Does Princess Cruise Lines Provide Luggage Tags Find Out Here

Yes, Princess Cruise Lines provides complimentary luggage tags to help streamline your embarkation process—simply find them in your pre-cruise documents or request them online before departure. These durable, color-coded tags ensure your bags are delivered directly to your stateroom, minimizing hassle and maximizing convenience from the moment you arrive at the port.

Key Takeaways

• Princess Cruises provides luggage tags for all passengers before embarkation.
• Tags are color-coded to match your stateroom and boarding group.
• Print tags at home via the Cruise Personalizer for faster check-in.
• Missing tags? Request replacements at the port or onboard.
• Attach tags securely to avoid delays or lost luggage.
• Use durable materials to ensure tags survive travel handling.

Does Princess Cruise Lines Provide Luggage Tags? Here’s What You Need to Know

Let’s be honest: packing for a cruise is equal parts excitement and stress. You’ve got the swimsuits, the cocktail dresses, and the sunscreen—but what about the small details that could make or break your embarkation day? One question that comes up time and time again is: does Princess Cruise Lines provide luggage tags? It sounds simple, but if you’ve ever arrived at the port with a suitcase that looks just like everyone else’s, you know how crucial proper identification can be.

I remember my first cruise with Princess. I showed up at the terminal with three suitcases, all black and nearly identical. I had printed my own tags at home, but they kept falling off. One suitcase even got routed to the wrong cabin. Not fun. That experience taught me a lot about how cruise lines handle luggage—and how little things like tags can make a big difference. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what Princess Cruise Lines offers, what you can do to prepare, and how to avoid common luggage pitfalls. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you pack smarter and board with confidence.

How Princess Cruise Lines Handles Luggage Tags

Official Luggage Tags: Yes, They’re Provided

Good news: Princess Cruise Lines does provide luggage tags. These are official, pre-printed tags that include your name, booking number, stateroom number, and embarkation details. They’re designed to help the crew identify your bags quickly and ensure they’re delivered to the right cabin. The tags are typically sent to you in your cruise documents packet, which arrives by mail or email about 2–3 weeks before departure, depending on your booking and mailing preferences.

The tags are made of a durable, plastic-coated material with a reinforced hole for a luggage strap or zip tie. They’re color-coded by embarkation port and sometimes by ship, which helps the porters and crew sort bags efficiently. For example, if you’re sailing from Fort Lauderdale, your tags might be blue, while a Vancouver departure could use green. This system reduces confusion, especially during busy embarkation days.

When and How You Receive the Tags

Princess sends out the tags as part of your eDocs (electronic documents) or physical cruise packet. If you choose eDocs, you’ll get a PDF with printable luggage tags. You can print them on standard paper, but I recommend using cardstock or laminating them for durability. Some cruisers even use clear plastic luggage tag holders to protect the print and add a bit of extra security.

If you receive physical documents, the tags will be pre-attached to a card or sheet, ready to use. You’ll also get instructions on how to attach them—usually with the included string or a zip tie. Pro tip: attach the tags before you leave home. Don’t wait until you’re at the terminal. The last thing you want is to fumble with flimsy tags while porters are waiting.

What If You Don’t Get Your Tags?

It happens. Mail gets lost. Emails go to spam. If you haven’t received your tags two weeks before departure, don’t panic. First, check your email (including spam/junk folders) for the eDocs. If nothing’s there, log into your Princess account and download them directly from the “Cruise Documents” section. You can also call Princess Guest Services at 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237). They can email or re-send your tags, often within 24 hours.

I once missed an email notification because I was traveling. I called Guest Services, and they had the tags to me in under an hour. The agent even walked me through how to print and secure them. That kind of support is one reason I keep coming back to Princess.

How to Use and Attach Your Luggage Tags Properly

Step-by-Step: Attaching Tags the Right Way

Attaching your luggage tags might seem straightforward, but doing it right can prevent headaches. Here’s how to do it:

• Use the provided string or a zip tie: The string that comes with the tags is designed to loop through the handle. If it breaks (and it can), use a sturdy zip tie or a reusable luggage strap. Avoid flimsy ribbons or shoelaces—they can snap.
• Attach to the primary handle: Place the tag on the main handle you use to lift or wheel the bag. If you have a telescoping handle, loop the tag through the fixed handle on the side. This keeps it visible and secure.
• Double-check the information: Make sure your name, booking number, and stateroom are correct. If there’s a mistake (like a wrong cabin number), contact Princess immediately. Incorrect tags can delay delivery.
• Protect the tag: Use a clear plastic sleeve or laminator to shield the tag from rain, dirt, or abrasion. I use a small zip-top bag with a hole punched in it—it’s cheap and effective.

Label Every Piece of Luggage

Princess recommends labeling every piece you plan to hand over at the terminal. That includes:

• Large suitcases
• Carry-on bags (if you’re checking them)
• Garment bags
• Sports equipment (golf clubs, scuba gear, etc.)
• Specialty items (musical instruments, medical equipment)

Even if a bag has a built-in tag, use the official Princess tag. The crew is trained to look for these specific tags, so consistency matters. I once saw a passenger with a beautiful leather carry-on that had a monogrammed tag. The porter politely asked her to add the Princess tag—because without it, the bag wouldn’t go through the standard sorting process.

What to Do If a Tag Falls Off

It happens. A tag gets snagged, or the string breaks. If this happens before you arrive at the terminal, simply reattach it using a zip tie or tape. If it happens at the terminal, don’t worry—there are backup systems. Princess staff will:

• Scan your boarding pass (which has your booking number)
• Look up your stateroom and embarkation details
• Create a temporary tag on the spot

I’ve seen this happen with a group of older travelers whose tags were damaged in transit. The porter used a handheld printer to make new ones in under two minutes. It’s a great example of how Princess prioritizes smooth boarding, even when things don’t go perfectly.

What If You Don’t Want to Use the Provided Tags?

Using Your Own Luggage Tags

Yes, you can use your own tags—but with a caveat. Princess strongly recommends using their official tags because they’re part of the automated sorting system. If you use only personal tags, your bags might be delayed or even held at the terminal for manual processing.

That said, many cruisers use a hybrid approach: they attach the Princess tag as the primary identifier and add a personal tag with extra contact info (like a phone number or email). This way, if the Princess tag is lost, there’s still a way to identify the bag. Just make sure your personal tag doesn’t cover or obscure the official one.

Creative Solutions: Color-Coding, Stickers, and More

To make your luggage stand out (and avoid mix-ups), try these tips:

• Use bright ribbons or luggage straps: A neon pink strap or a patterned ribbon makes your bag easy to spot on the carousel.
• Add a unique tag: A fun-shaped tag (like a palm tree or anchor) adds personality and helps you recognize your bag quickly.
• Label the inside: Put a business card or printed note inside the bag with your name and contact info. If the bag is opened (for security checks), the info is still there.
• Use a luggage tracker: Devices like Tile or Apple AirTag can help you track your bag in real time. Just don’t rely on them alone—Princess still needs the physical tag.

I once sailed with a family who used matching luggage with custom name decals. It was adorable—and made their bags instantly recognizable. The kids loved it, and the parents said it reduced stress when picking up bags at the end of the cruise.

When to Avoid Custom Tags

There are a few situations where extra tags can cause confusion:

• On carry-ons you’re keeping with you: If you’re not checking the bag, don’t attach a Princess tag. It might confuse the crew or security.
• If the tag covers barcodes: Some luggage has scannable barcodes. Don’t cover them with a tag.
• On fragile items: If you’re shipping a painting or sculpture, work with Princess’s special cargo team instead of using standard tags.

Luggage Delivery and Tracking: What to Expect

How Bags Are Delivered to Your Cabin

Once you drop your bags at the terminal, the process is pretty seamless:

1. You hand your tagged bags to a porter at the curb.
2. The bags are scanned and loaded onto a cart.
3. They’re transported to the ship and sorted by deck and stateroom.
4. After you board and check in, the crew delivers the bags to your cabin.

Delivery usually happens within 2–4 hours of boarding. If you don’t see your bags by 6 PM, contact Guest Services. They’ll check the system and often have the bag to you within an hour.

Tracking Your Luggage

Princess doesn’t offer real-time GPS tracking, but they do have a luggage status system in the Princess app and on the ship’s TV. You can check:

• When your bags were received at the terminal
• When they were loaded onto the ship
• When they were delivered to your deck

The app also lets you report a missing bag directly. I used this once when a suitcase was delayed due to a port change. The crew found it within 30 minutes and delivered it with an apology note. It’s not perfect, but the system works well most of the time.

What Happens If a Bag Is Lost?

Lost luggage is rare, but it does happen. If your bag doesn’t arrive:

• Report it to Guest Services immediately.
• Provide your booking number and a description of the bag.
• Princess will search the system and contact ports if needed.
• If the bag is truly lost, they’ll file a claim with their insurance provider.

Princess’s policy covers lost or damaged luggage up to a certain amount (check your cruise contract for details). They’ll also reimburse you for essential items (toiletries, clothes) if you’re without your bag for more than 24 hours.

Special Cases: Group Travel, Special Needs, and More

Group and Family Travel

If you’re traveling with a group or family, coordination is key. Here’s how to manage luggage tags:

• Use color-coded tags: Assign a color to each family member (e.g., blue for Mom, red for Dad). Use colored zip ties or ribbons to match.
• Label bags with room numbers: If your group is in multiple cabins, write the stateroom number on the tag in large letters.
• Assign a “luggage captain”: One person can manage all the tags and hand them out at the terminal.

I sailed with a family of six once. The mom used a spreadsheet to track each bag, tag number, and stateroom. It was overkill, but it worked—no mix-ups, no stress.

Travelers with Disabilities or Medical Needs

If you have mobility issues or medical equipment:

• Use a wheelchair or mobility aid tag: These are larger and have a wheelchair symbol. They help porters identify and prioritize your bags.
• Label medical equipment clearly: Use a red tag or sticker that says “MEDICAL” to ensure it’s handled carefully.
• Contact Guest Services in advance: They can arrange for your bags to be delivered first or kept in a secure area.

Cruise Critic and Travel Agent Tips

Frequent cruisers and travel agents often share these insider tips:

• Arrive early: The earlier you drop your bags, the less chance of a mix-up.
• Take a photo of your bag: If there’s a dispute, a photo helps prove ownership.
• Use a TSA-approved lock: It keeps your bag secure but allows security to open it if needed.

Data Table: Princess Luggage Tag Features and Recommendations

Feature	Provided by Princess?	Recommendation	Notes
Official luggage tags	Yes (via eDocs or mail)	Use them as the primary tag	Includes name, booking, stateroom
Tag material	Plastic-coated paper	Laminator or sleeve for protection	Not waterproof—protect from rain
String attachment	Yes (with tag)	Replace with zip tie if weak	String can break during transit
Color coding	Yes (by port/ship)	Helps with identification	Use matching ribbon for visibility
Backup tagging	No	Add personal tag with contact info	Use clear sleeve to avoid blocking
Special needs tags	Yes (request in advance)	Contact Guest Services	For wheelchairs, medical gear, etc.

So, does Princess Cruise Lines provide luggage tags? Absolutely. And they’re a smart, reliable system that works well—if you use them correctly. The key is preparation: print or receive your tags early, attach them securely, and add a personal touch to avoid mix-ups. Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a large group, taking a few extra minutes to label your bags can save you hours of stress later.

Remember, the goal is to start your cruise relaxed and ready to enjoy the journey. Don’t let a missing tag or a delayed suitcase steal your vacation vibe. With the right approach, your luggage will follow you smoothly from curb to cabin—and you’ll be free to focus on what really matters: the open sea, great food, and unforgettable moments. Happy cruising!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Lines provide luggage tags for passengers?

Yes, Princess Cruise Lines provides complimentary luggage tags to all passengers before and during embarkation. You’ll typically receive them via email before your cruise or at the port check-in counter.

When do I receive the Princess Cruise Lines luggage tags?

Luggage tags are usually emailed to you 7–10 days before your sailing, allowing you to print and attach them at home. Physical tags are also available at the terminal if you miss the digital ones.

Can I print my own Princess Cruise luggage tags?

Absolutely! Princess Cruise Lines sends printable luggage tags in your pre-cruise documents. Just download, print, and secure them to your bags using the provided ties or straps.

What do I do if I didn’t get my Princess Cruise luggage tags?

If you don’t receive your luggage tags by departure day, visit the luggage tag desk at the cruise terminal. Staff will print and assist you with tagging your bags on-site.

Are Princess Cruise Lines luggage tags required?

Yes, using the official Princess Cruise luggage tags ensures your bags are delivered to the correct stateroom. Without them, your luggage may be delayed or misplaced during embarkation.

Can I reuse my Princess Cruise luggage tags for future sailings?

Princess Cruise luggage tags are designed for single use and include voyage-specific details. You’ll receive new tags for each cruise to ensure accuracy and tracking.