How Playing at Royal Caribbean’s Casino Could Land You a Free Cruise

I know what you’re thinking: can you really get a free cruise just by playing in a casino? It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But honestly, it’s absolutely possible.

That said, I’m definitely not trying to get you to gamble – it’s risky, and you should only play responsibly. This isn’t financial advice, but just a look at the cool perks of Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale® program, and how it might work for you if you’re already a cruiser who enjoys a little casino fun.

Club Royale Basics: What You Need to Know

Club Royale is Royal Caribbean’s casino rewards program. Basically, you earn points by playing at the 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 Club Royale program but never thought much of it until I realized 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

Club Royale works a lot like airline or hotel loyalty programs—kind of different from Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society. The points reset once a year, with the program year running from April 1 to March 31. So if you hit Prime status on May 30, 2026, you’ll have those awesome Prime benefits all the way through March 31, 2027.

Now, points are based on how much you gamble, but the math isn’t always the same. With slots, you get one point for every $5 you put in. Video poker? That’s one point per $10. Table games are trickier because casino staff have to track your points manually—they look at how many hands you played, how long you stayed, and how much you wagered.

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.

Related reading: Royal Caribbean Crew Member Exposes How People Are Getting Free Cruises in the Casino

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
• Complimentary VOOM® Surf & Stream internet on one device (plus discounts if you want more devices or an upgrade)
• 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, Club 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 personally? The biggest perk beyond the free cruise is the free drinks in the casino. When I stack that with my Crown & Anchor Society drink vouchers, I don’t need to buy a drink package at all. But here’s the thing—you really do have 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 Club 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 realized 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 strategize 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

Club 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 travelers 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 Club 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. 

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