Print your luggage tags at home before you board

Princess Cruise Line lets you print your own luggage tags at home instead of waiting in line at the terminal. You read a PDF file from your Princess account, print it on regular paper, cut out the tags, and attach them to your bags with the string or tape provided. This takes about 10 minutes and saves time on embarkation day.

You can print tags starting about 30 days before your sailing date. The tags must be attached to your luggage before you hand your bags to the porter at check-in — the crew scans them to route your bags to your cabin.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your Princess Cruises account online and go to the "Manage My Booking" section to find the luggage tag read link.
  • Tags become available roughly 30 days before your departure date, though the exact timing depends on your specific sailing.
  • Print the PDF on standard 8.5-by-11-inch white paper, cut along the dotted lines, and use the provided string or clear tape to find each tag to a bag handle or corner.
  • Attach tags to all checked luggage before you arrive at the terminal, and keep one tag with your cabin number visible on the outside of each bag.

Log into your Princess account and find the booking

Go to www.princess.com and click "Sign In" in the top right corner. Enter your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one by clicking "Register" — you will need your booking number and last name.

Once you are logged in, look for "Manage My Booking" or "My Cruises" in the main menu. Click on the cruise you are sailing on. The page will show your itinerary, cabin assignment, and dining details. Scroll down until you see a section labeled "Luggage Tags" or "Print Luggage Tags" — this link appears once your sailing is within the 30-day window.

If you do not see the luggage tag link yet, your sailing date may be more than 30 days away. Check back in a few days, or contact Princess customer service at 1-800-PRINCESS if your departure is within 30 days and the link is still missing.

read and print the PDF file

Click the luggage tag link and a PDF file will open in your browser. The file contains one tag per page, with your cabin number, ship name, and sailing date already filled in. You will see a dotted line around each tag showing where to cut.

Click the printer icon or press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Command+P (Mac) to open the print dialog. Make sure your printer is set to print on standard 8.5-by-11-inch white paper — do not use cardstock or colored paper, as the crew's scanners read the barcode more reliably on plain white. Print all the tags you need. Most cabins need one tag per bag, so if you are checking three suitcases, print three tags.

Let the paper dry for a few seconds after printing, then use scissors or a paper cutter to cut along the dotted lines. Stack the cut tags in a safe place until you pack.

Attach tags to each piece of luggage

Each printed tag has a small hole punched at the top. Thread the provided string through the hole and tie it securely to a bag handle, or use clear packing tape to attach the tag flat to the outside of your luggage. The tag must be visible and not folded or bent — the crew will scan the barcode at check-in.

Attach one tag to each bag you plan to check. If you are bringing a carry-on bag that you will keep with you in your cabin, you do not need a tag for it. Make sure the cabin number on the tag faces outward so it is straightforward to read.

Double-check that the barcode is not creased, wet, or covered by tape. If a tag gets damaged before you board, you can print a replacement from your account or ask for one at the terminal.

What to do if you cannot print at home

If you do not have a printer or prefer not to print ahead of time, Princess will provide luggage tags at the terminal on embarkation day. You will fill them out by hand and attach them yourself — this takes longer than having them pre-printed, especially during busy boarding times.

Some travel agents and cruise forums report that pre-printed tags can occasionally be scanned incorrectly if the barcode is smudged or the tag is folded. If this happens, the crew will manually route your bag using the cabin number written on the tag, so your luggage will still reach your cabin, though it may arrive later than usual.

Timing and what happens next

Bring your tagged luggage to the porter stand when you arrive at the terminal. The porter will scan each tag and load your bags onto a cart. Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin between 1 and 2 hours after you board, depending on how busy the ship is that day.

If your bags do not arrive by early evening, contact guest services from your cabin phone. They can track your luggage using the barcode and tell you where it is. Bags occasionally get routed to the wrong deck if the tag was not scanned clearly, but guest services can locate them quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print luggage tags more than 30 days before my cruise?

No, the read link does not appear in your account until roughly 30 days before your sailing date. If your departure is more than 30 days away, check back later. The exact timing varies by sailing, so if you are close to 30 days out and the link is not there yet, try again in a few days.

What if I lose a printed tag before I board?

You can log back into your account and print a replacement tag. Bring the new tag with you to the terminal. If you have already boarded and lost a tag, tell guest services your cabin number and they can print one for you onboard.

Do I need to print tags for carry-on luggage?

No. Luggage tags are only for bags you check with the porter. Carry-on bags that you keep in your cabin do not need tags. If you are unsure whether a bag will be checked or carried on, it is safe to print a tag for it anyway — you straightforward will not use it.

What if the barcode on my tag does not scan at check-in?

The crew can manually enter your cabin number from the printed text on the tag, so your bag will still be routed to your cabin. Scanning just speeds up the process. If a barcode is damaged, ask the porter for a blank tag and write your cabin number on it by hand.

Can I print tags on colored paper or cardstock?

Plain white paper works best because the barcode scanners at the terminal are calibrated for standard white backgrounds. Colored paper or cardstock may not scan reliably. Stick with regular printer paper if you can.