What is The Key?
The Key is a program that provides Royal Caribbean International guests with premier access to exclusive experiences during their cruise vacation. Now whether you should purchase this entitlement is an important decision you will need to make before you embark as it’s not sold once on-board the ship. So let’s break down the key benefits of why you might (or might not) want to splurge on this package.
What Do I get?
For starters let’s talk about the price, the package starts at $24.99 per person, per day, however the pricing will vary depending on your ship and itinerary. The Key must also be purchased by each person over age 6 in the same stateroom. Your SeaPass will also have an icon indicating you have purchased the package.
As far as amenities go, The Key Guests will enjoy the following exclusive and special amenities during their cruise vacation:
- Priority check-in and boarding on Day 1.
- Carry-on bag drop off in the Main Dining Room with stateroom delivery
- Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room with a delicious menu featuring Chops Grille on embarkation day (You won’t be fighting the crowds for a seat in the Windjammer)
- Private hours at onboard activities including Rock Climbing, FlowRider and more
- Priority departure at ports of call from ship-to-shore
- Seats in the exclusive VIP seating section at shows in the Main theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B, and Two70
- VOOM® Surf & Stream 1 Device high speed internet – 1 package per paying guest
- On debarkation day, an exclusive a la carte breakfast and choice departure
Should I buy It?
If you were already thinking about purchasing the VOOM high speed internet package it might be a good idea to take a look at The Key. A large amount of the cost of this entitlement is built around internet access that is included.
Let’s assume you were already purchasing the VOOM unlimited Surf & Stream package for one device, that normally cost around $14.99 per day. So at $24.99 per person, per day that difference is around $10 day. However if you buy a multi-device internet plan all that math just went right out the window.
Priority embarkation & disembarkation is a great benefit and we love being able to get on or off our ship faster than other guests. There’s nothing worse than waiting around especially if you are at a port where tendering is required and the lines are notoriously long for a tender boat to get you ashore.
On embarkation day, guests with The Key entitlement generally board with other Diamond Plus guests. This comes in real handy if you are new to cruising with Royal Caribbean and don’t have the priority status afforded by a higher tier in the Crown and Anchor loyalty program.
Priority access to premium activities is also included with The Key. During your cruise there will be blocks of time for the FlowRider and rock climbing wall reserved exclusively for those with The Key entitlement. There will also be reserved seating at the different show venues held for those with The Key.
So, Is it worth buying?
Just like purchasing a beverage package, it all comes down to whether you will take advantage of the amenities offered. The meat and potatoes of the package is the priority access afforded which can help lessen your wait times onboard.
If you’re Diamond status or higher in the Crown and Anchor program or you’ve chosen a suite it’s probably not worth it to purchase The Key as some of the benefits offered are similar to what’s offered by CAS or suite benefits.
Like we said in the beginning, if you were going purchase a VOOM internet package it makes sense to splurge on The Key if you would take advantage of the priority access entitlements.
In the end, The Key is a way to enjoy some VIP service that normally wouldn’t be available without a higher Crown and Anchor Society loyalty level or purchasing a suite. Do you think The Key is worth it? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
Subscribe to Royal Cruise Blog and experience Royal dining, ship offerings and how to get the most our of ports of call. There will be free giveaways and discounts along the way. Don’t forget to add your birthday, because you might get something special!
Keep in touch by connecting with us on social media and subscribing on YouTube so you get notified right away the next time we post.
Want to discuss this topic further? Come join in the conversation in our Facebook Group: Royal Cruise Group
Like, follow, subscribe, share and comment on our posts and videos. Small things like that really help us!
Shop on Amazon? Do your normal shopping but if you click on this affiliate link first and we get a few pennies commission off of the qualifying items you order.
You can also support by shopping our Etsy Store
What we use:
Gimbal – https://amzn.to/2M00kzH
Condenser Microphone – https://amzn.to/2KEPNo1
Night Vision Camera – https://amzn.to/2PpUaWd