New Program called "The Key"

[marci22]

37 minutes ago, blueridgemama said:

 Have you personally used the Key benefits? If you have not, then your opinion that it is a waste of money is not helpful to me. I appreciate and thank all the reviewers on this thread of those who have used the Key and have made note of the pros and cons of this program. 

Many people who purchase the Key might be newer cruisers. People who have cruised many times on RC are going to look at it in a much more critical way because they know what is typical and what might truly be worth the extra cost. So I think it is worthwhile to hear these criticisms and then you will have clear expectations before you commit to the cost. 

 

I think that critical reviews are helpful. Someone who had 'a blast' on their cruise tends to be less descriptive than someone who had a problem. Not always, but often.

Edited March 21, 2019 by marci22

[mdcrim]

I just got this for the Mariner next month for $19.99.  It's a three night cruise and we were already planning on getting an internet package so it's under $30 more for the Key.  I think the priority embarkation and debarkation alone may be worth it.  And I fully plan on taking advantage of the other perks.  I'll report back after the trip.

[marci22]

5 minutes ago, mdcrim said:

I just got this for the Mariner next month for $19.99.  It's a three night cruise and we were already planning on getting an internet package so it's under $30 more for the Key.  I think the priority embarkation and debarkation alone may be worth it.  And I fully plan on taking advantage of the other perks.  I'll report back after the trip.

I think it will be a good value for you.

[molly361]

12 hours ago, yesiamthere said:

Just got back from seven nights on the Oasis of the Seas where both my daughter and I had purchased the key.  Here’s my take on it.  

 

We each paid $19.99 per day.  I don’t think the price will stay that cheap, already seen it up to $30.00 per day on other ships. Rumor has it that Royal will cap it out at 200 people.  When it was sold out they stopped offering it on the internet.  You can never ever buy it on the ship.  Since there were only two of us, and both were going to get the internet, it was a wise decision for us.  We arrived at the ship around eleven and had to go thru security with the crowd.  Once inside we headed to our floor number to check-in.  At this point, the key starts working for you. We got in a special line and were taken immediately and given our internet number to sign up.  Boarding had started so we did not have to wait in the special area for key members.  We headed to drop our carryons at the theatre with the promise that it would be taken and placed in our room at one.  

 

At this point, it was lunch time, so we made our way to Chop’s. Soon after arriving the placed filled completely up.  When that happens the key has to go to the Italian restaurant to eat.  

 

We were missing one carry on and one back pack when we got to our room at one.  The missing ones showed about thirty minutes later. Not what was promised.  

 

For all shows (except comedy) we had reserved special seating.  You have to make your reservations at least three days before cruise date.   We arrived around 15 to 20 minutes early each time.  Seating is right where I would want to sit!  For the water show we decided to try and go in the afternoon instead of our booked time that evening and had no problem.  We showed the lady our “key” on our sail pass and she let us right in and we saw the sign for key members held by a staff member.  Wonderful seats.  The ice show had the best seats of all.  We were second row in the middle.  I’ve seen this show before from the side and, folks, it was like watching a whole new show from the middle.  

 

Internet, overall, was pretty good though at certain times could be slow.  

 

There were special hours several times that week where the zip line, rock climbing and the surf was reserved for key members.  You will get a sheet with those times in your room.  We zip-lined and were the only ones there.  While there a couple showed but were told no-go because they did not have the key.

 

Suite people do not have to make reservations for shows; the key does.  There’s no cutting in line for flow rider for the key.  The key has a special hour several times a week where one side of the flowrider will be for key members.  Just one hour.  After that hour you are back in line with everyone else.  

 

Getting off the ship with the key was pretty darn easy.  We had a full breakfast in Chops then escorted behind the service desk and thru a special door and we were outside.  Immediately checked out.  The line, we avoided, was really long.  We then went with the masses to claim luggage (yours will be in a special area) then I told a worker we had the key.  She immediately took us to the front of the custom line.  Yes, we got a few stares but we paid for that service!

 

The key is not for everyone, especially families.  It requires that if one purchases it then everyone over the age of six must purchase it too.  But if you are paying just for yourself (as I did) or even a couple then the key might be worth the extra cost.  We found that though we were in an interior room we were treated more like we were staying in a suite.  We paid $19.99 a day which was a deal.  Yes, you can get good seats at the shows without the key but you better get there at least 30 minutes early.  

 

Best part to me was the last morning.  A relaxed full breakfast and an easy route to getting off the ship was wonderful.  

 

It boils down to what is important to you and where you want to spend your dollars!

Did you tell them at security that you had the Key?  I thought I had read that it gets you into the suite line  there

[ShillyShally]

18 minutes ago, molly361 said:

Did you tell them at security that you had the Key?  I thought I had read that it gets you into the suite line  there

Depends on the terminal but it hasn't seemed to help anyone for the security line, but yes for check-in and yes for waiting - our experience was Port Everglades, Terminal 18 I think, and it worked well there!

Edited March 21, 2019 by ShillyShally

[John&LaLa]

On 3/8/2019 at 1:22 PM, Orsino said:

In my experience, specific to Oasis and Port Canaveral is no. The Key benefits do not start until after Security.

 

On 3/8/2019 at 1:29 PM, Biker19 said:

Perhaps it was not happening that day, but generally Key holders go into the Suite/P line in the terminal at PC before security.

 

On 3/8/2019 at 1:38 PM, Orsino said:

I can only report what I experienced. I asked multiple people and they all insisted we had to go through the standard line. I don't think expedited security can be counted upon.

 

On 3/8/2019 at 1:43 PM, Biker19 said:

This could have been very early on, but the line is clearly marked - you don't even need to ask, just go to the suite line.

 

Granted, anything can happen on a certain sailing, but the above should be the norm for PC on Oasis.

 

Key sign was gone in mid March. I do remember it in January, though.  Will check on Sunday

 

[molly361]

This program sounds pretty wishy washy as to what you actually get.  At least that's my take on it

[blueridgemama]

52 minutes ago, marci22 said:

Many people who purchase the Key might be newer cruisers. People who have cruised many times on RC are going to look at it in a much more critical way because they know what is typical and what might truly be worth the extra cost. So I think it is worthwhile to hear these criticisms and then you will have clear expectations before you commit to the cost. 

 

I think that critical reviews are helpful. Someone who had 'a blast' on their cruise tends to be less descriptive than someone who had a problem. Not always, but often.

 

If you read my post correctly you would have noted that I read the pros and cons detailed in people's reviews so I definitely heard the criticisms. I never said critical reviews were not helpful but if the poster did not experience it himself then I don't think his view is helpful to me.

[Clarea]

12 minutes ago, molly361 said:

This program sounds pretty wishy washy as to what you actually get.  At least that's my take on it

 

You mean it's sounds typical of Royal Caribbean?

[John&LaLa]

On 3/18/2019 at 11:20 AM, ShillyShally said:

The letter above says "Private hour" for those activities - meaning for at least one flow rider or one side of the rock wall it shouldn't have been priority access but ONLY Key access.  Unless they have a different understanding of what private means?  We know they have different math interpretations 🙂

 

I know someone totally obsessed with the term exclusive 😉

[lluken]

Just IMHO the Key does not seem to have value for us. We are Diamond, tho perks are diminishing

for us.  We always arrive early 10 to 10:30, enter Diamond line and are usually on the ship

within 20 or 30 min.  Once in Port Canaveral there was an inspection of the ship, and we had

to wait (with the masses) before boarding, but still took less than an hour.  

 

For disembarkation, just a nice word to your room steward to get early pass for disembarkation,

just usually after those carrying their own suitcases.  We use a porter to get thru immigration,

so just a tip there, and we're thru the terminal. No hassle

 

We do not use Flowrider, Rock climbing wall, etc. so wouldn't use that perk.  We don't have

trouble getting good theater seats, and many times it's just next to the Key seating,(which

was almost empty).

 

I cruise to be unplugged, so just get a 1 or 2 day pass for internet service to check with the office.

 Breakfast is always

served in MDR on disembarkation day, but we usually get just a bite in the Windjammer. 

 

I can see how some folks would appreciate this service, but doubt if it's for me.

[marci22]

1 hour ago, blueridgemama said:

 

If you read my post correctly you would have noted that I read the pros and cons detailed in people's reviews so I definitely heard the criticisms. I never said critical reviews were not helpful but if the poster did not experience it himself then I don't think his view is helpful to me.

That person was just trying to help you, not to work you up. I have not experienced The Key to your Wallet but I think that it can have value for a certain cruiser on a certain cruise with certain needs. 

[Tanooki]

On 3/19/2019 at 10:17 PM, aespo4 said:

•                                                                                                                                         

 

First time I see a Key wristband mentioned, is this a new thing? Or is it only on Allure?

We’ll be on Anthem and I’m wondering if we’ll get stickers or wristbands...

[aespo4]

5 minutes ago, Tanooki said:

 

First time I see a Key wristband mentioned, is this a new thing? Or is it only on Allure?

We’ll be on Anthem and I’m wondering if we’ll get stickers or wristbands...

Yes they provided wristbands on the Allure, I have heard that is on all ships. My kids wore them but my wife and I did not. It is easier when you do the activities that are for the Key only to show the wrist band then show your card.

[VictorSinclair]

Is there anyone on this thread that has experienced KEY on a 4 night Mariner sailing? I'd love to know what the Key times are and how many hours there were for the various activities? 

[Ralphinsc]

5 hours ago, lluken said:

Just IMHO the Key does not seem to have value for us. We are Diamond, tho perks are diminishing

for us.  We always arrive early 10 to 10:30, enter Diamond line and are usually on the ship

within 20 or 30 min. .........

 

Oh boy. Should someone else tell them? 

 

 

Hint: About that Diamond line............. 

[blueridgemama]

4 hours ago, marci22 said:

That person was just trying to help you, not to work you up. I have not experienced The Key to your Wallet but I think that it can have value for a certain cruiser on a certain cruise with certain needs. 

 

I am most definitely not "worked up" I appreciate it when people do a review on this thread and have actually used the program and give their opinions either pro or con. I do not appreciate it when I am being told and scolded that I am being scammed and wasting my money.

[blueridgemama]

3 hours ago, aespo4 said:

Yes they provided wristbands on the Allure, I have heard that is on all ships. My kids wore them but my wife and I did not. It is easier when you do the activities that are for the Key only to show the wrist band then show your card.

 

Wow! That bracelet is going to clash with my formal wear😊 Do you have to wear it or can you just carry it with you?

[tinkr2]

7 hours ago, marci22 said:

Many people who purchase the Key might be newer cruisers. People who have cruised many times on RC are going to look at it in a much more critical way because they know what is typical and what might truly be worth the extra cost. So I think it is worthwhile to hear these criticisms and then you will have clear expectations before you commit to the cost. 

 

I think that critical reviews are helpful. Someone who had 'a blast' on their cruise tends to be less descriptive than someone who had a problem. Not always, but often.

 

I have seen this thread equally balanced between very experienced cruisers and newer ones. I do not think anyone on here is confused and being bamboozled into purchasing. So I agree, people telling me its a waste of my money is ludicrous . After 37 cruises , I think I can determine what is of value to me. Now the program seems to be changing, I may or may not value it in the future. I am trying it on May in Harmony. If I enjoy the perk, then I will keep it for Symphony in November. If not, well who cares. I certainly will not begrudge the money spent.

12 minutes ago, Ralphinsc said:

 

Oh boy. Should someone else tell them? 

 

 

Hint: About that Diamond line............. 

 

What has happened to the diamond embarkation line? Is it gone? It seems like everyones boarding is so quick in the newer terminals that it does not matter. But it was still very much there in November.

 

[aespo4]

37 minutes ago, blueridgemama said:

 

Wow! That bracelet is going to clash with my formal wear😊 Do you have to wear it or can you just carry it with you?

We did not wear it just the kids. It needs to be worn if you are doing activities like flow rider, rock wall, zip lining so they know you have it, but to the shows all you need to do is show your sea pass with the key logo on it. 

[er345]

Can someone who has already used the key confirm if the single device WiFi is for the whole cabin or each person gets a single device? So if 4 people were in a cabin paying for the key you could use 4 devices among you? I thought it was only one but I might be wrong.

 

I know this information must already be in this thread, but it’s too long to scroll through all the pages.   I appreciate someone helping me out.

[MissLittle1959]

3 minutes ago, er345 said:

Can someone who has already used the key confirm if the single device WiFi is for the whole cabin or each person gets a single device? So if 4 people were in a cabin paying for the key you could use 4 devices among you? I thought it was only one but I might be wrong.

 

I know this information must already be in this thread, but it’s too long to scroll through all the pages.   I appreciate someone helping me out.

I can tell you for sure it's for each person paying for The Key program. I confirmed this with RCL when I bought it.

[er345]

4 minutes ago, MissLittle1959 said:

I can tell you for sure it's for each person paying for The Key program. I confirmed this with RCL when I bought it.

 

4 minutes ago, MissLittle1959 said:

I can tell you for sure it's for each person paying for The Key program. I confirmed this with RCL when I bought it.

Thank you! I gave out misinformation then, so I better go correct myself.

[MissLittle1959]

17 minutes ago, er345 said:

 

Thank you! I gave out misinformation then, so I better go correct myself.

You’re welcome!  

[aespo4]

40 minutes ago, er345 said:

Can someone who has already used the key confirm if the single device WiFi is for the whole cabin or each person gets a single device? So if 4 people were in a cabin paying for the key you could use 4 devices among you? I thought it was only one but I might be wrong.

 

I know this information must already be in this thread, but it’s too long to scroll through all the pages.   I appreciate someone helping me out.

Was on the Allure last week their were 4 of us who had the Key and each of us received the internet package.