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How to add shipmates to Princess?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 6 min read

Planning a cruise is more enjoyable when everyone in your group is connected. Princess Cruises allows guests traveling together to link their bookings through the Princess app and website so they can coordinate dining, shore excursions, and other onboard activities. If you're wondering how to add shipmates to Princess, the process is straightforward once each traveler has an active booking and Princess account.

Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or a large group, this guide explains everything you need to know about adding Shipmates, managing linked reservations, and solving common issues before embarkation.

What Does "Add Shipmates" Mean on Princess Cruises?

The Shipmates feature in the Princess Cruises app lets guests connect with other travelers sailing on the same voyage. Once connected, eligible guests can:

  • Coordinate dining reservations

  • Book shore excursions together

  • Plan onboard activities

  • Stay organized before the cruise

  • Simplify group travel management

Adding Shipmates does not merge reservations. Each traveler keeps their own booking, payment, and cabin assignment while enjoying shared planning features.

Requirements Before Adding Shipmates

Before attempting to connect reservations, make sure the following requirements are met.

RequirementWhy It Matters

Active Princess bookingEvery traveler needs a confirmed reservation.

Princess accountEach guest should create or sign in to their Princess account.

Princess app installedMost Shipmates features work through the app.

Booking informationYou'll need the booking number or reservation details.

Same sailingShipmates must generally be traveling on the same cruise itinerary.

Having these details ready makes the process much quicker.

Step-by-Step: How to Add Shipmates to Princess

Follow these steps to connect with your travel companions.

Step 1: Open the Princess App

Launch the Princess Cruises app and sign in using your registered email address and password.

If you haven't created an account, register first using your booking confirmation.

Step 2: Access Your Cruise

After logging in:

  • Select your upcoming cruise.

  • Verify that your booking information appears correctly.

  • Confirm your sailing date and ship.

Step 3: Navigate to the Shipmates Section

Locate the Shipmates or Travel Party option within your cruise dashboard.

Depending on app updates, the location may vary slightly, but it is usually available from the main planning menu.

Step 4: Add Your Travel Companion

You'll typically need information such as:

  • Booking number

  • Last name

  • Date of birth (when required)

Enter the requested details and submit the invitation.

Step 5: Wait for Confirmation

Some invitations require the other traveler to accept the connection.

Once accepted, you'll be able to view eligible shared planning features inside the app.

Can You Add Multiple Shipmates?

Yes.

Princess allows guests traveling together to connect with multiple people, making it ideal for:

  • Family reunions

  • Wedding groups

  • Multi-generational vacations

  • Friend groups

  • Club or organization travel

The exact number of connections available may vary depending on current platform capabilities.

Benefits of Adding Shipmates

Connecting reservations offers several advantages.

Easier Dining Reservations

Instead of making separate reservations, linked guests can coordinate specialty restaurants and traditional dining more efficiently.

Better Excursion Planning

Groups can book the same shore excursions together, reducing scheduling conflicts.

Organized Vacation Planning

Everyone stays informed about planned activities before sailing.

Convenient Cruise Experience

Rather than searching for reservation details individually, linked travelers can coordinate plans from one place.

Can You Link Reservations After Booking?

Yes.

Even if reservations were made separately, travelers can usually connect as Shipmates before the cruise begins, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

This is especially helpful when:

  • Friends booked independently.

  • Family members reserved cabins at different times.

  • Travel agents created separate reservations.

Common Reasons Shipmates Cannot Be Added

Sometimes the connection request doesn't work immediately.

Possible reasons include:

Different Sailing Dates

Shipmates generally must be booked on the same cruise.

Incorrect Booking Information

Even one incorrect character in the booking number or surname can prevent verification.

Incomplete Princess Account

Each traveler should complete account registration before attempting to connect.

Technical Maintenance

Occasionally, the Princess app may undergo maintenance or temporary updates.

Reservation Not Yet Synced

Recently booked cruises may require some time before appearing in the app.

Tips for Managing Group Travel

Large groups benefit from some extra planning.

Keep Everyone's Booking Numbers Handy

Create a secure list containing:

  • Booking numbers

  • Cabin assignments

  • Contact information

This helps resolve issues quickly.

Complete OceanReady Early

Encourage every traveler to finish online check-in before embarkation day.

Reserve Dining Early

Popular specialty restaurants often fill quickly.

Book Excursions Together

Popular shore excursions may sell out well before sailing.

Is It Safe to Add Shipmates?

Princess accounts use secure login systems designed to protect guest information.

Only eligible reservation details become accessible through approved connections. Sensitive payment information remains attached to each individual booking.

Guests should never share passwords with other travelers.

Can You Remove a Shipmate Later?

Yes.

If travel plans change, guests can generally remove connected travelers through the Princess app or by contacting Princess Cruises customer support.

Examples include:

  • Cancelled trips

  • Cabin changes

  • Group modifications

  • Incorrect connections

Using the Princess App for Group Planning

Many travelers also search for how to add travel companions on princess app because the mobile application makes planning much easier.

After adding connected travelers, eligible guests may coordinate:

  • Dining schedules

  • Excursions

  • Celebration plans

  • Onboard experiences

  • Group activities

Using the app before departure often saves time once onboard.

Troubleshooting Shipmate Connection Problems

If you're unable to connect your travel group, try the following checklist.

ProblemPossible Solution

Booking not foundVerify reservation number and spelling.

Guest missingConfirm they created a Princess account.

Invitation pendingWait for the traveler to accept.

App errorsUpdate the app to the latest version.

Recently booked cruiseAllow time for reservation synchronization.

Still not workingContact Princess Cruises Guest Services.

Best Practices Before Embarkation

To enjoy a smoother boarding experience:

  • Complete online check-in early.

  • Upload required travel documents.

  • Review dining reservations.

  • Confirm shore excursions.

  • Verify emergency contact information.

  • Double-check passport details if required for your itinerary.

  • Ensure every traveler downloads the Princess app.

Preparation before departure reduces last-minute stress.

Frequently Asked Questions?

1. Can I add Shipmates after I've already booked my cruise?

Yes. Separate reservations can usually be connected before sailing if all travelers meet the eligibility requirements.

2. Do Shipmates need to stay in the same cabin?

No. Travelers can often stay in different cabins while still connecting as Shipmates.

3. Is there a fee for adding Shipmates?

No. Adding Shipmates is generally included as part of Princess Cruises' digital planning features.

4. Can travel agents link reservations?

Yes. Travel advisors may be able to assist with linking eligible reservations depending on the booking setup.

5. Why can't I find my friend's booking?

Check that the booking number, surname, and sailing information are entered correctly. Also ensure the reservation has synchronized with the Princess system.

6. Can I add family members after online check-in?

In many cases, yes, provided the reservation remains eligible for connection.

7. Can multiple families connect together?

Yes. Groups traveling on the same voyage can usually connect multiple reservations.

8. Will adding Shipmates combine payments?

No. Each reservation maintains its own payment records and booking information.

9. Does adding Shipmates automatically reserve dining together?

Not necessarily. It makes coordinating reservations easier, but dining availability depends on space and scheduling.

10. What if the Princess app isn't working?

Update the app, restart your device, verify your login credentials, or contact Princess Cruises support if the issue continues.

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