Changes with The Key Program

[TerriMall]

I am scheduled to go on Oasis of The Seas in February 2022 and received this email regarding the changes with the Key Program.  I'm very disappointed and thinking this is not worth it now and thinking on canceling the Key.   Thoughts?

ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING TRAVELS

Dear Guest, As part of our healthy return to service, we have modified The Key’s program benefits to ensure we maintain our health protocols while providing you with a wonderful cruise experience. Here’s what you can expect on your upcoming sailing: 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. Lastly, when you arrive to the port for your sailing, please locate The Key signage for priority access and make your way onto the ship. To see all the benefits The Key program has to offer, please click here. We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon! Sincerely, Royal Caribbean International

[JohnK6404]

Here is a recent related thread...

 

[baltodave]

IMO The Key is less appealing than it used to be.   We bought it for a cruise when it was first made available because we felt the difference between the Key and 2-device Voom (I only travel with my wife) was not much and the embarkation lunch in Chops and the sit-down breakfast on debarkation day was worth it.  I've never used room service and usually don't book morning flights on debarkation day so I just don't see the value any more.    The other perks that are included with The Key are also not a big deal to us.

So the bottom line is The Key is only worth it if there isn't much price difference between it and 2-device Voom.  Otherwise, I'd pass. 

[GKMCruising]

@MattYou think we could get a temporary pinned thread on this at the top of the boards? I feel like we're getting almost one or two new threads on the Key daily right now.

[Matt]

1 hour ago, GKMCruising said:

@MattYou think we could get a temporary pinned thread on this at the top of the boards? I feel like we're getting almost one or two new threads on the Key daily right now.

In my experience, I doubt it would help. 

I'm just happy to have questions about things like The Key instead  of "will my cruise actually sail?" lol

[twangster]

42 minutes ago, Matt said:

In my experience, I doubt it would help. 

I'm just happy to have questions about things like The Key instead  of "will my cruise actually sail?" lol

So what's the answer?  Will my ship sail?

[Ampurp85]

I wish someone would post about actually using The Key since they started offering it again. I feel like nobody has actually used the "new" Key and therefore can't really ascertain if it is worth it or if the changes are good.

Also I am sailing Oct 31st, do you think my allure sailing will actually happen?????

[MrMarc]

I think the value of the key varies on how many people are in your room.  I always cruise solo, and the price of the key has been near, ore even lower, than the price voom by itself or the cost of voom when added to a drink package.  On my upcoming cruise Voom has been as high as $23, but right now it's $15.99 or adds $14 to the drink package.  The Key was only !9.99, so I got it.  But if you have more than one person in the cabin, the Voom multi device packages start effectively increasing the daily cost of the Key.   If I am flying to the cruise, just a place to drop off my carry on is worth a lot to me.   So as a solo cruiser, and as long as the key is $19.99 or less, it has had enough value to me in the past, and still will with the new changes.   I will miss the lunch, but if I wake up at 3 am and want something to eat, I won't have to worry about the additional $7.50 over the tip.   But I think the value goes down as you have more people in your cabin.

[IRMO12HD]

2 hours ago, MrMarc said:

I think the value of the key varies on how many people are in your room.  I always cruise solo, and the price of the key has been near, ore even lower, than the price voom by itself or the cost of voom when added to a drink package.  On my upcoming cruise Voom has been as high as $23, but right now it's $15.99 or adds $14 to the drink package.  The Key was only !9.99, so I got it.  But if you have more than one person in the cabin, the Voom multi device packages start effectively increasing the daily cost of the Key.   If I am flying to the cruise, just a place to drop off my carry on is worth a lot to me.   So as a solo cruiser, and as long as the key is $19.99 or less, it has had enough value to me in the past, and still will with the new changes.   I will miss the lunch, but if I wake up at 3 am and want something to eat, I won't have to worry about the additional $7.50 over the tip.   But I think the value goes down as you have more people in your cabin.

Great summary, @MrMarc.  

[MrMarc]

9 hours ago, Matt said:

In my experience, I doubt it would help. 

I'm just happy to have questions about things like The Key instead  of "will my cruise actually sail?" lol

But will I have to wear a mask?  

[S0nny]

I think your cabin class, whether or not you would use room service/internet, and whether one of your port itineraries includes a tender should really be the primary considerations.  

Personally, I thought the Chops embarkation meal in the MDR was not as nice as the meal is when actually in Chops. I would LOVE no cost room service as I am an early riser while my spouse is not. I would love to enjoy a full service breakfast on my balcony without having to go to the WJ (does anyone else hate walking back to their room with food...? all uncovered... and then someone always makes a comment about your breakfast... lol... like... mind yo business... this is for TWO people <-- clearly still holding onto trauma) 

We always use the internet, and on larger ships, the priority tender / saved seats at events can definitely make you feel like Sky/Star class without booking that level of suite. Without the saved seats at events, The Key just doesn't seem worth it. 

[smokeybandit]

More changes.

If Key holders can check in early, regardless of their slotted time, does this mean suites + pins can too?

 

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/10/28/spotted-royal-caribbean-brings-back-early-check-and-welcome-lunch-the-key

 

[WAAAYTOOO]

WOW !  That changed back very quickly !  Wonder if they were losing Key sales or if they really are returning to a pre-cruise tempo.  Very interesting.  Also nice if they truly are keeping the perks of waived room service fee and 25% off specialty dining.  Those are pretty nice additions.

[infosec123]

28 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

More changes.

If Key holders can check in early, regardless of their slotted time, does this mean suites + pins can too?

 

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/10/28/spotted-royal-caribbean-brings-back-early-check-and-welcome-lunch-the-key

 

Could someone clarify this? We are in a suite for the first time on RCL and it says a perk is priority boarding, does this mean we just get a choice of earlier slotted times?

[smokeybandit]

14 minutes ago, infosec123 said:

Could someone clarify this? We are in a suite for the first time on RCL and it says a perk is priority boarding, does this mean we just get a choice of earlier slotted times?

In the "olden days" it meant you could board whenever you wanted and had a special line to check in at.

Now,  they have the slotted times for check-in, you could check in an hour ahead of your slot. But now that Keys can arrive at any time, I would hope that mean suites can too.

[WAAAYTOOO]

20 minutes ago, infosec123 said:

Could someone clarify this? We are in a suite for the first time on RCL and it says a perk is priority boarding, does this mean we just get a choice of earlier slotted times?

Currently, the only boarding advantage that suites have is that they are allowed to check in/board up to 1 hour prior to their designated boarding time.  I believe that some ports are beginning to provide a suite boarding area/line but some still do not have any special boarding lane for suites. I hope that eventually they will all go back to having a designated suites boarding area but who knows ?

[infosec123]

33 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Currently, the only boarding advantage that suites have is that they are allowed to check in/board up to 1 hour prior to their designated boarding time.  I believe that some ports are beginning to provide a suite boarding area/line but some still do not have any special boarding lane for suites. I hope that eventually they will all go back to having a designated suites boarding area but who knows ?

ok, so it sounds like even though we have that priority check in, if we wait until the last minute to check in and select our boarding time, we could wind up with a boarding time in the afternoon (assuming the key benefits dont transition to those in the suites) and could get in 1 hour earlier than that late afternoon boarding time.

[Kathleen]

51 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Currently, the only boarding advantage that suites have is that they are allowed to check in/board up to 1 hour prior to their designated boarding time.  I believe that some ports are beginning to provide a suite boarding area/line but some still do not have any special boarding lane for suites. I hope that eventually they will all go back to having a designated suites boarding area but who knows ?

First time Star Class in January so I definitely was wanting the full experience, BUUTTTT I am not complaining since I am just happy to be back on a ship! I will arrive one hour earlier than whatever check in time I receive. Fingers crossed its 12:00 and then I will get to arrive at 11 just like the Key holders. With the strict check in times, that is a definite advantage of the Key, almost worth paying for. 

[AHollyS]

This is GREAT news.

We got The Key because it combos some things we would have had to buy separately. 1) Internet, 2) Chops. The clincher priority at ports to get the heck out, is basically free/super cheap after the cost of those purchases.

 

Added: I have not got this e-mail yet

[Montana21]

Wow! Glad I didn't cancel when I received the last email about the changes eliminating MDR Chops Lunch. Plus they'll keep the room service included! Deal! 

[whitsmom]

Sweet!  We have the KEY for both of our upcoming cruises.  I do hope they keep the no fee room service for next July & August. 

[Skippy67]

I wonder how many people cancelled after they removed some of the perks and now regretting it. It was at $26 for our sailing and jumped to $37 after the recent announcement.

[AHollyS]

27 minutes ago, Skippy67 said:

I wonder how many people cancelled after they removed some of the perks and now regretting it. It was at $26 for our sailing and jumped to $37 after the recent announcement.

I bought it at 24, then let it go and reuped at 22.

[IRMO12HD]

I'm happy-- bought it at $16.99, and kept it!  It's no longer $1 / day cheaper than the Voom 1-Device, but I can deal with that, especially since they changed it back!  Sometimes good things come to those who wait -- and don't cancel!

[Gears]

On 10/28/2021 at 1:29 PM, WAAAYTOOO said:

WOW !  That changed back very quickly !  Wonder if they were losing Key sales or if they really are returning to a pre-cruise tempo.  Very interesting.  Also nice if they truly are keeping the perks of waived room service fee and 25% off specialty dining.  Those are pretty nice additions.

Seems the waived room service fee and 25% off dinning is not available with The Key on all ships/cruises. After the announcements, I went to our Nov 28/21 reservation and looked, no free room service or dinning discount. Too bad, I would have clicked 'buy'.

[Jim D]

Wait did some of the key benefits change back to what they were prior to the changes about a month ago?  I’m confused.  And did not get any email about it 

[IRMO12HD]

@Jim DYup, for selected ships.  I didn't get an email, but according to @Matt's story (https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/10/28/spotted-royal-caribbean-brings-back-early-check-and-welcome-lunch-the-key), it's coming back in somewhat its original form on Freedom, anyway.  When I looked at my Cruise Planner for my upcoming Freedom sailing, sure enough, they've changed the description back to the Embarkation Lunch and Disembarkation Breakfast.  Sadly, I don't see mention of the 25% discount anymore. . .

[S0nny]

Bummer they didn't bring back the reserved seating benefit. On our last cruise, the reserved seating went largely unused even with The Key benefit and having a ship full of suite guests. Hopefully there are opportunities for adjustment! It was a nice way to bridge the gap between Sea Class and Sky Class perks.  

[Ampurp85]

I read that the reserve seating was coming back, I think it will be there some time on the Dec sailings. I purchased the Key for the last leg of my S2S2S on Mariner because of the priority seating. The extra 25% is not listed for that sailing and the description reads like the old version.

[BrianB]

I have the Key for my Anthem cruise on Nov 28… 

I didn’t receive an email yet (probably will closer to sail date) but the description has changed in the Cruise Planner. Gone is the 25% off specialty dining and the free room service along with the ‘grab and go’ bag. Back is the embarkation Chops lunch and the disembarkation choice departure with breakfast. Also, the arrival perk remains easy access ‘within booked arrival time’…not the earliest. 
Oh well, things are slowly returning to normal. Good!

Summary of your benefits: 
• Priority access into the terminal (within booked arrival time) on Day 1. 
• Carry-on bag drop off and delivery to stateroom. Drop-off your carry-on bags in the Main Dining Room until 1:30pm. 
• Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring the Chops Grille Lunch menu. 
• Private time at onboard activities including Rock Climbing, FlowRider and more. 
• Priority departure at tender ports of call from ship-to-shore. 
• Early access at shows in the Main Theater, AquaTheater, Studio B and Two70. 
• VOOM ® Surf & Stream 1 Device high speed internet. 
• On debarkation day, enjoy an exclusive à la carte breakfast and choice departure.

*When you receive your SeaPass card, it will have an icon confirming your purchase of The Key. The Key must be purchased prior to sailing by each guest age 6 or older assigned to the same stateroom.

**These benefits are a part of our healthy return to service, and as such, they are subject to change. 

Additional Terms & Conditions apply.

[JohnK6404]

37 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

I read that the reserve seating was coming back, I think it will be there some time on the Dec sailings. I purchased the Key for the last leg of my S2S2S on Mariner because of the priority seating. The extra 25% is not listed for that sailing and the description reads like the old version.

Fingers crossed! That would be great as the reserved seating section was one of the major perks for us back in May 2019 on Allure. We loved the convenience and stress-free experience of showing up just 10-20 minutes before each show and getting seated together (as a group) in the center reserved section in the venue.

They cancelled the Key on our Oasis sailing this month, but we did not need it due to the reduced capacity. I'm assuming they plan on returning to full capacity (or close to) by the time we sail next FEB.

I remember our first few cruises... we would always have to monitor the time closely during dinner and make sure our waiter was aware that we had an 8:00 PM show so we could move dinner along faster and get there on time to get decent seats (as a group). Sometimes we couldn't finish dessert and as we had to rush to the show to make it on time. Even when we were able to show up 30 minutes before the show, we'd usually have to sit off-center and further back in the venue.

The early access perk is not much of a perk IMHO... If you have the time and desire to show up really early when they first open the doors, you could always get good seats even without the Key. I don't want to waste any of my cruise sitting and waiting 30-45+ minutes for any show to start (even if we have drinks while we wait, LOL!).

[BrianB]

25 minutes ago, JohnK6404 said:

The early access perk is not much of a perk IMHO... If you have the time and desire to show up really early when they first open the doors, you could always get good seats even without the Key. I don't want to waste any of my cruise sitting and waiting 30-45+ minutes for any show to start (even if we have drinks while we wait, LOL!).

I don’t think the ‘early access’ works anyway. At least on the Oasis and Anthem (even pre-Covid). I have never seen a separate line for ‘early access’ Key members or suite guests or Pinnacles….it’s always one line with everyone and as soon as the doors open, everyone goes in. The only special service I have seen is the Genie escorting their guests to their pre-chosen seats.

[JohnK6404]

7 minutes ago, BrianB said:

I don’t think the ‘early access’ works anyway. At least on the Oasis and Anthem (even pre-Covid). I have never seen a separate line for ‘early access’ Key members or suite guests or Pinnacles….it’s always one line with everyone and as soon as the doors open, everyone goes in. The only special service I have seen is the Genie escorting their guests to their pre-chosen seats.

Pre-covid, we were escorted down to the Key reserved section (roped off section) once we showed our SeaPass... will miss that! So many confused and dirty looks while we were escorted to our seats!

 

[Jim D]

On my cruise planner the description never changed for my sailing.  Just like it the itinerary never changed on the sale side of things. I only got the email notification that the key was changing. So how the heck am I supposed to know which key I have? 

[BrianB]

48 minutes ago, JohnK6404 said:

Pre-covid, we were escorted down to the Key reserved section (roped off section) once we showed our SeaPass... will miss that! So many confused and dirty looks while we were escorted to our seats!

 

I have experienced the Key reserved seating areas in the theater and Two70 aboard the Anthem but never used them. I'd rather sit up front. But for that, I have to get there early and stand on line. There was no 'early access' separate line for Key or Suites...just first come, first enter.

[S0nny]

18 hours ago, JohnK6404 said:

Pre-covid, we were escorted down to the Key reserved section (roped off section) once we showed our SeaPass.

That happened with us too. Best part about The Key IMO. Didn't stress about showing up to any show or rushing through dinner to get there early enough for good seats. Every major resort has pay for exclusivity perks. Disney has Fast Pass, Universal has Express Pass, Delta has Sky Priority... I think RCI is missing a major opportunity to promote The Key in a similar fashion without this perk. 

[Jim D]

Everyone is still missing the point.  How do I know which key program I am paying for if the description on the cruise planner never changed but about 6 weeks ago I got an email about the changes and the cruise planner never updated.  Which one do I have. Because customer service is zero help.  

[Matt]

31 minutes ago, Jim D said:

Everyone is still missing the point.  How do I know which key program I am paying for if the description on the cruise planner never changed but about 6 weeks ago I got an email about the changes and the cruise planner never updated.  Which one do I have. Because customer service is zero help.  

It's a fair question, and the only answer I have is you could buy it and hope that email a few days before you sail.  Make a reminder to cancel 2-3 days before your cruise in case you don't get it or don't like the email.

[Jim D]

32 minutes ago, Matt said:

It's a fair question, and the only answer I have is you could buy it and hope that email a few days before you sail.  Make a reminder to cancel 2-3 days before your cruise in case you don't get it or don't like the email.

On a separate note.  You are a very good writer from reading all your blog stories!

[S0nny]

12 hours ago, Jim D said:

How do I know which key program I am paying

You don't... and it is written into the fine print. This is directly from their TaC. 
RCL Purchase Terms and Conditions.pdf (royalcaribbean.com)

Quote

These Terms are subject to change without prior written notice at any time, in our sole discretion. Any changes to the Terms will be in effect as of the "Last Updated Date" referenced on the Site. You should review these Terms prior to purchasing any product or services that are available through the Site. Your continued use of the Site after the "Last Updated Date" will constitute your acceptance of and agreement to such changes.

It sucks... but just follow @Matt's advice and you can't go wrong!