I know what you’re thinking: can you really get a free cruise just by gambling in a casino? It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But the reality is, it’s absolutely possible.
That said, I’m by no means advocating gambling – it’s risky, and you should only gamble responsibly. This isn’t financial advice, but an exploration of the perks of Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale program, and how it might work for you if you’re already a cruiser who enjoys a flutter.
Casino Royale Basics: What You Need to Know
Casino Royale is Royal Caribbean’s casino loyalty program, based on earning points through gambling at slot machines or table games. The program has four tiers: Choice, Prime, Signature, and Master.
Choice is the entry-level tier, and Prime is where things get really interesting with perks like free drinks in the casino and a free annual cruise.
My husband and I aren’t big gamblers. On most cruises, we’d spend around $100 a night in the casino just for fun and to pass the time. For years, I knew about the Casino Royale program but never thought much of it until I realised how attainable its first tier was.
After a few cruises and some planning, I earned enough points to reach the Prime tier, unlocking some amazing benefits – including a free cruise, unlimited drinks in the casino, and more.
How It Works
Casino Royale operates more like airline or hotel loyalty programs than Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society. Points are re-evaluated annually, with the program year running from April 1 to March 31. For example, if you reached Prime status on August 30, 2024, you’ll enjoy Prime benefits until March 31, 2026.
Points are earned based on how much you gamble, but the exact formula varies. For slots, you earn one point for every $5 spent, while video poker awards one point for every $10. Table games are harder to quantify, as points are tracked manually by casino staff based on hands played, time spent, and wagers placed.
It’s worth noting that while free cruises cover two passengers in an inside cabin, you’ll still need to pay taxes, fees, and port expenses. Additionally, blackout dates and new ship exclusions may apply, so flexibility is key.
Benefits of Reaching Prime Tier
Hitting Prime tier unlocks a variety of perks, including:
- A free seven-night cruise (inside cabin)
- Unlimited drinks in the casino while it’s open
- Discounts on Internet packages
- Waived cash advance fees in the casino
If you spend enough during a single cruise, you may also qualify for immediate benefits like free play or discounted cruises. For example, earning 2,500 points in one sailing can get you a free inside cabin cruise and $150 in free play. Accumulating more points leads to greater rewards, such as free balcony cabins and higher onboard credits.
Does It Really Work?
Matt from the Royal Caribbean Blog shared his experience of reaching Prime status for the first time on Wonder of the Seas in December 2022. This entitled him to benefits for the 2023-2024 program year, including his first free cruise certificate, which arrived in April 2023.
Additionally, Casino Royale offered discounts on future bookings and exclusive deals, such as 15% off MGM Rewards hotels in Las Vegas. You can watch a detailed breakdown of this process and more below.
For me, the most valuable benefit beyond the free cruise is the complimentary drinks in the casino, which, when combined with my Crown & Anchor Society drink vouchers, eliminates the need for a drink package. However, it’s important to gamble responsibly.
The “freebies” come at a cost, and it’s easy to get carried away chasing points. Always set limits and gamble only what you can afford to lose.
Real-Life Stories From Casino Royale
One of the most notable aspects of the Casino Royale program is hearing success stories from fellow cruisers. For instance, one passenger on Harmony of the Seas spent $800 in the casino and received a free cruise ticket delivered to their cabin on the last day. Two weeks later, they received an email for another free cruise, proving how quickly the rewards can stack up.
Another cruiser shared how they initially had no idea about the benefits of the program. After playing slots casually during their trip, they realised they were close to qualifying for a free interior room. A quick chat with the casino host on the last night of their cruise helped them reach the required points, and they ended up with two free cruises booked for the year!
For those who enjoy gambling as a couple, there’s an added advantage. Some couples strategise by earning instant cruise certificates separately and then combining them to book two cabins. This approach allows them to bring friends or family members along for the journey.
Final Thoughts
Casino Royale is a program that offers notable perks for frequent cruisers who enjoy gambling. However, it’s not for everyone, and gambling comes with inherent risks.
Families, in particular, may find the program’s benefits less appealing due to blackout dates and additional costs for extra passengers. For solo travellers or couples who cruise often and gamble within their limits, the perks can significantly enhance the cruise experience.
It’s also crucial to approach gambling responsibly, as it can lead to financial difficulties or addiction.
If you’ve tried Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale program, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you earned free cruises or other benefits? What tips do you have for newcomers looking to make the most of the program? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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Related Reading
- Royal Caribbean Ships Ranked Best To Worst (Rated By Reviews)
- The 2024 Insider’s Guide to Royal Caribbean Drink Prices
- How Do Royal Caribbean Ships Stack Up? Exploring Size and Age
Thanks for reading!
I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.
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how many points does it take to get to Choice