The Real Benefits of Royal Caribbean Diamond Perks in 2025
I hit Diamond status with Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society back in 2020, and let me tell you… it changed the way I cruise. As someone who’s been sailing since I was a kid, I thought I had cruising all figured out. But once I unlocked Royal Caribbean Diamond perks, everything leveled up.
Royal Caribbean Diamond perks in 2025 aren’t just fluff — they seriously upgrade your cruise. From free drinks to better Wi-Fi and quiet lounges, these loyalty rewards turn a great trip into an effortless one.
Below are 17 real perks that have changed how I cruise, based on actual experience — not some generic rewards chart. If you’re eyeing Diamond status or wondering if it’s worth staying loyal to Royal, this guide breaks it all down.
1. I Don’t Buy the Drink Package Anymore (And Don’t Miss It)
One of the biggest lifestyle upgrades from hitting Royal Caribbean Diamond perks is that I no longer feel the pressure to splurge on the drink package. As a Diamond member, I get four free drinks per day, and honestly, that’s the perfect amount for me.
I’ve never been a heavy drinker, and I actually save my drinking for cruising, so those vouchers are more than enough to cover my vacation cravings. It’s one of those small but mighty perks that saves money without sacrificing fun.
Want a full breakdown? Here’s my deep dive into whether the Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it.
These drink vouchers cover everything from cocktails to mocktails, fancy coffees, and even smoothies. So whether I’m starting my day with a caramel macchiato or sipping a mojito during sailaway, I feel like I’m getting the value of a drink package without the hefty price tag. It’s like a quiet little win every single day of the cruise.
Not paying for the drink package also gives me more flexibility. I don’t feel like I need to drink “to get my money’s worth,” which is a trap I think a lot of people fall into. With Royal Caribbean Diamond perks, I’m cruising smarter, not harder, and my liver thanks me too.
2. The Crown Lounge Is My Chill Zone Now
Before I hit Diamond status, I barely noticed the Crown Lounge. It looked like just another quiet room tucked away on the ship. But once I got access through Royal Caribbean Diamond perks, it quickly became one of my favorite places onboard.
This lounge has a completely different vibe than the rest of the ship, fewer crowds, soft music, and just enough energy to feel connected without the chaos. I usually start my mornings there with a pastry, some light reading, or just planning the day ahead.
Now let’s talk about that fruit tart-style pastry. Flaky, lightly sweet, and surprisingly good, it’s become a small tradition I look forward to on every cruise.
And while the lounge coffee gets a bad rap (yep, it’s bitter), the self-serve espresso machine totally redeems it. Britini never skips her morning espresso before we explore. Even Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog agrees — skip the basic brew, go for the espresso.
This is one of those quiet Diamond perks that feels like a real upgrade. It’s not fancy, but between the calm space, pastries, and solid coffee, the Crown Lounge is our go-to spot every morning.
3. Free Internet? I Plan It Like a Pro
One of the smartest Royal Caribbean Diamond perks in 2025 is the free Surf + Stream internet for one day. It’s not unlimited, but used right, it goes a long way.
Britini and I split our Wi-Fi days. Since we’re both Diamond, we each get a 24-hour pass. On shorter cruises, we plan ahead — I’ll use mine to check in with our pet sitter one day, and she’ll use hers the next.
No need to buy extra packages. No wasted data.
We mainly go online to check on our cats and get quick updates from home. The Royal Caribbean app still lets you message others on board without using Wi-Fi, so communication stays easy.
It’s just enough to stay in touch, without pulling you out of vacation mode. And honestly, that balance is everything.
4. Free Photos Mean More Memories at Home
One of our favorite Royal Caribbean Diamond perks in 2025? The free photo benefit. As Diamond members, both Britini and I get one free digital photo per cruise, and we never skip it. The quality of these photos is seriously impressive. We usually choose one from formal night or embarkation, and it becomes a keepsake we’ll cherish forever.
Normally, these cruise photos are way too expensive for what they are, but when you get one for free? It just hits differently. And honestly, even if they weren’t free, we understand why some cruisers still pay for them. If photography and memories are important to you, then it’s absolutely worth it. That one photo can bring back a thousand moments.
We love flipping through past cruise albums and seeing those smiles, those sunsets, those perfectly posed shots. It’s a reminder of why we cruise in the first place, to make memories together. The Royal Caribbean Diamond perks help make that possible, and this one in particular adds so much sentimental value without costing a dime.
5. Casino Freeplay = Just Enough Fun Without Losing Money
One of the sneaky fun Royal Caribbean Diamond perks in 2025 is the free casino freeplay — usually around $6 to $8 per person. It’s not a jackpot, but it lets you play without spending a dime.
Britini and I almost always use it for a quick spin, share a laugh, and walk away. No stress, no losses, just a little fun.
Even though I grew up in Vegas and went to UNLV, I’ve never been a gambler. But cruising? It’s different. The casino onboard is social, lighthearted, and a fun change of pace. Sometimes we even meet new people while we’re there.
Just remember, it’s still gambling. Use the freeplay, enjoy the moment, then move on. That’s what makes this perk such a winner.
6. Crystal Blocks Are My Cruise Goal — I’m Almost There!
So here’s the deal. I haven’t actually received a Crystal Block yet. You get one every time you hit 140 points with Royal Caribbean Diamond perks, and I’m currently sitting at 95. But let me tell you… I’m already planning around it.
These Crystal Blocks are kind of like loyalty trophies. Each one is etched with the ship’s name and sail date, and honestly, they look stunning in photos. I’ve seen cruisers proudly display them like a little fleet of memories on a shelf. And yes — I totally want in on that.
Britini and I are already talking about how to stack a few cruises just right so we can cross that 140-point line. It’s a fun milestone to chase. Even though I haven’t received one yet, just knowing it’s coming makes every cruise feel like it’s building toward something more than just another vacation.
Out of all the Royal Caribbean Diamond perks, this one might be the most under-the-radar. But for sentimental cruisers (guilty!), it’s a big deal. And you better believe I’ll post a photo when that first block shows up at my cabin.
7. Loyalty Match = Celebrity Cruises Just Got Way More Tempting
One of my favorite Royal Caribbean Diamond perks? The status match with Celebrity Cruises. If you’re Diamond with Royal, you can jump straight to Elite on Celebrity — no need to start from scratch.
That means priority boarding, free laundry, internet minutes, and access to the Captain’s Club Lounge from day one. Celebrity has that elevated vibe (think Crystal-lite), but it’s still affordable compared to ultra-luxury lines.
Britini and I haven’t sailed Celebrity yet, but it’s on our radar. Thanks to the loyalty match, we’ll cruise like VIPs without losing the perks we earned with Royal. And honestly, that makes trying something new way more appealing.
8. I Use Diamond Sales to Get the Best Drink Package Deals
One of the lesser-known Royal Caribbean Diamond perks is access to exclusive drink package discounts. These don’t always pop up publicly, but if you log into your Crown & Anchor account and check the Cruise Planner, you might spot special pricing just for Diamond members.
Even $10–15 off per day can add up. On a 7-night cruise, that’s enough to cover a shore excursion. I don’t always buy the drink package anymore (hello, free daily Diamond drinks), but when I cruise with friends who love their poolside cocktails, I always check the loyalty pricing first.
Pro tip: Buy the package before you sail. You can cancel and rebook if the price drops — no penalty. Just make sure you’re logged in to see the best Diamond member deals.
9. I Got the Cruise Bug Again in 2024 (And Diamond Makes It Even Better)
My last Royal Caribbean cruise before the pandemic was in March 2020 — right as everything shut down. After that, life got busy. Finances, responsibilities, and just trying to catch up kept me off ships for a few years.
But in 2024, something flipped. I got the cruise bug again, big time. And let me tell you… hitting Diamond made jumping back in feel even sweeter.
The Royal Caribbean Diamond perks gave me extra reasons to cruise more often, not out of pressure to maintain status (since it’s yours for life once you hit it), but because cruising just feels more rewarding now. Lounge access, free drinks, free internet — it all adds up to a smoother, more fun experience.
And now? It’s game on. I’m already planning the next few with my family.
10. I Don’t Really Order Room Service Anymore… But Diamond Makes It Tempting
Back in the day, I used to be all about room service. Breakfast in bed? Midnight snacks? You name it. But now? Not so much. Maybe I’ve just grown out of it, or maybe it’s the fact that it’s no longer free like it used to be.
Still, every time I see that Diamond priority room service perk listed, I pause for a second. Because even if I don’t use it as much anymore, it’s nice knowing I could. And for folks who still love that morning coffee on the balcony or late-night club sandwich, Royal Caribbean Diamond perks make the experience even better — quicker service, better presentation, and a little VIP treatment.
So while it’s not one of my go-to perks anymore, it’s still a solid benefit to have in your back pocket.
11. I Actually Met More People in the Lounge Than Anywhere Else
I’m not always the most social guy on a cruise, but something about the Crown Lounge just makes it easy. Maybe it’s the comfy chairs, the low lighting, or the endless flow of cappuccinos and Diamond drinks, but I’ve had more genuine conversations in that lounge than anywhere else on the ship.
Whether it’s swapping excursion tips, talking about past sailings, or meeting folks who cruise multiple times a year, Royal Caribbean Diamond perks turn the lounge into a mini-community. It’s not just a perk for free drinks. It’s a place where friendships start and cruise stories get shared.
If you’re cruising solo or even as a couple, don’t skip the Crown Lounge. It’s like the secret social club for Diamond and above and it’s one of the most underrated perks out there.
12. Britini and I Double Up on Perks
One of the best things about hitting Royal Caribbean Diamond perks status is getting to share the fun. My wife and I both have Diamond status, which means we each get the daily drink vouchers, lounge access, internet deals, and more. And yes, they stack!
That’s 8 drinks between the two of us. Enough for morning lattes, afternoon piña coladas, and a glass of wine with dinner. Not to mention the joy of both having lounge access without needing to ask if a guest pass is available.
If you cruise with a partner and both of you are Diamond or above, you’ll absolutely feel the difference. It’s like the perks multiply, and it honestly makes sailing with Royal Caribbean Diamond perks way more relaxing and convenient.
13. I Get Invited to Special Events Just for Diamond Members
One of the underrated Royal Caribbean Diamond perks is access to exclusive onboard events. Think private receptions, officer meet-and-greets, or Q&A sessions with the crew.
Sure, the free drinks are nice, but what really hits is the feeling of belonging. These events connect you with other seasoned cruisers, ship officers, and behind-the-scenes moments you wouldn’t get otherwise.
I’ve had some of my best cruise conversations at these gatherings. It’s not flashy — just a deeper kind of connection that makes the cruise feel more special every time.
14. I Pay More Attention to Point-Earning Tricks (Suites, Solos, etc.)
Once I hit Diamond, I started thinking differently about how I cruise — especially when it comes to earning more points. Every Royal Caribbean cruise earns you Cruise Points, but there are some sneaky tricks to rack them up faster and hit the next tier even sooner.
For example, booking a suite? That earns you double points. Cruising solo in a room built for two? Yep, double points again. And if you combine those — solo in a suite, that’s a points jackpot. I’ve started planning my sailings with these hacks in mind, especially on shorter trips where you can really squeeze the value.
If you’re thinking long-term with your Royal Caribbean Diamond perks, this kind of strategy pays off. Not just for reaching Diamond Plus or Pinnacle, but for maintaining your status with fewer cruises per year. It’s a smart way to cruise more efficiently while still enjoying all the good stuff.
15. Embarkation Day Is Smoother With Priority Access (But Honestly, It’s Pretty Smooth for Everyone)
Here’s the truth. One of the Royal Caribbean Diamond perks is supposed to be priority boarding — but in 2025, the whole system is so efficient that everyone gets on quickly now.
Back in the day, priority access felt like a real edge. These days? Not so much. Whether you’re Diamond or it’s your first cruise, Royal’s streamlined embarkation process gets people on fast. I’ve seen folks boarding within 15 minutes of arriving at the terminal.
Still, if you’re Diamond, it’s nice to know you’re in that special line. Maybe it’s more psychological at this point, but I’ll take that little ego boost any day.
16. I Feel More Seen By Crew (They Notice the Loyalty)
This is one of those Royal Caribbean Diamond perks that seems small but means a lot.
When crew members catch that little Diamond icon on your SeaPass card, they notice. Bartenders greet me by name, dining staff remember my usual drink, and even random crew members will strike up a conversation just because I’ve sailed before.
It’s not VIP treatment — just a warm “welcome back.” And that little extra layer of recognition? It makes the ship feel more like home every time I board.
17. I Just Enjoy Cruising More – It Feels Like Home Now
There’s something hard to describe about what hitting Royal Caribbean Diamond perks does to your mindset. It’s not just about free drinks or internet anymore. It’s a sense of belonging.
After cruising since I was a kid, becoming Diamond made me feel like I’d leveled up. I know the ships. I’ve got my embarkation rhythm. I have my favorite bartenders, quiet corners, and even cruise friends I bump into again and again.
I used to cruise for the adventure. Now I cruise for the joy. For the comfort of being somewhere I just get — and where I’m got in return.
That’s the real perk. It feels like home.
Jim’s Take: Diamond Status Changed My Cruise Life More Than I Expected
When I first hit Royal Caribbean Diamond status, I figured the biggest perks would be the free drinks and internet. And yeah — those are great. But what surprised me most was how the entire cruise experience shifted.
There’s a quiet confidence that comes with status. You know where to go, what to skip, and how to make the most of every single sea day. You don’t feel like you have to do it all anymore. You can just cruise your way.
For me, Diamond turned cruising from an occasional treat into a core part of my life again. It reminded me how much I missed this world after the pandemic. And now that I’m back? I’m all in.
If you’re close to Diamond, keep going. If you’re already there — you know exactly what I mean.
How About You?
Have you hit Royal Caribbean Diamond status yet?
What perks do you use the most — and which ones don’t really matter to you?
Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear how your cruise experience changed too!
