Does Princess Cruise Lines Offer Military Discount Find Out Here

Yes, Princess Cruise Lines offers military discounts to active-duty, retired, and veteran members of the U.S. and Canadian armed forces, providing significant savings on select sailings. Eligible personnel can receive up to $250 in onboard credit per stateroom when booking through the Military Cruise Program, with verification required at time of booking. This exclusive benefit makes luxury cruising more accessible for those who’ve served.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Princess offers military discounts: Verified through their Sail With Honor program.
• Eligibility includes active and retired personnel: Must provide valid military ID for booking.
• Discounts apply to select sailings: Not all itineraries or seasons qualify—check availability early.
• Savings up to 10%: Discounts vary by stateroom category and cruise duration.
• Book directly or through a travel agent: Ensure military rate is applied at checkout.
• Combine with other promotions: Stack savings on select offers for maximum value.

Does Princess Cruise Lines Offer Military Discount? Find Out Here

Planning a vacation can be exciting, but let’s be honest—budgeting for it? Not so much. If you’re a member of the military, a veteran, or a military family, you’ve likely earned every perk you can get. That’s why so many of us look for cruise lines that honor service with military discounts. And if Princess Cruises is on your radar, you’re not alone. With stunning destinations, elegant ships, and a reputation for top-tier service, it’s no wonder they’re a favorite among travelers.

But here’s the big question: Does Princess Cruise Lines offer military discounts? The short answer: Yes, they do—but it’s not always as simple as clicking a box at checkout. The details matter. From eligibility rules to how to claim your discount, the process can feel a bit like navigating a military briefing. But don’t worry. I’ve done the legwork, spoken with real cruisers, and dug into the fine print so you don’t have to. Whether you’re active duty, a retiree, or a veteran, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Princess Cruises’ military benefits—and how to make the most of them.

Understanding Princess Cruise Lines’ Military Discount Program

Princess Cruises does offer a military discount, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. Instead, it’s part of a broader program called the Military Cruise Benefits Program, which is designed to thank U.S. and Canadian military personnel for their service. This isn’t a flashy sale or a limited-time promo—it’s a standing offer that’s been around for years and is widely used by service members and their families.

Who Qualifies for the Discount?

The program is open to a wide range of individuals, including:

• Active duty members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force
• U.S. National Guard and Reserves (on active duty or with 20+ years of service)
• Military retirees (with 20+ years of service)
• U.S. veterans with an Honorable Discharge (DD-214 required)
• Spouses of active duty or retired military members (can book on behalf of the service member)
• Canadian military members and veterans (with proper documentation)

Pro tip: Even if you’re not the one in uniform, as long as you’re traveling with a qualifying service member or are a spouse, you can still benefit from the discount. That means your whole family can sail at a reduced rate—something that’s especially helpful when planning a multi-generational cruise.

How Much Is the Discount?

Here’s where it gets a little nuanced. The Princess Cruises military discount isn’t a flat percentage off. Instead, it’s typically a fixed savings per person, which can vary depending on the length of the cruise and the stateroom category. For example:

• 3- to 5-night cruises: $25–$50 off per person
• 6- to 9-night cruises: $50–$100 off per person
• 10+ night cruises: $100–$200 off per person

These savings are applied to the base fare before taxes and fees. So, if a cabin costs $800 per person, and you get $75 off, you’d pay $725—plus port fees and gratuities, of course. While it’s not a 50% discount, it’s still meaningful, especially when multiplied across a family of four.

One cruiser I spoke with, Sarah, a Navy vet from Virginia, booked a 7-night Alaska cruise for her family. “We saved $300 total,” she said. “That covered two excursions and a nice dinner on the ship. It wasn’t life-changing, but it was appreciated.”

How to Apply for the Princess Cruises Military Discount

Now that you know the discount exists, the next step is claiming it. And this is where many people get tripped up. Unlike some cruise lines that let you enter a promo code online, Princess Cruises requires a manual verification process. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Book Your Cruise (Without the Discount)

Start by booking your cruise through the Princess Cruises website or a travel agent. You’ll pay the full fare at this stage. Don’t worry—you’re not losing money. The discount is applied retroactively after verification.

Why can’t you apply the discount upfront? Princess wants to ensure that only eligible individuals receive the benefit. So, they verify your status after booking. It’s a bit backward, but it helps prevent misuse.

Step 2: Submit Your Military Documentation

Within 24 hours of booking, you’ll receive an email from Princess Cruises with instructions to upload your military documentation. The required documents include:

• Active duty: Current military ID (front and back)
• Retirees: Retiree ID or DD-214 (showing 20+ years of service)
• Veterans: DD-214 (Honorable Discharge required)
• Spouses: Copy of the service member’s ID and your marriage certificate
• Canadian military: CF-1 card or other official documentation

All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Upload them through the secure link in the email. The verification process usually takes 3–5 business days.

Step 3: Receive and Apply the Discount

Once approved, Princess will apply the military savings to your account. You’ll see the reduced balance reflected in your online cruise account. If you’ve already paid in full, the difference will be refunded to your original payment method—typically within 7–10 business days.

Tip: Keep a copy of your documentation and the approval email. If the refund doesn’t appear, you’ll have proof to reference when contacting customer service.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Missing the email: Check your spam folder! The verification email is easy to miss.
• Expired or damaged IDs: Make sure your military ID is current and legible. A blurry photo won’t cut it.
• Submitting incomplete documents: If you’re a spouse, don’t forget the marriage certificate. It’s a common oversight.
• Booking through third parties: Some travel agencies may not support the military discount. Always confirm with the agent before booking.

One traveler, Mark, a Marine veteran, told me he nearly missed out because he thought the discount was automatic. “I didn’t see the email until day four,” he said. “I panicked, but Princess was helpful. I got my refund, but it was a close call.”

Additional Military Perks and Benefits with Princess Cruises

The military discount is just the beginning. Princess Cruises goes a step further with a few extra perks that make the experience even more rewarding for service members and their families.

Onboard Recognition and Events

Princess Cruises often hosts a Military Appreciation Event during your voyage. This could be a private cocktail reception, a meet-and-greet with the captain, or a special ceremony. It’s a heartfelt way to say “thank you” and gives you a chance to connect with other military families onboard.

One couple from Texas shared that their Alaska cruise included a surprise flag-folding ceremony. “They even played the national anthem,” said Lisa. “It brought tears to my eyes.”

Priority Embarkation

While not guaranteed, many cruisers report being given priority boarding if they disclose their military status during check-in. This means you might get to skip the long lines and get on the ship faster—especially helpful if you’re traveling with kids or mobility issues.

Exclusive Group Bookings and Charters

For larger military groups (like a unit reunion or a family reunion), Princess offers custom group packages. These can include:

• Dedicated group coordinator
• Private events and dining
• Custom excursions
• Enhanced military savings (sometimes higher than the standard discount)

These are ideal for military organizations, VFW chapters, or even a family celebrating a service member’s retirement. You’ll need to contact Princess’ group sales team directly to set it up, but the effort is worth it for a seamless, personalized experience.

Partner Discounts and Stackable Offers

While the military discount can’t be combined with most other promotions (like early booking deals or last-minute sales), it can be stacked with certain offers, such as:

• Future Cruise Credit (FCC): Use FCC from a past cruise alongside your military savings.
• Referral credits: If you referred a friend who booked, their credit can apply to your trip.
• Loyalty program benefits: If you’re a Captain’s Circle member, you can combine your status perks (like onboard credit) with the military discount.

Just remember: always book the military rate first, then ask about stacking. The system won’t automatically apply everything, so it pays to be proactive.

Real-Life Examples: Military Families Share Their Experiences

To give you a real sense of what to expect, I reached out to several military families who’ve sailed with Princess. Their stories highlight both the benefits and the occasional hiccups—so you know what’s realistic.

The Johnson Family: A 10-Night Caribbean Cruise

The Johnsons—Dad (active Navy), Mom, and two kids—booked a Caribbean cruise to celebrate Dad’s deployment return. They qualified for the $150 per person discount and saved $600 total. “The savings helped us afford the kids’ snorkeling excursion,” said Mom. “And we got invited to a military cocktail hour. The kids loved the free desserts!”

They did note a small issue: the refund took 12 days to process. “We called customer service, and they expedited it,” she said. “But it was a little stressful.”

Retired Colonel Davis: Solo Alaska Adventure

Colonel Davis, a 28-year Army vet, took a solo trip to Alaska. He submitted his retiree ID and DD-214. “The process was smooth,” he said. “I got $100 off, and the onboard event was touching. They even gave me a challenge coin.”

His tip? “Book early. The military discount doesn’t affect cabin availability, but popular itineraries sell out fast.”

The Martinez Family: Booking Through a Travel Agent

The Martinez family used a military-focused travel agent to book their Hawaii cruise. “The agent handled all the paperwork,” said Maria, whose husband is active Air Force. “We didn’t have to worry about the upload process. The discount was applied, and we got extra onboard credit for being first-time cruisers.”

This is a great option if you’re short on time or just want peace of mind. Just make sure your agent is certified with Princess and knows the military program inside out.

Comparing Princess Cruises to Other Cruise Lines with Military Discounts

Princess isn’t the only cruise line that honors military service. So how does it stack up against competitors? Let’s take a quick look.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers a similar program called Military Cruise Discounts, with savings of $25–$200 per person, depending on cruise length. The process is nearly identical: book first, verify later. One advantage? Royal Caribbean sometimes runs stackable military promotions, like “$100 off + military discount.”

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival’s program is called Military Appreciation Cruise Discounts. It offers $50–$200 off per person, but with a key difference: you can apply the discount at booking if you’re booking through a military travel agent. That’s a big win for convenience.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL provides $50–$150 off per person, with a streamlined online verification process. You can upload documents directly during checkout. No waiting for an email. However, their military events are less common than Princess’.

Holland America Line

Holland America, like Princess, is part of the Carnival Corporation. Their military program is identical in structure and savings. The main difference? Holland America tends to focus on longer, more luxurious itineraries—great for retirees or those seeking a slower pace.

Data Table: Military Discount Comparison (2024)

Cruise Line	Discount Amount	Verification Process	Onboard Events	Stackable?
Princess Cruises	$25–$200/person	Post-booking email upload	Yes (frequent)	Limited (loyalty credits OK)
Royal Caribbean	$25–$200/person	Post-booking email upload	Yes	Sometimes (promo-dependent)
Carnival	$50–$200/person	Agent-assisted or post-booking	Occasional	Yes (with agent)
NCL	$50–$150/person	Online during checkout	Rare	No
Holland America	$25–$200/person	Post-booking email upload	Yes	Limited

As you can see, Princess holds its own. The onboard recognition and group options are standout features. While the verification process isn’t the fastest, the overall experience is well-regarded by military travelers.

Tips to Maximize Your Military Discount and Cruise Experience

Getting the discount is just the start. To truly make the most of your Princess cruise, here are some insider tips:

Book Early, But Be Flexible

The military discount doesn’t affect cabin availability, so popular sailings (like Alaska in summer or the Caribbean over holidays) sell out fast. Book 9–12 months in advance. But if you’re flexible, consider shoulder seasons (April, September, November) for better prices and fewer crowds.

Use a Military Travel Agent

Agents like Cruise Planners or Vacations To Go specialize in military travel. They know the ins and outs of the Princess program, can help with documentation, and sometimes offer extra perks like onboard credit or free upgrades.

Check for Special Sailings

Princess occasionally runs military-themed cruises, like Veterans Day voyages or Memorial Day sailings. These often include extra events and sometimes enhanced discounts. Follow Princess Cruises’ Facebook page or sign up for their military email list to stay informed.

Document Everything

Save copies of your booking confirmation, verification email, and refund details. If anything goes wrong, you’ll have proof. One traveler told me her refund was delayed because her bank flagged it as suspicious. Having the documentation helped resolve it quickly.

Ask About Upgrades

Even with the discount, you might be able to snag a free stateroom upgrade during check-in. It’s not guaranteed, but it never hurts to ask—especially if you’re celebrating a military milestone.

Share Your Story

During the military appreciation event, don’t be shy! Share your service story. Many cruisers say the crew goes out of their way to make military guests feel special. One family even got a personalized note from the captain.

At the end of the day, the Princess Cruises military discount is a meaningful way to say “thank you” to those who’ve served. It’s not the biggest discount in the industry, but when combined with the onboard perks, the overall experience is hard to beat. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, Princess offers a blend of elegance, adventure, and appreciation that resonates deeply with military families.

So, does Princess Cruise Lines offer military discount? Absolutely—and with a little planning, you can make the most of it. Pack your bags, bring your ID, and get ready for a vacation that honors your service in more ways than one. Fair winds and following seas!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Lines offer military discounts?

Yes, Princess Cruise Lines provides military discounts through their Military Cruise Discount program. These discounts are available to active-duty, retired, and veteran members of the U.S. and Canadian armed forces.

Who qualifies for the Princess Cruise Lines military discount?

The discount is open to active-duty personnel, reservists, National Guard members, retirees, veterans, and their immediate family members. Proof of military service, such as a DD-214 or military ID, is required to claim the offer.

How do I book a cruise with the Princess military discount?

To book a cruise using the Princess Cruise Lines military discount, visit their official website or contact a travel agent specializing in military bookings. You’ll need to provide valid military documentation during the reservation process.

What types of discounts does Princess offer for military members?

Princess Cruise Lines offers reduced fares, onboard credits, and special promotions for military personnel. The exact discount varies by sailing and stateroom category, so check their website for current deals.

Can I combine the military discount with other Princess promotions?

Generally, the military discount cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. However, Princess occasionally runs special deals allowing stacking, so it’s best to verify terms when booking.

Are there restrictions on when I can use the military discount?

Yes, the Princess military discount is subject to availability and may exclude certain peak-season sailings or holiday cruises. Always confirm eligibility for your preferred itinerary before finalizing your booking.