How Do I Use My Loyalty Points with Royal Caribbean International?

For many travelers, cruising is more than just a vacation—it’s a lifestyle. From breathtaking destinations to unmatched onboard experiences, Royal Caribbean International has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading cruise lines. But for loyal guests who sail frequently, one important question often comes up: How do I use my loyalty points with Royal Caribbean International?

Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, known as the Crown & Anchor Society, is designed to reward returning guests for their continued commitment. Through this program, cruisers accumulate loyalty points every time they sail, which can be redeemed for a wide range of perks and privileges that elevate the cruising experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about using your Royal Caribbean loyalty points: how they’re earned, the benefits they unlock, and strategies for making the most of them.

Understanding the Crown & Anchor Society

The Crown & Anchor Society is Royal Caribbean International’s loyalty program. Unlike traditional reward systems where points are spent like currency, the Crown & Anchor program uses points as a status-building tool.

Each point you earn brings you closer to higher membership tiers, and with each tier comes new and better perks. Essentially, instead of “spending” your points, you use them by moving up levels that give you increasing privileges onboard and ashore.

How Loyalty Points Are Earned

Earning points is simple and straightforward:

One point per night in a standard stateroom
Two points per night in a suite

For example:

A 5-night cruise in an interior cabin = 5 points
A 7-night cruise in a balcony cabin = 7 points
A 10-night cruise in a suite = 20 points

Over time, these points accumulate, and you progress through the program’s different tiers.

Membership Tiers and How Points Are Used

Here’s how your loyalty points translate into tangible rewards within the Crown & Anchor Society:

1. Gold Tier (3–29 points)

Exclusive members-only offers
Priority email newsletters
Discounted onboard services

2. Platinum Tier (30–54 points)

Priority check-in at select ports
Discounts on digital photos
Exclusive onboard invitations

3. Emerald Tier (55–79 points)

Enhanced benefits including specialty discounts
Priority access to select services

4. Diamond Tier (80–174 points)

Access to the Diamond Lounge
Complimentary beverages during happy hours
Discounts on internet packages

5. Diamond Plus Tier (175–699 points)

Priority seating at shows
Concierge service access
Stateroom upgrades based on availability

6. Pinnacle Club (700+ points)

Complimentary cruise certificates at milestone achievements
Highest level of recognition
Invitations to private events with officers

As you can see, your loyalty points are used automatically by advancing you into higher tiers of the program, unlocking a growing list of benefits.

How to Access and Use Your Points

Using your points is simple because they don’t require any manual redemption. Instead, every point you earn accumulates in your profile and determines your tier.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Points:

Log into your account on the Royal Caribbean website or mobile app.
Check your Crown & Anchor status to see your tier level and points.
Book a cruise and enjoy the benefits tied to your tier.
Use onboard perks such as discounts, lounge access, and priority services.
Earn more points with every sailing to move up the tiers.

Key Benefits You Can Use with Loyalty Points

Here are some of the most popular ways members “use” their loyalty points through tier perks:

1. Exclusive Onboard Discounts

Loyalty points give you access to savings on:

Beverage packages
Specialty dining
Wi-Fi plans
Spa treatments
Shore excursions

2. Priority Services

Higher-tier members enjoy faster check-in, priority boarding, and expedited departure.

3. Complimentary Drinks and Lounges

Diamond and above members can use their points indirectly for free cocktails and private lounge access, creating a VIP atmosphere.

4. Exclusive Events

Members are invited to captain’s receptions, loyalty parties, and private gatherings that are unavailable to non-members.

5. Milestone Cruises

At the Pinnacle Club level, points translate into free cruise certificates, which is one of the most valuable rewards in the program.

Family Benefits – Sharing the Rewards

One of the standout features of the Crown & Anchor Society is its family benefits. Points are individual, but family members traveling together can link their accounts, ensuring everyone enjoys the tier benefits. This is particularly helpful for families who cruise regularly with children, as the perks extend to the whole household.

Using Loyalty Points Beyond Cruises

Your loyalty points also open the door to cross-brand recognition within the Royal Caribbean Group. This means that benefits may apply when sailing with affiliated brands like Celebrity Cruises, adding even more value.

Common Misconceptions About Using Points

Many first-time members assume that loyalty points can be redeemed like traditional reward systems (e.g., airlines or hotels). However, Royal Caribbean’s program is different:

You do not spend points. They are not a currency.
Points build status. Benefits are tied to tier levels, not deductions.
Points never expire. They accumulate for life, ensuring every cruise adds value.

Comparison to Other Cruise Loyalty Programs

To better understand how Royal Caribbean’s points system works, it helps to compare it with other cruise lines:

Carnival’s VIFP Club: Similar tier system, but fewer luxury benefits.
Norwegian’s Latitudes Rewards: Points expire and are based on bookings rather than nights.
Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society: Points never expire, and tiers provide elite recognition.

This makes Royal Caribbean’s program one of the most valuable in the industry for frequent cruisers.

Tips to Maximize the Use of Your Points

Sail longer cruises. More nights = more points.
Book suites. Double points accelerate your tier progression.
Cruise frequently. Each sailing adds up quickly.
Link family accounts. Share the rewards with loved ones.
Track your status. Use the Royal Caribbean app to monitor your points.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to redeem my points manually?

No. Points are automatically applied to your account and reflected in your tier status.

2. Can points expire?

No, they last a lifetime.

3. Do my benefits apply to all sailings?

Yes, benefits are recognized worldwide across Royal Caribbean cruises.

4. Can children earn points?

Yes, children receive points just like adults when they sail.

5. Can I transfer my points to family members?

No, points are individual, but family members can link accounts to share benefits.

Conclusion

So, how do you use your loyalty points with Royal Caribbean International? The answer lies in the Crown & Anchor Society’s unique structure. Unlike traditional points-based systems, your points are not redeemed like cash but instead used to advance your tier level, unlocking an ever-expanding world of perks, privileges, and recognition.

From priority boarding and discounts to exclusive lounges and even complimentary cruises, every point you earn takes you one step closer to a more rewarding experience at sea. And with points that never expire, your loyalty pays dividends for a lifetime of cruising.

For travelers committed to the Royal Caribbean lifestyle, the Crown & Anchor Society transforms ordinary voyages into extraordinary adventures, ensuring that loyalty is always rewarded.