Lotus Spa massage

© Princess

Five incredible ways to use your onboard spend

From bucket-list shore excursions to wine tasting with the ship's sommeliers, discover how you could splash your onboard credit

March 2023

By Liz Darke

While so many fantastic things are included as standard on a Princess cruisetop-quality food, five-star service, incredible entertainment – we also offer some experiences as added extras. If you find yourself with onboard credit to spend (lucky you!) but aren’t sure how it can be spent, or you’re overwhelmed by the choice of what to spend it on, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite ways to use it. Whether you’re looking for an extra onshore adventure or a special treat from the onboard boutiques, here’s how you could splash your credit…

Snorkelling in Grand Cayman, Caribbean

Snorkel in the shimmering blue waters of Grand Cayman in the Caribbean © Princess

On brilliant shore excursions

Wherever you’re sailing to and whatever your interests, we have so many shore excursions available, from the relaxing to the wildly adventurous. These wide-ranging activities and experiences help you get the best out of – and get to the heart of – a destination. Put your onboard credit towards snorkelling through crystal-clear waters in the Caribbean, zip-lining through a Costa Rican rainforest or taking a helicopter ride over a glacier in Alaska.

Hoping to relax? Kick back at a dreamy beach retreat in Corfu or, further from home, rejuvenate in hot springs and geothermal mud pools in Fiji. Those seeking a gastronomic getaway can sample superlative pizza in Naples or sip their way through a tasting tour of California’s Sonoma wine region. There really is something for everyone.

On Ultimate Balcony Dining

If you want to do something completely unique with your onboard credit, our Ultimate Balcony Dining is the answer. If you’ve opted for a stateroom with a balcony, treat yourself to a luxurious breakfast or dinner on it, served by your own dedicated waitstaff. While soaking up your very own ocean views, enjoy the likes of fresh fruit, eggs and pastries at breakfast time or fresh lobster and juicy steaks at dinner. Toast the occasion at either meal with a perfectly mixed cocktail or bottle of champagne and make it even more special by ordering finely arranged flowers.

Princess Wine tasting

Sample wines from all over the globe at one of our onboard tasting sessions © Princess

On an afternoon of wine tasting

Whether you’re a keen oenophile or a vino virgin, our onboard wine tastings are a great way to sample a range of wines from across the globe, all handpicked by our expert sommeliers. In between canapés, you’ll try classic blends from global wine giants like France and Italy, fruitier bottles from the New World and some unexpected gems, like wines from China, Japan and beyond.

On some retail therapy

Amid an agenda of sunbathing on the top deck, taking afternoon tea and exploring new global destinations, there’s still time for a spot of shopping. Stocked with designer brands such as Ray-Ban, Chanel, Omega, Dior and Tag Heuer, our onboard boutiques will tempt you with clothing, accessories, skincare, scents and beauty products. Why not use any additional onboard credit on a stylish souvenir for yourself?

The Sanctuary, Princess Cruises

Sit back and unwind in The Sanctuary, which is adults-only © Princess

On a day of pure relaxation

If you want to get away from it all and fully recharge, head straight to our onboard Lotus Spa. Treat yourself (well, your onboard credit can!) to a massage, facial, body wrap, manicure, luxurious shave experience or even an acupuncture session. Within the spa is The Enclave, an extensive thermal suite where you can unwind in a hydrotherapy pool, soothe aching muscles on heated stone beds, and sweat out any toxins in a Turkish-style steam bath and steam chamber. And then there's The Sanctuary, a luxurious hideaway on the top deck that’s purely for adults. Settle in on a comfortable lounger or in a private cabana and then enjoy a day of reading, snoozing and soaking in The Sanctuary’s very own hot tubs. There’s a special menu of healthy drinks and dishes here, but we’d very much recommend indulging in afternoon tea served at your sunbed. Two words: Yes please.

Excited to sail with us?

Read more about our onboard offering at princess.com

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About the Author

Liz Darke

Liz Darke

Liz is a journalist who specialises in travel, food and lifestyle. Always on the hunt for a hit of sunshine and fantastic regional cuisine, she's heading to Hong Kong, Provence and the Dalmatian Coast next. Oh, and bring on the local wine, too!