Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. If its a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and youre bound for the top deck, that means looking like youre going to the beach T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine. 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. The past couple of weeks it was in the Vista Lounge on deck 7. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Cheaper Ocean Medallion accessories are available on sites like Amazon. The changes include new Dine My Way reservations and discounts onboard . Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. Named Coral Princess and Island Princess, they are sister ships that make up the lines small Coral Class of vessels. Princess members in these tiers receive free . 7 minutes ago, windsurferfirst said: I was wondering which lounge that use for the early evening drinks and nibbles for platinum level. It will show your name, the ship, and dates you are sailing. In addition to all Gold-level benefits, you can also enjoy exclusive shoreside access to the Captains Circle Help Desk phone line. It was created and directed by John Tartaglia, a star of Broadways Avenue Q and Beauty and the Beast.. DIAMOND: You will achieve Diamond level in Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society at 80 points. As a result, we dont put any value in that last benefit. The top Elite level is reachable within just eight cruises for someone staying in suites. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Booking far in advance also gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship. Priority Check-In. Alas, there isnt a wow perk in the entire Captains Circle menu. Among mass-market lines, Princess was the pioneer in adding large numbers of balcony cabins to ships. what does platinum level mean on princess cruises. Princess Cruises' loyalty program, Captain's Circle, rewards return guests with perks and bonuses both onboard and on land. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. This is a bit of a surprise to us, as we know that Princess has a lot of hard-core fans who have sailed with the line dozens of times. On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas and in cigar lounges, designated sections within nightclubs and at designated slot machines within casinos (for those who are playing). To learn more, visit Princess' Captain's Circle page, or check out the fine print. You need 151 cruise days to get to the Elite level. In many cases, the main theaters on Princess ships are quite elaborate, with Broadway-show-level lighting and special effects, and the productions housed within the theaters are elaborate, too. However, from there, you move to each successive tier either by accruing a certain number of cruise credits (which arent necessarily the same as the number of cruises youve taken) or by sailing a certain number of days. While it doesnt draw as many families with young children as Carnival or Royal Caribbean, Princess offers an extensive childrens program that gets high marks from parents. PLATINUM on my 3rd cruise-skipping the sailing as a Ruby Card Holder and having 2 additional cruises at this level to qualify for Elite status meaning the planned 60th Birthday Cruise will be a Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Quick Points: Hyatt Globalists get free parking on award stays, What are points and miles worth? Our next cruie will be our 5th princess cruise Either one can be used to move up to the next loyalty tier. The Lotus Spa complexes on the lines Royal Class ships offer nearly two dozen treatment rooms, an extensive beauty salon and a thermal suite with a hydrotherapy pool, heated stone beds, Turkish-style steam bath and other steam chambers. However, unlike many of its competitors in that space most notably Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises it doesnt load them up with sprawling waterparks, go-kart tracks, laser tag courses and other flashy, family-focused diversions. Between the savings and services our guests enjoy, its no wonder why the Captains Circle is one of the best cruise loyalty programs. If I have status and I'm cruising with my child(ren), will my status carry over? It's 'clear your stuff and get out!' for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Being loyal to MSC Cruises starts paying off in a more meaningful way once you reach the Gold level of the MSC Voyagers Club program. The line splits children in the program into three age groups: the Treehouse (ages 3 to 7 years), the Lodge (ages 8 to 12 years) and the Beach House (ages 13 to 17 years). Travel Insurance Benefits (Underwritten by Nationwide) Sail through your vacation with less to worry about. In addition to all of the benefits at the Gold and Ruby levels, enjoy priority boarding in the cruise terminal, so you can experience your MedallionClass vacation even quicker. Unlike rivals Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess doesnt offer its loyalty club members a free cruise after reaching the top tier. The most alluring benefits at this level are the Preferential Pricing Offers for select sailings that the line extends to Captains Circle members, and early booking discounts known as Captains Circle Launch Savings. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For starters, members earn 1 cruise credit for each cruise they take. The latter may seem interesting, but here at The Points Guy, we dont recommend you buy travel insurance through your cruise line. While most cruise line loyalty programs offer some perks for frequent travelers, Princess offers an extensive list of benefits even for first-time guests. Captains Circle members keep their points at the end of each year and continue to accrue points indefinitely. The biggest Princess vessels, the lines six Royal Class ships, measure around 145,000 tons. ; Diamond (200 or more points). has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. This is a new perk added in 2021 that replaced an old perk that brought Platinum and Elite members a set amount of complimentary minutes of internet service (150 to 500, depending on the cruise length). This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. On most ships, youll find the lines signature Italian restaurant, Sabatinis. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. (In case youre curious, the name of the series ties to the godmother of the initial Royal Class vessel. However, this tier is a bit ho-hum, too. What this means is there arent a lot of ways to live large on a Princess ship or to pack a lot of people into a single accommodation. The configuration of the Piazza varies by ship, but the area typically offers several shops, a coffee bar called International Cafe, a wine bar called Vines and (on some vessels) additional bars and eateries. Princess ships have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. Check here before booking an award fare. Captain's Circle Loyalty Program. There are no onboard credits for top-tier members, like some lines offer (although a recent change did bring discounts for shore excursions and spa treatments at top tiers). Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. When it comes to rooms, Princess is sort of the Marriott of the big-ship cruise world. For the most part, there arent even waterslides or watery splash zones (one vessel, Caribbean Princess, now offers the Reef Splash Zone for families). Passengers caught smoking in their cabins will be charged a $250 fine per occurrence. Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises. However, in theory, you also could reach Elite status in just two sailings if they were among the longest sailings on the Princess schedule. The ocean medallion is a small, circular disk that replaces your cruise card. It serves traditional pub food such as fish and chips and cottage pie, along with (for an extra charge) Bass Ale or Guinness. There are four tiers to the Captain's Circle program: Gold (after your first completed cruise). In most cases, members earn one cruise credit for every cruise they take. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. A Princess passenger staying in suites will hit the Platinum level after just three cruises. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. The Piazza is also home to roving street performers.. GOLD CARD sail my second cruise earning my Ruby Card AND also qualifying as Platinum by paying to sail Solo in a Window Suite on the Golden Princess. A passport is required for all international itineraries, including sailings to Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, India, Central and South America, Panama Canal (partial and full transit), Caribbean voyages that visit Martinique or Guadeloupe, South Pacific, Tahiti and World Cruises. In February 2023, the rate for a single device is scheduled to rise to $15. These are: Platinum or Elite Captain's Circle Members: Guests who have completed five cruises or 50 cruise days; Suite Guests: . In recent years, it has also become a major player in cruises around Japan that cater to both American and Japanese travelers, as well as Australians. Exceptions might include perks that are awarded on a per-stateroom basis, rather than a per-passenger basis. With some Princess ships already having up to 70% Platinum & Elite passengers, having those with high Carnival loyalty status bring that to Princess could mean even a higher percentage of people eligible to use those benefits. Level up your perks after completing 5 cruises or 50 cruise days with Princess. The second-to-highest tier, Platinum, brings such perks as priority check-in and boarding, and a free internet package. This simple feature makes cruising so much more convenient. Princess Cruises sails to more than 100 countries on seven continents, from North America and Europe to Asia and Australia, and it offers a wide range of itineraries around 170 in a typical year. Make the most of your cruise by joining the VIFP Club. The new discount allows Platinum and Elite members to buy a pricey length-of-cruise internet package at half the normal cost. In addition, at the Platinum level, youll receive a special Platinum-level pin. VIFP Club luggage tag set presented once at Diamond level Presented once at Diamond level All vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms, and some also have European-style, 220-volt outlets and USB ports in cabins. The Youth and Teen centers also welcome children under the age of 3 if they are accompanied by an adult. Posted July 27, 2005. Still, the Captains Circles top Elite status tier does come with a few enticing benefits. Our most loyal guests also receive complimentary laundry services and shoe polishing. Princess was, notably, the first cruise line to host modern-day weddings on ships, offering ceremonies officiated by the ships captains hosted in onboard chapels. All U.S. guests receive their free Medallion device either in the mail before leaving home or when they arrive at the terminal. bring discounts for shore excursions and spa treatments, The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships and itineraries, A beginners guide to cruise line loyalty programs, The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess cruise, The best credit cards for booking cruises, The 3 classes of Princess ships, explained, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. There are five tiers to the VIFP Club program: Blue (your first sailing). The line's new Princess Plus plan gives passengers pre-paid gratuities, a single-device Wi-Fi plan and a basic beverage package for a bundled price of $50 per person per day. Some ships also feature basketball courts, miniature golf putting courses, shuffleboard games and ping-pong tables tucked into corners of their top decks. Princess has upped its game with its theater productions in recent years through a partnership with Stephen Schwartz, the Tony Award-winning composer of Wicked, Godspell and Pippin., Among new productions that Schwartz has worked on is The Secret Silk, which features life-size puppetry from Jim Hensons Creature Shop, dance and special effects. That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises. No. vanish command twitch nightbot. The Capatin's Circle program has four membership levels - - Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite. Platinum status kicks in after five cruise credits or 50 days on ships. Princess also deploys as many as eight ships to Europe in the summer, and it has a big presence in Australia, where it can deploy as many as six ships for parts of each year. Still, even the Sky Suites on Sky Princess arent the truly epic suites with huge interior living spaces that youll find on the latest Royal Caribbean or Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships. In addition to steak dishes, the menu features New Orleans-style peel-and-eat shrimp, alligator ribs and gumbo. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. For cruises between Japan ports, the drinking age is 20. The Princess Medallion (app and actual device) was one of the reasons we sailed on Majestic Princess. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. Then leave it for your room steward by noon on the day you'd like service. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Note that, as is often the case with cruise line loyalty programs, Princess customers do not have to requalify for status each year. The faster Princess Wi-Fi system is called MedallionNet, and its one of several technological upgrades that Princess is rolling out to ships under an umbrella called MedallionClass. The recently unveiled Sky Princess was home to the first jazz club on a Princess ship (called Take 5), and a similar venue has since been added to Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess. During the evenings, there is an official dress code that is enforced when entering restaurants. Planning a cruise? what does platinum level mean on princess cruises. Each age group often has its own separate facilities on ships. The jewellery is more expensive, ranging from $45 to $65 depending on your choice. Enjoy fresh-baked pastries and a soothing cup of tea or coffee with members of your travel party before you make your onward journey home. Princess ships are very reasonably priced. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels. Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases. Every Princess ship also has at least a couple of extra-charge eateries. June 14, 2022; park city pickleball tournament . Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. If you stay in suites, you could reach Elite status in just eight sailings. ; Platinum (75 to 199 points). Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. If youre sure that Princess is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. Rewarding yourself is simple. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. Book early and relish in savings, like a discounted fare for the first two guests in your stateroom. Your first cruise still counts toward your status, but should also be about getting to know the line, finding out what you like most about it and . For dinners in a main dining room, you can make a reservation for any time, provided a table at the time you want is available. That last part is key. To help those new to the cruise line, we have broken down the Princess Cruises ship classes. As you might expect, pricing for ships will generally be lower during offseason periods such as September, October, November (not including Thanksgiving week) and parts of December. (PDF) Loyalty Tiers and Accessing Your Benefits Gold After your first cruise1,2,3 Ruby After completing 3 cruises or 30 cruise days1,2,3 Platinum After completing 5 cruises or 50 cruise days1,2,3 Elite A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. Princess has been rolling out faster Wi-Fi systems with land-like speeds across its fleet in recent years, such that you now can stream video on some ships. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Related: TPG goes on board the new Sky Princess. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. That means that someone who hits Elite status will remain at that top tier level forever (or until Princess makes a change to the program). The medallions can be embellished by having a background added to the lanyard panel. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. That's what I like about cruising, there's something for everyone - and the Ocean Medallion is no exception. Among the lines voyages, youll find everything from three-day sampler cruises along the West Coast of the U.S. to 111-day around-the-world voyages. The first of the vessels (to be called Sun Princess) is due to debut in 2024, followed by an as-yet-unnamed sister due in 2025. Other included-in-the-fare options on at least some Princess ships include poolside pizza outlets and poolside grills serving burgers. You reach the first tier, Gold, by taking a single cruise. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. That works out to just $102 per night, per person, with taxes and fees for a package that includes your lodging, transportation and meals. Related: The new, $11,000-a-night cruise ship suite that's bigger than a house. Even here, though, the rewards are still relatively modest. You can ascend the Captain's Circle tiers faster by booking single occupancy staterooms or a suite. During your time on board, youll enjoy discounts off Lotus Spa treatments and the professional photo offerings in the Photo Gallery. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. To enroll, you'll have to sign up for an account on the Princess Cruises website. Thats quite long, we know, but Princess does offer some very long sailings, including around-the-world trips that extend beyond 100 days. Each passenger will be entitled only to the amenities and rewards offered by their individual loyalty statuses. The average age of passengers is around 57, and youll usually see a lot of couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s. The suggested attire for women on such nights is evening gowns or cocktail dresses. Por . Im cruising with my friends/spouse, and we're at different loyalty tiers. To ensure the time you want, it's best to reserve a table far in advance of your sailing, which you can do online once you've paid for the cruise in full. You can tell first time cruises on board by their Blue cards, or blue name tags next to their suite numbers. Its also a huge player in the market for destination weddings at sea, with a division that will help you arrange a ceremony on board or at an exotic location on land during a port call. This is alongside the OceanMedallion class, which refers to the ships installed with the cruise line's next generation technology. If you are a new member, it will automatically be assigned after you book your first Princess Cruises sailing. In Europe, Princess ships mostly sail out of Southampton in the U.K.; Copenhagen, Denmark; Barcelona, Spain; Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); and Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome). The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. Many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing is often available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Initially it was only Suite and Elite but was expanded a couple of months ago. The name on your reservation must be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. Priority access to ship-to-shore shuttles.
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