Princess Loyalty Program Falls Short of Rivals

LOS ANGELES — Here's the thing about Princess Cruises' Captain's Circle loyalty program: it's not going to blow you away. No free cruises when you hit the top tier. No onboard credits just for showing up with elite status. And if you're comparing it to what Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line hands out to their most devoted cruisers, well, you might wonder why Princess hasn't upped its game. But before you write it off completely, let's talk about what the Captain's Circle actually offers; and more importantly, whether it's enough to keep you sailing with Princess instead of jumping ship to a competitor.

What You're Actually Getting

The Captain's Circle is Princess's way of saying thanks for choosing them again and again. It's structured around tiers, like most cruise loyalty programs, and you climb the ladder based on how many days you spend at sea and how many individual cruises you complete. According to The Points Guy, on a typical seven-day cruise, you'd earn 7 cruise days plus 1 cruise credit. So the math is pretty straightforward; sail more, earn more. Book one of those land-and-sea "cruisetours" (you know, the ones where you combine Alaska rail adventures with your sailing), and the cruise portion counts toward your totals. The program did make one notable change back in 2021. That's when Princess added discounts on shore excursions and spa treatments for members at the higher tiers. It's not exactly revolutionary, but if you're someone who books a lot of port tours or enjoys an onboard massage, those discounts do add up over time.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

This is where things get a little awkward for Princess. Among the world's biggest cruise lines, the Captain's Circle is decidedly modest. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian? They'll give you a free cruise once you reach their highest loyalty levels. That's a pretty compelling reason to stick with one brand, right? Princess doesn't do that. No complimentary sailing. And while some cruise lines shower their top-tier members with onboard credits, Princess has opted out of that game too, according to The Points Guy. So what's the draw? Honestly, it comes down to whether you're already a Princess person. If you love their ships, their itineraries, their vibe; the loyalty perks are a nice bonus. But they're probably not enough on their own to convert you from another line.

The Real Question for Frequent Cruisers

If you're racking up 20, 30, or 50 cruises, you're doing it because you genuinely enjoy the experience, not because you're chasing free sailings or credits. Princess seems to bank on that. Their ships tend to attract a certain kind of cruiser: folks who appreciate a refined, traditional cruise experience without the waterslides and rock-climbing walls. The Captain's Circle reflects that same philosophy. It's understated. It's not flashy. And for some people, that's perfectly fine.

Who Should Care About Captain's Circle?

If you're a one-and-done cruiser, or someone who likes to try different lines every time, the Captain's Circle won't matter much to you. The entry-level perks are pretty minimal, and you're not going to feel like you're missing out by sailing with someone else. But if you're a repeat Princess passenger; maybe you love their Australia routes, or you've found a cabin category you swear by; then the program starts to make more sense. Those shore excursion discounts can shave a decent chunk off your port expenses. The spa savings are real if you're a regular at the Lotus Spa. And there's something to be said for the recognition that comes with status, even if it's not accompanied by a boatload of freebies. The challenge for Princess is that loyalty programs have become an arms race in the cruise industry. When competitors are offering tangible rewards like free cruises, it's hard to argue that incremental discounts and recognition are enough.

What's Missing?

Let's be honest: onboard credits would be a game changer. Even a modest $50 or $100 credit for Elite or Elite Plus members would give people a reason to think twice before booking with another line. A free cruise at the very top tier? That would really move the needle. As it stands, the Captain's Circle feels like a program designed in a different era; one where cruisers were more brand-loyal by default, and perks were just icing on the cake. Today's cruisers are savvier. They compare. They chase value. And they're not afraid to switch lines if the benefits are better elsewhere.

The Bottom Line

Princess Cruises' Captain's Circle isn't a bad loyalty program. It's just not a particularly generous one, especially when you line it up next to what Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are doing. The 2021 addition of shore excursion and spa discounts helped, but it's still playing catch-up. If you're already sold on Princess for other reasons; the destinations, the ships, the overall atmosphere; then the Captain's Circle is a nice perk. You'll get a little recognition, save a bit on tours and treatments, and feel like a valued guest. But if you're trying to decide between cruise lines based purely on loyalty benefits? This probably isn't the program that's going to seal the deal.