Does Royal Caribbean match status from other cruise lines?

No Royal Welcome Aboard: Royal Caribbean’s Loyalty Program Stays In-House

If you’re a seasoned cruiser with a stack of loyalty cards from other cruise lines, hoping to waltz onto a Royal Caribbean ship with equivalent perks, prepare for a gentle letdown. Royal Caribbean, while boasting a robust loyalty program of its own, doesn’t currently recognize status earned with competitors. This means that unlike some hotel chains or airlines, your hard-earned platinum status with another cruise line won’t translate into any immediate benefits with Royal Caribbean.

Their “status matching” initiative is, in fact, more of a brand consolidation program. It focuses exclusively on aligning benefits across its own family of cruise lines: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and the ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises. If you’ve earned status within this trio, you’re in luck. Your perks and privileges will likely carry over seamlessly between these brands. However, benefits accrued through loyalty programs with other cruise lines, regardless of how prestigious, aren’t transferable to the Royal Caribbean ecosystem.

So, what does this mean for loyal cruisers considering a Royal Caribbean voyage? Simply put, you’ll begin your journey with them at the base level of their Crown & Anchor Society, regardless of your status elsewhere. This means starting from scratch to earn points and climb the loyalty ladder. While this might seem disappointing for those used to preferential treatment, it also presents an opportunity. Each cruise with Royal Caribbean becomes a step towards unlocking their own set of rewards, ranging from exclusive onboard discounts to priority boarding and even free cruises.

While the lack of reciprocal recognition might deter some cruisers initially, Royal Caribbean’s decision to keep its loyalty program in-house likely stems from a desire to foster loyalty directly to their brands and reward those who consistently choose to sail with them. It also ensures the perceived value and exclusivity of their Crown & Anchor Society benefits are maintained.

For those considering a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s best to approach their loyalty program with a fresh perspective. While past loyalty with other lines won’t give you a head start, every voyage with Royal Caribbean is a step towards earning valuable rewards within their own system.