Vancity Cruiser

One of my top reasons for cruising RCL lol. NCL serves Pepsi and I'm a Coca-Cola snob
 

Me too !

One of my top reasons for cruising RCL lol. NCL serves Pepsi and I'm a Coca-Cola snob
 

One of my top reasons for cruising RCL lol. NCL serves Pepsi and I'm a Coca-Cola snob
 

There are a few points that I can't shake when thinking about cruise line loyalty programs (for RCI and others):
I've yet to find any reasonably attainable perk that is worth compromising new experiences for.  Companies have loyalty programs because they can offer things of less than consequential value to keep customers.  If the benefits held that much value, it wouldn't make any financial sense for a line to offer them.  Digging in deeper for a loyalty program is, in a funny way, showing to cruise lines that they work - they can offer something of little value and get you to shell out more money. Loyalty program perks/rewards are benefits one gets FOR cruising with a given line, and shouldn't be seen as THE reason to cruise with a certain line.  The reason TO cruise with a given line is because you like their product!  If I have a local ice cream place that gives me a free scoop after buying ten, it'd be odd to keep going there for the "free" (definitely not free - you paid to get that perk), it makes sense to go there if you like their ice cream.  That's why you went the first and second time, right? Now, all that in mind, I recognize that there are certain circumstances in which "strategic escalation" might make sense, but they're very slim cases.  An example might be if after your next cruise you'll be just a point or two away from Diamond, and you know that the cruise after that you'll be sailing solo.  Since you'll get a much more favorable solo rate on that next sailing if you move up, you might do the math and find (depending on the rates), that a suite upgrade on your sailing has somewhere around a net-zero cost (or you might not - many variable exist here).  Again though, those are fringe cases.
Remember why you cruise a given line (or lines) in the first place - the things you like about that experience are the reasons to cruise.  The loyalty perks are just that, perks - not the part of the offering anyone is trying to sell.
A final thought (from me at least) on this: While I don't aim for loyalty levels, I'll of course welcome the benefits as they come.  This is much easier to do with Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, as they do have much more to offer than some other companies.  Ric and I went over perks of various lines on the below/linked podcast, and I think most here will see that they don't have it too bad at all.  
https://www.cruisehabit.com/podcast/loyalty-programs-do-past-passenger-programs-keep-you-coming-back-more-episode-5

I don't think anyone should go on cruises purely to attain higher C&A status. The perks are lovely, but not the reason to go on a cruise. Higher status should be a tertiary benefit to the overall amazing cruise experience you come to relish and enjoy.
I recall a great argument by @monorailmedic on his podcast about why elevated loyalty status is great, but not the primary reason to cruise.
Is it nice to be Diamond/Diamond Plus at some point? Absolutely. There are some great benefits. 
But do not book cruises purely to move up.

Yes, by the pool or by the ocean, they are everywhere and free.

I am headed straight to Royal's site to check on prices! I would LOVE Symphony & two private islands! Take my resort to two private islands for relaxing easy peasy beach day? I'm in.

Symphony is doing cruises with stops at both Labadee and Coco cay in January 2021. I jumped all over that one. Like @twangster posted earlier I am one of those who loves a nice relaxing beach day and being able to do it for free on 2 stops on the same cruise is extremely appealing to me
 

Symphony is doing cruises with stops at both Labadee and Coco cay in January 2021. I jumped all over that one. Like @twangster posted earlier I am one of those who loves a nice relaxing beach day and being able to do it for free on 2 stops on the same cruise is extremely appealing to me
 

Symphony is doing cruises with stops at both Labadee and Coco cay in January 2021. I jumped all over that one. Like @twangster posted earlier I am one of those who loves a nice relaxing beach day and being able to do it for free on 2 stops on the same cruise is extremely appealing to me
 

I've not seen it with my own eyes but I often talk to the crew and hear interesting stories.  Bartenders who work the pool bar see a lot.  
When Freedom came back from Europe in 2017 she had an area marked for topless sunbathing.

Sadly did not see any participants.  Maybe all my camera gear scared them away.

I am hoping that one day, RC will see its way clear to offer Crown and Anchor members discounts on ALL the different types of drink packages. There are many like myself who either can not or choose not to drink alcoholic beverages and are left only with the sales open to everyone.  I would like a discount as a thanks for my loyalty.
 
 

On our last 2 RC cruises (Oasis and Adventure) we were able to get an Unlimited Drink package and a soda package by phoning Royal. However, for our upcoming Allure cruise our TA just called Royal today to ask for the same thing and was told it was no longer possible :(
 

In my opinion unless it's truly a service dog it shouldn't be allowed around food at all

On Navigator in December some very nice people had a service dog with a vest but the issue is they took turns with who had the dog.  If it is truly a service dog it should be with the owner at all times.  And if I had seen a dog being held in line at the buffet I would have complained very loudly to staff.  That is gross.  Put yappy on the floor when you get your food.

Well one thing for sure...it would be wonderful news to truly hear Liberty ots, based on the West Coast. 

I've heard an unverified rumour (from a reliable source) that Royal has plans for a private island in Mexican Riviera and a new home on the west coast for Liberty once the new Oasis sized terminal is built in Galveston. Fingers crossed.

I've heard an unverified rumour (from a reliable source) that Royal has plans for a private island in Mexican Riviera and a new home on the west coast for Liberty once the new Oasis sized terminal is built in Galveston. Fingers crossed.

IMHO- you are on a floating mega resort in Star Class. As far as the cruising experience goes (minus the boutique lines like Regent), it doesn’t get better! Stay on the ship and enjoy the Harmony. There’s no need to get off in Cozumel and certainly you are missing nothing of note in Roatan. Enjoy!

Also important to note is that their 'living expenses' are all covered as well for time on board. If you factor in the cost of rent, utilities, and food this rate of pay becomes much higher.

Also important to note is that their 'living expenses' are all covered as well for time on board. If you factor in the cost of rent, utilities, and food this rate of pay becomes much higher.

Also important to note is that their 'living expenses' are all covered as well for time on board. If you factor in the cost of rent, utilities, and food this rate of pay becomes much higher.

Also important to note is that their 'living expenses' are all covered as well for time on board. If you factor in the cost of rent, utilities, and food this rate of pay becomes much higher.

before sail away...if it is a NO you can still get off the boat and not be miserable for the duration of the cruise.... just sayin