Gears

Here's a few other threads where the benefits of it were discussed:
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/10242-the-key/
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/10617-the-key/
 

I very much am in the area of it not being worth it. The only thing I would actually use of the benefits is the reserved seating and internet. We don’t use any of the activity type things. So 280 for two people to use internet, when we can share internet for 130 instead, isn’t worth it for me. Some people will however pay whatever to get priority boarding or reserved seating so they don’t have to wait in line. For me personally that’s not worth the extra money. If it was half the price, then I would consider it. But not for 280. That’s quite expensive for just skipping lines. But just my viewpoint.  

Surprised you mentioned that...LOL! Not. ?

Shhhhhh...don't bring up computerization, simplicity and common sense with respect to the RCL website. It's like a massive dumpster fire here. ?
Have your list ready with time options 1, 2 & 3 for each reservation you want to make on your list. They will have a kiosk in the promenade...find it when you get on the ship as soon as you can.

Thanks Gears.  
 

Surprised you mentioned that...LOL! Not. ?

Surprised you mentioned that...LOL! Not. ?

I’m in a panic over deck space.  All I do on sea days is relax and sun.  I made the mistake of reading a chair hog thread on the “other” board and now I’m freaked lol!  Oh well...I’m planning on staying onboard in st Maarten so maybe then I will get a chair in the solarium.....maaayyyybbbbeee!!  Jane

The things we liked about Oasis Class:
+ Food - the number of options, places and variety was awesome. Specialty restaurants, ability to have breakfast in the Solarium as examples, 10/10.
+ Walking/Running Track - Two thumbs up
Things we didn't like (resulting in being 3rd on our list):
+ Amount of deck space on the upper deck. Having a constant crowd in shuffling in front of you looking for open deck chairs...regardless of where you sit, showed the amount of deck space per pax was low. Clearly a result of how they have physically integrated the segregation of the suite class (from the rest of us peons) and the sheer number of people. People were frustrated and it's the first time we had to get out there for 7:30am on sea days to get a chair. And the Solarium... ???
+ Having to reserve seating for entertainment. So much for looking at your watch and saying 'hey, maybe we can get a seat in the theatre?' (Canadian spelling) If the Aqua Theatre show is cancelled due to sea conditions...you're SOL. We understand why they have to do it that way, but it's not for us.
+ Merry-go-Rounds, Candy Stores...I can think of other things I would prefer to see taking up space.
If we had kids Oasis Class would be at the top of the list. They just don't match up to why we cruise.

That's why you need to book B2B cruises to save on airfare.

The only time we consider the ship is when travelling with our kids.  For example, DH and I would have no issue trying a Radiance or Brilliance class ourselves, but if with our kids would select where there is lots of stuff for them (i.e. Oasis, Quantum, Freedom, Voyager - amped ships).  And with Royal's ships, the itinerary is last consideration as we look at the ship/date/price first.
I should add that when selecting our latest booking, which ended up being Harmony, we did put the ships first that we hadn't been on (Oasis, Harmony ....over Allure which we were on, and Symphony,  which is coming up). But that's just because we had the option between the four ships.  And if it came down to it, we would have no issue going on one of the other two again.,

We have been on multiple ships several times and every class of ship except Anthem. We have never booked based on a specific ship or ships, but given our experience if we had the option of going on the same itinerary/date/disembarkation port, there are ships, or rather classes, we would pick over others.
1. Freedom Class
2. Voyager Class
3. Oasis Class
4. Radiance Class

That's just our preference on our style.

I've been on the lookout for the elusive celebrity "Da Twangster" but don't know what he looks like, so I guess I wouldn't  know if he was even standing next to me. ?
I've looked in every post office to see if his picture is in there, but no such luck ?

I saw @Matt Hochberg on a cruise!  
It was a group cruise, and I sort of knew he would be on it, but still, he is the quintessential cruise celebrity if there is one!

Shhhhhhhh!! That's an ultra classified military super secret. ???

18 cruises over 14 years. Some of which were in JS to get the double. We actually booked a 5 night in a JS to get us to exactly 175 in preparation for our B2B two months later.
 
But...I also think we made out quite well when they switched the points system from one point per cruise to one point per night. We ended up with more C&A points than nights we had cruised when the switch was done.

Shhhhhhhh!! That's an ultra classified military super secret. ???

On Indy and spotted a new Diamond happy hour drink menu.  Second ship in 2019 with Glenfiddich scotch offered.  
 
 

Many have wondered how long does it take to reach Diamond PLUS status. When asked, I reply that there are many factors to take into consideration to reach this status. With that in mind, how long has it taken you to reach Diamond PLUS status and what & how did you do it? Feel free to share your techniques and experiences.

I was speaking metaphorically.

So it's getting down to 21 days now that we depart on the Grandeur. As others have posted in another discussion, Grandeur does not have the "Key".  Lo and behold,  myself and my husband gets this fabulous email about the "Key" and to book now! Well, I just had to take a peek for curiosity sake didn't I?  Takes me directly to the Voom and Stream packages, Drink packages, etc. The email actually says Grandeur, Feb 14!  THE KEY IS NOT OFFERED YOU IDIOTS!  I digress, I am blessed to be in an Owners Suite, so not sure the "Key" would give me any extra benefit, but SERIOUSLY??? Rant is over now, go back to your business. Thank you!?

We've been on the Freedom previously and we're back on for a B2B in...19 SLEEPS!!. Ooops...sorry, was that too loud?
I will be sure to report back.

We've been on the Freedom previously and we're back on for a B2B in...19 SLEEPS!!. Ooops...sorry, was that too loud?
I will be sure to report back.

It truly stinks when a family member becomes ill and you have to cancel a trip.  And my heart goes out to you that you had to go through this. 
However, I have been through an a insurance nightmare.  Speaking as someone who didn't expect her daughter to get sick, whose insurance didn't cover her mental illness, who had to pay the entire trip anyway and fly home, I Still don't blame the insurance company or the cruise company and would still buy insurance next time.  Life happens.  I assumed nobody would get sick and still bought the insurance!  These companies are businesses and they have to operate as such.   
I have to have a negative comment here.  Has anyone noticed that these types of rant posts are usually done by someone who has 0 posts and who never comes back?  Are they legit?  Again, sympathy to the poster if it's truly an accurate post and hope you buy insurance next time.  It makes a difference most of the time.  Also remember refundable deposits, cancel at any cost insurance, and be glad you at least got some money back.  Jane

That has got to be the most hilarious thing I have read today.  As if people buy insurance planning on using it.
"Gee, I didn't buy life insurance because I didn't plan on dying soon."
"Gee, I didn't get car insurance because I didn't plan on crashing it."
"Gee, I didn't get homeowner insurance because I didn't plan on that tornado hitting."
I love how people think that their excuse should exclude them from the rules and how horribly shameful it is that they are treated exactly like everyone else.  To the point of joining a forum just to complain.  Nope, family member being diagnosed does NOT make a difference.  Nope, your fixed income does NOT make a difference.  This is a sad situation, but one that was preventable.  Your failure to prevent the financial loss is nobody's fault but your own.
Best of luck to your family member, I do sincerely hope for a happy outcome there.