gakarl

24 minutes ago, Funeegal said:

I recently purchased the Key for a 3-night sailing on Freedom after reading all of the reviews and seeing how so many said it wasn't worth it.  I was planning on purchasing internet anyway.  There were two of us in the cabin.  I got the key at a discount, paying $21.99 per day.  Internet was $20.99 per day for 1 and $25.99 per day for 2 people.

We figured the key cost us an extra $27 pp more ($132 for the Key for 2 people vs. $78 for internet).  That was worth the Chops lunch, delivery of carry-on, priority boarding and embarkation.

In our case, I felt the Key was 100% worth it!  It was great to have priority check1in at 11AM (it didn't matter the check-in time you got because the Key folks all boarded starting at 11AM).  It was nice to go to the MDR for lunch and not fight the Windjammer with all of the people.  Having luggage delivered directly to your room was an added bonus and it was in our room when the rooms were available at 1PM.

Choice departure time and breakfast in the MDR was very nice since again, we didn't have to deal with the crowded Windjammer.  We walked off the ship at 9:30AM since we had late flights.

I would 100% do it again IF I was on a 3-night sailing AND it was only for 2 people AND it was on-sale.

I do not think it is worth it for a 7-night sailing because the perks just aren't good enough to warrant the price.

Good to know ! Thanks

That’s what we plan to do. Thanks again 

This site has been hugely beneficial to answer my questions and save me a few bucks!  

26 minutes ago, Matt said:

 

7 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Yes, priority boarding is one of the only true perks of the Key. 

So regardless of my 12:30 scheduled boarding I did thru the app. I can still show up at 11:30am and board early. I’ll keep it if it’s the case and I can still eat the Chops lunch. Getting the chops lunch and the extra breakfast the departure day with the additional voom internet seems worth it. 

10 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

While I am sure they can do a manicure over her acrylic nails, I don't know if it will be up to a teenagers standards. It will probably be a very basic mani/pedi for a ridiculous price. She might be better off getting that done before the cruise, it's what I do. 

I changed and getting her hair did instead. Thanks!

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

I personally don't think the Key is worth it. However, with the Key you get priority boarding, so you can show up at 11:30 and thus not miss the welcome lunch.

Can I show up at 11:30 even if my reserved time is 12:30?

Was it worth it?  I thought the same thing on the internet. 

New to cruising. I bought “the key” thinking it would be nice for my up coming 4 night cruise in June on Independence. I missed the early check in option not knowing and am checking in at 12:30pm. I see the welcome lunch is only open until 1:30pm.  I am guessing more than likely I’ll miss the welcome chops lunch. Is it still worth getting “the key” or should I cancel and get a refund. 

Thanks for the input everyone. So since we are doing the 5:30 dining time in MDR I think I will do the two nights at upgraded on port days to allow for extra time to get back to ship 

day 1 we will do MDR 5:30

day 2 Nassau Giovanni’s at 8pm - also allow time to get back to ship

day 3 at see MDR 5:30 (also assume this would be formal night?)

day 4 hibachi 8pm - allow time to get back to ship from coco kay 

I appreciate everyone’s input. Stuff is pricey so just making sure I get my moneys worth and not waste any either. 

I am guessing this is a going to get some interesting opinion discussion, but curious for input from regular cruisers.  Single dad here and I am taking a 4 day cruise with my 16 yo triplets.  Day 2 is Nassau and day 3 is coco kay.    I booked dinner in the Giovani Italian restaurant for our day at sea day 3.  Kids like Italian.  I am trying to decide if I should book the Hibachi another night or just do the main dinning room the rest of the time.  If I did would it be best to do the first night since it might be a little hectic in the main dining room?  Then again should I just book the unlimited dinning package as we will probably want upgraded dining options every night?  Don't want to waste money as well, assuming the main dining is sufficient but don't want to feel we will regret not booking more / better options while we can get a slight discount online before going on the cruise.  Thoughts...

I bought my daughter a mani / pedi on day 3 cruising day for the morning.  She has Acrylic nails and tips.  She wants to know can the spa service those types of nails?  She doesn't want to do the mani pedi if they can't since it would be a waste.