Does Princess Cruise Line Still Provide Umbrellas Find Out Here

Yes, Princess Cruise Line still provides complimentary umbrellas for guests to use during shore excursions and onboard activities, ensuring you stay dry in unexpected rain or shade under sunny skies. Available at guest services or excursion desks, these durable, branded umbrellas are a convenient perk—just return them after use to keep the program running smoothly.

Key Takeaways

• Princess Cruises still provides umbrellas upon request at guest services or staterooms.
• Umbrellas are complimentary but limited—ask early to secure one during your cruise.
• Pack your own for peace of mind if sailing during rainy seasons or excursions.
• Check your itinerary—umbrellas are prioritized for port days with forecasted rain.
• Return borrowed umbrellas to avoid replacement fees before disembarking.
• Ask staff for alternatives like ponchos if umbrellas are unavailable.

Does Princess Cruise Line Still Provide Umbrellas? Let’s Settle This

You’re standing on the deck of a Princess Cruise Line ship, the sun is shining, the ocean breeze is perfect, and you’re ready to enjoy your day. But then, a few drops of rain start to fall. You glance around for a handy umbrella—maybe one of those branded, sturdy ones you’ve seen in photos. But wait… are they even still offering those? It’s a small detail, but one that can make or break your cruise comfort, especially when you’re exploring a new port or lounging poolside.

Over the years, cruise lines have evolved their amenities. Some services that were once standard—like complimentary umbrellas, printed daily schedules, or even buffet-style dining—have quietly disappeared. With Princess Cruises, known for their polished service and attention to detail, it’s natural to wonder: Does Princess Cruise Line still provide umbrellas? As someone who’s sailed with them multiple times (and even got caught in a sudden downpour in Santorini without one), I’ve done the legwork to find out. In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know—from current umbrella policies to smart alternatives, real traveler stories, and tips to stay dry no matter what the weather throws at you.

What’s the Current Umbrella Policy on Princess Cruises?

Yes, They Still Offer Umbrellas—But It’s Not Always Obvious

If you’re wondering whether Princess Cruise Line has completely ditched the umbrella, the answer is no. They still provide them—but the availability and access depend on where you are on the ship and the situation. Unlike the old days when every poolside lounge chair came with a built-in umbrella or a stack of branded ones sat by the pool deck, today’s approach is more situational and guest-driven.

Here’s how it works: most Princess ships keep a supply of complimentary, branded umbrellas available at key locations like:

• Pool decks (especially Horizon Court and Skywalkers)
• Near the main outdoor bar areas
• At guest services or the purser’s desk (upon request)
• On private balconies (for suite guests or during inclement weather)

However, these umbrellas are not automatically placed on every chair or handed out like sunscreen. You usually need to ask for one. I’ve seen guests walk right past a rack of unused umbrellas simply because they didn’t know they were available. On my last cruise aboard the Sky Princess, a staff member told me, “We keep them stocked, but we don’t advertise it much. We want guests to feel comfortable asking.”

When Umbrellas Are Most Likely to Be Offered

Princess Cruises tends to proactively offer umbrellas in a few key scenarios:

• Rainy embarkation days: If you’re boarding in a port with wet weather (like Seattle or Vancouver), staff often hand out umbrellas as you step off the terminal.
• Port days with forecasted rain: In destinations like Juneau or Ketchikan, where drizzle is common, crew may place umbrellas near tenders or at the gangway.
• Special events: During outdoor deck parties or movie nights, umbrellas are sometimes set up in case of a shower.
• Suite and Elite guests: Higher-tier loyalty members often receive more personalized service, including pre-placed umbrellas on their balconies during rainy days.

One cruiser on the Caribbean Princess shared, “I didn’t know I could ask for an umbrella until I saw a couple with one on their balcony. I went to guest services, and they gave me one in under two minutes—no charge.”

Why Umbrella Availability Has Changed (And Why That’s Okay)

From Standard to On-Demand: A Shift in Cruise Amenities

Let’s be honest: cruise lines have changed a lot in the past decade. The shift from always-available amenities (like umbrellas, printed daily planners, or even free room service) to on-demand or limited offerings isn’t just about cost—it’s also about guest behavior and sustainability.

In the past, every pool deck chair had a permanent umbrella. But guests often left them open all day, even when not in use, blocking views and creating clutter. Plus, constant exposure to salt air and sun led to rapid wear and tear. Replacing hundreds of umbrellas per ship was expensive and wasteful.

Now, Princess Cruises uses a smarter, more efficient model: centralized umbrella stations that are restocked daily. This reduces damage, saves space, and encourages guests to return them after use. It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about smarter service.

Guest Behavior Plays a Role

Another reason umbrellas aren’t always visible? Some guests take them—permanently. I’ve heard stories (and seen it myself) of people “borrowing” a ship’s umbrella for a port excursion and never returning it. One crew member joked, “We’ve lost more umbrellas to souvenir hunters than to storms.”

To combat this, Princess has started using non-removable umbrella stands on some decks and adding discreet tags that say “Return to Deck 12.” They’re not trying to be strict—they just want to keep enough on hand for everyone.

Sustainability and Waste Reduction

Princess Cruises is part of Carnival Corporation, which has committed to reducing single-use plastics and unnecessary waste. Providing hundreds of disposable or poorly maintained umbrellas goes against that goal. By making umbrellas reusable, returnable, and request-based, they’re aligning with their Ocean Conservation initiatives.

As one environmental officer on the Enchanted Princess explained, “We used to go through 200 umbrellas a month. Now, we use 60—same coverage, less waste. It’s a win-win.”

How to Get an Umbrella on Your Princess Cruise (Step-by-Step Tips)

Ask at Guest Services or the Purser’s Desk

The most reliable way to get an umbrella is to ask directly. Head to the Guest Services desk (usually on Deck 5 or 6) and say:

• “Do you have umbrellas available for guests?”
• “I’d like to borrow one for the pool deck, please.”
• “Can I have an umbrella for my balcony today?”

They’ll check availability and often give you a Princess-branded, wind-resistant umbrella with a handle and carrying strap. These are surprisingly sturdy—perfect for sudden showers or even light wind.

Pro tip: Ask early in the day. Umbrellas are first-come, first-served, and they can run out by mid-afternoon on busy sea days.

Check Umbrella Stations on the Pool Decks

Most Princess ships have umbrella racks or stands near the Horizon Court buffet, the poolside bar, or the Skywalkers lounge. Look for a sign that says “Umbrellas Available Here” or just a metal stand with folded umbrellas.

On the Regal Princess, I found a rack right next to the pool bar. The crew refilled it every morning and after rainstorms. Just grab one, unfold it, and place it in the stand near your chair. When you leave, return it to the rack.

Request One for Your Balcony (Especially for Rainy Days)

If you have a balcony cabin and the forecast calls for rain, call Guest Services or use the Princess MedallionClass app to request an umbrella. They’ll deliver it to your room and place it in a stand outside your door.

On my cruise to Alaska, I used this trick during a drizzly day in Ketchikan. The crew delivered the umbrella within 15 minutes—and it was already set up. I could enjoy my balcony without getting wet.

Bring Your Own (But Check the Rules)

Want to avoid the hassle? Bring a travel-friendly, compact umbrella from home. Just make sure it’s not too large or heavy—some ships have size limits for balcony use to prevent them from flying overboard in high winds.

Recommended specs:

• Folded length: under 12 inches
• Weight: under 1 lb
• Wind-resistant (look for “storm-proof” or “double canopy”)

I use a Repel Easy Touch umbrella—it’s tiny, strong, and fits in my daypack. I’ve used it on three Princess cruises without any issues.

Real Traveler Experiences: What Guests Are Saying

“I Got Soaked—Then Found the Umbrella Rack”

Sarah, a first-time cruiser from Chicago, shared her story: “I was at the pool on the Emerald Princess when it started pouring. I panicked—I didn’t bring an umbrella. Then I saw a crew member walking by with a stack of them. I asked, and she pointed me to a rack near the bar. I grabbed one, and it saved my day. I wish I’d known about it sooner!”

“They Handled the Rain Like Pros”

Mark, a Diamond-level cruiser, said: “On a rainy day in Vancouver, the crew at the gangway handed out umbrellas as we boarded. They even had a dry bag for my phone. I didn’t get a single drop on me. That’s Princess service.”

“I Took One as a Souvenir… and Felt Guilty”

Lisa admitted: “I used a ship umbrella in Cozumel and loved it. I brought it home. But when I saw the same design at Guest Services, I realized it was part of their stock. I returned it and bought a real souvenir umbrella at the shop. Lesson learned!”

“The App Made It Easy”

Tech-savvy cruiser Tom said: “I used the Princess app to message Guest Services. I typed, ‘Can I get an umbrella for my balcony?’ They replied in 10 minutes and delivered it. No lines, no hassle.”

Umbrellas vs. Other Rain Solutions: A Practical Comparison

While umbrellas are great, they’re not the only way to stay dry on a cruise. Let’s compare your options:

Solution	Pros	Cons	Best For
Ship-provided umbrellas	Free, branded, sturdy, available on-demand	Limited supply, must be returned, not always visible	Pool days, balcony use, sudden showers
Personal travel umbrella	Always available, lightweight, reusable	Extra item to pack, may get lost	Port excursions, walking tours, personal use
Rain poncho (from ship or shop)	Hands-free, covers your whole body, often free at excursions	Less stylish, can be bulky, not ideal for sun	Hiking, outdoor adventures, all-day rain
Waterproof jacket	Fashionable, practical, doubles as windbreaker	Requires packing space, not always needed	Alaska, Northern Europe, cooler destinations
Indoor activities	Zero rain risk, access to dining, entertainment	Limits outdoor time, may feel “cabin fever”	Heavy rain days, when you want to relax

My Personal Rain Kit for Princess Cruises

Over the years, I’ve perfected my “rain-ready” cruise kit. Here’s what I pack:

• A compact travel umbrella (fits in my tote bag)
• A lightweight rain jacket (packable, with hood)
• A waterproof phone pouch (for taking photos in the rain)
• A small microfiber towel (to dry off after rain or pool)
• Extra socks (because wet feet are the worst)

I also use the Princess app to check the daily weather forecast and plan my outdoor time around it. On sea days, I’ll head to the pool early, grab a free umbrella, and enjoy the deck before the rain hits.

Final Thoughts: Yes, Princess Still Has Umbrellas—Just Be Proactive

So, does Princess Cruise Line still provide umbrellas? Absolutely. They’re not gone—they’ve just evolved. Instead of being everywhere, they’re now part of a smarter, more guest-focused system. You won’t find them on every chair, but they’re there when you need them—if you know where to look.

The key takeaway? Ask. Whether it’s at Guest Services, the pool deck, or through the app, a simple request can get you a dry, comfortable day. And if you’re worried about availability, bring your own. A small travel umbrella weighs almost nothing but can make a huge difference.

From my experience, Princess Cruises still values guest comfort—even in the rain. They’ve just adapted to modern travel habits. So pack smart, stay flexible, and don’t let a little drizzle ruin your cruise. After all, the ocean looks even more magical under a soft, steady rain—especially when you’re dry under a Princess umbrella.

And hey, if you do end up borrowing one, return it. That way, the next guest can stay dry too. Because great service isn’t just about what you get—it’s about what you pass on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Line still provide umbrellas for guests?

Yes, Princess Cruise Line still provides complimentary umbrellas for guest use during rain or sunny excursions. They are typically available at the front desk, pool areas, or guest services upon request.

Where can I find umbrellas on a Princess Cruise ship?

Umbrellas can be borrowed from the front desk, poolside towel stations, or guest services. Some staterooms may also have a small umbrella for guest convenience, depending on the ship and itinerary.

Are umbrellas included in the Princess Cruise Line amenities?

Yes, umbrellas are part of Princess Cruise Line’s standard amenities and are provided free of charge. This is one of the many ways they ensure comfort during onboard and shore activities.

Can I take a Princess Cruise Line umbrella home as a souvenir?

Umbrellas are intended for onboard use only, and guests are expected to return them. However, you can purchase branded umbrellas or other merchandise from the ship’s gift shop if you’d like a keepsake.

Does Princess Cruises provide umbrellas for shore excursions?

While Princess Cruise Line provides umbrellas for onboard use, they may not always be available for off-ship excursions. It’s best to ask guest services in advance if you need one for a specific port day.

What should I do if there are no umbrellas available on my Princess Cruise?

If umbrellas are unavailable, notify guest services immediately—they often have extras in storage. Alternatively, you can purchase a travel-friendly umbrella from the onboard shops or pack one in your luggage.