The Key

[Bakerette]

I want to purchase the Key but I am not sure when the key would be available to purchase. Could anyone with experience of 'the key’ tell me when it becomes available in the cruise planner and also tell me what is included with the key besides what it says on the cruise planner?

[SpeedNoodles]

26 minutes ago, Bakerette said:

I want to purchase the Key but I am not sure when the key would be available to purchase. Could anyone with experience of 'the key’ tell me when it becomes available in the cruise planner and also tell me what is included with the key besides what it says on the cruise planner?

It will really vary as far as when it appears in the Cruise Planner - it's not available for my Feb 2020 sailing yet (7 months out), but was available for my Dec 2019 sailing more than 9 months out.  I believe the Cruise Planner summarizes it pretty well. The only thing that seems to be included, but not mentioned, is a fruit plate snack delivered to your room during the sailing.  I received one last Feb and believe I've read other people mention it.

[KenCP]

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2019/03/26/royal-caribbeans-the-key-worth-it

Also I have heard from a few people you do not have to wait around to have your pass scanned for pool towels.

[Skid]

24 minutes ago, KenCP said:

Also I have heard from a few people you do not have to wait around to have your pass scanned for pool towels.

That was the case on Symphony in May. The best part of that was when coming back to the ship from an excursion and you could avoid the long lines and just drop the towels in the bin.

[Mobo]

 

I just got back from a cruise on Harmony and in many ways the Key was beneficial

 

Embarkation - We had expedited arrival, which helped immensely (an attendant with a portable device checked us in very quickly).  Once through that, we were called to boa00rd the ship at about 10:30

Lunch at Chops - Was actually at the Grande restaurant serving the Chops menu.  Lunch was not ready yet, but our carry on bags were taken and tagged and we were given all the information about the Key, including Wifi access and special times for features on the shop (Flowrider, ZipLine, etc).  Wi-Fi was excellent for a cruise ship.

Priority Seating at Shows - A big winner.  We breezed into the shows at the last minute a few times and there were always seats.  This took a lot of pressure off in terms of rishing, etc

Port Debarkation - For one port, we got a letter and a meeting time and were escorted off the ship without having to wait in line, which was nice.  For some of the other port, not so much.  This part was inconsistent.

Cruise Debarkation - We received special tags, which would have been used to make luggage easier to find in the cruise terminal, but we valeted our luggage (can you tell we don't like to wait for anything lol)

There were other nice touches like the fruit plate in the room.  I didn't know about the towel thing.  Some benefits were better advertised than others.

A rep from the ship checked in with us to specifically get feedback on the Key, so I think they continue to make it better. Overall, for the convenience alone, I would do it again (especially when you consider that internet is included)

 

[CFL]

1 hour ago, Mobo said:

Lunch at Chops - Was actually at the Grande restaurant serving the Chops menu.  Lunch was not ready yet, but our carry on bags were taken and tagged and we were given all the information about the Key, including Wifi access and special times for features on the shop (Flowrider, ZipLine, etc).  Wi-Fi was excellent for a cruise ship.

On Harmony where do you drop off your carry on bags?  

[Mobo]

They had a table set up right by the Grande, where lunch is served. 

[Bakerette]

12 hours ago, CFL said:

On Harmony where do you drop off your carry on bags?  

I saw a few YouTube videos that for all of the Oasis Class ships (Oasis, Allure, Harmony & Symphony) that you should drop off your carry on bags in the Royal Theater which I think is where you would also get your internet access code(s) since that is included as one of the key benefits, or the internet code(s) are on a table in your stateroom, but I could be wrong about where you get your internet access code(s)for the key members, .

[RockerDom31]

Hi all -

Long time listener, first time caller here!

First of all, thank you to all of you for the wealth of information that you have provided! My wife and I are looking forward to our Bermuda cruise on Anthem at the end of August!

I’ve read all the posts and watched the videos about The Key and just yesterday, I listened to the podcast about what to pack in your carry-on. Which leads me to this question that I can’t seem to find the answer to:

I understand that one of The Key’s perk is that they will deliver your carry-on to your stateroom so you don’t have to lug it around before it’s ready. However, If your carry-on has essentials like medications and travel docs, should you be giving your carry-on to them to hold onto? I imagine it would be okay if you politely declined this perk and held onto your carry-on anyway?

thanks again! You are all awesome!

Dom C.

 

[FionaMG]

10 minutes ago, RockerDom31 said:

I understand that one of The Key’s perk is that they will deliver your carry-on to your stateroom so you don’t have to lug it around before it’s ready. However, If your carry-on has essentials like medications and travel docs, should you be giving your carry-on to them to hold onto? I imagine it would be okay if you politely declined this perk and held onto your carry-on anyway?

You're not obliged to avail yourself of any of the perks so if you want to hang on to your carry-on it won't be a problem. But perhaps you could consider packing the absolutely essential stuff likes meds and docs in a small, light backpack and give them your larger carry-on (assuming you have one). This will allow for greater comfort while exploring the ship prior to the cabins being ready.