Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society: The Complete Guide

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has some of the largest ships at sea. The company sails around the globe, offering itineraries for all interests and a handful of world cruises that can last several months.

Similar to airline and hotel brands, cruise lines also have loyalty programs, and Royal Caribbean is no exception. Its Crown and Anchor Society rewards repeat cruisers interested in maximizing their onboard perks. Here’s what you need to know about the loyalty program and why “It pays to be loyal to Royal" as the cruise line says.

How do you earn points for Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society?

After completing your first cruise, you will earn points every time you sail with Royal Caribbean, accruing one point for each night you’re on board. You'll earn double points per night if you stay in a suite. The more points you earn, the higher your elite status.

Don't worry if you forget to sign up; taking your first cruise automatically enrolls you in the program. However, you will need to create a Crown and Anchor login to view your online account, which will help you keep track of the points you earn.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

Can you earn points with a Royal Caribbean credit card?

Even though Royal Caribbean has its own co-branded credit card, you can’t use it to help you reach Crown and Anchor elite status. Instead, the points you earn by spending with the card can be used to enhance your cruise experience.

You can redeem points for onboard credits, cruise discounts, room upgrades and companion fares. The only way to earn points toward Crown and Anchor elite status is by sailing on a cruise.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

Crown and Anchor Society elite status levels

There are six elite status levels in the Crown and Anchor loyalty program. As an added benefit for those who cruise with their family, children younger than 18 automatically hold the same status as their parents (with the exception of the Pinnacle Club tier).

Here’s what you can expect to receive at each tier of the Crown and Anchor Society.

Gold

Gold is the first elite status tier, which you'll reach after earning 3 points. As a Gold member, you receive:

• A newsletter with advance notice of new ships, itineraries and special deals.

• Exclusive rates on some sailings and itineraries.

• Access to a private lounge with continental breakfast before departure.

• One additional cruise point for each night when paying a single rate in a double occupancy stateroom.

• Discounts on Wi-Fi, spa, food and beverage options.

Platinum

Platinum is the next elite status, which members reach after accruing 30 points as a member. In addition to all of the Gold perks, as a Platinum member, you’ll receive:

• Exclusive rates on balcony and suite staterooms.

• Reciprocal status with Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club.

• A special onboard event on sailings five nights or longer.

• Robes in the cabin.

• Laundry discounts.

» Learn more: Tips for getting the best deal on your next cruise

Emerald

Once you reach 55 points, you move to the Emerald tier, which provides all the perks of Gold and Platinum plus these additional things:

• Welcome water in your stateroom (two bottles per adult).

• Lapel pin to recognize your Emerald status.

Diamond

Now you’re starting to crack the code on special perks with Royal Caribbean. Once you earn 80 points, you reach the Diamond level and receive the benefits of all the lower status tiers plus these extras:

• Chef’s choice welcome gift on sailings five nights or longer.

• Four complimentary drinks per day.

• Priority waitlist for shore excursions and spa appointments.

• Access to the Crown or Silver lounge with complimentary snacks and nightly happy hour.

• Priority waitlist for preferred seats in the main dining room.

• Four daily complimentary nonalcoholic drinks for kids.

• One day of free Wi-Fi.

Plus, a commemorative crystal block is awarded when you accrue 140 points and again for every 70 points afterward.

Diamond Plus

The Diamond Plus level is for serious cruisers since it kicks in once you’ve earned 175 points. It comes with all the perks of the lower tiers as well as these benefits:

• Dedicated call center for reservations.

• Choice of a special in-room amenity, such as wine, strawberries or cheese plate.

• Five complimentary drinks per day.

• Deluxe beverage package discounts.

• Priority seating at entertainment venues (theater, Ice show and AquaTheater).

• Two days of free Wi-Fi.

• One free laundry service on sailings five nights or longer.

• Complimentary add-on spa treatment. 

• Five daily complimentary nonalcoholic drinks for kids.

Although still in the same elite tier, for members who have earned at least 340 points, there are even more benefits:

• Lunch and wine with an officer on sailings seven nights or longer.

• Upgraded bathroom toiletries.

• Reduced single supplement cruise fare.

» Learn more: How to plan a cruise in 6 steps

Pinnacle Club

Once you accrue 700 points, you’re awarded Pinnacle Club status. This is the highest tier you can earn, and it includes all of the benefits of the lower tiers plus:

• Specialty dining discounts, exclusive daily breakfast and access to a private restaurant.

• Free Wi-Fi for one device for the entire sailing.

• Six complimentary drinks per day.

• Personalized lapel pin.

• Complimentary cruise.

• Another complimentary cruise for each additional 350 cruise points earned.

• Six daily complimentary nonalcoholic drinks for kids.

The free cruises are a great bonus, and the first two cruises earned (at 700 and 1,050 points) are eligible for a balcony stateroom on a seven-night Caribbean sailing. You can also choose to redeem a $2,400 credit toward another cruise. The cruise must be taken within one year of earning it, and the ship must have been sailing for at least one year.

Any additional complimentary cruises earned can be redeemed for a junior suite stateroom on a seven-night Caribbean sailing or as a voucher for $3,200 on any other sailing. They’re not valid during the holidays or peak summer months, and the member has to pay taxes, fees and port surcharges.

Are there any Crown and Anchor partner benefits?

There are several partner perks that Crown and Anchor Society members can take advantage of when they’re not sailing. Here’s what you can expect:

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

• Go immediately to the car without stopping by the counter at certain locations.

• Choose cars from the Gold Plus area at select locations.

MGM Rewards

• MGM elite tier status match.

Celebrity Cruises

• Elite tier status match (for Crown and Anchor Platinum level and higher).

» Learn more: How Norwegian and Royal Caribbean cruise lines differ

Is it worth joining the Crown and Anchor Society?

When sailing with Royal Caribbean, it is worth joining the loyalty program — after all, you’re automatically enrolled after your first cruise. Once you reach elite status, you’ll enjoy plenty of perks, which increase the more you sail.

After reaching Platinum level, you’ll enjoy elite status perks on Celebrity cruises. While you can’t spend your way to elite status with the Royal Caribbean credit card, using it can provide discounts on your next cruise. And any time you sail, you can get closer to the next tier of the Crown and Anchor Society program.