As a savvy cruiser, you’re likely no stranger to the perks and benefits that come with reaching the top loyalty tiers on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. But, recent changes to the loyalty program have quietly shaken things up. Specifically, Celebrity Cruises has made a subtle yet significant tweak to its happy hour policy, bringing it more in line with Royal Caribbean’s voucher system. What does this mean for you? You’ll now enjoy complimentary drinks every night of your cruise, not just from day two onwards. But, don’t get too excited just yet – there are still key differences between the two programs, and understanding these nuances can make all the difference in maximizing your loyalty benefits. Here’s what’s changed.
The Current State of Royal Caribbean’s Loyalty Program
For those who frequently sail with Royal Caribbean, you’re likely familiar with the Crown and Anchor Society, the loyalty program that rewards repeat customers with perks and benefits. But did you know that this program is part of a larger network that includes Celebrity Cruise’s Captain’s Club and Silversea’s Venetian Society?
Status Matching Across Brands
Brands under the Royal Caribbean umbrella offer status matching, which means that your loyalty tier on one brand is recognized across all three. This means that if you’ve reached a high tier on Royal Caribbean, you’ll be recognized at the equivalent level on Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, and vice versa. Unfortunately there is no status matching outside of the brands.
Perks and Benefits Variations Between Brands
With each brand offering its own unique set of perks and benefits, there are some notable differences between them. One of the most significant variations is in the beverage benefits offered to higher-tier loyalty program members.
This is particularly evident when comparing Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, which offer similar products. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Diamond members receive four drink vouchers per day, while Diamond Plus members get five, and Pinnacle members receive six. In contrast, Celebrity Cruises offers a limited menu during happy hour at certain bars, but with no drink vouchers.
Royal Caribbean’s Drink Vouchers
For Diamond members, Royal Caribbean offers four drink vouchers daily, while Diamond Plus members receive five, and Pinnacle members get six. These vouchers can be used at any time of day, at any bar onboard, and even at the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay private island.
Celebrity Cruises’ Happy Hour Perks
For Elite and higher Captain’s Club members, Celebrity Cruises offers a nightly all-you-can-drink happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at most bars onboard.
For instance, this happy hour perk has recently been expanded to include every night of the cruise, not just starting from the second night. This change brings Celebrity’s program more in line with Royal Caribbean’s voucher system, which starts on day one and is offered for every day of the cruise. This means you can now enjoy complimentary drinks every night of your cruise, a significant benefit for those who like to unwind with a drink or two. Additionally, Zenith members enjoy complimentary Premium Beverage Packages, making it an even more attractive option for frequent cruisers.
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Celebrity Cruises’ Recent Change to Their Happy Hour Policy
All eyes are on Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program changes, but its sister brand, Celebrity Cruises, has also made a significant update to its Happy Hour policy.
The Quiet Update to Offer Happy Hour Every Night
One of the most notable changes is that Celebrity Cruises has quietly extended its Happy Hour policy to every night of the cruise, instead of excluding the first night. This means that Elite and higher Captain’s Club members can now enjoy complimentary drinks from the Captain’s Club menu daily from 5-7 p.m.
How This Change Aligns with Royal Caribbean’s Policy
Change is in the air, and Celebrity Cruises is following Royal Caribbean’s lead by offering a more flexible beverage benefit. With this update, Celebrity’s Happy Hour policy is now more in line with Royal Caribbean’s voucher system, which offers drinks at any time of day, at any bar onboard.
With this change, you’ll have more freedom to enjoy your drinks whenever you want, rather than being limited to a two-hour window. Additionally, Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor beverages vouchers can be shared with traveling companions, making it a more social and flexible benefit. This change is a win for passengers who value flexibility and convenience. However, some may still prefer the traditional Happy Hour format, where they can mingle with fellow loyalty program members. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each policy to determine which one best fits your cruising style.
Comparing the Two Loyalty Programs
Not surprisingly, the loyalty programs of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have some key differences.
Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society Beverage benefits:
- 4-6 drink vouchers per day, depending on tier Beverage benefits
- Vouchers can be used at any time, at any bar onboard, and even at Perfect Day at CocoCay Happy hour is only available during a 2-hour window
- Vouchers can be shared with traveling companions No sharing of happy hour benefits
With the flexibility to share vouchers, you can spread the love (and the drinks) with your traveling companions. If you don’t drink alcohol, you can gift your vouchers to a friend or family member, as long as you’re both staying in the same room.
Systematically, this sharing feature is a game-changer. You can use your vouchers to treat your friends to a drink or two, or they can use theirs to return the favor. It’s a great way to socialize and make memories with your travel group. Just remember to present your room card for scanning when sharing vouchers. And don’t worry, the vouchers can be used on any beverage under $15, so you can indulge in your favorite cocktails or stick to soft drinks.
Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club Elite:
- Limited menu happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at most bars onboard
Voucher System vs. Traditional Happy Hour
For those who prefer flexibility, Royal Caribbean’s voucher system is a clear winner. You can enjoy your drinks whenever you want, rather than being limited to a 2-hour window. Plus, you can share your vouchers with your travel companions, making it a more social and convenient option.
Celebrity Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean
Happy to have more options, passengers can now choose between the two loyalty programs, each with its unique benefits. While Royal Caribbean’s voucher system offers more flexibility, Celebrity Cruises’ traditional happy hour provides a more social atmosphere. With Royal Caribbean’s voucher system, you have more control over when and where you enjoy your drinks, while Celebrity Cruises’ happy hour offers a more traditional, social experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and what matters most to you.
Ultimately, you’re likely to appreciate the subtle yet significant changes Royal Caribbean has made to its loyalty program, particularly if you’re a frequent cruiser.
The shift towards a more flexible beverage benefit system means you can now enjoy your perks on your own terms, rather than being tied to a specific happy hour window. Remember that these benefits are designed to enhance your overall cruise experience, so take advantage of them and make the most of your time at sea.
A Look Back at Royal Caribbean’s Happy Hour Policy
While navigating the perks of Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, it’s important to understand the evolution of their happy hour policy, which has undergone significant changes over time.
The Pre-Pandemic All-You-Can-Drink Happy Hour
Any seasoned cruiser will remember the good old days when Royal Caribbean hosted nightly happy hours in what is now called its Crown Lounge, exclusively available to Diamond and higher Crown and Anchor members. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., you could indulge in an all-you-can-drink extravaganza.
The Shift to Drink Vouchers for Health and Safety Reasons
For the sake of health and safety, Royal Caribbean made a drastic change to its happy hour policy during the Covid pandemic. The cruise line introduced drink vouchers, redeemable at any time of day, at any bar onboard, and even at the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay private island.
Health concerns were at the forefront of this decision, as Royal Caribbean aimed to avoid overcrowding in the Crown Lounge, which would have posed a significant risk to passengers’ health. By introducing vouchers, the cruise line encouraged social distancing and reduced the likelihood of transmission. Although the pandemic has subsided, Royal Caribbean has chosen to retain the voucher system, offering “more flexibility” to its loyalty program members.
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FAQ
Q: What is the status matching policy among Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea?
A: Members of the Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society, Celebrity Cruise’s Captain’s Club, and Silversea’s Venetian Society enjoy status matching. This means that whichever Royal Caribbean brand you have earned the highest loyalty program level with, you are recognized as the comparable level on the other two brands. You only earn status points on the cruise line you’re actually sailing with, but you are recognized on each brand at the equivalent level to the highest one you have earned.
Q: What are the beverage benefits for higher-tier loyalty program members on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises?
A: On Royal Caribbean, Diamond members receive four drink vouchers per day, Diamond Plus members receive five, and Pinnacle members receive six. These vouchers can be used at any time of day, at any bar onboard, and even at the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay private island. On Celebrity Cruises, Elite and higher Captain’s Club members enjoy a nightly all-you-can-drink happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at most bars onboard.
Q: What is the recent change to Celebrity Cruises’ happy hour policy for top-tier Captain’s Club members?
A: Celebrity Cruises has quietly changed its happy hour policy to offer the nightly all-you-can-drink happy hour every night of the cruise, including the first night. Previously, the happy hour was only available every night except the first night of the cruise. This change puts the Celebrity program more in line with what Royal Caribbean offers, which provides beverage vouchers starting from day one of the cruise.
