Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises runs a dedicated Military Benefit Program for UK armed forces personnel. Serving members of the British Army, Royal Marines, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Reserves are eligible, as are veterans with an honourable discharge who served a minimum of two years or six months in an active war zone, and retired or disabled personnel. The benefit is up to $250 in free onboard spending money, applied as a credit to the stateroom account.

Does Princess Cruises Offer a Military Discount?

Yes — through the Military Benefit Program, UK armed forces members receive up to $250 in onboard credit per stateroom. The benefit applies to any cruise, any time of year, with no blackout dates. It is combinable with most standard cruise fares and other current promotions.

The credit is denominated in US dollars but converted to the operational currency on board the ship. It does not need to be used on a specific cruise — eligible personnel can verify their military status before booking and the benefit attaches automatically to any current or future booking once approved.

Who Is Eligible for the Princess Cruises Military Benefit

UK eligibility covers serving members of the British Army, Royal Marines, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Reserves. Veterans with an honourable discharge who served a minimum of two years, or six months in an active war zone, are also eligible. Retired personnel with 20 or more years of service, those medically retired, and those with 100% disability qualification are included.

Spouses do not qualify independently — the eligible service member or veteran must be a guest in the stateroom for the credit to apply. Where two eligible personnel share a cabin, both can receive the benefit.

How Much Is the Onboard Credit Worth

Up to $250 per stateroom, with the exact amount varying by cruise length. The credit can be spent across spa treatments at the Lotus Spa, specialty restaurant dining, shore excursions booked through Princess, gifts and clothing in the onboard boutiques, and other onboard purchases. It cannot be used in the casino, for gratuities or in the main dining rooms.

For broader cruise and holiday savings available to the forces community, the forces travel and holidays section covers deals across cruise lines and package travel.

How to Claim the Princess Cruises Military Benefit

1. Register a Captain's Circle account on the Princess Cruises UK website if not already a member.
2. Download the Military Benefit Application Form from princess.com/en-uk/cruise-deals-promotions/military-benefit-program.
3. Complete the form and attach a copy of the required proof of eligibility — cross out the National Insurance number on any documents before sending.
4. Submit by email or post to Carnival UK, Carnival House, 100 Harbour Parade, Southampton, SO15 1ST.
5. Applications must arrive no later than 14 days before the cruise departure date.
6. Once approved, the credit appears automatically in Manage Booking and carries forward to future bookings.

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is part of Carnival Corporation, one of the world's largest cruise operators. The fleet covers more than 15 ships sailing to over 345 destinations across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, Norway, the Pacific and Antarctica. The Captain's Circle loyalty programme accumulates points across all sailings independently of the military benefit — both can run in parallel.

For another cruise line with a forces-relevant offer, the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines forces savings page is worth checking alongside Princess for UK-departing itineraries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruises offer a military discount for UK personnel?

Yes — the Military Benefit Program provides up to $250 in onboard credit for eligible UK armed forces members, veterans and retired personnel. It applies to any sailing, any time of year.

How do I apply for the Princess Cruises military benefit in the UK?

Download the Military Benefit Application Form from the Princess UK website, complete it, attach proof of eligibility with the National Insurance number crossed out, and submit to Carnival UK in Southampton at least 14 days before departure.

Can veterans claim the Princess Cruises military benefit?

Yes — veterans with an honourable discharge who served a minimum of two years, or six months in an active war zone, are eligible. Retired personnel with 20 or more years of service are also included.

What can the onboard credit be spent on?

Spa treatments, specialty dining, shore excursions, gifts and onboard boutique purchases. It cannot be used in the casino, for gratuities or in the main dining rooms.

Is the Princess Cruises military benefit combinable with other offers?

Yes — it is combinable with most standard cruise fares and current promotions. Check the specific terms of any promotional fare at the time of booking to confirm compatibility.

Does the benefit apply before a cruise is booked?

Yes — eligible personnel can verify military status before making a booking. Once approved, the credit attaches automatically to any current or future bookings.

More Forces Deals You Might Like

For other cruise options, the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines page covers what's available from a UK-focused cruise operator. The Royal Caribbean forces savings page is also worth comparing for larger fleet and destination options. The forces travel and holidays section brings together current deals across all types of travel for serving personnel, veterans and families.