Royal Caribbean adds new restrictions on free cruises from the casino

Looking to earn a free cruise by gambling? Royal Caribbean just made an important policy change.

Royal Caribbean passengers can earn free cruises with enough plays in the casino, but there’s been a change to ensure the free cruises given out are actually taken.

Those that gamble a lot on Royal Caribbean cruise ships can qualify for free cruises and other incentives within the Club Royale rewards program.

You earn points every time you play and eventually gain rewards based on your status in the program.

One of the best benefits offered is a free annual 7-night cruise for members of the program who have received at least 2,500 points.

Their stateroom category depends on their level in the loyalty program: Prime members earn an interior room, Signature members can stay in a balcony cabin, and Masters get access to a suite.

Although this is a great benefit for passengers, Royal Caribbean wants to prevent people from not showing up for their free cruise.

“No-shows” happen too late for the cruise line to place a paying customer in the cabin, wasting the price of the cruise.

Cruisers booking their complimentary sailing will now pay a deposit

To prevent this loss of income, Royal Caribbean is implementing a new policy for Club Royale members.

In the future, each passenger booking their free annual cruise must pay a $200 deposit.

Casino winners who’ve been no-shows on past free cruises received an email on August 22nd, 2024, informing them of this change.

The email reads: “We’re reaching out to let you know that in the past 12 months, you have canceled within two days of sailing or not shown up at the pier for your Casino Reservation(s).”

The email goes on to explain that the policy will become effective on September 5th, 2024.

“Under our new Casino Royale Cruise No-Show & Cancellation Policy, effective September 5, 2024, you will be assessed a $200 USD deposit on all active Casino Reservations, sailing on or after September 5, 2024.”

If a Club Royale member does show up to their cruise, the deposit will be converted into a $200 onboard credit.

And if plans change, and they do need to cancel the cruise, the deposit will be refunded as long as they cancel with at least seven day’s notice.

If the cruise cancels within seven days before the sailing or does not show up at the pier, they forfeit the deposit.

What benefits are included in the Club Royale program?

The exact number of points earned from each play varies depending on how much you’ve gambled, the game, and wins and losses.

As soon as you enter the Club Royale program, you’ll be placed in the Choice tier. Rewards for this status include:

Point Redemption towards onboard expense account credit or as FreePlay in the Casino
Instant Cruise Rewards Certificates
$200 credit at Regalia Fine Jewelry and Effy Boutique
Exclusive Casino Offers
Access to Club Royale VIP Events

Members who’ve earned 2,500 points climb to the Prime tier, earning:

Point Redemption towards onboard expense account credit or as FreePlay in the Casino
Instant Cruise Rewards Certificates
$250 credit at Regalia Fine Jewelry and Effy Boutique
10% Vitality Spa Discount
Waived Convenience Fee for Cashless Wagering on SeaPass card
Complimentary Drinks in Casino Royale
Discount on VOOM Surf & Stream Internet Wi-Fi Packages
Exclusive Casino Offers
Access to Club Royale VIP Events
Tier Priority Contact Number
Exclusive Rates for Family and Friends for Additional Staterooms
Special Offers with Partnership Casinos
Interior stateroom on the Annual Complimentary Cruise

After earning 25,00 points, you’ll climb to the Signature level of the reward program, earning additional benefits. These include:

Point Redemption towards onboard expense account credit or as FreePlay in the Casino
Instant Cruise Rewards Certificates
$350 credit at Regalia Fine Jewelry and Effy Boutique
15% Vitality Spa Discount
Waived Convenience Fee for Cashless Wagering on SeaPass card
Complimentary Drinks in Casino Royale
Free VOOM Surf & Stream Internet Wi-Fi Package for 1 device
Exclusive Casino Offers
Access to Club Royale VIP Events
Tier Priority Contact Number
Exclusive Rates for Family and Friends for Additional Staterooms
Special Offers with Partnership Casinos
Balcony stateroom on the Annual Complimentary Cruise

Finally, guests who have 100,000+ points in the program reach the Masters tier. They receive the highest amount of perks from the program, such as:

Point Redemption towards onboard expense account credit or as FreePlay in the Casino
Instant Cruise Rewards Certificates
$550 credit at Regalia Fine Jewelry and Effy Boutique
20% Vitality Spa Discount
Waived Convenience Fee for Cashless Wagering on SeaPass card
Complimentary Drinks in Casino Royale
Free VOOM Surf & Stream Internet Wi-Fi Package for 2 devices
Priority Entertainment Access and Dining Reservations
Onboard Credit
Priority access at the terminal
Carry-on bag onboard drop off with priority delivery to stateroom
Welcome lunch in Main Dining Room featuring Chops Grille menu
Coastal Kitchen Access
Flexible departure with à la carte breakfast
Exclusive Casino Offers
Access to Club Royale VIP Events
Tier Priority Contact Number
Exclusive Rates for Family and Friends for Additional Staterooms
Special Offers with Partnership Casinos
Grand Suite stateroom on the Annual Complimentary Cruise