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Most of us know that loyal frequent flyers can receive generous benefits. Loyal cruisers, that is Frequent Floaters, can benefit too.
While the following pertains to Delta Air Lines and Royal Caribbean International, all airlines and cruise lines have similar programs. Depending on one’s status, perks can include free alcohol, discounted/free cruises, discounted specialty dining, preferred seating at entertainment venues, and much more.
While the path to status and benefits on Delta and RCI are similar, there are significant differences.
Delta status must be earned every year. RCI status is for life. Delta status is determined by the number of miles flown (or segments) and annual ticket spend. (loyal Delta flyers living outside the U.S. have no spend requirement.) RCI status is determined by the number of nights sailed in one’s lifetime, regardless of the cost.
On Delta flights, upgrade benefits (but not status) extend to one additional passenger when traveling on the same reservation as the loyal flyer. RCI benefits, as well as status of the loyal cruiser, extend to the spouse and all of his/her minor children but do not extend to anyone else sailing with the loyal cruiser.
The Crown & Anchor Society, RCI’s loyalty program, currently has six tiers. Gold (3-29 points). Platinum ( 30-54 points). Emerald (55-79 points). Diamond (80-174 points). Diamond Plus (175-699). Pinnacle (700 or more). Each cruise night receives one point. Each night booked in a Junior Suite or higher receives two points.
80 points is a major milestone because RCI Diamond members gain access to the exclusive Diamond Lounge morning, noon, and night. Every morning you can help yourself to coffee, espresso, cappuccino, breakfast treats, fruit, and juice. Afternoon choices include light lunch offerings and juice. From 4:00 – 8:00 every evening the Diamond Lounge hosts an evening happy hour with free alcoholic beverages and appetizers. Note: RCI Diamonds cannot bring non-Diamonds into the Diamond lounge.
Joining RCI’s loyalty program is free and it can lead to generous benefits and you will be automatically enrolled after you complete your first sailing with Royal Caribbean International if you are a US resident. You can log in to your RCI account and track how many nights you have earned so far.
Happy Cruising – Freshman
Advertiser Disclosure: Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc., is part of an affiliate sales network and and may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Some links on this page are affiliate or referral links. We may receive a commission or referral bonus for purchases or successful applications made during shopping sessions or signups initiated from clicking those links.
We used to be in the Crown n Anchor Society when our girls were young and we did many cruises with them!