Royal Caribbean Overhauls Casino Rewards, Free Cruises Now More Restrictive

Posted on: December 2, 2024, 12:44h. 

Last updated on: December 2, 2024, 01:07h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

One of the most generous casino rewards programs at sea is becoming a bit more limited.

Royal Caribbean casino cruise rewards
Royal Caribbean has adjusted its Club Royale casino rewards program. Sailing forward, most comped cruises will require a discounted companion fare. (Image: Royal Caribbean)

This month, Royal Caribbean quietly overhauled its Club Royale rewards program. Club Royale is the loyalty scheme for Casino Royale casinos aboard the cruise line’s vessels.

According to the Royal Caribbean Blog, a blog headed by Royal Caribbean fanatic Matt Hochberg, the cruise operator recently amended how casino rewards members are afforded free cruises.

Before December, Club Royale participants at the Prime or higher tier levels were given an annual complimentary cruise for two. Now, most of the free cruises are only free for the gambler, with a surcharge for a companion. 

Casino Cruise Program Reworked

Royal Caribbean’s casino rewards cruises were previously complimentary aside from taxes and fees. As of December, the Casino Royale scheme requires the rewards member to pay a “discounted cruise fare” for the second person.

Royal Caribbean requires casino rewards members to pay the discounted companion rate regardless of whether they sail solo when embarking on a comped cruise.

Recipients who sail as a single passenger without a guest in a double occupancy stateroom are responsible for the payment of the cruise fare for the second passengers at the casino discount rate,” the terms and conditions explain.

Royal Caribbean didn’t provide clarity on how much of a discount the companion receives instead of a fully comped voyage.

The good news is that comped cruises for Club Royale members with 3,000 or more tier credits will continue to receive free trips for two. Fewer points are also needed for a free cruise for one and a discounted rate for the second passenger, as comped trips now begin at just 1,500 points instead of 2,500.

Royal Caribbean has seen an uptick in gaming play since the company announced in June 2023 it would convert most of its “Jazz on 4” music lounges into smoke-free gaming parlors.

All 26 of Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships have a Casino Royale. The Allure of the Seas has the largest gaming floor spanning 18K square feet fixed with over 450 slot machines and two dozen live dealer table games.

Smoke-free casinos are available on Allure, as well as Oasis, Harmony, Wonder, and Symphony.  

Amassing Credits 

Casino Royale’s Club Royale is a relatively inexpensive way to receive a free cruise each year, though the package now includes a charge for a second passenger. “Free” cruises for interior rooms and balcony staterooms, the latter based on availability, begin at just 1,500 points.

Club Royale gives members one point for every $5 gambled on a slot machine and $10 on video poker. Earning points on table games is based on the game, average bet, and length of play.

For a guaranteed balcony stateroom, Club Royale members will need 3,000 tier points. A junior suite begins at 9,000 points, and a grand suite at 25K points.

Members of Unity by Hard Rock, the casino rewards program of Hard Rock casinos, can also use their points for free cruises and cruise discounts. The same goes for MGM Rewards members.