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

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

Royal Caribbean International’s loyalty program, known as Crown & Anchor Society, is one of the most recognized cruise loyalty programs in the global travel industry. Designed to reward repeat cruisers with meaningful benefits rather than just symbolic perks, it allows members to earn points (called cruise points) and unlock tier-based privileges that enhance both onboard and pre-cruise experiences.

This in-depth guide explains how Royal Caribbean loyalty points work, how to earn them, and—most importantly—how to use them strategically to maximize value. The content is based on publicly available information from Royal Caribbean International, consumer travel research, and best-practice loyalty program analysis referenced by organizations such as Consumer Reports and Harvard Business Review. Where official confirmation is unavailable, that is clearly stated.

Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Loyalty Program

What Is the Crown & Anchor Society?

The Crown & Anchor Society is Royal Caribbean International’s free loyalty program. Membership begins automatically after your first completed sailing and remains valid for life.

Unlike airline or hotel programs that rely heavily on redeemable points, Royal Caribbean uses a tier-based benefits model. Points determine your status level, and your status unlocks perks.

Key principle:

You do not “spend” loyalty points like cash. Instead, points accumulate and unlock benefits automatically.

This structure aligns with loyalty frameworks discussed in Harvard Business Review, which notes that tier-based programs often build stronger long-term engagement than transactional point-redemption models.

How Royal Caribbean Loyalty Points Work

What Are Cruise Points?

Cruise points are the currency used to calculate your Crown & Anchor Society tier.

You earn:

• 1 cruise point per night for standard staterooms

• 2 cruise points per night for suites

For example:

• A 7-night cruise in a balcony cabin = 7 points

• A 7-night cruise in a junior suite = 14 points

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data indicating that promotions permanently alter this earning structure.

Crown & Anchor Society Status Levels

Tier	Required Points	Key Benefits
Gold	3	Priority check-in, onboard discounts
Platinum	30	Balcony discounts, free robes
Emerald	55	Lounge access (select sailings)
Diamond	80	Drink vouchers, event access
Diamond Plus	175	Concierge Lounge, daily drinks
Pinnacle Club	700	Complimentary cruises, VIP perks

Source: Royal Caribbean International (official loyalty program documentation)

How to Earn Loyalty Points Faster

Book Longer Cruises

Because points are earned per night, longer itineraries accelerate status growth. Transatlantic, repositioning, and world cruises offer substantial point accumulation.

Sail in a Suite

Suites earn double points per night. While upfront costs are higher, frequent cruisers often find the long-term value compelling.

Take Advantage of Back-to-Back Sailings

Back-to-back cruises count as separate sailings but earn continuous points without resetting nights.

Sail Consistently, Not Occasionally

Consumer Reports emphasizes that loyalty programs reward frequency, not just spending. Two mid-length cruises per year often outperform one luxury sailing in terms of loyalty benefits.

How to Use Royal Caribbean Loyalty Points

Automatic Benefit Activation

Once you reach a tier, benefits apply automatically on your next sailing. No manual redemption is required.

Examples include:

• Complimentary drinks (Diamond and above)

• Priority boarding and departure

• Exclusive lounge access

• Discounts on balcony and suite bookings

Onboard Perks You Can Use Immediately

Depending on your tier, loyalty points unlock:

• Daily drink vouchers (Diamond and above)

• Complimentary specialty dining discounts

• Exclusive Crown & Anchor events

• Priority tendering at ports

Based on publicly available information, unused onboard perks do not roll over between sailings.

Using Loyalty Status for Cruise Discounts

Balcony and Suite Discounts

Platinum members and above receive exclusive booking discounts on select sailings.

These discounts:

• Apply automatically when logged in

• Are capacity-controlled

• May vary by sailing and season

Expert tip: Always compare loyalty pricing with promotional fares; the lower price is not always the loyalty rate.

Reduced Single Supplement Fares

Solo travelers at higher tiers may receive reduced single supplement rates on select cruises, a benefit highlighted by Consumer Reports as especially valuable for independent travelers.

Can You Transfer or Redeem Points for Cash?

Point Transfers

Cruise points:

• Cannot be transferred to another person

• Cannot be converted to onboard credit

• Cannot be exchanged for airfare or hotel points

Based on publicly available information, Royal Caribbean does not currently offer a transferable points option.

Complimentary Cruises (Pinnacle Club)

At the highest tier, Pinnacle Club members receive complimentary cruises at milestone point thresholds.

These are:

• Capacity-controlled

• Excluding taxes, fees, and gratuities

• Subject to availability

How to Track and Manage Your Loyalty Points

Online Account Access

You can track your points by:

1. Logging into your Royal Caribbean account

2. Navigating to “Crown & Anchor Society”

3. Viewing cruise history and point totals

Mobile App Integration

The Royal Caribbean app displays:

• Loyalty tier

• Upcoming benefits

• Onboard eligibility

According to Royal Caribbean’s official app documentation, real-time updates may lag during sailings.

Strategic Tips to Maximize Loyalty Value

Combine Loyalty with Promotions

Use loyalty benefits alongside:

• Seasonal sales

• Kids Sail Free offers

• Reduced deposit promotions

Focus on Tier Threshold Timing

Booking a cruise that pushes you into the next tier can unlock benefits for the entire sailing, even if the threshold is reached mid-cruise.

Don’t Overvalue Points Alone

Harvard Business Review warns against chasing loyalty status at the expense of overall value. Always assess total trip cost and experience quality.

Loyalty Program Comparison: Royal Caribbean vs Competitors

Feature	Royal Caribbean	Carnival	Norwegian
Lifetime Status	Yes	Yes	Yes
Suite Double Points	Yes	No	Yes
Free Drinks at Mid-Tiers	Yes	Limited	Limited
Point Redemption	Tier-based	Tier-based	Tier-based

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming points work like airline miles

• Ignoring non-loyalty promotional pricing

• Forgetting to log in before booking

• Overpaying for suites solely for points

FAQ: Royal Caribbean Loyalty Points

1. Can I redeem Royal Caribbean points for free cruises?

Only Pinnacle Club members receive complimentary cruises at milestone thresholds.

2. Do loyalty points expire?

No. Cruise points never expire.

3. Can family members combine points?

No. Points are individual and non-transferable.

4. Do promotional cruises earn points?

Yes, all paid sailings earn cruise points unless explicitly stated otherwise.

5. Are casino cruises eligible for points?

Based on publicly available information, casino-issued complimentary cruises may earn points, but confirmation varies by offer.

6. Do children earn loyalty points?

Yes, children earn points if they are registered guests.

7. Can I use points for onboard credit?

No. Royal Caribbean does not offer point-to-credit conversion.

8. How soon do points post after a cruise?

Typically within 30 days of sailing completion.

9. Does loyalty status match with other cruise lines?

Royal Caribbean does not officially offer a status match program.

10. Can loyalty benefits change?

Yes. Benefits are subject to change at Royal Caribbean’s discretion.

Final Thoughts: Is Royal Caribbean Loyalty Worth It?

Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program prioritizes experience-based rewards over transactional redemptions, making it especially valuable for frequent cruisers who value onboard perks, convenience, and recognition.

While it lacks flexible point redemption options, its lifetime status, suite point acceleration, and tangible onboard benefits align with best practices outlined by Consumer Reports and Harvard Business Review.

For travelers who cruise Royal Caribbean consistently, loyalty points are not something you spend—but something you leverage strategically for a more rewarding cruise experience.