Everything You Need to Know About Princess Cruises as a Travel Agent 2025
Imagine you're helping your clients plan their dream vacation, and they want something special. Not too wild, not too stuffy, but just right. That's where Princess Cruises comes in, and honestly, if you're not selling Princess yet, you're leaving serious money on the table!
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Princess Cruises as a travel agent! We're talking commission structures, booking tools, training programs, insider tips, and all those little details that'll help you close more sales and keep your clients coming back for more. Whether you're brand new to the cruise game or you've been booking for years, this guide's got you covered!
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Why Princess Cruises Should Be Part of Your Portfolio
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why Princess matters for your travel business.
Princess Cruises isn't just another cruise line. They're one of the top players in the industry, known for hitting that sweet spot between luxury and accessibility. Their fleet of 17 ships visits over 330 ports across all seven continents, which means you've got tons of options for different client types.
Here's what makes Princess special for us agents: they actually support the trade. While some cruise lines have tried to cut out travel agents, Princess doubled their base commission back in 2013 and continues to invest heavily in agent support programs. They know that we're the ones connecting them with customers, and they reward us for it.
The demographic is perfect too. Princess attracts mostly passengers over 50, but you'll find all ages onboard, especially during school breaks and on Alaska sailings. These aren't spring breakers looking for the cheapest party cruise – they're quality clients who appreciate good service and often book multiple cruises per year.
Getting Started: Registration and Requirements
So you want to start selling Princess? The good news is that getting set up is pretty straightforward.
What You Need
First things first – you need to be affiliated with a host agency that has a CLIA number and IATA accreditation. If you're already working with a host agency, they'll handle most of the registration process. If you're going independent, you'll need to establish your own agency credentials first.
Princess works exclusively through their OneSource platform, which is their travel agent portal. You can't just walk up and start booking as an individual – you need that agency connection.
Registering with Princess
Once you've got your agency credentials, head over to OneSourceCruises.com to register. You'll need your agency CLIA number, contact information, and basic business details. The registration is free, which is awesome – no membership fees or monthly charges just to access their system.
After registration, you'll get access to POLAR Online, which is Princess's booking system. This is where all the magic happens – searching availability, booking clients, managing reservations, and tracking your commissions.
Understanding Princess Cruises Commission Structure
Let's talk money, because that's what really matters, right?
Base Commission Rates
Princess typically pays between 10% to 16% commission on the cruise fare, depending on various factors. The exact percentage can vary based on your agency's volume, the type of booking, and current promotions. Some high-volume agencies negotiate better rates, so if you're with a larger host, you might see higher splits.
Important note: commissions are calculated on the commissionable fare, not the total price. Princess deducts non-commissionable fees (NCFs) like port charges, taxes, and government fees before calculating your commission.
When You Get Paid
Princess is one of the cruise lines that committed to paying commission upon final payment, not after the client sails. Typically, you'll receive your commission within 16 days after final payment posts. This is way better than some lines that make you wait until after the cruise happens.
Bonus Commission Opportunities
Here's where things get interesting. CLIA members can earn an extra $50 per stateroom bonus commission when booking oceanview cabins or higher on cruises that are seven days or longer. You just need to submit the coupon (digital or from the CLIA booklet) at least 10 days before sailing.
Princess also runs periodic commission promotions where you can earn 11% to 15% instead of the standard rate. Keep an eye on your OneSource dashboard for these limited-time offers.
The Princess Academy
If you want to really crush it with Princess sales, you need to become a Commodore.
What Is Princess Academy?
Princess Academy is their free online training program that takes you from beginner to expert level. The training is divided into four tiers: First Officer, Staff Captain, Captain, and Commodore.
You'll complete courses covering everything from ship features and destinations to sales techniques and the MedallionClass technology. Each course takes about 15-20 minutes, followed by a short quiz.
Why Bother with the Training?
Besides becoming smarter about the product, completing the Commodore level unlocks some seriously awesome perks:
A FREE graduation cruise for you and a guest (just pay taxes and port fees)
Elite status in Princess's Captain's Circle loyalty program while onboard
Priority placement in Princess's travel agent locator
A professional certificate and digital marketing kit
Continuing education credits from The Travel Institute, ACTA, and CLIA
Annual $50 onboard credit for completing refresher courses
That free cruise alone is worth thousands of dollars. You get to experience Princess firsthand, which makes selling so much easier when you can say "I was just on the Regal Princess last month and..."
How Long Does It Take?
Most agents complete the Commodore training in 2-4 weeks if they're working on it regularly. You need to finish 25 courses total – a mix of required and elective topics. The final exam has some tricky questions, but if you've been paying attention to the material, you'll pass no problem. You need a 70% or higher to pass.
Mastering POLAR Online
POLAR Online is Princess's booking engine, and getting comfortable with it is essential.
Key Features
POLAR lets you search availability, book new reservations, manage existing bookings, add services, process payments, and print documents. The interface is pretty intuitive once you spend some time clicking around.
You can search by ship, departure date, destination, or port. The system shows real-time availability and pricing, including current promotions. When you find what works for your client, booking is just a few clicks.
Managing Bookings
After booking, you can access the reservation through the "Manage Booking" section. Here you can add dining preferences, book shore excursions, request special services like dietary needs or celebration packages, and even upgrade the stateroom if something better becomes available.
One cool feature is the waitlist function. If your client wants a specific cabin category that's sold out, you can add them to the upgrade waitlist. If space opens up, they'll automatically get moved.
Pro Tips for POLAR
Always double-check the passenger information before finalizing. Mistakes in names can cause major headaches later, especially for international cruises where passport info needs to match exactly.
Use the TD (traveling together) codes when booking multiple cabins for a group. This links the reservations and makes managing the group so much easier.
Check the promotion details carefully. Some offers can be combined, others can't. POLAR will usually flag incompatible combinations, but it's better to understand the rules upfront.
Understanding Princess's Fleet and Ships
Princess has one of the most modern fleets in the industry, with ships ranging from mid-size to mega.
Ship Classes
The fleet includes several classes: Sphere Class (the newest and largest), Royal Class (mid-sized), Grand Class, and Coral Class (the oldest and smallest).
The two Sphere Class ships – Sun Princess (2024) and Star Princess (2025) – are the biggest at 177,882 tons carrying 4,300 passengers. These feature the latest technology and innovative spaces like the Dome entertainment venue.
The Royal Class ships (Royal, Regal, Majestic, Sky, Enchanted, and Discovery Princess) are the workhorses of the fleet, each carrying around 3,560-3,660 passengers. These are super popular and offer a great balance of size and amenities.
Which Ship to Recommend?
For clients who want the newest experience with all the bells and whistles, steer them toward Sun or Star Princess.
For Alaska first-timers, Discovery Princess offers fantastic itineraries from Seattle with glacier viewing.
Budget-conscious clients often do better on the older Grand Class ships like Caribbean Princess or Crown Princess. These still offer excellent service and amenities, just not the latest design features.
Key Destinations and Itineraries
Princess operates globally, but they're especially strong in certain markets.
Alaska: Princess's Bread and Butter
Princess dominates the Alaska cruise market along with Holland America (their sister line). They send 5-7 ships to Alaska every summer, which is more than most competitors.
They're one of only a few lines authorized to visit Glacier Bay National Park, which is a huge selling point. Plus, their cruisetours that combine cruising with land travel through Denali are incredibly popular.
When selling Alaska, emphasize Princess's expertise in the region. They own wilderness lodges, operate their own railcars, and have been sailing there for decades.
Europe: Extensive Options
Princess offers around 200+ sailings in Europe each season, covering both Mediterranean and Northern Europe. They have ships based in Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Copenhagen, and Southampton, which gives clients tons of embarkation options.
The Europe season typically runs April through October. Mediterranean cruises visit Italy, Greece, Spain, and the French Riviera. Northern Europe itineraries cover the Baltic, Scandinavia, British Isles, and Iceland.
Caribbean and Mexico
While not Princess's biggest market, they still have solid Caribbean coverage, especially during winter months. Most Caribbean sailings depart from Fort Lauderdale, with some from New York.
The itineraries tend to be longer and more port-intensive compared to lines like Carnival. Princess focuses on the Southern Caribbean and less-visited islands rather than just the Bahamas.
Other Destinations
Princess also sails to Australia/New Zealand, South America, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Japan, and Asia. They even offer full world cruises that circumnavigate the globe, which appeal to retirees with time and money to spend.
MedallionClass Technology
This is one of Princess's biggest differentiators, and you need to understand it to sell effectively.
What Is MedallionClass?
MedallionClass is Princess's technology platform that's available fleetwide. Each guest gets a small wearable device called an OceanMedallion – about the size of a quarter – that acts as their room key, payment method, and location tracker.
The system integrates with the MedallionClass app, which guests use on their phones to navigate the ship, order food and drinks delivered anywhere, book activities, find family members, and more.
Why Clients Love It
The touchless embarkation is huge. Guests who complete their OceanReady steps online can walk straight onto the ship through the "green lane" without waiting in long lines.
The keyless stateroom entry is convenient – the door unlocks as they approach. No fumbling with cards.
Being able to order a cocktail while sitting by the pool and have it delivered to their exact location? That's the kind of service that impresses people.
Explaining It to Clients
Keep it simple. Tell them it's like having a personal concierge in their pocket. Everything they need is available through their phone, and the Medallion makes it all work seamlessly.
Address privacy concerns upfront. The Medallion doesn't store personal information – it just transmits an encrypted ID. The system is secure and exceeds industry standards.
Princess Plus and Princess Premier Packages
These bundled packages are game-changers for both clients and agents.
Princess Plus Package
Princess Plus costs $65 per person per day on most ships ($70 on Sun and Star Princess). This needs to be purchased at least 4 days before sailing – waiting until onboard costs $5 extra per day.
What's included: Plus beverage package (drinks up to $15), single-device WiFi, OceanNow and room service delivery fees waived, four casual dining meals per voyage, and daily crew appreciation (gratuities).
Princess Premier Package
Princess Premier costs $100 per person per day ($105 on Sun and Star Princess).
What's included: Everything from Plus, PLUS unlimited specialty dining, unlimited casual dining, premier beverage package (drinks up to $20), WiFi for four devices, unlimited digital photo downloads with three prints, reserved theater seating, shore excursion credits ($100-$300 depending on cruise length).
Why These Packages Matter
These packages represent a 50-70% savings compared to buying components separately. For most clients who plan to drink alcohol, buy WiFi, and eat at specialty restaurants, Plus or Premier makes total sense.
From a sales perspective, packages increase your commissionable amount. Instead of a client buying just the cruise fare, they're now spending an extra $455-$700 per person (on a 7-day cruise), and you earn commission on that.
When quoting, always present the cruise fare with Plus package as your default option. Position it as the smart choice for hassle-free cruising where they don't have to think about costs onboard.
Group Bookings and Incentives
Groups are where you can really scale your Princess business.
Promotional Group Program
The Promotional Group Program is for groups of 10+ passengers. You get reduced group pricing, the ability to combine group rates with other promotions, and one tour conductor (TC) credit for every 16 full-fare passengers.
TC credits can be used for free staterooms, which you can offer as incentives to group leaders or keep as agency commission. For example, if you book 32 passengers, you get two free cabins.
Celebration Group Program
The Celebration Group Program is designed for special occasions – family reunions, weddings, anniversaries, etc. These groups get one TC credit for every eight staterooms booked, and you can buy down the ratio to 1:7, 1:6, or even 1:5 for larger groups.
Why Book Groups
Groups are easier than they seem. Once you get the first few cabins committed, others usually follow. Family reunions and milestone birthdays are perfect opportunities.
Princess provides co-op advertising support, customizable flyers, and help planning onboard events like private cocktail parties.
The commissions add up fast. A 20-cabin group can easily generate $5,000-$10,000 in commission, plus you get free cabins to work with.
Marketing Support and Resources
Princess wants you to succeed, so they provide tons of marketing materials.
OneSource Marketing Tools
Through the OneSource portal, you can access customizable flyers, social media graphics, email templates, digital logos, photos, and videos.
The materials are professional and co-brandable with your agency name and contact info. Use these for your social media posts, email campaigns, and client presentations.
Business Development Managers
Princess has 31 Business Development Managers (BDMs) covering the US and Canada. These reps work with agencies to provide training, marketing support, and event planning.
Connect with your local BDM. They can help you set up office trainings, provide materials for client events, and answer questions about promotions and pricing.
Co-Op Advertising Program
Princess offers a "generous" co-op program where they'll help fund your advertising efforts. The exact terms vary, but this typically means they'll contribute toward print ads, digital advertising, or event costs.
Talk to your BDM about what's available. Co-op dollars can stretch your marketing budget significantly.
Sales Strategies That Work
Knowing the product is one thing, but actually closing sales is another.
Lead with Value, Not Price
Never just quote a price and wait for a response. Build value first. Talk about the itinerary highlights, the included amenities, the MedallionClass technology, and what makes Princess special.
Use photos and videos when presenting. A picture of a balcony stateroom with the Alaska glacier in the background sells better than any description.
Create Urgency
Limited availability and expiring promotions are your friends. "There are only three cabins left at this price" or "This promotion ends in 48 hours" encourages clients to commit.
Watch for Princess's flash sales and contact your past clients immediately. Being proactive keeps you top-of-mind.
Position Yourself as the Expert
Your Commodore certification matters. Put "Princess Cruises Commodore" in your email signature and on your website. It builds credibility instantly.
Share your personal experiences. If you've taken the graduation cruise or any other Princess sailing, talk about it. "When I was on the Royal Princess last summer..." carries way more weight than generic information.
Use Social Media Effectively
Post about Princess regularly – ship features, destination highlights, promotion announcements, and especially client testimonials.
Photos from your graduation cruise are gold. People want to see real experiences, not just stock marketing photos.
Consider partnering with influencers for group bookings. If they have a decent following, let them lead the group in exchange for their free cabin.
Follow Up Consistently
Don't just book and forget. Check in with clients before final payment, send pre-cruise planning tips, and reach out after they return to get feedback.
The agents who stay in touch are the ones who get repeat bookings and referrals. Email doesn't count as relationship building – pick up the phone sometimes.
Travel Agent Rates and FAMs
One of the best perks of selling Princess is the ability to cruise at reduced rates.
Standard Agent Rates
For every four deposited client bookings you make within 365 days, your agency qualifies for one travel agent rate booking (up to 50 agent bookings per year).
These rates are significantly discounted – you pay approximately the cruise fare at a reduced rate, plus taxes and fees. Exact pricing varies by sailing.
Special Rate Cruises
Princess occasionally offers limited-time special rates where agents can book a balcony stateroom and only pay taxes, fees, and port expenses. These are announced through OneSource, so check regularly.
Seminar at Sea and FAMs
Princess occasionally hosts Seminar at Sea trips and inaugural sailings where agents can experience the ships firsthand. These are usually invite-only through your BDM.
The Commodore graduation cruise is your guaranteed way to get onboard. Once you complete the training, you can choose from multiple sailings to take your free cruise.
Common Challenges and How to Solve Them
Every agent runs into issues. Here's how to handle the most common ones.
Price Shopping Clients
Some clients will ask you to quote a cruise, then book directly online or through another agent for a tiny difference. This is frustrating but manageable.
Combat this by adding value beyond price. Offer perks like onboard credit when possible, emphasize your expertise and personal service, and explain that you'll be their advocate if anything goes wrong.
Confusing Promotion Rules
Princess promotions can be complicated – some stack, some don't, some have blackout dates. If you're not sure, use Partner Support or ask in agent Facebook groups. Never guess.
When quoting clients, screenshot the exact promotion terms and save them. This covers you if there's a dispute later.
Changes and Cancellations
Clients change their minds, and sometimes Princess changes itineraries or policies. Stay calm and communicate clearly.
Use the Manage Booking function in POLAR for most changes. For complex situations, call Partner Support directly. They're there to help, and they'd rather you call than make a mistake.
Technology Overwhelm
POLAR, OneSource Academy, the MedallionClass app – there's a lot to learn. Take it one step at a time.
Start with the basics: search, book, manage reservation. Then expand to more advanced features. Watch the training videos Princess provides – they're actually helpful.
Comparing Princess to Other Cruise Lines
Your clients will ask how Princess compares to Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and others.
Princess vs Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean ships are generally larger and more activity-focused with features like rock climbing walls, water slides, and robot bartenders. Princess is more refined and relaxed.
For younger families and thrill-seekers, recommend Royal Caribbean. For couples, mature travelers, and those who value service over activities, Princess is the better fit.
Princess vs Carnival
Carnival is budget-friendly and party-oriented – think loud, fun, casual.
Princess offers better overall value when you factor in the Plus and Premier packages. Carnival's add-ons can actually cost more than Princess's bundled options.
Recommend Carnival for younger crowds and budget-conscious travelers. Princess appeals to those willing to pay a bit more for a calmer, more sophisticated experience.
Princess vs Holland America
Holland America is Princess's sister line, and they're actually pretty similar. HAL skews slightly older and more traditional, with smaller ships.
Both have excellent food and service. Holland America has stronger culinary partnerships, while Princess has more modern ships and better technology.
The decision often comes down to itinerary and ship availability more than major differences in experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a Princess Cruises certified agent?
Register through OneSource with your agency credentials, then complete the Princess Academy training through Commodore level. The training is free and takes most agents 2-4 weeks to finish. You'll get a certificate, marketing materials, and a free graduation cruise.
What commission does Princess pay travel agents?
Base commission typically ranges from 10-16% on the commissionable cruise fare (after non-commissionable fees are deducted). CLIA members can earn bonus $50 per stateroom on oceanview or higher cabins on cruises 7+ days. Commission is paid approximately 16 days after final payment.
Do I need to pay to access Princess's booking system?
No, registration and access to OneSource and POLAR Online are completely free. You just need to be affiliated with a host agency that has proper credentials.
How long does it take to get paid after my client's cruise?
Princess pays commission within 16 days after your client makes final payment, not after they sail. Final payment is typically due 90 days before departure.
Can I book Princess cruises for myself at agent rates?
Yes, once you meet the requirements (typically 4 client bookings in the past year), you can book agent rate cruises for yourself. The Commodore graduation cruise is free after completing training.
What's the difference between Princess Plus and Princess Premier?
Princess Plus ($65/day) includes basic drinks up to $15, single device WiFi, four casual dining meals, and gratuities. Princess Premier ($100/day) adds unlimited specialty dining, drinks up to $20, four-device WiFi, photo package, and shore excursion credits. Both save 50-70% versus buying separately.
How do I handle a client who found a cheaper price online?
Explain the value you provide – expert advice, personal service, problem-solving if issues arise, and possible perks like onboard credit. Many "cheaper" prices don't include the Plus package or have hidden fees. Position yourself as their advocate, not just a booking service.
What age group typically cruises with Princess?
The average Princess passenger is around 55 years old, though you'll find all ages onboard. Summer Alaska cruises and school break itineraries attract more families. Caribbean and longer voyages tend toward retirees.
How does Princess's MedallionClass technology work?
Each guest gets a quarter-sized wearable device (the OceanMedallion) that serves as their room key, payment method, and location tracker. Combined with the mobile app, it enables touchless boarding, keyless cabin entry, on-demand food/drink delivery, ship navigation, and personalized experiences.
What destinations is Princess best known for?
Princess dominates Alaska cruising with 5-7 ships deployed there each summer and exclusive Glacier Bay access. They're also very strong in Europe with 200+ sailings, plus solid offerings in Australia/New Zealand, Japan, Caribbean, and Panama Canal.
Can I book group cruises with Princess?
Yes, Princess has two group programs: Promotional Groups (10+ passengers) and Celebration Groups (for special occasions). Groups receive reduced pricing, one tour conductor credit per 8-16 staterooms depending on program, and access to marketing support.
What support does Princess provide travel agents?
Princess offers OneSource Academy training, POLAR Online booking system, 31 Business Development Managers across North America, customizable marketing materials, co-op advertising funding, Partner Support phone/email help, and periodic seminar at sea FAM trips.
Final Thoughts
Okay, so where do you go from here?
If you're serious about selling Princess Cruises, here's your step-by-step action plan:
This Week: Register on OneSource if you haven't already. Get your login credentials sorted out and familiarize yourself with the dashboard. Spend an hour clicking around POLAR Online to see how searches and bookings work.
This Month: Start the Princess Academy training. Aim to complete at least one course per day. The content is actually interesting, and remember – there's a free cruise waiting at the end.
Within 90 Days: Reach Commodore status and book your graduation cruise. Take your spouse, friend, or even a top client. Experience Princess firsthand so you can sell with confidence.
Ongoing: Market Princess consistently. Post on social media, email your database when promotions drop, and proactively reach out to past clients about booking their next cruise. The agents who succeed are the ones who stay visible.
Princess Cruises represents a fantastic opportunity for travel agents. They've got the product, the support, the technology, and the commission structure to help you build a profitable cruise business. The key is to invest time in learning the brand, earning your Commodore certification, and consistently putting yourself in front of potential clients!
The cruising industry continues to grow, and clients increasingly value the expertise and service that travel agents provide. Position yourself as the Princess expert in your market, and you'll have clients seeking you out rather than the other way around.
Now get out there and start booking some Princess cruises. Your clients are waiting for their next vacation, and those commissions aren't going to earn themselves. You've got all the information you need – time to put it into action and watch your Princess sales take off!
