Royal Caribbean International, a titan in the cruise industry, has mastered the art of rewarding its repeat guests through its Crown & Anchor Society, a loyalty program that transforms cruising into a richly rewarding experience.
Celebrating over 25 years in 2023, this program has cultivated a passionate community of cruisers, affectionately dubbed “Loyal to Royal.” Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned voyager, the Crown & Anchor Society offers a tiered system of perks that elevate your onboard experience, from priority boarding to exclusive lounges and complimentary dining.
But there’s more to this program than meets the eye. In this revamped guide, we’ll dive deep into the Crown & Anchor Society, unveiling its membership levels, benefits, and insider secrets that even frequent cruisers might not know. We’ll also explore how non-members can still enjoy Royal Caribbean’s value-driven offerings, like discounted drink packages, and share strategies to maximize your loyalty rewards. This comprehensive guide is your roadmap to unlocking the full potential of Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program.
Why the Crown & Anchor Society Stands Out
Loyalty programs are a cornerstone of the cruise industry, but Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society is in a league of its own. Designed to reward frequent cruisers with tangible benefits, it fosters a sense of belonging and exclusivity.
The program’s tiered structure ensures that every cruise counts, with perks scaling as you climb the ranks. From streamlined check-in to complimentary amenities, the Crown & Anchor Society enhances every aspect of your cruise, making it a compelling reason to stick with Royal Caribbean.
What sets this program apart is its accessibility and flexibility. Even first-time cruisers are enrolled automatically, and the benefits start immediately. For those not ready to commit to loyalty, Royal Caribbean offers non-members attractive perks, such as Beverage Package discounts or VOOM Internet deals, ensuring everyone feels valued.
Membership Levels: A Journey of Rewards
The Crown & Anchor Society is structured into six tiers, each unlocked by accumulating Cruise Points based on the number of nights sailed and stateroom category. Below, we break down each level, highlighting key benefits and insider tips to maximize value.
1. Gold (3-29 Points)
- How to Qualify: Earn 3 points, typically after one cruise (1 point per night in a standard stateroom, 2 points per night in a suite).
- Key Benefits:
- Exclusive onboard discounts (e.g., 10% off spa treatments, shore excursions, or specialty dining).
- Priority check-in at the terminal.
- Member-only events, like welcome receptions.
- Insider Secret: Gold members can pre-book discounted shore excursions through the Cruise Planner before sailing, often saving 20-30% compared to onboard prices. Check your email for exclusive Gold member offers post-booking.
2. Platinum (30-54 Points)
- How to Qualify: Reach 30 points (e.g., 30 nights in a standard stateroom or 15 nights in a suite).
- Key Benefits:
- Priority seating at shows and entertainment venues.
- Access to a private departure lounge on disembarkation day.
- Behind-the-scenes ship tour (subject to availability).
- Robes for onboard use.
- Insider Secret: Platinum members can request a matching status with Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club or Azamara’s Circle programs, Royal Caribbean’s sister brands. This cross-brand perk lets you enjoy similar benefits on other lines without starting from scratch.
3. Emerald (55-79 Points)
- How to Qualify: Accumulate 55 points.
- Key Benefits:
- Complimentary beverages during nightly happy hours (select venues).
- Access to a concierge lounge for personalized assistance.
- Exclusive onboard events, like wine tastings.
- Insider Secret: The concierge lounge is a hidden gem for Emerald members. Use it to book hard-to-get dining reservations or secure spots for exclusive activities like the North Star observation capsule on Icon-class ships.
4. Diamond (80-174 Points)
- How to Qualify: Reach 80 points.
- Key Benefits:
- Nightly Diamond Lounge access with complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres (4 drink vouchers per day if no lounge is available).
- Priority access to specialty restaurants.
- One complimentary 24-hour internet package per cruise.
- Milestone gift (e.g., crystal ship model at 140 points).
- Insider Secret: Diamond members can stack their drink vouchers with Beverage Package discounts. For example, use vouchers for premium cocktails and save your package for daytime drinks, stretching your benefits further.
5. Diamond Plus (175-699 Points)
- How to Qualify: Accumulate 175 points.
- Key Benefits:
- Priority boarding and disembarkation.
- Complimentary dining at one specialty restaurant per cruise.
- Welcome amenity (e.g., wine or chocolate-covered strawberries).
- Two complimentary 24-hour internet packages.
- Insider Secret: Diamond Plus members can request a personalized shore excursion through the concierge, such as a private tour at a port. This bespoke service is rarely advertised but can elevate your cruise experience.
6. Pinnacle Club (700+ Points)
- How to Qualify: Reach 700 points (a rare feat, equivalent to 700 nights in a standard stateroom).
- Key Benefits:
- Access to the exclusive Pinnacle Lounge (on select ships).
- Complimentary beverages throughout the day (up to a daily limit).
- Personalized gift (e.g., engraved crystal).
- Complimentary 7-night cruise for two after reaching 700 points.
- Insider Secret: Pinnacle members receive priority access to suite-only areas like the Coastal Kitchen restaurant, even if not booked in a suite. Request this perk through the concierge for an upscale dining experience.
How to Earn Points: Strategies for Faster Progress
Cruise Points are earned based on the number of nights sailed and stateroom category:
- Standard Staterooms: 1 point per night.
- Suites (Junior Suites and above): 2 points per night.
- Solo Travelers: Double points if booked as a single occupant in a stateroom.
Insider Tips to Accelerate Point Accumulation
- Book Suites: Suites double your points, making them a strategic choice for frequent cruisers aiming for higher tiers.
- Cruise Longer: Longer itineraries (e.g., 14-night transatlantic cruises) rack up points faster than short 3-night getaways.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Royal Caribbean occasionally offers double-point promotions or bonus points for specific sailings. Monitor the Cruise Planner or Crown & Anchor emails for these deals.
- Refer Friends: The Refer-a-Friend program (available to members) grants bonus points or onboard credits when referred guests book and sail.
Milestone Rewards
In addition to tier benefits, Royal Caribbean celebrates milestones (e.g., 140, 210, 280 points) with gifts like crystal ship models, tote bags, or onboard credits. At 700 points, Pinnacle members receive a complimentary 7-night cruise, a rare and coveted reward.
Program Benefits: Enhancing Your Cruise Experience
The Crown & Anchor Society is designed to make every cruise more enjoyable, with benefits that add convenience, luxury, and value. Here’s how each perk enhances your experience:
- Exclusive Onboard Offers: From Gold upward, members enjoy discounts on spa treatments, shore excursions, and specialty dining (e.g., 15% off Chops Grille). Pro Tip: Combine these with pre-cruise sales in the Cruise Planner for maximum savings.
- Priority Check-In and Boarding: Gold and above skip long lines, starting their vacation faster. Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members get dedicated lanes for near-instant embarkation.
- Priority Seating at Shows: Platinum and above secure prime seats for productions like Grease or ice-skating shows, ensuring the best views.
- Private Departure Lounge: Platinum and above relax in a comfortable lounge on disembarkation day, with snacks and priority exit.
- Concierge Lounge: Emerald and above access personalized service for dining reservations, excursion planning, or special requests.
- Diamond Lounge: Diamond and above enjoy a nightly happy hour with free drinks and appetizers, creating a social hub for loyal cruisers.
- Complimentary Internet: Diamond and Diamond Plus members stay connected with free Wi-Fi, perfect for sharing cruise moments or checking emails.
- Complimentary Specialty Dining: Diamond Plus members savor meals at venues like Izumi or Giovanni’s Table at no extra cost.
- Pinnacle Lounge: Pinnacle members relax in an exclusive, luxurious space with complimentary drinks and snacks.
- Access to Exclusive Events: Members enjoy private parties, wine tastings, or Q&A sessions with ship officers, fostering a sense of community.
Non-Member Perks
Even without joining the Crown & Anchor Society, Royal Caribbean offers value-driven options:
- Beverage Packages: Discounted rates on Deluxe Beverage Packages (unlimited drinks) during pre-cruise sales.
- VOOM Internet: Bundle deals for high-speed Wi-Fi, ideal for remote workers or social media enthusiasts.
- Dining Packages: Multi-restaurant packages for specialty dining at reduced rates.
Insider Secrets to Maximize Your Membership
- Leverage Pre-Cruise Planning: Book dining, excursions, and activities through the Cruise Planner as soon as you enroll (even at Gold). Members often get early access to sales, saving up to 40%.
- Request Upgrades: Higher-tier members (Diamond and above) can ask the concierge for complimentary upgrades to better staterooms or dining experiences, subject to availability.
- Stack Benefits: Combine loyalty perks with onboard promotions. For example, use Diamond drink vouchers alongside a discounted Beverage Package for ultimate value.
- Join the Community: Engage with the Crown & Anchor Society’s online community on Cruise Critic or Facebook groups. Members share tips, like how to snag rare Pinnacle Lounge invites as a Diamond Plus guest.
- Monitor Your Points: Check your point balance on the Royal Caribbean app or website to plan your next cruise strategically. A single long cruise can push you to the next tier.
Enhancing the Cruise Experience
The Crown & Anchor Society transforms cruising into a personalized, luxurious journey:
- Convenience: Priority check-in and boarding minimize wait times, letting you start your vacation stress-free.
- Entertainment: Priority seating ensures you enjoy shows like AquaTheater performances from the best spots.
- Exclusivity: Lounges and private events create a VIP atmosphere, fostering connections with fellow cruisers.
- Value: Complimentary dining, drinks, and internet add hundreds of dollars in savings per cruise.
- Personalization: Concierge services cater to your preferences, from securing rare excursion spots to arranging special celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society is more than a loyalty program—it’s a gateway to unforgettable cruise experiences. From the moment you step onboard as a Gold member to the exclusive privileges of the Pinnacle Club, the program rewards your loyalty with convenience, luxury, and savings. Its tiered structure ensures that every cruiser, whether a weekend warrior or a world traveler, feels valued.
By leveraging insider secrets—like status matching, stacking benefits, or planning strategically—you can unlock even greater value from the program. For non-members, Royal Caribbean’s discounted packages ensure everyone enjoys the cruise line’s signature hospitality.
As the cruise industry evolves, the Crown & Anchor Society remains a cornerstone of Royal Caribbean’s commitment to its guests. It’s an invitation to explore iconic ships, visit stunning destinations, and create lasting memories, all while enjoying a host of exclusive rewards. So, set sail with Royal Caribbean, climb the loyalty tiers, and discover why being “Loyal to Royal” is a badge of honor.
For a complete list of benefits and terms, visit Crown & Anchor Member Benefits.
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About
Joy is the Co-Founder & Content Manager/Expert for CruisePortAdvisor.com and one of the founders of the site. She loves to travel, sing & bake.
