Think booking a Princess cruise is as simple as picking a date and swiping your credit card? Think again. From missed perks to awkward cabin choices and booking the wrong airfare, even experienced travelers get tripped up by Princess-specific quirks that no one tells you about until it’s too late. These aren’t rookie mistakes—they can happen to smart, seasoned cruisers.
Booking a Princess cruise vacation comes with high expectations. The premier cruise line offers luxury perks, refined dining, and a premium experience that few of its competitors offer. But, while combing through Reddit threads, Cruise Critic forums, and Facebook groups, I discovered that many cruisers get frustrated at Princess because they made common booking blunders.
I’ve put together the top 15 mistakes cruisers make when booking a cruise vacation on a Princess ship. It’s the list you didn’t know you needed—until now.
Skipping Princess Plus or Premier? You’ll Regret It Later
Booking the base Princess fare might seem cheaper—until you start adding up drinks, WiFi, and tips. But many cruisers overlook the excellent deals you can get with Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages. I’m talking about a beverage package, free WiFi, casual dining, room service, fitness classes, and gratuities—potentially saving you at least 60 percent.
It happens too often on Princess Cruises when passengers think add-ons are expensive until they realize how much they’d spend onboard without the package. Even without going overboard on the alcoholic drinks, cruisers still say that the casual dining, OceanNow delivery service, WiFi, and gratuities make the Plus package worth it.
Others point out that if you’re an Elite member, it gets trickier. You already get discounted WiFi, so stacking that with Princess Plus could mean an additional expense and overpaying.
However, most cruisers on Princess say the Plus or Premier packages are worth it, even if you don’t plan on fully utilizing the drink package. Of course, the value comes down to what you’ll actually use.
Overlooking EZair Options Could Ruin Your Travel Day
One of the biggest mistakes cruisers make is flying into the cruise port on embarkation day. All it takes is a delayed flight, missed connection, or heavy traffic between the airport and the cruise terminal—and you could miss the ship entirely.
That’s why seasoned cruisers often recommend flying in a day early, especially for international flights, winter sailings, or tight schedules. Yes, it may mean paying for a hotel, but it adds a layer of security you’ll be glad to have.
If flying in the day before isn’t practical—or if you want added protection either way—Princess Cruises has a solution many travelers overlook: EZair.
With Princess EZair, you book your flights directly through Princess at the time of your cruise reservation. The cruise line negotiates competitive fares with major airlines, and the real perk? If your flight is delayed or canceled, Princess takes responsibility for getting you to the ship.
Many cruisers say they were rebooked quickly when flights went sideways—and still made it to the ship on time. In some cases, Princess even held the ship’s departure to wait for EZair guests. That’s the kind of support you won’t get when booking through a discount travel site.
Some travelers also report scoring great deals on business-class airfare using EZair, especially during promotions—saving hundreds or even thousands compared to booking on their own.
EZair doesn’t mean you should fly in last minute, but it does offer a serious safety net if things go wrong. Whether you arrive early or same-day, the extra support can be well worth it.
Letting Princess Pick Your Cabin Can Backfire Big Time
One of the most common mistakes people make when booking a cruise is opting for a guaranteed cabin. Yes, it might seem like a savvy way to save money, but it can lead to unexpected surprises. Basically, you let the cruise line assign your cabin, and this is usually the dregs of what is left after other passengers have secured the best cabins.
Some cruisers shared online that they booked a guaranteed cabin, hoping for an upgrade. However, many were left disappointed with an obstructed view balcony cabin or being in a noisy location that spoiled their entire cruise vacation. Others have more positive stories, like getting upgraded to a balcony cabin after booking a guaranteed inside cabin.
The best advice is that if you have specific preferences, choose your cabin rather than leaving it to chance. If you’re budget-conscious, want to save money, and don’t mind the cabin location, a guaranteed cabin can offer cost savings.
For more help picking the perfect cabin, check out my guide on how to choose the best cabins on a Princess cruise.
Not Reserving Specialty Dining, Sanctuary, and Spa Options Early
Many cruisers regret waiting until they board before booking the best Princess experiences. The Sanctuary loungers? Gone by embarkation day. Sabatini’s and Crown Grill on a sea day? Fully booked. Even spa treatments often sell out before the ship sets sail. Unfortunately, many cruisers wait until the last minute to see what’s available—a big mistake.
One comment on Cruise Critic said they tried to book Sanctuary access at check-in and were told it had been reserved weeks in advance. Others on Reddit shared that they were “surprised at how quickly the specialty dining filled up,” especially on shorter itineraries. Princess lets you reserve most of these online—use that window.
If you want to guarantee that your cruise experience on Princess meets expectations, don’t wing it—instead, book early.
Chef’s Table Lumiere Fills Fast – Book Early or Miss Out
Dining at Chef’s Table is one of the most opulent onboard experiences you’ll find on any of the mainstream cruise lines. So, no wonder it’s one of the hardest-to-get seats on the ship. Do you really want to miss out on a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings set in private, luxury surroundings? Don’t leave it too late to book.
Some cruisers shared on Reddit that they made the blunder of waiting too long after embarkation, only to be told that all spaces were already filled. From what I’ve read, booking a spot is tricky. But here are some tips on how other cruisers have had success:
- Head to guest services immediately after boarding without heading to your cabin first.
- Some passengers reported success in emailing Princess directly before their cruise and successfully getting on the waitlist.
- Book a Princess suite and get the concierge to plead your case at the maître d’ station.
Don’t Board Without Downloading the MedallionClass App
The MedallionClass App makes cruising with Princess special, so don’t miss out by forgetting to download it before boarding. You can use the app together with the wearable coin-sized tag to buy drinks, unlock your stateroom door, make reservations, and track travel companions onboard.
For some reason, many cruisers wait until embarkation to download it. Then, they get frustrated when they cannot get the app due to WiFi issues or login delays. One cruiser on Cruise Critic said they “missed out on dinner reservations and spa appointments” because they couldn’t load the app on time. Others mentioned the app “ate up hours of their first day” just trying to log in.
However, it seems that issues with the MedallionClass technology and app are only experienced by a few users. In any case, it’s best to have it up and running before embarkation day.
According to experienced passengers, the MedallionClass is one of the things that Princess does best in the mainstream cruise industry.
Think Booking Directly with Princess Cruises Saves Money? Not Always
Booking a cruise directly with Princess seems the easiest, but you could miss out on perks, free onboard credit, and upgrades. Savvy cruisers know that booking through a travel agent locks in some of the best deals. They also have access to perks that Princess doesn’t advertise publicly.
On Cruise Critic, several Elite members said they still book through agents because they consistently score extra bonuses. Others noted that even when the price was identical, they got $100–$200 in added value. And if something goes sideways—fare changes, rebooking, or cancellations—an agent can do the legwork, which Princess customer service isn’t exactly known for.
Booking direct gives you control, sure—but don’t assume it gives you the edge. Comparing options almost always pays off.
Not Watching Price Drops on Refundable Fares? You’re Losing Out
Don’t fall into one of the most common cruise booking traps—forgetting to check if your cruise fare drops after booking. Many cruisers don’t realize you can often reprice or rebook the same room, with the same perks, at a lower fare—if you catch it in time.
One Princess cruiser shared on Reddit that they contacted a Princess rep and learned the fare had dropped. They rebooked the exact same cabin and saved over $1,000.
Princess Cruises also offers a Best Price Guarantee. If the fare drops and you’re within the eligibility window, Princess may reprice your cruise—or give you 120% of the difference as onboard credit. It’s a great perk that applies to all fare types.
The smartest strategy? Check your fare regularly and contact Princess or your travel agent if you spot a price drop. Whether you’re sailing on a standard fare or booked with all the extras, it pays to stay alert.
Don’t Make the Blunder of Misjudging the Final Cruise Fare When Booking
One classic mistake cruise passengers make is assuming the base fare is the final price they’ll pay. In reality, it’s only the start. Princess cruise ships offer premium, high-end experiences, and the cruise sticker prices usually reflect that. However, you still have taxes, port fees, drink packages, and shore excursions to pay.
It’s typical for a Caribbean cruise to cost $3,000 and jump by $600 to $900 when factoring in additional costs. One cruiser regretted not realizing a 18% gratuity is added to all drinks and specialty dining options. Of course, Princess discloses it all, but you should read the fine print closely.
To avoid an unexpected shock with the final bill, many seasoned cruisers on Princess Cruises purchase the Plus or Premium Package—rated by most travelers as the best value for money in the cruise industry.
Booking the Wrong Cabin Type or Location Spells Cruise Disaster
Ranked as one of the worst booking mistakes, getting a lousy stateroom can wreck your entire cruise. Cabins in noisy locations, high-traffic areas, or with connecting doors can turn a vacation into a stress-filled nightmare filled with sleepless nights, early wake-up calls, or pounding music from entertainment venues.
Here’s the thing: Princess cruise ships have luxurious, spacious staterooms—but not all are created equal. The worst offenders are those directly below the pool deck, next to crew service areas, or above or below the theater. Once assigned, there’s no changing unless there’s a serious issue with the cabin, not because you made a mistake.
It’s common to read about cruisers getting a rude awakening at 6 a.m. or earlier from chair scrapes on the pool deck or noise from the buffet area. A cruise passenger on Princess Emerald complained that their mini-suite on Deck 8 was directly above the smoking section. Others regretted opting for an obstructed view “ocean view” because they stared at a lifeboat for the entire sailing.
Forward-facing or aft staterooms offer incredible views. But they’re also prone to the most motion onboard—not ideal if you suffer from motion sickness.
Always check deck plans carefully before booking. Look at what’s above, below, and beside you. And if you’re picky about motion, noise, or views—don’t leave it to chance.
Please refer to my guide about the best and worst Princess Cruise cabins to make sure you choose the right cabin for your budget and needs.
Think You’ll Snag a Last-Minute Cruise Deal? Could Be a Costly Mistake
Waiting for a rock-bottom fare might leave you with slim pickings—or no cruise at all. Princess occasionally offers last-minute deals. In my experience, they’re unpredictable, usually limited to less popular sailings, and you get a lousy cabin.
If you’re picky about location, want a specific ship, or need time to arrange flights and pre-cruise stays, waiting too long can backfire fast.
Several cruisers shared they hoped for a last-minute score, only to find balcony cabins sold out or the airfare too expensive to make it worthwhile. One person on Reddit said they “saved $150 but spent twice that getting to the port last minute.” Another on Cruise Critic mentioned getting stuck with a cabin directly above a noisy lounge.
On the flip side, if you’ve got a flexible schedule and easy access to a cruise port, last-minute booking can score you a fantastic cruise for a fraction of the regular price.
Booking Private Excursions? Know the Risks Before You Go
A booking question many cruisers have that is relevant to any cruise line is: should I book a cruise line-organized shore excursion or go independently?
Booking a private shore excursion sounds appealing, and I do it from time to time. You’ll enjoy smaller groups, lower prices, and more freedom to explore. But if the tour runs late or the bus breaks down, you’ll be waving “bon voyage” to the cruise ship from the dock. Cruise ships only wait if a cruise-sponsored excursion is late.
Plenty of cruisers share horror stories about sprinting along the pier and running up the gangway with minutes to spare. Others have missed ship departures entirely and had to pay their own way home as their travel insurance didn’t cover their mistake.
My advice is always to do your research and stick with trusted tour operators. If you’re unsure about a port of call, then book an excursion through the cruise line for peace of mind.
Booking in the Wrong Season Could Sink Your Vacation
That dream cruise experience may not be so dreamy if you’re caught in a hurricane in the Caribbean or battling summer crowds in a historic European city. The simple truth is that timing matters when at sea.
You may be able to snag a great deal on Princess Caribbean cruises between June and November. However, this is hurricane season, and you might spend your vacation dodging storms or missing ports due to itinerary changes.
In 2024, the Sun Princess was stuck at sea due to major Hurricane, and several passengers had to be airlifted off due to medical emergencies. Another group of passengers had their ten-day cruise cut to eight due to another hurricane.
Meanwhile, Princess cruises in Europe are most popular from May to September, but not all months are created equal. July and August bring the highest heat and densest crowds, especially in destinations like Italy, Greece, and Spain. A cruiser in a Facebook group shared that their Greek island cruise in August felt like “rush hour at every historic site,” and daytime temperatures soared over 100°F.
If you’re hoping to avoid extreme heat or packed tourist sites, May or late September are fantastic alternatives. The weather is still pleasant, but the crowds are thinner, and you’ll likely have a more relaxed experience.
Ignoring the Ship and Itinerary Details? Big Mistake
Not all Princess ships or itineraries deliver the same experience. Unfortunately, skimming through the details could leave you with regrets about what could have been.
For example, in my article on the Best and Worst Princess Cruise Ships, you’ll discover that Sun Princess and Discovery Princess have awkward layouts and limited entertainment options. However, Regal Princess gets rave reviews for its spacious lounges, public areas, and excellent dining options. In general, Princess ships are consistently praised for their high standards.
It’s good to note that Princess Cruises Caribbean itineraries are not as extensive as Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line. However, they are the go-to choice for sailings to Alaska.
Check out which are the best and worst Princess ships sailing to Alaska.
Ready for a Dream Cruise on Princess?
Princess offers incredible experiences—but only if you know how to book them right. Skip the stress, sidestep the surprises, and make every choice count. Here’s to smooth sailings, smart decisions, and the kind of cruise that leaves you smiling long after you’re home.
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