Royal Caribbean is introducing new options to enhance the journey. One of these is the Royal Caribbean the Key package, which offers exclusive perks to make the cruise more special. You can save time and money and access VIP benefits with this package that makes every moment feel personalized for your enjoyment.
The Key offers exclusive benefits like fast check-in, priority access to activities, and special dining. Is it really worth it?
Let’s explore Royal Caribbean the Key’s perks and decide if it’s the right choice for your next cruise.
What Is the Key on Royal Caribbean?
The Royal Caribbean’s optional add-on program called The Key is a relatively new program. The Royal Caribbean Key program is a great option for people who want a better cruise experience. It gives you special perks like faster check-in, an internet package, reserved seats at shows, and private time for activities.
You need to buy the Royal Caribbean the Key before you go on the cruise. You can buy it online or through the app when you book your cruise. Remember, you can’t get The Key once you’re on the cruise.
Royal Caribbean the Key can be expensive, especially for families or big groups, as everyone over 6 must buy it. This program makes some guests Key Guests. This will impact your access, activities, and costs on the ship. After buying it, you’ll see a key symbol on your SeaPass at check-in. Remember to bring your receipt.
Is Royal Caribbean Still Offering The Key?
Royal Caribbean has re-introduced The Key program, which is a big change in the cruise industry after the quieter cruising years due to the pandemic. The key is now available on most Royal Caribbean sailings, but in limited numbers to make it feel more special and give guests better experiences.
Royal Caribbean has updated the list of benefits. If you bought it before, check the new list to see what you get now.
How Much Is the Key Program on Royal Caribbean
The Royal Caribbean Key program cost changes based on the season and number of people on your trip. The starting price is $25.99 per person per day, but discounts can make it cheaper. The price may be higher depending on demand and your cruise.
You must pay for The Key for everyone in your room aged 6 or older, and you cannot pay partially – you must get it for the whole cruise.
For example, if it costs $26 for your cruise and you are traveling family of four, it would be $104 per day. For a 7-night cruise, this means an extra $728 on top of your cruise fare. The extra cost not only impacts your budget but also makes you question if Royal Caribbean Key program is worth it.
What Does Royal Caribbean the Key Include?
When you buy Royal Caribbean the Key, you get the following benefits:
- Priority Access on Embarkation
- Drop off your carry-on bag and have it delivered to your room.
- Welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room when you arrive.
- Enjoy activities like FlowRider, The North Star, iFly, and Bumper Cars on the ship without crowds.
- Leave first at ports where you need to take a small boat to shore.
- You get VIP access to live shows.
- Access to VOOM Surf & Stream internet
- Special breakfast on the day you leave.
Royal Caribbean the Key Perks
You will get the following perks:
Priority Access on Embarkation
Royal Caribbean The Key program offers special perks like Priority access on embarkation day. Priority access on embarkation day means you get to arrive early and board the ship sooner. While all passengers must follow boarding and security rules, Key Guests have a shortcut.
This helps avoid long lines. Instead of waiting for hours, Key Guests, loyalty program members, and suite bookers go to a special area. There, you can relax while the staff check you in.
To get this perk, arrive at the port during your special check-in time. If you miss the window, you might miss the benefit.
Tip: Make sure your time slot is early enough for the embarkation day lunch. If it’s too late, contact the cruise line to change it.
Luggage Drop Off
Guests with The Key are welcome to leave their carry-on bags in the Main Dining Room. This makes it easier for them as they don’t have to carry heavy bags around until their rooms are ready. The bags will be delivered to the stateroom, making it easier if guests have a bulky bag. Each guest can leave up to 2 bags weighing no more than 25lb each.
Welcome Lunch in the Main Dining Room
Guests with Royal Caribbean The Key can enjoy a special Welcome Lunch in the Main Dining Room to get a taste of Chops Grille’s food. Although the full menu isn’t available, a special selection of appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts ensures a delicious meal like what you’d find at a buffet on the ship. This lunch offers a break from the busy boarding day, letting guests enjoy their food in a calm environment.
Discount on Specialty Restaurants (while onboard)
Royal Caribbean the Key offers 10–20% discount at specialty restaurants. This is good for people who want to celebrate a special event or enjoy better food, especially if they haven’t reserved it before the cruise.
VOOM Internet
Guest with The Key program gets a high-quality experience with a VOOM Surf & Stream internet package for one device. The cost for Voom Surf and Stream can change but is usually $20–$25 a day for one device. This benefit alone makes Royal Caribbean the Key worth it.
The Voom internet package is good for video calls and streaming services, according to Royal Caribbean. It offers a fast enough connection for tasks like checking social media or reading emails without delays, although the speed for more demanding tasks may not be as reliable.
VIP Access to Shows
Royal Caribbean the Key offers VIP access to shows. You can watch live shows at different venues like the AquaTheater, Broadway musicals, Two70, and Studio B depending on the ship.
Key Guest will get the best seats in a premium section of the larger venues on the ship. This means they can have a reserved area or choose seats early in the theatre.
If there’s reserved seating, you may only need to arrive 15 minutes early and for general seating and early access, some guests were asked to arrive 45 minutes before the show, which is a long wait.
This benefit is mainly for larger venues and their shows. Smaller spaces like nightclubs do not have special seating for Key Guests.
Priority Tender Departure
Many cruise guests may think getting off the ship first on small boats is a nice perk. But most Royal Caribbean ships can dock at many ports, so using small boats is not usually needed. Guests should check their schedule before getting excited about this perk.
Leaving on small boats is not common on Royal Caribbean cruises, it can be helpful at some ports. It saves time and makes the experience better at these unique places. Even if you don’t use this perk often, knowing it’s available for specific times can make your travel plans easier.
Private Time for Onboard Activities
One of Royal Caribbean the Key’s perks is private time for onboard activities. If you’re cruising with teenagers and kids, you might really like this benefit.
The activities available will depend on your ship. For example, on the Freedom of the Seas, private time is for the FlowRider and rock-climbing wall. On Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships, you’d have VIP access to more activities. On the Quantum of the Seas, you’ll have private hours for The North Star, iFly, Bumper Cars, and Roller Skating.
Tip: Pay attention to your cruise schedule as there may be only one private hour per attraction per cruise. If you miss it, you’ll have to wait in line with everyone else.
Exclusive Debarkation Breakfast
The Royal Caribbean Key program offers guests a special treat with an exclusive a la carte breakfast in the Main Dining Room on departure day of your cruise. This experience lets guests have a relaxed meal with a selection of tasty options, making the send-off memorable.
Other guests are limited to buffet-style breakfasts, being able to indulge in one last elegant dining experience adds an extra touch of sophistication and luxury.
How to Purchase the key Royal Caribbean
You can buy The Key program by booking your cruise first and then go to the Cruise Planner on the Royal Caribbean website and add The Key program to your reservation.
Note: Remember, you can’t buy The Key when booking your cruise or during the cruise. You have to book it after you secure your cruise reservation.
What Is a Good Price for The Key on Royal Caribbean?
The best way to determine a good price for The Key is to compare its cost to a VOOM Surf & Stream internet package. If the prices are similar, it’s a good deal and worth buying. A VOOM package is usually $18 per person per day for one device, but the price may change based on your ship and sailing.
The WiFi costs $18 a day and The Key costs $26, consider if paying an extra $8 is worth it for the added benefits.
Remember everyone in the room must pay for The Key, while individual VOOM plans can be bought based on personal needs. So, if you only need internet on one device, getting separate VOOM packages might be cheaper.
Is The Key Worth it on Royal Caribbean?
Deciding whether Royal Caribbean the Key is worth it depends on what you like and what matters most to you. If you weren’t planning to get the expensive VOOM internet package, The Key may not be worth it, especially for groups of more than two. If you want internet access, The Key could be a better deal than just buying WiFi.
Consider whether you will truly benefit from the perks offered by The Key – such as priority boarding, reserved seating at shows, skipping baggage handling or avoiding buffet lines and expedited debarkation. If you enjoy live shows or activities like the FlowRider, The Key Royal Caribbean can make your cruise smoother.
If you’re not interested in these benefits or if you are traveling with a larger group where the cost may not justify the added perks, it might be wiser to opt out of purchasing The Key. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons based on your individual cruising preferences and needs before deciding. Keep in mind how much you value convenience and time-saving measures while onboard to determine if Royal Caribbean the key worth it for your cruise experience.
Conclusion
It’s vital to understand the perks you already have before considering The Key add-on for your cruise. If you’re a part of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society or booking a Suite, you may already enjoy similar VIP benefits included in The Key package. Be mindful of potential overlaps to avoid paying twice for the same privileges.
Remember that The Key Royal Caribbean purchase is non-refundable, so it’s wise to evaluate your decision carefully.
If you’re interested in The Key but worried about the cost, look for online discounts to save money. Planning ahead and using these offers can help you spend less while still enjoying the special benefits of the program.
FAQs – Royal Caribbean The Key
Is The Key Available on All Royal Caribbean Ships?
The Key is offered on all Royal Caribbean ships, but not on all sailings. Royal Caribbean has not specified where it won’t be available, but there may be some trips where it’s not practical. The benefits may differ depending on your ship, so check what is included before purchasing it.
How Many People Can Buy the Key on Royal Caribbean
There is no set limit on how many people can purchase The Key on Royal Caribbean. Each sailing will have a maximum capacity. The availability of The Key is limited to certain guests to avoid overwhelming the staff with carry-on bags. The number of people who can buy The Key Royal Caribbean depends on the size of the ship and the travel route.
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