The Club Royale Tiers, Broken Down: Choice, Prime, Signature & Masters
Once you understand that Club Royale rewards how much you play, the natural next question is: how much play does it take to actually get something good? Royal Caribbean’s casino program has four tiers, and each one unlocks a nicer set of perks — topped by a free annual cruise that gets roomier the higher you climb. Here’s the ladder, broken down.
First, how the tier year works
Your points reset on a tier year that runs April 1 through March 31. Whatever you earn in that window sets your status. One nice feature: once you reach Prime or higher, that status carries into the following year too, so a big year keeps paying off. Remember, points come from actual play with your card in — not from free play or promo credits.
The four tiers
Choice (1–2,499 points)
The entry level. You’re in the club, which means you start receiving exclusive offers and invitations to casino events. It’s where everyone begins.
Prime (2,500–24,999 points)
This is the tier where things get real. Prime unlocks a free annual interior stateroom, plus the day-to-day perks that make casino nights nicer: complimentary drinks while you’re playing, waived casino convenience fees, and an internet discount. For a lot of casual-but-regular players, Prime is the sweet spot.
Signature (25,000–99,999 points)
Signature bumps your free annual cruise up to a balcony stateroom — a big quality-of-life jump, especially somewhere scenic like Alaska. On top of the Prime perks, you’ll typically see extras like free WiFi, a boutique shopping credit, and flexible onboard credit.
Masters (100,000+ points)
The top tier, for serious players. Masters comes with a free annual Grand Suite, access to the suite-class Coastal Kitchen restaurant, a welcome lunch, and onboard credit. This is high-roller territory — worth knowing exists, even if it’s not where most families land.
Turning points into rewards
Beyond the annual cruise, you can convert points directly into casino free play or an onboard expense credit once you’ve banked enough (there’s a minimum). And separately from the tiers, Royal Caribbean keeps sending personalized cruise offers based on your play — so your status tier and your mailer offers work together.
One heads-up that matters more than it used to: in April 2026 the free annual cruise changed from an exclusion list to an inclusion list. Instead of “any qualifying sailing except these,” you now pick from a curated roster — reportedly a few hundred sailings, leaning toward older ships and lower-demand dates. Prime felt that change the most. And remember the certificate has to be booked and sailed by March 31, 2027, so it isn’t something to sit on. Always check the current terms in your Club Royale account before you book.
Play smart, not hard
Chasing a tier is only worth it if the play fits a budget you’ve already set. We treat casino play as entertainment spending, not an investment — the tiers just decide how far that entertainment budget travels. If it ever stops being fun, help is free at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Next, the piece that ties it all together: how Club Royale stacks with Crown & Anchor Society so you’re earning two kinds of rewards on the same cruise. And see where ours have taken us on The Travel Log.
Free download
Was that comped cruise actually free?
Get the one-page worksheet we use after every sailing to find out — with our real Star of the Seas numbers filled in as the worked example.
Check your inbox too — confirm your email so we can send you the monthly issue.
One email a month. Real numbers, no spam, unsubscribe anytime.