Getting to Diamond level in Royal Caribbean's loyalty program literally changed how I enjoy my cruises.
I think Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society is the best cruise line loyalty program in the industry because of how lucrative it is, especially at the upper tiers.
I made it to Diamond status many years ago, and have since reached Pinnacle Club. The higher the tier, the better the benefits and it's encouraged me to cruise even more.
You don't need to get to Pinnacle to enjoy the best benefits, because Diamond level is the sweet spot for the perks available to guests.
Diamond level requires 80 points, which is about 12 weeklong cruises in a standard cabin. You could get to Diamond faster if you book a suite or cruise solo.
Once you get there, here's what I'd change about cruising to maximize the benefits.
You can possibly skip the drink package
It's incredible that Royal Caribbean gives all of its Diamond members four free drink vouchers per day to use on pretty much any drink.
For a lot of people, this is just enough beverages to warrant not buying a costly drink package.
If you're a casual drinker, or someone that doesn't buy that many alcoholic beverages, relying on your Diamond drinks could be a much better value.
Kids get them too, and it's the reason I've never bought my kids a drink package ever.
While I get six free drinks for being a Pinnacle Club member, I do occasionally still buy the drink package when I can take advantage of a good sale.
Ironically, your Diamond status can actually get you some of the lowest prices on a drink package with some of the recent sales I've seen offered before the cruise begins.
Nonetheless, the Diamond vouchers have saved me a lot of money over the years, and it's easily the top benefit.
Take a free photo souvenir every cruise
Souvenir photos are a great way to capture a memory from a particular trip, and I like getting at least one to have for home.
Because we cruise a lot, we don't take that many onboard photos, but it's still nice to get them on formal night or when there's a good backdrop available.
This is especially important with our kids, as cruises have become milestones in them growing up. Each cruise is kind of like a way to remember a special age or occasion.
Plus, your spouse or partner gets one too, so effectively we get two photos per cruise to take for free.
Strategically use free internet day
Diamond members get one free 24 hour pass of internet access, so you can use that to your advantage.
Never use it on the first day, because by the time your ship leaves port, you still have cellular coverage for most of the day.
Ideally, try to stagger your free day so it's used on a day when you can get the most use of it. Sea days seem to be the best idea, because I'd hate to be off the ship on a shore excursion when I have internet access.
Just like the photos, your spouse gets a free day too. Same for kids. So spreading it out and sharing the login is a good strategy.
Gamble away free money
Whether you're a gambler or not, everyone likes free money.
Diamond members get a few extra dollars to gamble with their freeplay onboard.
Everyone gets a few dollars of free play to use in Royal Caribbean's casino on the first two nights of the cruise. It's enough for just a few spins on a slot machine, but it's true when they say, "you can't win if you don't play".
You never know - you could turn that $6 into hundreds!
Hang out more in the Crown Lounge
Every Royal Caribbean ship has dedicated space just for you, and I'd start going there instead of public lounges.
The Crown Lounge is open to Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members. It's open 24 hours a day, with snacks and drink service during certain times.
Most of the day, it's quite empty and it's the perfect place to read, play cards, socialize with friends, or meet cruisers.
There's also a complimentary coffee machine in here that you can use 24 hours a day, and it's a good way to save your Diamond drink vouchers for something else instead of coffee.
Plan cruises around blocks
Some Diamond cruisers will plan out their future sailings in order to time it with a crystal block giveaway.
Once you reach 140 points, you will receive a beautiful crystal block that has the name and photo of your ship. You will then receive one every 70 points thereafter.
They are lovely keepsakes, and I use them around the house as bookends, paperweights, and conversation pieces.
It's a good idea to think about your bookings and "do the math" as to when you'll reach every 70 point tier in order to avoid getting the same ship again.
You can now start to cruise with Celebrity
Ironically, reaching Diamond is the perfect time to start cruising with another cruise line.
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are sister brands, and thanks to loyalty status matching, this is the right time to dip your toe into this line.
I think Diamond status coincides well with the equivalent status in Captain's Club, and it's a good opportunity to give Celebrity a try.
I've done a few cruises on Celebrity so far, and it's opened up different options and ways to sail. While I prefer Royal Caribbean, I can appreciate the things Celebrity does better.
