Some Princess Cruises ships do have built-in nightlights, usually motion-activated lights placed near the bed or in the bathroom area. These small lights are intended to help guests navigate the cabin safely in the dark without turning on the main overhead lights. On many ships, the floor near the bed will softly illuminate when someone gets up at night, and some bathrooms have a similar feature that activates when movement is detected.
Guests have mixed feelings about these lights. Many passengers appreciate the convenience, especially in unfamiliar cabins where finding the bathroom at night can be disorienting. Others find the motion sensors overly sensitive and say the lights switch on too often when someone turns over in bed or moves slightly. If this happens, the glow can feel disruptive rather than helpful.
If the motion-activated nightlight becomes bothersome, you can ask your stateroom attendant to cover it, or you can cover the sensor yourself using a bandage, tape, or a small piece of paper. Some travelers block it with a pillow or suitcase if it is positioned near the floor. Crew members are used to this request and will not think twice about adjusting it for you.
If you cannot confirm whether your particular ship or cabin has these lights, you may want to bring a small, magnetic, battery-powered nightlight. Many cruisers use magnetic lights because Princess cabins have metal walls, making it easy to mount them wherever you like. A motion-activated model works best when placed high on the wall or on the ceiling near the bathroom, rather than close to the bed. Placing it too close to your sleeping area can cause it to activate every time someone moves, waking light sleepers.
For families with young children or anyone with mobility concerns, having a subtle source of light at night can make the cabin feel safer and less disorienting. Whether you use the ship’s built-in lights or bring a small one from home, a soft low light can help everyone sleep better without fumbling for switches in the dark.
Overall, nightlight features vary by ship and cabin, so it is best not to assume that one will be provided. Fortunately, it is easy to adjust what is there or to bring a small solution that works for your family.
