The fastest way to climb a cruise loyalty program is to earn more credit per sailing. Princess Cruises' Captain's Circle gives you two cruise credits instead of one when you book and sail in a full suite, or pay the exclusive occupancy fare when traveling solo, and it counts cruise days as well as cruises.
Fast Track Your Way to the Top
Princess's tiers are Gold after your first cruise, Ruby after 3 cruises or 30 cruise days, Platinum after 5 cruises or 50 cruise days, and Elite after 15 cruises or 150 cruise days. You move up to the next tier on the cruise after you meet the requirement.
The double credit is the fast track. Mini-suites are excluded, and only cruises are doubled, not cruise days. Because Princess also counts days, a longer cruise can give you a boost too. Only Princess and specified P&O Australia sailings count toward the program, and P&O Australia suite and exclusive occupancy sailings don't earn the double credit.
Benefits Worth Sailing For
Elite tiers across cruise lines commonly bring perks like these, though the list varies by line and tier:
- Skip the Lines: Priority boarding and disembarkation save time at the start and end of your voyage.
- Upgrade Your Experience: Depending on availability, status may unlock a stateroom upgrade.
- Exclusive Offers and Discounts: Some lines reserve deals and promotions for elite members.
- Complimentary Perks: Some lines reward elite members with free internet access or specialty dining.
For Princess's tier-by-tier benefits, see our Princess Captain's Circle guide.
Check Each Line's Program
Not every cruise line offers an accelerated path, and the terms vary enough that each program needs a read. Look at how your line counts a sailing, whether suites or solo fares earn extra credit, and whether days count toward status. Carnival, for example, runs a points-based program, which our Carnival Rewards guide explains.
Ready to Set Sail With Elite Status?
Pick the line you sail most, read its loyalty program terms, and price a suite or solo fare against the credit it earns before you book your next cruise.
Updated October 17, 2026: Princess tiers.
