C&A Quadruple Points for Solo Suite Sailings?

[RCIFanatic]

If I travel in a junior suite solo, would I receive 4x crown and anchor points as opposed to only 2x points for a suite cruise?

[Mick]

3 points per night from memory   

[RCIFanatic]

13 minutes ago, Mick said:

3 points per night from memory   

That’s an odd number but I guess it’s better than 2

[Rackham]

Finally get to post this. 

In the plush confines of a Royal Caribbean Cruise ship, a heated discussion was underway between Miss Scarlet and Wadsworth. They were seated in the grandeur of the lounge, surrounded by the opulence of gilt-edged paintings and velvet upholstery, the waves of the ocean rolling against the portholes, mirroring the churning dispute that was taking place within. The topic of contention? The Crown & Anchor Society's loyalty program and how to earn points.

"It's really quite simple," insisted Miss Scarlet, her eyes sparking with a hint of exasperation. "It’s like adding the bullets in a revolver: One for any cabin, per night; another one if you pay the single supplement; and yet another if you sail in a suite. It's a straightforward addition, Wadsworth."

Wadsworth, however, with a puzzled look on his face, interjected. "But surely, Miss Scarlet, you're oversimplifying. I thought it’s multiplication, not addition! Shouldn't it be the product of the cabin's type, the supplement, and the suite's availability? Multiplication yields far more points!”

Miss Scarlet sighed, taking a moment to compose herself. “Wadsworth, just as you were incorrect about the number of bullets left in the gun in our previous encounter, you are mistaken here too. Allow me to break it down for you. Let's say you are staying for three nights in a suite, and you paid the single supplement. For each of those nights, you'd earn one point for the cabin. That's three points. On top of that, paying the single supplement grants you an additional point each night. That's another three points. Lastly, because you're in a suite, you earn yet another point each night. That's three more points. Three plus three plus three. It adds up to nine points in total, not twenty-seven as your multiplication would suggest."

Despite the frustration visible on Miss Scarlet's face, she remained patient, hoping to finally get through to Wadsworth. He seemed to ponder over her words, confusion still lingering in his eyes.

"But," Wadsworth stammered, trying to regain his footing in the conversation, "Doesn't the multiplication yield a better reward?”

“No, Wadsworth," Miss Scarlet responded, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "The program doesn't reward wild calculations, but the simplicity of an enjoyable cruise experience. The Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society is about appreciating their loyal customers, and this is done through simple, additive calculations.”

In the grand lounge of the ship, Miss Scarlet hoped her lesson finally sank in. Wadsworth stared at her, an uncertain expression still marking his features. The dance of the Crown & Anchor Society points, it seemed, was a melody as complex to him as the ever-ambiguous number of bullets in a revolver.

[Pooch]

Oh I love it!!!!  Thank you for bringing a smile to my morning , as well as being abso-bloomin-lutely right!

[twangster]

7 hours ago, RCIFanatic said:

That’s an odd number but I guess it’s better than 2

While the term double is thrown about even by Royal at times the actual verbiage states an extra point per night for suite and/or for single.  

One point per night plus an extra point for suite plus an extra point for solo in a suite equals 3 points per night.  

[Jolly Ogre]

Anyone else here Leslie Ann Warren and Tim Curry in their heads with the music in the background as they read that?

[RCIFanatic]

2 hours ago, Rackham said:

Finally get to post this. 

In the plush confines of a Royal Caribbean Cruise ship, a heated discussion was underway between Miss Scarlet and Wadsworth. They were seated in the grandeur of the lounge, surrounded by the opulence of gilt-edged paintings and velvet upholstery, the waves of the ocean rolling against the portholes, mirroring the churning dispute that was taking place within. The topic of contention? The Crown & Anchor Society's loyalty program and how to earn points.

"It's really quite simple," insisted Miss Scarlet, her eyes sparking with a hint of exasperation. "It’s like adding the bullets in a revolver: One for any cabin, per night; another one if you pay the single supplement; and yet another if you sail in a suite. It's a straightforward addition, Wadsworth."

Wadsworth, however, with a puzzled look on his face, interjected. "But surely, Miss Scarlet, you're oversimplifying. I thought it’s multiplication, not addition! Shouldn't it be the product of the cabin's type, the supplement, and the suite's availability? Multiplication yields far more points!”

Miss Scarlet sighed, taking a moment to compose herself. “Wadsworth, just as you were incorrect about the number of bullets left in the gun in our previous encounter, you are mistaken here too. Allow me to break it down for you. Let's say you are staying for three nights in a suite, and you paid the single supplement. For each of those nights, you'd earn one point for the cabin. That's three points. On top of that, paying the single supplement grants you an additional point each night. That's another three points. Lastly, because you're in a suite, you earn yet another point each night. That's three more points. Three plus three plus three. It adds up to nine points in total, not twenty-seven as your multiplication would suggest."

Despite the frustration visible on Miss Scarlet's face, she remained patient, hoping to finally get through to Wadsworth. He seemed to ponder over her words, confusion still lingering in his eyes.

"But," Wadsworth stammered, trying to regain his footing in the conversation, "Doesn't the multiplication yield a better reward?”

“No, Wadsworth," Miss Scarlet responded, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "The program doesn't reward wild calculations, but the simplicity of an enjoyable cruise experience. The Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society is about appreciating their loyal customers, and this is done through simple, additive calculations.”

In the grand lounge of the ship, Miss Scarlet hoped her lesson finally sank in. Wadsworth stared at her, an uncertain expression still marking his features. The dance of the Crown & Anchor Society points, it seemed, was a melody as complex to him as the ever-ambiguous number of bullets in a revolver.

Lmao thank you for the story. Additive, got it.

 

51 minutes ago, twangster said:

While the term double is thrown about even by Royal at times the actual verbiage states an extra point per night for suite and/or for single.  

One point per night plus an extra point for suite plus an extra point for solo in a suite equals 3 points per night.  

Understood. It just seems to make more sense that it’s 4x points since you would pay for double occupancy minus the 2nd person’s port and tax fees. To climb up C&A cost efficiently, it seems solo travelling in non-suite cabins would make more sense since you’ll still earn 2x points. Oh well, good to know. Good thing it’s a comped junior offer.

[Rackham]

You're welcome. Concerning earning of points. Royal's unusual in that it gives an extra point per night for paying a solo supplement, most cruise lines do not give extra loyalty credit for sailing solo. Many lines, including Royal, offer another point per night (or additional loyalty credit for systems based on other things) for booking suites, but Royal offers the point at their entry level suite product. Comparing Royal to their largest competitors in the mass market cruise space:

Royal:

• 1 point per night for any paid booking.
• 1 point per night for paying a single supplement.
• 1 point per night for booking a suite.

Carnival:

• 1 point per night for any paid booking.

NCL:

• 1 point per night for any paid booking.
• 1 point per night for booking a suite (Does not include Club Balcony Suites) or The Haven.
• 1 point per night for booking a loyalty program offer.

And the point tiers across these three brands all require approximately the same number of points. Royal does require slightly points more across the board compared to their competitors. Since you mentioned it's a comped jr. offer, to earn any points for this sailing (unless I'm misremembering) you'll need to pay something in fare, even if it's a buck.

When running the numbers last year, it can be closer than you think with moving up the C&A ladder booking interiors versus jr. suites depending on your average onboard spend and expenses to, from, and during the cruise. Though with how quickly suite prices have increased, the financials are now probably strongly skewed towards cruising more versus paying more in the short term to move up through the ranks as a solo. 

Historically, I've suggested to many that building loyalty status isn't something to target with your cruise selections. However, with what Royal is currently charging on their older ships which have a limited time remaining with their fleet, the overall increase in the cost of leisure travel and restaurant & bar pricing, and the fact that baring a major loyalty program change the status is kept for life, if you enjoy Royal's product and don't mind the direction the company is moving in, then sailing more with Royal to hit at least Diamond is something to seriously consider if time and finances allow. Fares, on average, will probably never be this low again in less than a decade as new ships are introduced and older ones retired. Prices on items which are comped through the loyalty program will only go up (ex. a $14 cocktail today could be 2027's $16 liberation) making the benefits worth more. It somewhat reminds me the situation back when Disney discontinued their no expiration Walt Disney World tickets, but more drawn out when the window closes to take advantage of the cheaper rate. Back in 2013, when the tickets were discontinued, a 10 day, no expiration ticket to WDW was about $650. While the final price of a 10 day ticket is about the same in 2023, the ticket for a single day at the Magic Kingdom is about $140. So anyone who could afford to purchase non-expiration tickets a decade ago are getting a really decent deal if they're using them for individual (or short multiday) visits today. How this relates to current Royal pricing is anyone who can afford to take/took advantage of COVID and older ship pricing today, is looking at saving a nice amount in the future versus what they paid to receive the C&A benefits. I wouldn't cruise solely for earning status, because it's a vacation and should be fun, but it's something I've personally considered when looking at what I'm doing for travel in future years back in 2021. 

[bobroo]

@Rackham I think you are brilliant!

Can we request your skilled storytelling in the future? 

[Rackham]

22 minutes ago, bobroo said:

@Rackham I think you are brilliant!

Can we request your skilled storytelling in the future? 

What other Royal topics would you be interested in seeing explained using a short story format?

[USCG Teacher]

15 minutes ago, Rackham said:

What other Royal topics would you be interested in seeing explained using a short story format?

I feel like I'm at the Improv! I'll start with what feels like a softball for your obvious talents: since we're on a brilliant Clue kick, how about shorts in the MDR using the "Flames on the side of my face" scene as inspiration?

[Rackham]

6 hours ago, USCG Teacher said:

I feel like I'm at the Improv! I'll start with what feels like a softball for your obvious talents: since we're on a brilliant Clue kick, how about shorts in the MDR using the "Flames on the side of my face" scene as inspiration?

With a crisp snap of his fingers, Wadsworth turns on his heel and addresses the room again, his eyes glistening with energy. "And now, Mrs. White!" He accuses, leveling a polished dinner fork at her across the Royal Caribbean's main dining room, the lights flickering ominously above.

Everyone gasps, Mrs. White least of all. Her face pales, her hands clutching the handkerchief in her lap, already anticipating the accusation. "Me?" She squeaks, her eyes as wide as the ship’s twin azipods.

"Yes, you, Mrs. White," Wadsworth asserts, his gaze cold and unwavering. "You killed Yvette. And why? Because she had the audacity to allow your husband in this dining room, at dinner, wearing... shorts!"

"Shorts?" Colonel Mustard echoes, his face contorting in horrified disbelief. He looks down at his own impeccably tailored tuxedo, then back at Wadsworth. "But... but that's against the policy!"

"Indeed, it is!" Wadsworth agrees, prowling the room like a famished shark in a suit. "But poor, naive Yvette didn't know, didn't realize the cardinal sin she was committing. And so, Mrs. White, in her rage, she..."

"But it's so unrefined! So utterly distasteful!" Mrs. Peacock interjects, clutching her peacock feather fan. "In our main dining room! At dinner!"

Wadsworth nods, his eyes alight with the perverse joy of unfurling a mystery. "Exactly! And that's why Mrs. White was driven to her tipping point! No pun intended!" He winks at Miss Scarlet who gives him a flat, unamused look.

Mrs. White trembles, her fury simmering under her pale cheeks. "Yes, I did it," she suddenly confesses, her voice shaking but defiant. "I did it! That woman allowed my husband, my own husband to stroll into the main dining room, at dinner... wearing shorts! SHORTS!"

"And, let me guess," Wadsworth prompts, leaning in, his face lit by the false flame of the candelabra on the table. "You were seething, raging. Flames, perhaps?"

Mrs. White nods, her teeth gritted, her hands clenched. "Flames! Flames on the sides of my face, burning, seething, burning with intense anger!" She imitates, her eyes as fiery as the anger she describes. "If there's one thing I cannot stand, it's a lack of decorum! I will not tolerate it!"

The room is silent. Wadsworth straightens up, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "And there we have it, ladies and gentlemen. The twisted tale of shorts in the main dining room at dinner. A dangerous game indeed."

And so it is, aboard the Royal Caribbean, the rules of decorum are held sacred, even in the face of murder.

[RCIFanatic]

9 hours ago, Rackham said:

You're welcome. Concerning earning of points. Royal's unusual in that it gives an extra point per night for paying a solo supplement, most cruise lines do not give extra loyalty credit for sailing solo. Many lines, including Royal, offer another point per night (or additional loyalty credit for systems based on other things) for booking suites, but Royal offers the point at their entry level suite product. Comparing Royal to their largest competitors in the mass market cruise space:

Royal:

• 1 point per night for any paid booking.
• 1 point per night for paying a single supplement.
• 1 point per night for booking a suite.

Carnival:

• 1 point per night for any paid booking.

NCL:

• 1 point per night for any paid booking.
• 1 point per night for booking a suite (Does not include Club Balcony Suites) or The Haven.
• 1 point per night for booking a loyalty program offer.

And the point tiers across these three brands all require approximately the same number of points. Royal does require slightly points more across the board compared to their competitors. Since you mentioned it's a comped jr. offer, to earn any points for this sailing (unless I'm misremembering) you'll need to pay something in fare, even if it's a buck.

When running the numbers last year, it can be closer than you think with moving up the C&A ladder booking interiors versus jr. suites depending on your average onboard spend and expenses to, from, and during the cruise. Though with how quickly suite prices have increased, the financials are now probably strongly skewed towards cruising more versus paying more in the short term to move up through the ranks as a solo. 

Historically, I've suggested to many that building loyalty status isn't something to target with your cruise selections. However, with what Royal is currently charging on their older ships which have a limited time remaining with their fleet, the overall increase in the cost of leisure travel and restaurant & bar pricing, and the fact that baring a major loyalty program change the status is kept for life, if you enjoy Royal's product and don't mind the direction the company is moving in, then sailing more with Royal to hit at least Diamond is something to seriously consider if time and finances allow. Fares, on average, will probably never be this low again in less than a decade as new ships are introduced and older ones retired. Prices on items which are comped through the loyalty program will only go up (ex. a $14 cocktail today could be 2027's $16 liberation) making the benefits worth more. It somewhat reminds me the situation back when Disney discontinued their no expiration Walt Disney World tickets, but more drawn out when the window closes to take advantage of the cheaper rate. Back in 2013, when the tickets were discontinued, a 10 day, no expiration ticket to WDW was about $650. While the final price of a 10 day ticket is about the same in 2023, the ticket for a single day at the Magic Kingdom is about $140. So anyone who could afford to purchase non-expiration tickets a decade ago are getting a really decent deal if they're using them for individual (or short multiday) visits today. How this relates to current Royal pricing is anyone who can afford to take/took advantage of COVID and older ship pricing today, is looking at saving a nice amount in the future versus what they paid to receive the C&A benefits. I wouldn't cruise solely for earning status, because it's a vacation and should be fun, but it's something I've personally considered when looking at what I'm doing for travel in future years back in 2021. 

@Rackham Thank you for the insight and comparisons. I’m just looking to fully maximize and eke out as much value as possible from my trips. Sometimes I receive offers for Junior and sometimes Balcony and wanted to see which sailing would make more sense when travelling alone along with multiple other factors. I’m definitely looking to get to Diamond and D+ as soon as possible and long term eventually to Pinnacle. 
 

In regards to the points for comped sailing, I did confirm with the casino rep and they said all guests would receive crown and anchor points, but I’ll call into C&A to confirm just in case. Either way, there’s a high chance that I will be booking an excursion or internet on one of the many cruises I have booked already so there will be extra $ spent there. Worst case, we can just prepay gratuities and that would work too, right?

[Rackham]

3 minutes ago, RCIFanatic said:

@Rackham Thank you for the insight and comparisons. I’m just looking to fully maximize and eke out as much value as possible from my trips. Sometimes I receive offers for Junior and sometimes Balcony and wanted to see which sailing would make more sense when travelling alone along with multiple other factors. I’m definitely looking to get to Diamond and D+ as soon as possible and long term eventually to Pinnacle. 
 

In regards to the points for comped sailing, I did confirm with the casino rep and they said all guests would receive crown and anchor points, but I’ll call into C&A to confirm just in case. Either way, there’s a high chance that I will be booking an excursion or internet on one of the many cruises I have booked already so there will be extra $ spent there. Worst case, we can just prepay gratuities and that would work too, right?

Someone who's familiar with the casino comps will need to chime in to be certain, I'm saying what I've heard in other threads, but there has to be something paid on the fare to count. So port fees, taxes, pre-paid gratuity, cruise planner purchases and so on don't count with Royal and earning C&A points.

[Ampurp85]

1 hour ago, Rackham said:

Someone who's familiar with the casino comps will need to chime in to be certain, I'm saying what I've heard in other threads, but there has to be something paid on the fare to count. So port fees, taxes, pre-paid gratuity, cruise planner purchases and so on don't count with Royal and earning C&A points.

Not the case. A casino comp earns C&A points like regular. I often sail solo and only upgrade maybe half the time on my casino comps. I get the double points for sailing solo. The casino uses your C&A number as your loyalty number, so even if all you pay are taxes, fees, and gratuities, you get your points. I just made D+ on a casino comp in April, didn't buy anything until I boarded and used my Prime discount for internet. 

[Rackham]

9 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Not the case. A casino comp earns C&A points like regular. I often sail solo and only upgrade maybe half the time on my casino comps. I get the double points for sailing solo. The casino uses your C&A number as your loyalty number, so even if all you pay are taxes, fees, and gratuities, you get your points. I just made D+ on a casino comp in April, didn't buy anything until I boarded and used my Prime discount for internet. 

Thanks for the correction. 

[RCIFanatic]

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

Not the case. A casino comp earns C&A points like regular. I often sail solo and only upgrade maybe half the time on my casino comps. I get the double points for sailing solo. The casino uses your C&A number as your loyalty number, so even if all you pay are taxes, fees, and gratuities, you get your points. I just made D+ on a casino comp in April, didn't buy anything until I boarded and used my Prime discount for internet. 

@Ampurp85 Thank you for the clarification! I have already booked 3 cruises from Sept to Nov. Hoping to get a few more in before the end of this year. Maybe we’ll run into each other at the tables!