When will the Princess documents typically arrive for a cruise? What is enclosed in them and what is crucial to do with them? We are cruising for the first time and I'm nervous about not having all my "ducks" in a row. Thanks!

Your documents will arrive anywhere from 2-4 weeks before your cruise (sooner if you booked your flights separate from the cruise line, later if you booked your air through the cruise line.) You will get a book of vouchers for each adult in the cabin, possibly a separate set for each child as well. Take them all with you, and make sure to pack them in your carryon bags, not in your checked luggage! You will also be asked - if you haven't been already - to fill in passenger information before you sail, and it will save you time if you do this at least 2 1/2 weeks before your sail date. You can do it online at princess.com; you'll need your booking (confirmation) number and your name.

Among the things included in your documents will be your "ticket" for the cruise, a form to sign for your onboard account, and the cruise contract, which you would be wise to read, even though it's long. If you have booked transfers to/from the airport near the cruise port, you will find vouchers in there for those too.

Hae a wonderful time!! Relax and enjoy - that's what cruising is about.

Thank you! The vouchers you talk about--what are they and what are they for? Also, I have heard that you don't want to wear any clothing in ports that single a person being from America--such as a shirt with the flag on it. Is this true?

What ports will you be visiting ? I have always (PROUDLY) worn shirts with the stars and stripes on many cruises and in ports. I WOULD avoid wearing expensive or flashy jewelry in ports. There will be a safe in your cabin. USE IT.
While in port beware of pick pockets. Carry only a small amount of cash, your photo ID and your cruise card and possibly one credit card. There is no need for your purse or wallet in port or for that matter on the cruise. I have never been able to figure out why so many men carry their entire wallet while on the ship. All you need while on the ship is your cruise card. All charges are applied to your cabin. Just returned from 7 days on Caribbean Princess. No problems in port. Be cautious if you are visiting Jamaica and HAVE FUN.

Funship Freddy

too many cruises to list

A couple of other tips...

Pack a swimsuit and t shirt in your carry-on luggage so you can change when you arrive on board before your luggage is delivered to your cabin.

If you are sailing from Fort Lauderdale and flying to Fort Lauderdale....transfers are more trouble than a cab. The port is very close to the airport.

We had the cab stop at a grocery store on the way to the pier and bought a couple of cases of water and soft drinks and juice. We put Princess luggage stickers on the water and pop and "checked" them with the porter at the pier. All arrived (as expected) with our other luggage in our cabin. (much cheaper than buying water and pop on board. The "tap" water on board is quite drinkable.

Funship Freddy

a good information site for Caribbean Princess -

www.caribbeanprincess/pattersb.html


FSF

oops!

the site is -

www.cruisingthecaribbeanprincess/pattersb.html

Funship Freddy

Thanks for the great advise. We are going to Grand Cayman's-- I have bookd a Stingray City trip with Captain Marvin's. In Jamaica I booked a trip with Princess because I had heard that there are ways to get into trouble with private trips. We are going to Cozumel--have not ideas yet what to do there. We are going to want to take water and pop along also--thanks for the heads up on getting it on board.

Katy - Gene

Jamaica -

Marva runs a private tour operation in Jamaica that gets rave reviews. $20/pp

Her e-mail is -

knowjam@yahoo.com

it might be worth it to send her and e-mail and get information from her.


FSF

If you enjoy snorkeling, Xel-ha is a great watersports area in Cozumel. We also did a swim with the dolphins in Chankanaab Park, pre-hurricane. The park is open again, but I'm not sure about the dolphins. If you get a chance to swim with them anywhere, it is well worth the money. They are totally awesome. The ruins in Tulhum are extremely interesting as well. Enjoy your cruise!!