For loyal cruisers climbing the ranks, Emerald is the first tier that truly stands out. It starts at 55 Cruise Points—about 28 to 55 nights at sea, depending on your cabin—and offers a handful of extra perks that show Royal Caribbean is beginning to recognize your commitment.
Since it’s a mid-tier level, expectations are understandably modest—but there are still some genuine highlights. From small discounts to priority access and little recognition touches, Emerald perks can make your cruise experience feel just a bit more rewarding.
That said, not every Emerald perk lives up to the hype. Some feel more like fillers than real benefits, and others don’t stand out much from nearby tiers. In this guide, we’re breaking it down: 14 Emerald perks that shine, and 6 that fall a bit short—so you’ll know what’s worth appreciating and what to keep in perspective.
14 Exclusive Perks for Royal Caribbean Emerald Members
If you’ve made it to Emerald status in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, here are the exclusive perks you can look forward to on your next cruise:
1. Drink Discounts You’ll Actually Use
Emerald members can toast to a little extra value with two handy coupons offering 50% off a glass of wine, beer, or soda—perfect for sipping by the pool or pairing with dinner. There’s also a one-time 10% discount on a drink of your choice, adding a bit more flexibility. While the perks are simple, they’re genuinely useful and easy to enjoy without needing a drink package.
2. Internet That Doesn’t Drain Your Wallet
Staying connected at sea can get pricey, but Emerald members enjoy a helpful 15% discount on internet packages purchased onboard—great for checking in with family, sharing trip photos, or streaming a little entertainment.
While the discount isn’t combinable with other VOOM offers, it still helps bring down the cost of one of the pricier add-ons. Even better, if you’re traveling with kids or teens, they can get a matching SURF+STREAM internet discount, mirroring the parent’s benefit. It’s a practical perk that makes it easier (and more affordable) to stay online when you want to.
3. Perks for Coffee Lovers
If your cruise mornings start with caffeine, Emerald’s coffee perks are a nice little treat. You’ll get two coupons per sailing for 50% off a specialty coffee beverage—perfect for grabbing a latte or cappuccino without the full price sting. Another great benefit is the complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee you’ll receive when dining at a specialty restaurant. It’s a small but thoughtful extra to enjoy after your meal.
Keep in mind that both of these perks are limited to non-Starbucks venues, which may be a bit disappointing if you’re loyal to the brand. Still, they’re a nice little bonus for cruisers who enjoy a warm, barista-style drink without the full price tag.
4. Lounge Access and Invitation-Only Events
Emerald members get a small taste of VIP treatment with access to a private departure lounge—an ideal place to relax before leaving the ship without the crowds. It’s a simple but appreciated perk, especially after a busy final morning onboard.
On longer cruises (5 nights or more, or 7+ on Spectrum of the Seas), Emerald guests are also invited to the Top Tier Event, a gathering that celebrates Crown & Anchor Society members. These events often include light refreshments, a toast from ship officers, and a few words of thanks recognizing your loyalty. It’s a relaxed way to connect with other loyal cruisers and be recognized for your support.
5. Laundry Day Just Got Less Annoying
Nobody loves doing laundry on vacation, but Emerald members get a couple of perks that make it a little easier—and cheaper. You’ll save $5 on any $25 dry-cleaning or pressing service, and on cruises that are five nights or longer, there’s also a $5 discount on the popular $34.99 wash-and-fold laundry bag. The savings aren’t huge, but it makes laundry day feel a bit easier.
6. Spa Savings for Self-Care Days
Emerald members can enjoy 15% off spa and salon services—perfect for treating yourself to a massage, facial, or a little pampering. Just keep in mind it excludes Medi-Spa treatments and can’t be combined with other discounts.
7. Balcony & Suite Bonus Benefits
Emerald members get a little extra bonus when it comes to upgraded accommodations. You’ll earn double cruise points per night when booking a suite or paying the full single supplement in a standard stateroom, which helps you climb the loyalty ladder faster.
There’s also a discount on balcony and suite staterooms, with better savings when you book more than six months in advance. Just note that the discount isn’t combinable with most other promotions and may be reduced if you change your reservation close to sailing, so plan ahead.
Wondering which Royal Caribbean cabins to book—or avoid? Start here.
8. Casino & Arcade Perks for the Fun-Loving
Emerald members get a small but fun boost with $6 in Casino Royale FreePlay, which can be used on select slot machines. It’s not redeemable for table games or cash, but any winnings are yours to keep—just make sure to use it before the casino closes on the last night.
Over in the arcade, there’s a bonus for gamers too: spend $15 in credits and get $5 off your onboard account, or go big with $50 and get $25 back. It’s a lighthearted set of perks that adds a little extra excitement to your sea days, especially if you enjoy a bit of low-stakes fun.
9. Photo Discounts for Memory Makers
For cruisers who love capturing memories, Emerald members enjoy a 25% discount on a single photo, photo package, or photobook. The discount applies to one transaction only, can’t be combined with other onboard offers, and doesn’t cover private studio, group, or wedding photo sessions.
It’s also worth noting that youth members aren’t eligible for this perk, so the savings are reserved for adult guests. Still, for those looking to bring home a framed reminder of their cruise, it’s a nice little bonus.
10. Entertainment Perks That Add a Little Extra Fun
Emerald members get a couple of fun extras thrown in for a little more onboard enjoyment. If your ship has Hollywood pay-per-view movies available, you can rent one and get the second movie free—perfect for a cozy night in your stateroom.
For bingo fans, purchasing a multi-game package also comes with a nice bonus: six free Jackpot cards to boost your chances of winning. Just note that the offer doesn’t apply to special sessions like “Win a Cruise” or the final game. While small, these perks are easy to enjoy and add a little extra value to your sea days.
11. Small Perks to Start Your Cruise Off Right
Sometimes it’s the little things that make you feel appreciated, and Emerald members get a couple of thoughtful extras that do just that. You’ll find two complimentary bottles of water per adult waiting in your stateroom at the start of your cruise.
Plus, you can request plush robes for use during your sailing, adding a cozy, elevated touch to your stay. The perks may be small, but they help set the tone for a more comfortable and relaxing onboard experience.
12. Half-Price Milkshakes at Johnny Rockets
If your ship has a Johnny Rockets onboard, Emerald members can indulge in two classic milkshakes per sailing at half the price. It’s a lighthearted bonus that’s perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
13. Discount on Royal Caribbean Logo Merch
Emerald members can save 10% on Royal Caribbean-branded merchandise when spending $25 or more onboard. While it excludes fine jewelry and special sales, it’s a nice perk for anyone wanting a souvenir to remember the trip.
14. Ice Cream Discount for Young Cruisers
Young Emerald-tier cruisers get a sweet deal with 50% off a scoop of ice cream—served in a cup or cone—at the Ice Cream Parlor on select ships. The offer can be used twice per sailing and is a fun little perk just for kids looking to cool down in style.
6 Emerald Perks That Might Disappoint
While Emerald status does come with some nice touches, a few of the perks might not live up to the expectations loyal cruisers have in mind.
1. Just a Minimal Step Up From Platinum Tier
Moving from Platinum to Emerald in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society takes a meaningful commitment: 25 additional cruise points, which for most travelers means 25 more nights at sea unless booking suites that double your point earnings.
But despite that extra investment, the benefits at Emerald feel only slightly elevated from what Platinum members already receive. For many cruisers, this can be a letdown, especially if they’ve been looking forward to a more noticeable jump in perks or recognition.
The added benefits at Emerald are minimal: two complimentary water bottles in your stateroom, a small $2 bump in Casino FreePlay, and three extra Jackpot bingo cards. Photo discounts also increase slightly—from 20% to 25%—but none of these perks significantly enhance the onboard experience.
Compared to other tier jumps that offer clear upgrades like daily drinks or lounge access, the move from Platinum to Emerald feels more like a small step than a true upgrade. For a tier requiring 55 cruise points, the limited perks make Emerald one of the least distinct levels in the Crown & Anchor Society.
2. Welcome Amenities are Disappointing
One of the small but meaningful touches for loyal cruisers used to be the welcome amenities waiting in their stateroom. Emerald members previously received a more thoughtful package that included sodas, cookies, and bottled water—a nice way to kick off the cruise feeling recognized.
Now, that’s been scaled back to just two bottles of water per person. While it’s still a gesture, the change feels noticeably less personal, and for members who remember the more generous welcome, it can come across as a quiet downgrade rather than a warm thank-you for their loyalty.
3. No Free Drinks, Even on Longer Sailings
For cruisers who enjoy a relaxing drink onboard, the difference between loyalty programs becomes clear. Carnival’s Gold level—which is earned in roughly the same number of cruise days as Royal Caribbean’s Emerald tier—includes a complimentary beverage on cruises of five nights or longer.
In contrast, Royal Caribbean’s Emerald members receive only limited drink discounts, with no free options included. While a discount is nice, the absence of even a single complimentary drink feels like a missed opportunity, especially when other lines are offering more generous perks at the same loyalty level.
4. No Priority Boarding or Debarkation
One area where Royal Caribbean’s Emerald tier noticeably falls short is in priority boarding and debarkation. Many cruisers consider this a valuable perk, especially after a long travel day or during crowded port stops. On other cruise lines, similar loyalty levels include this benefit.
For example, Princess Cruises’ Platinum members enjoy expedited ship-to-shore tender access, making getting off the ship at tender ports much smoother. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Gold members receive both priority tender tickets and expedited disembarkation, giving them a faster, more convenient experience on both ends of their cruise.
For Royal Caribbean loyalists, the absence of this perk at the Emerald level can be a real disappointment. After 55 cruise points—often representing several cruises or weeks at sea—many expect more than the standard experience shared with newer cruisers.
Waiting in long lines to get off the ship or board a tender boat, especially when other lines reward mid-tier loyalty with faster service, can leave Emerald members feeling overlooked. In an otherwise polished program, it’s a perk gap that stands out.
5. Disappointing Balcony & Suite Bonus Benefits
Emerald members receive a discount on balcony and suite staterooms, but the actual value of the perk is unclear. No specific percentage or amount is provided, making it hard for guests to know what kind of savings to expect.
According to the fine print, these discounts can vary based on the ship, sail date, and booking timing—and may be reduced if changes are made close to departure. Combined with the lack of clarity, it’s hard for cruisers to know if they’re getting meaningful savings.
Another benefit tied to this tier offers extra loyalty points, but only if you’re booking a suite or paying full fare as a solo traveler. It doesn’t offer anything to those booking cheaper cabins, which can be disappointing for budget-conscious cruisers.
It’s a benefit that only feels rewarding if you’re already in a premium category. When compared to other tier advancements, such as Diamond, where perks like daily complimentary drinks and exclusive lounge access are introduced, Emerald’s suite-related benefits feel narrow, restricted, and geared toward a limited group of high-spenders.
6. No Savings on Medi-Spa Services
Emerald members receive a 15% discount on spa and salon services, but the value of this perk is limited—especially since it mostly applies to the Vitality Spa & Fitness Center, Royal Caribbean’s main wellness facility.
While the Vitality Spa offers excellent traditional treatments like massages and facials, it excludes Medi-Spa services such as Botox, fillers, or more advanced cosmetic procedures—often the premium options cruisers are most curious about.
To make matters worse, this discount is frequently outshined by daily onboard spa promotions that can offer even better deals. For guests hoping their loyalty status would unlock meaningful savings on high-end relaxation or rejuvenation treatments, this perk often feels like a missed opportunity.
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