New Program called "The Key"

[bbahorik]

Honestly I didn’t notice. I am not sure if the normal lunch menu says pick one from each selection...appetizer, main course, and dessert.?

[ZoeyVictoria]

1 hour ago, bbahorik said:

Honestly I didn’t notice. I am not sure if the normal lunch menu says pick one from each selection...appetizer, main course, and dessert.?

 

Thank you.  I had Chops lunch on the Brilliance on January 31 and there were four choices of desserts, so the choice of two (plus comments made earlier on this thread) indicate that the menu may have changed.  I will see next week.

[Orsino]

Embarkation Lunch at Chops on Oasis (we used Key) was a different menu than what we had for Lunch at Chops later in the week. I don't remember the details, but we did notice differences (more choices later in the week). We ended up ordering the same thing we ordered on Embarkation Day anyway so we thought the menu was fine. I can say that the filet and burger were available on embarkation day for us.

[BecciBoo]

22 hours ago, mondas42 said:

 

It’s your hand luggage you can hand over at the theatre so you don’t have to lug it around whilst waiting for your room to be available. You main luggage is still given to the porters,

 

Looked into the Key, but Diamond Plus already gets most of the perks except for Chops and the hand carry on stowaway.  But I wouldn't let my carry on bag out of my sight for an instant....not worth the $$ to us at all.

[ZoeyVictoria]

30 minutes ago, Orsino said:

Embarkation Lunch at Chops on Oasis (we used Key) was a different menu than what we had for Lunch at Chops later in the week. I don't remember the details, but we did notice differences (more choices later in the week). We ended up ordering the same thing we ordered on Embarkation Day anyway so we thought the menu was fine. I can say that the filet and burger were available on embarkation day for us.

 

Thanks, that is exactly what I wanted to know.

[tinkr2]

11 hours ago, ZoeyVictoria said:

 

I will not be purchasing the Key (as I enjoy being disconnected from the world during cruises and am perfectly happy with free Diamond internet days, and I do not use the florider or rock wall), but I do purchase Chops lunch on embarkation day.  Where did you see a smaller Chops menu?  I also saw one comment a while back about eliminating the filet from the menu (a steakhouse lunch without steak).  I already purchased Chops lunch for the Symphony next week and for the Adventure in December and would be upset to find that the menu was different from when I booked.  I am also curious about how the Key’s first come, first serve policy will mesh with customers who made a time-specific reservation.  I can see embarkation day specialty lunch being restricted to the Key in the future, but for now I am holding two reservations as non-Key.

i

there are pics somewhere in this giant post. And now the post above kind of implies a shortened lunch menu... no key lime pie which was a choice previously.

 

[tinkr2]

6 hours ago, jerseyjjs said:

You're diamond?  From the content of your post, it seems like you spent $280 for a limited menu at Chops and your carry on bags taken to your cabin (though you had to schlep them to the theater first).  Doesn't seem like a sensible value to me.

Is this to me? I got a notification? Diamond does not get received seating and I we love the flowrider. We do specialty lunch and internet for my husband anyway so no big deal.  Its not 280 extra.More like 100 extra. But how does diamond impact the hey in your eyes? maybe I am missing something.

[tigerxj]

we purchased the key for our Indy cruise tomorrow. Since we get VOOM access, can I use the computers on the ship instead of lugging around my laptop?  Will I have to pay the $0.75/minute or am I covered since I have the key.  Also as I understand it, it has to have windows OS, which we don't have on our mac.  Basically trying to figure out if I need to warn my partners to keep an eye on my desktop.

[tinkr2]

4 hours ago, ZoeyVictoria said:

 

Thanks, that is exactly what I wanted to know.

Thank you , I guess I will be doing Jamies twice then.Thats annoying and a ripoff. The key being misrepresented.

 

[ZoeyVictoria]

12 minutes ago, tinkr2 said:

i

there are pics somewhere in this giant post. And now the post above kind of implies a shortened lunch menu... no key lime pie which was a choice previously.

 

 

The key lime pie and the cheesecake made a great shared dessert earlier this month on the Brilliance.  The lack of key lime pie is a small disappointment, but if the poster who stated that the filet is going to be deleted is correct, that is a dealbreaker for us.  I have no problem with a new program being added, but when there is collateral damage that affects those who are not interested in that program, that is a different story.  Adding benefits to those who are willing to pay for them should not result in reduced benefits for others.

[tinkr2]

It seems like that there is a menu for The Key and a menu for regular guests. This seems like a very dicey proposition for rccl. If I am sitting at a table and I want a salad and am told no and the nest table is eating a salad , I am going to be frustrated. it would be fine if they had sold The key to me with a "special chops menu" but they did not. I suspect you will be able to get the entire normal as posted Chops lunch menu . But you know they can and do change anything whenever they like.

[xpcdoojk]

17 minutes ago, tigerxj said:

we purchased the key for our Indy cruise tomorrow. Since we get VOOM access, can I use the computers on the ship instead of lugging around my laptop?  Will I have to pay the $0.75/minute or am I covered since I have the key.  Also as I understand it, it has to have windows OS, which we don't have on our mac.  Basically trying to figure out if I need to warn my partners to keep an eye on my desktop.

 

I have used my MacBook Pro (2013 model and 2018) on board since 2014 before that I used windows laptops.  I am 99.99% certain that using a Mac will work.  As will using an Ipad or Iphone or Android, etc.  There are computers on board, but I can’t imagine spending for Voom when you are going to use the public computers.  The nice thing with having your own device is you can connect while in your cabin or elsewhere on the ship.  

 

JC

[Muerz]

I booked the key for myself on an upcoming solo trip on the Navigator of the Seas. Made sense for me as it was cheaper than booking wifi and Chops lunch separately. Now my parents have also booked this cruise but didn‘t book the  key. They have however booked the Chops lunch on embarkation day. Will we be able to eat there together?

[Biker19]

44 minutes ago, tigerxj said:

. Since we get VOOM access, can I use the computers on the ship instead of lugging around my laptop?  Will I have to pay the $0.75/minute or am I covered since I have the key.  

Per minute internet plans were discontinued years ago. 

 

You can use the RCOnline PCs with your VOOM login provided by Key - just remember to log out after your session. 

[RadioPeri]

46 minutes ago, tigerxj said:

we purchased the key for our Indy cruise tomorrow. Since we get VOOM access, can I use the computers on the ship instead of lugging around my laptop?  Will I have to pay the $0.75/minute or am I covered since I have the key.  Also as I understand it, it has to have windows OS, which we don't have on our mac.  Basically trying to figure out if I need to warn my partners to keep an eye on my desktop.

 

You can use your Voom login on the ship's computers, and you can also use a Windows-based laptop, an iPad, or a Chromebook. We've used all.

[tinkr2]

Wait . I have to have a windows operating system?

3 minutes ago, RadioPeri said:

 

You can use your Voom login on the ship's computers, and you can also use a Windows-based laptop, an iPad, or a Chromebook. We've used all.

 

[brillohead]

1 hour ago, tigerxj said:

we purchased the key for our Indy cruise tomorrow. Since we get VOOM access, can I use the computers on the ship instead of lugging around my laptop?  Will I have to pay the $0.75/minute or am I covered since I have the key.  Also as I understand it, it has to have windows OS, which we don't have on our mac.  Basically trying to figure out if I need to warn my partners to keep an eye on my desktop.

You can use the computers on the ship with Voom -- you just sign in with your log-in and password.  But depending on what you're wanting to do, you may wish to have your laptop.  Depends on if any programs you need access to are web-based (can use any device anywhere) or actual software on your computer (would need that actual program, so you would need to bring your laptop).  

I have no idea where you got the "it has to have windows OS" idea -- it's just plain old wifi that you're connecting to.  Apple, Windows, Blackberry, Android, Linux, anything that can connect to wifi can connect to Voom.  

 

11 minutes ago, tinkr2 said:

Wait . I have to have a windows operating system?

Not at all.  Anything that is internet-capable is compatible with Voom.  

If you can use wifi on it, you can use Voom.  If you can connect at Starbucks and McDonald's and hotels and hospitals and Sam's Club, you can connect with Voom.  

Voom is nothing special -- it's just wifi.

[RadioPeri]

20 minutes ago, tinkr2 said:

Wait . I have to have a windows operating system?

 

 

Not sure what was unclear about my original answer, but in a word: NO.

[marcg125]

Here is a picture of the menu from vloggers who went on the Symphony Cruise the first week of February using The Key program for those who asked about Chops Grille menu.

[QueenBee925]

I’m new to Royal Caribbean, and I’m hearing about the Key Program. Have you tried it and is it really worth the extra expense?

[GalwayGirl03]

We are boarding brilliance tomorrow with the key I can add a review when we get back!

[knon24]

2 minutes ago, GalwayGirl03 said:

We are boarding brilliance tomorrow with the key I can add a review when we get back!

 

Yes please! Looking forward to your review. Have fun!!

[QueenBee925]

On 12/4/2018 at 8:33 PM, Biker19 said:

From the RCI blog and twangster:

 

Royal Caribbean launched a pilot program that offers guests on select sailings VIP benefits and perks, called The Key.

The Key is being tested out on Liberty of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas for sailings beginning November 25, 2018 through the end of March 2019 and we recently had the chance to try it out on Oasis of the Seas.

For the November 25th sailing of the Oasis of the Seas Royal Caribbean introduced a new feature called 'The Key'.  'The Key' is collection of benefits that allow you to AMP your cruise to the next level by including exclusive benefits many of which are available only to guests who purchase 'The Key'.

‘The Key’ benefits include:

• Carry on luggage storage and delivery to your cabin on boarding day
• Boarding day lunch at Chop’s Grille
• Voom Surf and Stream for each guest in your cabin
• Private hours at marquee attractions
• Priority disembarkation on select ships and ports and tender service ship to shore
• The best seats in the house with VIP seating at pre-reserved shows
• Choice debarkation on the final day with an à la carte breakfast in the main dining room

For this sailing 'The Key' was on sale in the Cruise Planner for $19.99 per guest per day.  Every guest over six years old in a cabin must purchase 'The Key' if any guest in that cabin purchases 'The Key'.  This pilot introduction of 'The Key' is also being offered on Liberty of the Seas.  

I was fortunate enough to secure 'The Key' for this Oasis of the Seas sailing and experience it the first time it is being offered on this ship.

When checking in at the Port Canaveral terminal they affixed a green dot to my SeaPass card to indicate I had purchased 'The Key'.  This green dot doesn’t really accomplish anything at this point, I think it’s purpose is to let guests know that Royal Caribbean is aware you purchased 'The Key'.  Perhaps in the future as the 'The Key' expands to ships in the fleet that distribute SeaPass cards in the cabins onboard, the green dot will be placed on SetSail passes so you can still use the benefits of 'The Key' before cabins (and your SeaPass cards) are available.  

On this sailing 47 guests purchased 'The Key'.  The program is being launched with a cap of 100 'The Key' membership positions available for purchase.  

After boarding I first took care of booking my specialty dining and purchased the drink package before I headed down to deck 4 and the Opal Theater to drop off my carry on luggage. 

Inside the Opal Theater several crew were there to happily greet me and begin the benefits of 'The Key'.

Here they removed the green dot and affixed a Key symbol to my card to indicate my membership in 'The Key' program.  They also collected my backpack, gave me a bag claim ticket and assured me my bag would delivered inside my cabin and not left in the hall like baggage checked outside at the terminal is once it’s delivered on the ship.

With that I was off to roam the ship absent of having to drag my carry on bags around with me.   I didn’t appreciate before hand just how much I would enjoy walking around without having to drag my carry on luggage with me every where I went.  It was great!

I went off to reacquaint myself with Oasis of the Seas and begin to leverage my drink package.  Eventually it was time for lunch so I headed to Central Park to take advantage of my next 'The Key' benefit, lunch at Chop’s Grille.

At Chop’s Grille they presented me with a card reminding me of the benefits associated with 'The Key'.

Earlier when I was in the Theater they had presented me with a card containing my Voom code that is included with 'The Key'.

The Chop’s Grille lunch menu consists of a selection of items from the Chop’s Grille dinner menu but presented in a manner suitable for lunch.

The menu can vary slightly by ship.  Here is what I was offered on Oasis of the Seas on this occasion.  

 

At 1 pm they announced that cabins were ready.  Waiting inside my cabin was my carry on bag carefully placed on the sofa.  A letter inside my cabin once again explained 'The Key' benefits and displayed the times for the private and exclusive activities for this cruise.

All guests who wish to use the FlowRiders are required to sign a waiver and check in at the sports desk where they will be provided a wrist band.  'The Key' guests receive an extra wrist band to note their membership in 'The Key' with exclusive access to the FlowRider at certain times during the cruise.  

During the exclusive hours for 'The Key' at the FlowRider, the sports staff were directing other guests to the port side FlowRider which was available for all guests while the starboard FlowRider was exclusive to guests who had purchased 'The Key'.  During these exclusive hours, 'The Key' members only share the FlowRider with other 'The Key' guests which at times during this cruise meant very few and sometimes no other guests to share the FlowRider with.  At times I was able to ride the FlowRider for ten or fifteen minutes by myself.  I only stopped because I was tired.  

Later in the day the Zipline was offered exclusively to 'The Key' guests and I was able to make several runs with no line and no wait between runs.  

The starboard Rock Climbing wall also had exclusive hours for the 'The Key' guests.

Another benefit of the 'The Key' is access to reserved seating during entertainment. 'The Key' provides reserved seating in Studio B, The Aqua Theater and in the Main Theater.  Crew are on hand to inspect cards and ensure only eligible guests have access to the reserved seating areas in each venue.

'The Key' does require guests to make reservations for all shows.  Unlike Sky and Star Class Suite guests who don’t need reservations for any of the shows (other than the comedy shows), all 'The Key' guests must have reservations.  

Reserved seating areas are shared with Sky and Star Class Suites and Pinnacle members of the Crown and Anchor Society.  For Studio B this area is in the first few rows of the center section.  

With 'The Key' I had front row seats right next to seating reserved for Star Class Suite guests.

Royal Caribbean Ice Skating shows are great for kids of all ages and they never fail to please the crowd.  

 

Don’t miss these wonderful shows that are included in your cruise fare and they are best observed from the front row.

 

In the main theater the reserved seating area is on the lower level, center theater in the first few rows of the raised seating area which turns out to be one of my favorite seating areas.  

In the Aqua Theater 'The Key' guests have access to reserved seating areas outside of the splash zone in the center section of the Theater with excellent sight lines to enjoy the show.

On the last night of the cruise a letter was left in my cabin outlining the ‘Choice Deprtaure' with an exclusive breakfast for the morning.

I headed down to breakfast shortly before 7am.  Outside of the deck 4 dining room a sign for ‘The Key’ welcomed me.

I was escorted into the dining room into an area exclusive to The Key guests.

A special breakfast menu for The Key guests was presented.

Once I was finished with breakfast I was escorted up to deck 5 and through the deck 5 dining room out a separate exit onto the outer decks where security was waiting to scan me off the ship for the final time.  In the terminal I caught up with the tail end of the self-assist debarkation guests and had a 5-10 minute wait for customs.  

Before arriving to the ship I was curious how organized this first offering of the ''The Key' would be seeing that it was being implemented for the very first time.  I am impressed with how well it worked.  Clearly the staff have been trained and prepared for this first ever 'The Key' introduction with signage ready where it’s needed.  All of the stated benefits have worked flawlessly as if they had been offering 'The Key' for some time now. Exclusive hours were just that, exclusive for 'The Key’.

The dining room staff on the final morning answered a few questions for me.  They had been meeting and preparing for this initial 'The Key' cruise for over two weeks.  That preparation included planning the breakfast menu, making arrangements to open a kitchen just for 'The Key' purposes and choosing dedicated wait staff to serve 'The Key' guests.  This was not simply allowing more guests to sit with top tier members of the Crown and Anchor breakfast, this was truly an exclusive sit down full service breakfast with no buffet aspect.  

On this itinerary there were no ports that required or would benefit from priority debarkation at a port of call.  This is a feature of ‘The Key’ I did not have an opportunity to experience on this cruise.  Since ‘The Key’ may expand to more ships in the fleet it will likely be beneficial on specific itineraries that include tendering.

Final thoughts

Who is the ideal 'The Key’ guest?  ’The Key’ is suitable for anyone looking to make their vacation just a little more memorable.   Ideal for anyone who has never cruised a particular ship before the reserved entertainment seating means you can take your time heading to a show without having to line up long before to secure good seats.  The exclusive activity hours are ideal for any families that want to enjoy the activities absent of the normal lines for them.  With Voom included ‘The Key’ is ideal for families that would likely buy Voom on their vacation anyways, after all no adventure should go unshared. From the boarding day Chops Grille lunch saving you from a crowded Windjammer to the full service choice departure breakfast ‘The Key’ will ensure your family can make the most of every moment and all of it will be just a little more memorable.  

If someone has cruised a particular ship before, seen all the shows and is Diamond Plus or Pinnacle the incremental benefits of 'The Key’ might be diminished.  A family with young children might consider the included Voom to be wasteful and they will need to decide if the other perks are worth it. The exclusive activity hours may very well make up for a lot because it was really nice to avoid some of the lines. Any one who has children will know avoiding lines definitely has some value.

The reserved entertainment seating has a distinct value.  It was so nice being able to walk up 20 minutes before show time with most folks desperately trying to find some seating while I just flashed my card and sat right down in prime seats.  They always gets some envious glances.  

It many ways ‘The Key’ offers some Sky Class Suite benefits without the full price of a Sky Class Suite.  ‘The Key’ is a nice add-on for any cabin that can elevate the overall cruise experience.  Since Sky Class Suites are only offered on Oasis and Quantum class ’The Key’ offers a unique opportunity on other classes of ships providing features that no other guest can access.   

 

 

Thanks for such a thorough review of the Key Program. The pictures were an added (and appreciated) bonus to your review. I guess this program would great for some and a bust for others, but your post offers the power of experience, rather than pure opinion.Your info will make my decision a little less daunting!

[QueenBee925]

On 11/6/2018 at 8:50 AM, Iamcruzin said:

 

This is a lot of money for a lot of stuff that doesn't cost the cruise line any money.  

Thanks Iamcruzin, for directing me to the post about the Key program. It was really thorough and was written by someone who actually used it. It gave me an better grasp of the plus and minus features.

[tigerxj]

15 hours ago, xpcdoojk said:

 

I have used my MacBook Pro (2013 model and 2018) on board since 2014 before that I used windows laptops.  I am 99.99% certain that using a Mac will work.  As will using an Ipad or Iphone or Android, etc.  There are computers on board, but I can’t imagine spending for Voom when you are going to use the public computers.  The nice thing with having your own device is you can connect while in your cabin or elsewhere on the ship.  

 

JC

Thanks for the heads up.  Guess RC needs to update that.  Either way, we decided to just unplug.  To hell with work stuff!  I’ll just suffer when I get home!