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Princess Captain’s Circle: loyalty programme and benefits explained

18 Sep 2026 | By Lucy Hickson In Princess-Cruises

Princess Captain’s Circle: loyalty programme and benefits explained 

If you’ve cruised with Princess Cruises before, you may already be part of Princess Captain’s Circle, the cruise line’s loyalty programme for returning guests. 

 

The programme rewards you for cruising with Princess, with benefits ranging from early access to new itineraries and members-only offers to onboard discounts, priority services and complimentary extras at the higher tiers. 

 

But how does the Princess loyalty programme work, how many cruises do you need to reach each level, and what are the Captain’s Circle benefits worth knowing about? 

 

Here’s our guide to Princess Captain’s Circle, including the four membership tiers and what you can expect as you progress through the programme. 

 

 

What is the Princess Captain’s Circle? 

Princess Captain’s Circle is the loyalty programme for Princess Cruises guests. 

 

Membership is automatic once you complete your first Princess cruise, so there’s no separate membership fee or application process. 

 

There are four Captain’s Circle levels: 

  • Gold – after your first completed cruise
  • Ruby – after 3 cruises or 30 cruise days
  • Platinum – after 5 cruises or 50 cruise days
  • Elite – after 15 cruises or 150 cruise days 

Princess says members move to their new tier on the next cruise after completing the required number of cruises or cruise days. Land portions of a cruisetour do not count towards the cruise-day calculation. 

 

How do you join Princess Captain’s Circle? 

There’s nothing complicated to do. 

 

After completing your first Princess cruise, you automatically become a Captain’s Circle member. Princess Cruises will send you a welcome email once you return home. 

 

For future bookings, make sure your Captain’s Circle number is included with your booking so your cruise history and loyalty benefits can be recognised. 

 

It’s also worth registering for a My Princess account, where you can view your cruise history and receive relevant special offers. 

 

Princess Captain’s Circle tiers explained 

The four Captain’s Circle tiers are Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite. Each level builds on the benefits available at the previous tier. 

 

Gold – your first Princess cruise 

You become a Gold member after completing your first Princess cruise. 

 

Gold members can receive: 

  • Captain’s Circle Launch Savings
  • Early access to new itineraries
  • Preferential pricing offers
  • Members-only onboard events
  • Access to a Circle Host
  • Circle Centre Online
  • Circle Savings Account 

One of the standout benefits is early access to new itineraries. Princess currently gives Captain’s Circle members access to new itineraries one week before they go on sale to the general public. 

 

That can be particularly useful if you have your eye on a popular sailing or want a better choice of staterooms. 

 

Ruby – after 3 cruises or 30 cruise days 

Ruby is the next step in the programme. 

 

You qualify after completing 3 Princess cruises or 30 cruise days. 

 

Ruby members receive the Gold benefits, plus: 

  • Exclusive shoreside access to the Captain’s Circle Help Desk phone line
  • Princess Platinum Vacation Protection upgrade, subject to the applicable terms 

The key thing to remember is that you only need to meet one of the qualifying requirements - either the number of cruises or the number of cruise days. 

 

Platinum – after 5 cruises or 50 cruise days 

Platinum status is reached after 5 cruises or 50 cruise days. 

 

This is where the programme starts adding more practical onboard benefits for frequent Princess guests. 

 

Platinum members receive the Gold and Ruby benefits, plus: 

  • 50% off MedallionNet packages
  • Early access to dining reservations
  • 10% off Lotus Spa treatments
  • 10% discount in the Photo Gallery
  • Access to the Platinum and Elite Lounge
  • Complimentary Destination Collection 

For guests who regularly use Wi-Fi, book speciality dining or enjoy spa treatments, Platinum can be a particularly useful level. 

 

Elite – after 15 cruises or 150 cruise days 

Elite is the highest Captain’s Circle tier. 

 

You’ll reach Elite after completing 15 cruises or 150 cruise days. 

 

As well as all the benefits from Gold, Ruby and Platinum, Elite members receive: 

  • 10% discount in The Shops of Princess
  • 10% discount on shore excursions
  • Priority ship-to-shore water shuttle embarkation
  • Complimentary Grapevine Wine Tasting Event
  • Complimentary mini-bar set-up
  • Deluxe canapés on formal nights
  • Complimentary afternoon tea in your stateroom
  • Priority disembarkation
  • Complimentary laundry services and shoe polishing 

For frequent Princess cruisers, these benefits are designed to make the experience more convenient as well as offering savings on selected onboard purchases and experiences. 

 

What are the best Princess Captain’s Circle benefits? 

That depends on how often you cruise and what you tend to spend money on during your holiday. 

 

For many guests, early access to new itineraries is one of the most useful benefits. Captain’s Circle members can access new itineraries one week before general sale, giving them an opportunity to book earlier.

 

At Platinum, the 50% discount on MedallionNet packages can be valuable if staying connected is important to you. 

 

At Elite level, complimentary laundry, afternoon tea in your stateroom, the mini-bar set-up and priority services are among the benefits that can make a noticeable difference to your cruise. 

 

The important point is that Captain’s Circle isn't simply about getting a cheaper cruise. Some benefits are about saving money, while others are about priority access and added convenience. 

 

Does Captain’s Circle give you discounts on Princess cruises? 

Yes, Captain’s Circle members can receive Captain’s Circle Launch Savings and preferential pricing offers. 

 

Princess also promotes past guest loyalty offers as part of its current cruise deals and promotions. 

 

The exact value of a loyalty offer can vary depending on the sailing and promotion, so it’s best to check the terms of the specific offer rather than assuming every cruise will have the same discount. 

 

For example, Princess currently advertises Captain’s Circle Launch Savings on selected new-season sailings, with the amount depending on the length of the voyage and the promotion involved. 

 

Do Captain’s Circle members get early access to new cruises? 

Yes. 

 

This is one of the programme's most useful benefits, particularly if you like to book popular itineraries early. 

 

Princess currently states that all Captain’s Circle members are eligible for early access to new itineraries one week before they go on sale to the general public. 

 

Members are notified by email, so it’s worth keeping your contact details up to date and checking your inbox when a new season is announced. 

 

 

Do children get Captain’s Circle membership? 

Yes. Princess states that children and teenagers become Captain’s Circle members after completing their first Princess cruise. 

 

They can then progress through the programme as they complete more Princess cruises. 

 

This means families who regularly cruise with Princess can build up loyalty status across future holidays rather than the programme being limited to the adults in the booking. 

 

How do you move up Princess Captain’s Circle? 

The easiest way to think about the programme is that you qualify based on either cruises completed or cruise days sailed. 

 

The current thresholds are: 

  • Gold: 1 completed cruise
  • Ruby: 3 cruises or 30 cruise days
  • Platinum: 5 cruises or 50 cruise days
  • Elite: 15 cruises or 150 cruise days 

You don't need to satisfy both requirements. 

 

Princess also notes that you become eligible for the higher tier on your next cruise after completing the necessary number of cruises or cruise days. 

 

Is Princess Captain’s Circle worth it? 

If you’re planning to cruise with Princess more than once, there’s plenty of value in making the most of Captain’s Circle. 

 

Membership is automatic after your first completed cruise, and even Gold members can benefit from early itinerary access, preferential offers and members-only events. 

 

The higher tiers become increasingly useful for frequent cruisers, particularly if you regularly use Wi-Fi, book shore excursions, visit the spa or value priority services. 

 

And because you qualify through either cruise numbers or cruise days, longer cruises can help you progress without needing to complete as many individual sailings. 

 

How to get the most from Captain’s Circle 

Already a member? A few simple things can help you make sure you don't miss out. 

 

Keep your Captain’s Circle number on your bookings 

Princess advises guests to include their Captain’s Circle number whenever they book. This helps ensure your cruise history is correctly recorded and your benefits are recognised. 

 

Check for new itinerary announcements 

Don't overlook your emails when Princess launches a new season. Captain’s Circle members can get early access before the general public. 

 

Check your loyalty offers before booking 

Captain’s Circle Launch Savings and other preferential pricing offers can vary by sailing, so check what's available before committing to your next cruise. 

 

Know which tier you're travelling at 

Your benefits can change considerably between Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite. Knowing your current status means you can take advantage of the benefits included with your membership. 

 

Think about the benefits you'll actually use 

A 50% MedallionNet discount might be particularly valuable to one cruiser, while complimentary laundry or priority services could be more useful to another. 

 

The best Captain’s Circle benefits are the ones that fit the way you cruise. 

 

Princess Captain’s Circle FAQs 

Q - Is Princess Captain’s Circle free? 

A - Yes. There is no separate membership fee. You automatically become a Captain’s Circle member after completing your first Princess cruise. 

 

Q - What are the Princess Captain’s Circle levels? 

A - There are four levels: Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite. 

 

Q - How many cruises do you need for Princess Ruby? 

A - You need to complete 3 Princess cruises or 30 cruise days to reach Ruby status. 

 

Q - How many cruises do you need for Princess Platinum? 

A - You need to complete 5 Princess cruises or 50 cruise days to reach Platinum status. 

 

Q - How many cruises do you need for Princess Elite? 

A - You need to complete 15 Princess cruises or 150 cruise days to reach Elite status. 

 

Q - Do Captain’s Circle members get cruise discounts? 

A - Captain’s Circle members can receive Launch Savings and preferential pricing offers. The value and availability of individual promotions varies by sailing. 

 

Q - Do Captain’s Circle members get early access to Princess cruises? 

A - Yes. Captain’s Circle members currently receive early access to new itineraries one week before general sale. 

 

Q - Do children get Princess Captain’s Circle benefits? 

A - Yes. Children and teenagers become Captain’s Circle members after completing their first Princess cruise. 

 

Q - What is the highest Princess Captain’s Circle tier? 

A - Elite is the highest Captain’s Circle tier. It requires 15 completed cruises or 150 cruise days. 

 

 

Start planning your next Princess cruise 

Whether you're about to take your first Princess cruise or you're already working towards Elite status, Captain’s Circle gives returning guests more reasons to keep sailing with Princess. 

 

From early access to new itineraries to onboard savings and complimentary extras, the benefits become more extensive as you progress through the programme. 

 

If you're ready to plan your next Princess adventure, explore the latest Princess Cruises deals with Cruise118 and start working towards your next Captain’s Circle milestone.

Published 18th September 2026, Last updated 23rd September 2026
By Lucy Hickson In Princess-Cruises

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