New key program

[Jim D]

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? 

[Atlantix2000]

Would be helpful to post the contents of that email...  Swapping embarkation lunch for free room service has been discussed and generally well received in other threads.  If there's other changes, you'll have to describe them.

[Jim D]

• 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.  

[PRebecca]

Sounds like a great opportunity to get some money back if it doesn't suit one's needs.

Happy cruising!!

[pcvchristine]

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. 

[Jim D]

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. 

[vjoe]

Jim, no worries. Its a vacation. I travel solo about 75% of the time, anything that I like to do I always meet people over and over and make great friends. Like people seem to do like things! Piece of cake! I personally love getting a large table in main dining, meeting them and over the week chat every time we pass. I've had great success with my main dining family! I've found that everyone is off guard on a cruise, everyone is open to chatting. People are at ease and friendly. As for the fitness classes, most people are too busy eating to make it to the gym. My favorite class is yoga, smile and breath! Back to back they take you off as a group and bring you back on asap, no waiting for your appointed time 

[JC Pats]

25 minutes ago, Jim D said:

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. 

I believe it's to each their own. The only benefit the Key really had was the internet surf and stream 1 package. To me, if that's not a consideration (status, dx/voom, etc) - The Key really doesn't make sense. Especially in 2021. If you're cruising in 2022, I would keep the key for now (you can cancel it in the cruise planner up to 3 days prior to sailing) as the benefits may change back or change again as protocols change. 

[Jim D]

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 

[Jim D]

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.  

[Jim D]

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 

[CGTLH]

1 hour ago, Jim D said:

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.

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.

 

3 hours ago, Jim D said:

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.  

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.

 

3 hours ago, Jim D said:

no more priority boarding. Meaning your group could be the last too board.

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.    

 

3 hours ago, Jim D said:

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

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.

[twangster]

To each their own.  Free room service would be welcome for this solo cruiser.  

If it doesn't work for you cancel it.  They have to make changes due to pandemic protocols.  If it no longer works for you, you don't need to justify your thoughts, it doesn't work for you.  Refund it.  

I never knew people rushed on board to book fitness classes.  Dining, sure.  I learn something new here all the time.

[Jim D]

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. 

[MrMarc]

I guess I'm the only one that thinks this a better deal.  The 25% off and free room service seems like it would be enough value added to the zoom package.  And most of the time I think there are much better seats than they reserved for the key, so early access seems better to me.  And when I  was flying to a port,, I really liked being able to drop off carry on stuff.  As for breakfasts, depends on what's in the bag.  I guess everyone has different views on what makes the key worth it.

[Jim D]

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.  

[Jim D]

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 

[Big Tule]

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 

[Jim D]

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.

 

[Jim D]

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?? 

[AshleyDillo]

11 minutes ago, Jim D said:

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. 

The 3pm thing was routinely happening when the 90 day mark came and folks weren't able to check in.  At some point as the ships came online, as in officially started back with revenue sailings, it would then open up all sailings for that ship with at the 90 day or sooner mark.  The default was 3pm as the only available check-in time.  But then as the "real" check-in opened up all of the timeslots appeared.  So basically if all you see is the 3pm, that means the full check-in has opened up.  You just check back and edit your time later and eventually it will give you more timeslots.

[CGTLH]

8 minutes ago, Jim D said:

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.

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

12 minutes ago, Jim D said:

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

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.

[Jim D]

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. 

[Jim D]

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?

[CGTLH]

2 minutes ago, Jim D said:

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

Don't have to restart the entire process entering information again. Easiest is what I showed using the app. Tap "Check-in", then tap the "Arrival time" section, and check/change time.

10 minutes ago, Jim D said:

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. 

This could be supply issues. Keep in mind the ship is currently sailing out of Cyprus and might be limited in what they can get provisioned. Once Jewel returns to the US these type of issues shouldn't happen.

13 minutes ago, Jim D said:

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.

If you want to cancel I'd hold out until December protocols are provided. At that point you might be able to request a cash refund. Just state you don't agree with the protocols that will be in place.

[Ampurp85]

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.

[Jim D]

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

[MrMarc]

Actually, I just checked on my Adventure of the Seas cruise out of Galveston in December, and The Key is $17.99 and 1 Voom Surf & Stream is $18.39.  I don't think I want to pay more to get less.  I am wondering if it going to be canceled because it says check onboard where it used to say Add to Cart.

[Ampurp85]

@MrMarcMight be cancelled or sold out, since it can't be brought on board.

 

I also keep hearing about how cheap it is on Adventure, Freedom and Liberty in 2021. My Jan 22 sailing have all be above $25.99, with a sale. The Mariner one hasn't gone lower than $27.99 since before the restart. My Jan Indy was $23.99 at one point but I thought that was too high for 4n. If it is under $20 a day then it makes it palatable. But with low capacity and 2-device internet at around $26/day, it's not a good deal.