Check dates of travel, names, birthdates, etc. - Review your booking to make sure that you are on the correct ship leaving from the port you selected - on the date you wanted. Errors can be made and the sooner detected the better. Also, check to make sure names and birthdates appear on the booking exactly as they do on your passports. Name changes may result in additional fees to correct and failure to have matching documents may result in being denied boarding.

Review your travel timeline - arrive early and plan a timely return - Plan to arrive at least the night before your cruise to minimize the possibilty of missing embarkation. If traveling to the west coast or Europe, consider arriving two or more days early to allow time to adjust to jet lag. Splurge a little on pre and post cruise hotels. Keep in mind time zone changes when traveling east or west. Know the ship's return time and plan your return flights accordingly.

Protect the cost of your vacation from unforseen events - Most travel arrangements are non-refundable. What if ... a family member gets sick; your luggage is lost; you miss a flight connection; your trip is delayed; or you lose your job - with travel insurance, you can be covered. What if you lose your passport; have a medical emergency; require medical evacuation - Travel Guard can help! From 24-hr emergency travel assistance to a suite of travel insurance products to fit any family budget. Travel Guard plans are your top source for covering your trip. Click here to get a quote and review policy coverage options. AREA Vacations recommends gold or platinum coverage for most trips - be sure to obtain the coverage best for you. For maximum benefits, purchase travel insurance within two weeks of making your initial deposit.

Use passports when traveling outside of the United States - AREA Vacations recommends the use of passports valid for at least six months after the completion of travel for ALL trips outside the U.S. Closed-loop cruises (leave from and return to the same US port) allow for the use of an orginal or government certified birth certificate AND a government issued photo ID. Names on both must match. Marriage and divorce papers can be used to support name changes. However, in the event of an emergency return to the US, a passport will be required. For more information check out the website of the U. S. Department of State. For the latest travel warnings click here.

Online Check-in - Gather your booking number, ship name, and sailing date and click here to access your Cruise Personalizer. There you will be able to complete online check-in, print documents, book excursions, and arrange for onboard services. If you don't have an account on the Princess website, click here and create a free account. After creating your account you will be able to access your Cruise Personalizer through your account log in. Looking for alternatives to the excursions offered by Princess Cruises? Please try one or more of our affiliate shore excursion specialists - either Shore Excursions Group, Shore Trips, or Port Promotions for a variety of exciting excursions that may offer more for less and allow you to participate with smaller groups.

Print Boarding Pass and Luggage Tags - Be sure to print your Boarding Pass and take that with you to the ship. The Boarding Pass shows that you have completed online check-in which will expedite boarding the ship. Sso, you'll be enjoying a delicious buffet lunch in the Horizon Cafe just minutes after arriving at the port. You are also able to print your luggage tags. Be sure to make enough copies to use on all luggage to be dropped off at the pier for loading by Princess. If your luggage has two handles, consider attaching tags to each handle in case one gets torn off. Of course all of your luggage should have permanent ID tags as well. An FYI for you - on most Princess ships a top sheet is not used on your bed. If you prefer to have something between you and duvet cover, simply ask the room steward for a top sheet and he/she will be happy to oblige. For additional information about cruising with Princess Cruises check out - Every Thing You Need to Know Before You Go.