Reaching Diamond status is a big deal for a lot of cruisers because of all the perks Royal Caribbean includes.
More cruisers than ever have made it to Diamond status, thanks to a surge in cruise demand. Cruising has not only become more accessible to the public, and a lot of people are coming back again and again.
When I reached Diamond level many years ago, I was excited for getting access to the dedicated lounge. Since then, Royal Caribbean added new benefits, such as drink vouchers, that made it even more useful.
If you're getting close to Diamond, I think there are things I wish I knew before I made it there so that you can avoid missing out and not committing any faux pas' along the way.
The Crown Lounge is more like a social club than a rowdy spot
As a Diamond member in Crown and Anchor Society, there's a dedicated lounge for you on every ship.
One of the most surprising things about this space is it's less like a bar scene, and more like a quiet area. It's not a library by any means, but I think there's a certain expectation among many cruisers it's somewhere to keep the volume to conversation level.
This is especially true in during the day, because the lounge is where you'll find people reading, playing cards, enjoying coffee, or sitting with friends.
In the evening when cocktails are served, it gets the busiest with more guests in there to hang out.
Basically, be respectful of others in the lounge when it comes to how loud you are. It seems to be unwritten rule not to take phone calls in there, nor is it acceptable to use it as a playground for young children. To be clear, kids are allowed and welcome in the Crown Lounge. Just like the adults, they can't be rowdy in there.
Frankly, I think the Crown Lounge has a stuffy feel to it, but it's largely been that way ever since I first got access to it.
You need to specify when using your Diamond drink vouchers
Without a doubt, the best benefit of Diamond level is the four drink vouchers you get everyday. You'll want to take full advantage of this "mini-drink package" in a few ways.
I think it's incredible that Royal Caribbean gives all of its Diamond members four free drink vouchers per day to use on pretty much any drink.
First, make sure you tell the bartender or waiter when you order the drink that you want to use your voucher.
If you don't say anything, they may charge your SeaPass account for the beverage. So be sure to mention when ordering the drink that you want to use your Diamond voucher.
Second, be sure to also specify the liquor you want in the cocktail so you get full value from your voucher.
If you ask for an Old Fashioned, they're going to likely use the well liquor that is the cheapest option. But you can ask for a brand name liquor and it's still included in your voucher value.
Lastly, don't let your daily vouchers go to waste!
If you don't use all four of them every day, you should order extra bottles of water. Stock piling bottled water in your stateroom is a good idea so you have access to it when you need it later, or to bring them on shore excursions.
You can't bring friends into the lounge
As neat as the Crown Lounge is, you cannot bring friends or family that aren't Diamond yet.
Over crowding in the lounge is bad enough as it is just among the Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members. So Royal Caribbean prohibits non-Diamond guests from coming in.
When you make Diamond, your spouse and kids under 18 also get your Diamond status too. So don't worry about having to leave them behind.
However, if you're cruising with friends or family that are not Diamond yet, then the lounge is not available to them.
This is part of the reason why the cruise line switched to offering vouchers for drinks to be used at any bar. You can enjoy this benefit anywhere else on the ship, so you can spend time with others and not lose out on vouchers.
Ask the Diamond Concierge for help with small problems onboard
I think one of the least utilized Diamond perks is the Crown Lounge concierge.
The Diamond concierge is akin to the Suite Concierge, although I'm not certain they have as much "power" in pulling strings. Nonetheless, they are still a useful option.
Basically, the Diamond concierge is a step up from Guest Services and likely has a shorter line too.
You can go there to settle billing issues, get questions answered, and even make reservations.
One adjustment to make when you get to Diamond is to stop and think if the Diamond concierge could assist instead. It might save you time in line at Guest Services or a trek to that desk. Or perhaps you can just combine some hors d'oeuvres with your inquiry.
The free coffee machine in the lounge is a hidden gem
You won't see the coffee machine listed on the benefits list, but so many Diamond members love having access to it.
Inside the Crown Lounge is a self-service coffee machine that makes espresso, coffee, and lattes. It's free to use and is available 24 hours per day.
There are cups there, so you can enjoy it in the lounge or take it elsewhere around the ship or back to your stateroom.
For many cruisers, this is just what they need every day. It's a step up from the complimentary coffee you get around the ship and doesn't require using a drink voucher at Cafe Promenade.
It should come as no surprise that the machine is busiest in the morning, and you'll also find an assortment of breakfast items as well.
Each morning there are various pastries and light bites that you can grab to accompany your coffee.
How the free day of internet works
A very common question new Diamond members want to know is how to use that free day of WiFi access included in your Diamond benefits.
You're entitled to a one day (24 hour) pass of internet access, and it can only be redeemed onboard the ship. You cannot apply or use it towards a pre-cruise purchase.
Once on the ship, connect to the ship's WiFi. Sign up for an internet access plan, and you should see your free day discount listed.
Is it cheaper to wait to the ship and use your free day or pre-purchase? It depends on the length of your cruise, as it can save you money if you're on a short 3-nighter. Otherwise, buy an internet package in advance.
