Princess Cruises rewards guests through its loyalty program, Captain’s Circle.
Captain’s Circle members receive perks based on their status level. The more you cruise with Princess, the more points you earn. You’ll climb the four-tier ranks until you reach Elite status as you accumulate points.
Unlike other cruise lines, Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle doesn’t offer a free cruise for its highest tier members. Further, the program doesn’t offer many exciting perks.
However, the program is free to join. As a member, you’ll receive perks after the first princess cruise. Whether you’re a long-time Princess cruiser or planning your first sailing with the cruise line, here’s everything you need to know about the Captain’s Circle program.
Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle Basics
Princess Cruises’ loyalty program, Captain’s Circle, rewards loyal guests with perks and benefits for sailing with the cruise line.
Passengers are automatically enrolled after the first cruise with Princess.
The tier loyalty program rewards passengers based on their tier level. The more you cruise, the more points you earn. You’ll climb the tier ladder and receive more perks as you accumulate points.
The Captain’s Circle program rewards guests after their first cruise with basic rewards. Although the perks are minimal initially, you’ll reap the rewards as you reach higher tier levels.
However, unlike other cruise line loyalty programs, Princess Cruises doesn’t reward members with a free cruise upon reaching the highest tier.
Ways to Earn Points
Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle program is unique in that there are two tracks. And each track allows you to rise through the status tiers.
The Captain’s Circle loyalty program has four membership levels determined by either cruise credits or cruise days, whichever is higher.
- Cruise credits are earned for each cruise you complete. You’ll earn double credits when you sail in a full suite or as single occupancy.
- Cruise days are earned for every night you spend on a Princess cruise ship.
So, on a 7-night cruise in a balcony cabin, you’ll earn seven cruise days and one cruise credit. You’ll earn seven cruise days and two cruise credits if you sail the same 7-night cruise in a full suite.
Tip: Your Captain’s Circle membership level is determined by either cruise credits or cruise days. You don’t have to fulfill both requirements to advance to the next membership level.
Keep Track of Your Points
You can keep track of your Captain’s Circle program status and points in your My Princess account.
Simply log in and navigate to “My Profile.” You can visit “Cruise History” to see your past cruises, cruise credits, and cruise days.
Captain’s Circle Tiers and Benefits
Captain’s Circle has four membership levels:
- Gold (after your first completed cruise)
- Ruby (4 or 5 cruise credits, or 31 to 50 cruise days)
- Platinum (6 to 15 cruise credits, or 51 to 150 cruise days)
- Elite (16+ cruise credits, or 151+ cruise days)
Gold (after your first completed cruise)
Similar to loyalty programs offered by other cruise lines, there aren’t many benefits at the lowest tier. Our favorite gold level benefit is the preferential pricing offers which provide exclusive discounts and savings for program members.
- Captain’s Circle Launch Savings and Reduced Deposits
- Preferential Pricing Offers
- Exclusive Access to Member-Only Onboard Events
- Access to a Captain’s Circle Host on every ship
- Quarterly Issues of Circle Magazine
- Gold Member Recognition Pin
Ruby (4 or 5 cruise credits, or 31 to 50 cruise days)
Upon becoming a Ruby member, you’ll receive a few more perks. However, there isn’t much that gets us too excited. Besides the new recognition pin and Captain’s Circle helpline, Ruby members receive a Princess Platinum Vacation Protection upgrade when they purchase travel insurance.
Although the upgraded travel protection is a nice benefit, we prefer policies purchased through third-party insurers. These travel insurance providers often provide better coverage and cover a broader range of mishaps.
- All Gold Rewards (except Gold recognition pin)
- Princess Platinum Protection Upgrade (Platinum-level coverage at standard-coverage price)
- Access to the Captain’s Circle Phone Line
- Ruby Member Recognition Pin
Platinum (6 to 15 cruise credits, or 51 to 150 cruise days)
Upon reaching the platinum level, you’ll receive some modest rewards, including priority check-in and discounts on internet, spa, and photo packages.
Priority check-in is our favorite platinum member perk as it allows members to board quicker and avoid the long lineups during embarkation.
- All Gold and Ruby Rewards (except Gold and Ruby recognition pins)
- 50% Off MedallionNet Internet Package
- 10% Off Spa Treatments
- 10% Off Photos and Photo Packages
- Early Access to Dine My Way Reservations
- Priority Boarding
- Exclusive Access to the Platinum and Elite Lounge
Elite (16+ cruise credits, or 151+ cruise days)
The program’s biggest drawback is the lack of exciting perks, even at the highest level. Princess Cruises’ loyalty program is one of the few that don’t include a free cruise upon reaching the highest tier.
Still, there are a few good perks that elite status members receive. In addition to discounts on shore excursions and onboard shops, elite members receive complimentary afternoon tea, laundry service, and wine tasting.
- All Gold, Ruby, and Platinum Rewards (except Gold, Ruby, and Platinum recognition pins)
- Exclusive Access to View and Book New Itineraries
- Priority Tendering (where available)
- 10% Discount in The Shops of Princess
- 10% Discount on Shore Excursions
- Complimentary Shoe Polishing
- Complimentary Laundry Service
- Complimentary Grapevine Wine Tasting Event
- Complimentary Mini-Bar Setup (including liquor, soft drinks, beer, and water)
- Complimentary In-Stateroom Afternoon Tea
- Deluxe Canape Selection on Formal Nights
- Upgraded Bathroom Amenities
- Elite Member Recognition Pin
Final Thoughts
The cruise line offers a handful of good perks once members reach platinum or elite status. However, their loyalty program is not nearly as robust as other mainstream cruise lines.
As long-time Princess cruisers, it’s hard to admit that Princess’ Captain’s Circle is a bit disappointing. Further, their two-credit stream approach adds an unnecessary confusion for Captain’s Circle members.
That said, the program is free to join. And members begin receiving benefits after their first cruise. If you sail on Princess Cruises, their Captain’s Circle loyalty program is worth looking at.
FAQ’s
How Do I Enroll in Captain’s Circle?
To enroll in Captain’s Circle, you’ll have to sign up for an account on Princess Cruises’ website. After completing your first cruise, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the loyalty program and on your way to earning points.
Do My Travel Companions Share My Membership Benefits?
No. Perks are awarded to individual passengers based on their membership level. However, up to three people sharing your stateroom can join you in the Disembarkation lounge.
Do Captain’s Circle Benefits Carry Over to Other Cruise Lines?
No. Princess Cruises’ loyalty program is exclusive to the cruise line. Points and status levels earned with Captain’s Circle cannot transfer to other lines.
When Do I Receive My Loyalty Program Points?
Points earned for cruising are not credited to your account until after the completion of the cruise. Therefore, you can’t
What if I Reach a New Level During a Cruise?
Points are only earned after the conclusion of your cruise. Therefore, if you accumulate enough points to join a higher loyalty tier during particular sailing, you won’t be eligible to receive the higher-level perks until your next voyage.
