Royal Caribbean's popular pay-to-get perks program has been updated.
The Key is what the cruise line refers to as its VIP pass, where guests can enjoy certain perks that you'd otherwise need to pay for a suite or be a top tier loyal member to have access to.
Now there are two new benefits guests that buy it can enjoy, which Royal Caribbean believes will add even more value to the program. Guests who purchase it will enjoy bigger discounts on sports activities and a new spa savings credit, adding more reasons to consider this optional program.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what's being added, and what remains the same.
The Two New Perks
50% Off Sports Activities Onboard
Previously, The Key included 25% off sports activities. With this update, that discount has doubled to 50% off.
That’s a meaningful change for families or groups who want to try several activities during their sailing. For example, a group FlowRider surf simulator session costs $79 per person onboard Utopia of the Seas.
With The Key's new benefit, that price drops to $39.50. Multiply that across a family of four, and the savings add up quickly.
Another popular activity are private or group lessons at the FlowRider surf simulator, which can be quite pricey.
$60 Off a $250 Spa Purchase
Royal Caribbean is also adding a new spa savings credit. Guests will now receive $60 off a $250 spa purchase, which can be applied toward treatments such as:
- Swedish or deep tissue massages
- Couples massages
- Facials
- Aromatherapy or hot stone treatments
- Specialized body wraps or scrubs
The credit is one-time use, non-transferable, and does not apply to taxes or gratuities.
If a 75-minute hot stone massage costs $259 before gratuity, the added perk drops the price closer to $199. That’s nearly the same cost as a standard 50-minute massage.
Perks included in The Key
The Key is a combination of included benefits, services, and experiences. The rest of the program is not changing. Here's what you still get:
Priority access during The Key’s designated arrival time
Guests can board the ship earlier with shorter wait times at check-in.
Carry-on bag drop with delivery to your stateroom
Instead of lugging your carry-ons around the ship on embarkation day, you can drop them off and have them delivered to your stateroom.
Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room
Held on embarkation day, this luncheon features a signature menu with items from specialty restaurants, giving you a relaxed start to your cruise.
20% off specialty dining when you book on Day 1
This is a popular perk for guests who want to try restaurants like Chops Grille, Giovanni’s, Izumi, or Wonderland.
Access to fast lines at onboard activities
Skip the regular line for certain attractions and enjoy more time actually doing the activities.
Priority departure at tender ports of call
On ships that anchor offshore, The Key holders get off the ship more quickly.
Reserved seating at shows
Dedicated seating sections are available in major venues such as the Royal Theater, AquaTheater, Studio B, and Two70 (reservations required on some ships).
VOOM Surf & Stream high-speed internet
Each person who purchases The Key gets internet for one device, which is a major value driver since VOOM can cost $20+ per day per device when purchased separately.
Exclusive à la carte breakfast on departure day
Instead of the crowded buffet, The Key guests get a calmer breakfast option and a choice of departure time.
How much does The Key cost?
The price of The Key varies by sailing and ship but generally ranges between $24.99 to $49.99 per person, per day.
Everyone in your stateroom who is over the age of six must purchase it if one person does, which means the total cost can add up for families.
For example:
- On a 4-night sailing at $38.99 per person, The Key would cost about $155.96 per person.
- For a family of four, that’s $623.84 total for the sailing.
How does this change the value of The Key?
Depending on your cruising habits, the two new perks could sway your decision to buy it or not.
Discounts on the Spa are a benefit for adults, as kids can't take advantage of it. It's likely best for a couple that's buying The Key.
However, doubling the sports activity discount can add up to big savings... if your family will actually take advantage of them.
There aren't many sports activities that cost money, with the private FlowRider lessons being the most popular option. If your goal is to learn to surf on a cruise, this change could be quite beneficial.
Overall, most cruisers that buy The Key tend to do so because for other reasons:
- Priority embarkation
- Included welcome lunch on embarkation day
- Bundled internet package
- Storing carry-on bags on embarkation day
The other benefits, including the two new ones, are usually less utilized benefits because they have less universal appeal among guests.
Without a doubt, adding the new perks is more value than The Key had in the past. But it's value may remain in how you take advantage of it all.
