Royal Caribbean updates: Upgraded benefits for top tier members, free internet in Alaska, Beach Club update & more

Royal Caribbean has announced some exciting changes and updates this week.

From a free WiFi initiative to environmental monitoring at Paradise Beach Club, we have a look at everything you need to know.

Updated Pinnacle specialty dining benefits

An email sent out to Pinnacle members this week announced an update to the top tier specialty dining benefits.

Members of the Crown and Anchor loyalty program who’ve reached the highest level—the Pinnacle—are rewarded with a $25 specialty dining coupon on sailings 5 nights and longer.

These cruisers can use the coupon at any specialty dining venue during 5+ night sailings on Oasis and Quantum Class ships.

Previously, the new Icon Class wasn’t included in the cruise line’s marketing materials, and some guests were told Icon of the Seas wasn’t included in the discount.

Effective from August 30th, 2024, and onward, the Icon Class is now included in the specialty voucher.

Royal Caribbean has also added more specialty restaurants to the stipend.

The voucher is valid at the following specialty venues:

150 Central Park
Empire Supper Club
Chef’s Table
Celebration Table
Royal Railway
Hooked Seafood
Giovanni’s Table
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
Jamie’s Italian
Chops Grille
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
Izumi in the Park
Izumi Omakase
Teppanyaki
Samba Grill
Sabor
The Mason Jar
Wonderland
Wonderland by Da Dong
Playmakers
Fish and Ships
Hot Pot
Johnny Rockets
Noodle Shop
Sichuan Red
Pier 7
Portside BBQ

Free internet in Alaska

Royal Caribbean Group is partnering with Goldbest, an Alaskan Native corporation based in Juneau, to bring free WiFi to the area.

The cruise line was the first in the industry to start using Starlink, the world’s first and largest low-orbit satellites.

“Royal Caribbean Group greatly values its longstanding partnership with the City and Borough of Juneau. We are constantly striving to find innovative solutions to support our communities and enhance the travel experience for residents and cruise guests alike,” said Preston Carnahan, Associate Vice President, West Coast Destination Royal Caribbean Group.

“Our new pilot program aims to alleviate internet congestion and provide additional bandwidth for locals while providing internet connectivity for our guests from ship to shore.”

The high-speed Internet will help the residents of Juneau while also enhancing the experience of vacationers and cruisers visiting the region.

Starlink installation will begin this week.

Environmental development at Royal Beach Club

Royal Caribbean announced it will be working with Bahamian-owned and based SEV Consulting Group, an environmental consulting firm.

The cruise line is committed to providing local, independent environmental monitoring for its new private beach club, Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas.

The 17-acre beachfront club is set to open in late 2025 and will meet Royal Caribbean’s environmental commitments, Bahamanian law, and international standards.

Royal Caribbean’s new private beach club will come at an extra cost for passengers, providing a day pass to experience pools, food, games, and private cabanas.

Partnering with a global loyalty currency

Royal Caribbean also announced that it will be partnering with IAG Loyalty, a currency that provides loyalty rewards across flights, travel, leisure, shopping, and financial services.

Cruisers who book with Royal Caribbean through the U.K., Spain, and Ireland websites will gain 3 Avios per $1 or Euro spent.

They can then redeem or join loyalty programs with British Airways ExecutiveClub, Aer Lingus AerClub, Iberia Plus, and Vueling Club.

Gerard Nolan, vice president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Royal Caribbean International said: “This partnership is introducing yet more ways holidaymakers can add phenomenal value to their holiday.”

“Between enjoying the variety of dining experiences, show-stopping entertainment and the stunning destinations we visit around the world, now travelers can also earn Avios – and save – while making memories.”

Royal Caribbean boosting tourism in Vanuatu

South Pacific Nation Vanuatu and Royal Caribbean Group have formalized an agreement to boost cruise tourism in the area.

The agreement allows Royal Caribbean to share research with the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO), a significant step in developing tourism and economic growth for Vanuatu.

Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director for Royal Caribbean International AUNZ, said: “We are delighted to support Vanuatu’s economic growth through cruise tourism. We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Vanuatu Government and are excited to deepen our collaboration with the Vanuatu Tourism Office.”