If you're a frequent passenger on Princess cruises, you'll want to familiarize yourself with Captain's Circle, Princess' loyalty rewards program, which offers perks that grow in value for cruisers as they ascend up the ranks.
Members enjoy benefits that range from discounts on cruise fares and free recognition pins to exclusive onboard events, complimentary internet access and wine tastings.
Princess' Captain's Circle Tiers
Unlike other cruise lines' programs, Captain's Circle has only four levels and tracks both the total number of voyages on which you've sailed, as well as the total number of days you've been onboard. Either one can be used to move up to the next loyalty tier.
- Gold: 1 completed cruise
- Ruby: 4 completed cruises or 30 cruise days
- Platinum: 6 completed cruises or 50 cruise days
- Elite: 16 or more completed cruises or 150 cruise days
Princess' Captain's Circle Perks
Gold Rewards
- Exclusive access to deals and fare discounts
- Members-only onboard event access
- Dedicated onboard Circle host
- Princess Passport keepsake
- Collectible destination stamps for Princess Passport
- Quarterly issues of Circle Magazine
- Gold recognition pin
- Access to additional online benefits
Ruby Rewards
- All Gold rewards (except Gold pin)
- Princess Vacation Protection upgrade (Platinum-level coverage at standard-coverage price)
- Shoreside access to Captain's Circle help line
- Ruby recognition pin
Platinum Rewards
- All Gold and Ruby rewards (except Gold and Ruby recognition pins)
- Complimentary itinerary brochure
- Early access to dining reservations
- Priority check-in at embarkation
- Access to Platinum Lounge (featuring light refreshments) on disembarkation day
- 50% off MedallionNet Internet Package
- 10% off Lotus Spa treatments
- 10% photos purchased from the photo gallery
- Platinum recognition pin
Elite Rewards
- All Gold, Ruby and Platinum rewards (except Gold, Ruby and Platinum recognition pins)
- Exclusive preview and booking window for new itineraries
- Priority tendering (where applicable)
- Priority disembarkation
- Complimentary shoe polishing and laundry services
- Free mini-bar setup (first round free)
- Selection of free canapes delivered to your cabin on formal nights
- Complimentary in-cabin afternoon tea service (must be ordered 6 hours ahead)
- Upgraded bathroom amenities (usually reserved for suite passengers)
- 10% discount in onboard shops
- 10% off shore excursions
- Free wine tasting
- Elite recognition pin
- Complimentary Wi-Fi (passengers younger than 18 only)
Captain's Circle Loyalty Program FAQ
How do I enroll in Captain's Circle?
To enroll, you'll have to sign up for an account on the Princess Cruises website. You will receive credit toward your loyalty membership following your first completed voyage.
When does my loyalty status take effect?
Credit for cruises and cruise days is not received until after a sailing is completed. That means if you rise to the next loyalty tier as the result of a particular sailing, you won't be eligible to take advantage of the related perks of the higher tier until your next voyage.
How do I ascend the ranks faster?
You can ascend the Captain's Circle tiers faster by booking single occupancy staterooms or a suite. You will receive double the points. So, if you're taking a 7-night cruise, you'll earn 14 days.
I’m cruising with my friends/spouse, and we're at different loyalty tiers. Can perks be shared?
No. Each passenger will be entitled only to the amenities and rewards offered by their individual loyalty statuses. Exceptions might include perks that are awarded on a per-stateroom basis, rather than a per-passenger basis.
If I have status and I'm cruising with my child(ren), will my status carry over?
No. Children must earn their own loyalty status in order to take advantage of the benefits provided by each tier. However, as of 2019, children are now eligible to enroll in the rewards program.
How do I find my Captain's Circle number?
If you are a new member, it will automatically be assigned after you book your first Princess Cruises sailing.
Will other Carnival Corporation brands honor my Captain's Circle status if I sail with them?
No. The Captain's Circle program is exclusive to Princess Cruises only. Loyalty status will not be matched with other lines in the Carnival Corp. portfolio, nor will they honor the perks you've earned as a result of your Princess loyalty status.
Sailings booked with Princess' sister lines -- including Carnival, Holland America, Cunard and others -- will help cruisers to earn status with each respective line individually.
To learn more, visit Princess' Captain's Circle page, or check out the fine print.
Ashley Kosciolek
Ashley boarded her first cruise more than a decade ago and never looked back. Since then, she has written thousands of expert cruise tip features; ship, port and shore excursion reviews; and industry news articles. Her work has appeared on Cruise Critic, USA Today, the Associated Press, NBC News, the Miami Herald and Huffington Post.
