Loyalty Perks Beyond the Cruise: Using Crown & Anchor Society Rewards on Land

In:
04 Oct 2024

Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program provides exclusive benefits at sea, but it also entitles members special offers while on land.

cover photo of an exterior of a cruise ship

Most cruise lines offer loyalty programs, but the Crown & Anchor Society is among the most enticing. With onboard benefits like complimentary drinks, a private lounge, and free wifi at higher tiers, the loyalty program is undeniably useful while on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Related: 11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor perks

Most cruisers know they can utilize Crown & Anchor Society benefits onboard, but did you know there are also a variety of benefits to use on land? Even if you’re not on a cruise ship, you may be able to take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s partnerships with hotels, car rental services, and airlines to save money on an upcoming vacation.

If you're cruising often and earning loyalty points faster, you could take advantage of your benefits even when you're not cruising.

Here’s a list of Royal Caribbean’s partnerships you should know about in order to make the most of your Crown & Anchor Society benefits.

First, Royal Caribbean’s partnership with MGM Rewards provides perks and savings at select resorts

MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas

Planning an upcoming trip to Las Vegas or another casino destination? Don’t forget to take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s partnership with MGM Rewards.

MGM Rewards is the loyalty program of MGM Resorts, and the program allows members to receive perks at select MGM Rewards Destinations. Crown & Anchor Society members can take advantage of a status matching program, entitling them to MGM Rewards benefits even if it’s their first time staying at an MGM Rewards property.

What are the benefits of MGM Rewards?

MGM Rewards Priority check-in sign

Three MGM Rewards tiers are available to Crown & Anchor Society members: Sapphire, Pearl, and Gold.

Gold members in the Crown & Anchor Society can match their status to MGM Rewards’ Sapphire status, the lowest tier in the loyalty program. Benefits in this tier include a dedicated reservations line, member-only offers to MGM Rewards Destinations and partners, and discounts on hotel stays, retail stores, entertainment and sporting events, and Avis car rental rates.

Related: How do Royal Caribbean and MGM Resorts shared benefits work?

Platinum members in the Crown & Anchor Society are matched to MGM Rewards’ Pearl status. In addition to receiving all Sapphire Tier perks, Pearl members also receive invitations to member-only events, complimentary tickets to select MGM Rewards concerts in Las Vegas, complimentary self-parking, and no expiration of MGM Rewards Points and Slot Dollars, among other perks.

VIP desk at Park MGM in Las Vegas

Those with higher status in the Crown & Anchor Society—Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club—are matched to MGM Rewards’ Gold Tier. In addition to Sapphire and Pearl Tier benefits, Gold benefits also include an expedited reservations line, tier appreciation events, VIP line access to select nightclubs in Las Vegas, a waived resort fee when booking direct, enhanced room upon check-in, and complimentary valet parking at participating locations.

The most lucrative benefits could save Crown & Anchor Society members hundreds of dollars during a stay at an MGM Rewards Destination. Resort fees, for instance, can cost around $50 per night, but the fee is waived for those with Emerald status and above.

A full list of benefits for each tier can be found here.

How do you status match to MGM Rewards from Royal Caribbean?

To match your Crown & Anchor Society status to MGM Rewards, members should first create an MGM Rewards account online.

Once the account has been created, contact MGM Rewards through the Member Services number at 1-866-761-7111. You will be asked to provide your Crown & Anchor Society number, at which point MGM Rewards will confirm the information and match your status to the applicable MGM Rewards tier.

Alternatively, those near an MGM Rewards location can do this step in person.

Where are MGM Rewards Destinations?

Excalibur Resort in Las Vegas

The majority of participating MGM Rewards Destinations are in Las Vegas. Crown & Anchor Society members who match their status to MGM Rewards can enjoy benefits at the following Las Vegas hotels and resorts:

  • Bellagio
  • ARIA
  • Vdara
  • MGM Grand Las Vegas
  • The Signature at MGM Grand
  • Mandalay Bay
  • Delano Las Vegas
  • Park MGM Las Vegas
  • NoMad Las Vegas
  • New York-New York
  • Luxor
  • Excalibur

Outside of Las Vegas, other MGM casinos around the United States participate in MGM Rewards:

  • Beau Rivage (Biloxi, Mississippi)
  • Borgata (Atlantic City, New Jersey)
  • Empire City Casino (Yonkers, New York)
  • MGM Grand Detroit (Detroit, Michigan)
  • MGM National Harbor (Oxon Hill, Maryland)
  • MGM Springfield (Springfield, Massachussets)
  • MGM Northfield Park (Northfield, Ohio)

A new partnership with Hard Rock International started in 2024

RCI and Hard Rock International Banner Image

In April 2024, Royal Caribbean announced a new partnership with Hard Rock International. In this partnership, members of Royal Caribbean’s casino loyalty program—Club Royale—can receive benefits through Hard Rock’s Unity loyalty program.

There are four tiers in Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale program: Choice, Prime, Signature, and Masters. Hard Rock International benefits vary by tier, but each level includes, at a minimum, a discount on one hotel room per stay at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino properties in Hollywood and Tampa, Florida.

Choice members receive a 5% discount, Prime receive 10%, Signature receive 15%, and Masters members receive a 20% discount on each stay.

Casino on Royal Caribbean

The hotel discount can be applied an unlimited number of times during the qualifying year. The discount does not apply to resort fees at the selected property.

In addition, those with higher status in Club Royale—Signature and Masters members—will appreciate an annual 3-night complimentary stay at a Hard Rock Seminole gaming property in either Hollywood or Tampa.

During the stay, Signature members receive a $300 property credit whereas Masters members receive $600 to spend throughout the stay.

How to earn loyalty in Club Royale to receive perks with Hard Rock International

Casino

In order to take advantage of Hard Rock International benefits, Crown & Anchor Society members must first earn status in the Club Royale program.

Status can be earned by gambling in Royal Caribbean’s casinos as long as guests tap their SeaPass card at slot machines or present the card to casino staff at table games. All passengers start at the Choice tier. One Reward Point is earned for every $5 played into slot machines and every $10 spent at Video Poker machines. Points earned on table games vary by the average bet and length of play.

For more detailed information on Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale loyalty program, check out the following article:

Crown & Anchor Society members also save on Hertz car rentals

Hertz car Rental sign up page

If you plan to rent a car on an upcoming trip, consider renting with Hertz to earn perks. Through Royal Caribbean’s partnership with Hertz, Crown & Anchor Society members receive Hertz Gold Plus Rewards status, which allows members to save time through the program’s Skip the Counter and E-Return access.

Additionally, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members can earn points toward free rentals and save on base rental rates.

To book a car rental through Royal Caribbean’s partnership with Hertz, Crown & Anchor Society members should use this link.

Lastly, guests in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Ireland can earn Avios airline points when booking Royal Caribbean cruises

British Airways Plane

This August, Royal Caribbean International announced a brand-new partnership with IAG Loyalty, which allows cruisers booking their next sailing through Royal Caribbean’s U.K., Spain, and Ireland websites to earn Avios points on balcony and suite bookings.

Avios are the currency of several major airlines, which can be used to book flights, upgrades, hotels, car rentals, and other experiences. Currently, Avios are the currency of the British Airways Executive Club, Aer Lingus AerClub, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Iberia Plus, and Vueling Club. As part of the Oneworld alliance, however, Avios can also be used to book airfare on a wide range of partner airlines, including American Airlines, Finnair, and Alaska Airlines.

Related: Flying to your cruise? 6 things to consider before booking

Guests will earn 3 Avios for every £1/€1 spent on a Royal Caribbean booking, but only if staying in a balcony or suite cabin. To receive the benefit, passengers must input their frequent flyer number on the confirmation page during the booking process.

Currently, this benefit is only available in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Ireland, so guests in other regions cannot take advantage of this partnership.

4 lesser-known perks of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Program

In:
27 Sep 2024

Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society offers loyal cruisers lucrative perks to help enhance the value of their cruise vacation. In addition to daily drink vouchers, a complimentary photo, and access to an exclusive lounge, some lesser-known benefits can be enjoyed by higher-ranking members.

Watching the ice show

Though cruisers can take advantage of a private departure lounge and 50% off two glasses of wine, beer, or soda after their first sailing, the best perks don’t start rolling in until you’ve accumulated 80 cruise points and reached Diamond status.

For example, guests within the Diamond tier receive four daily drink coupons that can be used on alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, saving upwards of $56 per day. 

The complimentary drinks are often a deciding factor on whether a drink package is worth the extra cost or not. Even if you pay for four extra beverages daily, the total amount spent on drinks is typically less than what a drink package would cost out of pocket. 

Moreover, Diamond cruisers get one complimentary day of Surf & Stream Wi-Fi per sailing, which can transfer to a discount of equivalent value if you'd rather purchase a Wi-Fi package for your entire cruise. 

Diamond-Pin-Royal

With over 30 Crown & Anchor benefits available to Diamond cruisers and above, it’s clear that loyalty is rewarded. Beyond the daily drink vouchers, discounted Wi-Fi, and access to the Crown Lounge, here are 4 lesser-known perks of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Program available to passengers with at least 80 cruise points.

Reserved seating at shows

Watching the show

I forget every cruise about the reserved seating at the production shows for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members.

While you still need to make reservations, Royal Caribbean holds back seats at the ice skating and stage shows for its top tier members.

Reserved seating for suite guests

The seating is actually lumped in with suite guests and anyone that bought The Key, but it's a good standby just in case you're running a few minutes late.

I particular like the reserved seating for us Crown and Anchor members in the Aquatheater, because it is in the center section and starts about halfway back, so well behind the splash zone

Chef’s choice on sailings 5 nights and longer

Chefs-Choice-Benefits

Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers will receive some treats delivered to their stateroom on cruises that are at least 5 nights long.

When onboard Quantum of the Seas earlier this summer, I received a plate of assorted pastries, including a chocolate-covered strawberry, Rice Krispies treat, chocolate muffin, and more.

After a cold and rainy day in Skagway, Alaska, it was fun to return to my cabin and discover the present. My dad and I enjoyed having a small snack to nibble on while getting ready for dinner. 

Read more: What makes being a Pinnacle Club member worth it

Chefs-Choice-2

According to the Crown & Anchor Society’s terms and conditions, “[the g]ift and frequency of delivery to the stateroom [vary] by ship and length of sailing.” In other words, you cannot predict what will be included in the Chef's Choice perk. 

It's easy to obtain sweet treats on your Royal Caribbean cruise, but it's even better when they're delivered to your cabin! 

Read more: I reached Diamond status with Royal Caribbean

Exclusive backstage tour

Wonder of the Seas theater

On cruises that are 5 nights or longer, you can get an exclusive look at the behind-the-scenes operations of the theater.

While all passengers can enjoy one of the original production shows or Broadway-style musicals, only Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers are eligible to attend the exclusive backstage tour. In addition to walking backstage, there’s typically a Q&A session with the dancers and cast members. 

It's a great time to learn more about the background of the dancers, as well as get a glimpse into the daily life of a performer on a cruise ship. 

Royal Theater

It's different from the All-Access tour for purchase, though. During the backstage tour, you won't visit the Galley, Bridge, or other crew-only areas. If that's something that interests you, you'll have to pre-purchase it through the Cruise Planner

Royal Caribbean notes that they can cancel the event without notice. However, if you’re interested in participating, check your Crown & Anchor benefits sheet left in your cabin on embarkation day for instructions on how to RSVP.

If you have any questions, visit the Crown & Anchor Loyalty Desk as soon as possible.

Priority waitlist seating in the Main Dining Room

Main Dining Room

Fans of traditional cruise ship dining can choose the early and late seating, meaning you'll eat in the Main Dining Room at the same time each evening. Plus, you'll sit at the same table and have the same wait staff. 

Sometimes, however, we make the wrong selection during the booking process. If you're unhappy with your decision and are a Diamond cruiser or above, you can move to the top of the waitlist for your desired seating. 

Ensuring you have the dinner seating that aligns with your travel party's needs is important. Otherwise, you may have fussy children fighting to stay awake until dinner, as the late seating typically doesn't begin until around 8:00pm—although the time varies depending on your sailing. 

Main dining room

Alternatively, perhaps you want to spend more time on the pool deck or don't want to feel rushed after a long day ashore. In that case, the later time would work best for you, freeing up space during the first seating for passengers who want to retire early or have evenings free for entertainment. 

The priority waitlist doesn't apply to My Time Dining. If you don't make reservations, you must wait in the standby line. However, if you chose My Time Dining and like to move back to traditional, you will be placed at the top of the waitlist. 

Read more: The Crown and Anchor perks you should use on every Royal Caribbean cruise

Exclusive benefits for Pinnacle members: What makes it worth it?

In:
23 Sep 2024

Royal Caribbean's highest loyalty program tier offers the very best onboard perks a cruiser can get.

Pinnacle Club logo next to cruise ship

Pinnacle Club requires 700 points to reach, and it's 525 points more than the next tier down.  It may seem like a lifetime of cruises away to reach the level, but every time I cruise, I'm grateful to have made it.

I have taken almost 100 cruises with Royal Caribbean, and accumulated over 800 points within the Crown & Anchor Society. My point total is pretty small compared to most other Pinnacles I know, but it still counts!

Read more: How to earn Crown & Anchor points quicker

Crystal block with letter

I was never one to cruise just for loyalty status, but the benefits as you get towards the top are undeniably nice to have.  Royal Caribbean's benefits offer easy ways to save time and money, and it's difficult to imagine cruising without them.

Here's a glimpse at the exclusive perks that come with Pinnacle Club membership.

Priority everything

Check-in sign

One thing that changed a lot when I moved from Diamond Plus to Pinnacle is you truly feel like you're cruising first class, even when you're not in a giant suite.

Royal Caribbean grants Pinnacle Club members priority boarding with suite guests, which means you have a special boarding line and lounge area in the cruise terminal.  When it comes time to board the cruise, you're among the first to board too.

Once onboard the ship, Pinnacles are allowed access to the Suite Lounge for the duration of the cruise (assuming there aren't too many onboard). This is a less busy alternative to the Crown Lounge, and also comes with great views too.

Icon-Suite-Neighborhood-23-Coastal-Kitchen

Access to Coastal Kitchen on the new ships is a tremendous benefit too, as it adds a new complimentary restaurant choice.  I've started eating more often at Coastal Kitchen than I ever did when I stayed in a suite.  Maybe it's because of the added value, or maybe it's because they have French onion soup on the dinner menu every night.  You decide.

Pinnacles have the option of wear a gold name tag that's given to them when the turn Pinnacle. Personally, I've never worn it, but many Pinnacles swear by it because they notice enhanced service from crew members.

Pinnacle Pin

I think my gold colored SeaPass card for being Pinnacle stands out enough, but you can't deny it crew members tend to do a double take when they see you're Pinnacle.

Just like embarkation, the suite concierge will escort you off the ship on the final day of the cruise, and you'll get luggage tags for the first group too.

Special added events

Cheers with an officer table

As a Pinnacle Club member, you'll get invited to various events during your cruise. Depending on your sailing length, there can be different events to choose from.

On my most recent sailing on Anthem of the Seas in Europe, I was invited to a Pinnacle lunch event where we had a group meal with other Pinnacles onboard and the chance to meet the officers.

Cheers with an officer

Known as "Cheers with an officer", it's basically the Chops Grille lunch served in the Main Dining Room, and since everyone is a Pinnacle Club member, there are a lot of "war stories" being shared among big time cruisers.

Topics of discussion included favorite itineraries, upcoming cruises booked, and pretty much anything relevant happening in cruising right now.  It's like a super cruiser discussion thread in real life.

Pinnacles are also invited to other events, such as behind the scenes tours, Top Tier events, and more.

It's optional to attend any of them, but going adds a dimension of community you won't find at the other tiers.

So many free drinks

I thought getting 4 free drinks a day as a Diamond member was nice, but having 6 as Pinnacle makes a big difference.

Royal Caribbean gives free drink vouchers to use at any bar, restaurant or lounge every day of the cruise. It's an incredible benefit:

  • Diamond: 4 drinks per day, per person
  • Diamond Plus: 5 drinks per day, per person
  • Pinnacle: 6 drinks per day, per person.

My kids get free drinks too, albeit they're at Diamond Plus level.

1400-lobby-bar-icon

Since moving up to Pinnacle Club, I haven't bought a drink package since turning Pinnacle because I get so much value from my free drinks (and casino benefits).

Even if I use up all my drink vouchers for the day and pay out of pocket for 3 or 4 drinks, I'm still saving money compared to a Royal Caribbean drink package.

Free cruise incentive

Voyager of the Seas

If you think once you hit Pinnacle that you max out the rationale to continue cruising with Royal Caribbean, think again.

Besides wanting to take advantage of the added perks I already mentioned, Royal Caribbean will continue giving Pinnacles free cruises in the future.

When you hit 700 points, you'll get a free seven night cruise to the Caribbean in a balcony cabin to use. If you choose a cruise that matches all three of those conditions, then the base cruise fare is free except for port fees, taxes and gratuity.

Allure of the Seas in Nassau

If you want something else, then you have the choice to take a $2400 value to use towards any cruise, which means you could upgrade to a suite, or do a 9-night cruise, or simply sail elsewhere in the world.

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.

Incredible status matching with Celebrity

Celebrity-Eclipse

Royal Caribbean recently updated its status matching with sister line Celebrity Cruises, and the result is incredible.

I just sailed on Celebrity Reflection and was granted full Zenith level membership, which is Celebrity's top loyalty level.  

Status-Match

I was given a complimentary premium drink package, premium one-device wifi package, access to The Retreat (suite lounge), priority embarkation/disembarkation, and more.

I was blown away by how lucrative being a Zenith member is, and I got it all simply for being a Pinnacle Club member.

Retreat

I sailed on Celebrity Apex last year before the status matching change, and the updated benefits make sailing on Celebrity so much more tantalizing.

Moving up to Pinnacle means you not only reach the top level of Royal Caribbean, but also Celebrity. That adds a major bonus to the value.

Reaching Pinnacle has changed how I cruise

Matt in central park

While I don't think chasing loyalty status is a good reason to cruise, I can't deny I've enjoyed the benefits that have come with being Pinnacle.

In short, it's made me feel more valued by the cruise line for my loyalty, and meeting other Pinnacles has been a real highlight.

I think the benefits you get at Diamond are plenty good on their own, but if you find down the line getting closer to that 700 point threshold, it might make sense to think about a strategy to get there given how nice these added perks have been for me.

Best cruises to maximize Crown & Anchor loyalty benefits

In:
21 Sep 2024

Royal Caribbean's loyalty program offers some of the best benefits in the cruise industry, but you can only utilize them while on a cruise.

Couple on Icon of the Seas

As much as you might want to cruise frequently, vacationing is a luxury, and it can be hard to find time to plan your next sailing.

So while on those infrequent cruises, how can you best maximize your Crown and Anchor Society benefits

The program offers great value at every level: you can expect to receive discounts, vouchers, and even free cruises as part of your rewards.

Specific cruises will offer the best value for loyalty members who want to utilize their benefits.

If you'd like your next sailing to use all the advantages available from the Crown and Anchor Society, certain cruise ships, itineraries, and ship classes will help you maximize your experience.

Icon and Oasis Class ships offer more ways to redeem

Looking into Central Park

When booking your cruise, you'll want to think about the amount of opportunities you'll have to redeem your reward vouchers and discounts.

Depending on your tier of the loyalty program, you'll get discounts on drinks, complimentary specialty beverages, free casino plays, and even BOGO dinners at specialty restaurants.

Every tier of the Crown and Anchor Society receives:

  • 50% off coupon for any glass of wine, beer, or soda
  • 25% off any coffee beverage
  • 10% off any wine, beer, or soda by the glass
Sunset bar on Celebrity Silhouette

Ships with more venues will offer more opportunities and varied choices when it comes to redeeming these coupons, so Royal Caribbean's mega-ships (such as its Oasis and Icon Class) are your best bet for maximizing these benefits. Plus, kids get these benefits too.

From the amount of casino machines to bars onboard, everything about these ships offers more ways to cash in.

Read more: How to earn Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society points faster

Icon of the Seas aerial

Icon of the Seas, for example, has 14 specialty restaurants and 18 bars and lounges—offering a wide selection of menus and themes.

Throughout the length of your cruise, you could redeem complimentary daily drinks at an assortment of bars.

Use drink vouchers on a stop at a private island

Those drink vouchers turn into complimentary daily drinks once you reach the Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle tiers of the Crown and Anchor Society.

And since drink discounts and packages also apply while on Royal Caribbean's private destinations, booking a cruise that visits Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee, Haiti will grant you extra time to take advantage.

Since most discounts only apply on the ship, you might be tempted to stay onboard during port days to make the most of free WiFi and drinks.

CocoCay-Drinks

However, stopping off at a Royal Caribbean private destination allows you to still use both while enjoying beautiful beaches and luxurious cabanas.

Booking a sailing that stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee, Haiti is a great way to maximize even more benefits.

Read more: What being a Pinnacle member means to me

Get discounts when you book a balcony or suite

utopia of the seas balcony cabin

The Crown and Anchor Society also offers discounts to its members who are booking balcony cabins or suites, so look at upgrading when you book your next cruise.

Starting at 30 points, cruisers can get discounts when booking balcony and suite staterooms.

While spending more on a cabin might not sound like a good deal, you'll be rewarding yourself with more luxurious accommodations while also taking advantage of loyalty offers.

Aquatheater bedroom

Not only that, but cruisers also receive an increased discount for making a reservation more than six months ahead.

Royal Caribbean tends to reward guests for booking further ahead of time, so booking a balcony or suite stateroom far in the future will give you extra deals.

  3-5 nights 6-9 nights10+ nights
Platinum $75$125$225
Emerald$125 $225$325
Diamond$150$250$350
Diamond Plus$175$275$375
Pinnacle Club$175$275$375

Consider the Crown Lounge onboard 

crown-lounge-icon-of-the-seas-2

Royal Caribbean has a dedicated area on all of its ships just for passengers that have reached at least Diamond level.

Access to the Crown Lounge is included in benefits for the Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle tiers.

Open 24/7, this exclusive area features complimentary food, coffee, access to the Diamond concierge, and nightly happy hours.

To ensure that you're making the most of this benefit, you can research the Crown Lounge onboard specific Royal Caribbean ships.

Cruisers like to discuss their preferred size, layout, and style of the Crown Lounge, so look for a ship that best suits your preferences.

Spectrum of the Seas aerial at sea

Some members prefer a bigger lounge, where they can spread out and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Others visit the exclusive venue for the social aspect, enjoying meeting other loyal Royal cruises, so they look for a more intimate experience.

Whatever your tastes, look for a specific ship to meet those needs.

Book an Alaska, Asia, or Europe sailing for your free cruise

The highest tier of the Crown and Anchor Society is rewarded with a free cruise.

Once passengers reach 700 points, they receive a free 7-night cruise in a balcony cabin (at the prevailing rate of a Caribbean cruise). Once they reach 1,400 points, the 7-night cruise is upgraded to a Junior Suite.

A free cruise sounds like a dream come true.

Royal Caribbean does not allow guests to book this sailing on a brand-new ship (it must be more than a year old), so you'll want to maximize these benefits by booking more expensive itineraries. 

The cruise line visits destinations like Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, France, Spain, Greece, Singapore, and Japan—all of which can be booked on your yearly free cruise.

Read more: I planned out 6 years of cruises so I could reach Royal Caribbean's highest loyalty tier

However, the free sailing doesn't include taxes, fees, or transportation, so you'd still have to pay for travel to and from the cruise port.

Use package discounts on shorter cruises

3-5 night sailings are a great opportunity to save money on WiFi and drink packages—with fewer days onboard, the daily packages cost even less.

When purchased onboard Diamond Plus members get 30% off deluxe drink packages, while Pinnacle members get 40% off.

Gold, Platinum, and Emerald members get discounts on Internet packages purchased onboard, while Diamond guests get one free day of internet access.

Diamond Plus cruisers earn two free days of Surf & Stream internet package per sailing, and Pinnacle Club members get a free Internet package for the length of the cruise.

The secrets to achieving Diamond status quickly on Royal Caribbean

In:
18 Sep 2024

If you're looking for the sweet spot of Royal Caribbean loyalty program perks, it's right at the Diamond level.

Diamond level

At the Diamond level, you qualify for four free drinks per day of your cruise, and that is very lucrative. For a lot of cruisers, the complimentary drink vouchers are a defacto drink package and can save hundreds of dollars on every cruise.  

Plus, there's also a free day of WiFi, access to the Crown Lounge, and more that comes with being a Diamond member.

Royal Caribbean gives all of its repeat cruisers discounts, special offers, and even freebies to reward their allegiance to the cruise line.  By far, the most lucrative benefits begin when you reach the Diamond tier, which requires 80 cruise points.

Read more: Best cruises to maximize your Crown & Anchor perks

Every cruise point represents a night on a ship, although there are some ways to get more points quicker. If you want to get to Diamond as fast as possible, there are a few good strategies to get you there beyond simply booking a bunch of cruises.

Book suites instead of regular cabins

Grand Suite on Freedom

Royal Caribbean will give you an extra cruise point per night if you book any suite, including Junior Suites.

Moving up from one point per night to two points will cut the number of nights you need to cruise in order to reach Diamond, and it's the simplest approach.

Staying in a suite means you can bring your family with you as per normal, but instead of a lower category cabin, you move up to a suite.

Wonder-Junior-Suite

As you might guess, staying in a suite will cost you more money.  However, if you're flexible, I've found the price difference to move up to Junior Suite or Grand Suite is not as egregiously expensive as you might think.

One thing to watch out for is RoyalUp, which allows you to bid for a stateroom upgrade.

If you win a bid to move up from a lower category cabin (i.e. balcony) to a suite, you will not get double points.

Go on a cruise solo

Matt dining solo in the Main Dining Room

You can also earn an extra cruise point per night if you happen to cruise alone in a cabin.

Because cruise ship cabins are sold on a double occupancy basis, Royal Caribbean will give solo cruisers more points because they're effectively paying for a second person due to the single supplement fee.

There are two things to look out for when cruising solo in order to get that extra point.

Studio cabin on Harmony

First, studio cabins don't qualify for the extra point.  These are cruise ship rooms specifically designed for solo travelers. As such, they don't have the single supplement fee or the double points.

Second, to get that extra point, you need to book the original reservation as a solo cruiser.  This means you cannot book the cruise with someone else on the reservation and then later drop them or have them not show up for the cruise at all while still booked.

It used to not matter, but Royal Caribbean began enforcing that rule recently.

Combine the two strategies

Junior Suite on Symphony of the Seas

If you really want to get to Diamond status as fast as possible, then I'd recommend booking a suite as a solo cruiser.

When you stay in a suite by yourself, you'll earn 3 points per night. This is the most points you can earn per night on any cruise.

If you were to employ this strategy on a 7-night cruise, you would earn 21 points from that sailing.

Connecting door

Taking it one step further, you could book two cabins for your family and book one adult in one cabin solo. This way you can accrue 3 points per night while still going on a cruise with your family.

Alternatively, you could book two separate standard cabins and at least earn double points for one of the adults.

In either scenario, make sure the adult with the most Crown and Anchor points is the one booked in the cabin alone.

In case you're wondering, the cruise line doesn't care where you sleep, so you can book two rooms, but sleep together in the same room.

How much money can Diamond status save you?

Crown and Anchor

While the four free drinks per day are probably the best benefit you can get from being a Diamond member, there are many more great perks too.

The four free drinks you get add up to $56 per day. And don't forget, that's per person because everyone in your immediate family gets the same status.

The free day of WiFi access is equivalent to the $29.99 cost for a 24 hour pass.

You'll also get $6 of free play in the casino. You never know, that could end up generating a lot more money for you, but let's assume $6.

There are a number of coupons to apply to drinks. You'll need to specify them when you order, but it adds up.

  • 50% off any two glasses of wine, beer or soda when purchased together: $7 x 2 = $14
  • 50% off any two Johnny Rockets Milkshakes: $4.50
  • 20% off any glass of wine, beer or soda: $1.38
  • Receive one free non-alcoholic specialty coffee with the purchase of one Specialty Restaurant dinner: $8.95
Salon concept on Utopia

Finally, there are shopping and service discounts you can get by being a Diamond member.

  • 20% off any Spa Service (excluding Medi-Spa): $19.80 (60 minute Swedish massage)
  • 15% off RCCL Logo Products (must spend $25): $3.75
  • One free Photo: $19.99
  • 10% off a Photo Package or Photobook: $19.90
  • $5 off a $25 Dry Clean or Press: $5
  • $10 off a $34.99 Wash & Fold Laundry Bag (5+ night sailings): $10
  • Receive a discounted Stateroom Phone rate of $2 per minute: $5.95 per minute savings x 2 = $11.90

If you took advantage of every single Diamond discount given to you on a sailing, you could save $175.17 per person. Not every benefit will likely be used, but there are at least a few that most people should be able to take advantage of on every sailing.

Stepping stone to the top tiers

Once you make it to Diamond, I think you'll find it a gateway tier to the best perks Royal Caribbean can offer.

Many cruisers point to attaining Diamond status as a key milestone in their cruising journey because of the benefits it adds.

Loyalty perks for families: How Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society works for kids and teens

In:
17 Sep 2024

One of the best aspects of Royal Caribbean's loyalty program is that you can pass your benefits onto your kids, greatly enhancing the value of a cruise.

Allure of the Seas at sea

Cruising with kids is the core focus of Royal Caribbean.  Their family-focused business is at the heart of what they offer on any of their cruises.

Read more: 7 best cruise ships for kids

I have two kids who have been cruising since they were each six months old, and there's doubt we've saved so much money over the years because of our Crown and Anchor perks.

Royal Caribbean awards points for every cruise you take, and whomever has the most points in the household passes their tier onto others in the household, including minors.

Whale watching in Sitka, Alaska

This means a newborn could crawl right into a top tier level of Crown and Anchor Society on their first cruise.

Families that will cruise often will find a lot of benefits when they bring their kids.

Extending program benefits to children

Royal Caribbean will extend your Crown and Anchor Society status to your children, and even spouse, living in the same household as you.

There are a few rules, but it's fairly straightforward.

Anyone under the age of 18 will automatically qualify for the top status among the household.  That means if you have Diamond status, but your spouse only has Platinum, your kids would get Diamond level benefits.

Each child needs their own Crown and Anchor Society account before you can match them.

The "catch" is your kids would get your status, but not your points.

Let's assume you never cruise again, your kids would have zero points but Diamond status. So for them to get to Diamond Plus, they'd have to get enough points on their own to move up to Diamond Plus.

Photo package

Once the kid turns 18, their accounts are no longer linked with yours and now are individual. They retain their Crown and Anchor Society level and must earn points (and tiers) on their own going forward.

When they are 18 their accounts are no longer linked with yours and now are individual. Their account will now reflect the points actually earned from the cruises they took while linked to your account.

Spouses also get your status

Couple at Empire Supper Club

Children aren't the only ones to benefit from your loyalty to Royal Caribbean.

If you get married and you or your spouse has a higher Crown & Anchor tier, you can status match to each other. In addition, partners qualify too.  Royal Caribbean isn't particular about if you're married or not, just that you're declaring you are in a relationship with someone else.

You'll need to call the loyalty program at ‭(800) 526-9723‬ and request your new spouse be added in a relationship with you. Alternatively, you could email [email protected] but I recommend calling for faster service.

Jewel of the Seas sailing away from Miami

Just like the kids, your spouse needs their own membership number.

It can take a few days for the linking to complete.

Once it's linked their points tally will appear to be the same as yours, however if the relationship ever ends their points tally will return to what they have accumulated based on their own cruise history. 

There is a limit to family matching with children

SeaPass Card

Your kids can get your Crown and Anchor Status up the loyalty program ladder, but not not quite all the way.

If you or your spouse get to Pinnacle Club status, which is the top most tier within Royal Caribbean's program, your kids will remain at Diamond Plus.

Pinnacle Club member tier status can only be earned by an individual, spouse or significant other by one of them accumulating at least 700 Cruise Points or more in the CAS program. That means kids must earn that status on their own.

Spouses, however, still get Pinnacle status if their spouse gets it first.

Onboard benefits for kids

Pearl Cafe

Anyone under the age of 18 has their own subset of benefits that differ slightly from what adults get. These benefits work on every cruise, which makes it advantageous to take advantage on every sailing.

The Youth Member Benefits are as follows: 

Gold

  • 50% off one scoop of Ice Cream at the Ice Cream Parlor (on select ships)
  • SURF+STREAM Internet discount equal to parents' benefit
  • Buy 1 movie rental in your stateroom and receive the second FREE
  • Spend $15 in Arcade Credits to get $5 off your onboard expense account, or spend $50 in Arcade Credits to get $25 off (applied at the end of the sailing)
Sugar-Beach-Utopia

Platinum

  • 50% off one scoop of Ice Cream at the Ice Cream Parlor (on select ships)
  • SURF+STREAM Internet discount equal to parents' benefit
  • Buy 1 movie rental in your stateroom and receive the second FREE
  • Spend $15 in Arcade Credits to get $5 off your onboard expense account, or spend $50 in Arcade Credits to get $25 off (applied at the end of the sailing)
coca-cola-freestyle-machine-drink-package

Emerald

  • 50% off one scoop of Ice Cream at the Ice Cream Parlor (on select ships)
  • SURF+STREAM Internet discount equal to parents' benefit
  • Buy 1 movie rental in your stateroom and receive the second FREE
  • Spend $15 in Arcade Credits to get $5 off your onboard expense account, or spend $50 in Arcade Credits to get $25 off (applied at the end of the sailing)
trivia-symphony-of-the-seas

Diamond

  • 50% off one scoop of Ice Cream at the Ice Cream Parlor (on select ships)
  • SURF+STREAM Internet discount equal to parents' benefit
  • Buy 1 movie rental in your stateroom and receive the second FREE
  • Spend $15 in Arcade Credits to get $5 off your onboard expense account, or spend $50 in Arcade Credits to get $25 off (applied at the end of the sailing)
  • 4 Complimentary daily non-alcoholic drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks and Desserted)
spotlight-karaoke-icon

Diamond Plus

  • 50% off one scoop of Ice Cream at the Ice Cream Parlor (on select ships)
  • SURF+STREAM Internet discount equal to parents' benefit
  • Buy 1 movie rental in your stateroom and receive the second FREE
  • Spend $15 in Arcade Credits to get $5 off your onboard expense account, or spend $50 in Arcade Credits to get $25 off (applied at the end of the sailing)
  • 5 Complimentary daily non-alcoholic drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks and Desserted)
Pinnacle logo

Pinnacle Club

  • 50% off one scoop of Ice Cream at the Ice Cream Parlor (on select ships)
  • SURF+STREAM Internet discount equal to parents' benefit
  • Buy 1 movie rental in your stateroom and receive the second FREE
  • Spend $15 in Arcade Credits to get $5 off your onboard expense account, or spend $50 in Arcade Credits to get $25 off (applied at the end of the sailing)
  • 6 Complimentary daily non-alcoholic drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks and Desserted)

In case you're wondering, no, adults cannot use their kids complimentary drink vouchers for alcoholic beverages for themselves.

How to earn Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society points faster

In:
16 Sep 2024

Royal Caribbean offers some of the best loyalty program benefits in the industry, so how do you move up the levels faster?

Photo by John McCarry

The Crown and Anchor Society offers rewards, discounts, and special events to its members, and it's all based on which tier you're at. 

Similar to hotel or airline offerings, Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program has different tiers based on how many points you have, with points earned based on travel.

Unlike other forms of travel customer loyalty programs, Royal Caribbean's points never expire.  And that means you can move up to a higher level even if you haven't cruised in a few years.

crown-lounge-icon-of-the-seas-2

When you reach Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle Club, Royal Caribbean will give you free drinks every day of your cruise, free internet access, laundry services, and even a free cruise.

If you want to get more points to get to a higher Crown and Anchor level faster, there are a few strategies you can employ.

Read more: How to reach Diamond level quickly

Stay in a suite

Suite living room

Perhaps the easiest way to get more Crown and Anchor points is to book a suite.

Royal Caribbean will give you an extra point per night if you book a suite instead of a standard cabin:

  • 1 point per night in an inside, oceanview, or balcony cabin
  • 2 points per night in a Junior suite or higher
Wonder-Junior-Suite

Booking a Junior Suite is often an affordable way to get that extra point, as Junior Suites are not nearly as expensive as the suites that come with full suite benefits.

It's worth noting that Royal Caribbean has begun adding some Junior Suites on their newest ships that have full suite benefits, such as the Sky Junior Suite on Icon of the Seas.

Not only will a suite double the points you will get for every night of the cruise, but they also come with some great benefits to enjoy along the way. I find staying in a suite when you're at a lower Crown and Anchor level is advantageous since there is some overlap between the benefits.

Book a longer cruise

It's simple math: the more you cruise, the more points you earn.  So if you want to accumulate points quicker, book a longer cruise.

Royal Caribbean offers short weekend cruises, week-long sailings, and even cruises that are about two weeks.  Whenever possible, opt for a longer cruise to get more nights in.

Transatlantic cruises are some of the best cruises to rack up Crown and Anchor points because they're usually between 10-14 nights in duration, and priced quite well.  There's less demand for a transatlantic cruise because of the length, number of sea days, and the flight logistics.

Ovation of the Seas in Sydney Harbor

If you book a transatlantic cruise and stay in a suite, you could really get a lot of points quickly out of one trip.

The other strategy is to make your cruise longer by not leaving.

Book a back to back cruise, where you book the same ship two times or more in a row. This allows you to sail longer at one time without having to find an exotic itinerary that has the same amount of nights.

Utopia of the Seas

Ideally, you'll book a back to back cruise where each sailing has a different itinerary so that you can enjoy different ports on each sailing. However, there's nothing wrong with doing the same itinerary twice. 

This is especially easy with short cruises.  Royal Caribbean's brand new Utopia of the Seas offers 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas.  If you book two sailings in a row, you'll cruise for a week.

Booking a back to back cruise gets you more time on the ship to enjoy what that ship has to offer, and it also stretches your flight value out because you'll be away for more days.

Cruise solo

Utopia of the Seas balcony cabin

Besides staying in a suite, if you book a standard cabin by yourself, you'll get an extra point per night too.

Just like staying in a suite, booking a solo cruise gets you more points for every night of your cruise.

The catch is not to book a studio cabin because you won't get an extra point. Select Royal Caribbean ships have cabins designed for solo cruisers, and these would not earn you more Crown and Anchor points faster.

Icon-Sky-Junior-Suite-1

And yes, you can combine the strategies in this post and book a suite by yourself and get 3 points per night.

Booking a suite alone is hands down the fastest path to earning the most Crown and Anchor points. It might seem egregious, but more people do it than you might think.

You cannot buy points

Odyssey of the Seas

Unlike some other loyalty programs, Royal Caribbean does not allow you to buy points.

There is no mechanism to purchase points without traveling, no matter how few points you need to get to the next tier.

Quite often I'll see posts on the Royal Caribbean message boards asking if they can use a credit card or call the cruise line and buy a point or two.

The only way to earn points in Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program is to sail on a cruise ship.

Avoid bidding for a stateroom upgrade

RoyalUp bids

Be forewarned, if you bid for a stateroom upgrade from a lower category cabin to a suite, you will not get that extra point per night.

Points are based on the cabin you originally booked, so Royal Up will not get you any extra points. 

If you had a balcony or lower category, and then successfully bid to a suite, you would only receive 1 point per night.

Read more: 6 reasons to refuse to upgrade your cabin

Pro tip: Stay in a cabin alone while family is in another cabin

Navigator-Inside-Cabin-1

In all my years of cruising, I picked up on a strategy people that cruise a lot to employ in order to get to the highest Crown and Anchor levels.

They'll book one person in a cabin alone to get the extra point, and put the rest of their family in another cabin.

This strategy works best once you hit 340 points so that you'll a “single supplement discount”. With the single supplement discount, instead of paying 200% fare, you’re only charged 150% extra. 

Top Tier party

Marcy Miyar employed this strategy by booking Junior Suites alone in order to get to Pinnacle Club status faster.

It's not necessarily a great money saving idea, but the faster you get to the higher tiers, the sooner you get to enjoy their benefits. Once you have the benefits, it opens up a lot of possibilities for maximizing the loyalty program value.

I never advocated for cruising for the sake of status, but it's hard to deny how lucrative it is being a Pinnacle Club member now and that it's added tremendous value to my cruises.

Maximizing Perks at Every Tier: The Crown and Anchor perks you should use on every Royal Caribbean cruise

In:
15 Sep 2024

Once you take a single cruise with Royal Caribbean, there are a number of great customer loyalty reward program benefits you receive on every subsequent cruise.

The exact benefits depend on your Crown and Anchor Society level. The more you cruise, the more points you get and your Royal Caribbean benefits never expire. This means you can get more value out of your cruises.

You can expect discounts, vouchers, and even freebies just for having sailed with Royal Caribbean in the past.

Depending on your cruising style and preferences, all the benefits may not be useful, but there are certainly a few that stand out as must-uses on nearly every cruise.

It should come as no surprise that the best benefits are reserved for the top tier members (Diamond and above), but there is still great value even at the entry level.

Let's dive into each membership tier and provide detailed tips on how to make the most of the benefits.

Royal Caribbean crown and anchor society benefits

Beverage coupons - All tiers

Whether you are Gold or Pinnacle, you'll get coupons preloaded on your SeaPass card every sailing for drinks.

If you don't have a Royal Caribbean drink package, these beverage coupons can save you money on alcohol, coffees, and more.

  • 50% off coupon for any glass of wine, beer, or soda
  • 25% off any coffee beverage
  • 10% off any wine, beer or soda by the glass

Higher tiers, beginning with Platinum will get a free non-alcoholic specialty coffee with the purchase of a specialty restaurant dinner.

All you have to do is inform the waiter or bartender that you'd like to use your drink coupon and they can apply it on the spot. No physical coupon required.

Casino free play - All tiers

I couldn't believe it when someone told me I could play a few dollars in the casino every cruise, but it's true.

Crown and Anchor members get a range of free play to enjoy, and the exact amount varies depending on a few factors. It's available for the full cruise but if you go during the first couple of days, you get an extra $2.

All you have to do is go to any slot machine in the casino, enter your SeaPass card, create a new PIN and then transfer the money to your personal banker casino account. 

Casino on Royal Caribbean

The PIN you need at first is your birth month and birth day in 4 digits MMDD then it will prompt you create a new PIN.  

The process on the machine to transfer the freeplay money is not completely intuitive but once you figure it out it's the same ship to ship.

You cannot cash out the free play, and must play through until you use it up. Any winnings are yours to keep and cash out.

Free/discount souvenir photo - All tiers

While there's no cost to take a photo with the ship's photographers, a single photo will set you back $19.99.

Depending on your tier, you're entitled to either a free photo or big discount.

From Gold through Emerald, you'll get a buy one, get one 50% off photo.

At Diamond, you get one free photo.

These are wonderful keepsakes from the cruise, especially if you can get everyone dressed up.

Balcony discount - Platinum and above

Junior Suite on Harmony of the Seas

Should you book an inside cabin or is it worth it to move up to a balcony? If there's a discount on a balcony, that might sway your decision.

Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Crown & Anchor Society members will receive an increased discount for making a reservation for
a sail date outside of six months.

Once you achieve Platinum status, you can get an automatic discount on any balcony or suite you book.

 3-5 nights6-9 nights10+ nights
Platinum$75$125$225
Emerald$125$225$325
Diamond$150$250$350
Diamond Plus$175$275$375
Pinnacle Club$175$275$375

In many cases, this discount can save a lot of money. The key is to book a cruise more than 6 months in advance, or these rates drop.

Free beverage vouchers - Diamond and above

Perhaps the best known and most valuable benefit are the free drinks Royal Caribbean gives its top tier guests every day.

If you are Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle, you can get a set amount of complimentary beverages every day of your cruise, which includes alcoholic beverages.

It's simple enough to redeem, you just tell the bartender you'd like to use your Diamond drink voucher and you pay nothing for the drink.

Read moreHow Royal Caribbean's free drink vouchers for Diamond and higher members works

Even kids can get free non-alcoholic drinks if they're a Diamond or higher cruiser.

I'm not aware of any other cruise line that offers its loyal customers free alcoholic drinks in this manner. For a lot of people, it becomes their defacto drink package, and a compelling reason to make it to Diamond.

Free internet access - Diamond and above

Diamond guests get one free day of wifi, while Diamond Plus get two free days of Surf & Stream internet package per sailing. 

If you make it Pinnacle Club, you actually get a free internet package for the duration of your cruise.

The only catch is you cannot pre-book, so you must wait to use it until you get onboard the ship.

BOGO Specialty Restaurant meal - Diamond Plus and above

Couple dining at Giovannis

The jump from Diamond to Diamond Plus isn't substantial, but there are some lucrative benefits to enjoy.

My favorite is the buy one, get one cover charge at a specialty restaurant for dinner on the first or second night of the cruise.

Just like the free wifi offer, you can't pre-book, but I've found it quite easy to redeem.

This is also great to use with family and friends, as you can apply the BOGO offer to other guests that are dining with you.

Free laundry once per cruise - Diamond Plus and above

Laundry bags

I always have to remind myself of this benefit, but Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club guests get a free wash and fold laundry bag on 5+ night cruises.

Royal Caribbean offers a Wash and Fold offer to all guests, which comes at a price of $34.99 and allows you put as many small pieces of laundry in a bag as you can for a fixed rate.

This is great for t-shirts, underwear, socks, and bathing suits. You can either use it mid-cruise to replenish your clean clothing, or at the end of the sailing to ensure there's less laundry waiting for you when you return home.

Crown Lounge access - Diamond and above

It's fairly impressive that Royal Caribbean reserves a place on each cruise ship for use by its top tier members.

The Crown Lounge (formerly known as the Diamond Lounge) is part social and part functional.

At its heart, it's a place for Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers to go to for a private enclave. A lot of cruisers enjoy the social aspect of the lounge, especially in the evening. This is when guests can meet other guests and perhaps make a friend.

A 24 hour coffee and espresso machine is available to use, which can save you money on specialty coffees elsewhere.

The finger foods they have in the lounge each evening are delectable, and there's a breakfast spread too earlier in the day. You won't get a meal here, but it's enough to tide you over.

Where can I see a list of my benefits?

Cabin desk

There are two kinds of Crown and Anchor Society benefits: onboard and all around.

Prior to your cruise, you can take advantage of certain benefits simply by associating your loyalty number with your reservation. 

Assuming you put your loyalty number in your reservation when you booked your cruise, you'll receive a letter in your stateroom with your Crown and Anchor Society benefits.

The letter you get onboard the ship in your cabin lists even more benefits you can use:

Gold

Platinum

Emerald

Diamond

Diamond Plus

Pinnacle

Thanks to Twangster for sharing these scans.

Crown and Anchor Society cruise loyalty program info, tips and secrets

In:
15 Sep 2024

Royal Caribbean has a rewards program for anyone who cruises multiple times with them that acts as their customer loyalty program.

Icon of the Seas

The Crown and Anchor Society is the frequent cruiser program offered to Royal Caribbean cruise guests. There are different status levels that anyone can attain, simply by cruising with Royal Caribbean. Benefits on future cruises include priority check-in, onboard discounts, and even complimentary beverages during their cruise. Additionally, members have access to dedicated venues, private cocktail parties onboard the ship, and more.

At the top tiers, you'll get complimentary drinks every day of your cruise, free photos, internet access, and even a free cruise if you reach the very top tier.

All in all, Crown and Anchor Society provides great incentives for frequent Royal Caribbean passengers who want to take advantage of special offers throughout their cruising experience. It's a great way for guests to be rewarded for their loyalty.

How do I earn points?

Balcony room on Harmony of the Seas

Earning Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program points is fairly simple. Each night on a cruise earns you one point. Therefore, if your cruise is seven nights, you will earn seven Crown and Anchor points.

There are a few ways to earn points more quickly. If you are staying in a suite, you will earn double points per night, making a 7-night cruise worth 14 points. Likewise, you will also earn double points by cruising solo in a regular (non-studio) cabin. 

If you happen to be cruising solo and are staying in a suite, you will earn a whopping 21 Crown and Anchor points on a 7-night cruise.

Points are not rewarded until after you have completed a sailing. This means if you technically reach the next tier of the Crown and Anchor Society on day two of a cruise, your upgraded status will not be recognized until your next cruise.

Joining the Crown and Anchor Society is free and we recommend creating an account prior to your first cruise. If you did not have a Crown and Anchor Society account before your cruise, you can create one and link past sailings from the previous 12 months.

Royal Caribbean status levels

Emerald pin

There are six tiers to the Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society program:

  • Gold - 3 points
  • Platinum - 30 points
  • Emerald - 55 points
  • Diamond - 80 points
  • Diamond Plus - 175 points
  • Pinnacle Club - 700 points

There is also the Pre-Gold level, which is where every guest will start on their first Royal Caribbean cruise. As most sailings are 3 nights or longer, the majority of guests will reach Gold status after their first cruise.

Gold

Royal Caribbean

Ranging from 3-29 points, the Gold level is the first official tier of the Crown & Anchor Society program. As a Gold member, you do not receive an extensive list of benefits, but you will receive the following:

  • SeaPass card recognition
  • Crown and Anchor Exclusive Rates
  • 50% off any glass of wine, beer or soda (two coupons per sailing)
  • 50% off a Johnny Rockets milkshake (two coupons per sailing, on select ships)
  • Access to a private departure lounge with continental breakfast
  • 10% discount on any glass of wine, beer or soda (this is separate from the above coupon offer)
  • 25% discount on any coffee beverage, excluding Starbucks coffee
  • 10% discount on any internet package purchased on board (not combinable with any other internet offer)
  • Crown and Anchor Society Desk for membership inquiries
  • $2 in Free Play at shipboard casinos
  • One free card when buying a bingo package
  • 10% discount on any spa service (excluding medi-spa services)
  • 10% discount on Royal Caribbean logo products (with a $25 minimum purchase)
  • Priority notice on special offers, new ships and itineraries
  • Additional cruise points for purchasing suite accommodations and/or single pricing type
  • Exclusive email offers
  • Crown and Anchor Society Exclusive member newsletter
  • Loyalty match with Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club and Silversea Venetian Society

Platinum

From 30-54 points you will be a Platinum member of the Crown and Anchor Society. If you have accumulated this many points, you are likely a seasoned cruiser compared to your Pre-Gold days. Platinum members receive all benefits listed above with the addition of:

  • 50% discount on any coffee beverage, excluding Starbucks coffee
  • Buy a specialty restaurant dinner and receive one complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee beverage, excluding Starbucks
  • 15% discount on any internet package purchased on board (not combinable with any other internet offer)
  • Exclusive Top Tier Event on 5+ sailings
  • $4 in Free Play at shipboard casinos
  • 3 free cards when buying a bingo package
  • Robes for use onboard
  • $5 off $25 dry-clean or press
  • $5 discount on $34.99 wash and fold laundry bag on 5+ nights
  • 20% discount on a single photo, photo package, or photobook
  • 15% discount on any spa service (excluding medi-spa services)
  • Discounts on balcony and suite staterooms

Emerald

An Emerald member does not see a substantial increase in onboard and cruise planning benefits compared to the Platinum level. Emerald members, from 55 to 79 points, receive all benefits listed above with the addition of:

  • 2 complimentary welcome waters (per adult)
  • $6 in Free Play at shipboard casinos
  • 6 free cards when buying a bingo package
  • 25% discount on a single photo, photo package, or photobook
  • Bigger discount on balcony and suite staterooms compared to a Platinum member

If you took eight week-long cruises in a non-suite cabin, you could reach the Emerald level fastest.

Diamond

crown-lounge-2

Becoming a Diamond member is a right of passage for Royal Caribbean cruise fans. Whereas Gold, Platinum, and Emerald all see a few benefits, the Diamond level, from 80 to 174 points, is where you begin to receive benefits that will better impact your cruise vacation.

As a Diamond member, one of the best benefits you receive is access to the Crown Lounge (formerly known as the Diamond Lounge). Reaching 80 points means that you now have access to a completely new area onboard and all of the benefits that come with it, like complimentary food, coffee, and access to the Diamond concierge.

Diamond members receive all benefits listed above with the addition of:

  • Milestone recognition
  • 20% discount on any glass of wine, beer or soda
  • 4 complimentary daily drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks, Bionic Bar, and Desserted)
  • 1 free day of internet (for 1 device)
  • Priority waitlist for Shore Excursions/Vitality Spa services
  • Priority waitlist seating request in the Main Dining Room
  • Entertainment Tour on 5+ sailings
  • Crown Lounge access with nightly happy hour
  • $10 discount on $34.99 wash and fold laundry bag on 5+ nights
  • Stateroom phone discount rate of $2 per minute
  • Chef's Choice gift on 5+ sailings
  • 30% discount on a single photo, photo package, or photobook
  • 1 free digital or printed photo
  • 15% discount on Royal Caribbean logo products (with a $25 minimum purchase)
  • 20% discount on any spa service (excluding medi-spa services)
  • Signature lapel pin
  • Milestone crystal block (beginning at 140 cruise points)
  • Bigger discount on balcony and suite staterooms compared to an Emerald member

If you took 12 week-long cruises in a non-suite cabin, you could reach the Diamond level fastest.

Diamond Plus

Inside the Crown Lounge

The jump from Diamond to Diamond Plus in the Crown and Anchor Society is a big milestone. Whereas you can reach the Diamond level after “just” 80 points, reaching Diamond Plus requires more than double that at 175 points.

And once you reach Diamond Plus you will likely stay in this tier for a long time, as Diamond Plus ranges from 175-699 Crown and Anchor points.

Solo cruisers are sure to love the 150% reduction (125% for transatlantic, transpacific, and Panama Canal sailings) in the single supplement charge that occurs at 340 points.

Diamond Plus members receive all benefits listed above with the addition of:

  • 25% discount on any glass of wine, beer or soda
  • 5 complimentary daily drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks, Bionic Bar, and Desserted)
  • Purchase a specialty restaurant dinner cover charge during the first or second night of your cruise and enjoy complimentary dining for the second guest
    • Valid for dinner reservations on the first or second night only. Excludes Celebration Table, Chef's Table, Empire Supper Club, Hooked, Izumi, Johnny Rockets, Playmakers, Potside BBQ, and Royal Railway.
  • 30% discount on Deluxe Beverage Packages
  • 2 free days of internet (for 1 device)
  • Personalized Gift/Amenity (per household)
  • Exclusive Top Tier Event
  • Early access to Royal Theater, ice show, and AquaTheater events
  • Cheers with an Officer for members with 340+ cruise points on 7+ nights
  • Upgraded bathroom amenities for members with 340+ cruise points
  • 3 complimentary welcome waters (per adult)
  • One free $34.99 wash and fold bag on 5+ nights
  • Bonus gift (per household)
  • Complimentary add-on spa treatment (excludes medi-spa services)
  • Exclusive access to Diamond Plus & Pinnacle Club call center staff members
  • Single supplement cruise fare reduced to 150% from 200% for members that have 340+ cruise points
    • This offer is based on availability with certain restrictions. Ocean Voyage Packages, Holiday sailings (Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving, Easter/Spring break) and the peak summer months of June 15 through August 15 are not included in this offer. 
  • Bigger discount on balcony and suite staterooms compared to a Diamond member

Pinnacle Club

The most coveted tier of the Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society is the Pinnacle Club. Making up only a very small percentage of C&A members, a whopping 700 points must be earned to reach the Pinnacle Club level.

Reaching Pinnacle is a huge milestone for Royal Caribbean fans. As Royal Caribbean Blog writer Marcy Miyar explained, though, you don’t necessarily have to spend 700 nights on a cruise ship to reach Pinnacle. Booking suites or cruising solo allows you to earn more than one point per night, thus making your pathway to Pinnacle Club a little bit quicker.

Pinnacle Club members receive the very best benefits of all, including what's been listed above with the addition of:

  • 6 complimentary daily drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks, Bionic Bar, and Desserted)
  • 40% discount on Deluxe Beverage Packages
  • Coastal Kitchen access (varies by ship)
  • Suite/Concierge Lounge access
  • Flexible arrival
  • $25 off specialty dining on 5+ nights (Oasis and Quantum Class ships only and excludes the same specialty restaurants as mentioned above)
  • Free unlimited internet for 1 device
  • Personalized lapel pin for Pinnacle Club
  • Daily breakfast at a specialty restaurant
  • Milestone cruise certificate valued at the prevailing rate of a 7-night balcony stateroom for 700 and 1,050 cruise points
  • Milestone cruise certificate valued at the prevailing rate of a Junior Suite stateroom for 1,400 and every 350 cruise points thereafter
  • Bigger discount on Balcony & Suite staterooms compared to a Diamond Plus member

Member Benefits for Youth & Companions

Family in Cozumel

Your kids can get the same loyalty perks as you up until they turn 18.

Family members in the same household of a Crown and Anchor Society member can be added into a relationship with the member and receive equal tier status. Points listed in the family member’s account will be according to the amount of cruises that individual has taken. However, they will still receive all benefits of the tier level they earned as someone in the household of a Crown and Anchor Society member.

For example, if you are a Diamond Plus member, your kids will automatically be Diamond Plus members as well after their first cruise, even if their own Crown and Anchor Society account only has a few points. 

The only exception to this rule is with the Pinnacle Club. Dependents are not able to receive Pinnacle Club status from their parents or guardians and must achieve that milestone themselves. Spouses and domestic partners are able to reach Pinnacle status through their partners.

Other benefits for youth members of the Crown and Anchor Society include:

  • 50% off one scoop of ice cream at the ice cream parlor (on select ships)
  • Internet discounts equal to parents' benefit
  • Buy 1 movie rental in your stateroom and receive the second free
  • Spend $15 in arcade credits to get $5 off your onboard expense account, or spend $50 in arcade credits to get $25 off
  • Complimentary daily non-alcoholic drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks and Desserted)
    • 4 for Diamond, 5 for Diamond Plus, 6 for Pinnacle

Recent Policy Changes

Since the restart of cruises in 2021, Royal Caribbean has added enhancements and temporary adjustments to the Crown and Anchor Society benefits. These benefits include:

  • Flexible arrival for Pinnacle Club and Suite guests, allowing early check-in at the terminal
  • Pinnacle members are still able to dine in Coastal Kitchen, but reservations are required
  • “Master Class-type experience” for an insider view into the ship’s entertainment
  • Early access at onboard entertainment for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members
  • “Meal with an Officer” for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members has been evolved to a physical-distanced “Cheers with an Officer”

Royal Caribbean announced in December 2022 that Diamond Plus guests would no longer have access to the Concierge Lounge on ships that lack a Suite Lounge.

Due to high counts of top-tier members on most sailings, Royal Caribbean decided it had to limit access to the Concierge Lounge altogether.

What is the Crown Lounge (Diamond Lounge)?

crown-lounge-icon-interior-2

Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle guests can access the Crown Lounge (which used to be called the Diamond Lounge) while onboard. The Crown Lounge is open 24 hours a day and is an exclusive area only for Diamond members. Comfy seating and complimentary snacks and coffee are available throughout the day.

In addition, the Crown Lounge has a concierge available that can help with booking things like dining, entertainment, shore excursions, and spa appointments while onboard. They are also available for general questions about the ship and any problems you may encounter.

The Crown Lounge also has a happy hour each evening. Prior to the cruise industry shutdown, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages in the Crown Lounge were complimentary during happy hour. This benefit has changed, though. Now Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members are given a select number of drink vouchers per day to be used at happy hour or at bars around the ship. Diamond members receive 4 vouchers, Diamond Plus receive 5, and Pinnacle Club members receive 6 vouchers per day.

Most Royal Caribbean ships have a Crown Lounge. If a ship does not have a Crown Lounge, a Diamond-exclusive event will be held each night at a designated venue onboard.

Crown and Anchor Society Onboard Offers

Star of the Seas promenade

When you board a cruise ship as a member of the Crown and Anchor Society, there will be a paper waiting for you in your stateroom listing your exclusive onboard offers. These offers increase by your Crown and Anchor Society tier and help you save money on your cruise vacation. Here are the current offers by membership level:

Gold

Wine & Dine

  • 50% off coupon for any glass of wine, beer, or soda (two coupons per sailing)
  • 25% off any coffee beverage (Starbucks not included)
  • Two 50% off coupons for Johnny Rockets milkshakes
  • 10% off any wine, beer, or soda by the glass

Entertainment

  • Buy a Bingo Package, get one free Jackpot Card
  • 10% off any Internet Package
  • $2 Free Play

Shopping & Services

  • 10% off RCCL logo products (must spend $25)
  • 10% off any spa service (excluding Medi-Spa)

Platinum

Wine & Dine

  • 50% off coupon for any glass of wine, beer, or soda (two coupons per sailing)
  • 50% off any coffee beverage (Starbucks not included) (two coupons per sailing)
  • Two 50% off coupons for Johnny Rockets milkshakes
  • 10% off any wine, beer, or soda by the glass
  • Receive one free non-alcoholic specialty coffee with the purchase of one specialty restaurant dinner

Entertainment

  • Buy a Bingo Package, get three free Jackpot Cards
  • 15% off any Internet Package
  • $4 Free Play

Shopping & Services

  • 20% off a single photo, photo package, or photobook
  • 10% off RCCL logo products (must spend $25)
  • 15% off any spa service (excluding Medi-Spa)
  • $5 off a $25 Dry Clean or Press
  • $5 off a $34.99 Wash & Fold Laundry Bag (5+ night sailings)

Emerald

Casino on Royal Caribbean

Wine & Dine

  • 50% off coupon for any glass of wine, beer, or soda (two coupons per sailing)
  • 50% off any coffee beverage (Starbucks not included) (two coupons per sailing)
  • Two 50% off coupons for Johnny Rockets milkshakes
  • 10% off any wine, beer, or soda by the glass
  • Receive one free non-alcoholic specialty coffee with the purchase of one specialty restaurant dinner

Entertainment

  • Buy a Bingo Package, get six free Jackpot Cards
  • 15% off any Internet Package
  • $6 Free Play

Shopping & Services

  • 25% off a single photo, photo package, or photobook
  • 10% off RCCL Logo products (must spend $25)
  • 15% off any spa service (excluding Medi-Spa)
  • $5 off a $25 Dry Clean or Press
  • $5 off a $34.99 Wash & Fold Laundry Bag (5+ night sailings)

Diamond

Bumper cars on Odyssey

Wine & Dine

  • Four free drinks daily up to $14 value (except Starbucks, Bionic Bar, and Desserted)
  • 50% off coupon for any glass of wine, beer, or soda (two coupons per sailing)
  • Two 50% off coupons for Johnny Rockets milkshakes
  • 20% off any wine, beer, or soda by the glass
  • Receive one free non-alcoholic specialty coffee with the purchase of one specialty restaurant dinner

Entertainment

  • One free day of internet for 1 device or price equivalent discount
  • Buy a Bingo Package, get six free Jackpot Cards
  • $6 Free Play

Shopping & Services

  • One free photo
  • 30% off a single photo, photo package, or photobook
  • 15% off RCCL Logo Products (must spend $25)
  • 20% off any spa service (excluding Medi-Spa)
  • $5 off a $25 Dry Clean or Press
  • $10 off a $34.99 Wash & Fold Laundry Bag (5+ night sailings)
  • Receive a discounted stateroom phone rate of $2 per minute

Diamond Plus

Carbonara at Giovannis on Icon of the Seas

Wine & Dine

  • Five free drinks daily up to $14 value (except Starbucks, Bionic Bar, and Desserted)
  • 50% off coupon for any glass of wine, beer, or soda (two coupons per sailing)
  • 25% off any wine, beer, or soda by the glass
  • Two 50% off coupons for Johnny Rockets milkshakes
  • 30% off Deluxe Beverage Package
  • Buy one specialty restaurant cover charge, get one free. For dinner on Day 1 or 2 only (exclusions apply)
  • Receive one free non-alcoholic specialty coffee with the purchase of one specialty restaurant dinner

Entertainment

  • Two free days of Surf Internet for 1 device or price equivalent discount
  • Buy a Bingo Package, get six free Jackpot Cards
  • $6 Free Play

Shopping & Services

  • One free photo
  • 30% off a single photo, photo package, or photobook
  • 15% off RCCL Logo Products (must spend $25)
  • Complimentary add-on spa service (excluding Medi-spa)
  • 20% off any spa service (excluding Medi-Spa)
  • 10% off a photo package or photobook
  • A free $34.99 Wash & Fold Laundry Bag (5+ night sailings)
  • $5 off a $25 Dry Clean or Press
  • Receive a discounted stateroom phone rate of $2 per minute

Pinnacle Club

Schooner-Bar-Quantum

Wine & Dine

  • Six free drinks daily up to $14 value (except Starbucks, Bionic Bar, and Desserted)
  • 50% off coupon for any glass of wine, beer, or soda (two coupons per sailing)
  • 25% off any wine, beer, or soda by the glass 
  • Two 50% off coupons for Johnny Rockets Milkshakes
  • 40% off Deluxe Beverage Package
  • Buy one specialty restaurant cover charge, get one free. For dinner on Day 1 or 2 only (exclusions apply)
  • $25 off specialty dining on Oasis or Quantum Class ships (exclusions apply)

Entertainment

  • Free internet package for the full voyage on one device
  • Buy a Bingo Package, get six free Jackpot Cards
  • $6 Free Play

Shopping & Services

  • One free photo
  • 30% off a single photo, photo package, or photobook
  • 15% off RCCL Logo Products (must spend $25)
  • Complimentary add-on spa service (excluding Medi-spa)
  • 20% off any spa service (excluding Medi-Spa)
  • 10% off a photo package or photobook
  • A free $34.99 Wash & Fold Laundry Bag (5+ night sailings)
  • $5 off a $25 Dry Clean or Press
  • Receive a discounted stateroom phone rate of $2 per minute

Loyalty matching with other cruise lines

Royal Caribbean guests can status match to perks with Celebrity Cruises and SilverSea Cruises. Cruisers, however, do not earn collective points. Each program is still on its own in terms of accruing points based on nights you sail.

Royal Caribbean Group, which owns all three brands, offers new status matching opportunities that began in June 2024.

Once you attain any status within the Crown and Anchor Society, you can qualify for matching status with Celebrity Cruises' Captain's Club loyalty program or Silversea's Venetian Society.

Depending on your status within Crown and Anchor Society, you could get different benefits across the other sister brands.

Status-Match

You'll get matching status at the Select level in the Captain's Club Program. That will get you benefits such as:

  • 25% discount on internet packages
  • 30% discount on photo packages
  • 10% discount on spa treatments
  • Priority status for the shore excursion waitlist

Royal Caribbean's Diamond members and Celebrity's Elite members who match their status to the 250 Venetian Society Days level in the Silversea program will instantly qualify for a 10% discount on Silversea cruises. Additionally, they will enjoy other exclusive perks that are not typically available to first-time Silversea cruisers.

If you can get to Diamond in Crown and Anchor Society, you can match to Elite Level within Captain's Club. Status matching across both lines is a great way to maximize the value of your loyalty because you will get more benefits such as:

  • 90 complimentary minutes of streaming
  • 40% off a digital or print photo package
  • $200 off The Studio photo packages
  • Unlimited free drinks from the Captain’s Club menu each day between 5 and 7 p.m. at most bars and lounges on the ship
  • Access to the Captain’s Club Coffee Lounge
  • Free access to the Persian Garden spa zone on one port day of your choice (Millennium & Solstice Class ships only)
  • 30% off Wi-Fi packages and upgrades
  • 15% discount on a drink package or a premium drink package upgrade
Silver Endeavour

The best benefits for status matching are for the top-tier guests on each line, who can instantly qualify for top-tier status with the other lines and enjoy the best benefits. Members are now able to match all the way up to the highest tiers, Zenith and Pinnacle.

To qualify for the status matching, cruisers must enroll in a program before receiving a status match.

Crown and Anchor Society questions

Do Royal Caribbean points expire?

Water slides on Adventure of the Seas

No, points you earn in Crown and Anchor never expire and the status you earn is good indefinitely.

In fact, if you cruised with Royal Caribbean in the past and never created an account, you can still get credit for those sailings and the points you earned. You just need to call the Crown and Anchor Society phone number with your sail date and ship name to have it added to your account.

How many points do I need for a free cruise on Royal Caribbean?

Exterior view of Adventure of the Seas

The only loyalty tier that provides a free cruise would be when you reach Pinnacle Club status.

When you reach the top of Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program, a free sailing is one of the many perks.

What is the Crown and Anchor Society phone number?

Royal Caribbean logo

If you're in the United States, you can call Crown and Anchor Society at (800) 526-9723.

If you are outside the U.S. and Canada, call (541) 285-9723.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 AM-10 PM EST and Saturday through Sunday 9 AM-8 PM EST.

Royal Caribbean's crown and anchor society info, tips, secrets

Royal Caribbean has no plans to make it more difficult to reach its top-tier loyalty status

In:
10 Jul 2024

Royal Caribbean won't be moving the goal posts back in terms of reaching its highest loyalty tiers.

Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program, the Crown and Anchor Society, has many tiers, and some cruisers are concerned with how many members are now reaching the top tiers.

One point is gained per night of cruising (or double points for suite and solo guests).

To reach the highest tier, the Pinnacle Club level, cruisers need to have 700 points.

Common ground event

Especially now that Royal Caribbean matches loyalty statuses between its three cruise lines, some cruisers believe that there are too many Pinnacle and Diamond Plus members in the fleet.

During a Q&A during this year's President's Cruise on Oasis of the Seas, one passenger asked if the cruise line would ever raise requirements to make it more difficult to hit the upper most echelons of the Crown and Anchor Society.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, who was fielding questions at the event, answered that there is no plan to do so.

Royal Caribbean will not make it more difficult to reach the top tier of the Crown and Anchor Society 

crown-lounge-icon-of-the-seas-2

During the Q&A sessions, Amy Weber from Missouri shared that she and her husband reached Diamond Plus during the President's cruise.

"There's concern about Royal raising the qualification for those loyalty levels going forward," she said.

"What do you know about the plans for the loyalty program modifications?"

Mr. Bayley answered that Royal Caribbean has "no plans to do that."

"We're not planning on doing that," he maintained.

Bayley speaking

Royal Caribbean's requirements for the Diamond Plus and Pinnacle tiers will remain the same.

Read more: Pathway to Pinnacle: How I reached the top of Royal Caribbean’s Loyalty Program

To reach the Diamond Plus level, cruisers need 175 points. To reach Pinnacle, guests need to have a total of 700 points.

Royal Caribbean will not be changing these numbers.

The only requirements that have changed recently are within the loyalty match program.

If a cruiser has 500 Venetian Society Days, the highest level in the Silversea Cruises loyalty program, they will automatically be granted the Pinnacle Club level in the Crown and Anchor Society.

Read more: I tried Royal Caribbean's new loyalty match program. I missed having drink vouchers, but it saved me hundreds of dollars

Are there too many Pinnacle members?

Desk with papers

According to Amy Weber, many cruisers are concerned about Royal Caribbean changing the Pinnacle requirements.

This is because some believe there are too many members in the program's highest tiers.

"We have interacted with a lot of other loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers, and I've heard some grumbling about how many Pinnacle and Diamond Plus members there are," she explained.

Michael Bayley also spoke to this point when he answered her question.

"Sometimes we get these comments," he said, "and they're valid comments [but] they're often based upon certain sailings."

Looking at specific sailings packed with more Pinnacle and Diamond Plus members can lead guests to believe that there are an extreme amount of members.

However, Mr. Bayley clarified that on "90% of the sailings, it's just not true."

"You can go on many of our ships many times and there are only a few Pinnacle members sailing with us."

Royal Promenade

Certain sailings have a higher number of exclusive loyalty cruisers, such as Trans-Atlantic, Trans-Pacific, and President's cruises.

Mr. Bayley pointed out that longer sailings tend to have more Pinnacle members as well. 

"It's logical because as you get to Pinnacle, you're typically getting older." And since older people are usually retiring, they have more time for longer cruises. 

President's Cruise 2024

There are no official numbers as to how many Pinnacle members there are, but Mr. Bayley put it into perspective during the Q&A session.

"In the grand scheme of how many people sail with us, next year 7 million guests will sail with Royal Caribbean International. So sometimes it feels like a lot [of Pinnacle members], but it's not."

Michael Bayley says Royal Caribbean is making "extremely positive changes" to loyalty program

Status-Match

As he fielded questions about Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society, Mr. Bayley also emphasized the impact the Royal Caribbean Group unification has had.

By unifying all the loyalty programs within the Royal Caribbean Group family, the cruise line is making several changes to the programs.

Mr. Bayley said that he believes these changes are "extremely positive."

"It makes it so much easier for you to move between brands and, depending upon lifestyle choices, you can stay within the family and get all of the benefits you've earned over time."

President cruise balloons

Some great improvements have been made within the Crown and Anchor Society, and, according to Michael Bayley, "there's a lot more planned over the next few years."

Read more: 8 things you might not know about Royal Caribbean’s CEO

The cruise line is currently investing in new technology to bring it all together.

Within the next few years, cruisers can expect to "feel happier with the loyalty program."

Mr. Bayley said to look forward to improvements in the accessibility of information and the way the Crown and Anchor Society is presented to guests.

What benefits do Pinnacle members get?

Wine at Vintages

The Pinnacle tier of the Crown and Anchor Society features many valuable benefits for its members.

These include:

  • 50% off any glass of wine, beer, or soda (2 coupons per sailing)
  • 50% off a Johnny Rockets milkshake (2 coupons per sailing, on select ships)
  • Private departure lounge with continental breakfast
  • 25% Discount on any glass of wine, beer, or soda
  • Buy a specialty restaurant dinner and receive one complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee beverage (excludes Starbucks)
  • Priority waitlist seating request in the Main Dining Room
  • 6 Complimentary daily drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks, Bionic Bar, and Desserted)
  • Purchase a specialty restaurant dinner cover charge during the first or second night of your cruise and enjoy complimentary dining for the second guest
  • 40% Discount on Deluxe Beverage Packages
  • Coastal Kitchen access
  • $25 off specialty dining on 5+ nights (Oasis & Quantum class only)
  • Exclusive daily breakfast at a specialty restaurant
  • Free Unlimited surf and stream Internet access for 1 device only for the length of your voyage
  • Exclusive Top Tier Event on 5+ night sailings 
  • Priority waitlist for Shore Excursions and Vitality Spa services
  • Exclusive Backstage Tour on 5+ night sailings
  • Crown Lounge access with nightly happy hour
  • Priority access and seating at Theater, Ice show, and AquaTheater events
  • Cheers with an Officer on 7+ night sailings
  • Suite/Concierge Lounge access
  • Flexible arrival
  • $6 Casino Royale FreePlay
  • Buy a bingo package and receive 6 free Jackpot cards
  • Robes for use onboard (delivered upon request)
  • $5 off $25 dry-clean or press
  • $10 Discount on $34.99 wash and fold laundry bag on 5+ nights
  • 3 Complimentary welcome waters (per adult)
  • Stateroom phone discount rate of $2 per minute
  • Chef’s Choice on 5+ nights
  • Personalized gift/amenity (per household)
  • One Free $34.99 wash and fold bag on 5+ Nights
  • Upgraded bathroom amenities
  • 30% Discount on a single photo, photo package, or photo book
  • One (1) free digital or printed photo of your choice
  • 15% Discount on Royal Caribbean logo products sold onboard (min. $25 purchase)
  • 20% Discounts on any spa service (excludes Medi-Spa services)
  • Complimentary add-on spa treatment (excludes Medi-Spa services)
  • Milestone recognition beginning at 140 cruise points (Crystal Block)
  • Personalized lapel pin
  • Discounts on Balcony & Suite Staterooms
  • Exclusive access to call center staff members
  • Single supplement cruise fare reduced to 150% from 200%
  • Milestone Cruise Certificate valued at the prevailing rate of a 7-Night Balcony Stateroom for 700 and 1,050 cruise points
  • Milestone Cruise Certificate valued at the prevailing rate of a Junior Suite Stateroom for 1,400 and every 350 cruise points thereafter

And the Pinnacle status isn't just for older cruisers, despite the time it takes to reach. 

Family eating ice cream in Boardwalk

The tier has specific Youth Member benefits, which include:

  • 50% off one scoop of Ice Cream at the Ice Cream Parlor (on select ships)
  • Surf and Stream internet discount equal to parents’ benefit
  • Buy 1 movie rental in your stateroom and receive the second Free
  • Spend $15 in Arcade Credits to get $5 off your onboard expense account, or spend $50 in Arcade Credits to get $25 off 
  • 6 Complimentary daily non-alcoholic drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks and Desserted)

Read more: The Crown and Anchor perks you should use on every Royal Caribbean cruise

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