Royal Caribbean Platinum Benefits: Elevate Your Seascape with Exclusive Perks
If you’re a frequent cruiser, you’re probably already familiar with loyalty programs. Cruise lines use these programs to reward guests for their loyalty and encourage repeat business.
The Crown and Anchor Society, Royal Caribbean’s exclusive loyalty program, provides a variety of perks to its members, which enhance as they move up through various levels.
One of the levels in the Crown and Anchor Society is Platinum, which may sound impressive, but it’s not actually the highest tier.
In fact, there are several levels above Platinum, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great perks in this tier.
What is Platinum Status on Royal Caribbean?
Once you accumulate a minimum of 30 loyalty points as a member of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society, you reach Platinum status, surpassing the initial Gold level. This elevation unlocks various advantages for you, both during the booking process and while on the cruise.
Being at the Platinum tier typically indicates that you have previously cruised with Royal Caribbean, possibly through several short trips or a single extended cruise (in a suite.)
Some of the benefits that come with Platinum status include:
- Priority check-in and departure
- Exclusive access to lounges and events
- Discounts on onboard purchases
- Complimentary internet access
- Priority seating at shows and restaurants
And this is only the second tier! There are plenty more benefits available to loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser.
How Many Cruises Are Required To Achieve Platinum Status?
Attaining Platinum status in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society necessitates the accumulation of 30 points. You can gather these points either by spending 30 nights in a standard cabin or 15 nights in a suite.
Considering the typical cruise duration ranges from 3 to 7 nights, you might require up to 10 cruises to achieve Platinum. However, booking a longer voyage in a suite could expedite this process, allowing you to reach Platinum in just one cruise.
It’s worth noting that 30-night cruises are uncommon. Therefore, if a suite is beyond your budget, reaching Platinum would typically take a minimum of three cruises.
How Will Staff Know I’m A Platinum Member?
Platinum members will have a SeaPass card marked with their tier status, which serves as a visual indicator to crew members. This card can facilitate access to various privileges and discounts.
Platinum members used to recieve a lapel as well. However, as of recent changes, Royal Caribbean no longer provides Platinum lapel pins as they used to.
Royal Caribbean Platinum Benefits
As a Royal Caribbean Platinum member, you have access to a range of benefits that can make your cruise experience even better.
Here are some of the top perks you can enjoy:
Private Departure Lounge Access
One of the benefits available to you is access to an exclusive departure lounge, offered at “most” embarkation ports. This lounge provides a comfortable space where you can unwind with a selection of beverages like coffee and juice, accompanied by pastries, as you await boarding.
It’s important to remember that this lounge is accessible not only to Platinum members but also to anyone at the Gold tier or higher, which includes anyone who has previously cruised with Royal Caribbean. Therefore, the lounge might be busier than expected.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean’s terms don’t specify the exact ports where this perk is available, so you’ll need to check your boarding information to confirm if you can enjoy this benefit.
Drinks Discounts
One of the most significant benefits of being a Platinum member is the drinks discounts. You’ll receive four drinks coupons to use during your voyage, two of which can be redeemed for any glass of wine, beer, or soda, and the other two can be used at Johnny Rockets for a discount on their milkshakes.
All coupons offer a generous 50% off, allowing you to make significant savings on your beverages.
In addition to other benefits, you will receive a one-time 10% discount applicable to any beer, wine, or soda purchase.
This means that even after utilizing the 50% coupons, you can still enjoy a discounted drink onboard.
Plus, you’re entitled to a 50% discount on any coffee purchases, with the exception of those made at Starbucks.
Lastly, as a bonus, you get a complimentary non-alcoholic coffee beverage (excluding Starbucks) each time you reserve a dinner at a specialty restaurant.
WiFi Package Discounts
As a member of the Platinum tier, if you choose not to purchase a VOOM WiFi internet package prior to your cruise, you’re eligible for a 15% discount when buying it onboard.
It’s important to note, though, that this discount cannot be combined with other offers. Therefore, it’s advisable to monitor the Cruise Planner app for deals before setting sail.
There may be sales and discounts greater than 15% available before your departure, in which case it’s better to book ahead!
Casino and Bingo Perks
Fancy trying your luck at the casino with no risk? If you’re a Platinum member, you’ll receive a $4 FreePlay for use on the slot machines.
While $4 might seem modest, it holds the potential for a jackpot win. Additionally, with every purchase of a bingo package, you get three complimentary jackpot cards, enhancing your chances of winning.
Private Event Invites
Guests with Platinum status or higher on cruises lasting over five nights are invited to an exclusive ‘Top Tier’ event.
During this event, key figures such as the Captain, the Hotel Director, or the Cruise Director spend an hour engaging with attendees, discussing various aspects of the cruise and providing insights into the distribution of guests across different Crown & Anchor Society tiers onboard.
There’ll usually be some music from a live band and a free glass of Champagne!
Photo Offers
Members at the Platinum level enjoy a 20% discount on any single photograph, whether print or digital, as well as on photo packages or photobooks purchased from the onboard photographer.
It’s rare not to buy at least one picture onboard, especially during Formal Night, so this discount is greatly appreciated.
Spa Discounts
If you’re a Platinum member, you’ll get 15% off any spa treatments you book. That’s 5% more than Gold members get!
Discounts on Royal Caribbean Products
As a Platinum-status member, when you purchase Royal Caribbean-branded merchandise from the onboard stores and spend a minimum of $25, you’re entitled to a 10% discount.
This offers a great opportunity to acquire a cruise memento while enjoying a modest saving.
Laundry Discounts
Platinum members are eligible for a $5 reduction on any dry-cleaning or pressing service that exceeds $25.
Additionally, they receive a $5 discount on the $34.99 wash-and-fold laundry bag, provided their cruise is five nights or longer. This is particularly convenient for those on extended voyages who prefer to travel light.
Loyalty Match
If you are a Royal Caribbean Platinum member, you may be interested in the Loyalty Match program. This program allows you to enjoy membership benefits across the Royal Caribbean Group brands, including Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
This shared status gives you access to unique, but comparable, benefits across their other brands.
Robes!
A small, but fun perk! As a Platinum member, you are provided with bathrobes for your use throughout the cruise.
However, these robes are not for keeps – taking them home could result in charges from the cruise line, especially if they find their way into your suitcase ‘by accident’.
Youth Member Benefits
If you’re a Platinum member of the Crown & Anchor Society, your kids can enjoy some pretty cool benefits until they reach 18 years of age as well.
Here are some of the perks your kids can get:
Buy-One-Get-One-Free Movie Rentals
For every tier within the Crown & Anchor Society, children are entitled to a 50% discount on their second in-stateroom movie rental after purchasing one.
This offers a fantastic opportunity for them to stay entertained during a relaxed evening in bed, perhaps accompanied by some room service, making for an enjoyable and cozy night in.
Discount On Ice Cream
When your children visit the Ben & Jerry’s counter on a Royal Caribbean ship, they can take advantage of a 50% discount on their ice cream purchases.
This special offer applies exclusively to Ben & Jerry’s, known for its superior quality and extensive flavor variety compared to the complimentary ice cream offered in other areas of the ship.
This provides a perfect opportunity to indulge your kids in a delightful treat while also being cost-effective.
Arcade Cashback
Whenever your children spend time in the arcades on the cruise, they are eligible for cashback. This amount is conveniently deducted from your onboard account at the conclusion of your cruise, offering a simple way to manage their arcade expenses.
For every $15 spent, they get $5 back, and if they pay for $50 credits in one go, they’ll get $25 back instead. This means that your kids can enjoy some fun in the arcades while also getting some money back.
These benefits are a great way to make your kids feel special and appreciated while also saving some money. As a Platinum member of the Crown & Anchor Society, you can enjoy these benefits for your kids until they reach 18 years of age.
How Does Priority Check-In Work With Platinum?
Priority check-in allows Platinum members to use designated lines at the cruise terminal, leading to faster processing and reduced waiting times.
During departure, Platinum members are often given preferential disembarkation slots, enabling them to leave the ship more quickly. This perk is particularly useful during peak times when queues can be long.
It’s important to note that availability and procedures for these priority services can vary depending on the port and specific ship.
Platinum members typically receive detailed information about these services in their cruise documents or upon arrival at the terminal.
How Many Points Do I Need To Get To The Tier After Platinum?
To progress from Platinum to Emerald status in Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society, you need to earn a total of 55 points. This is an additional 25 points beyond the 30 required for Platinum status.
Each night on a cruise in a regular stateroom earns one point, while a suite earns double points.
Therefore, reaching Emerald status would require either 25 additional nights in a regular stateroom or 13 nights in a suite after achieving Platinum.
To advance further to Diamond status, you need 80 points in total. This means an additional 25 nights in a regular room or around 13 more in a suite after reaching Emerald.
The points accumulate over multiple cruises, allowing gradual progression through the tiers.
What Does Platinum Include That Gold Doesn’t?
Both Gold and Platinum tiers share similar perks, such as discounts on Royal Caribbean branded products and access to private departure lounges, but Platinum status elevates the cruising experience with additional privileges.
One of the key differences lies in their discounts. Platinum members enjoy a more substantial reduction in costs for certain services compared to Gold members.
For instance, Platinum members receive a 15% discount on VOOM internet, which is a 5% increase over the 10% discount offered to Gold members.
This trend extends to other areas as well, like beverage discounts. Platinum members benefit from a 50% discount on coffee beverages, a significant leap from the 25% discount for Gold members.
The Platinum tier also opens doors to exclusive experiences and services. For example, Platinum members are invited to special Top Tier events on cruises lasting more than five nights, a privilege not extended to Gold members.
These events often provide opportunities to interact with the ship’s captain and crew in a more intimate setting, adding a unique touch to the cruise experience.
Additionally, Platinum members get enhanced Casino Royale benefits, like $4 FreePlay, doubling the $2 offered at the Gold level, and three free Jackpot cards with Bingo packages, compared to just one for Gold members.
Comfort and convenience are other areas where Platinum members see benefits. They are provided with robes for use during the cruise, adding an element of luxury to their stay.
They also enjoy practical advantages like a $5 discount on dry-cleaning or pressing services for charges over $25, and similar discounts on laundry services, which are particularly useful for longer cruises.
Moreover, Platinum status comes with a Loyalty Match with Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club, allowing members to enjoy reciprocal benefits across these two brands, a feature not available to Gold members.
This broadens the scope of benefits beyond Royal Caribbean cruises, providing more value and flexibility in travel options.
Is Royal Caribbean’s Platinum Choice The Same As Platinum Level?
If you’re a Platinum Choice member, it means you’re part of two different programs. First, you’re a member of the Crown & Anchor Society, which is the Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program.
Second, you have a status in the Club Royale casino program, and Choice is the entry-level tier.
As a casino player, you’re automatically registered for the Club Royale program, and you start at the Choice tier. To move up to the higher tiers, you need to spend more money in the casino. The Choice tier is designed for regular players.
Most people who are Platinum level are Platinum Choice members, or they don’t have a Club Royale status.
As a Platinum Choice member, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits, including priority check-in, onboard discounts, and more.
Do Any Of The Platinum Benefits Extend To Non-Platinum Members Staying In The Same Cabin?
Yes, many of the Platinum benefits in Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society do extend to travel companions staying in the same stateroom, even if those companions are not Platinum members themselves.
This typically includes perks like priority check-in, departure privileges, and access to special events or lounges.
However, some benefits, such as discounts on onboard purchases or spa treatments, are exclusive to the Platinum member and will not apply to all stateroom occupants.
If I Don’t Cruise Often, Will I Lose My Platinum Level Status? Does It Expire?
Platinum members do not have a set requirement for how often they must cruise to maintain their status, and their status does not expire due to inactivity.
Once a guest reaches the Platinum tier, the status is retained for life, regardless of how frequently they cruise afterwards.
This lifetime status is part of the appeal of Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, as it ensures that the benefits earned through previous cruises are not lost over time due to a lapse in cruising activity.
This policy provides flexibility and peace of mind for Platinum members, allowing them to plan future cruises at their convenience without worrying about losing their accumulated benefits.
Conclusion: Royal Caribbean Platinum
Platinum status in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society may not offer an abundance of incredible benefits, but the list of perks you do receive is quite extensive and worthwhile.
These benefits are an added bonus to your cruise holiday, which you have earned by cruising with Royal Caribbean.
As a loyal fan of Royal Caribbean, you can enjoy some nice perks as you progress towards the higher tiers.
Overall, Platinum status provides several benefits, including shorter check-in times, early boarding on embarkation day, discounts on merchandise, access to exclusive events, and complimentary delivery of robes to your cabin.
These benefits, although not extravagant, can make your cruise experience more enjoyable.
