One thing Royal Caribbean emphasizes is how much they value their top tier cruisers.
During Royal Caribbean Group's latest earnings call with Wall Street analysts, CEO Jason Liberty talked a lot about how they're investing in its loyalty members. They see repeat cruisers as an important base to leverage, in the same way a political party relies on its base to boost its agenda.
Having reached the top tier of the cruise line's Crown & Anchor Society, I've seen firsthand how much the company cares about its repeat cruisers. Crew members go out of their way to recognize our loyalty, and the perks we receive are fantastic.
Once you reach the top tiers, it's obvious you enjoy not just cruising, but are a fan of Royal Caribbean. Therefore, there are certain cruises that I think you should prioritize because they will enhance what you can get out of them as a top tier member.
Go on a President's Cruise with other super fans
Once you realize you're a fan of Royal Caribbean, going on a cruise that celebrates other super fans is a must-try.
I went on my first President's Cruise last year and it was an eye-opening opportunity. Royal Caribbean holds an annual sailing where cruise line executives host special activities to celebrate all things Royal Caribbean.
There are special perks for the top tier members, including invite-only events. On my sailing, we were invited to get a sneak peek of the new Royal Beach Club before it opened. Each President's Cruise has a different event.
Plus, there are freebies and opportunities to speak to Michael Bayley and other top brass.
More importantly, if you've made it to Diamond or higher, the President's Cruise is the kind of cruise that I think would be interesting because it's akin to attending a fan event for those that love a movie trilogy, comic books, or other similar fandoms.
The next President's Cruise is scheduled for October 2026 on Icon of the Seas, and I've got my cabin booked!
Pick a longer sailing, like a repositioning cruise
Now that you're getting the best perks as a top tier member, you'll want to prioritize longer sailings.
It's no coincidence that there are always a lot of Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members on these sailings, because longer sailings offer more value.
Repositioning cruises stand out as the sailings you'll find higher Crown and Anchor numbers because they're a tremendous value. They're usually priced cheaper per night because there's less demand for a longer sailing with lots of sea days.
This fact attracts people that love to cruise, but are also looking for a good deal.
Plus, going on a longer sailing is how you climb the loyalty ladder faster. By going on longer sailings, you'll earn more points quicker.
No matter how many points you have, there's always a need to earn more. Perhaps to reach the next tier or just to stay head of Michael Poole. Regardless, these longer sailings are how you can jump ahead.
Visit private islands
Another priority for any cruise you book is to look for ways to maximize your perks.
Because Royal Caribbean offers so many included freebies at its top levels, I'd recommend picking cruises that visit its private islands.
Royal Caribbean has two private destinations today, with one more on the way. Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee are both enclaves for cruise guests and your onboard perks work there too.
Being able to use your Diamond drink vouchers and Wi-Fi package (CocoCay only) at these places extends the value of your perks.
When Perfect Day Mexico opens in 2027, there will be a new place in the Caribbean to use them too, which means almost any Caribbean sailing will have the opportunity to get more from your Crown and Anchor membership.
How to best use your free Pinnacle cruise
If you can get to Pinnacle Club status, Royal Caribbean will reward you with a free cruise certificate. But I'd be strategic with which one you use it on.
At 700 points, you'll get a free seven night cruise to the Caribbean in a balcony cabin to use. You'll get another free cruise every 350 points after that, which means there's a good reason to keep going. For example: 700, 1050, 1400, 1750, 2100, et al.
Here's the catch: you can pick a non-Caribbean cruise, but the value is greatly diminished.
If you try to use your Pinnacle certificate for an Alaska cruise, you'll only get $2400 value to use towards it, and no discounts.
What you should do is pick a ship sailing in the Caribbean and go with a new ship.
New ships always cost more than older ships, therefore you'll get the most bang for your buck getting a free cruise on a newer and more in-demand ship than an older one.
