As a Key Guest, you will enjoy the option of a block of reserved times at certain attractions. ill try it again when things get full again. 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. Complimentary room service for your entire cruise, along with 25% off all onboard dining purchases. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. This can be quite a challenge in one particular circumstance tendering to shore. **** Reservations are required for shows on Quantum and Oasis class ships. You can! If you dont see it, ask your Stateroom Attendant or go to Guest Services to apply the icon. (Bring your receipt, just in case). I have a 4 day cruise booked for nov. , the price for the key $36.99 per day. This benefit doesnt apply to docked ports, or for tendering back to the ship. Purchasing the extras that come with this program can be added to any number of other add-ons to create just the right cruising experience for you and your family. I see that with The Key, the boarding time is between 11:30-12:30. I really hope you didn't buy The Key just for the. Upload or insert images from URL. If a large group of Key members and suite passengers enter just before you, it might be quicker going through a regular security line. 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. Is the Royal Caribbean Key Program a must-do or a hard pass for your next cruise? If your Key says that then take screenshots. But many kids wont use or appreciate most of the included perks. 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. Not speaking from experience, but according to Royal's website, it gives you "priority access to the terminal within booked arrival time". In addition, with multi-device internet plans, the Key doesn't scale to families or larger groups if internet is always purchased. Royal Caribbean Key Guests get to avoid the crowds and the waiting, and experience these attractions during hours reserved exclusively for the program. Dedicated seating at shows in the Main Theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B, and Two70.****. 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. This benefit came in SUPER handy with the kids. First time with Royal Caribbean "Key" question - Cruise Critic 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. 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. 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. Although RCI advertises the cost of The Key on a per-day basis, cruisers must purchase the program for all days of a sailing. 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. Frankly, you will probably get through quicker in a regular line than the Key line. When you get to the port there will be plenty of signs and dedicated lines for the Key. But I wouldn't pay any more than that the value just isn't there for me. Priority Embarkation is one of the best Key perks. I recommend selecting the earliest check in when it opens. I don't want most of the "perks" but for some that sets their cruise at a new level . 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. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Posted on Last updated: September 25, 2022. You will each get one account. You cannot paste images directly. You still have to do online check in, I get that part, but if I wanted to arrive early and my check in time is later, does the key (or say suite access) allow me arrive early because of the benefit? Our assigned boarding time is listed as 3:30, With the Key can we go earlier? A couple reasons, first off, I needed the internet since unfortunately need to work a little bit during the week. While they are doing that, you will be doing something different enjoying an exclusive la carte breakfast. With capacity limitations lately theres no lines. Was useless. The letter said we had early access to reserved shows and to make a reservation for the shows wed like to see. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. To ensure that you receive this perk, arrive at the port during the special check-in time slot that you received with your Key purchase. In my experiencethe Key has always had a boarding time of 11:30 or earlier. 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. The Key - Boarding Time Question - Royal Caribbean Discussion - Royal For a lunch at Chops Grille, you can expect to pay at least $19 per guest for a total of $38. A much better value as I get 11:00am priority 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. 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/. Also, if you are booking a suite on any of the ships, many of The Key extras might be included during your itinerary. Does this extra cost amenity make sense to get for your family? For example, if VOOM by itself is around $20/day (for one device for one person) and The Key is $25/day (for the same) and you definitely need WiFi, then you are getting all the other Key perks for only $5/day in our example. Since the cruise line requires that this program be purchased ahead of time, this can be a real money saver. Many benefits can be obtained in a different way, but without having to spend extra for it. Flying Wish Paper: How To Make Your Own With Things You Already Have! 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. 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. From his, Royal Caribbean's VIP guest experience, The Key, offers some perks and benefits not available to other guests onboard. Matt recently did an updated review of The Key, in our post-Covid cruising world. 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. 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. * Priority access will not be offered in Vancouver, Canada, or at any ports in Australia. When planning your vacation at sea, you will see that there will be stops along the journey ports of call. Arriving after 11:30 you would have priority in your scheduled arrival time window. But, cruisers who buy The Key dont have access to lots of perks that elite loyalty members have. 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. What are the Benefits of The Key Program? | Royal Caribbean 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. If you buy the Key for both, each person gets internet. What is The Key Program? | Royal Caribbean Cruises Enjoy! Once you've done these things, sit back and enjoy your cruise! How likely can I board if I arrive before my check-in time? - Royal We always like to start our reviews by reminding you that we were not compensated in any way to write this piece. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. How Long Does It Take to Get Off a Cruise Ship? But, (and this is an important one!) Royal Caribbean ; Roll Calls ; Voyager of the Seas Roll Calls ; Voyager of the Seas - Jun 12, 2023 - Jun 17, 2023 (5 Night Western Caribbean) . It is built around the. Here you can sit and relax while the cruise ship employees attend to your final check-in procedures. Apparently on ships that require reservations for show, guests are allowed access early to pick their seats. Posted 1 hour ago. 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. Passengers can drop off up to two pieces per person, and items cant weigh more than 25 pounds. Boarding Day ART Test Photo credits: Cruise the World/ Facebook The steepest discounts come closer to sailing IF bookings are soft and they want to fill space. Not to worry. Crew often opens up the VIP seating area to all passengers a few minutes before the show begins. Since 2018, when The Key was rolled out as a pilot program on select ships, some benefits have been modified. By HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. When The Key program first launched, RCI limited the passes to 100 passengers per cruise. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Another perk that has recently changed for Key members is the availability of private hours for several of the onboard activities. Frequently asked questions about The Key on RCI. Boarding begins roughly between 10 and 11 a.m., depending on the ship's schedule and how long it takes everyone from the last cruise to debark. 4.4k. VOOM Surf & Stream package, now including high speed internet, for one device (1 package per guest). 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. Or is the only benefit: priority embarkation mean you have your own line to enter terminal as opposed to the masses. You should also know that the Royal Caribbean Key program can ONLY be booked BEFORE your cruise. Read more, Copyright 2023 Chaotically Yours | Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Since space is limited on a cruise ship, the larger, more popular show are notorious for filling up fast. In addition, your SeaPass card will have a special sticker to easily identify yourself as having The Key. I think with a little bit of footwork, you can get similar results on your own and save money on your cruise vacation. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Key guests are NOT exempt from general boarding requirements like Covid vaccinations or negative Covid tests. I sailed the first time with Royal Caribbean on the Oasis of the Seas this past March. This terminology was super vague to us when we first came across it in the description of the Key Program. The Key program was first introduced in 2018, and this package add-on must be purchased prior to boarding via Royal Caribbean. The search will resume at first light on Friday morning local time. Keep in mind that this benefit usually only applies to larger venues and their productions. Royal Caribbean's The Key review | Royal Caribbean Blog For a prepaid fee, guest can access benefits that are usually reserved for suite guests or member of Royal Caribbean's loyalty program. We even had an entire Key Program booking canceled and our money refunded to us before sailing with no explanation. 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. On our first sailing with the Royal Caribbean Key Program, there was a designated area for Key guests to wait in the terminal for their turn to board. Whether or not The Key is worth the money really depends on your situation. I've seen it lower, and purchased once even lower than I've seen it. Traditional continental breakfast items are also on the menu, like cereal, yogurt, pastries and fruit. It had its pros For my next cruise in July I decided to cancel the key because I did not feel that it was worth that much money as we would not need to use priority boarding or disembarkation. What's "The Key? 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. They may need something from it between porter drop off and Key drop off. Can't forget the wine! I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. It's important to note that these times that you choose during online check-in are only port arrival times. Royal Caribbean recommends arriving to the terminal no later than11:30 AMfor you to have enough time to enjoy lunch with us! In addition to reading through the options for drink packages, specialty dining, shore excursions, professional onboard photos and videos, stateroom locations and other items, consider a hybrid program like Royal Caribbean The Key. Since you have carefully chosen your favorite vessel, you may already know the details. 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. GoPort Fly, Snooze, Cruise package from Orlando to Port Canaveral. 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. Politics latest updates: NHS 'on the brink' says nursing union; 10% Carry-on luggage drop-off with items delivered inside room usually prior to guest access. Don't forget you have to buy The Key for all guests in the room over the age of 6, whether they will use all the benefits or not. Or is the only benefit: priority embarkation mean you have your own line to enter terminal as opposed to the masses. Were giving you our detail, unbiased feedback about what the program is and how it works for the average traveler. Looking for more travel content? While this may not occur during your particular cruise, everyone will be glad of this benefit if it does. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. We got really lucky on the Allure last fall where the Key was $16.99 pp so we got it. I tried The Key out again on an Odyssey of the Seas cruise in 2021 to get a sense of what to expect for anyone sailing in 2022 and beyond. On our sailing, Key guests needed to show up no later than 15 minutes before the start of the show, where they were allowed to sit in a reserved section with great views of the action. or is it only 1 internet device? Do you know about when you'd like to sail? Think of it like a way to pay extra to get VIP treatment, faster access, or otherwise nice to have extras. 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. Luggage dropped with the porters curbside can arrive to room as late at 7pm, and there's a greater chance it's mishandled or misdelivered. In my experience, I found the benefits sound a lot better on the surface than they really are. Since we arrived before 2 pm, we had to wait for boarding to commence at 2 pm. On the Cruise Critic boards, people have reported paying between $19.99 to $29.99 and even up to $37 per day for each. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. According to one R&M Manager (that's the person on board responsible for overseeing The Key Program) being personally escorted to the front of the disembarkation line --literally to the Security Officer who scans the SeaPass-- was never a benefit. Priority boarding either with or right after suite guests. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: The Key - A Faster Way to the Fun The Key allows you to board at that time, but only if you have a time that is before it. The program wont be available to buy once youre on board the ship. 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. For some activities, crew will give Key members a wristband once theyve shown the decal on their card. Boarding with The Key - Royal Caribbean International - Cruise Critic But our sailing wasnt taking reservations for shows at all, so there was lots of confusion among Key Guests about this. 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. **, Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring The Key signature menu.***. There is no priority queue in the ART test area, for Singapore. Guests in a suite, and those who are Diamond level or above also might not need to purchase The Key because many of the benefits are already included. However, this benefit has recently changed. This is how you can get priority access to the cruise terminal on boarding day, priority access to the theatre shows, private time slots for rock-climbing or Flowrider , VOOM Surf & Stream 1 device and more benefits. EF Tours Review: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. 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. The first boarding slot is at 2 p.m, and it disappears before you know it. That is why this is our first stop). I tried it for my last cruise which was a 4 day cruise. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Some people just love the exclusive perks that the program includes, and the per-day cost is absolutely worth the money. The Key advertises as offering guests that purchase special perks and access while onboard that would otherwise not be available to them. Royal Caribbean typically allows cruisers to choose arrival times in thirty-minute blocks as shown in the image below. On debarkation day, enjoy an exclusive la carte breakfast and choice departure. So for a 4 day cruise, to purchase the Key Package for two people, you can expect to spend around $200. While offerings can change at any time, and usually vary slightly between ships, benefits of the Key Program usually include: As soon as youve boarded the ship, you can proceed to a designated location (usually one of the main dining rooms) and drop off your carry on luggage. Our designated boarding window was at 1 pm, which definitely would have made us miss the embarkation lunch. No, I bought it, mainly to cut the time I will spend on lines, for back and knees. Heres what The Key is (and why some cruisers like it), Royal Caribbean testing VIP guest access program. Why would someone want to drop their carry-on luggage off at The Key location? On debarkation day, enjoy a private la carte breakfast and choice departure. On most cruise lines, there are only two ways to get priority status that lets you skip all of those long lines, enjoy exclusive dining, and generally be treated like the VIP you know you are. We were surprised that Royal Caribbean didnt take the time to avoid this confusion by simply updating this letter for their Key guests. For example, you can surf the waves at FlowRider; race through The Perfect Storm waterslides; zip line; slide on Tidal Wave; climb a rock wall; and, more without waiting in line. 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. Lets take a look at what this program offers, and see if its worth booking for your next Royal Caribbean cruise. The system will time out after 30 minutes, so double check that you have everything below for each guest in your group before starting. What are the benefits of The Key program? You can post now and register later. If you want to get your vacation started ASAP, this is an amazing perk. You can def check in later, though, whatever you prefer. 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.. 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. Key members can drop those bags off with less worry about damage from rough handling. Royal Caribbean's internet service, known as VOOM, is well-known for being very fast. We found they were never more than a handful of other guests participating in these reserved hours, and our kids got to spend a ton of time doing their favorite activities with little or no wait time in between. How Carnival and Royal Caribbean Handle Marijuana Onboard If Royal Caribbean cancels it for any reason, of course you can expect to get your money back. i4peaches 1 yr. ago I love the Key. I will be sailing on the Wonder on 2/25 and will keep an eye on the price for that cruise. The Key, Royal Caribbean's Priority Program - Cruise Critic Cruisers who have booked any suite category (except Junior Suites) will already enjoy priority check-in, embarkation and tendering, private breakfast and lunch seating, reserved theater seating, and priority disembarkation. When you receive your SeaPass card, you should see a small decal on the front indicating that youre a Key member. With scheduled boarding times the key check in process is the same time wise as regular boarding. Once purchased, you will see a special image of a key on your SeaPass when you check-in for boarding. Secondly, if we're going to be able to board early, might as well get the Chops lunch, and lastly, I had a significant travel voucher with my TA, so somewhat forced to spend money. Some ports may have The Key folks enter the same place as the suites. But, be aware that all the following perks will not be available across the entire fleet. My GF purchased the "key" for each of us. Also, you should be able to see when and how often the locations are reserved for Key Guests. By It is built around the concept of VIP treatment with exclusive benefits for anyone sailing on all the ships across their fleet. If high-speed Internet access is important for you and your family, VOOM Surf & Stream will be the key to keeping everyone happy. Royal Caribbean ships (especially the Oasis-class ships, like the Wonder of the Seas) are so packed with activities, restaurants, and more. It is satellite-based and works throughout the ship. Royal Caribbeans internet service, known as VOOM, is well-known for being very fast. We are so excited and can't wait to board. And that's not . Passengers with The Key are able to sit in a VIP seating area for many shows, including those in the main theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B, and Two70. 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. Perk number four! 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. Okay. Since the program began in 2018, passengers have reported paying anywhere from $19.99 to over $35 per person per day. Before you can board a cruise ship, you have to enter a cruise terminal. Other benefits may apply at specific ports. But I only paid an extra buck for it so no big. Also, look for the signature key image that matches the one on your SeaPass. I thought "The Key" (now VIP Pass) was a nice option. The Key, Royal Caribbean's Priority Program - Cruise Critic In this day and age, having access to the internet is pretty vital on a cruise. What it actually means is that youll get to board the ship early. 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. The Voom Surf n Stream is included. Members who have a high-status level in Royal Caribbeans Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program automatically enjoy many VIP benefits. Dining packages offer a good discount on how much lunch will cost. You should see signs and there will be attendants there to handle the luggage. 10:30am Boarding time : r/royalcaribbean - Reddit 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. We are planning to purchase the key for our Allure cruise next year. 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. Harmony of the Seas | Boarding the Ship & The Key Program | Royal Lastly, Ive found that sometimes there are frazzled port workers who may not be familiar with the Key and just wave you into the regular line. Just by flashing your SeaPass, Key members can take advantage of lots of benefits that the vast majority of RCI cruisers dont have. A full list of benefits will be given to you once you board the ship with ship-specific benefits. Basically, it's your chance to get to the fun faster and receive VIP access to certain activities. The Key is a program that provides Royal Caribbean International guests with premier access to exclusive experiences during their cruise vacation. RCI currently offers The Key on all sailings on all ships except for Quantum of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas. What to Know Before Your Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises A The Key Guests will enjoy the following exclusive benefits during their cruise vacation: Priority access during The Key designated arrival time (to be communicated via email). What this means is that hundreds of passengers will be disembarking around the same time after the ship docks. Professional freelance writer and published indie author. Swimsuit, acceptable dinner clothes for a few nights, acceptable day wear for a few days, and dop kit.
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