Looking to earn a free cruise by gambling? Royal Caribbean just made an important policy change.
Royal Caribbean passengers can earn free cruises with enough plays in the casino, but there's been a change to ensure the free cruises given out are actually taken.
Those that gamble a lot on Royal Caribbean cruise ships can qualify for free cruises and other incentives within the Club Royale rewards program.
You earn points every time you play and eventually gain rewards based on your status in the program.
One of the best benefits offered is a free annual 7-night cruise for members of the program who have received at least 2,500 points.
Their stateroom category depends on their level in the loyalty program: Prime members earn an interior room, Signature members can stay in a balcony cabin, and Masters get access to a suite.
Read more: I Scored a Free $1200 Room on a Royal Caribbean Cruise by Gambling in the Casino
Although this is a great benefit for passengers, Royal Caribbean wants to prevent people from not showing up for their free cruise.
"No-shows" happen too late for the cruise line to place a paying customer in the cabin, wasting the price of the cruise.
Cruisers booking their complimentary sailing will now pay a deposit
To prevent this loss of income, Royal Caribbean is implementing a new policy for Club Royale members.
In the future, each passenger booking their free annual cruise must pay a $200 deposit.
Casino winners who've been no-shows on past free cruises received an email on August 22nd, 2024, informing them of this change.
The email reads: “We’re reaching out to let you know that in the past 12 months, you have canceled within two days of sailing or not shown up at the pier for your Casino Reservation(s)."
The email goes on to explain that the policy will become effective on September 5th, 2024.
“Under our new Casino Royale Cruise No-Show & Cancellation Policy, effective September 5, 2024, you will be assessed a $200 USD deposit on all active Casino Reservations, sailing on or after September 5, 2024."
If a Club Royale member does show up to their cruise, the deposit will be converted into a $200 onboard credit.
And if plans change, and they do need to cancel the cruise, the deposit will be refunded as long as they cancel with at least seven day's notice.
If the cruise cancels within seven days before the sailing or does not show up at the pier, they forfeit the deposit.
What benefits are included in the Club Royale program?
The exact number of points earned from each play varies depending on how much you've gambled, the game, and wins and losses.
As soon as you enter the Club Royale program, you'll be placed in the Choice tier. Rewards for this status include:
- Point Redemption towards onboard expense account credit or as FreePlay in the Casino
- Instant Cruise Rewards Certificates
- $200 credit at Regalia Fine Jewelry and Effy Boutique
- Exclusive Casino Offers
- Access to Club Royale VIP Events
Members who've earned 2,500 points climb to the Prime tier, earning:
- Point Redemption towards onboard expense account credit or as FreePlay in the Casino
- Instant Cruise Rewards Certificates
- $250 credit at Regalia Fine Jewelry and Effy Boutique
- 10% Vitality Spa Discount
- Waived Convenience Fee for Cashless Wagering on SeaPass card
- Complimentary Drinks in Casino Royale
- Discount on VOOM Surf & Stream Internet Wi-Fi Packages
- Exclusive Casino Offers
- Access to Club Royale VIP Events
- Tier Priority Contact Number
- Exclusive Rates for Family and Friends for Additional Staterooms
- Special Offers with Partnership Casinos
- Interior stateroom on the Annual Complimentary Cruise
Read more: I gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casino to get free drinks and a cruise
After earning 25,00 points, you'll climb to the Signature level of the reward program, earning additional benefits. These include:
- Point Redemption towards onboard expense account credit or as FreePlay in the Casino
- Instant Cruise Rewards Certificates
- $350 credit at Regalia Fine Jewelry and Effy Boutique
- 15% Vitality Spa Discount
- Waived Convenience Fee for Cashless Wagering on SeaPass card
- Complimentary Drinks in Casino Royale
- Free VOOM Surf & Stream Internet Wi-Fi Package for 1 device
- Exclusive Casino Offers
- Access to Club Royale VIP Events
- Tier Priority Contact Number
- Exclusive Rates for Family and Friends for Additional Staterooms
- Special Offers with Partnership Casinos
- Balcony stateroom on the Annual Complimentary Cruise
Finally, guests who have 100,000+ points in the program reach the Masters tier. They receive the highest amount of perks from the program, such as:
- Point Redemption towards onboard expense account credit or as FreePlay in the Casino
- Instant Cruise Rewards Certificates
- $550 credit at Regalia Fine Jewelry and Effy Boutique
- 20% Vitality Spa Discount
- Waived Convenience Fee for Cashless Wagering on SeaPass card
- Complimentary Drinks in Casino Royale
- Free VOOM Surf & Stream Internet Wi-Fi Package for 2 devices
- Priority Entertainment Access and Dining Reservations
- Onboard Credit
- Priority access at the terminal
- Carry-on bag onboard drop off with priority delivery to stateroom
- Welcome lunch in Main Dining Room featuring Chops Grille menu
- Coastal Kitchen Access
- Flexible departure with à la carte breakfast
- Exclusive Casino Offers
- Access to Club Royale VIP Events
- Tier Priority Contact Number
- Exclusive Rates for Family and Friends for Additional Staterooms
- Special Offers with Partnership Casinos
- Grand Suite stateroom on the Annual Complimentary Cruise
