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How Do I File a Complaint With Princess Cruises?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 6 min read

If something goes wrong during a cruise, knowing how to report the problem can make the process much easier. Whether you experienced a billing problem, cabin issue, poor service, missing property, itinerary concern, or another problem, Princess Cruises provides several ways for guests to contact the company.

The best approach is to report the issue as soon as possible, especially if you are still onboard. A complaint made while the problem is happening gives the cruise line an opportunity to investigate and potentially resolve it before your trip ends.

If the matter remains unresolved, you can submit a written princess cruise complaint with the relevant booking details, dates, documents, and a clear explanation of what happened.

What Is the Best Way to File a Princess Cruise Complaint?

The appropriate complaint method depends on the type and timing of your problem.

For general customer-service concerns, you can contact Princess Cruises through its customer-service channels or use the contact form available on its website. Princess also provides customer-service telephone support for guests who need assistance with bookings and other concerns.

If you are currently onboard, speak with the appropriate shipboard staff as soon as the issue occurs. Do not wait until the cruise is over if the problem can be addressed during the voyage.

A practical complaint process is:

  1. Report the issue while onboard, when applicable.

  2. Explain the problem clearly and provide supporting information.

  3. Keep copies of receipts, photographs, correspondence, and other evidence.

  4. If the problem is not resolved, submit a written complaint to Princess Cruises.

  5. Keep a record of your complaint and any response you receive.

  6. Follow the applicable deadlines for your booking and jurisdiction.

Step 1: Report the Problem While You Are Still on the Cruise

If you are onboard and experience a problem, raise it with a Princess representative at the time.

For example, you may want to report:

  • A cabin or stateroom problem

  • Missing or damaged property

  • Problems with onboard services

  • Dining-related concerns

  • Incorrect charges

  • Accessibility issues

  • Problems with an excursion arranged through the cruise

  • Service issues

  • Problems affecting your cruise experience

Reporting the issue immediately is important because staff may be able to investigate the situation while the relevant people, records, or facilities are still available.

Princess's UK passage contract specifically states that problems arising during a holiday should be raised with a Princess representative at the time. It also provides a 28-day post-return complaint period for certain package-holiday complaints under that contract. The applicable terms can vary depending on the booking and jurisdiction.

Ask for a Record of the Complaint

When you report a serious issue onboard, keep any documentation you receive.

Depending on the circumstances, this could include:

  • A written report

  • A reference or case number

  • A receipt

  • A statement from onboard staff

  • Photographs

  • Copies of messages or emails

Having a record can make your later written complaint easier to understand and support.

Step 2: Contact Princess Cruises Customer Service

If you are no longer onboard, or if the onboard response did not resolve the matter, contact Princess Cruises customer service.

For U.S. guests, Princess lists 1-888-400-3958 as its customer-service number. The company also provides an online contact form where guests can submit an inquiry and additional comments or information.

Princess advises guests to use its official customer-service channels rather than relying on phone numbers found through unrelated websites. Its FAQ also warns that customer-service representatives will not ask for your Princess.com account password.

Use the Online Contact Form

An online complaint can be useful when you want to explain the situation in detail.

When completing the form, clearly explain:

  • Your full name

  • Booking information

  • Cruise or voyage details

  • Ship name

  • Sailing date

  • The nature of the complaint

  • When and where the problem happened

  • What you already did to resolve it

  • Any response you received onboard

  • What resolution you are requesting

Keep the description factual and organized. A short timeline is often easier to understand than a long emotional explanation.

Step 3: Include Evidence With Your Complaint

Supporting documents can help Princess understand what happened and evaluate your complaint.

Depending on the situation, useful evidence may include:

  • Booking confirmation

  • Receipts

  • Onboard account statements

  • Photos or videos

  • Emails

  • Written correspondence

  • Excursion documents

  • Medical or other relevant documentation, where appropriate

  • Copies of previous complaints

  • Names or descriptions of relevant staff members

  • Dates and approximate times of the incidents

Do not send unnecessary sensitive information. Provide only documentation relevant to the complaint and follow Princess's instructions for submitting personal information.

Step 4: Explain Exactly What Went Wrong

A strong complaint should make the problem easy to understand.

Instead of writing:

"The cruise service was terrible."

Explain what happened.

For example:

  • What service was involved?

  • On which day did the issue occur?

  • Where did it happen?

  • What did the staff tell you?

  • Did you report it onboard?

  • What action was taken?

  • Why did the response fail to resolve the issue?

This gives customer service specific facts to investigate.

Step 5: State What Resolution You Want

A complaint is more useful when you clearly explain what you are asking Princess Cruises to do.

Depending on the circumstances, you might request:

  • A review of an incorrect charge

  • An explanation

  • A correction to your account

  • Reimbursement for an eligible expense

  • Review of a service issue

  • Clarification of a policy

  • A response from the appropriate department

Do not assume that submitting a complaint automatically means a refund or compensation will be provided. The outcome depends on the circumstances, applicable booking terms, and Princess Cruises' review of the matter.

What Information Should I Include in a Princess Cruise Complaint?

Before submitting your complaint, prepare the following information:

InformationWhy It Matters

Full nameIdentifies the guest

Booking numberHelps locate the reservation

Ship nameIdentifies the voyage

Sailing dateHelps locate the relevant records

Cabin numberUseful for stateroom-related problems

Date and time of incidentHelps establish a timeline

Location onboardHelps identify the department involved

Description of the problemExplains what happened

Previous complaint detailsShows what action was already taken

Supporting documentsHelps verify the circumstances

Requested resolutionMakes your desired outcome clear

If you booked through a travel agent, you may also want to keep the agency informed, particularly if the agency handled the booking or payment.

How Long Do I Have to File a Complaint With Princess Cruises?

There is no single deadline that applies to every type of Princess Cruises complaint worldwide.

The applicable deadline can depend on:

  • Your booking terms

  • Where you booked

  • Your country of residence

  • The type of complaint

  • The applicable passenger contract

  • Whether the complaint concerns a specific legal passenger-rights regulation

For example, Princess's UK passage contract states that certain complaints should be notified as soon as possible and no later than 28 days after returning from the package. It separately states that complaints concerning EU Regulation 1177/2010 must be made in writing within two months of the date the service was performed.

Because deadlines vary, it is safer to complain promptly rather than waiting until the applicable deadline approaches.

Can I File a Complaint While I Am Still Onboard?

Yes. In fact, for problems that occur during the voyage, reporting the issue while onboard is an important first step.

Go to the appropriate guest-services or shipboard department and explain the problem. Give them enough information to understand what happened and ask what can be done.

For a significant issue, keep a record of:

  • When you reported it

  • Who received the complaint

  • What action was promised

  • Whether the problem was corrected

  • Any reference number or written documentation

If the issue remains unresolved, you can raise it again in writing after the cruise.

What If My Complaint Is About a Billing Error?

Billing complaints should be specific.

Review your onboard account and identify the individual charge you believe is incorrect. Include:

  • The amount

  • Date of the charge

  • Description appearing on the account

  • Why you believe it is incorrect

  • Any receipt or supporting documentation

If you notice an incorrect charge before leaving the ship, report it onboard so the relevant team can review it.

For reimbursement requests, Princess notes that supporting receipts and documentation may be necessary and that incomplete documentation can delay processing.

What If My Complaint Concerns Lost or Damaged Property?

Lost or damaged property should be reported as soon as possible.

Provide as much detail as you can, including:

  • Description of the item

  • Where you last had it

  • Approximate date and time

  • Cabin or location involved

  • Any relevant photographs or proof of ownership

Princess has specific procedures for missing or damaged property, so follow the instructions applicable to your situation rather than combining a property claim with an unrelated general complaint.

What If Princess Cruises Does Not Resolve My Complaint?

If customer service does not resolve the issue, review the terms that apply to your booking.

Some Princess terms contain specific dispute-resolution procedures. For example, certain Princess terms state that unresolved disputes may be subject to arbitration or small-claims procedures rather than ordinary court proceedings.

For UK bookings, Princess also identifies ABTA's dispute-resolution scheme for complaints that cannot be resolved directly with the company.

The correct next step therefore depends on the terms governing your particular cruise.

Keep Your Communication Organized

If you need to escalate the matter, keep:

  • Your original complaint

  • Princess's responses

  • Booking documents

  • Receipts

  • Photographs

  • Names of representatives

  • Complaint or case numbers

  • Dates of telephone calls

  • Notes about what was discussed

A chronological record can make an escalation much easier to follow.

How Should I Write a Princess Cruise Complaint?

A simple structure works well.

Start With the Booking Details

Identify yourself and the cruise.

Explain the Problem

Describe what happened in chronological order.

Explain What You Already Did

Mention whether you reported the problem onboard and what response you received.

Attach Relevant Evidence

Include only documents that support the complaint.

Request a Specific Resolution

Clearly explain what you would like Princess Cruises to review or resolve.

Avoid insults, threats, exaggerated claims, or unrelated information. A factual complaint is easier for a customer-service team to investigate.

Common Reasons Guests Submit a Complaint

Princess Cruise complaints can involve many different situations. Common categories include:

  • Incorrect onboard charges

  • Stateroom problems

  • Service concerns

  • Dining issues

  • Excursion problems

  • Lost or damaged belongings

  • Accessibility concerns

  • Reservation problems

  • Itinerary-related concerns

  • Refund or reimbursement questions

  • Problems with travel arrangements

  • Concerns about communication or customer service

The appropriate process can differ depending on the subject, so identify the exact type of problem when you contact Princess.

Conclusion

Filing a princess cruise complaint is generally easier when you act quickly, document the issue, and communicate the facts clearly. If the problem happens during your voyage, report it onboard rather than waiting until you return home. If it remains unresolved, submit a detailed written complaint through Princess Cruises' customer-service channels.

Include your booking details, a clear timeline, relevant evidence, and the resolution you want the company to consider. Most importantly, check the terms that apply to your specific cruise because complaint procedures and deadlines can differ by booking and location.

A well-organized complaint gives Princess the information it needs to understand what happened and determine the appropriate response.

Frequently Asked Questions?

How do I file a complaint with Princess Cruises?

Start by reporting the problem to a Princess representative if you are still onboard. If the issue is unresolved or you are already home, contact Princess Cruises customer service or submit the company's online contact form with your booking details and supporting information.

What is the Princess Cruises customer service number?

Princess Cruises lists 1-888-400-3958 for U.S. customer service. Contact details can differ by country, so guests outside the United States should use the appropriate Princess customer-service channel for their location.

Can I complain to Princess Cruises after my cruise?

Yes, depending on the type of complaint and the terms governing your booking. Some Princess contracts establish specific time limits, so submitting your complaint as soon as possible is important. 

Should I complain while I am still onboard?

Yes. If the problem occurs during the cruise, reporting it immediately gives the onboard team an opportunity to investigate and potentially resolve the issue before the voyage ends.

What should I include in a Princess Cruise complaint?

Include your name, booking information, ship, sailing date, details of the incident, dates and locations, previous attempts to resolve the issue, relevant documentation, and the resolution you are requesting.

Can I request a refund when filing a complaint?

You can ask Princess to review an eligible charge, expense, or other financial issue. However, submitting a complaint does not automatically guarantee a refund or compensation. The outcome depends on the circumstances and applicable terms.

What if I booked through a travel agent?

You can contact Princess Cruises directly when appropriate, but your travel agent may also be able to help with a booking-related complaint. Princess maintains travel-agent information for different countries and regions.

Can I complain about an accessibility issue?

Yes. Princess provides a dedicated accessibility contact option for accessibility-related inquiries and also lists its general customer-service number.

What if my complaint involves personal information?

Use the appropriate Princess privacy channel if your concern specifically involves how your personal information was handled. Princess lists privacy-related complaint and grievance procedures in its privacy notice.

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