Crown & Anchor Society Guide (2025): Royal Caribbean Loyalty Explained

Discover how Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society rewards loyal cruisers. This complete guide explains cruise points, tier benefits, and insider tips to help you make the most of every sailing.

Crown & Anchor Society Guide (2025): Royal Caribbean Loyalty Explained

If you’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean once, you’ve already started something bigger than you might realise. Tucked into your post-cruise email, somewhere between the feedback survey and the thank-you note, you’ll likely find a quiet little welcome to something called the Crown & Anchor Society.

It’s more than just a points scheme. It’s the cruise line’s way of recognising those who come back time and again. And in truth, many do. Royal Caribbean has one of the most loyal followings in the cruise industry, and this programme is part of the reason why.

From small touches like priority check-in and discounts on Wi-Fi to larger perks like free drinks, suite upgrades, and even complimentary cruises at the highest levels — Crown & Anchor makes loyalty worth it. This guide walks you through exactly how it works, what you get, and how to make the most of it.

What is the Crown & Anchor Society?

At its heart, the Crown & Anchor Society is Royal Caribbean’s loyalty programme, created to reward guests who return for a second, third, or tenth sailing.

The idea is simple: the more nights you spend on board, the more points you earn. As you accumulate those points, you move up through a series of membership tiers — and with each new tier, new privileges come your way.

While other travel brands might require you to pay a membership fee or jump through hoops to unlock value, Royal Caribbean’s approach is refreshingly straightforward. Book a cruise, sail, and you’re in.

But what keeps people engaged isn’t just the points. It’s the feeling of being part of something. Once you’re in, you start noticing the difference. The extra smiles from crew who know you’re a Diamond guest. The little envelope waiting in your cabin. The lounge that’s just for you. These are the subtle shifts that turn a holiday into a habit.

How to Join the Programme

You don’t need to apply. You don’t need to pay. You don’t even need to do anything special.

After your very first Royal Caribbean sailing, you’re automatically enrolled in the Crown & Anchor Society. You’ll receive a unique membership number (if you didn’t already sign up beforehand), and this becomes your key to all future benefits.

If you've sailed in the past and never registered, you can still claim those missing points by contacting Royal Caribbean’s loyalty team or submitting a request through their website. Many guests don’t realise this, so it’s worth checking — especially if you’ve done several cruises before becoming a member.

Once you’re in, your points stay with you for life. You don’t lose them if you take a break from cruising, and there’s no pressure to maintain a certain pace.

How Cruise Points Work

Points are awarded based on the number of nights you spend on board and the type of accommodation you book:

Let’s say you book a seven-night cruise in a Junior Suite as a solo traveller. That’s 14 points in one sailing — which is nearly enough to reach Platinum right out of the gate.

It’s a generous system that rewards both loyalty and the kind of cabin you choose. And for many, it becomes a motivating factor in planning their future holidays.

Membership Tiers and Their Benefits

The programme is divided into six tiers. Each one unlocks new perks, and they build in value the higher you go.

Gold (3–29 points)

This is the entry-level tier, but it still makes a difference. Priority check-in alone can save you a lot of time on embarkation day.

Platinum (30–54 points)

This is where things start to feel more personalised. You’ll often get early invites to things like entertainment previews or special sales.

Emerald (55–79 points)

Emerald is often seen as the quiet middle tier — a stepping stone to the big rewards that come next.

Diamond (80–174 points)

This is the level where everything changes. The drink vouchers are a huge draw — they’re valid at most bars and lounges, and they don’t expire each day. The Diamond Lounge is also a favourite hangout for regulars who appreciate a quieter space with concierge service.

Diamond Plus (175–699 points)

The climb from Diamond to Diamond Plus takes time, but the rewards are meaningful. Guests at this level are often treated like long-time friends by the crew — many of whom will know your name after a few sailings.

Pinnacle Club (700+ points)

Reaching Pinnacle Club is no small feat. It often takes years, even decades, to reach this level. But those who do tend to cruise often, build lasting friendships with crew and fellow cruisers, and are regularly invited to events hosted by the ship’s captain or senior officers. It’s the highest level of recognition Royal Caribbean offers, and it shows.

If you'd like to see the full perk and benefits then check out Royal Caribbean's full charts here

Making the Most of Your Status

Earning points is easy, but using your status well is where the value really comes in. Here are a few ways to maximise your benefits:

Book a Suite
Suites earn double points. If you’re on the fence about splurging, consider the points boost as part of the value.

Cruise Solo with the Supplement
If you pay full price as a solo guest, your points double. It’s a clever way to reach higher tiers faster — especially on shorter sailings.

Use Your Vouchers Smartly
Drink vouchers can be used on anything from cocktails to soft drinks or premium coffees. You can use them throughout the day, not just in the evening.

Check the App
Your Crown & Anchor status is visible in the Royal Caribbean app, and benefits like priority reservations or early access may appear automatically based on your tier.

Back-to-Back Cruises
Booking two cruises in a row (on the same ship) lets you earn points for both, and sometimes you can stay in the same cabin to avoid unpacking.

Is Crown & Anchor Worth It?

Without question — yes. For frequent cruisers, the value adds up quickly. Even at the lower tiers, benefits like early check-in, drink vouchers, and exclusive discounts improve your holiday experience without costing you a penny extra.

But more than the perks, Crown & Anchor gives a sense of continuity. You build memories across ships. Crew begin to recognise your face. And the ship becomes less of a hotel and more of a home at sea.

Whether you’re just starting out or have a decade of sailings behind you, the Crown & Anchor Society is your companion along the way. The perks are nice — but the connection is what truly sets it apart.