IRMO12HD Posted October 15, 2021 Report Share Posted October 15, 2021 I'm going to try to ask this through Royal, but just in case anyone has experienced this and would care to impart their experience . . . I have The Key for my upcoming sailing on Freedom 29 Nov - 3 Dec. I did receive the email detailing the changes, and am happy with them, especially since the price I paid for The Key was $1/day less than the Voom-1Device. One of the changes involves the deletion of the Chops Grill in the MDR Embarkation Lunch. In its place is the fee-free room service, and the offer of 25% off specialty dining. I'm wondering if that will apply to booking dining through the Cruise Planner, or if it's only once I board. I imagine it will be the latter, but am curious to find out if anyone has first-hand knowledge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRMO12HD Posted October 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2021 An update -- according to the RCL Rep I spoke to today, the 25% discount is only valid once I'm on board -- but it can be applied on top of another discount (say, if they're offering a reduced price already). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted October 16, 2021 Report Share Posted October 16, 2021 I don't have firsthand knowledge but I know the Cruise Planner has no way to recognize you have purchased The Key when making other dining purchases. Trust me, their site is NOT that sophisticated. Plus with being able to cancel Cruise Planner purchases up to 72 hours before sailing, it would potentially be a mess if they did. Make sure whenever you are using the discount onboard that you remind them to apply it. This is a relatively new change and they likely will not be used to it! If it gets missed onboard you can go to Guest Services and take care of it but it's always easiest if you can get them to charge it correctly in the first place! IRMO12HD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRMO12HD Posted October 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2021 2 hours ago, AshleyDillo said: I don't have firsthand knowledge but I know the Cruise Planner has no way to recognize you have purchased The Key when making other dining purchases. Trust me, their site is NOT that sophisticated. Plus with being able to cancel Cruise Planner purchases up to 72 hours before sailing, it would potentially be a mess if they did. Make sure whenever you are using the discount onboard that you remind them to apply it. This is a relatively new change and they likely will not be used to it! If it gets missed onboard you can go to Guest Services and take care of it but it's always easiest if you can get them to charge it correctly in the first place! Thanks for the advice, @AshleyDillo. I have already purchased the Sushi and Sake lunch on Cruise Planner, and think I'll just hang onto that -- although maybe I'll cancel it and hope for a better deal onboard. AshleyDillo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRMO12HD Posted November 12, 2021 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2021 Updates to the Key Program! Just got this today -- it looks like hanging on to The Key was the right move for me -- hope it helps others who are considering it. This is on my 4-Night Freedom sailing at the end of November: Dear Guest, We're excited to share that our Welcome Lunch, featuring Chops Grille has been brought back to The Key! We hope you look forward to enjoying your exclusive lunch which will take place in the Main Dining Room between 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM! Additionally, as we previously shared, you'll receive a 25% discount for onboard dining purchases, plus complimentary room service! And, our private debarkation á la carte breakfast is back, replacing the "grab and go" breakfast option. Now, enjoy a more relaxed breakfast experience before heading off the ship. Here's what you can expect on your upcoming sailing: Early access at the terminal.* Drop off your carry-on luggage in the Main Dining Room on Deck 3 by 2:00 PM - your carry-on luggage will be hand delivered to your stateroom. Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring the Chops Grille® menu (open from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM). We recommend arriving to the terminal no later than 11:30 AM for you to have enough time to enjoy lunch with us! Complimentary room service for your entire cruise, along with 25% off all onboard dining purchases! Private time at some of our onboard activities such as rock climbing, FlowRider, etc. Priority departure from ship-to-shore at tender ports. Early access at shows in the Main Theater on Deck 4, however a reservation is needed so don't forget to book once you're onboard! VOOM Surf & Stream package, now including high speed internet, for one device (1 package per guest). On debarkation day, enjoy a private á la carte breakfast and choice departure. *Please arrive at the terminal between 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM. If you are not able to make the early access window, you should arrive within your appointment time and will receive priority access into the terminal. Lastly, when you arrive to the port for your sailing, please locate The Key signage for priority access into the terminal and make your way onto the ship. We look forward to welcoming you aboard Freedom of the Seas in the coming days! PPPJJ-GCVAB, WAAAYTOOO and Montana21 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditty Posted November 14, 2021 Report Share Posted November 14, 2021 What is the Key and why purchase it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedNoodles Posted November 14, 2021 Report Share Posted November 14, 2021 https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2018/12/04/review-royal-caribbeans-the-key-vip-guest-experience Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strife Posted November 15, 2021 Report Share Posted November 15, 2021 Quote omplimentary room service for your entire cruise, along with 25% off all onboard dining purchases! I did not see that listed when I was checking out what the key comes with. Either the Jewel does not have that extra feature or they have not updated it yet on their website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRMO12HD Posted November 15, 2021 Author Report Share Posted November 15, 2021 7 hours ago, ditty said: What is the Key and why purchase it? @dittyBy now I'm sure you've had a chance to see @SpeedNoodles's link. You can also get an understanding of what it will be by looking in your Cruise Planner (assuming you've booked a cruise) or by looking at the Royal Caribbean FAQs (https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/how-can-i-purchase-the-key and https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-are-the-benefits-of-the-key-program). Bear in mind that what is offered on one ship, or on one sailing, may differ from another, especially with current and future COVID-19 protocols. As to "Why purchase it?"; here are my suggestions: Consider purchasing The Key if: 1. you only have one or two people in your cabin AND 2. you haven't achieved the higher tiers of Crown and Anchor Society (say, Diamond) AND 3. you plan on purchasing the VOOM Internet package AND 4. the cost per day per person doesn't exceed the going rate for Voom 1-Device + $5 (or so). I use the AND qualifier because in my view, the other benefits besides the Voom total about $35 per person -- the Chops Grille lunch, the Disembarkation breakfast, and the (possible) early boarding and reserved seating at shows. For a 7-night cruise, that would be about $35 over the cost of what you'd pay for Voom (per person), so it would be more beneficial to purchase The Key. This is just my thinking, of course. I would recommend reviewing the benefits of The Key and determine what they are worth to you. VickR and MaryCS62 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vogt5059 Posted November 16, 2021 Report Share Posted November 16, 2021 Anyone been on the Independence with the Key recently that could share their experience? Were the benefits the same as what was stated for the Freedom above? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakejosa Posted November 18, 2021 Report Share Posted November 18, 2021 On 11/11/2021 at 9:07 PM, IRMO12HD said: Updates to the Key Program! Just got this today -- it looks like hanging on to The Key was the right move for me -- hope it helps others who are considering it. This is on my 4-Night Freedom sailing at the end of November: Dear Guest, We're excited to share that our Welcome Lunch, featuring Chops Grille has been brought back to The Key! We hope you look forward to enjoying your exclusive lunch which will take place in the Main Dining Room between 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM! Additionally, as we previously shared, you'll receive a 25% discount for onboard dining purchases, plus complimentary room service! And, our private debarkation á la carte breakfast is back, replacing the "grab and go" breakfast option. Now, enjoy a more relaxed breakfast experience before heading off the ship. Here's what you can expect on your upcoming sailing: Early access at the terminal.* Drop off your carry-on luggage in the Main Dining Room on Deck 3 by 2:00 PM - your carry-on luggage will be hand delivered to your stateroom. Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring the Chops Grille® menu (open from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM). We recommend arriving to the terminal no later than 11:30 AM for you to have enough time to enjoy lunch with us! Complimentary room service for your entire cruise, along with 25% off all onboard dining purchases! Private time at some of our onboard activities such as rock climbing, FlowRider, etc. Priority departure from ship-to-shore at tender ports. Early access at shows in the Main Theater on Deck 4, however a reservation is needed so don't forget to book once you're onboard! VOOM Surf & Stream package, now including high speed internet, for one device (1 package per guest). On debarkation day, enjoy a private á la carte breakfast and choice departure. *Please arrive at the terminal between 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM. If you are not able to make the early access window, you should arrive within your appointment time and will receive priority access into the terminal. Lastly, when you arrive to the port for your sailing, please locate The Key signage for priority access into the terminal and make your way onto the ship. We look forward to welcoming you aboard Freedom of the Seas in the coming days! What is your sail date? I have The Key for a Dec 5 departure on Harmony and this would be great! IRMO12HD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strife Posted November 18, 2021 Report Share Posted November 18, 2021 On 11/11/2021 at 9:07 PM, IRMO12HD said: Updates to the Key Program! Just got this today -- it looks like hanging on to The Key was the right move for me -- hope it helps others who are considering it. This is on my 4-Night Freedom sailing at the end of November: Dear Guest, We're excited to share that our Welcome Lunch, featuring Chops Grille has been brought back to The Key! We hope you look forward to enjoying your exclusive lunch which will take place in the Main Dining Room between 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM! Additionally, as we previously shared, you'll receive a 25% discount for onboard dining purchases, plus complimentary room service! And, our private debarkation á la carte breakfast is back, replacing the "grab and go" breakfast option. Now, enjoy a more relaxed breakfast experience before heading off the ship. Here's what you can expect on your upcoming sailing: Early access at the terminal.* Drop off your carry-on luggage in the Main Dining Room on Deck 3 by 2:00 PM - your carry-on luggage will be hand delivered to your stateroom. Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring the Chops Grille® menu (open from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM). We recommend arriving to the terminal no later than 11:30 AM for you to have enough time to enjoy lunch with us! Complimentary room service for your entire cruise, along with 25% off all onboard dining purchases! Private time at some of our onboard activities such as rock climbing, FlowRider, etc. Priority departure from ship-to-shore at tender ports. Early access at shows in the Main Theater on Deck 4, however a reservation is needed so don't forget to book once you're onboard! VOOM Surf & Stream package, now including high speed internet, for one device (1 package per guest). On debarkation day, enjoy a private á la carte breakfast and choice departure. *Please arrive at the terminal between 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM. If you are not able to make the early access window, you should arrive within your appointment time and will receive priority access into the terminal. Lastly, when you arrive to the port for your sailing, please locate The Key signage for priority access into the terminal and make your way onto the ship. We look forward to welcoming you aboard Freedom of the Seas in the coming days! What date/port are you sailing from? . As I am sailing January 23 and the information about the Key does not list the room service or discount to dining purchases. IRMO12HD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRMO12HD Posted November 18, 2021 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2021 2 hours ago, Jakejosa said: What is your sail date? I have The Key for a Dec 5 departure on Harmony and this would be great! I'm on Freedom 29 November (4-Night Nassau and Perfect Day). If it's available on your Harmony sailing, you'll find it on Cruise Planner on the Internet and More tab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRMO12HD Posted November 18, 2021 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2021 1 hour ago, Strife said: What date/port are you sailing from? . As I am sailing January 23 and the information about the Key does not list the room service or discount to dining purchases. I think that as RCL increases capacity, they may be changing The Key to fit the situation. In my case, I purchased The Key for my 4-Night Freedom OTS sailing back (out of Miami 20 Nov - 3 Dec) in August. It has gone through several changes since then (dropped Chops lunch, dropped disembarkation breakfast, added free room service, added discount on specialty dining, limited priority boarding to within stated port arrival check in time, added Chops lunch back . . . you get the idea!), and I think they've adjusted it based on when it was originally purchased. I would assume at this point what you see on Cruise Planner is what you're going to get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakejosa Posted November 18, 2021 Report Share Posted November 18, 2021 1 hour ago, IRMO12HD said: I'm on Freedom 29 November (4-Night Nassau and Perfect Day). If it's available on your Harmony sailing, you'll find it on Cruise Planner on the Internet and More tab. I got a letter with the "changes" to The Key a while back (no embarkation lunch, free room service),hopefully RC will add the lunch and breakfast back for this sailing as well. Thanks! IRMO12HD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRMO12HD Posted November 18, 2021 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2021 9 minutes ago, Jakejosa said: I got a letter with the "changes" to The Key a while back (no embarkation lunch, free room service),hopefully RC will add the lunch and breakfast back for this sailing as well. Thanks! Yup, that's what happened to me! #FingersCrossed! You're welcome Jakejosa 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strife Posted November 18, 2021 Report Share Posted November 18, 2021 While I would hope they change the Key perks for my sailing to include the complementary room service I suspect because it is January it will just be the lunch and no offer for room service or discount for the other dining options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeresaMc Posted November 20, 2021 Report Share Posted November 20, 2021 On 11/18/2021 at 10:14 AM, Jakejosa said: What is your sail date? I have The Key for a Dec 5 departure on Harmony and this would be great! I’m on Harmony on Nov 28 and got the same email Jakejosa 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianB Posted November 30, 2021 Report Share Posted November 30, 2021 On the Anthem…the free room service and 25% dining discount no longer appears as a benefit. That’s too bad as I was depending on that instead of MyTime dining, which still starts at 6:45pm…too late for me. But Chops lunch is back in the MDR and it was delicious as usual. Also, the early Royal Theater access sounds good, but I have yet to see that in place. In fact, on all of my Oasis and Anthem cruises since the restart…there has been no early access to the theater for anyone; Key or suites…even though that’s listed as a perk for both. Anybody outside the theater when the doors open (usually 45 minutes early) are welcomed…as long as they have a reservation. The only priority service for the shows is that provided to Star guests by their Genies, which is the reserved seating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted November 30, 2021 Report Share Posted November 30, 2021 31 minutes ago, BrianB said: the early Royal Theater access sounds good, but I have yet to see that in place. In fact, on all of my Oasis and Anthem cruises since the restart…there has been no early access to the theater for anyone; Key or suites…even though that’s listed as a perk for both. Anybody outside the theater when the doors open (usually 45 minutes early) are welcomed…as long as they have a reservation. The only priority service for the shows is that provided to Star guests by their Genies, which is the reserved seating. WOW. That's a real disappointment. They should just reinstate the reserved section and be done with it. Arriving 45 minutes early defeats the entire prospect of priority seating. BrianB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Va4fam Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 We have the KEY booked for our January Anthem and February Oasis cruises but are monitoring the benefits to see if it will be worth it. We are Diamond members but this will be our first time using the Key. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Va4fam Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 For my Anthem cruise, looks like we still get the following: Early Boarding Chops lunch in dining room Carry on bags delivered to our room Surf and stream internet Priority tender boarding/activities/ and entertainment Departure breakfast No longer included-25% off dining and free room service. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianB Posted December 2, 2021 Report Share Posted December 2, 2021 16 hours ago, Va4fam said: For my Anthem cruise, looks like we still get the following: Early Boarding Chops lunch in dining room Carry on bags delivered to our room Surf and stream internet Priority tender boarding/activities/ and entertainment Departure breakfast No longer included-25% off dining and free room service. Yes, I’m on the Anthem now with the Key. No more room service or dining discount. I saw the Key sign at the terminal entrance on boarding day but it wasn’t needed as there was no line when I arrived and we were just waved in. I didn’t see a dedicated Key check-in kiosk, also because there were no lines and no waiting. They do have Key times for the Flow Rider and the Rock Wall but that’s all. Not Northstar or iFly. Carry on drop off and delivery was fine…and Chops lunch in the MDR was great. Served from noon to 1:30. Priority entrance to the entertainment venues doesn’t happen. The letter says arrive 45 minutes before showtime for early admission but the door open 45 minutes early and they admit anyone with a reservation. Suites also has the early admission perk listed but…no. First come, first entry. WiFi is for one device, but you can switch back and forth between as many devices as you want…just one can be online at a time. I haven’t been to any port that used tenders. Finally, I don’t know about priority walk-off like the Key had pre-pandemic…but the breakfast and choice departure are back. Much better than the grab-and-go bag. I know things change from ship to ship and port to port but this is just the Anthem out of Bayonne. Also, as time goes on things will change. For instance, on this cruise…they removed the ‘reserved for physical distancing’ covers from the second row seats in the Royal Theater. And more self serve features are back…such as coffee service in Cafe Promenade. Let’s hope we keep moving forward with #TheRoyalComeback! WAAAYTOOO and Va4fam 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.