The Passport Pal · Printing Guide
Everything you need to know — from home printing hacks to professional options — so your journal is ready before you sail.
✦ Bottom Line Up Front
Our recommendation: FedEx Office or Staples, color printing, spiral bound, 32lb paper. It takes about 10–15 minutes in-store and costs roughly $8–15 depending on your page count. Order at least 2–3 days before you sail — same day is usually available but don't cut it close!
✦ First Things First
Your Passport Pal journal was designed to be printed at home on a standard printer — and it works great that way. But if you want it to feel like a real keepsake your kids will treasure forever, professional printing is worth every penny.
Home Printing
Free (cost of ink + paper). Totally works. Best if you're printing last-minute or want to keep it simple.
Professional Printing
$8–20 depending on pages and binding. Colors pop more, paper feels better, kids love it more.
Order 2–3 Days Early
Same-day is usually available in-store, but give yourself a buffer. Don't print the night before you sail.
Always Print Color
The journal is designed in full color. B&W works as a budget option but the maps and activities lose some magic.
✦ Important
This is the one thing that trips people up, so pay attention! When printing a booklet (saddle stitch or stapled), your total page count must be divisible by 4. Everything we make — the free journal and all Port Packs — is already designed to meet this requirement.
The Dolphin Encounter, Waterpark Day, and Beach Day add-ons are designed as standalone inserts — they're not divisible by 4 on their own. Here's the easy fix:
Print 2 extra pages from your free journal (we recommend the "My Cruise Memories" or "Things I Want to Remember" pages) and add them to the end of your add-on before binding. This brings your total to a multiple of 4 and your printer will be happy.
If you're printing loose pages or spiral bound, this doesn't apply — you can print any number of pages.
✦ Where to Go
These three are the most widely available and easiest to use for self-service or counter printing. All accept PDF uploads online or in-store.
| Where | Cost (color) | Lead Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx Office Our Pick | $0.39–0.49/page | Same day in-store | Quality + binding options. Staff can help. Upload online or walk in. |
| Staples | $0.39–0.55/page | Same day in-store | Widely available. Self-serve kiosks make it fast. Good spiral binding. |
| Walgreens Budget | $0.29–0.39/page | 1 hour in-store | Cheapest option. Limited binding but great for loose pages or home assembly. |
💡 Pro tip: Upload your PDF online the night before and pick it up in the morning. FedEx Office and Staples both have online upload portals that are easy to use.
✦ Step by Step
✦ Binding Options
This is where it gets fun. Each option gives a different feel — here's how to choose.
Loose Pages
Free (just print)
Easiest option. Great if your kids want to slide pages into a binder or folder. No page count rule required.
Saddle Stitch
~$2–4 extra
Stapled down the middle like a real magazine. Feels the most like a proper journal. Requires pages divisible by 4.
Spiral Bound
~$4–8 extra
Lies flat when open — great for kids writing at a table or on the ship. Any page count works. Our top pick.
Perfect Bound
~$8–15 extra
Glued spine like a paperback book. Looks impressive. Great for longer journals. Available at FedEx Office.
Hardcover
~$20–35
The ultimate keepsake. Your kids will never throw this away. Order online via FedEx Office or Shutterfly.
✦ Paper Recommendations
Standard printer paper works fine, but heavier paper makes a noticeable difference — especially if your kids will be coloring or writing a lot.
✦ Timing
Upload online, choose all your options, pick it up a few days later. Zero stress. Time to check pages are in the right order before you pack.
Plenty of time for same-day in-store printing. Upload the night before, pick up the next morning.
Totally doable. Go in person to the self-serve kiosk. Bring your file on your phone or a USB drive. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Some Staples and FedEx Office locations open early. Self-serve kiosks are your best friend. The ship also has a business center if you're really in a pinch — though it's expensive.
✦ DIY Option
Home printing is completely valid — especially if you're short on time or just want a quick run before a test cruise. Here are the things that make the biggest difference.
Print on the highest quality setting your printer has — usually "Best" or "Photo" mode
Use 28lb or 32lb paper if you have it — it makes a huge difference over regular copy paper
Print a test page first to check color accuracy and alignment before printing the whole journal
Let pages dry for a few minutes before stacking — especially if using an inkjet printer
Use a three-hole punch and a binder for easy assembly that kids can help with
A stapled corner or binder clip works great if you're keeping it simple — don't overthink it
Start with the free journal, then add the port packs for your exact cruise stops. Print-ready PDFs delivered instantly.
Build My Journal →