BTW, here's Ilana's review of her Alaska cruise.
Ok, here I go with my comments about RCCL The KEY.
This is a bit long, but it's the result of LOTS of research!I got The KEY for my husband and me because I was going to get the VOOM Surf and Stream anyway.
I HIGHLY recommend this blog https://lifewellcruised.com/ and Ilana's YouTube AWESOME vids at https://www.youtube.com/c/LifeWellCruised.
The unofficial RCCL blog run by Matt is also good. Royal Caribbean Blog at https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/.
I understand that you have to be checked in no later than 11 am in order to take advantage of the VIP/KEY embarkation, especially being able to drop off your carry-on luggage.
The Welcome Lunch opens around 11:30-noon and goes until 1:30, and has selections from The Grill including filet mignon and a European sea bass.
We'll be able to eat lunch in the Main Dining Room, watch our online Muster, go to our muster area (it's my understanding that the Muster crewmember won't be there until noon anyway), then take a leisurely walk around the ship before going to our cabin. At least we won't have to lug our stuff!
^^You'll have to buy it for all four of you. It's necessary for all in the cabin from 6 years old on up. This could get expensive on a 7-day cruise.
Below is the link for the overall questions, and a list of the benefits I found on the RCCL website.
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-is-the-key
BENEFITS:
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). Other benefits may apply at specific ports.* (SEE BELOW)
Carry-on bag drop-off with delivery to your stateroom. ** (SEE BELOW RE: CARRY-ON 25 POUND LIMITATIONS, 2 CARRY-ONS PER PERSON-this means one person can't have in their carry-on both bottles of wine, sodas you bring, or bottles of water. A bottle of wine is appx 3 pounds (champagne is, like, 3+ pounds due to the bottle weight and the 'punt' at the bottom): each 16.9 oz bottle of water is slightly over a pound, as is a 16.9 oz bottle of soda.)
Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring The Key signature menu.***
20% off at all specialty restaurants, when you make the reservation on Day 1 of the sailing.
Access to the fast lane at onboard activities (activities vary by ship) and private time at the Flowrider.
Priority departure at tender ports of call from ship-to-shore.
Dedicated seating at shows in the Main Theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B, and Two70.****
VOOM® Surf & Stream 1 of Device high-speed internet per person who purchases the package.
On debarkation day, enjoy an exclusive á la carte breakfast and choice departure.
When you receive your SeaPass card, it will have an icon confirming your purchase of The Key. If you don’t see it, ask your Stateroom Attendant or go to Guest Services to apply the icon.
* Priority access will not be offered in Vancouver, Canada, or at any ports in Australia. There is no priority queue in the ART test area, for Singapore.
** Carry-on luggage drop-off service is limited to two pieces per guest and can weigh no more than 25 pounds per carry-on.
*** Welcome lunch is open from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm. Lunch on Day 2 for ships sailing from Seward or Vancouver.
**** Reservations are required for shows on Quantum and Oasis class ships.
Please Note: The Key may not be available during all sailings, and some amenities/benefits may vary by ship and destination and may be subject to change without notice.
Love and hugs,
Grandma Lynsey
SERIOUS /s
