Unfortunately, as will all good programs, negative changes occur.  In this case the RCL Casino Royale has made changes significantly limiting its value for most players.

• An internal summary screen off of a Dancing Drums Slot machine shows an 82 % return to player – significantly below the anticipated 90% return.  (This was form 2024 off of a Dancing Drums Slot Machine.)  If 82% is the return to player then to get “Prime” status at 2,500 points, the expected loss would be $2,200 instead of $1,250.  For Signature at 25,000 points the expected loos would be $22,000.  For Masters at 100,000 points the expected loss is now $88,000!
• Points from video poker have been devalued by 50%.  Now it takes $15 of play to obtain 1 point.  So, to hit prime you would be required to play $37,500 through the video poker machines.  Statistically, this is still a better return than on slots however. Would be very time consuming.
• For the annual tier cruise, you no longer can pick any cruise up to 7 days but are limited to a set of cruises off a list.  As expected, the most valuable cruises on the newest ship are not an option.
• For the cruises you are offered for your play on each cruise, the majority are no longer free cabins  (just pay taxes and fees) but a guaranteed cabin for one and a discounted rate for the second guest.  Generally, including tases and fees, these “free” cruises represent a 35-75 percent discount off the total cruise price.  Not bad…but nit free.
• Drinks are now tracked in the casino and you must present your Seapass card each time you order.  Really not surprising, based on lawsuits based on guests consuming too much alcohol.
• On a positive note, RCL is expanding the size of their casinos and adding non-smoking ones.  Unfortunately, some of these are displacing music venues and the music is not being maintained.  For example on Radiance of the Seas, the “pub” and guitar player was replaced by the non-smoking casino.

I feel it is still a value to play in the casino and obtain the “Prime” level.  However, any further degradation could change my evaluation.