Jim D

7 hours ago, melmar02 said:

Grand Cayman is still closed to cruise ships. Right now they aren't set to open until the end of January 2022.

And have they provided another alternative destination?

7 hours ago, melmar02 said:

Grand Cayman is still closed to cruise ships. Right now they aren't set to open until the end of January 2022.

Then do you know why it is still listed on not just my itinerary but almost all western Caribbean sailings in November and December?

Does anyone have a good list or picture of a list of champagne available on board?

A lot of what I’m hearing is from the summer. Has anyone been on a cruise recently where they opened back up grand cayman.  If they haven’t what change did they make.  

13 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

I am sailing solo on a couple of Jan sailings and have the Key for one but now I am thinking about cancelling. The new perks don't add up for a solo traveler, especially if you don't care about Flow rider reserved times and room service. Also as a solo person it was very easy to find decent seats, so arriving early is a moot point. Wit all the info on the app and these boards I am sure to get a good boarding time, so again the benefits just aren't there.

I agree 100%  but after not cruising for so long I wanted a little something extra as a solo traveler - and I just dont like the fact that even with the app it is possible to get a late check in time if you dont have the chance to do it right away and tons of people are doing it

4 minutes ago, CGTLH said:

App is the easiest way to check/change times. Tap "Check-in", then tap the "Arrival time" section and pick a new time.

VIP seating use to be available pre-covid restrictions. New policy has become allowed early access for your choice of seating.

This is somewhat of a mixed blessing, VIP seating wasn't always the best seats.

Okay I get that part - but you said sometimes only 3pm shows up - do you just restart the process?

5 hours ago, Big Tule said:

Sorry for your recent loss Jim....I hope you enjoy your cruise ...I wouldn't sweat the small changes to the key cancel it and move on 

Thank you that is very much appreciated 

I guess when it rains it pours I joined a Jewel of the Seas facebook group and Im also have heard from folks that are currently on the same boat right now that they do not have half the selection of wines and champagne - they ran out of certain kinds of diet coke and coke zero mid cruise. 

If I cancel everything I will end up with a FCC - but I got such a deal on this cruise I think I will have to pay more to book in the future especially as a single traveler. 

When doing the check in process and you say that sometimes only 3pm shows up?  Do you just exit out and then start over until you get a time.  And RCL agent is also looking into just giving me a time now - my mother is going on a cruise right after me and she was allowed to start the check-in process at 90 days but then could not complete it- but she noticed that her check-in time was after the ship departed - so she called and they assigned her a check in time of 11 or 1130am and it is not even 45 days out.  They just picked it for her.  So I dont know why if I am requesting for certain reasons they cant just give me one - they can select everything for you as it is.  I also have heard from folks that are currently on the same boat right now that they do not have half the selection of wines and champagne - they ran out of certain kinds of diet coke and coke zero mid cruise. 

In regards to the shows and no VIP seating. then why was that policy even in the "old" key program?? 

11 hours ago, CGTLH said:

Based on everything I've seen about B2B procedures this is false. From what I've seen doing a consecutive cruise you're normally tested the last full day of the voyage. Next day, turn-around, you'll meet in a lounge and as a group of consecutive cruisers you'll be taken off and processed thru immigration. At that point you'll return to the waiting area of the terminal, before anyone else is allowed to enter, and wait for the ship to zero count. After that point you'll be escorted back on.

 

Being a member of The Key program does not force you to get off at a time, even with the old policy. Based on what I'm reading you're getting a guaranteed choice of what time you can leave. Old process would have had the group of Key members waiting in the dining room to be escorted off.

This might be the classic "Ask a different agent, get a different answer." question.

 

When you start check-in process you'll be able to pick a time for boarding based on availability. Typically check-in has been opening around midnight eastern time 45 days from when you sail. Earliest time slots I've seen has been 12 PM. If only 3 PM shows up at check-in, keep checking for additional times to open.    

 

Also be aware making a reservation might be a requirement as well. VIP seating has been removed across the board for all guests, exclusion being Star class guests, best is now early entry for your choice of seats.

And I already had speciality dining booked on a couple nights but I am not eligible to get the 25% off because I have booked it onboard.  So I would have to cancel my dinner plans with the times I want and hope that I am able to get a good time once I’m onboard 

Normally I would agree with you.  But as I said before I am a solo traveler so just having free room service makes little sense unless I am supposed to sit in my stateroom and eat by myself all the time.  And I would love the bag drop off, but that ends at 2pm and if you don’t have priority access to the ship you may not have a boarding time before 2pm so you won’t be able to use it. In addition getting in the boat later in the day eats away at 1st day on board.  

Okay.  Sorry I didn’t mean to hit a sore spot with you. I was expressing my opinions.  If you read half of what I wrote I’m already considering canceling it.  I just wanted something a little extra special seeing as this is the first time since the death of my partner. 

1 hour ago, pcvchristine said:

If you know you are going to do specialty dining (but not a package), 25% off can be pretty nice. Especially at Izumi/Playmakers where they wouldn’t necessarily be other discounts onboard. 

True. But now I have to cancel my dining reservations to now be able to do it onboard so I can get the 25% off. But with all the other stuff I loose out on.  It’s not worth it 

Thanks JCpats for taking the time to read and respond.  I agree the internet part is great and one of the big selling points.  But if you read my last reply to vjoe I think that will shed some light on my thinking.  

Thanks vjoe.  I totally understand what you are saying. But since I signed up for the key and I’m paying for it I’m loosing out on the original benefits and the new benefits are less beneficial to solo travelers.  So why bother paying for it.  And I’m going to loose my priority boarding and possibly loose the spin class times I want.  And I am a creature of habit and I can’t workout any other time than the morning.   Plus I was just told that even if I had the key for my back to back I don’t get my priority boarding. I have to go wait back in my arrival group time and if I’m not in their lounge I don’t get my COVID testing and screening done anymore because I’m waiting in the terminal for up to 1/2 the day. And I was assured that since I was back to back my COVID stuff would be handled by them at no cost to me.  Doesn’t look like that’s happening now.   I booked this vacations and of all the people I have talked to, I have found one pleasant person. Everyone else is abrupt and doesn’t know any answers. I’m just very frustrated. My partner passed last year after being sick and this is the first cruise in a long time and the first cruise I will be taking alone. I thought it would be nice to be treated a little extra special.  That’s all 

I agree. But I feel like a solo traveler I wanted to make the most of everything. But now I’m potentially loosing out on the fitness classes I want.  And doing a back to back and being assured that I wouldn’t have to wait in terminal all day long to Reboard    Basically loosing priority check in and being first on the ship you can potentially loose a 1/2 day from both the cruises if I have a late boarding. So that could equal one full day of vacation. 

• Enjoy priority access at the terminal within your arrival time. 
• Drop off your carry-on luggage in the Main Dining Room by 2:00 PM – your carry-on luggage will be hand delivered to your stateroom. 
• Instead of a complimentary embarkation lunch, we’ll provide you with complimentary room service for your entire cruise, along with 25% off all onboard dining purchases! 
• Enjoy exclusive time at some of our onboard activities such as rock climbing, FlowRider, etc. 
• Priority departure from ship-to-shore at tender ports.
• Take advantage of early access at shows in the Main Theater, however a reservation is needed so don’t forget to book in advance!
• Enjoy our VOOM Surf & Stream package, now including high speed internet, for one device (1 package per guest).
• On debarkation day, along with choice departure, you’ll now have a special “grab and go” bag that includes goodies to enjoy as you may your way back home.
   

room service doesn’t help out a solo traveler. Am I supposed to sit in my room alone all the time and eat?  Not the best way to meet and make friends 

no more priority boarding. Meaning your group could be the last too board.  I have specific fitness classes I want to sign up for but the spots may be gone by the time I am able to get on the ship.  
 

I am also doing a back to back cruise and was told a week ago that as a member of the key I would just have to get off the ship and board again in the first group.  Now I have to wait around in the cruise terminal all day long until my group is called.  
 

a grab bag breakfast. I can get one of those at the comfort inn.
 

no more vip seating in the shows. Now just early access???
 

and I already booked two specialty dining nights but I can’t get the 25% off those because that is for onboard purchases only.  

Well just got the email about the new key “benefits” and I am certainly not impressed.  Seriously considering canceling it now. Especially as a single travelers doesn’t seem like the “perks” are worth the hassle and money.  Thoughts? 

Hey there everyone -  I am traveling on Jewel of the Seas on Dec 4, 2021 and doing a Back to Back on Dec 12, 2021.  I am just curious if there are other single folks taking this cruise as well.  Thought it might be nice to have someone to hang out with. Or even a couple that is looking to make new friends.  I am in my mid-30's from Buffalo, NY although spent half my life in NYC.  Not sure if anyone will respond but I thought I would give this a shot.   Thanks and Happy Cruising everyone!!!