Travel light with Princess luggage valet

Any service reducing the hassle-factor of air travel is a welcome one, so we're happy to hear about Princess Cruises' new luggage valet service where you can ship your bags from your home to your stateroom aboard ship. No more schlepping your stuff through long airport and customs lines. And no risk of needing to pay the ever-increasing array of luggage charges being tacked on by airlines world-wide.

The service will only be available for European cruises at first, beginning aboard Grand Princess on May 14, Emerald Princess on May 17, Star Princess on May 22, and Royal Princess on June 1. The program will be expanded to other destinations later in the year. Shipping is provided by DHL.

"Luggage valet represents the ultimate luxury for travelers who hate lugging their own suitcases through airport congestion and customs," explained Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "And it's a great option for passengers who're extending their pre- or post-voyage travels so they won't have to carry their cruise luggage with them on land."