Reaching Royal Caribbean’s Diamond Plus tier is no small feat. It means you’ve put in the days, earned the Cruise Points, and become one of the line’s most loyal guests.
Naturally, you expect a few perks in return—and Diamond Plus does come with plenty of them. From priority access and discounts to exclusive events and recognition touches, there’s a lot to enjoy once you reach this level.
Diamond Plus is Royal Caribbean’s second-highest loyalty tier, sitting just below the exclusive Pinnacle Club. To qualify, you’ll need at least 175 Cruise Points, which translates to roughly 88–175 nights at sea, depending on the type of stateroom you book.
In this guide, we’re breaking it all down: 25 Diamond Plus perks Royal Caribbean gets right, and 7 that don’t quite deliver. Whether you’re climbing the loyalty ladder or already sailing as a Diamond Plus cruiser, this list will help you know what to look forward to—and what to take with a grain of salt.
25 Diamond Plus Perks Royal Gets Right
Let’s dive into 25 Diamond Plus perks that actually make your loyalty feel worth it.
1. Daily Complimentary Drinks with Added Wine Perks
One of the most popular Diamond Plus perks is the set of five daily drink vouchers, each good for any beverage up to $14 in value ($13 on Singapore sailings, $15 on UK and Australia sailings). These vouchers can be used at nearly any bar or lounge onboard, whether you’re craving a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a specialty coffee.
You can even score 40% off wine bottles under $100 and 20% off pricier ones. Vouchers reset daily at 5:00 am and are valid for 24 hours, so you can space out drinks all day (and night). Just note: each voucher only covers drinks under $14, and you can’t stack them or use them at venues like Starbucks, Bionic Bar, or Desserted.
For youth Diamond Plus members or those who prefer non-alcoholic options, Royal Caribbean also offers five complimentary non-alcoholic drinks per day, following the same value limits and time restrictions. This makes it easy for younger travelers to enjoy mocktails, sodas, smoothies, and more.
Keep in mind that as per Royal’s beverage policy, any alcoholic drinks will be opened by the bar staff upon serving — so you won’t be able to take bottles back to your cabin unopened, but you can still enjoy your drinks just about anywhere on the ship.
2. Specialty Dining Deal: Second Guest Eats Free
Diamond Plus members get a tempting perk early in their sailing: if you book a specialty restaurant dinner on Night 1 or Night 2, the second guest dines free. It’s a nice way to kick off your cruise with a more elevated dining experience without paying double.
The offer applies to most of Royal Caribbean’s specialty venues, except for Chef’s Table, Hooked Seafood, Izumi Hibachi, Johnny Rockets, and Playmakers. Just be sure to make your reservation early, as this deal is only valid for dinner on those first two nights.
3. Stay Connected with Free Wi-Fi Days
Diamond Plus members receive two free days of SURF+STREAM internet, giving you solid high-speed access to browse, stream, or video chat from anywhere onboard. The benefit applies to one device only and must be used in either one or two consecutive 24-hour periods—so plan wisely.
Also, it can’t be combined with other coupons or discounted packages, and if you decide to purchase a different internet plan, the free days won’t be refunded or applied retroactively. Youth members also get in on the deal, receiving the same internet benefit as their parents.
4. Extra Loyalty & Status Benefits
Diamond Plus members get a few extra loyalty perks that reward frequent cruising in meaningful ways. One sentimental touch is milestone recognition: at 140 cruise points, you’ll receive a Crystal Block engraved with the ship name and sailing date as a tangible “thank you.”
Royal also lets you fast-track your status with double cruise points per night when you sail in a suite or pay a single supplement for solo travel. It’s a quick way to climb tiers, especially if you book suites or cruise solo often.
On the savings side, Diamond Plus members can unlock exclusive rates on select sailings, plus automatic discounts on Balcony and Suite staterooms. These offers apply across a variety of ships and sail dates, and the discounts increase when you book early—specifically six months or more in advance.
The deals aren’t stackable with most promos, but they can be combined with the onboard booking bonus. As long as you include your Crown & Anchor number at the time of booking, you’ll see the savings reflected before final payment. It’s a nice way to keep loyal cruisers sailing in style for less.
5. More Sips for Less
Diamond Plus members get a few extra beverage perks sprinkled throughout their sailing. You’ll get two coupons per cruise that offer 50% off a single glass of wine, beer, or soda, which is a nice way to save a little on your first couple of rounds.
On top of that, you’re also eligible for a 25% discount on a single drink — perfect if you’re just grabbing something casual at the bar and don’t need a full drink package. These savings aren’t huge on their own, but together they make a real difference in your cruise experience.
For those who do want to go all-in, Diamond Plus members receive 30% off the Deluxe Beverage Package when purchased onboard. It’s a solid discount if you drink consistently throughout the cruise, but for light or casual drinkers, the free daily vouchers and individual discounts are probably enough.
Curious why so many cruisers are ditching Royal Caribbean’s drink package? Here’s why.
6. VIP Seating at the Shows
Diamond Plus members enjoy priority access to some of Royal Caribbean’s most popular entertainment, including main theater productions, dazzling ice shows, and AquaTheater spectaculars. This perk is only available on select ships and is subject to availability.
You’ll be able to access early seating up to 45 minutes before showtime, giving you a better shot at snagging a prime spot without the rush. Just make sure to reserve your show times in advance through the Royal Caribbean app or the Pre-Cruise Planner.
7. Keep Your Clothes Clean—For Less
Diamond Plus members get a few handy laundry perks that make it easier to stay fresh throughout the cruise. On sailings of five nights or longer, you’ll receive one free wash-and-fold laundry bag (normally valued at $34.99), which is perfect for tossing in a batch of worn clothes without worrying about the bill.
You’ll save $10 on a second laundry bag if needed, and get $5 off any dry-cleaning or pressing service over $25. While pressing isn’t included in the complimentary bag, the discounts can still help take the sting out of mid-cruise laundry chores.
8. Better Pricing for Solo Travelers
Normally, solo cruisers pay the full double occupancy rate (100% x 2 = 200%). Diamond Plus members with 340+ points receive a discount, paying just 150%—and even as low as 125% on some longer cruises.
That said, there are a few restrictions—holiday cruises, Ocean Voyage Packages, and peak summer sailings (June 15–August 15) are excluded, and the offer is subject to availability. Still, for eligible cruises, it’s a strong incentive for solo travelers who have invested in their Crown & Anchor loyalty.
9. Spa Discounts You Might Actually Use
Diamond Plus members get 20% off regular-priced spa and salon services, making massages, facials, or haircuts a bit more affordable. The discount excludes Medi-Spa and already discounted treatments but covers a wide range of classic pampering options.
On top of that, if you schedule a signature service while the ship is in port, you’ll receive a complimentary add-on treatment, with options including a Frangipani Scalp Massage, Relaxing Hand Massage, or Sole Delight Foot Massage. It’s a nice little bonus that can turn a standard spa visit into a more luxurious experience without spending extra.
10. Exclusive Lounges and Loyalty Support
Diamond Plus members can enjoy access to the Crown Lounge, a quiet and exclusive space reserved for Royal’s most loyal cruisers. It’s a relaxing spot to unwind throughout the day with light refreshments, coffee, and snacks.
During the evening happy hour, guests can expect a rotating selection of complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wines, beer, and select cocktails. The lounge is also a great place to connect with other seasoned cruisers or simply escape the busy public areas of the ship for some peace and quiet.
In addition to the onboard lounge, Diamond Plus members are also offered access to a private departure lounge on disembarkation day. Plus, if you ever have questions about your cruise history or need help with benefits, the dedicated Crown & Anchor Loyalty Desk is available to assist with all your membership needs.
11. Get to the Front of the Line for Excursions and Spa
Diamond Plus members enjoy priority waitlist access for both Shore Excursions and Vitality Spa services, which can be a big perk when popular experiences fill up quickly.
If your desired excursion or spa treatment is fully booked, this priority waitlist gives you a better shot at snagging a spot if someone cancels or more space opens up—bringing you closer to that must-do snorkeling trip or coveted sea day massage without the usual scramble.
12. VIP Support from Royal’s Booking Team
Diamond Plus members receive exclusive access to Royal Caribbean’s dedicated call center team, making it easier to get personalized help with bookings, upgrades, and loyalty-related questions. It’s a nice perk when you want faster, more informed support without the typical wait times.
13. Capture the Moment (For Less)
Diamond Plus members receive a free digital or printed photo to remember their cruise by—a great way to capture a memorable moment onboard. Even if kids under 21 are staying in a different stateroom, they can be included in the photo, making it perfect for family shots.
Note that this benefit excludes photos from Picture This Portrait Studio, group shots, and special occasion photography, and doesn’t include reprints or edits. You’ll also get 30% off one photo, package, or photobook—valid for a single transaction and not combinable with other offers—making it easier to save on cruise memories.
14. Sweet Deals on Treats
Diamond Plus members can satisfy their sweet tooth with 50% off a single Johnny Rockets milkshake, with two coupons per sailing on select ships. And for younger cruisers, there’s an extra treat: 50% off one scoop of ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor, making it a fun and budget-friendly indulgence for the whole family.
15. Casino FreePlay and Bingo Bonuses
Diamond Plus members get a little extra fun built into their sailing with $6 in Casino Royale FreePlay, which can be used on select slot machines during the cruise. While it can’t be applied to table games or cashed out directly, any winnings earned from the FreePlay are yours to keep.
You’ll also score a free Jackpot card (6 cards) when you purchase a bingo package—just note it doesn’t apply during special sessions like “Win a Cruise,” “Win a Suite,” or the Final Session. It’s a nice way to add a bit of low-risk excitement to your sea days.
Discover the casino hacks cruisers are using to score free Royal Caribbean cruises.
16. A Coffee Bonus with Dinner
When you dine at a specialty restaurant, Diamond Plus members receive a complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee beverage with their meal. It’s a small but satisfying bonus—perfect for wrapping up dinner with a cappuccino or latte (just not from Starbucks).
17. Extra Onboard Discounts & Fun Perks
Diamond Plus members can enjoy a little extra fun and savings around the ship, starting with a 15% discount on Royal Caribbean logo merchandise when you spend at least $25. Just note that the discount doesn’t apply to fine jewelry, Royal Bling items, or trunk show deals.
For younger cruisers, there’s also a great perk: spend $15 in arcade credits and get $5 off your onboard expense account, or spend $50 and get $25 back. The credit is applied automatically to your SeaPass account at the end of the sailing, making it a fun and easy way for kids to enjoy the arcade with a little built-in bonus.
18. Skip the Wait With Priority Dining Access
Diamond Plus members enjoy priority waitlist access for seating in the Main Dining Room, which can be especially helpful during peak dining hours. If your preferred time isn’t immediately available, this perk gives you a better shot at getting a table sooner.
19. Enjoy a Gift and Cozy Robes in Your Cabin
Diamond Plus members receive a personalized welcome amenity on each cruise. On 3–6 night sailings, all members get one amenity per household. For cruises 7 nights or longer, you’ll receive two amenities with 340–524 points, and three if you have 525 or more.
These gifts must be selected at least 10 days before your cruise by the primary member, and while Royal aims to honor your preferences, items may be substituted if unavailable. Amenities are delivered throughout the sailing rather than all at once, and nothing is shipped post-cruise.
Additionally, Diamond Plus members can request plush robes for use onboard—a small but appreciated comfort for relaxing in your stateroom. Just ask your stateroom attendant or request one through guest services once you’re onboard.
20. Enjoy Higher-End Bathroom Products
Diamond Plus members with 340 or more Cruise Points are treated to an extra touch of comfort with upgraded SALT+BREEZE bathroom amenities waiting in their stateroom upon arrival. It’s a small touch, but one that loyal cruisers notice every time they step in the bathroom.
21. Two Movies for the Price of One
Youth Diamond Plus members can enjoy a cozy night in with a fun little bonus: buy one Hollywood pay-per-view movie in your stateroom and get a second one free. This perk is available only on ships that offer pay-per-view rentals, making it a great way to double up on entertainment without doubling the cost.
22. A Look Behind the Curtain
Diamond Plus members on cruises of five nights or more are invited to an exclusive backstage tour of Royal Caribbean’s entertainment venues. This special experience typically includes a walk through the main theater and backstage areas that are normally off-limits to guests.
Many past cruisers have shared that the tour often features a Q&A session with dancers or cast members, making it a fun and insightful perk for anyone curious about the magic behind the curtain.
23. An Exclusive Dish, Just for You
On cruises of five nights or longer, Diamond Plus members receive a little extra treat known as the Chef’s Choice—a surprise delivered straight to your stateroom.
Past cruisers have reported receiving chocolate-covered strawberries, petits fours, mini desserts like rice krispy treats or small cakes, and even small savory bites like assorted cheeses. It’s a subtle perk that adds a little delight and recognition to your cruise experience.
24. A Private Event for Royal’s Top Guests
On cruises of five nights or longer (or seven nights on Spectrum of the Seas), Diamond Plus members are invited to an Exclusive Top Tier Event. These events typically feature complimentary drinks, light entertainment, and a chance to meet and mingle with senior officers in a relaxed setting.
25. Officer Meet-and-Greet with a Toast
For cruisers with 340 or more points, Royal Caribbean offers an exclusive “Cheers with an Officer” event on sailings of seven nights or longer—a special opportunity to dine with senior crew members in a more intimate setting.
This perk includes a complimentary lunch, accompanied by house red, white, and sparkling wine, as you enjoy relaxed conversation and a toast with the ship’s officers. Just note that if you’d like additional beverages beyond what’s provided, you’ll need to use your daily drink vouchers.
7 Diamond Plus Perks That Just Don’t Deliver
Not every perk is a hit—these are the ones that often leave Diamond Plus cruisers underwhelmed:
1. Priority Seating at Shows — Sometimes
The promise of priority seating at shows sounds like one of the flashier Diamond Plus perks, but in practice, it’s often a mixed bag. While Royal Caribbean advertises early access and reserved seating for Diamond Plus guests at the theater, ice shows, and AquaTheater events, cruisers frequently report inconsistent enforcement.
On some ships, the perk seems to be quietly deprioritized in favor of suite guests. One Diamond Plus cruiser on Allure of the Seas wrote, “D+ were not allowed in the reserved seating and it was strictly enforced. Only gold card (suite) guests were permitted.”
And even when you do access the designated Diamond Plus area, it’s often not the best spot in the house. The reserved rows are usually in the balcony or upper sections, off to the side rather than front-and-center.
Many seasoned cruisers say they’d rather arrive early and choose their own seats than rely on the official Diamond Plus section. Plus, with so many D+ members sailing these days, those reserved areas can fill up quickly—so you’ll still need to get there early to snag a decent spot.
Between the lack of consistency, underwhelming seat locations, and competition within the reserved space, this “priority” perk often ends up feeling more frustrating than VIP.
2. Specialty Dining BOGO: Great in Theory, Tricky in Practice
The BOGO specialty dining perk—where you buy one dinner at a specialty restaurant on Night 1 or 2 and get the second guest’s cover charge free—sounds like a generous offer at first glance. But in practice, it can be frustrating to redeem.
For starters, the perk excludes a long list of restaurants: Celebration Table, Chef’s Table, Empire Supper Club, Hooked, Izumi: Hibachi/Teppanyaki, Omakase, Izumi in the Park, Johnny Rockets, Playmakers, Portside BBQ, and Royal Railway. If your favorite specialty venue happens to be one of these, the perk won’t apply.
There’s also a limited time window—only Night 1 or 2—which means you’ll need to make a reservation as soon as you board. On ships with just one or two included options, this can be especially limiting, with no flexibility to redeem the offer later in the cruise.
Additionally, the offer is designed around two guests, meaning it doesn’t translate well to a single Diamond Plus member. In theory, solo guests can use the perk across two nights, but this often requires a trip to Guest Services and occasionally a bit of negotiation.
As one cruiser shared, “I had to escalate to management to get them to honor it for a second night—Guest Services didn’t want to apply it at first.” With no consistent policy across ships, this perk creates more hassle than it should, especially for loyal solo cruisers who’ve earned their status.
3. The Solo Discount Isn’t as Generous as It Sounds
The solo cruiser discount offered to Diamond Plus members might sound like a welcome break from the dreaded single supplement—but in reality, it’s filled with fine print. The reduced fare (150% or 125% on certain longer voyages) is only available on a limited number of sailings and comes with plenty of exclusions.
Holiday cruises like Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, and spring break are off the table, as are Ocean Voyage Packages and peak summer sailings from mid-June to mid-August. That means many of the times solo travelers are most likely to cruise simply aren’t eligible, making the perk more limited than it first appears.
4. 30% Off Beverage Package: Rarely Worthwhile
The 30% discount on the Deluxe Beverage Package might seem like a solid perk for Diamond Plus members, but for many, it ends up being more of a pass than a must-have. On paper, saving nearly a third on the unlimited drink package sounds tempting.
But by the time you’ve reached Diamond or Diamond Plus, Royal Caribbean is already loading your SeaPass with complimentary drinks. Diamond Plus members get five free drinks per day (up to $14 each), which, for many cruisers, is more than enough.
Because of that, many longtime cruisers say they’ve stopped buying the beverage package altogether. As one Diamond member put it, “Combined with the drink vouchers, we don’t buy a beverage package anymore – just a coffee card.”
Unless you’re someone who drinks heavily throughout the day, or you’re sailing with a group that needs drink package parity, it’s hard to justify the added cost—even with the discount. So while it’s a technically valuable perk, the reality is that most Diamond Plus guests already have what they need without paying extra.
5. Free Wash & Fold Laundry: Appreciated But Limited
The free wash & fold laundry perk for Diamond Plus members is definitely a welcome touch—especially on cruises of five nights or longer. You get one complimentary bag per sailing (valued at $34.99), which helps cut down on the need to overpack or hand-wash essentials in the sink.
But this service comes with a few caveats. It’s strictly “wash and fold”—no pressing or dry cleaning included. As one member reminded others, “Keep in mind that it is a ‘wash and fold’ service, not proper laundry service with pressing.”
That means your clothes will come back clean, but likely wrinkled. Most cruisers only send casual items like socks, t-shirts, and undergarments—anything else, especially formalwear, may come back looking worse than when it went in.
And while it’s a nice benefit, one bag per person doesn’t go far on long or back-to-back cruises. Some Diamond Plus couples say they combine their bags and still end up paying for extra laundry service later in the trip.
The limitations are especially noticeable when compared to Carnival’s equivalent tier. Carnival’s Diamond-level loyalty members receive unlimited complimentary laundry, including pressing and dry cleaning—a far more flexible and generous approach. For frequent cruisers, it’s hard not to notice how Royal’s perk falls short in comparison.
6. The Amenity Gift Often Disappoints
The Diamond Plus amenity gift is meant to be a thoughtful welcome, but it often leaves cruisers underwhelmed. Many people, especially couples, are surprised to learn that even if both guests in the same stateroom are Diamond Plus, only one gift is delivered per cabin unless you’ve reached a higher points tier.
Another frustration is how the gift is selected. Royal offers a choice of items—like wine, snacks, or branded tote bags—but only if you submit your preference in advance. If you forget to log in or call, they’ll default to whatever’s available onboard, which might not be your first choice.
While the gesture is still appreciated, many cruisers feel that the overall value and presentation of the amenity gift have declined over the years, making it feel more like a token than a true recognition of loyalty.
7. Upgraded Toiletries That Don’t Wow
The upgraded toiletries perk for Diamond Plus members kicks in once you reach 340 cruise points, swapping out the standard combo bottle for individual shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other higher-end products. It’s a small nod to loyalty, but for many cruisers, it barely registers.
Some never even use them—“We are D+. [But] we always use our own toiletries so [we] didn’t use these,” one couple noted after spotting the upgraded white tubes in their bathroom. Others who do try them say they’re a bit nicer, similar to what suite guests receive, but not exactly spa-level quality.
And depending on cabin changes or stock levels, you might not even get the full set. Overall, it’s a polite gesture from Royal Caribbean—but for many longtime cruisers, it feels more like a subtle upgrade than a real reward.
Related articles:
