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. Perk number eight! If Royal Caribbean cancels it for any reason, of course you can expect to get your money back. I wouldn't pay that for unlimited dining. The Key, Royal Caribbean's Priority Program - Cruise Critic Perk number five is also a continuous benefit throughout your whole itinerary special sections of reserved seating. Perk number four! Okay. Crew delivers your bags to your stateroom and leaves them in the roomnot outside your door like regular checked luggage. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. 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. Or the benefits are simply not as lucrative as it sounds. 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. Members who have a high-status level in Royal Caribbeans Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program automatically enjoy many VIP benefits. Is Royal Caribbean's "priority access" package worth the price? TPG DBS MORNING SHOW & OBITUARIES 25TH APRIL 2023 APRIL 2023 - Facebook Complimentary room service for your entire cruise, along with 25% off all onboard dining purchases Private time at some of our onboard activities such as rock climbing, FlowRider, etc. But I cannot recall as to the internet if there are 2 people in the room if each gets the use of one device, or it is one device per room. Professional freelance writer and published indie author. How to Get Free Drinks in the Casino on Royal Caribbean And More! If you notice that your card doesnt have the decal, visit the Guest Services desk on board and they can attach the sticker. 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. Lets dive in. (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. 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). A couple reasons, first off, I needed the internet since unfortunately need to work a little bit during the week. You aren't cheating the system, you are the earliest boarding time. Much, much better value for 2 extra dollars per day! This is a super beneficial perk when traveling with children. One thing I wonder about with The Key. This terminology was super vague to us when we first came across it in the description of the Key Program. 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. Priority boarding either with or right after suite guests. Read Also: How Long Does It Take to Get Off a Cruise Ship? If . And, it is included in the price of The Key as follows: one online package per paying guest on one device. I think with a little bit of footwork, you can get similar results on your own and save money on your cruise vacation. We are headed out on the Oasis of the Seas from Miami on Sunday. 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?). 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. 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. Cruise terminals, as we learned during the pandemic, are . While you may have to adjust your schedule around this, it will be worth it for the kids. Royal Caribbean Embarkation Tips for Your First Day What it actually means is that youll get to board the ship early. Since the program began in 2018, passengers have reported paying anywhere from $19.99 to over $35 per person per day. VOOM Surf & Stream package, now including high speed internet, for one device (1 package per guest). When I first heard about this service, I thought it was an odd perk to offer. Carry on luggage can be left in the MDR and delivered to cabin. It is not like the drinks package or an excursion where you can just add it once youre onboard. You wont even have to hunt it down in the hallway like you usually have to do with your checked baggage. 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. Is the Royal Caribbean Key Program a must-do or a hard pass for your next cruise? An important point to know is that you must buy it prior to sailing. Also, you should be able to see when and how often the locations are reserved for Key Guests. Choose to upgrade the complimentary continental breakfast; order a light lunch; and, have an entire dinner sent to your room. I guess this falls under the different strokes for different folks. Think of it like a way to pay extra to get VIP treatment, faster access, or otherwise nice to have extras. 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. Can we use whichever one is better? Display as a link instead, Voyager of the Seas - Jun 12, 2023 - Jun 17, 2023 (5 Night Western What is The Key on Royal Caribbean? Ultimately, your wait will be shorter, and you will be one of the first passengers on the ship. 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. 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. Can you help me understand suite and key program priority embarkation? 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. While all passengers must follow general boarding and security protocols at every port, Key Guests have a shortcut afterward. We have a RoyalCaribbeanBlog video today, discussing the merits of if The Key program is worth the money!The Key offers, If you have a Royal Caribbean cruise booked, then you probably have logged into the Cruise Planner website to peruse, Guests sailing on Symphony of the Seas this week noticed a new option to allow select guests faster boarding back, Royal Caribbean is testing out a newlimited quantity VIP guest experience on select Liberty of the Seas and Oasis of, Is The Key worth it? The Key - Royal Caribbean International - Cruise Critic Community The Key program was first introduced in 2018, and this package add-on must be purchased prior to boarding via Royal Caribbean. Perk number two! 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. There is a wide variety of entertainment options to enjoy during your time at sea. I recommend selecting the earliest check in when it opens. 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. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. That I can live with..certainly not $30+. Internet that I'd otherwise pay for one device. Welcome lunch with Chops Grille menu can be bought separately at the restaurant or at a different restaurant. But Carnival Cruise Line, whose Faster To The Fun program is very similar, determines how many passes they sell per cruise based on those figures. With a lot of guests, the price tag for The Key could add up quickly. No sense dropping off your carry on if you board after the rooms are available. If youre thinking about purchasing the program, its a good idea to check around this time because it does tend to sell out. 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. Im Louise. An interesting perk with The Key program is the ability to drop off carry on luggage (usually in the theater until 1:30 PM). In addition, with multi-device internet plans, the Key doesn't scale to families or larger groups if internet is always purchased. The Key program is controversial among some high-level Crown & Anchor members. If youre already planning to buy WiFi, The Key might make sense depending on how many devices you want to activate. You get lots of great perks throughout your cruise for the cost of one, inexpensive excursion. Im a wife, a mom, a crafter, a Disney fan, and a french fry connoisseur. If a large group of Key members and suite passengers enter just before you, it might be quicker going through a regular security line. Check the specific adventures on your ship to see what and how many of these capture your interest. 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. (Be aware that some of the most popular spots may only be reserved for Key Guests a couple of times during your itinerary). Key members dont have access to the Diamond or Concierge Clubs, exclusive events, and behind-the-scenes tours. 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. The menus (ship specific, of course) are generous with options. Planning to arrive at the cruise terminal a bit later in the day? But I only paid an extra buck for it so no big. Cruise boarding times: How early should you arrive for a cruise - The One of the really nice benefits of the Key Program is that you dont have to do that. 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. Then, you see rows and rows and rows of people However, if you bought Royal Caribbean The Key, welcome to your first VIP perk. How Carnival and Royal Caribbean Handle Marijuana Onboard