Do you dream of sailing again and again with exclusive perks on every cruise? Royal Caribbean has it all planned out with its Crown & Anchor Society program. VIP status, onboard gifts, private lounges… But is it as magical as it seems? And above all, is it worth staying loyal? Here’s what you really need to know before you set sail.
⚓ What exactly is Crown & Anchor Society?
Every night spent aboard a Royal Caribbean ship earns you cruise points. The more you accumulate, the higher you level up… and the more rewards pile up.
| 🏅 Level | 🧭 Required Points | 🎁 Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 3 | Welcome gifts, little attentions |
| Platinum | 30 | Exclusive offers, embarkation priorities |
| Emerald | 55 | Surprise gifts, private activities |
| Diamond | 80 | Access to reserved lounges, special evenings |
| Diamond Plus | 105+ | Luxury experiences, enhanced benefits |
| Pinnacle Club | 700 | Ultra-VIP treatment and premium access |
💡 Good to know: a suite gives you 2 points/night. You therefore level up faster with a bit of comfort.
🚢 Loyalty at sea: dream or trap?
Everything seems idyllic… but is it that simple? Here’s the truth and the myth about the loyalty program:
✅ What you gain:
- Gifts, discounts, and surprises on every cruise
- VIP access to private areas
- Invitations to exclusive onboard events
- Recognized status even between cruises
❌ What you need to know:
- You need to travel often to reach the real benefits
- Extras onboard (spa, themed restaurants) remain at an additional cost
- Some offers are seasonal or limited
🌍 And what about Royal Caribbean cruises?
Royal Caribbean is top-notch: modern ships, comfortable cabins, fine dining, onboard water parks, surf simulators, Broadway shows…
But beware, luxury can be expensive. Some restaurants, wellness services, or excursions come at an additional cost. So, plan wisely to avoid unpleasant surprises.
🧠 How to maximize your points (without breaking the bank)
Here are the strategies from true sea pros:
| 📈 Tip | ✅ Why it works |
|---|---|
| 1 cruise/year at minimum | You regularly advance in statuses |
| Choose promotional periods | Boosted points, loyalty offers |
| Book a suite | 2x points in one night |
| Participate in events | You unlock access + discounts |
The more you play the game, the more you win. But be careful not to sail just “for the points”.
💬 Is this for you?
The program is great if you are a regular cruise enthusiast. If you only go once every five years… skip it. It’s better to aim for a good one-time offer than a status you’ll never be able to reap rewards from.
🎯 Verdict: good deal or false promise?
👉 Yes, it’s worth it if you love traveling at sea several times a year.
👉 No, not really if you’re just looking for a one-off or if your budget is tight.
And you, ready to embark and collect privileges at sea?
Julie Lambert – Travel & News Blogger
Passionate about discoveries and current events, I share my adventures around the world along with insights on key societal issues. From travel stories to news analysis, join me in exploring and understanding the world!
