(May 5, 2008) - Loyal Princess passengers who book early to reserve their favorite destination and accommodations can now receive extra savings with the line's new Princess Captain's Circle Launch Savings benefit.  This new discount offers Circle Members up to $300 off when they make their cruise reservations shortly after new cruise schedules are announced.  The program offers one of the industry's best past passenger values, as it can be combined with other promotional fares.

Debuting with summer 2009 itineraries, the savings vary by destination and apply to all cabin categories.  The program is offered to Circle Members at all membership levels - Gold, Platinum and Elite.  For 2009-2010 departures, Europe and Alaska cruises must be booked by September 30, 2008 and all other destinations must be booked by December 31, 2008.

"We have many loyal past passengers who routinely book their sailings soon after we announce our new schedules," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales.  "So we created this new discount to offer them extra rewards for their loyalty and for booking their cruises early.  And unlike many other cruise industry discounts, these savings apply even if the passenger qualifies for other offers - whether a special group rate or subsequent fare specials."

Once booked, Launch Savings remain in effect, and can be applied to most other subsequent promotions, allowing past passengers to always have the best fares for which they qualify.  The savings can be combined with Escape Fares, group rates, regional promotions, and other past passenger discounts.

The Princess Captain's Circle has received acclaim for offering some of the richest loyalty benefits in the cruise industry.  Among the many perks available to the most loyal past Princess cruisers are a free mini-bar set up, free Internet packages, free laundry services, priority tender embarkation, complimentary wine tasting, a boutiques discount, and preferred embarkation and disembarkation.

For more information about the Princess Captain's Circle, visit the Circle Center at https://book.princess.com/captaincircle/jsp/captainCircleHome.jsp, and click on "Member Benefits."

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.