If you’re wondering whether Royal Caribbean Diamond benefits are worth chasing, the short answer is yes… for many loyal cruisers, Diamond is the point where the Crown & Anchor Society starts delivering benefits that can genuinely save money on every cruise rather than simply offering nice extras.
The jump from Emerald to Diamond feels much bigger than any previous loyalty upgrade. Suddenly you’re getting complimentary drinks every day, free internet, priority perks, access to exclusive lounges on many sailings, and discounts that can easily save hundreds of dollars across a week-long cruise.
But there’s another question that’s just as important…
Is Diamond status actually worth working toward if you only cruise once every year or two?
The answer depends on how often you sail, how much you normally spend onboard, and whether Royal Caribbean is your cruise line of choice. Understanding Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits helps you decide whether reaching Diamond status is worth your time and cruise spending.
In this guide, I’ll explain every Diamond benefit, who gets the most value from them, where the hidden savings are, and which perks sound better in the brochure than they actually feel onboard.
If you’re still working toward Diamond, you may also want to read Royal Caribbean ship classes to help choose ships that fit your travel style and maximize the value of future cruises.
Table of Contents
Quick Verdict: Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits
| Diamond Status Is Worth It If You… | It May Not Be Worth Chasing If You… |
|---|---|
| Cruise Royal Caribbean regularly | Constantly switch cruise lines |
| Normally buy cocktails | Rarely purchase drinks onboard |
| Like specialty coffee | Cruise once every several years |
| Cruise with Celebrity, too. | Aren’t interested in loyalty perks |
| Enjoy exclusive lounges and events | Would rather book whichever cruise is cheapest |
Bottom line: Diamond is widely considered the loyalty tier where Crown & Anchor starts providing benefits that noticeably improve the cruise rather than simply rewarding repeat guests with small discounts.
What Is Royal Caribbean Diamond Status?
Diamond is the fourth membership tier in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program. The loyalty program rewards guests every time they sail, with points accumulating throughout your cruising life.
Unlike airline loyalty programs that often reset each year, your Crown & Anchor points stay with you permanently. That means every cruise gets you one step closer to better rewards.
The membership levels are:
| Status | Cruise Points Required |
|---|---|
| Gold | 3 |
| Platinum | 30 |
| Emerald | 55 |
| Diamond | 80 |
| Diamond Plus | 175 |
| Pinnacle Club | 700 |
For many cruisers, Diamond becomes the first “major milestone.” Earlier levels mostly offer discounts and small conveniences. Diamond starts giving away things many guests would otherwise pay for.
How Do You Earn Royal Caribbean Diamond Status to Unlock Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits?
The system is refreshingly simple.
For most staterooms, you’ll earn:
- One point for every cruise night
Suite guests receive:
- Two points for every cruise night
That means an average 7-night cruise earns:
| Cabin Type | Points Earned |
|---|---|
| Interior | 7 |
| Ocean View | 7 |
| Balcony | 7 |
| Suite | 14 |
If you’re cruising in standard cabins, reaching Diamond normally means sailing around 80 nights. Suite guests get there much faster because every night counts double.
One thing many first-time loyalty members don’t realize is that you don’t receive your new status immediately after crossing the threshold.
If you reach 80 points during a sailing, your Royal Caribbean Diamond benefits begin on your next cruise. That’s worth remembering if you’re timing an important vacation.
If you’re planning future sailings to build points, comparing Royal Caribbean ships by age can help you decide whether a newer ship or an older value-focused ship is the better long-term fit.
Why Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits Make This the Best Loyalty Tier
Every loyalty program has a “sweet spot.”
For airline travelers it might be free checked bags. For hotel guests it might be a complimentary breakfast. For Royal Caribbean, many experienced cruisers would argue Diamond is where the loyalty program becomes genuinely valuable.
Why?
Because several of the benefits replace purchases many guests already make. Instead of saving a few dollars here and there.
You’re suddenly receiving complimentary drinks, internet access, discounts throughout the ship, and exclusive access that many passengers never experience.
If it were me, I wouldn’t chase Diamond by spending extra money on cruises I didn’t want.
But if Royal Caribbean is already your preferred cruise line, reaching Diamond can significantly reduce onboard spending over the years.
Choosing the right ship often has a bigger impact on your vacation than earning the next loyalty tier. Our guide to Royal Caribbean ships by size can help if you’re deciding between smaller ships and Oasis-class giants.
The Biggest Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits
Not every Diamond perk carries the same value. Some are genuinely excellent. Others are nice to have but probably won’t change your cruise experience.
Here’s how I’d rank them.
| Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits | Real-World Value |
|---|---|
| Complimentary daily drinks | ★★★★★ |
| Free internet day | ★★★★☆ |
| Crown Lounge access | ★★★★☆ |
| Priority dining | ★★★★☆ |
| Spa discounts | ★★★☆☆ |
| Laundry discounts | ★★★☆☆ |
| Photo discounts | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Merchandise discounts | ★★☆☆☆ |
The complimentary drinks alone often make Diamond worthwhile for frequent Royal Caribbean cruisers. Let’s look at each benefit in detail.
16 Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits
Below are all Royal Caribbean Diamond benefits, ranked from the most valuable perks to the smallest extras you’ll receive after reaching Diamond status.
1. Free Drinks
This is easily the biggest reason many cruisers work toward Diamond status.
Diamond members receive four complimentary drinks every day, with each drink covered up to Royal Caribbean’s daily value limit (currently up to $14 per drink, or $13 on sailings from Singapore). Unlike the old loyalty program, these drinks aren’t restricted to a short evening happy hour.
Instead, you can use them throughout the day at participating bars and lounges across the ship.
That flexibility makes the benefit far more valuable. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, enjoying pre-dinner cocktails, or grabbing a soda while watching a show, your complimentary drinks can be used whenever it best fits your schedule.
Eligible drinks include cocktails, wine, beer, mocktails, soda, bottled water, and many specialty coffees. However, Starbucks beverages and drinks from the Bionic Bar aren’t included, so it’s worth checking participating venues once you’re onboard.
For couples who both hold Diamond status, the savings can add up quickly. On a seven-night cruise, two Diamond members could receive up to 56 complimentary drinks, potentially saving hundreds of dollars compared to paying individually.
Diamond members also receive a complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee whenever they dine in a specialty restaurant. While it’s a smaller perk, it’s another thoughtful benefit that adds value throughout your cruise.
If you’re trying to decide between relying on Diamond drink vouchers or purchasing an unlimited package, see if the Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it before you buy.
2. Drink Discounts As Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits
Even after using your complimentary daily drinks, Diamond members continue to enjoy several beverage discounts during their sailing.
These Royal Caribbean Diamond benefits include:
- Two coupons for 50% off a glass of wine, beer, or soda per sailing
- 20% off additional glasses of wine, beer, and soda after the coupons have been used
- Two coupons for 50% off a Johnny Rockets milkshake
Although these discounts may not seem as valuable as the complimentary drinks, they can still help reduce your onboard spending, especially during longer cruises.
The 20% beverage discount is also a noticeable upgrade compared to the lower Crown & Anchor tiers, making Diamond one of the first loyalty levels where the savings become much more meaningful.
If you normally purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package, these discounts won’t provide much extra value, but guests who prefer paying as they go can save a surprising amount over the course of a cruise.
If coffee is a daily part of your cruise routine, our guide to Royal Caribbean coffee explains which drinks are included and when paying extra actually makes sense.
A Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it if your expected daily drink spending is more than the package cost. Sea days usually increase your onboard spending, while port days often reduce it. For the most accurate estimate, use our Royal Caribbean Drink Calculator before you sail.
3. Priority Main Dining Room Seating
This benefit doesn’t receive as much attention as the free drinks, but it can improve your dining experience every evening.
Diamond members receive priority access when requesting traditional main dining room seating, making it easier to secure their preferred dining time.
This may include:
- Early dining
- Late dining
- Preferred table requests
- Better availability during busy sailings
Popular dining times often fill up quickly, particularly during school holidays and peak travel seasons. Having priority gives Diamond members a better chance of getting the schedule that suits them best.
If you usually choose My Time Dining, this benefit may not make much difference. However, guests who enjoy eating at the same time every evening will likely appreciate the added convenience throughout their cruise.
4. Private Departure Lounge Access
Embarkation day often involves some waiting before boarding begins.
Diamond members can relax in a private departure lounge, where a complimentary continental breakfast is typically available while waiting to board the ship.
This isn’t one of Royal Caribbean’s flashiest perks, but it does make the start of your vacation a little more comfortable.
Instead of waiting in a busy terminal, you’ll have a quieter place to sit, enjoy a light breakfast, and begin your cruise in a more relaxed atmosphere.
It’s worth noting that this benefit is available to all Crown & Anchor Society members, not just Diamond guests, so the lounge isn’t completely exclusive. Even so, complimentary refreshments and a comfortable waiting area are always a welcome bonus before setting sail.
5. Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits as Free Internet Access
Internet access has become one of the most popular onboard purchases, especially for travelers who want to stay connected during their vacation.
Diamond members receive one complimentary day of Surf + Stream Voom internet for one device during each cruise. For many guests, that’s all they need.
A free internet day is perfect for:
- Uploading vacation photos
- Checking work emails
- Video calling family and friends
- Downloading travel documents
- Confirming flights before disembarkation
- Catching up on messages
If you normally purchase WiFi for your entire cruise, this benefit simply gives you one day free. However, lighter internet users may find that a single complimentary day allows them to stay connected without purchasing an internet package at all.
It’s a practical perk that saves money while giving you the flexibility to choose when you want to go online and when you’d rather disconnect and enjoy your vacation.
6. Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits as Exclusive Onboard Events
Diamond members receive access to several exclusive onboard events that aren’t available to every guest.
These benefits include:
- Access to the Crown Lounge
- Invitation to exclusive member events
- Nightly happy hour
- Priority waitlists for shore excursions and spa treatments
The Crown Lounge is a quiet place to relax with complimentary snacks and drinks during certain hours. However, on some busy sailings, Diamond members may have limited access if the lounge reaches capacity due to higher-tier members.
Even so, these exclusive events help make Diamond status feel more rewarding throughout your cruise.
7. Free Bingo & Casino Credits
If you enjoy a little onboard entertainment, Diamond status includes a couple of fun extras.
Members receive:
- $6 in complimentary casino freeplay credits
- Six free jackpot bingo cards when purchasing a bingo package
While these perks won’t dramatically reduce your cruise costs, they do add a little extra value and give you more chances to win without spending as much.
8. Laundry & Dry-Cleaning Discounts
Keeping your clothes fresh during a longer cruise becomes much easier with Diamond status.
Members receive discounts on selected laundry services, including:
- Savings on dry-cleaning and pressing services
- A discount on the ship’s laundry bag service for eligible cruises
These savings are especially useful on longer sailings when packing light or refreshing your wardrobe during the trip.
9. Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits As Stateroom Perks
Diamond members also enjoy a few small comforts waiting in their cabin.
These include:
- A complimentary bathrobe to use during the cruise
- Two welcome bottles of water
- Discounted in-room phone calls
These perks may seem simple, but they add a little extra comfort throughout your vacation and make your stateroom feel even more welcoming.
10. Photo Discounts
Cruise photos can become expensive, especially if you like bringing home printed memories.
Diamond members receive 30% off:
- Individual printed or digital photos
- Photo packages
- Photobooks
If you normally purchase several professional photos during your cruise, this discount can lead to noticeable savings.
11. Spa Discounts
Looking to relax even more during your vacation?
Diamond members receive 20% off eligible spa treatments, making it more affordable to enjoy a little onboard pampering.
Whether you’re booking a massage, facial, or another treatment, this discount helps lower the cost while adding another valuable Diamond benefit.
12. Merchandise Discounts as Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits
If you enjoy taking home cruise souvenirs, Diamond status can help you save money on them.
Members receive 15% off Royal Caribbean logo merchandise when spending the required minimum amount.
The discount applies to many branded items, including:
- T-shirts
- Hats
- Mugs
- Tumblers
- Other Royal Caribbean souvenirs
If you already planned to buy a keepsake from your cruise, this perk is an easy way to save a little extra before you head home.
13. Diamond Lapel Pin
Reaching Diamond status comes with a small reward that many loyal cruisers enjoy.
After earning Diamond status, you’ll receive an exclusive Diamond lapel pin to recognize your achievement in the Crown & Anchor Society.
You won’t receive the pin immediately if you reach Diamond during a cruise. Instead, it’s usually presented on your next sailing after you’ve officially reached the tier.
While it doesn’t offer any additional benefits, it’s a nice keepsake and a symbol of your loyalty to Royal Caribbean.
14. Crystal Block Award
The Crystal Block is one of the most unique loyalty gifts offered by Royal Caribbean.
Unlike most Diamond benefits, it isn’t awarded simply for reaching Diamond status. Instead, you’ll receive your first Crystal Block when you reach 140 Crown & Anchor points, which happens during the Diamond tier.
After that, you’ll earn another Crystal Block for every additional 70 points you collect.
Each crystal block features the name of one of Royal Caribbean’s ships, making it a popular collectible for frequent cruisers and a memorable way to celebrate your loyalty milestones.
15. Exclusive Cruise Rates
Diamond members also have access to special Crown & Anchor member pricing on select sailings.
These exclusive rates can help lower the cost of future cruises compared to standard public fares.
In addition, Diamond members may qualify for extra discounts on eligible Balcony Staterooms and Suites, depending on the sailing and current promotions.
While these discounts aren’t available on every cruise, they’re always worth checking before booking, as they can lead to noticeable savings.
16. Loyalty Status Matching
One of the most valuable Diamond perks is the ability to enjoy loyalty benefits beyond Royal Caribbean.
Through Royal Caribbean’s loyalty partnerships, Diamond members can receive Elite status with Celebrity Cruises and enjoy equivalent recognition with Silversea. This allows you to receive loyalty perks when sailing with those cruise lines instead of starting from the bottom.
Royal Caribbean Diamond members can also apply for a status match with MSC Cruises, where Diamond status typically matches MSC Gold.
This benefit is especially useful if you like trying different cruise lines, as it allows you to enjoy loyalty rewards across multiple brands without having to earn your status from scratch.
Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits for Youth Members
Royal Caribbean doesn’t forget about its younger cruisers.
Every child who sails with Royal Caribbean is automatically enrolled in the Crown & Anchor Society, allowing them to earn loyalty points just like adult guests.
If a young cruiser reaches Diamond status, they’ll receive several age-appropriate benefits that make family cruises even more rewarding.
Here are the youth perks included with Royal Caribbean Diamond status.
1. Half-Price Ice Cream
Diamond youth members receive 50% off ice cream purchases onboard.
Whether they’re enjoying a sweet treat after dinner or cooling off on a sunny sea day, this discount makes one of the ship’s favorite snacks a little more affordable.
It’s a simple perk, but one that’s sure to be popular with younger cruisers.
2. Free Internet Access
Young Diamond members receive the same complimentary internet benefit as adults.
Each eligible child gets one free day of Surf + Stream internet during the cruise, allowing them to stay connected whenever they choose.
Whether they want to message friends, watch videos, or share vacation photos, it’s a useful perk that many families appreciate.
3. Buy One, Get One Free Movie Rentals
Planning a quiet evening in the cabin?
Diamond youth members receive a buy one, get one free offer on in-stateroom movie rentals.
It’s a great option for relaxing after a busy day exploring the ship or visiting a port, especially for families traveling with younger children.
4. Arcade Cashback Rewards
Kids who enjoy the arcade can stretch their spending a little further.
When purchasing arcade credits, Royal Caribbean rewards young members with bonus onboard credit.
For every $15 spent on arcade credits, $5 is credited back to the onboard account. Larger purchases earn even bigger rewards, making this one of the better youth benefits for families with children who love arcade games.
5. Complimentary Daily Drinks
Diamond youth members receive the same number of complimentary drinks as adult Diamond guests.
They’ll receive four complimentary drinks per day, although alcoholic beverages aren’t included.
Instead, children can use their daily drink credits on beverages such as the following:
- Mocktails
- Soft drinks
- Fresh juices
- Bottled water
- Other eligible non-alcoholic drinks
It’s a valuable benefit that helps families save money while giving younger cruisers plenty of refreshing options throughout the day. Once you’ve enjoyed all Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits, the next goal is Diamond Plus, which unlocks even more exclusive perks
What Comes After Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits? Diamond Plus Explained
Reaching Diamond status is a major milestone, but it isn’t the highest level in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society.
The next step is Diamond Plus, a tier that unlocks even more valuable rewards for loyal cruisers.
How Many Points Do You Need for Diamond Plus?
To qualify for Diamond Plus, you’ll need to earn 175 Crown & Anchor points.
Cruise points are earned based on the number of nights you sail:
- 1 point for every night in an interior, ocean view, or balcony stateroom.
- 2 points for every night spent in a suite.
While reaching Diamond takes 80 points, Diamond Plus requires more than double that amount. It’s a long-term goal for frequent Royal Caribbean cruisers, but the extra perks make the journey worthwhile.
Diamond Plus Benefits
Once you reach Diamond Plus status, you’ll enjoy everything included with Diamond, plus several additional benefits, including:
- Five complimentary drinks per day
- 25% discount on additional drinks
- 30% off Deluxe Beverage Packages
- Buy One, Get One Free specialty dining on Nights 1 and 2
- Two complimentary days of Surf + Stream internet
- Priority seating at the theater, AquaTheater, and ice skating shows
- One complimentary bag of laundry on cruises of five nights or longer
- A personalized welcome gift (one per household)
- Complimentary add-on spa treatments
These extra benefits make Diamond Plus one of the most rewarding loyalty tiers in Royal Caribbean’s program.
Additional Benefits at 340 Cruise Points
The rewards don’t stop once you reach Diamond Plus.
After earning 340 Crown & Anchor points, members unlock several additional exclusive perks, including:
- An invitation to a special drinks event with one of the ship’s officers
- Upgraded bathroom amenities in your stateroom
- Reduced single supplement pricing on eligible cruises
These milestone rewards are designed to recognize Royal Caribbean’s most loyal guests and make future cruises even more rewarding.
Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Status Levels Explained: From Gold to Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits
The Crown & Anchor Society is Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, rewarding guests each time they sail.
As you earn more cruise points, you’ll move through six membership tiers, with each level unlocking additional perks, discounts, and exclusive benefits.
Here’s a quick overview of every Royal Caribbean loyalty level.
| Tier | Cruise Points Required |
|---|---|
| Gold | 3 Points |
| Platinum | 30 Points |
| Emerald | 55 Points |
| Diamond | 80 Points |
| Diamond Plus | 175 Points |
| Pinnacle Club | 700 Points |
1. Gold
Gold is the first loyalty tier and is automatically earned after completing your first Royal Caribbean cruise. Members receive basic Crown & Anchor benefits, including exclusive offers and member-only promotions.
2. Platinum
After earning 30 cruise points, you’ll reach Platinum status.
This tier introduces additional onboard discounts, loyalty rewards, and small perks that enhance your cruise experience.
3. Emerald
Emerald status requires 55 cruise points and adds more valuable benefits, including beverage discounts, WiFi savings, laundry discounts, spa discounts, and complimentary stateroom amenities.
4. Diamond
At 80 cruise points, you’ll unlock Diamond status.
This is where the Royal Caribbean Diamond benefits really start to shine, offering complimentary daily drinks, free internet, exclusive onboard events, priority dining, and many other valuable perks.
5. Diamond Plus
Diamond Plus is earned after reaching 175 cruise points.
Members receive even more complimentary drinks, additional internet access, specialty dining offers, priority seating for entertainment, complimentary laundry services, and several premium onboard benefits.
6. Pinnacle Club
Pinnacle Club is the highest tier in the Crown & Anchor Society and requires an impressive 700 cruise points.
Members enjoy Royal Caribbean’s most exclusive benefits, including the highest level of loyalty recognition, premium onboard privileges, priority services, and exclusive rewards reserved for the cruise line’s most dedicated guests.
Whether you’re sailing for the first time or working toward Pinnacle Club, every cruise brings you one step closer to unlocking even more valuable Crown & Anchor benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits
If you’re working toward Royal Caribbean diamond benefits, a few common misconceptions can leave you disappointed or spending more money than necessary.
1. Chasing Diamond status by booking cruises you don’t actually want
Why it is a problem: Some cruisers become so focused on reaching Diamond that they book extra sailings purely for the points. The value of the benefits rarely outweighs paying for cruises you wouldn’t otherwise take.
Extra considerations: Diamond status is most rewarding when Royal Caribbean is already your preferred cruise line. If you’re forcing loyalty instead of choosing the best vacation, the math often stops making sense.
Better alternatives: Let Diamond happen naturally as you book cruises you genuinely want. Think of the benefits as a reward, not the reason to cruise.
2. Assuming the free drinks replace every beverage purchase
Why it is a problem: Many first-time Diamond members expect every drink onboard to be included, then discover certain venues or premium beverages aren’t covered.
Extra considerations: Participating venues and eligible drinks can vary, and specialty locations such as Starbucks are generally excluded.
Better alternatives: View the complimentary drinks as a generous daily credit rather than an unlimited beverage package.
3. Forgetting Royal Caribbean Diamond benefits don’t start immediately
Why it is a problem: If you reach 80 Crown & Anchor points during a cruise, you won’t receive Diamond benefits until your next Royal Caribbean sailing.
Extra considerations: This catches many guests by surprise when they’re hoping to enjoy complimentary drinks before the current cruise ends.
Better alternatives: If you’re close to Diamond, plan with the understanding that your next cruise is when the new perks begin.
4. Overvaluing the smaller discounts
Why it is a problem: Merchandise discounts, casino credits, and photo savings are nice bonuses, but they shouldn’t be the reason you pursue Diamond status.
Extra considerations: The biggest financial value almost always comes from the daily drink vouchers and internet savings.
Better alternatives: Focus on the benefits you’ll realistically use every sailing rather than trying to maximize every small perk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits
How many cruise points do you need to get Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits?
You need 80 Crown & Anchor Society points. Most guests earn one point per cruise night, while suite guests generally earn two points per night.
What are the biggest Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits?
For most cruisers, the standout perks are the complimentary daily drinks, one free day of internet, Crown Lounge access on eligible sailings, priority services, and member-only discounts.
Are the diamond free drinks unlimited?
No. Diamond members receive a set number of complimentary drinks each day, with each drink covered up to Royal Caribbean’s daily value limit. Once you’ve used those, regular drink prices or eligible discounts apply.
Can you use Diamond drink vouchers anywhere on the ship?
Not everywhere. Most bars and lounges participate, but some specialty venues, including Starbucks and certain automated bars, are typically excluded.
Is Royal Caribbean Diamond status worth it if you don’t drink alcohol?
It often can be. The drink vouchers can usually be used for many non-alcoholic beverages, including soda, bottled water, mocktails, and many specialty coffees. Internet access, lounge privileges, discounts, and other perks also add value.
Does Diamond status include free WiFi?
Diamond members receive one complimentary day of Surf + Stream internet for one device on each cruise. If you want internet for the entire sailing, you’ll still need to purchase additional access.
Do Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits work on every ship?
Most benefits are available fleetwide, but certain perks, lounges, events, and experiences can vary by ship and sailing.
Can both people in a cabin use Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits?
Yes, if both guests have earned Diamond status individually, each receives their own loyalty benefits.
Does Diamond status expire?
No. Once you’ve earned Diamond status through the Crown & Anchor Society, your status remains with you for future Royal Caribbean cruises.
Is Diamond the best value Crown & Anchor tier?
For many loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers, yes. It’s widely viewed as the point where the program shifts from offering mostly small discounts to delivering benefits that can noticeably reduce your onboard spending.
Jim’s Take: Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits
Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits are where the loyalty program finally starts feeling like a real reward instead of a collection of nice little extras.
If it were me, I wouldn’t book extra cruises simply to hit Diamond faster. That’s usually the wrong reason to spend thousands of dollars on a vacation.
But if you’re already cruising Royal Caribbean once or twice a year, Diamond is an excellent milestone to work toward because the savings keep showing up on every sailing.
The biggest difference is that many of the perks replace expenses you’d probably have anyway. Complimentary drinks, internet access, and onboard discounts make each cruise a little less expensive without changing how you normally vacation.
I also like that Diamond benefits continue to provide value whether you’re taking a quick weekend getaway or a longer seven-night sailing.
The more often you cruise Royal Caribbean, the easier it becomes to appreciate how much those smaller perks add up over time.
If you’re deciding whether to stay loyal to Royal Caribbean, I’d also compare the ships themselves before chasing points.
Choosing the right ship has a much bigger impact on your vacation than earning the next loyalty perk.
Before chasing loyalty points, I’d spend more time choosing the right ship. Our guide to Royal Caribbean ship classes is a great place to start, and Royal Caribbean ships by size can help narrow the list even further.
Final Recommendation: Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits
For most repeat Royal Caribbean cruisers, Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits represent the loyalty program’s biggest turning point.
Royal Caribbean Diamond benefits are worth pursuing if:
- You primarily cruise with Royal Caribbean.
- You sail regularly enough to eventually reach 80 points naturally.
- You normally spend money on drinks, WiFi, or onboard extras.
- You value recognition and convenience during your cruise.
You may want to skip chasing Royal Caribbean Diamond benefits if:
- You regularly switch between different cruise lines.
- You only cruise every several years.
- You’d need to book extra cruises solely to earn points.
- Loyalty perks aren’t an important part of your vacation experience.
At the end of the day, Diamond status works best as a long-term reward rather than a short-term goal. Overall, Royal Caribbean Diamond Benefits offer some of the best loyalty rewards available on any mainstream cruise line, especially for guests who sail regularly.
