UPDATE MARCH 13: Royal Caribbean canceled and refunded any Premier Pass purchases.
UPDATE MARCH 12: It appears this package is a mistake and was never intended to be sold to Royal Caribbean guests.
On Sunday morning, Royal Caribbean's social media channels shared updates with guests that the package was mistakenly offered.
Thanks to Michael Poole for providing this screenshot.
---
If you want to get an all-in-one add-on for your Royal Caribbean cruise that includes a bunch of extras, there's a new option for you.
Royal Caribbean is now offering Premier Pass, which is a new priority access program.
Royal Caribbean's original add-on perks package, The Key, is still available, but Premier Pass offers a different set of amenities aimed at offering the, "newest and most innovative vacation package."
Purchasing Premier Pass gets you VIP access, internet access, and service amenities you might not otherwise get unless you stayed in a suite or had an upper echelon Crown and Anchor Society level.
Here's what's included with the Premier Pass:
- Welcome bottle of Veuve Clicquot
- Priority embarkation and debarkation
- Inside Access tour (two guests)
- Officer's lunch (two guests)
- Unlimited internet access (two devices)
- Captain's toast and photo
- Wine pairing with sommelier (two guests) - wine is complimentary
- Laundry service (one bag per stateroom)
Basically, it's a way to board the ship faster and get VIP treatment at select events.
This new package includes some perks of The Key, but excludes priority activity access. Instead, it has more experiences and tours as part of its deal.
"Introducing Premier Pass, our newest and most innovative vacation package for 2 guests. It offers a series of unique cruise experiences to elevate your vacation to the next luxurious level. Purchase the Premier Pass before you sail and enjoy VIP access to the ship, including priority boarding. You’ll have a bottle of Veuve Clicquot waiting in your stateroom when you arrive - just our way of saying Welcome aboard.
Your pass includes our most popular Inside Access Tour where you’ll discover the inner workings of the ship from the bridge to the engine room. Your pass also includes a meal with one of the ship’s officers, complete with a photo of you and the captain.
During your sailing, you’ll savor an exclusive food and wine pairing. Keep in touch with unlimited internet access for two devices. Look your best in every port with personal laundry service on board."
The new option is located under the "Packages" tab in the Cruise Planner, although I was only able to spot it for one of my upcoming cruises on Mariner of the Seas. RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Bob Rogers spotted it for his Allure of the Seas cruise, so it's possible it's only available on select ships so far.
The cost of the Premier Pass is advertised for both of our sailings at $88.99 and it covers two guests.
How can I buy the package?
You must purchase Premier Pass online before your cruise begins.
After a cruise is booked, go to Royal Caribbean's site, log in to your account and click on "Cruise Planner."
Why buy Premier Pass?
The appeal of any VIP package for a cruise is a way to enjoy added benefits without spending the money for a suite or having sufficient loyalty program points.
Buying Premier Pass gets you VIP benefits at a more affordable price, especially for new cruisers.
In short, the Premier Pass is all about getting exclusive benefits, if you value them. It's a way to feel like a VIP on your cruise, especially on embarkation and disembarkation day.
Like The Key, it's not essential to have, but it's certainly a nice add-on for those that want something special and wouldn't otherwise have similar benefits.
How is Premier Pass different than The Key?
It appears thus far, The Key and Premier Pass will both be offered, as both options were available on sailings I was able to see Premier Pass listed.
Having not tried Premier Pass yet, it seems based on the description they are some benefits that are similar with most not.
First and foremost, one Premier Pass purchase is for two people, whereas The Key has a per-person price.
Additionally, The Key must be purchased prior to sailing by each guest age 6 or older assigned to the same stateroom. There is no such requirement of Premier Pass.
The Key is priced per night of the cruise, whereas Premier Pass is a fixed price for the entire voyage.
Both passes include Internet access for the duration of the cruise. Both will get you on the ship faster with priority embarkation, as well as priority disembarkation.
Beyond that, the list of benefits diverge from each other.
What's included with The Key
- Priority access into the terminal (within booked arrival time) on Day 1.
- Carry-on bag drop off and delivery to stateroom. Drop-off your carry-on bags in the Main Dining Room until 1:30pm.
- Private time at onboard activities including Rock Climbing, FlowRider and more.
- Priority departure at tender ports of call from ship-to-shore.
- Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring the Chops Grille Lunch menu.
- Seats in the exclusive VIP seating section at shows in the Main Theatre, Aqua Theater, Studio B and Two70 (reservation is needed).
- VOOM ® Surf & Stream 1 Device high speed internet.
- On debarkation day, enjoy an exclusive à la carte breakfast and choice departure.
What's included with Premier Pass
- Welcome bottle of Veuve Clicquot
- Priority embarkation and debarkation
- Inside Access tour (two guests)
- Officer's lunch (two guests)
- Unlimited internet access (two devices)
- Captain's toast and photo
- Wine pairing with sommelier (two guests) - wine is complimentary
- Laundry service (one bag per stateroom)
Reserved times for shows and activities are at the heart of what The Key offers, whereas Premier Pass includes more experiences.
