Royal Caribbean Group Launches Points Choice: The Future of Cruise Loyalty Flexibility

Royal Caribbean Group continues to revolutionize cruise loyalty benefits with an exciting new announcement. Following the success of their Loyalty Status Match program (launched June 2024), they are introducing Points Choice in early 2026. This will be another game-changing way to earn and apply loyalty points across Silversea, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International.

Quick Recap: Royal Caribbean Group's Status Match program allows members to match their tier status one-for-one across all three brands: Crown & Anchor Society, Captain's Club, and Venetian Society. For complete details, see our comprehensive guide on the Loyalty Status Match program.

Introducing Points Choice: Launching Early 2026

Points Choice represents the next evolution in cruise loyalty, giving you unprecedented control over how you build and grow your status across Royal Caribbean Group brands.

What Is Points Choice?

Your loyalty has always been valuable to Royal Caribbean Group, and Points Choice makes it even more rewarding. This flexible program allows you to earn and apply loyalty points, including Venetian Society Days, across all three brands with the freedom to direct those points to the loyalty program of your choice.

So, when you sail on any Royal Caribbean Group brand, you will earn cruise points or days as usual. With Points Choice, you can decide which loyalty program receives those earned points.

Understanding the Difference: Status Match vs. Points Choice

This is where it gets exciting, and it's important to understand how these two programs work together:

Status Match (Available Now):

• Gives you the perks and benefits of your equivalent tier across all brands
• You enjoy Diamond-level benefits on Silversea if you're Diamond on Royal Caribbean
• Does NOT give you the actual point or day count, think of it as a "guest pass" to that tier's benefits

Points Choice (Coming 2026):

• Lets you choose where new points go when you sail
• Those points build toward your next tier level in whichever program you select
• Allows you to strategically grow status in your preferred loyalty program while sailing any brand

Example: You are a Royal Caribbean Diamond member (matched to Silversea's 250 VS Days tier). You sail a 7-day Celebrity cruise and earn 7 cruise points. With Points Choice, you can direct those 7 points to:

• Your Venetian Society account to work toward the 350 VS Days tier
• Your Crown & Anchor Society account to progress toward Diamond Plus
• Your Captain's Club account to build status there

Why Points Choice Is a Game-Changer

Sail Anywhere, Build Status Anywhere

With Points Choice, you can sail on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity while continuing to build your Venetian Society status. This means accessing Silversea's ultra-luxury and expedition offerings becomes more attainable as you accumulate VS Days through any Royal Caribbean Group sailing.

Your Loyalty, Your Way

Love variety? Sail with different brands based on itinerary, ship type, or experience, while strategically directing all points to the loyalty program of your choice. Want to reach Silversea's 500 VS Days for exclusive Reunion Voyages? Every Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise can help you get there.

Grow Your Status Faster

By earning rewards across the entire Royal Caribbean Group fleet, you can accelerate your path to higher-tier levels and unlock premium benefits sooner. With access to over 50 ships and nearly 1,000 destinations, you'll have countless opportunities to earn points toward your goal.

How to Maximize Points Choice

Our Cruise Experts at The Cruise Web will be ready to help you understand Points Choice and how it works across all three brands. Contact us at 1-800-377-9383 and we'll help you make the most of your loyalty benefits.

Strategic Approaches to Consider

Focus on Ultra-Luxury Access

If your goal is to experience Silversea's all-suite accommodations, butler service, included shore excursions, and expedition cruising, direct all earned points to Venetian Society regardless of which brand you sail.

Diversify Your Portfolio

Split points strategically based on your sailing patterns. For example, if you sail Royal Caribbean for family vacations but want to build Silversea status for couples' trips, direct those Royal Caribbean points to Venetian Society.

Milestone Planning

Work with our advisors to calculate how many sailings you need across all brands to reach specific milestone benefits in your target loyalty program.

Why This Matters for Your Cruise Experience

Points Choice, combined with Status Match, creates unprecedented opportunities:

Access Silversea's Ultra-Luxury Offerings

• All-suite accommodations with ocean views and butler service
• Complimentary premium beverages throughout the ship
• Shore excursions included in most sailings
• Expedition cruising to Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, and remote Arctic regions
• Intimate ship sizes (100-600 guests) with personalized service
• Destination immersion with longer port stays and overnight visits

Build Status Your Way

• No longer limited to sailing one brand to grow loyalty
• Maximize earning potential across 50+ ships
• Reach higher tiers faster through strategic point allocation
• Enjoy flexibility while maintaining focus on your preferred program

Enhanced Value

• 5-10% Venetian Society member savings on ultra-luxury fares
• Access to exclusive Venetian Society Reunion Voyages
• Priority services, complimentary amenities, and recognition across all brands

What We Know About Points Choice So Far

Royal Caribbean Group will release more details in the coming weeks, including:

• Official launch date in early 2026
• Complete program guidelines and terms
• How points and days will transfer across loyalty programs
• Whether there are conversion rates between different point systems
• Enrollment process and how to designate your preferred program

Important: Stay tuned for updates, and let our Cruise Experts at The Cruise Web keep you informed. We will notify you as soon as enrollment opens and help you understand exactly how to take advantage of this new benefit. Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page, email, or call us at 1-800-377-9383 to be among the first to know.