As for Sales/Price Drops, as with most other add-ons, there's no reason for RCI to drop prices for cruises far in the future: However, when there's a big sale on everything, The Key will be discounted, though not necessarily a great discount. Not sure if even the most vocal supporter of the VIP pass would say it makes sense financially at that price. It is available on most of the ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet with the current exceptions of Majesty of the Seas, Voyager Class Ships and Quantum Class Ships. Dedicated seating at shows in the Main Theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B, and Two70.****. During our first experience with the Key program, we were with a large group and had a table to ourselves. Henderson Nv. Like what you see? Does this mean that it doesn't matter what our boarding time we get when we check in? This is just my own personal theory! Scoring an Early Boarding Time on Royal Caribbean Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. The Key was emailing a letter prior to the cruise stating the Key would allow you to arrive early and up to 11:30 you would have priority boarding. If not, just leave blank, watch the Royal Caribbean app for when check-in windows will become available to book. I would also argue both attractions on Odyssey of the Seas with special times for guests with The Key have a limited appeal than other activities where it would be far more useful. You should also know that the Royal Caribbean Key program can ONLY be booked BEFORE your cruise. Another perk that has recently changed for Key members is the availability of private hours for several of the onboard activities. 1 hour ago, madoris said: I have a 4 day cruise booked for nov. , the price for the key $36.99 per day. A good sit-down breakfast that starts early (6:30am) allowing for an early walk-off. But if youre booking shore excursions directly through RCI, youll already have priority tendering for those excursions. Royal Caribbean recommends arriving to the terminal no later than 11:30 AM for you to have enough time to enjoy lunch with us! Enjoy! I just don't think you're going to get the bang for your buck that you think you will. In addition, your SeaPass card will have a special sticker to easily identify yourself as having The Key. Posted 1 hour ago. This was very helpful! Not to worry. 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. For this reason, you should buy it early since they can sell out for any given itinerary. You can! This is understandable, since limiting super-popular activities to a small number of guests during the busiest hours could anger a lot of cruisers. Being able to drop those off would be super-convenient. It is satellite-based and works throughout the ship. definitely. For a prepaid fee, guest can access benefits that are usually reserved for suite guests or member of Royal Caribbeans loyalty program. That I can live with..certainly not $30+. What is The Key Program? | Royal Caribbean Cruises 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. Boarding with The Key - Royal Caribbean International - Cruise Critic In my experiencethe Key has always had a boarding time of 11:30 or earlier. When The Key program first launched, RCI limited the passes to 100 passengers per cruise. A premium section of each of the larger venues on each ship is reserved for The Key, loyalty club members and suite passengers. There are several reasons cruise lines offer a list of add-ons to passengers. Benefits of The Key. The VROOM Surf & Stream package and a meal at Chops Grille are the only two benefits that are eligible for purchase individually. Since we were all going to purchase the surf + stream internet packages, my parents purchased everyone The Key. 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. It's important to note that these times that you choose during online check-in are only port arrival times. It is built around the concept of VIP treatment with exclusive benefits for anyone sailing on all the ships across their fleet. While you may have to adjust your schedule around this, it will be worth it for the kids. RCI actually claims that its six times faster than any other WiFi at sea! You will have priority departure from the ship to the shore at tender ports of call. As we shall see, this requirement will affect several aspects of your time, access to places and expenses on the ship. Something that regular cruises don't purchase . All other benefits are either exclusive to the Key Program or only available to suite and loyalty program guests. Royal Caribbean Cruise The Key Benefits Surf + Stream VOOM Connection. Held in a specialty venue for Key holders (usually the main dining room), you can either take your luggage with you or leave it safely to be picked up on your way off the ship. Carryon has the things I absolutely need to survive just in case my other portered luggage goes swimming, or on a different ship than me for some reason. Does the price ever drop or does it stay the same? Im Louise. Select from chef-prepared VIP Key favorite dishes, egg and griddle creations, several sides, cereals or continental choices. And, it is included in the price of The Key as follows: one online package per paying guest on one device. Royal Caribbean ships (especially the Oasis-class ships, like the Wonder of the Seas) are so packed with activities, restaurants, and more. Thank you so much for taking the time to share. Its best to scope out the entrance to see if there is a dedicated Key line. When you get to the port there will be plenty of signs and dedicated lines for the Key. However, some recent passengers report up to 200 passes sold on their cruises. Whether you need to communicate with home or you just want to use social media while youre onboard, its pretty likely that youre going to purchase an internet package during your cruise. Insider tip: Be sure that your time slot is early enough to take advantage of our next benefit embarkation day lunch. The menus (ship specific, of course) are generous with options. The Voom Surf n Stream is included. This terminology was super vague to us when we first came across it in the description of the Key Program. The benefits package known as Royal Caribbean The Key is structured to address an element of each of these ideas. Lets dive in. The Royal Caribbean Key Program guests each have a special key icon on their SeaPass card, indicating participation in the program. Another Overbooked Oasis-Class Royal Caribbean Ship, Royal Caribbean Changes Itinerary for First New Homeport Cruise, Refurbished Carnival Cruise Ship Completes Costa-Inspired Livery. 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. 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. It is suggested that you arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to curtain time to select from amongst the best seats in the house.. So, it's important to know that Carnival won't serve any passenger more than 15 alcoholic drinks in a single day. Heres what The Key is (and why some cruisers like it), Royal Caribbean testing VIP guest access program. Looking for more travel content? Royal Caribbean Key Guests get to avoid the crowds and the waiting, and experience these attractions during hours reserved exclusively for the program. Special lunch on embarkation day is off of Chops menu served in MDR. No sense dropping off your carry on if you board after the rooms are available. And wine. I have a 4 day cruise booked for nov. , the price for the key $36.99 per day. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. How likely can I board if I arrive before my check-in time? - Royal Swimsuit, acceptable dinner clothes for a few nights, acceptable day wear for a few days, and dop kit. Many cruise terminals have a special waiting area for Key members, and staff will call you for boarding just after suite and high-level loyalty members. You might not be interested in trying the FlowRider at 9 AM, or climbing the rock wall at 5 PMbut those are common times for Key private hours. Traditional continental breakfast items are also on the menu, like cereal, yogurt, pastries and fruit. So I cancelled the Voom and purchased The Key. What are the benefits of The Key program? If youre already a suite guests or a member of the loyalty program, these perks might not be up your alley since you already get so many. This benefit does not apply to smaller venues or activities like nightclubs or karaoke. Not sure if even the most vocal supporters of the VIP pass would say it makes sense financially at that price. An interesting perk with The Key program is the ability to drop off carry on luggage (usually in the theater until 1:30 PM). I just purchased The Key and am wondering if that will push my boarding time up. Tendering operations can often take hours to get all the passengers to shore, so this is a valuable benefit if your itinerary has multiple tender ports. Arguably the most valuable perk included with the program, unlimited VOOM packages normally go for $17.99 per day for one device when purchased separately. Although youll be able to bypass the long lines at check-in, youll be boarding the ship (and waiting for those notoriously slow embarkation day elevators) along with everyone else. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. If a large group of Key members and suite passengers enter just before you, it might be quicker going through a regular security line. This cruise lines optional add-on called The Key is a relatively new program. There will be food options when you board. By Jodi Grundig You aren't cheating the system, you are the earliest boarding time. *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions, Priority access during The Key designated arrival time (to be communicated via email). With a lot of guests, the price tag for The Key could add up quickly. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Then, you see rows and rows and rows of people However, if you bought Royal Caribbean The Key, welcome to your first VIP perk. Insider tip: Watch online for discount options to reduce the cost of the price per day for this add-on. You get lots of great perks throughout your cruise for the cost of one, inexpensive excursion. Rock climbing was also at 9am. Lets break the benefits down by order in which youll probably use them. The letter said we had early access to reserved shows and to make a reservation for the shows wed like to see. If it seems too late in the morning, contact the cruise line to have it changed. All guests over the age of 6 in the same room must purchase The Key. Look for signs in the cruise terminal on embarkation day and around the ship, or let a crew member know that you have The Key to take advantage of your benefits. I'm glad I saw your post. Video: Is Royal Caribbean's The Key worth it? Arriving after 11:30 you would have priority in your scheduled arrival time window. Here are some examples: The only perk that is truly unobtainable on your own is the ability todrop off your carry-on luggage on embarkation day. Breakfast room service is likely the most beneficial time to use room service, but there are so many easy grab and go breakfast options that I think in general, the idea of having room service is better than the actual thing. I could see the benefit of stuff arriving at room open rather than say 7 pm. Reserved private hours at onboard activities including the FlowRider, Rock Climbing and more. 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. Basically, it's your chance to get to the fun faster and receive VIP access to certain activities. What are the Benefits of The Key Program? | Royal Caribbean Cruises The Key advertises as offering guests that purchase special perks and access while onboard that would otherwise not be available to them. By Key guests are NOT exempt from general boarding requirements like Covid vaccinations or negative Covid tests. Or is the only benefit: priority embarkation mean you have your own line to enter terminal as opposed to the masses. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. But keep this in mind if youre looking forward to enjoying this perk. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: The Key - A Faster Way to the Fun 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. 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. Great price, I'd likely jump on it at that price too! I will be sailing on the Wonder on 2/25 and will keep an eye on the price for that cruise. 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. They may need something from it between porter drop off and Key drop off. Also, its best to come early to take advantage of the carry on drop off service. There is a wide variety of entertainment options to enjoy during your time at sea. We had it in January because it wasn't too much more expensive than the internet and we enjoyed having it. VOOM Surf & Stream 1 of Device high speed internet per person who purchases the package. I don't want most of the "perks" but for some that sets their cruise at a new level . To help us break down the real cost of the Key, for simple math lets pretend youre a party of two going on a four day/three night cruise. When you get to the cruise terminal, and subsequently onboard the ship, there will be special signs to indicate where guests with The Key can go. Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society What You Need to Know. Since you have carefully chosen your favorite vessel, you may already know the details. On the Cruise Critic boards, people have reported paying between $19.99 to $29.99 and even up to $37 per day for each. A somewhat Chop's-like lunch (the lunch menu was cut and reduced from last year) where most times the announcement that cabins are ready comes near the conclusion of lunch. Carnival Cruise Line Explains Controversial Beverage Policy 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. Royal Caribbean Brings Back Priority Program, The Key - Cruise Critic The program wont be available to buy once youre on board the ship. It changes just like everything else. Is it worth it to buy The Key on a RCI cruise? The Key - Royal Caribbean International - Cruise Critic Community The menu features limited selections from Chops Grille. I really hope you didn't buy The Key just for the. Cruisers looking to skip the long lines, especially for tender ports, might get a lot of value out of the package. I just bought is for $22.99. Private hours vary by ship and sailing, and the schedule is delivered to your stateroom on embarkation day. Of course, this benefit lasts just 2 hours on the first day of the cruise, so the value is quite limited. Why would someone want to drop their carry-on luggage off at The Key location? This benefit came in SUPER handy with the kids. Or the benefits are simply not as lucrative as it sounds. As always though, if it's something you want, book now and cancel/rebook later if you find it cheaper or decide it isn't for you! 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. Holding at $35.99 for our upcoming 6 night! Continue with Recommended Cookies, Posted on Last updated: September 25, 2022. If youre traveling with a group in more than one cabin, group members in another room that havent purchased The Key wont be able to join you for preferred boarding, exclusive dining, or in the preferred seating at shows. My assigned boarding time is 1:00. Does the price ever drop or does it stay the same? 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. The first stop you will make is to a designated drop-off room for your carry-on luggage (usually in the Main Dining Room). 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?). In order to be a Key Guest, anyone over the age of six in your stateroom must buy this benefits package. 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! If you buy the Key for both, each person gets internet. Weve always enjoyed this luncheon. Some of the terminals have dedicated suite entrances. The system will time out after 30 minutes, so double check that you have everything below for each guest in your group before starting. (2023). At some ports of call, a small boat (or tender) will carry passengers to and from the port. Learn about these types of VIP benefits for your specific ship in the welcome letter, which you will receive when boarding. First time with Royal Caribbean "Key" question - Cruise Critic Nobody likes lugging their carry-on luggage around the ship after they board while waiting on their state room to be ready. What's "The Key? Hiya! My experience has mostly been the my luggage checked with The Key is already inside my room by the time the rooms are ready between 1pm & 1:30pm. Ultimately, the value of this program is subjective. Everything else gets dropped off with the porters outside the terminal. RCI cruisers who purchase The Key can enjoy expedited check-in, and are able to board the ship before the general boarding begins. We ended up having to confirm at the front desk that reservations for shows were not necessary for this sailing. Royal Caribbean's The Key review | Royal Caribbean Blog This benefit doesnt apply to docked ports, or for tendering back to the ship. Additionally, priority check-in and boarding are not available in Vancouver or at any ports in Australia, so keep this in mind if youre cruising from these locations. BOARDING DAY! | Wonder of the Seas | GoPort & The Key Im so glad youre here! But, given that many of the Key perks are also shared by suite and elite loyalty members, they might adjust the number of passes based on how many of those passengers plan on sailing. The other benefit is that they give you lunch at chops on boarding day and deliver fruit to your room. So for a 4 day cruise, to purchase the Key Package for two people, you can expect to spend around $200. 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. Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean The Key, with the different benefits and basics of the priority program. Perk number five is also a continuous benefit throughout your whole itinerary special sections of reserved seating. The Key, Royal Caribbean's Priority Program - Cruise Critic Final Notes on Royal Caribbean - The Key The Basics of Royal Caribbean - The Key This cruise line's optional add-on called The Key is a relatively new program. I don't think it means you can show up at 10:30 am. 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. Im a wife, a mom, a crafter, a Disney fan, and a french fry connoisseur. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Carry-on luggage drop-off with items delivered inside room usually prior to guest access. Obviously, in these instances, the time it takes to leave the ship and begin your onshore adventures could be hours. 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. Professional freelance writer and published indie author. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Having the higher end internet package included with the Key program is one of our favorite benefits. 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. All opinions are our own, and all costs were paid out of our pocket for this experience. For a prepaid fee, guest can access benefits that are usually reserved for suite guests or member of Royal Caribbean's loyalty program. But, (and this is an important one!) I thought it was a little pricey but for a first time experience I felt it was worth it. What lines do you think it will cut time for? What we did learn was that reserved hours for each activity were typically only offered once during a sailing, and usually during a day at sea. The Key program is controversial among some high-level Crown & Anchor members. Royal Caribbean The Key - What Are the Benefits? Brisbane man missing after falling overboard from Quantum of the Seas When planning your vacation at sea, you will see that there will be stops along the journey ports of call. ", https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-are-the-benefits-of-the-key-program. A couple reasons, first off, I needed the internet since unfortunately need to work a little bit during the week. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. That is a very long time to wait for a show. There is currently no special seating in nightclubs and other smaller gathering event spaces. If anyone knows, let me know. October 07, 2021. Also, if you are booking a suite on any of the ships, many of The Key extras might be included during your itinerary. But when youre actually on the ship, they all really do make a difference. If one person in a stateroom buys The Key, all other passengers in that stateroom age six and over need to also purchase the program. During our second experience, Key guests were just asked to wait with everyone else. The steepest discounts come closer to sailing IF bookings are soft and they want to fill space. During our cruise, there was a reserved section for Royal Caribbean Key Program Guests. But many kids wont use or appreciate most of the included perks. Suites were told they have a one-hour leeway on either side of their schedule arrival time. 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. 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). That brings your total for purchasing these benefits individually up to $182. Activities like the FlowRider, the rock climbing wall, water slides, and such often involves SUPER long lines, and cruisers only get to experience them once or twice during their open hours. I tried it for my last cruise which was a 4 day cruise. The Key program was first introduced in 2018, and this package add-on must be purchased prior to boarding via Royal Caribbean. you still select a boarding time at check in but a couple weeks before the cruise you will get an email that tells you you can board with the Key at (usually 11:30 after suite guests) or keep your scheduled time. Lets go through the individual perks and see how they might translate into saving time and money, opening access and increasing your enjoyment during your cruise vacation. Reservations for shows can be made on your own via the Royal Caribbean app. It took several trips between floors to find the appropriate place to drop it off. In addition, with multi-device internet plans, the Key doesn't scale to families or larger groups if internet is always purchased.