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Spontaneous travelers just got a new reason to keep a bag half packed. Princess Cruises introduced a standby program promising a similar standby deal to the one offered by sister cruise line Holland America Line.
If you live close to a cruise home port and can travel without much notice, you can now score a lower-priced standby fare on a last-minute Princess cruise. Princess’ new standby program gives cruisers a chance at discounted fares on select sailings if they're willing to wait to have their booking confirmed seven to two days before the cruise departs.
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How Princess Cruises’ Standby Program works
Princess Cruises’ standby program is available on select sailings from four departure ports:
- Los Angeles
- Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
- Port Canaveral, Fla.
- Seattle
Related: Port Canaveral reveals $175M cruise terminal, parking upgrades
Signing up isn’t as simple as clicking “book now,” though. Travelers must do some advanced planning to first select an eligible sailing from one of the four participating standby ports, then call a dedicated reservations line to join the sailing's standby list.
From there, it’s a waiting game. Princess reviews availability and reaches out by email or phone if you’re confirmed to set sail within a window of seven to two days before departure. Cruisers are encouraged to complete online check-in immediately after joining the standby list to ensure their contact information is up to date.
Princess Cruises standby fares vary by port and category
Pricing for Princess’ standby reduced fares varies by home port and stateroom category, with taxes and fees included in the rates.
For Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Los Angeles departures:
- Inside and oceanview staterooms — rates start at $79 per passenger per day
- Balcony staterooms — rates start at $99 per passenger per day
- Across any category, third and fourth guests in the stateroom pay just $29 per passenger per day.
Related: Before You Set Sail: What to Know About Getting Through Port Everglades
For Seattle departures:
- Inside and oceanview staterooms — rates start at $119 per passenger per day
- Balcony staterooms — $199 per passenger per day
- Across any category, third and fourth guests in the stateroom pay $49 per passenger per day.
Payment must be made at the time you join the standby list. If your cabin isn’t confirmed, you’ll receive a full refund later. If you sign up for a balcony cabin and one isn’t available, Princess may offer you an inside or oceanview stateroom at a reduced rate. If you only want to sail in a balcony cabin, you can decline that offer and receive a full refund.
What to know before joining Princess Cruises’ standby list
Make sure you understand the fine print before you call to join the standby list and provide your payment.
Travelers must be at least 21 years old to join the standby list, and the program is intended for travelers who live within driving distance of the departure port. You could receive your confirmation as little as 48 hours prior to departure so you need to be ready to sail.
Once confirmed, there’s no backing out for a refund. If you decide not to sail or don’t make it to the port, you will not be eligible for a refund.
Related: Don't make this mistake when traveling to your embarkation port
On the flip side, if you aren’t confirmed by 48 hours before the sailing departs, the standby booking is canceled and you’ll receive a full refund.
A few other details worth noting:
- Standby fares are based on double occupancy, and a 200% single supplement applies to solo travelers.
- The program can’t be combined with other offers or Princess Vacation Protection.
- Crew appreciation gratuities of $18 per person per day will be automatically added to your onboard account if you sail.
- Passengers also can’t select or request a specific stateroom location — assignments are automatic and based on leftover inventory.
“If cabin selection is important to you, it may not be for you,” said Postcard Travel Planning Co-owner Dennis Post. “It can work well for people traveling alone or couples who don’t care where they end up and cabin selection doesn’t matter.”
Is joining a standby list for a Princess cruise worth it?
Cruising on standby is one legitimate way to find a low cruise fare — no bogus $99 cruise asterisks — just a real trade-off between flexibility and price.
Here’s how to know if Princess Cruises’ standby program is right for you:
- You live near Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Los Angeles, or Seattle
- You can drop everything to cruise on short notice
- You aren’t particular about cabin location
Related: Free port service makes Alaska cruise disembarkation day easier
Anyone ready to explore options to get a deal on a cruise — standby, last-minute, or otherwise — should consider working with a travel agent who helps cruisers weigh flexible-fare strategies against the itineraries and cabin categories that matter most to them.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at [email protected] or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
