Guides
Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle: Loyalty Tiers and Perks
The Points Guy breaks down the Princess Cruises loyalty program, from the Gold tier’s early booking discounts to Elite status’s free laundry service.
The Points Guy reports that Princess Cruises’ Captain’s Circle loyalty program has four tiers: Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite. Members earn one cruise credit per sailing and one cruise day per day on board. Suite guests and solo travelers paying the single supplement earn double cruise credits but not extra cruise days.
To reach Gold, you need just one cruise. Ruby requires three typical seven-night sailings or one cruise of 30 days or longer. Platinum takes five standard cruises or a single sailing of 50 nights or more. Elite status requires 15 seven-night cruises, eight suite sailings, or 150 cruise days (as few as two long voyages).
The Points Guy notes that the program’s benefits are modest compared to rivals such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. There is no free cruise or onboard credit at the top tier. However, status is permanent once earned; there is no annual requalification.
Gold tier benefits
Gold members get Preferential Pricing Offers on select sailings and early booking discounts called Captain’s Circle Launch Savings, according to The Points Guy.
Ruby tier benefits
Ruby adds a dedicated shoreside help desk phone line available in the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand. No other new perks.
Platinum tier benefits
The Points Guy says Platinum is where the program becomes worthwhile. Perks include early access to dining reservations and a 50% discount on length-of-cruise internet packages (a 2021 change replaced a set number of free minutes). There is also a 10% discount on onboard spa treatments and photo services.
Elite tier benefits
Elite members get everything below plus complimentary laundry (excluding same-day service), priority check-in and boarding, a 10% discount on Princess shore excursions, and discounts at The Shops of Princess. The spa and shore excursion discounts cannot be combined with other promotions, The Points Guy notes.
How to track your status
Members can register for a My Princess account to view cruise history and benefits. When booking, include your Captain’s Circle number so sailings are credited.
The Points Guy concludes that while the program isn’t as generous as some competitors, the top tiers do offer solid perks for frequent cruisers, particularly discounted internet and free laundry.
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