The Royal Caribbean Key Program guests each have a special key icon on their SeaPass card, indicating participation in the program. We never found this experience to be very a la carte, since a specific menu was given to us each time. When you get to the port there will be plenty of signs and dedicated lines for the Key. 20% off at all specialty restaurants, when you make the reservation on Day 1 of the sailing. On our last two cruises with Royal Caribbean, we purchased the Key Program. Choice debarkation time with special debarkation breakfast. If your a Key guest that ends up with a later boarding window, we recommend contacting Royal Caribbean to confirm what time Key guests should arrive. If you want to get your vacation started ASAP, this is an amazing perk. You should also know that the Royal Caribbean Key program can ONLY be booked BEFORE your cruise. * Priority access will not be offered in Vancouver, Canada, or at any ports in Australia. You will get an email with instructions, usually anyone with the Key can arrive between 11:00-11:30 no matter what your boarding time is. If youre already planning to buy WiFi, The Key might make sense depending on how many devices you want to activate. On the Cruise Critic boards, people have reported paying between $19.99 to $29.99 and even up to $37 per day for each. One of the perks is lunch but if we go that late, we would miss that. On the day you arrive back at your departure point, Royal Caribbeans Key Program guests can eat an exclusivea la carte breakfast in the main dining room. There is a wide variety of entertainment options to enjoy during your time at sea. Or, you could reach a high level in the companys loyalty program. But, (and this is an important one!) The steepest discounts come closer to sailing IF bookings are soft and they want to fill space. On the final day of the cruise, you will notice folks demonstrating some of the same hectic and hurried behaviors that you saw on day one. Cruisers looking to skip the long lines, especially for tender ports, might get a lot of value out of the package. Access to the fast lane at onboard activities (activities vary by ship)and private time at the Flowrider. Private hours vary by ship and sailing, and the schedule is delivered to your stateroom on embarkation day. Insider tip: Watch online for discount options to reduce the cost of the price per day for this add-on. Ah, I see. Henderson Nv. We are sailing out of Galveston so I wonder if anyone knows how they do it there. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises, Q&A with Avoya Travel: Learn How to Turn Your Passion into Success by Becoming an Independent Travel Advisor. Internet access on Royal Caribbean is not cheap, and if you were already going to buy a wifi package, sometimes the additional cost to get The Key is not much more. We even had an entire Key Program booking canceled and our money refunded to us before sailing with no explanation. Erin103 Not speaking from experience, but according to Royal's website, it gives you "priority access to the terminal within booked arrival time". Rather than queuing for (possibly) hours, you will be taken to an exclusive area reserved for Key Guests, loyalty program members and those who booked suites. The experience is really all over the place. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Rockaway NY,Sonoma County,Ca. Embarkation day is here, and you arrived early at the terminal port, excited to set sail on your cruise vacation. On the other hand, the only time I say its totally okay to arrive super early to port is if you have one of the first check-in times. Heres what The Key is (and why some cruisers like it), Royal Caribbean testing VIP guest access program. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! With that in mind, if WiFi is the main and only reason for interest in this program, it would be more economical to buy one of the singly priced Internet option packages. If you decide that Royal Caribbean The Key is something you would like to add to your next cruise vacation, keep in mind that it is non-refundable. Or, you might have small bags that could be damaged by the porters (have you ever watched them load up those big carts with suitcases?). Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. If Royal Caribbean cancels it for any reason, of course you can expect to get your money back. The VROOM Surf & Stream package and a meal at Chops Grille are the only two benefits that are eligible for purchase individually. Kids in the 6-10 age range (despite how much they use their tablets at home) probably wont be online too much on a cruise. We definitely feel like the other benefits of reserved hours at attractions, reserved seating for shows, and the priority access at the terminal are without a doubt worth the additional $18. Price The cost of The Key can vary from ship to ship, as well as itinerary. From his, Royal Caribbean's VIP guest experience, The Key, offers some perks and benefits not available to other guests onboard. If you are Diamond or higher in Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society and/or a suite guest, some benefits overlap with The Key, further reducing The Key's value. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. EF Tours Review: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. That is a very long time to wait for a show. Also, its best to come early to take advantage of the carry on drop off service. Of course, this benefit lasts just 2 hours on the first day of the cruise, so the value is quite limited. Up to 72-hours before your sail date, you can check-in online or with the Royal Caribbean International app* with the 6 items listed below. Some ports may have The Key folks enter the same place as the suites. Private time at onboard activities tends to be very few (just two times on our Odyssey of the Seas cruise), and at less than ideal times. We were surprised that Royal Caribbean didnt take the time to avoid this confusion by simply updating this letter for their Key guests. What did you think of the perks? All this and more. Crew delivers your bags to your stateroom and leaves them in the roomnot outside your door like regular checked luggage. The menu features limited selections from Chops Grille. If anyone knows, let me know. One of the nicest benefits of the Royal Caribbean Key Program is early access or reserved seating at these shows. The VOOM family plans come with a significant discount if youre purchasing for three or more devices, so it may be cheaper to just buy the WiFi. A 9am Flowrider time and a 4pm rock wall session are both times of the day where competition for these venues is less to begin with. Offerings usually include hot items like steak & eggs, crab Benedict, French toast, pancakes, and eggs made to order. (3:46 p.m. EDT) -- Royal Caribbean is reportedly bringing back one of its most popular pre-cruise purchases: a priority access program known as The Key. For this reason, you should buy it early since they can sell out for any given itinerary. The latter is the only circumstance where you will receive a full refund. The Key on Royal Caribbean is a for-a-fee program offering priority boarding, private hours at onboard activities, preferred theater seating, and more. Lunch on Day 2 for ships sailing from Seward or Vancouver. Or the benefits are simply not as lucrative as it sounds. If you purchased the program on a previous RCI cruise, be sure to carefully read the updated explanations of each perk listed below before you buy it for your next sailing. While at first glance some of these benefits may not seem that great. Key guests still have to make their way to the port terminal and through security just like everyone else. For the FloRider, only about five or six Key Guests were taking advantage of the reserved hours, our son got to experience it over and over again with very little wait time. Insider tip: Be sure that your time slot is early enough to take advantage of our next benefit embarkation day lunch. Pasted as rich text. In order to be a Key Guest, anyone over the age of six in your stateroom must buy this benefits package. You still need to select a boarding time and arrive at that time. An attendant will place a special luggage tag with your stateroom number on it to make sure it gets placed in your room. This Key decal is how the ships crew knows that a guest is part of the program, so its important to have it on your SeaPass card. You will have priority departure from the ship to the shore at tender ports of call. Or is the only benefit: priority embarkation mean you have your own line to enter terminal as opposed to the masses. Private time at some of our onboard activities such as rock climbing, FlowRider, etc. This Surf + Steam VOOM would be the other reason why you would get the Key for your next cruise. You will get an email with instructions, usually anyone with the Key can arrive between 11:00-11:30 no matter what your boarding time is. But there are a few considerations you should make that can help justify the cost of the Royal Caribbean Key Program. I just checked my cruise planner and The Key is only two dollars per day over the Voom Surf n Stream that I previously purchased. Does the price ever drop or does it stay the same? If guests are not able to make the early access window, Royal Caribbean says they should arrive within their appointment time and will receive priority access into the terminal. Drop off your carry-on luggage in the Main Dining Room on Deck 3 by 2:00 PM - your carry-on luggage will be hand delivered to your stateroom. The lunch is usually served through 1pm. Recent RCI cruisers report that most sailings now only offer one private hour per week for each activity for Key members. We also purchase. 'The Key' laminated pass will allow you to use the special queue to access the check-in area. ill try it again when things get full again. Youll be able to choose what time you disembark, which is nice if youd like to enjoy a leisurely private breakfast first, or if you need to hurry off the ship as soon as possible. Check out these, Priority access to the terminal upon arrival at the port, Welcome lunch in the main dining room with selections from Chops Grille, Access to VOOM Surf & Stream high speed internet for one device per paying guest, VIP seating to shows in the Main Theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B and Two70. October 07, 2021. madoris, Thursday at 02:15 PM in Royal Caribbean International. One complaint we had about the program was that not all the information on this letter was accurate. Initially, RCI set aside several one-hour blocks each cruise for VIP access to activities like FlowRider, rock wall climbing, ice skating, and the zip line. Guests could choose an appetizer, an entree, a side, and a dessert. We are headed out on the Oasis of the Seas from Miami on Sunday. Priority Access could mean a multitude of things. Tip: Be sure to still make reservations for shows in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime. Available for booking pre . if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',602,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Although the menu offerings for the new exclusive lunch are elevated compared to complimentary lunch menus, RCI no longer offers the chance for Key members to enjoy the ambiance of lunch at Chops (a benefit that normally costs $22.95 per person). I have a 4 day cruise booked for nov. , the price for the key $36.99 per day. GoPort Fly, Snooze, Cruise package from Orlando to Port Canaveral. On the flip side, you should always keep in mind that these benefits are subject to change at any time, and frequently do for any number of reasons. If you are planning a standard cruise, rather than a luxe voyage on a premium line, selecting add-ons should be part of the planning process. In my experience, I found the benefits sound a lot better on the surface than they really are. So I cancelled the Voom and purchased The Key. Can we use whichever one is better? *, Carry-on bag drop off with delivery to your stateroom. If interested in the other perks such as the lunch, internet, and flowrider, or seating at ice rink or aqua show, I personally think its not worth unless it's less expensive then the Chops lunch plus internet. But it was a one and done for us. Priority departure from ship-to-shore at tender ports. Royal Caribbean ships (especially the Oasis-class ships, like the Wonder of the Seas) are so packed with activities, restaurants, and more. The 19 Best Cruise Accessories You Need to Pack in 2023, 12 Amazing Cruise Line Private Islands to Visit in 2023 and Beyond, Royal Caribbean Caf Latte-tudes Full Menu (With Prices), Carnival Firenze Inaugural Season Opens For Bookings, Princess Cruises Announces Lavazza as Official Coffee Partner, Disney Cruise Line Announces Inaugural Sailings to Lighthouse Point, Norwegian Cruise Line Will Debut Beetlejuice The Musical Aboard Norwegian Viva, Cunard Sea Views Photo Exhibition Captures 100 Years of Cruising, https://shouldbecruising.com/privacy-policy/. Im so glad youre here! You get lots of great perks throughout your cruise for the cost of one, inexpensive excursion. During our first experience with the Key program, we were with a large group and had a table to ourselves. It is $42.99/pp/day for my 5 day cruise. As you walk around the ship, it will be on posters and signs. I really hope you didn't buy The Key just for the earlier boarding time it's really not worth the money, IMO, unless the price for The Key was within a dollar or two of the price for Voom. Please Note: The Key may not be available during all sailings, and some amenities/benefits may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. Priority departure at tender ports of call from ship-to-shore. (Keep in mind that there will likely be another window of time to deposit your luggage. Other benefits may apply at specific ports. This is understandable, since limiting super-popular activities to a small number of guests during the busiest hours could anger a lot of cruisers. If your Key says that then take screenshots. Carry on luggage can be left in the MDR and delivered to cabin. One of the really nice benefits of the Key Program is that you dont have to do that. Being able to drop those off would be super-convenient. But on an RCI cruise, theres a way to get these perks without spending lots of cash on a suite or waiting years to build up your loyalty status: The Key! And wine. Having the higher end internet package included with the Key program is one of our favorite benefits. **, Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring The Key signature menu.***. For an extra price per day/per person, passengers can purchase The Key to enjoy nicer extras before, during and at the end of the cruise. But once guests are fully inside the terminal, there are special representatives that will check guests in quickly, avoiding some of the long lines that form for the average passenger. don't know what your cabin category is but if in a suite, you really don't need key if you want to board early. When The Key program first launched, RCI limited the passes to 100 passengers per cruise. Elite loyalty members also board the ship before Key members, so they still have higher-priority access to the ship to get their vacation started early. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',199,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4-0');Booked guests on most Royal Caribbean sailings have the choice to upgrade to The Key, a program that offers enhanced benefits. It is suggested that you arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to curtain time to select from amongst the best seats in the house.. Enchanted with cruising from my first voyage in the Bahamas on the SS Emerald Seas to Alaskas Inside Passage. Since the program began in 2018, passengers have reported paying anywhere from $19.99 to over $35 per person per day. Much, much better value for 2 extra dollars per day! You aren't cheating the system, you are the earliest boarding time. A relaxed and carefree way to end a memorable vacation at sea. Perk number eight! Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Also, look for the signature key image that matches the one on your SeaPass. I haven't seen the Key on sale in months for any of the sailings. Our next VIP perk is another time saver. That is, you cannot cancel it, but the cruise line can. I know I carefully pack my embarkation day bag with exactly what Ill need for the day plus any valuables I need to keep an eye on. But I only paid an extra buck for it so no big. One thing I wonder about with The Key. The menu featured everything from an Express Breakfast for those in a hurry to Steak and Eggs for those who want to take a leisurely approach to their last meal onboard. Not sure if even the most vocal supporters of the VIP pass would say it makes sense financially at that price. But if youre already planning on purchasing the WiFi package for everyone in your stateroom, I think that upgrading to The Key is almost a no-brainerespecially if RCI is running a sale when you buy. Royal Caribbean Key Guests get to avoid the crowds and the waiting, and experience these attractions during hours reserved exclusively for the program. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-3','ezslot_15',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-3-0');This letter also contains your Key luggage tags, ensuring that any bags you put outside your door on the last night arrive in the designated Key section in the terminal for pickup. This is a super beneficial perk when traveling with children. Royal Caribbean typically allows cruisers to choose arrival times in thirty-minute blocks as shown in the image below. The reserved seating area was in the center of first balcony in the main theater, and in the front of the balcony area in the ice rink theater. Lets break it down to see what youd spend if purchased just some of the benefits of The Key individually: If both of your party are going to need access to the VOOM Surf & Stream Internet package, then youll already be spending roughly $18 per day per guest, for a total of $144. Welcome lunch with Chops Grille menu can be bought separately at the restaurant or at a different restaurant. The Key program is Royal Caribbean's initiative to give guests access to premier and exclusive cruise services and activities while on board for a small additional fee. i always try to get the earliest boarding. Each of you can use however many devices you wish, but you can each only be logged into one device at a time (hopefully that makes sense). It can be purchased online or via the app when you book your cruise (or added later). Some people just love the exclusive perks that the program includes, and the per-day cost is absolutely worth the money. This was the only benefit of the program that we didnt experience, since all ports we visited had an appropriate sized dock for our ship, so we cant speak directly to this benefit. I think with a little bit of footwork, you can get similar results on your own and save money on your cruise vacation. With a lot of guests, the price tag for The Key could add up quickly. However, this benefit has recently changed. Internet access, early check-in, special times at signature attractions and more are included with The Key. Welcome to Chaotically Yours. VOOM Surf & Stream package, now including high speed internet, for one device (1 package per guest). After you book a Royal Caribbean cruise and you can access your Cruise Planner, youll see a link to purchase The Key for your cruise. Royal Caribbean recommends arriving to the terminal no later than 11:30 AM for you to have enough time to enjoy lunch with us! Perk number four! The menus (ship specific, of course) are generous with options. The reason behind this benefit is to lessen the hassle baked right into every cruise standing in line. Im Louise. Today Sean and Stef drive to Port Canaveral where the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas waits to take them on their next Caribbean journey! All other benefits are either exclusive to the Key Program or only available to suite and loyalty program guests. Crew often opens up the VIP seating area to all passengers a few minutes before the show begins. So, it's important to know that Carnival won't serve any passenger more than 15 alcoholic drinks in a single day. Since space is limited on a cruise ship, the larger, more popular show are notorious for filling up fast. The system will time out after 30 minutes, so double check that you have everything below for each guest in your group before starting. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, the lunch by Chops during embarkation day (this way underwhelming), luggage drop off at main dining room during embarkation day, Room service (according to the letter this was free), Priority Time at activities- these were at 9am, which is not a time that I normally wear a bathing suit to ride some waves. It is built around the concept of VIP treatment with exclusive benefits for anyone sailing on all the ships across their fleet. If no one offers this service, be sure to ask! Rock climbing was also at 9am. It is a straight breeze through the whole process. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. But some Freedom Class ships that I've sailed on did just that. Internet that I'd otherwise pay for one device. I will say The Key has had the same security check point as the Suite guests and handicapped (and Pinnacle) and that line always seems to be super slow moving so eyeball the other lines before deciding which one to stand on. So if we get an earlier check-in time through the app we can opt to use that or we can use the key if it's the earlier of the two? You could book the cheapest inside guarantee stateroom, but have access to lots of the benefits that suite and high-level loyalty members enjoy. This can be confusing for guests, since Royal Caribbean indicates in several places that Key guests get priority access during their designated boarding window. These windows can range in start times from 10 am to 3 pm. Its best to scope out the entrance to see if there is a dedicated Key line. Are Royal Caribbean Cruises All Inclusive? By Does this mean that it doesn't matter what our boarding time we get when we check in? The letter said we had early access to reserved shows and to make a reservation for the shows wed like to see. I sailed the first time with Royal Caribbean on the Oasis of the Seas this past March. That is why this is our first stop). Doesn't giving the luggage to the porters outside the ship do the same thing, only better since you'd drop off your luggage earlier in the process. I paid $28.99/day and it never got lower than that prior to sailing. At the end of the day, it becomes your decision if you find enough value in the amenities and services that The Key Program offers. Boarded Wonder of the Seas almost a year after our first sailing on her. If high-speed Internet access is important for you and your family, VOOM Surf & Stream will be the key to keeping everyone happy. Does this extra cost amenity make sense to get for your family? Thankfully, someone must have canceled, as I got a spot-- at full price. September 2, 2010. nj. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. The Key is an add-on program on Royal Caribbean cruises that allows any guest to obtain some VIP perks on board the ship. If youre cruising with kids age six and up, youll need to also buy a Key package for them at the same price charged for adults. Book with Klook Here: Set Sail with Royal Caribbean Cruise => We value this benefit at $20USD, simply because it costs the equivalent if you were to try FlowRider at Sentosa. The price of The Key varies, and starts at $25.99 per day, per person, although there can be discounts available to bring that price down. When you receive your SeaPass card, you should see a small decal on the front indicating that youre a Key member. Since you have carefully chosen your favorite vessel, you may already know the details. Is the Royal Caribbean Key Program a must-do or a hard pass for your next cruise? There were no lines for the water slides during our reserved hours. The Key program was first introduced in 2018, and this package add-on must be purchased prior to boarding via Royal Caribbean. Flying Wish Paper: How To Make Your Own With Things You Already Have! Cruise terminals, as we learned during the pandemic, are . Of course your numbers can vary depending on the length of your cruise, but if youre planning to splurge on anything, we think this is a good one. Keep in mind, though, that there will not be an option to get Royal Caribbean The Key when you board or at any time during your cruise. Lets dive in. You will get an email with instructions, usually anyone with the Key can arrive between 11:00-11:30 no matter what your boarding time is. Something that regular cruises don't purchase . Since the cruise line requires that this program be purchased ahead of time, this can be a real money saver. Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society What You Need to Know. Our assigned boarding time is listed as 3:30, With the Key can we go earlier? In this day and age, having access to the internet is pretty vital on a cruise. Upload or insert images from URL. When planning your vacation at sea, you will see that there will be stops along the journey ports of call. Everyone is packing and trying to figure out how to disembark in the quickest way possible. It's important to note that these times that you choose during online check-in are only port arrival times. Powered by Invision Community. Key guests are asked to be at the terminal early, so as not to miss the embarkation lunch. Why would someone want to drop their carry-on luggage off at The Key location? The Reality of Royal Caribbean and Carnival Marijuana Policies. It is not like the drinks package or an excursion where you can just add it once youre onboard. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. The food is scrumptious and included in the price of The Key. Im a wife, a mom, a crafter, a Disney fan, and a french fry connoisseur. The Key was something I've always purchased because I highly value these benefits: Either The Key used to include a 25% discount for specialty dining reservations --or maybe it was just some ships would add that as a benefit to boost dining sales-- but I haven't seen that in awhile. Once purchased, you will see a special image of a key on your SeaPass when you check-in for boarding. yes, it's 1 device per key so yes, your wife will get to access 1 internet device and you will be able access 1 internet device. Special lunch on embarkation day is off of Chops menu served in MDR. Royal Caribbean's VIP-access program, The Key, is being offered again on cruise ships and you might be wondering if it's worth it. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Your link has been automatically embedded. The priority for tendering is largely useless since Royal Caribbean ships rarely ever tender, thanks to more and more ports having piers. Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean The Key, with the different benefits and basics of the priority program. Some feel that offering many perks (that used to be exclusive to them) to anyone willing to pay a bit extra is essentially selling loyalty status. As we shall see, this requirement will affect several aspects of your time, access to places and expenses on the ship. Free room service is indeed a very nice benefit, but I question how often anyone will order room service to truly take advantage of it. Were giving you our detail, unbiased feedback about what the program is and how it works for the average traveler. This is usually balcony seating, so if you want seats right up front youll need to arrive very early to beat the crowds in the general-access seating.
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