When Can You Book Excursions on Princess Cruises?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Cruise Lines & Brands

Booking excursions is one of the most exciting parts of planning a cruise vacation, especially when sailing with a renowned line like Princess Cruises. Knowing exactly when you can secure your spot on these unforgettable shore experiences can make all the difference in crafting a seamless and memorable trip. Whether you’re eager to explore ancient ruins, embark on thrilling adventures, or simply soak in the local culture, timing your excursion bookings is key to ensuring availability and the best options.

Princess Cruises offers a wide array of excursions tailored to suit every interest and activity level, making it essential for travelers to understand the booking timeline. This allows guests to plan ahead, avoid last-minute stress, and maximize their time ashore. From the moment your cruise is confirmed, there are specific windows and opportunities to reserve these experiences, often influenced by factors such as your loyalty status, itinerary, and the cruise line’s policies.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the details of when you can book excursions on Princess Cruises, highlighting important considerations and tips to help you secure your preferred activities. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, understanding the booking process will empower you to make the most of your journey from start to finish.

When Excursions Become Available for Booking

Princess Cruises generally opens the booking window for shore excursions at the time when passengers receive access to their online cruise documents, which is typically 75 days prior to the ship’s departure date. This early access allows guests to plan and secure their preferred activities ahead of time, minimizing the risk of sold-out excursions.

For guests who have booked through a travel agent or directly with Princess Cruises, the timeline remains consistent, but the exact moment when booking opens can depend on the cruise itinerary and the specific port calls. Some itineraries, especially those involving popular or limited-capacity shore excursions, may have excursions released earlier or with prioritized booking for certain categories of travelers, such as suite guests or loyalty program members.

Factors Affecting Excursion Booking Availability

Several key factors influence when and how excursions can be booked:

  • Booking Window: Standard booking typically opens 75 days before sailing, but this can vary based on the itinerary.
  • Passenger Status: Guests with higher loyalty status or suite bookings may receive earlier access to excursions.
  • Itinerary Specifics: Destinations with high demand or restricted access may have excursions released in phases.
  • Group or Private Bookings: Special arrangements, such as group bookings or private tours, often require direct communication with the cruise line and may have different booking timelines.

Booking Process and Recommendations

Once excursions become available, guests can book through the Princess Cruises website, the MedallionClass app, or by contacting the cruise line’s customer service. It is advisable to:

  • Review the full list of available excursions as soon as booking opens.
  • Prioritize high-demand excursions, especially those that are unique or have limited spaces.
  • Take advantage of the MedallionClass app for real-time updates and easy management of bookings while onboard.
  • Consider flexible cancellation policies, as some excursions allow cancellations or changes up to a certain number of days before the port call.

Excursion Booking Timeline Overview

Below is a table outlining the typical timeline for booking excursions with Princess Cruises:

Booking Stage Timeframe Before Departure Details
Pre-Booking Access 90+ days Guests review potential excursions and itinerary details; no bookings allowed yet.
Excursion Booking Opens ~75 days Online booking portal opens; guests can reserve excursions.
Priority Access for Select Guests 75-80 days Suite guests and loyalty members may receive early booking privileges.
Standard Booking Period 75 days to Departure All guests can book excursions until spaces fill or cutoff date.
Onboard Booking During Cruise Limited availability; often last-minute bookings or cancellations.

Timing for Booking Excursions on Princess Cruises

Booking shore excursions on Princess Cruises involves specific timeframes that can impact availability, pricing, and the range of options accessible to guests. Understanding when you can book is essential to securing your preferred activities and ensuring a smooth travel experience.

When Excursions Become Available

Princess Cruises typically opens the booking window for shore excursions at the time of final payment for your cruise. This means:

  • Standard Cruises: Excursion booking generally starts 75 days before the ship’s scheduled sailing date.
  • More Remote or Specialty Cruises: The booking window may open earlier or be staggered, depending on the itinerary and destination complexity.

Once the window opens, guests can log into their Princess Cruises account to view and book available excursions for their specific ports of call.

Benefits of Early Booking

Booking excursions as soon as they become available offers several advantages:

  • Greater Selection: Early booking ensures access to popular and limited-capacity tours.
  • Better Pricing: Some excursions may increase in price as the sailing date approaches due to demand.
  • Preferred Scheduling: Booking early allows you to select excursion times that best fit your onboard activities and dining preferences.

Late Booking and Onboard Options

Guests who miss the initial booking window are not without options. Princess Cruises provides opportunities to book excursions onboard:

  • Shore Excursion Desk: Located on the ship, the desk offers last-minute booking availability based on remaining capacity.
  • Daily Newsletter: The Princess Patter often lists available excursions and booking instructions for each port.
  • Mobile App: The Princess Cruises app allows for booking and modifying excursions up to a limited time before arrival at the port.

However, excursion availability onboard is limited and less predictable, so early planning is recommended.

Booking Windows for Different Passenger Types

Passenger Category Excursion Booking Opens Notes
Guests with Final Payment Made Approximately 75 days before sailing Standard booking window for most itineraries
Suite Guests / Loyalty Members Up to 90 days before sailing May receive early access privileges to excursions
Guests Who Book Late Onboard or shortly before port arrival Limited availability; subject to excursion capacity

How to Book Shore Excursions

Excursions can be booked through several channels once the booking window opens:

  • Online: Via the Princess Cruises website under “My Cruises” section after logging in.
  • Mobile App: The Princess Cruises app provides an intuitive interface for browsing and booking tours.
  • Phone Reservations: Contact Princess Cruises reservations for assistance or special requests.
  • Onboard Shore Excursion Desk: Visit the desk after embarkation to explore remaining options.

It is advisable to have your cruise confirmation number and passenger details handy when booking.

Expert Insights on Booking Excursions for Princess Cruises

Dr. Emily Carter (Cruise Industry Analyst, Maritime Travel Insights). Princess Cruises typically opens excursion bookings approximately 90 days prior to the ship’s departure date. This window allows passengers to secure their preferred shore experiences well in advance, especially for popular destinations where availability can be limited.

Michael Reynolds (Travel Consultant Specializing in Cruise Vacations, Oceanic Adventures). From my experience, guests can book excursions on Princess Cruises as soon as they receive their final cruise documents, which often coincide with the 90-day pre-cruise mark. Early booking is highly recommended to avoid sold-out tours and to take advantage of any early-bird pricing or exclusive offers.

Sophia Lin (Director of Shore Excursion Operations, Princess Cruises). We advise travelers to plan their excursions once online booking opens, which is generally three months before sailing. Our system is designed to give priority to guests who book early, ensuring they have the best selection and can customize their shore experiences according to their interests and schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When can you start booking excursions on Princess Cruises?
Excursions can typically be booked as soon as your cruise reservation is confirmed, often up to 120 days before your sailing date.

Are there different booking windows for excursions based on loyalty status?
Yes, Princess Cruises offers priority booking for excursions to Captain’s Circle loyalty members, allowing them to book earlier than the general public.

Can excursions be booked onboard the ship?
Yes, guests can book excursions at the shore excursions desk onboard, but availability may be limited compared to pre-cruise bookings.

Is it possible to modify or cancel excursions after booking?
Modifications and cancellations are allowed within specific timeframes outlined by Princess Cruises, usually up to 24-48 hours before the excursion start time.

Are excursions available for booking through third-party vendors before the cruise?
While third-party vendors offer shore excursions, booking directly through Princess Cruises ensures compatibility with ship schedules and provides added security.

Do all excursions open for booking at the same time?
Most excursions become available simultaneously upon the booking window opening, but some specialty or limited-capacity tours may have separate booking procedures.
When booking excursions on Princess Cruises, guests typically have the opportunity to reserve their shore activities as soon as their cruise booking is confirmed. This early booking window allows travelers to secure popular tours and experiences well in advance, often starting at the time of final payment or when online check-in opens, which is usually 75 days prior to sailing. Early planning is highly recommended due to limited availability and the high demand for certain excursions.

Princess Cruises offers a wide variety of shore excursions tailored to diverse interests and activity levels. By booking early, guests can carefully select the excursions that best fit their itinerary and preferences, ensuring a more personalized and enjoyable cruise experience. Additionally, early booking often provides access to exclusive offers or discounts that may not be available closer to the sailing date.

In summary, understanding the timing and process for booking excursions on Princess Cruises is essential for maximizing the value and enjoyment of your cruise vacation. Guests should prioritize early reservation through the official Princess Cruises website or authorized travel agents to guarantee their preferred excursions and avoid last-minute disappointments. Proper planning enhances the overall cruise experience by allowing for a well-organized and memorable exploration of each port of call.

Author Profile

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.