signature cards both feature My Cruise Points redemptions for onboard credit. Sign-up bonus points are frequently advertised on the cruise line websites. The cards have no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees.

The information for the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

When things go wrong on board

Cruise lines don't always get everything right. Maybe your air conditioning wasn't working for a few days during your cruise. Maybe you were supposed to have an unobstructed view, but your cabin faced a lifeboat. If you can document the problem and politely inform guest services, chances are good they'll offer you compensation in the form of onboard credit — either for the current cruise or a future one.

Stockholder onboard credit offers

If you have done your research and decided to purchase cruise line stock, know that some lines offer onboard credit to shareholders each time they cruise, with certain restrictions. One of those restrictions is usually a minimum number of shares; another is that you might not be allowed to earn both your stockholder OBC and booking bonuses on the same cruise, only the option with the highest value.

Related: Do you own cruise line stocks? You could get onboard perks

What's the best way to use onboard credit?

Now that you have the basics, let's dig into some uses of onboard credit and how to squeeze the most out of those transactions.

But first, a note: Carnival Cruise Line , Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean allow passengers to use onboard credit to pay for pre-cruise purchases. However, that's typically only promotional credit directly from the cruise line, not bonus credit issued by third parties like travel agents. MSC Cruises , Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line do not accept OBC for most pre-cruise purchases.

If your cruise line only accepts OBC once you're on board a ship, you might need to decide between paying cash for discounted pre-cruise purchases and saving your OBC for other onboard spending, or skipping the discount and advance purchase to use your credit on a specific package or tour once you board. Note that there are certain cruise activities you should book in advance if you don't want to miss out.

Additional restrictions might apply to the use of onboard credit, so always read the terms of any onboard credit offer before you accept it.

Related: 7 extra-charge items on cruise ships that are worth the cost (and 7 that aren't)

Wi-Fi is expensive on a cruise compared to your home internet plan. That fact alone makes it a great use for onboard credit. The basic advice for onboard Wi-Fi is if you know you'll need it for the entire cruise, buy a pre-cruise package when prices are a few dollars cheaper per day. Apply your onboard credit to the pre-cruise purchase, and your savings have multiplied.

Here's an example: Carnival's Premium Wi-Fi for a full-cruise package is $21.25 per day for one device if you buy it before midnight the day before your ship sails. Buy it on board, and the cost is $25 per day for one device. On a four-night cruise, a pre-cruise Wi-Fi package is $85. If you happen to have $50 of onboard credit, that's a fantastic use of it. You'll get Wi-Fi for only $35 of your own money.

Drinks and beverage packages

Getting the most out of your onboard credit when it comes to drinks depends on what kind of drinker you are. Don't think only in terms of beer, wine and cocktails. On a cruise, you'll also have to pay for specialty coffees, sodas, smoothies, nonalcoholic cocktails and bottled water.

If you don't plan on purchasing many drinks, consider using your onboard credit for a fun splurge like an occasional poolside beverage, a bottle of wine at dinner, or a mixology class or cocktail tasting.

Cruisers who plan on buying multiple drinks a day will save by purchasing an inclusive beverage package . If you've got onboard credit and your cruise line allows it, use the OBC to buy the package pre-cruise when it's on sale.

Related: Best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package (and 3 to avoid)

Spa and salon treatments

Relaxing treatments at a cruise ship spa are tops on many cruisers' splurge lists, which makes them worthy of onboard credit use. Sometimes, adding a massage, facial or manicure to your cruise plans makes the whole trip even more special. If your cruise allows pre-cruise spa purchases, the prices might be slightly lower. Also look for first-day and port-day specials to stretch your OBC further. These will usually be posted in each day's ship highlights, or you can always call or visit the spa to ask for specials.

Specialty restaurant meals and dining packages

On some ships, the paid specialty restaurants are what add the wow factor to the overall food experience on board. That fact alone makes them a good way to spend onboard credit.

If a multinight package is available, that might lower your cost, as would a pre-cruise purchase where available. Otherwise, book your specialty meals as soon as possible after boarding because prime times disappear quickly. You can do this via the cruise line's app (if there is one), at the restaurants of your choice or at stations set up on embarkation day specifically so you can make dining reservations throughout the ship.

Onboard charges for specialty dining usually show up at the end of your meal, rather than when you make reservations. That's important to know so you can budget your OBC accordingly.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Shore excursions and activities

Shore excursions offered by the cruise line are a terrific use of onboard credit. In some ports, you'll have plenty of options, even after you board the ship. I've seen people in line at the shore excursion desk booking tours as the ship arrives in port.

The best use of your onboard credit would be an advance purchase at a discounted price on cruise lines that offer that option. When that's not possible, it's best to book and pay for the excursions that matter most to you, leaving OBC purchases for the tours you could live without.

For instance, if salmon fishing is what you've dreamed of doing in Alaska, don't wait until you can use onboard credit on embarkation day. You probably won't find any availability because Alaska excursions like that often fill up months in advance. Save that credit for something else.

In addition to shore excursions, some ships and even some private islands owned by the cruise line have attractions that aren't included in the cruise fare, from private cabanas to escape rooms. Hello, onboard credit. It's rare to find deals on these kinds of extras, but it never hurts to ask. The strongest possibilities are port-day specials for onboard activities like thermal suite passes or thrill rides that come with a charge.

Shopping and souvenirs

Onboard shopping and professional portraits let you bring back tangible mementos from your cruise vacation. If the credit is there, and you really want a new scarf, or one of the formal night photos is the best one of you and your partner in years, use that OBC to treat yourself. Check the daily newsletter or even shop signage for special offers to reduce your costs a tiny bit.

Necessities and practicalities

Unless you pay tips in advance, most cruise lines add a daily gratuity amount to your cabin account during the cruise. It's something you'll pay one way or another, so using OBC to cover the expense makes sense on ships where it's allowed. Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line specifically state that onboard credit cannot be used to pay for service charges and gratuities.

I also know people who have used their onboard credit for laundry or dry cleaning . Who cares if cruise line laundry prices are high when you're using free money? It's especially smart to do this if you will end up paying for laundry or dry cleaning once you get home (and if you're on a ship where drinks or tips are included).

I also know a guy who got his hair cut on board using OBC, saving him the cost of his next haircut at home. Smooth move.

Casino play

You usually can fund your casino play with OBC — but watch out. Some cruise lines put restrictions on using OBC in the casino (Holland America bans it outright) or charge a convenience fee for using your onboard account for funds at the gaming tables.

Slot machines will generally accept a transfer from your account without fees. When you have finished playing, your winnings will be paid out as a credit slip which you take either to a machine or the cashier for actual money.

If you're going to gamble on board, please play responsibly. Here's what I did recently with $50 in onboard credit that did not involve risking any of my own money. I found a slot machine with a minimum play of 25 cents. I was comfortable playing $1.25 at a time, which meant I had 40 plays before my original $50 was used up. Once those 40 plays were done, I was playing with my winnings, not my OBC. I chose to cash out at that point, and happily walked away with $52. Plus, I earned points in the cruise line's casino loyalty program .

Related: I earned a 'free' cruise in a ship casino — here's what it cost, plus tips for getting comped

Bottom line

Onboard credit is money in your account to do with almost whatever you wish. The more you collect in your account, the more you have available to spend or play with. You can think of it as a license to do something you wouldn't do if you were paying or a way to reduce your anticipated vacation bill by using it to cover costs you already planned to incur.

Either way, you should always keep your eye out for onboard credit offers when booking a cruise, or ask your travel agent or cruise line if they have OBC to hand out to thank you for your business.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them

A dream cruise vacation has turned into a nightmare for eight passengers left stranded on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe after their ship left without them because they were late to return from a private tour.

The tourists — six from the U.S. and two from Australia — were aboard the Norwegian Dawn, a Norwegian cruise line ship , which departed from Cape Town, South Africa, on March 20 for a 21-day voyage up the coast of Africa set to end in Barcelona, Spain, on April 10.

But on Wednesday, the group of eight tourists was late to return to the ship by more than an hour for the all-aboard time of 3 p.m. from a private excursion on the island, which was not organized by the cruise line.

Jay and Jill Campbell of South Carolina were part of the group that was left behind.

They said that their tour’s operator notified the cruise captain that they were going to be late to rejoin the ship and that the local Coast Guard tried to get them on the vessel but that they weren’t allowed to board.

As a result, the couple and the rest of the group have been stranded for days on the island off Nigeria, grappling with language, currency issues and complicated travel to catch up with the ship.

“The lovely people of São Tomé were very gracious, very hospitable. They had reached out as much as they could to help us find hotels,” Jay Campbell said on NBC's "TODAY" show Tuesday morning.

“We were able to get to a tour agency there to arrange flights to the next port of call. ... Very difficult process — you’re dealing with multiple languages, language barriers, you’re dealing with different currencies ... finding someone that even has dollars ... trying to get an agent to understand where we need to get to.

"It’s one of those ‘You can’t get there from here,’" he added.

A Norwegian spokesperson called the incident a “very unfortunate situation” and said, “Guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time.”

The cruise line said that after the guests failed to return, their passports were delivered to local port agents, in line with protocol. The company said it was working with local authorities to understand “the requirements and visas needed for the guests to reboard the ship at the next available port of call.”

On Monday, the guests had made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia, but the ship was unable to safely dock there because of “adverse weather conditions” and “tidal restrictions,” Norwegian said. The guests were then contacted and provided with information to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal, on Tuesday. 

Jill Campbell said they traveled through seven countries in 48 hours to arrive in Senegal on Monday night.

But the couple was reconsidering whether they even wanted to return to the cruise.

"We are considering whether or not we are going to board the ship. It is in dock here in Senegal," she said. "We believe there was a basic duty of care that they had forgotten about, so it does concern us."

"After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly. I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and really the safety and well-being of the customers should be their first priority," she added.

Ultimately, the eight passengers did rejoin the cruise before 8:30 a.m. ET Tuesday in Dakar, Senegal, Norwegian told NBC News in an e-mail Tuesday evening, after this story originally published.

Norwegian said the passengers were responsible for making their own travel arrangements to rejoin the ship.

"Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal," a cruise line spokesperson said in a statement. "We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available."

A silver lining of the catastrophe was that the Campbells were able to connect with another Norwegian Dawn passenger — Julia Lenkoff, 80 — who was also left on the island, but for a medical reason.

Lenkoff was on a different day tour Wednesday. She had "medically disembarked" from the cruise to seek local treatment on that day, Norwegian said.

Norwegian said that its care team tried to call Lenkoff several times and was unable to reach her and that it worked with its port agent in São Tomé and Príncipe for updates on her health.

The Campbells met Lenkoff and were able to put her in contact with her family in California, who flew her home — a move Lenkoff's daughter said "saved her life."

"She's a world traveler. She travels all the time. So this was going to be one of her bucket list trips, because she's been to 120 countries so far, and she wanted to get to 130," her daughter, Lana Lenkoff Geis, said in an interview that aired Tuesday on "TODAY."

Norwegian said Lenkoff was escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, then put in the care of airport staff members to continue her journey back to the U.S., where she has safely returned.

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Social media erupts in fierce debate over whether cruise ship was right to abandon late passengers: ‘they know the rules’.

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A fiery debate has sparked after a cruise denied eight passengers to board the ship after they failed to make the 3 pm cut-off time.

The Norwegian Dawn ship left the tourists on an African island , some without their possessions after the private tour they were on ran late.

The group have now made their way by plane, ferry and car to Senegal, over 2,000 miles from São Tomé and Príncipe, where the Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) ship departed without them last Wednesday.

US couple Jill and Jay Campbell, who were among the abandoned eight cruisers have spent more than $7,000 in travel costs to get to the port in Senegal.

“We truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship follows, they follow those rules too rigidly,” Ms. Campbell told NBC’s the Today Show on Tuesday.

“They really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and that the safety is and the wellbeing of their customers should be the first priority and that should be placed first.

“It was a basic duty of care that they have forgotten about. It does concern us.”

Adam Glezer from  Consumer Champion  told news.com.au it was “ridiculous” the passengers, including a pregnant woman and someone who has a heart condition, weren’t allowed back on — even though the Norwegian Dawn was still at anchor and a São Tomé coastguard took the group on tenders to the vessel.

“Each situation has to be treated on an individual basis — especially the passenger without their medication,” he said.

He said despite the rules, “you need flexibility in situations like this.”

Keep up with The Post's coverage of the Norwegian Cruise debacle

• Eight Norwegian Cruise passengers, including a pregnant woman and an elderly man with a heart condition, were stranded on an African island without money and vital medications after the vessel left port without them.
• A spokesperson for the cruise line claimed the passengers were left on the island “on their own or with a private tour” and missed the “all-aboard time” by over an hour, according to the company.
• Americans Jill Campbell and her husband, Jay Campbell, said they are unsure whether they even want to resume the 20-day voyage after Norwegian Cruise Lines forgot about its “basic duty of care.”
• The eight passengers raced through seven different countries over a span of 48 hours to make it to Senegal, where the ship docked Tuesday morning,
• Doug and Violeta Sanders, a stranded Australian couple, have spoken out about their ordeal , saying it was “the worst experience of our lives.”
• Julie Lenkoff, 80,  suffered a stroke during an excursion on the cruise — and was left “alone” and “helpless” to find her way back to the US, according to her family.
• COLUMN: Cruise ship was right to ditch the late passengers in Africa

Check out The Post’s tips on what to do if you’re left stranded like the Norwegian Cruise passengers

Jim Walker, a Miami-based maritime lawyer, also called out the cruise liner, accusing it of “making a point by abandoning the guests” because they booked a tour that wasn’t through the cruise.

“The reality is that cruise lines aggressively promote cruise-sponsored shore excursions as a fundamental part of their business model, earning tens of millions of dollars a year in income,” he told news.com.au.

“To promote cruise-sponsored excursions where they receive as much as 50 to 60 percent of the profits, cruise lines state that if their guests paid for a cruise-sponsored excursion, as opposed to an independent excursion, the company will guarantee that if the extrusion is late in returning to the cruise ship, it will wait so that the guests are not abandoned ashore.

“In this particular case, it appears that NCL made a point of abandoning these guests simply because they were on an independent excursion.”

Mr. Walker said NCL’s conduct is not only “harsh and uncaring”, but he believes their act was “mean-spirited and vindictive in nature”.

The debacle has caused a huge divide online with some taking the side of the passengers, while others have defended the cruise’s move in leaving the passengers behind in São Tomé.

“Weird that the captain wouldn’t let them board if it was still in port?” one person wrote on Facebook.

“Don’t feel sorry for them they know the rules. It costs the ships a fortune if they don’t leave on time. We have watched people left behind before in Asia. Last trip to NZ there was a very close call also,” wrote another.

Other cruisers said being on time is a “simple” rule passengers need to follow, adding it’s why they only book tours through the ship.

“This is why you take a risk if you don’t go on a excursion you get through the ship Ruled need too be followed,” a third person wrote, while another added: “That’s why I would never take a cruise or organized tour ever, ever again, no freedom to do what you want, when you want.”

A  TikToker and cruiser Candi Thomas  unleashed on the passengers saying it was the responsibility of the passengers to make it back to the ship on time.

“For those of you who don’t cruise, let me tell you. Before you get off the ship there’s numerous announcements, You have it in your daily planning letter, there are signs … you have to be on board 60 to 90 minutes before that ship is departing,” she said.

According to  The Points Guy , if you do not arrive at the port before the boarding window ends, a cruise ship “will most certainly leave without you.”

“Even if you are standing at the pier, waving frantically. That’s because a cruise ship’s departure time is carefully planned and more than just your vacation is at stake.

“Just like airplanes, cruise ships are on tight schedules — much tighter than you may realise.”

Norwegian Cruise Line responds

In a statement provided to news.com.au, the US based Norwegian Cruise Lines said while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour “not organised through us” missed the last tender back to the vessel, “therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3pm local time.”

“While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel.”

The spokesperson said when the guests did not return to the vessel at the all aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol.

The tourists had made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul , Gambia on April 1, but the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination “due to adverse weather conditions.”

The spokesperson told news.com.au it contacted the passengers regarding the itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorisation to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2.

“Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal. We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available.”

The Campbells, from South Carolina, were the only people to have their bank cards and more than a few dollars on them. They said they have spent $7500 on accommodation and food for their fellow castaways.

They explained they were late to the cruise because there was an issue on their private tour.

“They [tour] were like: ‘No problem, we can get you back within an hour,’” Mr. Campbell, who is a schoolteacher.

The guide contacted the captain to say the group were going to be late . When they got back to port the ship was still anchored just off shore. But staff would not allow the passengers to board.

“The harbour master tried to call the ship, the captain refused the call,” Mr. Campbell told  ABC 4 News South Carolina .

“We sent emails to NCL, the NCL customer service emergency number, they said ‘Well, the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is to send them emails, they’re not responding to our emails.’”

Mr. Campbell said the nation’s coastguard service then put all the passengers on a boat and sailed them out to the cruise ship, but still they were refused permission to board.

He told US broadcaster NBC’s the Today Show on Tuesday that the people of São Tomé and Príncipe had been “very gracious, very hospitable,” and had steered them towards hotels and travel agents.

Nonetheless, he said, it had been a challenging experience, describing it as a “very, very difficult process.”

News.com.au understands the eight guests have now rejoined the cruise in Dakar, Senegal.

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Norwegian Cruise captain refused to let eight passengers who were late reboard ship

Passengers, who have since rejoined vessel, missed scheduled departure time from São Tomé and scrambled to reunite with ship

Eight cruise passengers had to scramble to reunite with their cruise ship after being left behind in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The passengers, including a pregnant woman and a paraplegic traveller, missed their scheduled departure time from the island of São Tomé in the Gulf of Guinea, about 250km off the coast of Gabon, after disembarking the Norwegian Dawn to take a local tour.

Another passenger in her 80s was reportedly late to the ship because she was receiving emergency medical treatment on the island.

The vessel, operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, arrived in São Tome on Wednesday morning having departed Cape Town for the three-week cruise to Barcelona on 20 March.

The group’s private day excursions on the island ran overtime and, despite the efforts of the local coast guard, which motored the group to the ship before it set sail that afternoon, the captain would not allow the late guests to board.

Jill and Jay Campbell, from Garden City in South Carolina, described attempting to board the vessel after arriving late.

“We have never had an experience like this before,” Jill Campbell told ABC4 News .

“The harbour master tried to call the ship, the captain refused the call. We sent emails to NCL, the NCL customer service emergency number. They said, ‘Well, the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is to send them emails, they’re not responding to our emails,’” Jay Campbell added.

“The captain could have made an easy decision to turn one of the tender boats back, pick us up, safely load us, and then go on the way.”

The travellers’ passports were returned to them via port authorities. The group, which reportedly includes two Australians, had to leave their medication, bank cards and other belongings on board. The Campbells said they were the only members of the group with a Visa card and had paid more than $5,000 in their attempts to reach the ship.

They aimed to reboard the Norwegian Dawn in the Gambia the following Sunday but low tides prevented the ship from making the scheduled stop. The group reportedly travelled through six countries and eventually met the ship in Dakar, Senegal, the final west African port call of its journey, according to the cruise line.

“What we looked at was some type of van transportation for eight people, the quadriplegic woman included,” Jay Campbell told ABC15 . He described having to take a ferry to get into Senegal, and then a four-hour drive.

Australians Doug and Violeta Sanders were among the stranded passengers.

“It’s been the worst experience of our lives to be abandoned like that in a strange country, can’t speak the language,” Violeta Sanders told Seven’s Sunrise program.

“We have no money, our credit cards aren’t accepted.”

The 21-day cruise is due to end in Barcelona on 10 April.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said it was a “very unfortunate situation” and that it was the passenger’s responsibility to be back on board the ship no later than one hour before the ship’s scheduled departure time.

A Sydney travel lawyer, Anthony Cordato, said passengers needed to heed ships’ tight schedules.

“Terms and conditions would make returning to the ship on time essential,” he said.

“From a consumer’s perspective, it’s harsh but from a ship’s perspective, are you going to hold up the cruise for an hour or two because they were slow to get on board? Are you going to inconvenience 1,000 passengers for the sake of four?”

The cruise company said all eight guests had rejoined the ship.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3pm local time. While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel.

“When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol. Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call. Given that these guests were on a private tour and did not return to the ship at the communicated all aboard time, they are responsible for any necessary travel arrangements to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call, per our protocol.

“While the eight guests made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia on April 1, 2024, unfortunately the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage. While we share in our guests’ disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority. We contacted these eight guests regarding this itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorization to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2024.

“Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal. As of this morning, all eight guests have rejoined the ship.”

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'Drunk' 20-year-old man missing after jumping off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship

• A 20-year-old man on holiday with his family jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise. 
• The man has been missing since jumping overboard in front of his father and brother.
• The US Coast Guard has launched a search operation. 

A 20-year-old man jumped off the Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas cruise on Thursday morning while vacationing with his family.

The passenger, whose identity has not been revealed, jumped overboard at about 4 a.m. and has been missing since.

The US Coast Guard said on X on Thursday that its crews were "searching for a 20-year-old man who went overboard from the Liberty of the Seas cruise ship near The Bahamas.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Business Insider in a statement: "Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time."

Passengers on the Liberty of the Seas ship described the tragedy as a "spur-of-the-moment decision."

Passenger Bryan Sims told the New York Post that the missing passenger was "pretty drunk" and that they had hung out in the hot tub until 3:30 a.m.

Sims said that when they left the hot tub, they encountered the drunk passenger's father while approaching the elevators.

"His dad was fussing at him for being drunk," said Sims.

The unidentified passenger reportedly told his father, "I'll fix this right now," and jumped out of the window.

Fellow passengers said his father and brother witnessed the "impulsive" leap.

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Deborah Morrison, another passenger on board the cruise, told the Post that "there was a lot of yelling and that the crew was alerted immediately."

"The ship's crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort alongside the US Coast Guard, who has taken over the search," the Royal Caribbean spokesperson said.

The US Coast Guard said USCG Cutter Seneca and Air Station Miami HC-144 crews were conducting the search.

#Breaking @USCG crews are searching for a 20-year-old man who went overboard from the Liberty of the Seas cruise ship 57 miles from Great Inagua this morning. USCG Cutter Seneca and Air Station Miami HC-144 crews are conducting the search. #USCG #SAR pic.twitter.com/zZPpKOdyCn — USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) April 4, 2024

The Liberty of the Seas departed from South Florida and was 57 miles from Great Inagua in The Bahamas when the passenger jumped overboard.

The cruise ship has 18 decks and can accommodate 3,634 passengers, served by a crew of about 1,300.

The chances of you falling overboard off a cruise ship are extremely low .

In 2023, About 31 million passengers traveled on a cruise, and about 10 people went overboard, of which two miraculously survived, Business Insider reported .

"Even one incident is one too many," CLIA told Business Insider, explaining that "the vast majority of cases are either reckless behavior or some form of intentional act. People don't just inadvertently fall over the side of a ship."

Last month, a 23-year-old man who felt seasick fell overboard from the MSC Euribia cruise ship while crossing the North Sea in Europe and was presumed dead.

In December, an MSC Cruises passenger jumped from one of its ships while sailing from Europe to South America.

According to a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report, only 28.2% of passengers who fell overboard from 2009 to 2019 were successfully rescued.

Watch: Cruise ship captain breaks down 8 cruise ship disasters in movies and TV

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