What This Means
The key point is that 9,000 is not just a high-value tier on paper. It still has breadth. Caribbean leads the list, but Alaska, Asia, Mediterranean, Australia, and Mexico all remain in play. The tier does not narrow to a single region the way the top end does.
The best cruise is a 7-night Alaska Inside Passage sailing on Serenade of the Seas, booked as a balcony with cruise fare for 2 guests. That matters because it shows the tier can deliver both a strong destination and a better cabin type without jumping all the way to the premium-only bands.
Compared with 6,500, the free play increases by $250 and the sailing count improves. Compared with 15,000, the point cost is much lower while the free play is still substantial. That makes 9,000 the clean midpoint for players who want a meaningful bonus without moving into the more expensive upper tiers.
If the goal is pure cash value, 15,000 and above will always look larger. If the goal is the best tradeoff between points spent, free play received, and usable inventory, 9,000 is the tier to watch.