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Most cruise fans spend decades working toward Royal Caribbean’s highest loyalty level. But one remarkable 5-year-old has just done what usually takes a lifetime.
While sailing aboard the brand-new Star of the Seas, young cruiser Aydin Derakhshan was officially welcomed into the exclusive Pinnacle Club, making him the youngest member in Royal Caribbean history.
A Rare Achievement in the Cruise World
Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society rewards loyal cruisers with points for each night they spend onboard.
As guests accumulate points, they unlock higher loyalty tiers and better perks.
Reaching Pinnacle Club status requires 700 loyalty points, which typically translates to:
- Around 700 nights in standard cabins, or.
- Roughly 350 nights in suites, since suite guests earn double points.
For most cruisers, that means spending years — often decades — sailing with the cruise line.
But Aydin managed to reach 702 points before turning six years old.
Unlike lower loyalty tiers, Pinnacle Club status cannot be inherited from parents. It must be earned individually, meaning Aydin personally sailed enough nights to qualify.
Achieved Pinnacle Status in Just 3 Years
Aydin took his very first cruise in 2022 and quickly became a frequent traveler with his family. In just three years, he accumulated enough cruise nights to reach the top tier.
This accomplishment is even more impressive because Royal Caribbean does not allow infants younger than 6 months to sail.
Despite that early limitation, Aydin still reached Pinnacle faster than anyone ever has.
Based on typical point calculations, he averaged well over 100 cruise nights per year.
Special Recognition Aboard Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean celebrates major loyalty milestones with special onboard ceremonies.
During a Top Tier event on Star of the Seas, Aydin was called on stage and officially recognized as a Pinnacle Club member.
The Atlanta-based youngster shared some of his cruise favorites:
- Favorite ship: Star of the Seas
- Favorite destination: Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island
He has already experienced multiple ships, destinations, and onboard activities that many adults only dream of.
Breaking the Previous Record
Before Aydin’s milestone, the youngest Pinnacle Club member was Ryan Tyson, who reached the status at age 7.
By achieving Pinnacle at just 5 years old, Aydin broke that record by two full years.
Exclusive Perks Aydin Will Enjoy for Life
Pinnacle Club status comes with some of the most valuable benefits in cruising. These perks last for life and apply to every future Royal Caribbean sailing.
Some of the top benefits include:
- Complimentary cruise as a milestone reward.
- Priority boarding and embarkation.
- Six free drinks per day.
- Complimentary internet package on every cruise.
- Access to exclusive venues like the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen.
- Invitations to private onboard events.
- Special Pinnacle Club recognition pin.
- Reciprocal loyalty status with Celebrity Cruises and Silversea.
These benefits make the cruising experience faster, easier, and more luxurious.
A Lifetime of Travel Already Begun
By reaching Pinnacle Club status at such a young age, Aydin has already traveled extensively and experienced destinations around the world.
Frequent travel at an early age exposes children to new cultures, environments, and experiences — something many lifelong cruisers value deeply.
For Royal Caribbean fans, Aydin’s achievement is both impressive and unprecedented.
Welcome to the Pinnacle Club — the youngest member ever.
