Sailing with Royal Caribbean is always an adventure, but reaching a new tier in their Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program unlocks a whole new level of experience. Of all the tiers, Diamond is often considered the 'sweet spot'—the level where the benefits become truly game-changing.
If you've just reached 80 cruise points or are planning your path to get there, you're likely asking: "So, where does Royal Caribbean Diamond status get me?" You've come to the right place. We're going to break down every single perk, from the famous daily drinks to exclusive access and hidden discounts that can save you hundreds.
Key Takeaways: The Best of Diamond Status
Don't have time for the full deep dive? Here are the most valuable benefits you'll enjoy as a Diamond member:
* Four FREE Drinks Daily: Receive four daily vouchers for beverages up to $14 each, usable at most bars, lounges, and on Perfect Day at CocoCay.
* Exclusive Diamond Lounge Access: Enjoy a private lounge with complimentary continental breakfast, evening appetizers, and a dedicated concierge.
* VOOM Internet Discounts: Get a significant discount on a VOOM Surf & Stream internet package.
* Balcony & Suite Discounts: Access special savings on balcony and suite staterooms, which can be a substantial value.
* Exclusive Events & Tours: Gain access to a behind-the-scenes entertainment tour and an exclusive Top Tier Event onboard.
* Status Matching with Celebrity Cruises: Your Diamond status grants you Elite status in Celebrity Cruises' Captain's Club, extending your perks to a sister brand.
How Do You Achieve Diamond Status?
Before we dive into the perks, let's quickly cover how you get there. Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society awards points for every night you sail.
* 1 Cruise Point for every night you sail in a standard room (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony).
* 2 Cruise Points for every night you sail in a Suite.
* 2 Cruise Points for every night you sail as a solo traveler in a standard room.
* 3 Cruise Points for every night you sail as a solo traveler in a Suite.
To reach Diamond status, you need to accumulate 80 cruise points. For a couple cruising in a balcony stateroom, that's equivalent to 12 seven-night cruises. If you sail in suites, you could get there in as few as six seven-night cruises.
The Big Four: Your Daily Diamond Perks
These are the benefits you'll use almost every day of your cruise. They represent the core value of Royal Caribbean Diamond status and are what most loyal cruisers look forward to the most.
The Famous Daily Drink Vouchers: A Deep Dive
This is arguably the most celebrated perk of Diamond status. Each day of your cruise, you will automatically receive four drink vouchers loaded onto your SeaPass card.
* What You Get: Each voucher is good for any single beverage up to a value of $14 (this covers most beers, glasses of wine, and cocktails).
* Where to Use Them: You can redeem your vouchers at nearly any bar or lounge on the ship, at the main dining room, specialty restaurants, and even on Royal Caribbean's private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.
* How It Works: Simply order your drink and present your SeaPass card. The bartender will see your Diamond status and apply one of your daily vouchers. You won't be charged.
Pro Tip: Your four daily vouchers do not roll over to the next day. It's a 'use them or lose them' benefit, so be sure to enjoy your daily allotment! For a 7-night cruise, this benefit alone can be worth over $390 per person.
Exclusive Access: The Diamond Lounge
The Diamond Lounge is your private sanctuary at sea. This exclusive space is reserved for Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members, offering a quiet and comfortable place to unwind.
On most ships, you'll find:
* A Dedicated Concierge: This is a huge perk. The concierge can help you book specialty dining, shore excursions, and resolve any issues without you having to wait in the long lines at Guest Services.
* Complimentary Breakfast: Enjoy a continental breakfast with specialty coffee, pastries, fruit, and yogurt in a relaxed setting.
* Evening Happy Hour: From around 5 PM to 8 PM, the lounge hosts a happy hour with complimentary hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, and drinks.
On some newer or amplified ships (like the Oasis and Quantum classes), the traditional Diamond Lounge may be replaced with a combined Crown Lounge or designated Diamond areas in other bars during happy hour. The core benefits, however, remain the same.
High-Speed Internet Discount
Staying connected at sea can be pricey, but Diamond status helps. You'll receive a substantial discount on any VOOM Surf & Stream internet package. This allows you to browse the web, check emails, post on social media, and even stream your favorite shows and movies while onboard.
You can purchase your package pre-cruise via the Cruise Planner for the best rates, and your Diamond discount will be applied automatically.
A Cherished Keepsake: The Crystal Block
As a special one-time gift to commemorate your achievement, Royal Caribbean will present you with a beautiful crystal block model of a ship when you reach Diamond status. It's a wonderful memento of your cruising loyalty that you can display at home.
Onboard Perks That Make a Difference
Beyond the 'Big Four,' Diamond status includes a host of other benefits designed to make your cruise experience smoother, more enjoyable, and more memorable.
Priority and Convenience
* Priority Waitlist: Get priority placement on waitlists for sold-out shore excursions and spa services.
* Exclusive Top Tier Event: You'll be invited to an exclusive event for top-tier loyalty members, a great opportunity to meet the ship's officers and fellow dedicated cruisers.
Entertainment and Activities
* Behind-the-Scenes Tour: On sailings of 5 nights or longer, you'll get access to an exclusive tour of the ship's entertainment venues, like the main theater or Studio B ice rink. It's a fascinating look at what it takes to put on Royal Caribbean's incredible shows.
* One Complimentary Photo: Receive one free 8x10 print photo of your choice from the ship's photo gallery. With professional photos often costing $20 or more, this is a nice saving.
Discounts and Savings
Your Diamond status is also a key to unlocking savings all around the ship.
* Balcony & Suite Discounts: This is a huge and often-underestimated perk. Diamond members get access to reduced rates on select sailings when booking a balcony or suite stateroom. These savings can often be hundreds of dollars!
* Reduced Single Supplement: For solo travelers, this is a massive benefit. You can book a stateroom with a reduced single supplement (as low as 150% instead of the standard 200%) on select sailings.
* Casino Offer: Receive a complimentary $6 in FreePlay at the Casino Royale.
* Merchandise Discounts: Get 10% off any Royal Caribbean logo product when you spend $25 or more.
Is Royal Caribbean Diamond Status Worth It?
Absolutely. The tangible value alone is compelling. Let's do the math on a 7-night cruise for one person:
* Drink Vouchers: 4 drinks/day x $14/drink x 7 days = $392
* VOOM Internet Discount: Approx. $50-70 savings on a package.
* Free Photo: $20 value.
Just these three benefits provide over $460 in value per person for a single week-long cruise. When you add in the potential savings from the balcony discount and the intangible value of the Diamond Lounge concierge and priority services, it's clear that achieving Royal Caribbean Diamond status is a major milestone that significantly enhances your vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do my Diamond drink vouchers roll over to the next day?
No, they do not. The four vouchers are allocated daily and expire at the end of that day (usually around midnight). It's best to use them each day.
Can I share my drink vouchers with my spouse or friend?
Officially, the terms state that the vouchers are for the Diamond member only. However, in practice, you can often order a drink for a companion while you are both at the bar. Enforcement can vary by ship and bartender.
Does my status on Royal Caribbean transfer to Celebrity Cruises?
Yes! This is one of the best perks. Through a reciprocal agreement, your Royal Caribbean Diamond status grants you Elite status in the Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club. This gives you access to their daily Elite happy hour, internet discounts, and other exclusive perks when sailing with Celebrity.
What loyalty tier comes after Diamond?
After Diamond (80 points), the next level is Diamond Plus (175 points), which adds more benefits like behind-the-scenes tours, personalized gifts, and more. The top tier is the Pinnacle Club (700 points), which comes with incredible perks, including a free cruise!
Plan Your Next Voyage to Diamond
Reaching Diamond status with Royal Caribbean is more than just a title; it's a passport to a more comfortable, convenient, and rewarding cruise experience. The daily drinks, exclusive lounge, and onboard discounts fundamentally change how you sail, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation even more.
Ready to earn more points and unlock these incredible perks? Planning your next cruise is the first step. For personalized recommendations and the best deals on your journey to Diamond, chat with 360Cruising. Our AI-powered assistant can help you find the perfect Royal Caribbean itinerary to maximize your points and your fun.
Start planning your next adventure with 360Cruising today!