Royal Caribbean won't be moving the goal posts back in terms of reaching its highest loyalty tiers.

Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program, the Crown and Anchor Society, has many tiers, and some cruisers are concerned with how many members are now reaching the top tiers.

One point is gained per night of cruising (or double points for suite and solo guests).

To reach the highest tier, the Pinnacle Club level, cruisers need to have 700 points.

Especially now that Royal Caribbean matches loyalty statuses between its three cruise lines, some cruisers believe that there are too many Pinnacle and Diamond Plus members in the fleet.

During a Q&A during this year's President's Cruise on Oasis of the Seas, one passenger asked if the cruise line would ever raise requirements to make it more difficult to hit the upper most echelons of the Crown and Anchor Society.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, who was fielding questions at the event, answered that there is no plan to do so.

Royal Caribbean will not make it more difficult to reach the top tier of the Crown and Anchor Society 

During the Q&A sessions, Amy Weber from Missouri shared that she and her husband reached Diamond Plus during the President's cruise.

"There's concern about Royal raising the qualification for those loyalty levels going forward," she said.

"What do you know about the plans for the loyalty program modifications?"

Mr. Bayley answered that Royal Caribbean has "no plans to do that."

"We're not planning on doing that," he maintained.

Royal Caribbean's requirements for the Diamond Plus and Pinnacle tiers will remain the same.

Read more: Pathway to Pinnacle: How I reached the top of Royal Caribbean’s Loyalty Program

To reach the Diamond Plus level, cruisers need 175 points. To reach Pinnacle, guests need to have a total of 700 points.

Royal Caribbean will not be changing these numbers.

The only requirements that have changed recently are within the loyalty match program.

If a cruiser has 500 Venetian Society Days, the highest level in the Silversea Cruises loyalty program, they will automatically be granted the Pinnacle Club level in the Crown and Anchor Society.

Read more: I tried Royal Caribbean's new loyalty match program. I missed having drink vouchers, but it saved me hundreds of dollars

Are there too many Pinnacle members?

According to Amy Weber, many cruisers are concerned about Royal Caribbean changing the Pinnacle requirements.

This is because some believe there are too many members in the program's highest tiers.

"We have interacted with a lot of other loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers, and I've heard some grumbling about how many Pinnacle and Diamond Plus members there are," she explained.

Michael Bayley also spoke to this point when he answered her question.

"Sometimes we get these comments," he said, "and they're valid comments [but] they're often based upon certain sailings."

Looking at specific sailings packed with more Pinnacle and Diamond Plus members can lead guests to believe that there are an extreme amount of members.

However, Mr. Bayley clarified that on "90% of the sailings, it's just not true."

"You can go on many of our ships many times and there are only a few Pinnacle members sailing with us."

Certain sailings have a higher number of exclusive loyalty cruisers, such as Trans-Atlantic, Trans-Pacific, and President's cruises.

Mr. Bayley pointed out that longer sailings tend to have more Pinnacle members as well. 

"It's logical because as you get to Pinnacle, you're typically getting older." And since older people are usually retiring, they have more time for longer cruises. 

There are no official numbers as to how many Pinnacle members there are, but Mr. Bayley put it into perspective during the Q&A session.

"In the grand scheme of how many people sail with us, next year 7 million guests will sail with Royal Caribbean International. So sometimes it feels like a lot [of Pinnacle members], but it's not."

Michael Bayley says Royal Caribbean is making "extremely positive changes" to loyalty program

As he fielded questions about Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society, Mr. Bayley also emphasized the impact the Royal Caribbean Group unification has had.

By unifying all the loyalty programs within the Royal Caribbean Group family, the cruise line is making several changes to the programs.

Mr. Bayley said that he believes these changes are "extremely positive."

"It makes it so much easier for you to move between brands and, depending upon lifestyle choices, you can stay within the family and get all of the benefits you've earned over time."

Some great improvements have been made within the Crown and Anchor Society, and, according to Michael Bayley, "there's a lot more planned over the next few years."

Read more: 8 things you might not know about Royal Caribbean’s CEO

The cruise line is currently investing in new technology to bring it all together.

Within the next few years, cruisers can expect to "feel happier with the loyalty program."

Mr. Bayley said to look forward to improvements in the accessibility of information and the way the Crown and Anchor Society is presented to guests.

What benefits do Pinnacle members get?

The Pinnacle tier of the Crown and Anchor Society features many valuable benefits for its members.

These include:

• 50% off any glass of wine, beer, or soda (2 coupons per sailing)
• 50% off a Johnny Rockets milkshake (2 coupons per sailing, on select ships)
• Private departure lounge with continental breakfast
• 25% Discount on any glass of wine, beer, or soda
• Buy a specialty restaurant dinner and receive one complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee beverage (excludes Starbucks)
• Priority waitlist seating request in the Main Dining Room
• 6 Complimentary daily drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks, Bionic Bar, and Desserted)
• Purchase a specialty restaurant dinner cover charge during the first or second night of your cruise and enjoy complimentary dining for the second guest
• 40% Discount on Deluxe Beverage Packages
• Coastal Kitchen access
• $25 off specialty dining on 5+ nights (Oasis & Quantum class only)
• Exclusive daily breakfast at a specialty restaurant
• Free Unlimited surf and stream Internet access for 1 device only for the length of your voyage
• Exclusive Top Tier Event on 5+ night sailings 
• Priority waitlist for Shore Excursions and Vitality Spa services
• Exclusive Backstage Tour on 5+ night sailings
• Crown Lounge access with nightly happy hour
• Priority access and seating at Theater, Ice show, and AquaTheater events
• Cheers with an Officer on 7+ night sailings
• Suite/Concierge Lounge access
• Flexible arrival
• $6 Casino Royale FreePlay
• Buy a bingo package and receive 6 free Jackpot cards
• Robes for use onboard (delivered upon request)
• $5 off $25 dry-clean or press
• $10 Discount on $34.99 wash and fold laundry bag on 5+ nights
• 3 Complimentary welcome waters (per adult)
• Stateroom phone discount rate of $2 per minute
• Chef’s Choice on 5+ nights
• Personalized gift/amenity (per household)
• One Free $34.99 wash and fold bag on 5+ Nights
• Upgraded bathroom amenities
• 30% Discount on a single photo, photo package, or photo book
• One (1) free digital or printed photo of your choice
• 15% Discount on Royal Caribbean logo products sold onboard (min. $25 purchase)
• 20% Discounts on any spa service (excludes Medi-Spa services)
• Complimentary add-on spa treatment (excludes Medi-Spa services)
• Milestone recognition beginning at 140 cruise points (Crystal Block)
• Personalized lapel pin
• Discounts on Balcony & Suite Staterooms
• Exclusive access to call center staff members
• Single supplement cruise fare reduced to 150% from 200%
• Milestone Cruise Certificate valued at the prevailing rate of a 7-Night Balcony Stateroom for 700 and 1,050 cruise points
• Milestone Cruise Certificate valued at the prevailing rate of a Junior Suite Stateroom for 1,400 and every 350 cruise points thereafter

And the Pinnacle status isn't just for older cruisers, despite the time it takes to reach. 

The tier has specific Youth Member benefits, which include:

• 50% off one scoop of Ice Cream at the Ice Cream Parlor (on select ships)
• Surf and Stream internet discount equal to parents’ benefit
• Buy 1 movie rental in your stateroom and receive the second Free
• Spend $15 in Arcade Credits to get $5 off your onboard expense account, or spend $50 in Arcade Credits to get $25 off 
• 6 Complimentary daily non-alcoholic drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks and Desserted)

Read more: The Crown and Anchor perks you should use on every Royal Caribbean cruise

What would you do to reach the top tier of Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program?

The Crown and Anchor Society is Royal Caribbean's member rewards program, and there are enviable benefits for those at the top.

For every night a cruiser spends onboard a Royal Caribbean ship, they'll gain one point (or double points if they've booked a suite).

The highest level is Pinnacle, and it requires a total of 700 points.

The small percentage of cruisers who reach this level gain a host of attractive benefits.

To gain these benefits, one couple made a detailed plan—complete with an Excel spreadsheet.

They use a spreadsheet and a host of other tools to track their progress and plan the cruises they need to take to reach the Pinnacle level.

Read more: Pathway to Pinnacle: How I reached the top of Royal Caribbean’s Loyalty Program

The Notarnicolas realized early on they were going to take a lot of cruises

Dorothy and Steve Notarnicola took their first Royal Caribbean cruise on Independence of the Seas, in 2016.

They took the cruise as a way to celebrate their older son's graduation and were immediately hooked.

"We realized early on that we love cruising and knew that we were going to be taking cruises a lot in our future."

Onboard Royal Caribbean ships, they've come to love music in the Pub and Schooner Bar.

The family appreciates any venues "where we can engage 'cruise brain,' have a cocktail, and relax."

Neither of them grew up cruising, but Steve had some experience on big ships as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy.

Read more: After 68 cruises, I'm about to reach the top tier of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society: here’s what being a Pinnacle member means

The Pinnacle level became their ultimate goal

The Notarnicolas are very goal-oriented and want to enjoy all the benefits of the Crown and Anchor Society.

The Pinnacle level includes the following benefits:

• Priority check-in at the pier
• Concierge Club access for complimentary continental breakfast, evening drinks, and hors d'oeuvres
• Reserved seating at shows in the main theater, AquaTheater, Studio B, and Two70
• Priority departure at the end of the cruise
• Exclusive access to the Pinnacle Lounge
• Complimentary specialty dining experience for two
• Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours
• Exclusive Pinnacle Club cocktail reception with senior ship officers
• Complimentary 7-night cruise for two in a balcony stateroom, available once you reach 700 cruise points
• Personalized milestone recognition gifts
• Priority waitlist for shore excursions and spa appointments
• Complimentary VOOM Internet package
• Access to a dedicated Loyalty Call Center

Read more: Royal Caribbean adds new benefit for Pinnacle Club members

The Notarnicolas especially love breakfast in Chops Grille every morning, spending time in the Suite Lounge/Concierge Club, and dining at Coastal Kitchen.

Additionally, since Steve works as an operations analyst and Dorothy as a librarian, having early embarkation and disembarkation allows them to get to their cruises or back to their jobs quickly, using maximum vacation time.

The Notarnicolas told us that the Pinnacle members they've met on their cruises are "the most engaging, personable, friendly, and helpful people."

"We just really thought it would be great to join that group."

The Notarnicolas developed a detailed plan to reach the ultimate level of the Crown and Anchor Society

To become part of the Pinnacle membership level, the Notarnicolas came up with a unique plan.

In 2021, they had 33 points and were still at the Platinum level.

That spring, while the pandemic forced cruises to come to a stop, they realized that "getting to Pinnacle might be possible if we planned it out." 

With his experience as an analyst, Steve enjoys figuring out multiple scenarios to achieve a specific result.

Since the family had already been tracking their cruises, building and implementing a plan felt organic for them. 

They planned to book up to ten 3-night weekend cruises and two 7-night cruises throughout 2022 and 2023, all in Junior Suite cabins.

They estimated that booking these cruises would give them a total of 88 points per year.

They started with an Excel spreadsheet with multiple tabs, and finding a quality travel agent.

The spreadsheet tracks every cruise, past or future—the ship, length of the cruise, date, excursions, ports visited, stateroom type, and points earned per night.

They also have a page that projects how many points they'll need to earn per year, and what year they expect to reach Pinnacle.

Their travel agent serves as a helpful "enabler"

As of August 2023, The Notarnicolas had 310 Crown and Anchor points, with 21 more cruises planned.

They project that they will have 508 Crown and Anchor points by March 2025.

"Obviously we’re not there yet, but we are comfortable with our plan," Steve Notarnicolas said.

The Notarnicolas work with Kelley from MEI Travel, who calls herself their "enabler" when it comes to the cruising scheme.

With Kelley's help, they find good deals and fill in any gaps to maximize their cruises.

For example, Kelley helped them rebook a 15-night Transatlantic cruise from a guaranteed balcony to a guaranteed suite stateroom.

Thanks to this change, they ended up gaining double points on the 15-night cruise!

They stay flexible to enjoy different kinds of ships and itineraries

With a detailed plan to reach Pinnacle status, the Notarnicolas have a fun but focused way to keep cruising and maximize future benefits.

They also began planning to start a legacy of cruising.

"As our kids start having kids, we really want to introduce and reinforce with them how great cruising is," Steve Notarnicolas said.

It's not all just for the points.

"We really love cruising with Royal, and as such, we are always open to experiencing new ships and new itineraries."

When the Notarnicolas see group cruises or new ship itineraries that interest them, they're willing to adjust the plan and add another sailing.

They are booked to sail on both Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas in 2024, ships that were launched after they first developed the spreadsheet.

The Notarnicolas offered a few tips for other cruisers who want to reach Pinnacle

For any cruisers who want to try a similar plan (or are simply looking forward to reaching Pinnacle), the Notarnicolas advise enjoying the journey.

"The best advice is to not look at the plan as an absolute," they told us.

"Don't get too focused on points."

They also extended other tips for planning ahead and gaining those extra points.

For example, the Notarnicolas use the Shipmate app to track past cruises as well as upcoming cruises on one single screen.

This helps them find any gaps in their cruise booking schedule, and fit in more sailings.

The Notarnicolas also take advantage of the Club Royal at the Casino, earning benefits and complimentary cruises there.

The Casino Royale has its own loyalty program that offers benefits like discounts, free drinks, and even a free cruise!

Read more: I gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casino to get free drinks and a cruise

This has accelerated their Pinnacle Plan by adding even more cruises to the schedule.

What happens when they reach Pinnacle?

The Notarnicolas love cruising with Royal Caribbean and say that they would still be cruising even if there was no Pinnacle level to achieve.

Thus, they look forward to continuing cruising even after they reach this ultimate Crown and Anchor achievement.

They might even have a double Pinnacle plan in the works!

Status or no status, the Notarnicolas aren't going to stop cruising anytime soon.

Royal Caribbean wants to add more value to its guests at the very top of its customer loyalty program.

Pinnacle Club guests received an email on Wednesday informing them of an update to their Pinnacle Club benefits.

Pinnacle Club status is the top tier within its loyalty program, requiring a total of 700 points to attain it.

Read more: Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program info, tips & secrets

Overview of the new benefit

Effective on sailings beginning March 15, 2024, and onwards, each Pinnacle Club member may now bring one guest staying in their immediate stateroom to accompany them into the Suite/Concierge Lounge, Suite Sun Decks, and Coastal Kitchen.

Crown Lounge (formerly known as the Diamond Lounge is not included) in this change.

There are some special rules with this new option:

Non-Pinnacle Club guests must be always accompanied by a Pinnacle Club member.

Beverages consumed in these venues will be charged to guests' SeaPass cards - Diamond and above members may redeem their daily drink vouchers. 

On sailings where the number of eligible Suite & Pinnacle Club guests exceeds the Suite venue capacity, access for Pinnacle Club members will be determined by cruise points and extended to one of their stateroom occupants. Those eligible will receive access notifications 48 hours before the sailing and a reminder on boarding day in the Welcome Letter.

Access to Coastal Kitchen is based on space and availability. Reservations are required and can only be made once onboard.

Royal Caribbean went on to say that this new benefit for Pinnacle Club members has not changed Crown Lounge access and remains exclusive to Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members, unless communicated otherwise.

Why the change? Royal Caribbean wants to deliver the very best benefits to its most loyal cruisers, "We are committed to ensuring your cruise experience is exceptional, and we believe these updates contribute to that goal."

Adding the new benefit means Pinnacles can bring someone in their cabin with them to enjoy the reserved space.  Prior to this change, the benefit was only applicable to the Pinnacle Club guests.

The gap between Pinnacle Club and the next tier down, Diamond Plus, is significant at 175 points to 700 to move up.

Pinnacle Club benefits comparison

Beyond the benefits shared with lower tiers, Pinnacle Club guests enjoy a great deal of benefits.

Chief among them is a free cruise once they reach the tier. There's a free cruise for two people on a 7-night balcony stateroom for 700 and 1050 cruise point thresholds. 

Plus, a milestone cruise certificate valued at the prevailing rate of a Junior Suite stateroom for 1,400 and every 350 cruise points thereafter.

Pinnacles also get free internet packages for duration of every sailing, lapel pins, priority embarkation with the suite guests, and daily breakfast at a specialty restaurant.

How to qualify for Pinnacle Club

If you'd like to get to Pinnacle Club, you'll need to accrue at least 700 points in Crown and Anchor Society.

You'll earn one point per night of your cruise in a standard cabin (balcony cabin or smaller), which means you'd need 700 cruise nights to get there.

There is a faster way if you're willing to spend extra.  Staying in a suite gets you two points per night. Likewise, booking a standard cabin alone will get you two points per night.

If you stay in a suite by yourself, then you'll earn three points per night, which is the most you can earn per night in Crown and Anchor Society at the moment.

Unlike most hotels or most airlines, your points never expire and you don't have to requalify for your status annually.

Royal Caribbean is adding a new souvenir photo benefit to most of its loyalty program tiers.

Members of the Crown and Anchor Society received an email on Thursday notifying them of the program change.

Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program has many benefits for repeat cruisers and the photo benefits have been updated.

Read more: Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program info, tips & secrets

Beginning on sailings departing on or after December 9, 2023, guests will have updated photo benefits.

Here's a breakdown of what each tier will receive:

Platinum

20% off a single photo, photo package, or a photobook

Emerald

25% off a single photo, photo package, or a photobook

Diamond, Diamond Plus, Pinnacle Club

• Free digital or printed photo of your choice
• 30% off a single photo, photo package, or a photobook

It should be noted Jewel, Radiance, Grandeur and Vision of the Seas do not offer digital downloads, and only prints.

A single photo or digital download sold onboard the ship usually costs $19.99 for a single print or download. 

In the announcement, Royal Caribbean said they were making this change to reward guests, "Your loyalty deserves to be celebrated, and what better way than capturing and preserving those unforgettable moments?"

What's different about this change?

If you're curious, this new benefit replaces a photo benefit that previously existed.

According to our notes, this change replaces the buy one, get one discount that was previously offered:

Platinum

Buy one, get one 50% off - Photo

Emerald

Buy one, get one 50% off - Photo

Diamond, Diamond Plus, Pinnacle Club

10% off a Photo Package or Photobook

Changing benefits

The addition of these new benefits is part of an ever evolving benefit structure by Royal Caribbean.

Earlier this year, the cruise line announced a change to the name of its loyalty lounge.

Also in 2023, Royal Caribbean introduced a new design to its crystal blocks for top tier members. They also made other changes, including Emerald members no longer have the option to pre-select your welcome beverages, because all guests will now receive complimentary water in their stateroom when they arrive.

Additionally, the cruise line removed the welcome snack as a loyalty benefit.

The value of daily drink vouchers for Diamond members and above went up to $14.

Lastly, the free bag of laundry on sailings five nights or longer is restricted to be redeemable only on the day of the ship's Wash & Fold laundry promotion.

Related: The Crown and Anchor perks you should use on every Royal Caribbean cruise

How to use this offer

You can redeem the photo benefits that Crown and Anchor provides you once onboard your ship. It's not available to use pre-cruise.

If your ship has an interactive kiosk you can use to order prints, then this is very simple.

Just scan your SeaPass card to view any photos you have taken with the ship's photographers.  Select which prints you would like to buy, and then look for a promotions icon in the top right corner.  

Once you click on it, you'll see whichever photo offers you have.  The photo benefit tied to your Crown and Anchor Society level should automatically appear.

Every person in your family that has the same tier status is entitled to the benefit, so you could redeem this offer for each person.  For example, a married couple that is Diamond status, could get 2 free prints by logging in as each person via the kiosk and ordering a print.

Alternatively, you can ask one of the crew members working in the photo gallery to assist.

Royal Caribbean wants to make it clear why top-tier members aren't allowed inside loyalty lounges on some cruises.

Royal Caribbean members have reported incidents on certain sailings when Diamond members haven't been allowed in the Crown Lounge, which is a dedicated space for top-tier members.

Those reports have compelled Royal Caribbean to respond to its members in a newsletter update.

Royal Caribbean sent out an email announcing that on sailings with a high number of top-tier members, Suite, & Pinnacle Club guests, access to the Crown Lounge, Suite/Concierge Lounge, Suite Sun Deck, and Coastal Kitchen will be limited. 

However, this is not a fleetwide policy change for all sailings.

Related: 11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor perks

(Thanks to Royal Caribbean Blog reader OCSC Mike for the above picture of the Crown Lounge logo on Allure of the Seas)

If there are a lot of Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers on your next sailing, you may find that access to the Crown Lounge will be limited at certain hours of the day. 

"On sailings with a high number of top-tier members, the Crown Lounge will be reserved for Diamond Plus & Pinnacle Club members during the evening, with beverage service from 5 - 8 p.m," read the email.

"However, the lounge and its services will remain fully accessible to all Diamond and above members at all other times. This includes continental breakfast in the morning, snacks throughout the day, and entry during dedicated concierge service hours."

There are no changes to the number of daily drink coupons that eligible Crown & Anchor members will receive. Diamond members will still get four complimentary drinks per day, while Diamond Plus will get five and Pinnacle six. 

Diamond members unable to go to the Crown Lounge between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m. can still use these coupons at other bars throughout the ship, whether it's Boleros, Schooner Bar, etc. 

Related: How Royal Caribbean's free drink vouchers for Diamond and higher members works

These changes will only apply to sailings with a high number of top-tier Crown & Anchor members

At this time, Royal Caribbean is not making any other changes to its Crown & Anchor program. Additionally, the above adjustments are not permanent; they're based on the number of top-tier cruisers on each sailing. 

Possible sailings that could be impacted include but are not limited to charters, crossings, repositioning cruises, inaugurals, and President's Cruises.

Suite and Concierge Lounges, Suite Sun Deck, and Coastal Kitchen

When a sailing has a high number of Suite & Pinnacle Club guests, access to the Suite/Concierge Lounge, Suite Sun Deck, and Coastal Kitchen will be limited to guests staying in qualifying Suites, as well as to our top Pinnacle Club members onboard, based on cruise points," the email said. 

"Access will also extend to the guests in their stateroom. The number of top Pinnacle Club members granted access will vary depending on space and availability."

More members than ever

The top tiers of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor loyalty program have increased by 30% within the last year, according to Royal Caribbean International's CEO, Michael Bayley. 

The result has been overcrowding in loyalty and suite lounges. 

Royal Caribbean is not the only company seeing overcrowding in lounges. Recently, Delta Airlines has made changes to who can access their Sky Clubs in order to combat the issue. American Express Platinum cardholders, for instance, will no longer have unlimited annual visits. Instead, they'll be limited to ten per year. 

Rather than completely ban certain loyalty members from accessing the onboard lounges, Royal Caribbean sent out an email announcing that on sailings with a high number of top-tier members, Suite, & Pinnacle Club guests, access to the Crown Lounge, Suite/Concierge Lounge, Suite Sun Deck, and Coastal Kitchen will be limited. 

News comes just weeks after Royal Caribbean announced that the Diamond Lounge will be renamed

Courtney Brant, Director of Loyalty for Royal Caribbean announced that "...over the next few weeks, the Diamond Lounge — beloved by our Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members — is being specially renamed as the Crown Lounge across our fleet."

When this change was announced, Royal Caribbean Blog readers had numerous theories as to why they were implementing this fleetwide change.

"Seems like a no brainer to me that this is the first step to ultimately removing Diamonds from having lounge access," wrote Margaret. 

Reader Rackham said, "I'm speculating that with the name change, Diamond access could be determined on a cruise-to-cruise basis depending on how many Diamond and up C&A members are aboard." 

While just a theory at the time, his prediction ended up becoming reality within a month! 

It is important to keep in mind that Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members will still have access to the Crown Lounge on every sailing.

If the lounge ends up being reserved for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club passengers between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m each night, Diamond guests will still be able to access it at any other time. It may be the case that one sailing you're on sees a temporary adjustment, with the next having no restrictions whatsoever. 

Related: Royal Caribbean to rename Diamond Lounge to Crown Lounge

Earlier this year I reached the top level of Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program, and the added benefits have made a difference already.

Pinnacle Club is the highest tier you can get in Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor program, which requires 700 points to reach.

Read more: Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program info, tips & secrets

There are six tiers in the program:

• Gold: 3 points
• Platinum: 30 points
• Emerald: 55 points
• Diamond: 80 points
• Diamond Plus: 175 points
• Pinnacle Club: 700 points

While I don't cruise for the benefits you get from being a loyal customer, I certainly don't mind taking advantage of them.

When I reached Diamond, I was blown away by how lucrative those benefits can be, and since then, it's changed my core cruising experience.

It may seem like getting to 700 cruise points is impossible, and I thought the same thing too. However, a few years later, I made it and you might get there too.

Read more: After 68 cruises, I'm about to reach the top tier of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society

In considering what stands out the most about being Pinnacle, I thought about which benefits had the biggest impact on me.

Checking in early matters less now

Getting an early check-in time is so important to be able to get to the cruise terminal sooner and subsequently board sooner, but Pinnacle status provides a major workaround.

Pinnacle Club status guests can board with the suite guests, and that means a more flexible check-in window and a shorter line too.

Because I can check-in via the suite line, it's like getting in an express lane on a highway or boarding an airplane before anyone else.

I still get my check-in time, but because we can board with suite guests, I feel less pressure to try to try to get the earliest time possible.

I stopped buying internet packages

Pinnacle Club guests get free Wi-Fi for the length of any cruise, and that means I never have to buy it again.

I always bought internet packages because I not only have to stay connected for the purposes of this blog, but also because I enjoy being on the internet.

My wife gets the free internet perk too.

This single perk will save me hundreds of dollars per year, and with Royal Caribbean's now faster internet, it's such a lucrative benefit.

Make a point of meeting the Loyalty Ambassador

As I started cruising more, I became aware of the Loyalty Ambassador's importance and at Pinnacle, it's become a regular stop on every sailing.

Crew members always work so hard to ensure guests have a good time, and the Loyalty Ambassador is no different.

I've found having the Loyalty Ambassador change your Crown and Anchor amenities is so much easier than calling in (plus I never remember to call in to do it until I get onboard).

They're also a good source of information on what's going on during the sailing, rumors, and good to know information.

I encourage anyone, regardless of loyalty status, to seek out the Loyalty Ambassador and speak to them. Even just a quick chat, you never know what you might get out of it.

I stopped (mostly) buying a drink package

Royal Caribbean provides complimentary drinks each day to its Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle guests.

Guests who are at a lower tier of Crown and Anchor Society (Gold, Platinum, or Emerald) do not qualify for the drink vouchers.

• Diamond: 4 beverage vouchers valid all day at any bar (except Starbucks)
• Diamond Plus: 5 beverage vouchers valid all day at any bar (except Starbucks)
• Pinnacle: 6 beverage vouchers valid all day at any bar (except Starbucks)

At six drinks per day for both me and my wife, that's a lot of drinks.  Plus, I've also reached Prime in Casino Royale's customer loyalty program and that gets me free drinks in the casino bar.

Read more: I gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casino to get free drinks and a cruise

I have not completely cut off the drink package purchases, because if I'm sailing with a group of friends, I'll still get it. I enjoy the convenience factor of not having to think about how many drinks I have left for the day, especially when visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay.

While I mostly got the drink package at Diamond or Diamond Plus, that extra drink per day has me totally reconsidering the decision now that I'm at Pinnacle.

Eating at Coastal Kitchen

On Oasis and Quantum Class ships, Pinnacle guests are able to dine at the suite restaurant, Coastal Kitchen.

With the rising prices of specialty dining, having free access to a different restaurant that feels elevated compared to the Main Dining Room is a great perk.

While it's possible reservations could be limited for Pinnacles to get into Coastal Kitchen, more often than not it can work out and I like the option being there.

Plus, Pinnacle Club members on these ships also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any specialty restaurant. That's a great extra to have too!

I love having more choices, and now we have a new consideration when we go on Royal Caribbean's bigger ships.

The more you cruise with Royal Caribbean the more enticing benefits you receive.

Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society has a lot of perks as a way of rewarding their most loyal guests. Just like a hotel or airline loyalty program, the more you travel, the higher you move up in the ranks and more lucrative benefits that await you.

Read more: 11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor perks

Each night spent on a Royal Caribbean cruise will earn you one point towards your loyalty status. If you stay in a suite or cruise solo, you can earn an additional point towards your status. 

Guests are automatically enrolled into the Crown and Anchor Society after you complete your first sailing and off the bat you'll get a few discounts to use. Arguably, the best benefits wait for you once you reach Diamond status.

One highly sought after benefit are crystal blocks, because they are a sort of "mile marker" you can get as you move through the higher tiers of the program.

Not only are they a great keepsake, but they are collectable as well and many cruisers want to diversify their collection with various ships (especially their favorites).

Here's a look at how to get these blocks, as well as some of the other top tier gifts you could receive.

How do you get crystal blocks?

To be eligible to receive a crystal block, you have to reach 140 cruise points.

Once you reach 140 cruise points, you will receive your first crystal block delivery during your sailing. One crystal block is awarded per relationship. It will be delivered to your cabin, often on the exact night you reach the 140 points. 

How often do you get a crystal block?

You will receive another free crystal block every time you earn another 70 points on top of the initial 140 points needed. To save you the trouble of doing the math, that means you will get a block at 210, 280, 350, 420, and so on points.

There is no limit as to how many blocks you are able to collect. The more you cruise, the more blocks you will have!

If for some reason you do not receive your crystal block award and you already have 140 cruise points then you can contact Crown & Anchor’s customer service line at 800-526-9723​​. Royal Caribbean states in their terms and conditions they will only honor requests for Crystal blocks that have been verified as missing for a maximum of 12 months from the date of claim submission.

Any requests for missing blocks after the 12-month period cannot be accommodated.

Upgraded bathroom amenities

Higher tier cruisers will get better in-cabin toiletries waiting for them.

While other guests in a non-suite cabin receive the standard bar of soap and 2-in-1 shampoo dispenser in the shower, guests with more than 340 points will receive upgraded bathroom amenities in their stateroom upon arrival.

This can include bottled lotion, shampoo, and conditioner and it should be delivered to your cabin on embarkation day and waiting for you to use when you get into the room.

Personalized gift

Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members are able to choose from a list of complimentary gifts to receive while you are sailing.

You can update or choose your gift preference by calling the Crown & Anchor line prior to your cruise. Alternatively, you can speak to the Loyalty Ambassador onboard who can change your selection for the next sailing.

The list has options of wines, cheeses, chocolates, fruits, bags, and other drinks.  For three to six night sailings you will be able to choose one per household.

If you have 340-524 cruise points on 7+ night sailings you will be able to select 2 gifts and if you have 525+ cruise points you will be able to select 3 gifts on 7+ night sailings.

The toiletry bag and the tote bag are currently the only gifts you can choose that are not edible. 

Welcome water

Emerald and Diamond members will receive two water bottles per person delivered on the first day of their cruise.

Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members receive three water bottles per person delivered to their cabin on the first day of their cruise. This is a nice perk to have water bottles right in your cabin when you are parched.

Free photo

For this freebie, you do have to go to the Photo Gallery onboard but it is worth getting a free printed photo.

Make sure to stop and have a photo taken because Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle members receive one free any size photo.

I have seen photos at $20 or more, so this perk is a great value.

Lapel pin

Love it or hate it Royal Caribbean gives out lapel pins to their Emerald, Diamond, and Diamond Plus members.

These pins are delivered on the following cruise after reaching new status. Pinnacle Club members get a personalized lapel pin with their name on it, these personalized pins seem to be appreciated a bit more. 

Free laundry service

Whether you run out of clothes on your trip or you simply would like to return home with clean clothing, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members receive one free $34.99 bag of laundry on the day of the ship's Wash and Fold laundry promotion.

This offer only applies on sailings 5+ nights.

Add-on spa treatment

Spa treatments onboard are something nice to splurge on from time to time. Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members can receive a complimentary add-on spa treatment.  

You must book a signature spa service and then you will be able to receive a free add-on. Treatment options are a hand, foot, or scalp massage. 

Free internet access

Diamond members receive 1 free day of onboard internet for one device and Diamond Plus members receive 2 free days of onboard internet for one device.

If you reach the highest status as a Pinnacle Club member, you will then get free unlimited internet access for 1 device for the length of each sailing.

Free cruise

Last but definitely not least, Pinnacle Club members receive a milestone cruise certificate valued at the rate of a 7-night balcony stateroom for 700 and 1050 cruise points.

Once you reach 1400 cruise points, you receive a milestone cruise certificate valued at the rate of a Junior Suite stateroom and also every 350 cruise points after. '

In simple words, you get a free cruise for two people. The first two free cruises are in a balcony cabin then after that, you will be able to receive a free junior suite moving forward.

Final words

These rewards for staying loyal are enticing, and a nice bonus for enjoying a cruise vacation over and over again.

I think most people like to feel valued for their business and Royal Caribbean does a spectacular job at rewarding their loyal guests. Beyond the material benefits we covered, the crew always goes the extra mile to make it known you are a valued member of Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program. 

Planning a cruise? Start here:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?

The reserved spot on all cruise ships for Royal Caribbean's top tier members is getting a new name.

The Diamond Lounge has been the name of a special room dedicated to the upper echelon of cruisers, and it appears Royal Caribbean will change the name of it.

Royal Caribbean informed guests of the change in the cruise line's monthly newsletter.

Royal Caribbean Director of Loyalty, Courtney Brant, wrote, "I’m thrilled to announce that over the next few weeks, the Diamond Lounge — beloved by our Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members — is being specially renamed as the Crown Lounge across our fleet."

The Diamond Lounge is available for use by Crown and Anchor members who have reached Diamond, Diamond Plus or Pinnacle status.

Read more: 11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor perks

Royal Caribbean trademarked the phrase Crown Lounge with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on July 21, 2023.

The description of the trademark stated, "Cruise line lounge services; providing food and drink services."

Along with the name, she included a new logo too.

Why the change? According to Ms. Brant, it represents what being a loyal guest means today, "This is more than just a new name — it’s a tribute to the legacy of the Royal Caribbean maritime heritage. It’s a nod to our roots, and a symbol of our dedication to our loyal guests.""

There is no indication yet when the name change will occur.

The renaming of Diamond Lounge to Crown Lounge does not apply to Spectrum of the Seas.

She also said there's no functional change to how the Crown Lounge will operate, "Don’t worry — access requirements aren’t changing. All members who have enjoyed the Diamond Lounge will continue to enjoy the exclusivity and comfort of your private space with delicious treats and top-notch service."

If the name sounds familiar, it could be a reference to the Viking Crown Lounge, which was one of Royal Caribbean's first signature venues that separated it from other lines.

The Viking Crown Lounge was originally created in 1970 for Song of Norway, and became so popular it continued be a staple of Royal Caribbean ship design.  

Over the years, as ships grew in size, the Viking Crown Lounge grew, too, and starting with the Vision Class ships in 1995, moved from its position on the smokestacks to a nearby larger spot amidships with equally stunning views.

In addition, many (but not all) Diamond Lounges are located in the Viking Crown Lounge.

How does the Crown Lounge work?

The Crown Lounge is a room on every Royal Caribbean cruise ship that can only be accessed by Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle Club cruises.

There is seating to enjoy, as well as light snacks served throughout the day.  

You'll find continental breakfast served each morning. Those who prefer to have specialty coffee can enjoy cappuccinos and lattes via an automated machine all day. Each evening, you can find different nightly appetizers served. 

There is also a dedicated Diamond Lounge Concierge to help you with any sort of issues you might have onboard. These concierges can help with dining reservations, questions, tender tickets and more. 

In the evening hours, drink service is provided, which guests can use their complimentary free drink vouchers while in the lounge.

Read more: How Royal Caribbean's free drink vouchers for Diamond and higher members works

Overcrowding issues

There was no mention of something else Royal Caribbean has been wrestling with related to the Diamond Lounge: overcrowding.

Last month, Royal Caribbean’s CEO Michael Bayley asked cruisers on Facebook for their thoughts on how to tackle the issue of overcrowding in what is now known as the Crown Lounge.

The question was posed seemingly out of the blue, although it did come immediately after this year's President's Cruise when the company's most loyal cruisers congregate on a single sailing and have access to share their thoughts with Mr. Bayley.

While the Crown Lounge has had issues with being busy for years, Mr. Bayley indicated an influx of new Diamond members has exacerbated the issue. 

There was no mention in the announcement of any policy shifts to account for the matter that Mr. Bayley raised.

Some of the best benefits Royal Caribbean gives its most loyal customers begin at the Diamond tier.

Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program, the Crown and Anchor Society, has a few different tiers with great benefits. However, the Diamond tier is noticeably the most sought-after tier to reach, and for good reasons.

Once you reach 80 cruise points with Royal Caribbean you will be at the Diamond tier and this is when the well-worth loyalty benefits begin, and there are a variety of different ways to enhance your cruise once you hit Diamond status.

No need to worry about enrolling in the loyalty program since you are automatically enrolled when you start cruising with Royal Caribbean and will accrue cruise points.

Re-think buying the drink package 

While a Royal Caribbean drink package can be a good value and an amazing treat, sometimes as a Diamond member it may not make sense to purchase the drink package.

Royal Caribbean offers four complimentary drinks each day to each Diamond member up to $14 each. This is a big savings, especially if you are cruising with your partner then it can add up to $112 of free drinks each day of your cruise.

A pro tip is for each guest of drinking age to bring a bottle of wine or champagne from home onboard to have at dinner. On embarkation day, each guest is allowed to bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne.

Also, being Diamond status you get a complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee beverage (excludes Starbucks) when you buy a specialty restaurant dinner. This is a nice bonus since those delicious lattes can be pricy nowadays, at sea and on land! Another nice benefit is access to the Diamond Lounge's fresh brewed coffee and cappuccinos. I enjoy a nice cappuccino over the standard free coffee guests can get in other areas onboard. 

It is worth noting to make sure to ask your waiter to add your Diamond drink vouchers when ordering your free drinks. This also applies to any loyalty discount you use.

More savings on drinks as Diamond status are two 50% off vouchers for the purchase of any glass of wine, beer, or soda and the one time per sailing 20% percent voucher off any glass of wine, beer, or soda.

After all of these savings, I find myself buying the rest of my drinks with my SeaPass card and I actually save money skipping the drink package, that way I can spend the saved money on an excursion or a cooking class instead. But of course, if you are drinking enough each day, the deluxe drinking package can be a good value for you. 

Take advantage of balcony and suite discounts

Being Diamond tier you get a greater discount on balcony and suite cabins. This may sway your decision on booking an inside cabin vs a balcony cabin.

You can save up to $125 on 3-5 night sailings, $225 on 6-9 night sailings, and $325 on 10+ night sailings.

To get the best deal book your cruise more than 6 months in advance, the savings drop when you sail within 6 months of your booking date.

Attend exclusive events 

There are a couple of onboard events you can attend as a Diamond member. These include a top tier event on sailings 5 nights or more for Platinum loyalty tier (30 cruise points) and above and a nightly happy hour in the Diamond lounge exclusively for Diamond guests which has light appetizers and a social ambiance.

The Diamond Lounge is also open during the day so you can go in and enjoy a coffee or tea at any time. In the lounge, there is a Diamond Concierge to assist with any special needs or requests during your sailing, which can be helpful when lines are long at guest services.

At the top tier event, you will get a speech from the Captain, Hotel Director, and Cruise Director, while enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne. They recognize new Pinnacle members and top cruisers onboard.

Also on sailings 5 nights or more, there is an Up Close & Personal with Our Entertainment Family Event. These events are something new to try onboard and I recommend checking it out if you haven't yet. 

Read more: 11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor perks

Make sure to get a photo

I always make sure to stop at a photo opportunity onboard or at a port to let the talented photographers take a photo since Diamond members receive a complimentary photo from your existing printed photo selection.

This perk is another per person perk so if you are with your partner you will get two free photos. Prices can be $20 or more for certain photo sizes so this also can be great savings if you are looking for photos to take home.

Use the ship internet

Diamond guests get one free day of Voom internet or price equivalent discount on any onboard internet package for one device.

With this, you have a day to connect with family back home or check in. It is nice to have this on a sea day so you get one full day of access.

Use free casino credits

I am not a huge gambler, but I sure will take a free $6 in free play credits for the casino on the ship.

You can use this at the slot machines and it cannot be used towards table games. You never know - you could turn that $6 into $200!

Read more: I gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casino to get free drinks and a cruise

Youth Benefits

If you have children with you, they share the same tier as you, as their parent until they turn 18. Most Diamond perks are aimed at adults but there are a few perks your kids can get that will save you money. These perks include:

• 50% off one scoop of Ben & Jerry's ice cream on ships that feature Ben & Jerry's onboard. Valid twice per sailing.
• 4 free daily non-alcoholic drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks)
• 1 free day of SURF+STREAM internet
• Buy one get one free movie rental in your stateroom

Bottom line

There are more Diamond benefits you can take advantage of but these are some great highlights that can enhance your Royal Caribbean cruise!

If you are someone who sticks with Royal Caribbean exclusively then it is achievable to reach Diamond status. You need to reach 80 cruise points to get to the Diamond tier, you get one point for every night you sail in a regular stateroom and two points for each night in a suite.  

If you do the quick math, if you take a seven-night cruise once a year in a cabin that isn't a suite, it will take you 12 years to reach Diamond. Of course, if you book a suite it will be half the time since you get double cruise points.

Being a Diamond member makes cruising on Royal Caribbean even more appealing with the great perks that come along with the status. Diamond Plus is the next loyalty tier to reach above Diamond needing 175 cruise points and the benefits become even greater.

Read more: The cost benefits of Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society onboard discounts

With my longest Royal Caribbean cruise being nine nights and my shortest cruise being three nights, I've spent a total of 118 nights onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship so far, reaching Diamond status in Crown and Anchor Society at the age of 17, and I enjoyed every moment of my time onboard.

While I have tried other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean is overall the best cruise line in my opinion, and it is backed by the many awards they have received! My first sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship was on the wonderful Oasis of the Seas in 2012 when I was 12 years old. Boy was it amazing, I had never seen anything like it! With Oasis being my first Royal Caribbean cruise, I sure was wowed.

I have been on the smallest ship in the fleet to the biggest ship and each ship has something special about it. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by size

How long did it take to reach Diamond status?

Though my parents were the ones taking me on these Royal Caribbean ships as I was under the age of 18, at just 17 years old I was already at the top of their loyalty status being a Diamond member by reaching my own 80 total nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Read more: I reached Diamond status with Royal Caribbean: here's why this loyalty tier matters

From 2013 to 2019 I went on around 2 to 4 cruises each year, helping me climb to Diamond status in just five years of cruising with Royal Caribbean.

Then in 2020, Covid came around and I needed to pause my adventures. My love for cruising with Royal did not end there, I continue to cruise with Royal anytime I have the chance to.

Having Diamond level benefits definitely contributes to my loyalty and continued frequent cruises with Royal Caribbean, along with the delicious food, an abundance of entertainment, and amazing customer service!

Read more: My top 5 favorite Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club perks

Cruising on Royal Caribbean is also truly a compelling cost-efficient way to travel. You’re getting authentic experiences traveling to different cities and getting to see more of the world, rather than traveling by airplane to one location and still having to budget for transportation costs to hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and also factoring in any other cost a land vacation may not include like food and room accommodations. 

Cost-efficient Travel

One thing I have noticed is many people do not realize how great of a value cruising can be compared to a land vacation, it can be way less expensive.

Living in Florida does help with my overall cost since I live within driving distance of multiple ports but I still have to factor in gas and the pricey port garage parking that is usually $25-28 nightly.

On a cruise, you are going to a variety of different ports, getting an immersive experience, food, room, and entertainment, all for one cost. Oftentimes, I have friends ask me “How do you travel so much?” or “How have you been to so many countries, you must have spent loads of money?”  But it's simply cruising, it can be much more affordable than flying from city to city and trying to see the world that way.

With cruising you get to see multiple ports and sometimes stay overnight but you always have a sufficient amount of time to explore the port you are in. In my experience, booking a Royal Caribbean cruise is usually the price of what I would spend on just hotel accommodations during a land vacation.

Loyalty Program

After your first time onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, you are automatically enrolled into their loyalty program, which is called the Crown & Anchor Society, you earn one cruise point for every night you sail.

There are six different tiers, Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond plus, and Pinnacle Club. Cruising loyalty status is for a lifetime so once you hit Diamond with 80 nights being the minimum to obtain Diamond status, you will now forever be Diamond status or higher. This is a great loyalty program for benefits.

Each status has its different benefits that clearly work to retain customers. For me, Diamond status does have nice perks, being Diamond you get four complimentary drinks daily, Diamond Lounge access, one free day of the internet for your device, one complimentary photo from your existing printed photograph collection, and many more benefits.

Read more: 11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor perks 

With my early wanderlust, I needed traveling to be obtainable and the way you can get on a ship for one price and stop at multiple different ports is perfect for me as a excited traveler! 

Important of the crew members

At a young age, I learned what great customer service looks like going on these Royal Caribbean cruises, the entire staff is always extremely hospitable. Often times traveling to other resorts or on other cruise lines, it can be hard to compare the fantastic service Royal Caribbean provides to each and every one of their guest.

I can say that the great staff has remained consistent, no matter how tired the staff is, they will always keep a smile on their face.

Fun fact, this actually also inspired my college degree in hospitality management. Throughout my last couple years of high school, I was mostly done with my coursework, so I was able to switch to online school and cruise quite often which influenced my pick in hospitality management as a course of study for college since I felt so passionate about it.

Food & Entertainment

Food has a special place in my heart, and Royal Caribbean has some great food.

Cruises can get the stereotype of food quality being subpar, but it genuinely tastes similar to land food nowadays with a wide variety of options for everyone. If you love food like me, I would recommend trying out the specialty restaurants onboard Royal Caribbean.

You can get delicious food at restaurants like Chops Grille, Giovanni’s, and Izumi onboard. My favorite is the classic Chops Grille, they provide a perfect steakhouse setting at sea while feeling like you are at a classic American steakhouse.

If you’re looking to save money, the food in the main dining room is still great. Royal Caribbean also has great entertainment, from Broadway musicals like Cats to ice-skating, and even divers at Royal Caribbean's dazzling AquaTheater. Along with the included karaoke, comedy shows, and gameshows they have onboard you will not find yourself bored on these ships.

Growing up, I went on at least one Royal Caribbean cruise each year starting at the age 12.

I absolutely loved it from the start! Royal Caribbean cruises get this stereotype of “old people” being the only age demographic onboard but this couldn’t be further from the truth! It is a diverse mix of all generations and I recommend it to all travelers, young, middle-aged, or older. There is truly something to do for everyone.

I recommend ignoring all the stereotypes and scares you may hear about cruising and take your first cruise with Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean cruises are more like a floating city. Cruises, in general, are not so disconnected from technology anymore and the WiFi on Royal Caribbean is rocket speed compared to what it was ten years ago, so no need to worry about that.  

I have never felt cramped on a cruise, there are plenty of areas, if not your cabin to watch the beautiful open ocean onboard. For me, living in Florida makes cruising with Royal even easier, being just a drive away from multiple cruise ports makes cruising the most enjoyable and convenient way to travel.