Royal Caribbean Just Changed How You Earn Loyalty Points

Royal Caribbean Group is preparing a major change to how cruisers earn loyalty points, and it could make sailing across its brands much more rewarding. The company says this new approach will make it easier than ever for guests to climb the loyalty ladder, no matter which ship they sail on.

The announcement has already caught the attention of frequent cruisers who have long wished their points would carry over between Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. The new system promises to bring that dream one step closer, and it could completely change how guests plan their future voyages.

What Is Points Choice?

Points Choice is the name of Royal Caribbean Group’s upcoming loyalty upgrade that will allow guests to decide where their earned points go. It builds on the company’s existing status match program, which already links Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.

Starting in early 2026, cruisers will be able to earn points on any of these brands and choose which loyalty program those points will apply to. For example, if you sail with Celebrity Cruises, you can choose to have the points added to your Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor account instead of starting from scratch with Celebrity’s Captain’s Club.

The program will not change the benefits of the individual loyalty programs, and existing points will not be transferable between brands. Points Choice will only apply to new cruises departing after the program’s official launch.

How It Changes the Loyalty Game

For years, Royal Caribbean fans who wanted to try Celebrity Cruises or Silversea faced a tough choice. They could explore a new brand, but their hard-earned points stayed behind. Points Choice changes that by letting cruisers decide where their future points go, no matter which Royal Caribbean Group ship they sail on.

This flexibility means you can now experiment with new experiences without losing progress toward your next loyalty tier. A Royal Caribbean regular can sail Celebrity for the first time, enjoy a completely different style of cruising, and still build status in their preferred program.

It’s a big move that brings all three brands closer together, creating one connected ecosystem instead of three separate loyalty silos. For many cruisers, it feels like a long-overdue upgrade that makes trying new ships and itineraries more appealing than ever.

Why Royal Caribbean Is Doing This

Royal Caribbean Group says Points Choice is about making loyalty more rewarding for guests while strengthening ties across its family of brands. During an earnings call, CEO Jason Liberty explained that the program is designed to deepen engagement and build lasting loyalty among frequent cruisers.

From a business perspective, it also makes sense. If cruisers can earn points no matter where they sail, they are more likely to try new ships and destinations within the Royal Caribbean Group rather than booking elsewhere. It’s a strategy that rewards both loyalty and curiosity, driving more value for the company and its guests alike.

Cruisers Are Loving the Change

The reaction from fans was almost instant, and overwhelmingly positive. When news of Points Choice began circulating online, many long-time cruisers celebrated the update as something they had been hoping for for years.

One guest wrote that the change would finally make it worth trying Celebrity Cruises without losing progress in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society. Another commented that this move “keeps loyal cruisers happy, unlike what some other lines have done with their programs.”

Related reading: Carnival Changing Loyalty Status from Nights at Sea to Amount Spent on Cruises and Credit Card

Several fans shared that they might book more often now that their points can work across brands. As one frequent cruiser put it, “This will definitely impact our choices positively. Might even result in us cruising a bit more.” For a loyalty program, that is exactly the reaction Royal Caribbean was hoping for.

What’s Next for the Loyalty Program

Points Choice is set to launch in early 2026, and Royal Caribbean Group says more details will be shared closer to that date. The company is expected to outline how points will be calculated across brands, eligibility rules, and how the new system will work for future bookings.

Royal Caribbean International President Michael Bayley has hinted that this is only the beginning. He has talked about the goal of eventually creating a single loyalty database that connects all Royal Caribbean Group brands under one platform. The long-term plan is to make it simpler for guests to access offers, track progress, and enjoy benefits no matter where they sail.

Until then, the current Status Match program will remain in place, allowing cruisers to match their tier across Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. It’s a sign that the company wants to make the transition as seamless as possible while setting the stage for a more unified loyalty experience in the years ahead.

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