Royal Caribbean Casino Guide: Club Royale Perks Explained
Thinking of trying your luck at sea? This guide breaks down how Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale casino programme works, including how to earn points, claim free cruises, and unlock exclusive perks just by playing.
Royal Caribbean Casino Guide: How Club Royale Works and What You Can Earn
If you’ve ever passed through Casino Royale on a Royal Caribbean ship and wondered how it all works, you’re not alone. Many cruisers don’t realise there’s a full casino loyalty programme called Club Royale, and it can earn you more than just winnings. We’re talking free cruises, bonus offers, and VIP perks at sea.
Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated gamer, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about playing in the casino, earning rewards, and making the most of your time on board.
Getting Started in the Casino
To play in Casino Royale, you must be 18 years or older. You’ll use your SeaPass card to track play at slot machines and table games.
Here’s how you earn points:
Slots: Every $5 played equals 1 Casino Point
Table games: Points are based on your average bet and time spent playing, as rated by the pit boss
A Royal Caribbean regular summed it up perfectly: “I tend to have a capped budget each night I play. If the fun stops, I stop. Never chase your losses. This is all for fun.” That mindset is key to enjoying the casino experience without overstepping your limits.
On embarkation day or day two, you might even find mystery free play already loaded onto your account. This could be anything from $2 to $100, added automatically. Just head to a slot machine, insert your card, create a PIN using your birth date (MMDD), and check the free play section.
What Is Club Royale?
Club Royale is Royal Caribbean’s casino loyalty programme. It’s completely separate from the Crown & Anchor Society and is based only on your gaming activity, not cruise nights.
There’s no sign-up required. Once you start playing, you're automatically enrolled and start earning points.
Club Royale Tier Levels
There are four tiers in Club Royale, each with its own set of benefits.
Choice
This is the default tier when you begin playing. It doesn’t offer perks but officially gets you into the programme.
Prime (2,500 points per year)
Free drinks while playing in the casino
No 5% fee on table game card transactions
One complimentary interior cruise every year
Access to casino-exclusive offers and promotions
Signature (25,000 points per year)
All Prime perks, plus:
Free VOOM internet for one device
One complimentary balcony cruise every year
One cruiser shared, “As a Signature member, I get all the perks that come with it — including a free balcony stateroom on Symphony of the Seas when she sailed the Mediterranean. It felt amazing knowing that even if I didn’t win that night, I was earning my way back onto the ship.”
Masters (100,000 points per year)
All Signature perks, plus:
Two VOOM internet devices
Complimentary Grand Suite cruise
Onboard credit to use anywhere on the ship
Priority boarding at embarkation
Access to Coastal Kitchen for dinner
Each tier resets annually in April, and your earned status is valid through the following April.
Promotions and Casino Events
Casino Royale keeps the energy high with daily and nightly promotions for active players. You’ll want to earn at least 100 points early in your cruise to qualify.
Here are some of the regular promotions:
Hot Seat Giveaway: Every 15 minutes between 11 pm and midnight, a random player wins free play ranging from $50 to $150
Snowball Raffle: Each night at 10 pm, $100 in free play is awarded to one player with 100 points or more
Cases of Cash: Guests are randomly selected to pick a mystery briefcase with free play prizes
Slot, Blackjack, and Poker Tournaments: Buy in and compete for real cash rewards
If you’re more of a table player, like one baccarat-loving cruiser who usually plays on sea days, these extra events are a great way to keep the fun going. “It’s not about chasing wins. It’s about the experience, the people you meet, and the vibe at the tables.”
📝 Instant Reward Certificates (IRC)
One of the biggest benefits of Club Royale is the Instant Reward Certificate. If you earn enough points during your cruise, you’ll receive this certificate in your stateroom on the final day.
These certificates offer either:
A complimentary cruise from a select list
A discount on a cruise of your choice
Or both, depending on your point level and how you choose to redeem
For example:
At 1,200 points, you could get a free interior stateroom on select sailings
At 9,000 points, you might unlock a junior suite or balcony room offer
If none of the listed cruises appeal, you can trade the offer for a set discount (such as $750 off a cruise of your choice)
One guest recalled opening a cabin letter with their IRC for the first time: “It was crazy to think a bit of pastime was earning me a free cruise. Sure, the money I spent could’ve bought a cruise, but it’s the fun and people I’ve met along the way that make it worth it.”
Bonus Rewards with NextCruise
You can take your IRC a step further by combining it with a $200 deposit through the NextCruise desk while still onboard.
Doing this unlocks additional perks:
Bonus free play for your next cruise (often $250 to $500)
Your deposit is applied toward port fees and taxes
You can secure your cruise now and finalise the details later
Most experienced casino players recommend combining Club Royale with a trusted travel agent to lock in the best of both worlds. “I always book through a travel agent, even with NextCruise, because of the perks. It’s the smart way to cruise.”
What’s the Player’s Edge?
If you’re a casino guest, you might receive a Player’s Edge booklet in your cabin. It’s a handy guide full of useful information including:
Loyalty tier details
Bonus event schedules
How-to steps for using your SeaPass card
Exclusive onboard offers
And if you don’t get one in your room, don’t worry. Just stop by the casino host desk. One guest noted, “These resources are incredibly effective. So much is just sitting there, free for the taking — you just have to ask.”
Real Cruise Casino Tips
Set a play budget before you head to the casino and stick to it
Switch it up between slots and tables depending on your mood
Check your cruise planner or Player’s Edge for extra promos you might not know about
Celebrate your wins, but know when to walk away
Ask the casino hosts for help if you’re unsure how to use free play or track your points
One guest shared a thrilling night on board. “I hit $10,000 on a Dragon Link slot, then took half of it to play one $5,000 hand of baccarat — and won again. It was fun for the moment, but not something I’d ever try again. Keep it light, keep it fun, and never play angry.”
Final Thoughts
Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale isn’t just a place to pass time. It’s a full-featured rewards programme that can turn your play into future cruises and onboard perks. Whether you're spinning reels or stacking chips at the baccarat table, Club Royale quietly works in the background to give back to loyal players.
It’s simple. Track your points, enjoy the promotions, and if you’ve got questions, ask the casino team early in the cruise. Even if you’re not a high roller, the perks add up fast, especially when the journey is as rewarding as the destination.