Princess Cruises brings cruise line loyalty to new heights with its Captain’s Circle. Princess, of course, is the line that many of us identify with our first vicarious sailing experience via television’s Love Boat. Princess’ beautiful and grand ships sail to ports around the world and the line offers a variety of itineraries and ships to meet the needs of cruise vacationers.

Elite Status Levels

Captain’s Circle offers four levels of elite membership with Gold status coming after your very first cruise with Princess. Princess awards higher levels of status based on a two tiered system of either your number of cruises or the number of cruise days. This can assist guests who tend to take shorter cruises achieve higher levels of elite status more quickly than they would under a system that awards status solely on cruise days. This, combined with the benefits of status make Captain’s Club a very rewarding program. Here is a breakdown of the qualification requirements for elite status.

The Benefits

Gold members receive a basic package of benefits including discounts on future cruises, an invitation to an onboard event, and newsletters. Gold members also receive access to special discounts for early booking of up to $100 per person off their cruise fare for the first 2 passengers in the stateroom and reduced deposits for most Princess itineraries. Ruby members receive all Gold benefits plus a vacation protection (basically travel insurance sold by the cruise line) upgrade and exclusive phone line access.

Achieving Platinum status brings noticeably better benefits. Platinum members receive all the benefits of the other status levels in addition to other useful amenities including preferred check-in and embarkation as well as a members only disembarkation lounge. Notably, Platinum members receive a generous allotment of internet minutes ranging from 150 to 500 minutes depending upon the length of your cruise.

The highest tier of Captain’s Circle status is Elite membership. Elite membership includes benefits one would expect for Princess’ most frequent guests. In addition to all the benefits of lower Captain’s Circle status levels, Elite members receive priority tender service, priority disembarkation, and even complimentary shoe shines and more. Additionally, complimentary laundry service is offered to Elite members, a true “dollars in your pocket” benefit, especially if you prefer to pack light. There is also an upgraded package of stateroom amenities for Elite members. This includes a complimentary mini-bar setup that consists of a “selection of liquors, soft drinks, beer, still and sparkling water” according to Princess. Additional stateroom benefits include canapés on formal nights and afternoon tea upon request.

Summary

Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle is a solid loyalty program that features a compelling package of benefits for its elite status members. A complimentary allotment of internet minutes for higher tier members, complimentary laundry service for top tier Elite members, and small features that can make a difference in your cruising experience like a complimentary mini-bar setup for top tier members rounds out an excellent loyalty offering. Review the benefits of loyalty in detail at the Captain’s Circle website.