Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society offers loyal cruisers lucrative perks to help enhance the value of their cruise vacation. In addition to daily drink vouchers, a complimentary photo, and access to an exclusive lounge, some lesser-known benefits can be enjoyed by higher-ranking members.
Though cruisers can take advantage of a private departure lounge and 50% off two glasses of wine, beer, or soda after their first sailing, the best perks don’t start rolling in until you’ve accumulated 80 cruise points and reached Diamond status.
For example, guests within the Diamond tier receive four daily drink coupons that can be used on alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, saving upwards of $56 per day.
The complimentary drinks are often a deciding factor on whether a drink package is worth the extra cost or not. Even if you pay for four extra beverages daily, the total amount spent on drinks is typically less than what a drink package would cost out of pocket.
Moreover, Diamond cruisers get one complimentary day of Surf & Stream Wi-Fi per sailing, which can transfer to a discount of equivalent value if you'd rather purchase a Wi-Fi package for your entire cruise.
With over 30 Crown & Anchor benefits available to Diamond cruisers and above, it’s clear that loyalty is rewarded. Beyond the daily drink vouchers, discounted Wi-Fi, and access to the Crown Lounge, here are 4 lesser-known perks of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Program available to passengers with at least 80 cruise points.
Reserved seating at shows
I forget every cruise about the reserved seating at the production shows for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members.
While you still need to make reservations, Royal Caribbean holds back seats at the ice skating and stage shows for its top tier members.
The seating is actually lumped in with suite guests and anyone that bought The Key, but it's a good standby just in case you're running a few minutes late.
I particular like the reserved seating for us Crown and Anchor members in the Aquatheater, because it is in the center section and starts about halfway back, so well behind the splash zone
Chef’s choice on sailings 5 nights and longer
Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers will receive some treats delivered to their stateroom on cruises that are at least 5 nights long.
When onboard Quantum of the Seas earlier this summer, I received a plate of assorted pastries, including a chocolate-covered strawberry, Rice Krispies treat, chocolate muffin, and more.
After a cold and rainy day in Skagway, Alaska, it was fun to return to my cabin and discover the present. My dad and I enjoyed having a small snack to nibble on while getting ready for dinner.
Read more: What makes being a Pinnacle Club member worth it
According to the Crown & Anchor Society’s terms and conditions, “[the g]ift and frequency of delivery to the stateroom [vary] by ship and length of sailing.” In other words, you cannot predict what will be included in the Chef's Choice perk.
It's easy to obtain sweet treats on your Royal Caribbean cruise, but it's even better when they're delivered to your cabin!
Read more: I reached Diamond status with Royal Caribbean
Exclusive backstage tour
On cruises that are 5 nights or longer, you can get an exclusive look at the behind-the-scenes operations of the theater.
While all passengers can enjoy one of the original production shows or Broadway-style musicals, only Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers are eligible to attend the exclusive backstage tour. In addition to walking backstage, there’s typically a Q&A session with the dancers and cast members.
It's a great time to learn more about the background of the dancers, as well as get a glimpse into the daily life of a performer on a cruise ship.
It's different from the All-Access tour for purchase, though. During the backstage tour, you won't visit the Galley, Bridge, or other crew-only areas. If that's something that interests you, you'll have to pre-purchase it through the Cruise Planner.
Royal Caribbean notes that they can cancel the event without notice. However, if you’re interested in participating, check your Crown & Anchor benefits sheet left in your cabin on embarkation day for instructions on how to RSVP.
If you have any questions, visit the Crown & Anchor Loyalty Desk as soon as possible.
Priority waitlist seating in the Main Dining Room
Fans of traditional cruise ship dining can choose the early and late seating, meaning you'll eat in the Main Dining Room at the same time each evening. Plus, you'll sit at the same table and have the same wait staff.
Sometimes, however, we make the wrong selection during the booking process. If you're unhappy with your decision and are a Diamond cruiser or above, you can move to the top of the waitlist for your desired seating.
Ensuring you have the dinner seating that aligns with your travel party's needs is important. Otherwise, you may have fussy children fighting to stay awake until dinner, as the late seating typically doesn't begin until around 8:00pm—although the time varies depending on your sailing.
Alternatively, perhaps you want to spend more time on the pool deck or don't want to feel rushed after a long day ashore. In that case, the later time would work best for you, freeing up space during the first seating for passengers who want to retire early or have evenings free for entertainment.
The priority waitlist doesn't apply to My Time Dining. If you don't make reservations, you must wait in the standby line. However, if you chose My Time Dining and like to move back to traditional, you will be placed at the top of the waitlist.
Read more: The Crown and Anchor perks you should use on every Royal Caribbean cruise
