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What to do if I lose my Princess cruise boarding pass?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 6 min read

Losing your Princess cruise boarding pass can be stressful, especially when you’re eager to begin your vacation. Fortunately, Princess Cruises has simple procedures that allow guests to retrieve or recreate their boarding documents quickly. Whether your pass was misplaced during travel, left at home, or accidentally deleted from your digital storage, several reliable solutions can help you get back on track before embarkation. By taking the right steps and remaining calm, you can still check in smoothly and avoid delays at the port.

Princess Cruises prioritizes guest convenience and safety, so the boarding process is designed with backup systems to verify passengers even if paper or digital documents are missing. This guide explores what you should do, who to contact, where to go at the terminal, and what Princess staff will need from you to issue a new boarding pass. You’ll also learn how to prevent this situation in the future, ensuring a stress-free start to your cruise.

Immediate Steps to Take If Your Boarding Pass Goes Missing

Use the Princess Cruises App to Regenerate Your Boarding Pass

The Princess Cruises app is the fastest way to recover a lost boarding pass, as most guests use the digital version for embarkation.

Accessing the App on Your Device

Open the Princess Cruises app on your phone or tablet. As long as you’re logged in, your booking details remain stored, even if your paper documents are missing.

Retrieve Your Express Pass

Under your reservation, locate the “OceanReady” section. The Express Pass for boarding appears there. Tap the pass to bring it up for scanning at the terminal.

Ensure Your Device Is Charged

Since your Express Pass may be shown several times during embarkation, keep your device charged or bring a portable charger to avoid interruptions.

Reinstalling the App If Needed

If you accidentally deleted the app, reinstall it and sign back in using your Princess login credentials. Your boarding pass will reappear automatically.

Log in to the Princess Website to Reprint the Boarding Pass

If you prefer the paper version or want a backup, the Princess Cruises website offers full access to your reservation.

Access Your Cruise Personalizer

Visit the Princess website and go to the Cruise Personalizer. Sign in with your booking number, name, and birthdate to access your documents.

Locate the Boarding Pass Section

Inside your reservation, choose the printable travel summary or boarding document option. Your pass will display as a PDF.

Print a New Copy

Print the pass at home, at your hotel, or any nearby print shop. This duplicate is accepted at all terminals without issue.

Save the PDF Digitally

Download the file to your phone or email it to yourself so you have a backup for emergencies.

If You Cannot Access Either Option Before Arriving

Not all travelers have a phone signal, printer access, or login credentials available during travel.

Keep Your Passport or Government ID Handy

Your passport or ID is your primary proof of identity. Princess staff can use it to locate your reservation in the system.

Carry Your Booking Number

Even if the boarding pass is missing, knowing your booking number helps staff pull up your details more quickly at the terminal.

Arrive Early at the Port

A little extra time helps ensure a smooth reissue process during busy embarkation hours.

What Princess Staff Will Do When You Arrive Without Your Boarding Pass

Staff Can Retrieve Your Reservation Instantly

Princess Cruises agents can look up your booking using your personal information.

Provide Your Passport

Your passport is the quickest way for staff to verify your identity and access your reservation. For domestic sailings where passport alternatives are allowed, government ID and birth certificate also work.

Confirm Basic Trip Details

Staff may ask for your departure port, cruise date, cabin category, or last name spelling to pull up your account.

Guest Identity Verification

Depending on the situation, they may ask a couple of security questions to confirm that you are the rightful ticket holder.

A Temporary Boarding Document Can Be Issued

After confirming your identity, staff can print a replacement boarding pass for embarkation.

Printed At the Terminal

The document is produced immediately at the check-in desk after your reservation is verified.

Works Exactly Like the Original

The reprinted pass includes all essential information—your name, cabin number, schedule, and check-in details.

Valid for All Embarkation Scanners

Even though it's a duplicate, it functions exactly like the original at every checkpoint.

OceanMedallion Activation Still Proceeds Normally

Your OceanMedallion does not require your original boarding pass to function.

Staff Can Activate It at Check-In

Once your identity is confirmed, the Medallion is paired with your profile.

Replacements Offered If You Misplace the Medallion Too

If both items are lost, Princess staff can reprint your boarding document and issue a temporary Medallion without delay.

OceanReady Status Remains Intact

Any pre-completed steps in the app—such as security photos or payment methods—stay connected to your account.

Additional Tips for Preventing Boarding Pass Problems

Always Save a Digital Backup Before Traveling

Digital storage offers multiple layers of protection against misplacing your paper pass.

Screenshot Your Express Pass

Screenshots load quickly even without an internet connection.

Save a PDF on Your Phone

PDFs can be zoomed in for scanning and are reliable in low-signal areas.

Email the File to Yourself

Access the boarding pass from any device if your phone fails, gets lost, or runs out of battery.

Store Documents in Cloud Apps

Dropbox, Google Drive, or Apple Files keep travel documents safe across devices.

Keep Paper Documents Organized and Visible

Many travelers still prefer printed boarding passes.

Use a Travel Folder

A small folder keeps passport, boarding pass, and health forms in one secure place.

Separate Documents by Family Member

If traveling with others, keep each person’s boarding pass clipped or labeled.

Avoid Leaving Paper Documents in Airline Seat Pockets

Seat pockets are a common place for items to be forgotten during travel.

Use a Color-Coded Lanyard

Some guests use travel lanyards that hold boarding passes securely until check-in.

Prepare Early on Embarkation Day

Simple planning prevents rushed mistakes.

Pack Documents the Night Before

Place your passport and boarding pass together in your carry-on bag.

Charge All Electronic Devices

Ensure your device can display the Express Pass when you reach the port.

Keep Your Bags Closed Until Check-In

Avoid rummaging through luggage where important papers can accidentally fall out.

Arrive at the Terminal During Your Assigned Window

Rushing often leads to misplaced documents. Arriving on time reduces stress.

FAQ for Common Issues Related to Lost Boarding Passes

What if I lose my boarding pass on the way to the airport?

No problem. Use the Princess app or website to regenerate a digital version. You can board the ship with your passport and digital pass alone.

What if I lose both my phone and paper boarding pass?

Princess staff can still check you in using your passport and booking details, then issue a new pass on the spot.

What if I forget my boarding pass at home?

Arrive at the port with your passport. Staff will print a replacement pass immediately.

Can I board with only my passport and no boarding pass?

Yes. Staff will retrieve your details and issue a new pass at the terminal.

Conclusion

Losing your Princess cruise boarding pass doesn’t have to ruin your embarkation day. Whether you misplace the paper version or cannot access the digital one, Princess Cruises provides multiple ways to restore or replace it quickly. From regenerating the Express Pass in the app to printing a new copy at the terminal, guests can still board smoothly with minimal delays. Staff at the port are trained to handle these situations daily, and as long as you bring your passport and basic booking details, they can recreate your boarding documentation on the spot.

By preparing backups, keeping your travel documents organized, and knowing how to use the Princess app, you can prevent the stress of losing your boarding pass in the future. With a little foresight and the reliable support systems Princess already has in place, your vacation remains secure from the moment you arrive.

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