October17

1 minute ago, blueridgemama said:

 

There would be little difference if it was a separate line. You would still be given priority over those waiting in the other line so you would still essentially be "cutting in line" If you really have an aversion to being given the opportunity to take advantage of priority activities then you will have a tough time with priority disembarcation at ports and on the last day of the cruise. You have paid for this privilege so I'm not sure why you are having such a hard time with the concept.

Oh, I’m not having any problems with the concept or benefits. We will be using the things we have paid for. All I’m saying is that it wouldn’t be very comfortable for young teenagers in a foreign country (they are non English speakers) passing a line to use their Key benefits. It could be so much easier on them if it is a separate line. The kids will be there “by themselves”  not with parents to fend off “glaring looks”. Then again, maybe I’m underestimating the kids, and it won’t bother them 

Ugh, I’m not liking the idea of our kids having to “cut in line” for activities. Separate lines would be the sensible option 

I purchased them as gifts delivered to the cabin. Large and soft, decent quality. But not useable during the cruise because they were loosing a lot of “fluff”, got blue fibers everywhere... and clogged the dryer vent at first laundry. So they were more a memento and for use AFTER the cruise. 

We used the ship towels onboard and in ports

I usually bring a small knitting project (socks, mittens) that I mostly do in the airplane. And then hand piecing (for quilt blocks) for other times, when I have a bit more room to spread out. English Paper Piecing or diamonds are practical for “on the go” sewing

I had thought that any drink up to $13 is covered, and I’d only have to pay the excess. But am I understanding this correctly, that there is some list of included drinks? So if I want a specific cognac (nothing over the top, but a decent XO that would be over the price limit), I would have to pay the full price, not just the part over $13? Not the end of the world, but got to know ... where can one find such a list of included beverages?

1 hour ago, Tree_skier said:

If that was the deciding factor, the good thing for you is that it is easy on RC's cruise planner to cancel and get your money back.

Duh. No advice requested in my post. I am not posting “oh my whatever shall I do now?!” in a bimbo voice. I am merely stating a fact. I was under the impression that this thread is about The Key program and the benefits offered. 

This is such a lovely and welcoming forum. 

31 minutes ago, MandyMooToo said:

Well you post becomes a bit confusing at the end but I will tell you that I booked a cruise for my son and his friend as a high school graduation gift.  My son was 17 and his friend was 18.  They were booked in the room next to ours, in their names, without a problem.  RCCL just made sure to remind us of the curfew.

Thank you for your reply. I booked our next cruise onboard and havve checked in with the following configuration:

-me and hubby

-our kid, friends‘ two kids (14, 15, 19] in a connected room

-the other parents in the next cabin over, not connecting 

this setup was suggested by the RCI Next Cruise staff when booking, we were thinking of putting an adult over 21 in each room. And check in did work. So your experience confirms that it should be okay.

Original terms with no reservations needed, and today’s version. I guess they found out that the reserved seating area was difficult to manage, which I do understand, but it still does remove one of the major benefits IMO. 

1 minute ago, Biker19 said:

Then cancel.

Sure might.

Ugh, the Key benefits changed for my Harmony April 14th sailing as well. Reservations are now REQUIRED minimum 72 hrs before (or onboard) 😞 not happy the deciding factor booking Key for the seven of us was not having to plan entertainment. I have screenshots of both versions. 😞

And no entertainment available to book yet, 75 days to go.

My son cannot have dairy, and although I had contacted special needs before our Mediterranean cruise, the only thing MDR had was the same sorbet every evening, and fruits/berries. Not very exciting for a teen 7 nights in a row. On out next cruise I will also talk to the maitre’d  when we board, hoping they will find more variety.

2 hours ago, JMorris271 said:

 

That is a problem many professionals or blue collars have.  I hope you do answer truthfully if you choose to do so. Otherwise you may come across as a  crook.

Huh?

i do get a fair share of banker&lawyer jokes though 😁

I dislike answering truthfully, because I’m a lawyer working in finance. Then I almost always get asked about either the financial markets or judicial questions. And I’m on holiday 

Thanks to this thread I found out about Sash bags, and just picked my parcel up from the post office. They didn’t have any fabric ones in store when I ordered on the website, so I got the black & brown leather one, and a light colored “pleather” one for Summer (and Caribbean)

We’re in Fort Lauderdale dur that time   too, I booked a hotel called Premiere right on the beach. Only 2 stars, but right by the beach and reviews say it’s clean... will see what it is like... Cheap anyway and great location 

14 hours ago, Dan-P said:

I normally get Voom anyway, so it wasn't that much more to get The Key (on "sale"), but the fact I'm now seeing/hearing you need to make reservations for shows is annoying.  I hate planning out every second of my vacation, so the flexibility of just showing up was a huge selling point.

 

The Oasis class ships are the ONLY ships that have an Aqua Theater.  The sales material clearly says no reservations for any shows in advance or onboard - including the Aqua Theater.  That can't be a catch-all for other ships for the reason stated above.

 

Now, if I can just reserve the morning of a show, and not have to do it months in advance when I have zero idea which nights I might want to go, I can probably live with it.—-

This is EXACTLY my reasoning as well. I sail in April, so hope to have the reservations-situation clear by then. I printed out the t&c... I am not happy if I will have to plan shows and make bookings. There’s enough scheduling on a cruise with everything else, so not having to book shows was the selling point for the 7 of us.

2 hours ago, blueridgemama said:

 

I'm also wondering about the need to make reservations. One of the reasons I booked the Key was so I wouldn't have to go online and book everything. I'm also on the Symphony. Hopefully someone will clarify this.

Yes, this was the main selling point for me as well. There seems to be two types of benefits for the Key, no reservations and designated area WITH reservations required. Like either bag drop off OR early cabin access. Probably depends on the ship.

would LOVE to get confirmation on the Key “no reservations required “ and how it really works 

20 hours ago, Ivana Cruise said:

We just showed up. No reservations needed. 

Thank you for this information, the no reservations needed is what made me decide on getting the Key for the 7 of us...

3 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

If she is alone in a stateroom that normally holds two or more, then she will get an extra point per night.

Does that apply if the other person is a “no show”? Curious because I have booked my kid with me on an upcoming cruise, and he might not go. (Sorry about hijacking the thread OP)

4 hours ago, cb at sea said:

- - -

If mom is paying for the cabin anyway...just let the Aunt be a 'no-show"..the ship doesn't care!

 

Would C&A points be something to consider though? If she is paying what is basically solo-supplement price, and there is no risk of cabin category changing (?) she would be getting one extra point per night if booked solo as I understand it.

Hi, this is an option on my upcoming Eastern Caribbean (Harmony) cruise which goes to StMaarten, SanJuan and Labadee. So not many days for beach and exploring the islands.... Does anyone know which stops will be the open water dives? I have excursions booked for all ports, but will have to miss those if I go for the PADI crertification.

or would it make more sense to get certified at home (although open water dives will be dark and chilly in Finland now...)? 

Does anyone one know whether Royal will offer just the classes & pool dives option onboard? And then I get certified later... maybe on the transatlantic cruise...

Thank you for your review, looking forward to more 🙂

On 1/6/2019 at 7:19 PM, midwife1021 said:

We had BB1 which is closest to the buffet and washrooms.  BB8 was the furthest from these amenities but was practically at the water.  BB1 worked well for us because my elderly in-laws were able to access the buffet and washrooms without too much walking, and our attendant (Jacsy--he is awesome) would get the cart drivers to stop right next to the bungalow, making for easy transport (Prophete was our cart driver all day, and he is a wonderful man!).  

 

A few things about the Bungalows--there is no ceiling fan, but there was usually a decent breeze to keep us cool.

There is no power.  In the cabanas we had power so we could charge phones, plug in devices for music, etc.

2 loungers and 2 floating mats come with the bungalow

The attendants (Jacsy and Serge) were attentive to keeping people from coming into the area who were not bungalow guests.  That includes the beach portion of the area.  They were also good at providing security.  

It is a great choice for a restful and beautiful day in Labadee!  Take the water taxi and walk to the Columbus Cove, its a fairly easy walk (even for my MIL who has some trouble with long distances of walking or uneven, slippery terrain and for me with a bad frequent subluxed knee).  

Thank you for your comments. I have one booked for our upcoming trip in April. Were there any bungalow that was “worse” than the others for traffic etc? Just wondering if I will have to get ther early...

2 hours ago, CruisingMarch2016 said:

Happy New Year everyone!!!

 

Looking for some recent cruise compass's for HOS-Eastern(St Maarten, San Juan, Labadee)--our activities are opening up soon and with late dining I know we need to book early since not many options after dinner.

 

April 14, 2019 sailing

 

Appreciate the help!!

Hi, I’m on the same cruise with my family and friends, total 4 adults and 3 teens. We are in the two digits now - I just booked the last excursion..

Thank you for your help! I will take everyone to Alamo and take the shuttle 🙂