If it’s your first time cruising, I suggest you get it. I just came back from my first cruise. It was worth it. Of course this speaker has all the perks already from the loyalty program. It may not worth it for him. I feel like people like him forgot what it was like the first time. As a first timer and I was solo. It was nerve wrecking to go… I also didn’t want to spend the time doing the leg work or stress of finding other ways. I got on first on the ship. I didn’t want to think about checking in and I didn’t. They checked my bag on the ship. I wanted internet, the key came with it. I saw every show and 45-30 minutes isn’t a long time since most likely if you get a drink package, you’ll have someone get you a drink while you wait. The welcome lunch was nice and so was the farewell breakfast. They let me off the ship whenever I got finished with farewell breakfast and my bag was ready for me out the gate. Easy.

@tl3335

2 жыл бұрын

Thinking the same thing.

@chocolatemint9225

2 жыл бұрын

That’s my situation. First time solo female cruiser, I’m gonna try the Key for the exact reasons you mentioned.

@kaiti5015

Жыл бұрын

Going on my first cruise as a solo traveler next month and I got it due to this comment 😊 thanks, I’m nervous

@ericmiller7751

Жыл бұрын

Give it a go if you want the experience or you have money to waste.

@bettysmith-fp9ys

Жыл бұрын

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

I purchase the Key when I can get it's lowest price. I have been traveling solo and I do use the internet, so the difference from the internet price to what I pay for the Key is usually small and does make the Key worth the value to me. Now I do agree that some of the benefits are not great or used by me; however, what I do use, does make the key a value to me.

@valeriekearney74133

Жыл бұрын

I agree there was a $16 difference from the internet plan I planned to purchased and the 🔑 key.

@vickytan8325

Жыл бұрын

How, where, and when i can buy " the key " ?

Would love an update from Matt on this. I believe depending on the ship and itinerary it varies and information on this would be very helpful. Also more info for those on a first cruise and if any of the Key benefits are available in a Jr. Suite vs. Higher level suite. Especially more details on the priority show seating. A breakdown of embarkation and debarkation of this for new cruisers would also be great. Thank Matt for all the help!

@connie_360

7 ай бұрын

I was new to RC, got the Key, ship was late, everyone was let on at the same time. Lunch meh, I never left the ship - but they did call and wake me up since I didn't show up for my assigned tender - welfare check 😀 I'm trying it again next summer on a heavy tender cruise.

The Key is 100% worth the cost! we just got back from a 9 day vision of the seas cruise out of Baltimore #1 embarkation day was AMAZING!! from the time the porter took our checked luggage until we had cleared security and were standing on the ship was just shy of 14 minutes !. we checked in our carry on bags which were then delivered to our cabin (about an hour later) We went did our muster because it was shortly after 11:30am then went to a VIP lunch in the MDR which was a selection of Chop grill menu items #2 FREE ROOM SERVICE !! this was great. we ordered a burger and fries at 3:43 am and it was brought to our room in under 15 minutes, of course we did give the man a $20 tip. I think he was shocked LOL #3 VIP seating at all the shows this was "okay" we were on the 2nd floor. seats were great, but it's smaller venue, so not a big perk #4 internet service was FANTASTIC #5 Debarkation was INCREDIBLE. we had a VIP breakfast in the MDR, the eggs over crab cakes UNBELIEVABLE ! you gotta try it when we got off the ship we were escorted to a special area where our bags were waiting for us. we went right through customs no waiting. took maybe 10 minutes total I paid a total of $228 for this package which was only $70 more then the entire cost of the internet package WELL WORTH THE MONEY !!

In my specific case, it was worth it. I took my first RCCL cruise on the Independence of the Seas in November. From the time I arrived at the port to boarding the ship - 15 minutes. Most of that was waiting to get into the terminal through the covid check. I cruise solo so the cost was not that bad. I enjoyed the lunch at the MDR. I liked dropping off my carry on at the MDR. I used room service. I used the internet extensively. I did not use the priority seating because of the reduced capacity, seats were not hard to come by. Nor did I do the flowrider. One thing Matt did not mention was that Key cruisers luggage. was segregated into a separate area on disembarkation making it easy to pick up my luggage at the end of the cruise. I am cruising on the Symphony of the Seas and have Key.

@stephaniebfi4297

2 жыл бұрын

What's the earliest you can go to the terminal? We're thinking of taking an Uber over from the hotel. Our GoPort was late this last time and it ruined our priority boarding.

@seemoreseascruises3791

2 жыл бұрын

@@stephaniebfi4297 My Freedom of the Seas cruise later this month emailed us and requested that we arrive between 11:00 & 11:30. The first boarding slot without The Key starts at 11:30.

@jeannearc9879

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the info.

Get the Key, it's worth it. We boarded early, dropped off carry-ons, and ate the Chops lunch. We used room service every day (normally like $7.95 for each delivery I believe), we were going to get internet anyway, so the Black Friday price between the Key and internet was like $8 per day. We did all of the private hours at the activities which, yes, were at off times, but it was worth it to walk right in, especially with smaller, impatient children. We sat at the VIP seating at all shows, which didn't necessarily mean better seats, just reserved in case other areas filled up. And then, what I think made it ALL worth it, was the debarkation day leisure breakfast and choice departure. We slept in, got up, went to breakfast, enjoyed the morning, then when we were done and ready, we were escorted past the looooong lines of people waiting to get off, and walked right off after about a minute wait. What new cruisers may not know is that on departure day you are TOLD when you will leave. And it's often like 7am. Then you wait with a thousand other people to debark for like 30 to 45 minutes. All of the corridors are shut down and you can't get around. But with the Key, we were escorted past and through all that.

Your advice on The Key has saved me a LOT of cash that I can now put towards better uses. The only item I would buy within it is VOOM @ $16/day which comes to $224 for my upcoming Transatlantic. The Key is $38/day which comes to $532. That's a difference of $308 or $22/day. So then I ask myself - is it worth another $22/day for things that really only apply to the first and last days? And perks I will likely not use? I walked through each, one by one, and then asked myself, "What if I did NOT have this? Would it really matter?" The answer was always no, it wouldn't really matter. Thank you again for the honest assessment.

@annesmoley1685

2 жыл бұрын

I just purchased the key which was $25.99 Vs the internet package was $19.99. $6 difference. Early check in, Chops lunch and drop off of luggage is worth the $6 difference to me. But a $20 difference wouldn’t be a value.

@larry4111

2 жыл бұрын

@@annesmoley1685 But it's not $6. It's $6 per day. How long is your cruise? If it's 7 nights, for example, then you're paying $42 for one single lunch and drop off of luggage and early check-in. I'd agree if it were lunch every day. Plus "early check-in" is kind of moot with the staggered times due to COVID. When I checked in online for my last cruise I just went in as soon as you could do it, and I got the first check-in time. I arrived and practically walked right onto the ship. And the rooms were ready right away so I just walked to my room with my luggage. So if it were 7 days I'd have paid $42 for one lunch.

We got the Key on a pre pandemic cruise to Alaska and the price difference between the key and wifi only was very small and made sense to get the key. For about $10 per person per day we found it valuable.

Appreciate your total honesty! Thanks for the overview.

I used the key on Oct 22 and it was worth it. We booked a few weeks prior to sailing so our scheduled time to board was 230pm. We got there at 11am and we're early boarders, actually first in line with the suite people. Paid $26 a day so that and the 2 meals were good. Not helpful for shows as we had to be there early, as noted, we had the option for four activities key only periods. I think it was rock wall, flow rider, zip line and one other item. Carry on luggage being dropped off at lunch was nice, food was great. I think internet alone was about $16 a day so $10 more a day or $70 for the week. Dinal thing was our bags were separated to a specific key area when we got off the ship, helped a little but not super significant. It was worth it to me especially due to being able to get on early, reserve all the shows we wanted to see and have a great lunch. Thanks for posting the video. It was a great review.

I made a video on the Key as well from my November cruise. For me catching it at the right price and being able to use it on a ship like the symphony was a no brainer

I am a solo passenger and planned on buying the internet service anyway so having the KEY was a benefit and value to me. I have a 12 noon check in so the key will allow me to check in earlier and start my vacation as well as drop off my carry on. (who wants to lug that around the pool). Thanks for your insight and review

I’ve bought it looking forward to it happy to give a full report. I am first time RCCL and we are sailing in Europe with 3/4 tenders.

Hi Matt, You didn't touch on the "Choice Departure" for The Key. The first time we had The Key it was worth it. Boarded the ship immediately after check in, on the ship by 11am, carry-on deliver and in the closet inside the cabin, lunch at Chops (limited menu), Flowrider time was scarce but did take advantage and the staff actually kicked non-Key cruisers out of line, they even let Key passengers come to the front of the line during non-Key times (I think it depended who was working), Internet was a mute point since we purchase no matter what, seats for shows were in the VIP section and only had to arrive 10min early and bypassed the line of passengers waiting to get in. Ala Carte breakfast was awesome and relaxing, from there we had a personal guide to take us down to the special Key luggage area, straight through customs and on the sidewalk in 10 min. I think the 300+ passengers waiting in line to debark were upset and it was a little embarrassing cuz the staff member was holding up a "Key" sign as we broke between lines and took the elevator down to luggage, etc. For my cruise coming up soon, I am wondering what choice departure is?? Any clue?

@bigpoppa1fasho

2 жыл бұрын

I hope to receive that type of treatment for my June trip

@shogafs3554

2 жыл бұрын

@@bigpoppa1fasho If anyone is interested, we were on Symphony of the Seas at the beginning of May and The Key was worth the extra bucks to us. I figured out that choice departure was get off the ship anytime you choose! There was a delay in immigration and everyone who hadn't already gotten off, was asked to wait in a lounge until further notice. I asked and if we wanted we could have gotten off. The relaxing breakfast in the empty dining room was pretty awesome day of departure. Also, they went back to special VIP seating for Key guests (to sit with the Platinum or suites guests), you do not have to go 45min early to get a sit, like previously stated. Thank goodness. We saw some long lines for standby passengers waiting to get into shows! Especially if a show is cancelled (Aqua show) due to the weather, let the staff know and they may let you into another booked show. Embarkation/Debarkation was a breeze. Look for the Key signs! The only thing I didn't like was the Chops lunch in the main dining room. They sit you so close to other people, no breathing room. But the food was fantastic. I wish they would add more activity times for the Key (i.e. Laser Tag, Escape the Rubicon, and maybe some adventures on CocoCay!) Have fun!

@bigpoppa1fasho

2 жыл бұрын

@@shogafs3554 now I'm really glad I purchased the key package, thanks for the added information

I've never purchased the key for the exact reasons that Matt mentions in his video. I do the math every time, and I just don't see it being worth it for me. If you disagree, then by all means, go ahead and purchase it, and enjoy the benefits.

Matt, Just saw my son at the flowrider in this video from our Mariner cruise-the inaugural sailing! Fun!!!

I am considering the Key for my cruise in May, but after just returning from a Carnival cruise (my first cruise ever) things do not work in real life the way they do on paper. My GoPort was late and had to additionally stop at the airport so we arrived at the port at 11:30am. The driver did his best explaining, but it completely negated our priority embarking at 10:30am and we were definitely just thrown in with the masses. In hind sight we weren't angry, the embarking went smoothly. We were on board the ship within the hour and our suite was ready, but we just didn't get the "priority" feel that was advertised and we paid for. I will be reading these comments carefully. Thank you for this video.

I looked into the key, and I'm sorry it's just not worth it for my family. The per-day price is too much for a family of 4. Just bring your patience and wait in the line and you will get on the ship just like everyone else. I agree with you 100%!!

I purchased it for my April cruise on the Odyssey. I got it mainly so I have scheduled times to use the on board activities, like flow rider, rock climbing, sky zone, etc. They also offered me free room service. I love my early morning coffee, bagels and donuts and also having breakfast items for my son when he wakes up.

I bought it for my upcoming cruise. I use the Internet and I travel solo, so when I saw it on sale I bought it. As a night owl, I love having free room service and I do use it.

Thanks for the information. We are sailing on Symphony in 8 days and we’re considering The Key. This definitely helps!

Thank you so much for the information. I was going to get The Key for my husband and I. This isn't our first cruise, a first on Royal Caribbean. Previous cruises we went on, we didn't have a problem checking in. It actually was fast and easy. We got there earlier than our check-in time and were able to check in. The porters took our bags, we had drinks and food and enjoyed our cruise. So, I won't spend the money on The Key, oh, and we have a suite on Independence of the Seas. That's enough perks for us😊

Just got it for $17.99 for my upcoming Harmony sailing. It shook out to only be $15 more than the 2 device internet package for the week that my wife and I require for our sailing. My personal rule is if I can get it for not much more than the Internet package it's definitely worth it.

Excellent video! Thanks for the tips

I think it is worth it for newer Solo RCCL cruisers who are below Diamond Level, especially if the cost of the Key is within a couple dollars more of the Voom S&S. I got it on my Freedom cruise, i'll let ya know.

Matt, love your videos and all the helpful info. One suggestion would be to choose a different microphone or adjust the gain on your existing mic. Sounds a bit overdriven on all the videos. Keep up the great work!

I found it worth it, the internet package on my cruise was $40 per day. The Key which includes the internet package anyway was $52 per day. So for a bit extra on top the internet I was going to buy anyway I got all the perks of the key. Most cruises from Australia are to the South Pacific Islands, almost all of which require tenders for Royal Caribbean ships.

@suave-rider

2 ай бұрын

when you add the charge over an 8-10 day cruise it's hundreds of dollars. Do you really use the internet enough EVERY day to warrant it and is the embarkation and disembarkation meals wrth all that? I doubt it. They trick you with the daily rate so you think its cheap

@Rac2703

2 ай бұрын

@@suave-rider yes I do find it worth it, otherwise it wouldn’t pay it. When all ports on a ship that holds over 4,000 are tender only then I am more than happy to pay for priority tender service.

I just checked my wife and I in for our Jan 22 sailing on the Allure yesterday. Got the 11:30 check-in time! Staying in a hotel across the street from the cruise terminal the night before the cruise, so I'm hoping we will have no hiccups getting on board early. Hopefully, I will be able to schedule all our shows right after boarding so we can see all that we want before they fill up. Following your advice to the tee, Matt!

@kerlinne

2 жыл бұрын

Hey! How was your vacation??

@keithsmith1348

2 жыл бұрын

@@kerlinne We cancelled. With all the stories in the media of ports closing and staff testing positive, decided to wait until Omicron drops off a bit. We still have our travel credits, so, just waiting for numbers to come down just a bit more.

Thanks Matt, love your show! I just did some math (March 1 Cruise Planner sale) and Voom is $19.99/ day and Key is 21.99/day. There are only two of us in the room so for $8.00 extra each for a 5 day cruise, we are going to give it a shot. We already have an 11:30 check in time and dining package but I figure we will break even with two balcony room service breakfasts (free). Math rules the world and, at least this time, it works for us.

@staytuned9980

2 жыл бұрын

Let us know how you liked it!

@KD-ek3um

2 жыл бұрын

Cruise in April, I will update here with the results!

@KD-ek3um

2 жыл бұрын

We did get our moneys worth with the Key but only because of the price. It amounted to $2 dollars per person extra over the $ 19.00 cost of the Voom. Key was $21.00 for 4 nights. Lunch at Chops on embarkation day was worth that total of $ 8.00 per person. Key embarkation was so short and sweet. It took less than 15 min from dropping luggage to stepping aboard the ship. I encourage you to do the math though. It can easily be priced to a point it is not worth the extra cost.

@KD-ek3um

2 жыл бұрын

Please know that the is no longer free anytime room service with the Key.

I have purchased it for my very first cruise ever this coming June. Am very happy to have done so! Maybe if I keep cruising, might not be worth the $ but for this upcoming trip, absolutely. Will write back if I find it not worth it.

We purchased the Key for the first time on our last cruise aboard the Harmony of the Seas.. we loved it and would most definitely do it again...

@RoyalCaribbeanBlog

2 жыл бұрын

What did you like about The Key specifically?

Thanks Matt. Makes sense.

I purchased The Key for a 4N itinerary on Mariner back in 2019 and it was only $19/p/n, which wasn't too bad because I was going to get internet anyway. So for that price, the lunch on embarkation day(which was in the Chops restaurant), the early check-in(which was nice because I was traveling with 1st time cruisers), the luggage drop-off and breakfast in MDR on the morning of disembarkation was worth it. But I agree that unless you get a really great price, it isn't worth it for longer sailings, especially if you're in a Suite or a Diamond member. But even if you're not in a suite or a Diamond member, it just doesn't make much sense to pay a daily rate for a package that doesn't provide daily benefits. I won't be purchasing The Key on my upcoming Symphony sailing. Thanks Matt!!

@annemarieholland

Жыл бұрын

We paid $19 per night also, so in that case, worth the cost I think.

I got in on the black friday deal. 1 device plan with the key which was only $2 more a day than just the internet. So for a 6-day cruise, it was only $12 more.

If you are gold member it is worth it. Especially if you get it on sale. I never waited for shows. I just walked in

I've read that for trips with ports with tenders, you get an advantage. That could be a good thing without a timing issue. I'll be on the Odyssey next year, thought the times for activities would include bumper cars, the VR experience and water slide use. Hmm.

Great info. I’ve been on the fence deciding whether we needed to purchase the Key on our upcoming cruise on the Symphony. Thank you

@RoyalCaribbeanBlog

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

We just got off Oasis of the Seas and had The Key. Since we get internet regardless, The Key was worth worth it for a few more dollars a day. Specifically we enjoyed the early embarkation and free room service. Some of the other “perks” could have been better. We’re cruising again in February so we’re going to try to make better use of the other benefits…we’ll see. I think if RCCL added a few more “special” perks and put a little more effort into providing The Key guests special access to things it would be much better. Question: I heard after our cruise that The Key guests have a priority elevator we could have used with our card…does anyone know if that is true? I didn’t know that was part of the program?!?!

@StephanieBourbon

Жыл бұрын

Specifically we enjoyed the early embarkation and free room service----- we didn't get any of that in March on Oasis, they didn't do anything for us. It was horrible.

Thank you I was wondering about the key man I don’t have to get it thank you so very much I watch your channel all the car for a great tips for my Maxx close in October

I am looking forward to the Key program on our cruise next week on Mariner of the Seas. It will be interesting to see how we feel after we get a chance to use it.

@mulv3410

2 жыл бұрын

How was it? I have a cruise on the Mariner in July.

@christi9916

2 жыл бұрын

We just returned from an awesome 7-day Carribean cruise on the Mariner! Did not purchase the Key; still had easy early embarkation & amazing Windjammer lunch, great seats at all the shows, didn't use wifi or our phones (except for the RC app, which was free!). We also booked the Kennedy Space Center excursion for after the cruise (highly recommend!), which included early disembarkation, and airport transfer! It was our very 1st cruise, but will not be our last, lol! AMAZING!

@marcphil808

Жыл бұрын

Me and my girlfriend had it on Mariner of the sea , it was okay but the activity times didn’t do anything for us because it was weird time the video times but I did feel like we were kind of treated like VIP lol at time ( P.S I don’t think free room service was a thing at the time)

I just got back from sailing on Independence of the Seas Dec. 13-17. There were very few people that seemed to have the Key. From a first time cruisers perspective there seemed to be close to zero value in the Key for Independence. Yes, it might save you a minute or two in various lines, but just a minute or two. I never had to wait in line for more than a minute for anything other than the elevators. I also have a milk allergy that I had a fairly bad experience with on RCCL. There were food options, but there were very limited and not very good except for Izuma/Sushi. RCCL seems to put dairy in EVERYTHING! The key wouldn't have fixed this problem since the food options even in the Diamond lounge was the same foods obtainable from other places on the ship. Other than the food the cruise was fantastic. I just don't think "The Key" would make it any better. As far as Check in we arrived about 30 minutes early despite being told to arrive exactly on time. We were allowed to walk through our assigned check in time lane, through vaccination, security, and boarding papers checks without any hassle and with very limited waiting. Mask usage was generally very good and enforced.

You just saved me $1,000 for my family of 5. Thank you!

@RoyalCaribbeanBlog

2 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

Great Review!!

Thank you!

Thank you for putting this in perspective for me 😆

I ordered the key for a future cruise, wasn't sure if it would be worth it for many of the same reasons you mentioned: we probably won't be rock climbing or using the flow rider; I don't plan on being one of the first ones off the ship at 7am or 8am on our 2 port days. I had only planned on getting regular voom internet service for 1 device and did not plan on getting the streaming. However our cruise is only 3 nights and I had thought about getting lunch at Chops. I did get a very good discount on it 21.99/person/day (there are only 2 of us). Carry on we can drop off into the main dining until 1:30pm which we like, we are bringing a bottle of wine onboard and have a bipap machine. It will be nice not having to lug those around with us all day long. My package does not show room service included on it. Debarkation time sounds like I might be able to be in the last group off the ship, I hope. And I can get an a la carte breakfast on debarkation day. I have a 3pm flight out. I will find out in 57 days if it was worth it for us.

It’s def worth it for Europe and cruises with tender ports. Santorini is a nightmare and anything you can do to get ahead of things is worth it. Also, as a solo traveler, the additional cost over the cost of an internet package is pretty marginal. Paying $50-$60 extra to get the key is worth it in that case. The chops lunch alone covers about a third of that additional cost,

We got the Key for 17.99. Good deal!

I bought the Key for my 2023 cruise. I did get checked in online, and Vroom included, and including my drink package (just fancy coffee like cappuccino etc, since I only drink Coke Zero as my soft drink). We shall see about the “benefits”.

The priority tendering isn't a need these days since the only place they constantly go to that does tendering is Grand Cayman and Belize City. Even then, the bigger ships like the Oasis classes and up are not tendering at all. They only go to places they can dock. If Royal wants more people to buy the key, they need to figure out how to make it worth it for more people to buy.

I've purchased a Key package for my cruise next month. I don't know how it will work in practice, but it only cost £2 a day more than the Internet package alone. I don't want to splurge on any food packages, so the extra £18 over the nine days will probably work out about the same price as a meal in the Chops Grill would. Any other benefits will just be a bonus.

We are going to do it for our 4 night cruise on the Navigator of the Seas in February. It’s only a few days, so I figured we would give it a shot. We did not do it for our 7 night Alaska cruise on Quantum. At least I will be able to make an educated decision for our third cruise. I’ll let you know what I think.

Spot on Matt!

thank you

We just got back. Imo it was not worth it. Yes you skipped some lines at the beginning but the lines are pretty efficient. However what was supposed to be an upgraded lunch was exactly the same dinner served in the main dining area. We have had the key in the past and it included filet and other upgraded items. This was not an upgrade. In fact the macaroni and cheese had a piece of Kraft cheese burned on top. Previously the key was a HUGE plus. This was a hassle

I am sailing on Harmony of the seas in July. I purchased the key because I hate to wait in a line mostly. I had to pay $872 for our family for 7 days. I have been researching about it since then and realized that my key program has even lesser value. It doesn’t have a room service feature and 25% off on dining. The difference from what I watch here is a vip seat reserved for the shows so I don’t have to get there 45min early. Nonetheless, I agree with you and don’t think it is worth the money especially for four people for 7 days. I purchased it because I thought I had to take advantage of it because it is my first cruise. RCCL should have made it more valuable. It is a rip off. I will cancel it.

Totally agree, but this time there was only a €11,- difference between Voom stream and surf and The Key so I opted for The Key 😊

I'm going on freedom of the seas in around 150 days bought the key during black Friday with a 30% discount it's only me and my gf and we needed to get internet as a must in total I paid around 100 USD extra for bought of us and I hipe it's worth it, maybe they will add some more perks between today and the sail day I'm disappointed that the lunch is in MDR and not in the chops grill restaurant even if it's that menu, also the 45 min wait for shows. I'm thinking about canceling it but I think I will keep it to see how it goes

As with everyting the price may determine if it's worth it to me. We paid a dollar more per day than the internet on a 12 night cruise. Having a relaxed lunch on boarding was worth the extra price. Special times on I- Fly, northstar, and bumper cars were an extra benefit. Throw in a steak and egg or crab benedict breakfast before departing were like freebies to us.

100% WORTH EVERY PENNY!! example: the internet package for our 7 day cruise 2 devices was $149.90 We bought the Key Program on sale for $225.00 Embarkation day was super !!! from the time we arrived at the Port (carnval) until we were on the ship. maybe 10 minutes tops !! the welcome aboard VIP lunch was AMAZING !! steak / lobster / free champagne FREE room service we had VIP seating during all shows. dedicated server during shows/ access to diamond lounge debarkation day, we were the very first group off the ship. well worth the money !!

Another great video. I purchased the key for my last cruise and I felt it was worth it. I liked the expedited boarding, the Chops menu lunch as soon as you board, dropping my luggage at the MDR and having it delivered to my cabin, and all the perks on debarkation day. There were some perks that I didn't use but it was nice having the option of using them. All in all, for someone who isn't a Diamond member it was nice to be able to enjoy a few special treatments. The price wasn't bad because I bought the voom + key package which wasn't that much more than if you purchased it by itself. I would definitely purchase it again. Take care!

My wife and I are "test driving" The Key on our November cruise on Freedom of the Seas. I watched this video some months ago and decided at that time probably not to opt for The Key, however, we were also going to get an internet/data package, so I figured it might be worth at least trying once. I think that RCCL has made some changes since the video was released, because some of our benefits are different from those outlined by Matt. Also, the point about everybody having to buy the package is a good one, and maybe RCCL could give some thought to not charging for those who aren't the "primary" beneficiaries (i.e., the adults and not their children). I'm pretty sure that the cost to operate the ship's data network is about the same if one person is using it or if a thousand are. I'm not against businesses making money where they can, but perhaps RCCL could consider making a little less money by changing the participating age from six years to twelve or thirteen. I will try to follow up on this post when we get back and share my impressions and opinion on the value of The Key. Keep up the great work, your videos and livestreams are always great to watch and very informative!!

I had heard that when you drop off your carry on at the main dining room , it was left OUTSIDE of your cabin door when delivered . This may be a new covid protocol , which people should be advised of since most people have most of their valuables and computer equipment in their carry on . If this was the case , this perk would not work for me .

@Armyguy15904

Жыл бұрын

OURS WAS PUT IN OUR ROOM

We are on Symphony in July. Fully expecting it to be near or at capacity. Huge ship, would you think less length in line would be worth the extra cost?

Hey Matt! I considered The Key for my upcoming cruise and decided it wouldn't be worth it. A lot of the perks I don't use and the VIP stuff on the first day don't justify paying for the whole week. As for the internet service, I got the Deluxe beverage package bundled with VOOM for a good price. So The Key might be a good deal for some passengers, but not for me. Thanks for your insights!

@RoyalCaribbeanBlog

2 жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more

Thanks for saving me a few bucks. Appreciated.

ok, the key may be a bit extravagant… BUT I found it very with it for me. Yes, I can get early check in without it… I loved the relaxing first day lunch, and last day breakfast. It was great to walk off the ship and my luggage being right there vs looking around for it. I like the internet package for my morning dose of the Wall Street journal. I didn’t use any of the priority times for rock climbing or flowrider or anything else and found plenty of seats were available for the shows… regardless… I loved the other benefits and it is worth it for me. With that said, it depends on the cost… for my upcoming serenade of the seas cruise in September 2023 I paid $24.99 pp, per day… a value for me… when checking prices (today is August tether 2023). The price has gone up to $35 pp per day… a significant increase. As Matt would say… each of us has to determine what is a value for us… like the drink package… At $24.99 pp per day the key is for me.

I don't know if you've had this issue, but I have the app on my phone, and two rooms for my family. Whenever I open the app, I only see the one room even though I booked it under my email and crown&anchor information. I can't get anyone at RC to answer the question whether I will have issues when we are about to cruise in late July...

I signed up once the sale price dropped to where it was only a few dollars more than the Zoom package alone. Our cruise has tendering at at least one port.

Upcoming Indie cruise and got the Key. I need the faster Internet for work so The Key was only $12 more (and I get reimbursed from work for the expense). I agree that if you are Diamond or above, in a JS or above or have the ULD package, this would reduce the value if you do not otherwise need the faster Internet access for work.

We are going on Harmony in Feb. I got the key on black Friday for $19.99. It is me and my 2 teen kids. We were going to all get internet and the cheapest I could get is $14.99 each. I could do the multi one for $32. I hope we will find it useful and worth the money. Right now ot does not say room service which I thought it said so tha is alittle sad.

@staytuned9980

2 жыл бұрын

How did it go?!

I completely agree that the key doesn’t make much sense. Internet while on your vacation? No thanks, that’s the one time I break the addiction and besides you can get free wifi in port somewhere usually or get a data roaming package which are usually pretty cheap and only activate when outside the country while being used.

@bradlococo4806

2 жыл бұрын

Yes internet on vacation keep in touch with family and face time with grandkids along with post fun pictures on FB. Plus since we will be in Mexico calls are FREE with Verizon to the USA.

@staytuned9980

2 жыл бұрын

Omg I’m so with you on this. My teen daughter heartily disagrees with us, tho!!

Not worth it. So our family has a grand suite for Rcl in Oct 22. i’ve been looking for current videos on grand suites. cant seem to find any new real ones. Do you have one that gives the perks to being in a suite. We are currently Emerald C&A members. love your show. very valuable. every time i cruise i try to find a video you have done prior to my cruise. . thank you for keeping us updated - especially during these pandemic times.

I actually disagree and I think it’s very beneficial to those cruisers Emerald status or lower.

@RoyalCaribbeanBlog

2 жыл бұрын

Which perk(s) do you think are worth the cost?

@beachymamaadventures

2 жыл бұрын

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog I don’t have a problem being on time so I like the priority boarding, I also don’t get a specialty dining package so I enjoy the Chops lunch, the carry on drop off is especially nice if you’re packing wine, I like to carry my luggage off and get off the ship asap on disembarkation day so I can start my trek home that’s why I like the option to choose my time, and I really enjoy the exclusive times at the zip line it’s awesome because they have limited hours anyway and are always busy. I know it’s not for everyone but I do enjoy it. At least for now until I hit Diamond next year ☺️.

6:06 Also when you order room service the food usually arrives cold.

It was useful for us when we had a suite and my family didn't. We got on together , had special seating for shows, etc because they got the key.

@annesmoley1685

2 жыл бұрын

This is one of the reasons the key was bought by everyone in our group. 10 of us on a family cruise. Got it for $25.99 which isn’t that much more that the voom which everyone would have got. The value of everyone getting on board and having a nice lunch together to start of our family vacation has appeal. Plus several first time cruisers.

It seemed worth it to me flying solo. I was going to get the WFI anyway.

We got a great pre-cruise rate of $16.99 and always get streaming internet so this was a no brainer. Royal just emailed me last night and the Chops Grille MDR lunch has been reinstated on Freedom as well as the debarkation breakfast instead of the grab-n-go. Most of the other perks are not that important to us but I will check on the flow rider times since I have never wanted to wait in that line. What you did not cover was the Choice Departure escorted walk off after the debarkation breakfast. Did you utilize The Key special debarkation line or the Choice Departure escort when leaving the ship?

@championprincess

2 жыл бұрын

I like you, got it last year at no brainer rate. For my current upcoming cruise it is currently $37 pp pd and I certainly won't pay for that. I agree with Matt, the times of the rock climbing and flow rider were weird times and there were only two available times in all of the seven days. I enjoyed dropping my stuff off at MDR and eating the lunch. Many of the crew members did not fully know the benefits of the key program so guest services refunded a couple of days of the program. I most definitely enjoyed the benefits on the last day of having breakfast and then we were escorted off and did not have to wait in those long lines. If I can catch it at a super good deal for my upcoming cruise, I am absolutely getting it.

I've sort of changed my mind.😀 For me, as a SOLO traveler, The Key at $275 for an 11-nights cruise with multiple tender ports, does have value.❤❤ No tenders = no value. For more than ONE person, NO WAY!. You're over paying for the WiFi, and more. 💸💸💸🥴🥴

My upcoming cruise in Jan 2024 on the Voyager of the Seas says the Key comes with “fast lane”. Anyone know if fast lane is all day/certain times and what attractions are included?

Hey we just got back from navigator of the seas over the Super Bowl weekend. We had the key and IT DID NOT come with complimentary room service. They still charged $7.99 per delivery. I argued those people down and was wrong as 2 left shoes. Maybe they have changed it since this video.

I think it's a good deal because it includes the internet streaming service which is $21 per day on its own. Key is only $10 more per day.

Hi friends i have a question and I need you guys and gals help I have a family of 6 and my question is when we arrive to the terminal how should I set up our paperwork? will they ask for dad information first vaccine card passport proof a neg covid test than I put that folder to the side and go to mom folder or will they ask for everyone passport at one time than ask for everyone vaccine card at one time etc. should I set my paperwork up by Person or by Category? (All passports all vaccine cards etc…)

I got the key for my first cruise ever and I didn’t use all of the perks, but I enjoyed it for the WiFi, mainly. All of the other stuff was just a plus to have, in case I wanted to utilize it. The key package was only a couple of dollars more than the WiFi package (which I was getting anyway), so it’s like, why not? 🤷🏾‍♂️😂

Can anyone confirm for me if I purchase the key package is the internet included for everyone in the room for one device each? Or just one device overall regardless of how many people you have to purchase the key package for??? TIA

Not worth it for our short cruise. Was first cruise so we didn't know we wouldn't get boarded until later, so we missed benefits like lunch and the luggage stow. We loved being disconnected so we didn't really need a faster internet and didn't need to stream. We may reconsider that for our12-day coming up Nov.

I think they changed it since this video. I have the key for my upcoming cruise. It was on sale and I got it cheaper than voom+internet package. It no longer says complimentary room service, instead we get a special meal (chops grill) on embarkation and debarkation days. It also says there is special seating in the theaters with a reservation. So I think it is different and maybe changed again.

@RoyalCaribbeanBlog

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Steve. In my opinion, the changes you mentioned don't change the conclusion that it all sounds better than it really is

@stevenapier5

2 жыл бұрын

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog Thanks for the reply. The only reason I took it was because it was somehow cheaper than the internet. I have started watching your videos and they have been super helpful for my wife and I in preparing for our cruise in May. We did the online check-in at midnight last night so we got the early arrival time (proving your video right). We were hoping "The Key" was going to be amazing....at least I will have the internet.

Wait so the room service and dining perks are gone but the price almost doubled? It's showing $41.99 per person per day on my cruise planner!!

As Diamond plus it is definitely not worth the money on most cruises. Some times it is due to the Voom package.🤷🏻

We were able to enjoy Labadee’s Columbus Cove all to ourselves the first hour because we were the first to get off of the Oasis. It was still pretty dead the 2nd hour. Then it started getting hot and crowded by the 3rd hour, enough to make us want to something else. So for us, having the beach basically all to ourselves and before it got hot, was beyond worth getting the Key. Otherwise that and the getting on board first are the only reasons it was worth it. We won’t be getting it this year since we won’t be at Labadee or Cocoa Cay unfortunately. The Key isn’t worth it for just that first couple of hours like mentioned in this video.

I have The 🔑 for next weeks cruise on The Oasis. I haven’t gotten an e-mail yet with the details.. but for me and my group getting it at a lower rate, it should be worth it. I’ll let you know. 😉

@pauladownie4620

2 жыл бұрын

Did you get free room service?

Got the Key on a full Holiday cruise it was worth it but for a cruise that is not full it would be a waste.

On Black Friday WiFi was included at a discounted price.

The key is like 5-7 dollars per person after I consider the internet package for me and my wife. Plus she really likes shows so VIP seating is all we really got it for

@RoyalCaribbeanBlog

2 жыл бұрын

Just to play devil's advocate, you're okay going 45 minutes early to get that VIP seat?

@JforJenius

2 жыл бұрын

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog as long as I can drink while I wait 🤣

@JforJenius

2 жыл бұрын

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog although I will admit if the keep the 45 min wait it really diminishes the appeal

@JforJenius

2 жыл бұрын

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog we just got off Harmony and the key worked out really well for us. Key parts being shorter lines as my back isn't what it use to be and the lunch on embarkation and breakfast during disembarkation was really good! They also gave us free room service so had breakfast on the balcony everyday. What I did learn was don't book below the basketball court. I considered a million things this was not one of them. Now we are starting wonder of the seas plans that will probably include the key.

@sherryengelbert9960

2 жыл бұрын

@@JforJenius did you have to wait 45 min. to get into the show?

I agree with you Matt its better what i do when I go on the ship and buy there and the luggage do not like it and me, my father do not care about the Rockclimbing or Flowrider

January sailing and sadly no complementary room service listed :(

I've looked at it but never thought it was worth the cost.

It’s worth it. Get it folks

Ya, we would never spend the money on the Key. We just would not use any of the features that it gives.

The Key does not seem as some thing We would be interested in ....As waiting for Dinner or an Event We are on a Cruise and in no hurry to do anything.. But have a good time...