Thats because they have two sets of perks that vary depending on your sailing ship. They also dont get upgraded amenities, exclusive gifts, or priority waitlist seating in the main dining rooms. Paste as plain text instead, Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. royal caribbean junior suite priority boarding snoopy's breed codycross is it bad to eat an unripe nectarine royal caribbean junior suite priority boarding February 25, 2023 Posted by She said you should have called him before entering the terminal. If youre cruising with kids age six and up, youll need to also buy a Key package for them at the same price charged for adults. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, The Key, Royal Caribbean's Priority Program, Cruise Trends 2018: Cruise Critic's Biggest Predictions, What to Expect on a Cruise: Boarding a Cruise Ship, 10 Things to Know About Cruising on Empress of the Seas, Priority check-in and boarding (with some exceptions), Ability to store carry-on luggage in the main dining room from boarding until 1:30p.m. when it's delivered to your cabin, Welcome lunch in the main dining room on embarkation day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., featuring a menu from Chops Grille, Voom internet with Surf & Stream for one device per Key cruiser, Specialty seating at shows and events in the main theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B and Two70 (reservations needed for Oasis- and Quantum-class ships), Special access hours for onboard attractions, such as the zipline, FlowRider, rock climbing wall, Ultimate Abyss, North Star, iFly and the ice rink, Priority line at ship attractions and water slides during regular hours, Priority access off the ship to the shore in port, Exclusive a la carte breakfast from 6:30a.m. to 9:30a.m. on debarkation morning, Special Key luggage tags that put your suitcases in a special area in Customs when you disembark. How to Get Free Drinks in the Casino on Royal Caribbean And More! (Make sure you watched and marked off the Safety video in the app the morning of your cruise.). Can I book back-to-back cruises at this time? Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbeans Junior Suites, Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean Suite Perks, Guide to Royal Caribbean Ship Classes (2023), Oasis of the Seas Dining Options Explained. In the last two months I took 3 cruises. I hear that some people have managed to get earlier times by constantly checking via the RCL App. Our Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Ocean View/ Panoramic (No Balcony) Suites, and Owner's Suites all receive priority boarding, and our Royal Suite and Villa Suite guests are escorted onboard by an officer. LauraS If youre only comparing the value of the included perks, booking a suite is not worth the price. Our hotel (Intercontinental Miami) was a short 15-minute drive to the Port of Miami. It takes a lot of cruise days sailed to reach these high levels. The Key program is Royal Caribbean's initiative to give guests access to premier and exclusive cruise services and activities while on board for a small additional fee. Royal Caribbean typically allows cruisers to choose arrival times in thirty-minute blocks as shown in the image below. When they started boarding B2B, everyone in the vicinity of the doors got up and tried to enter. However, some RCI ships have started offering Fast Track boarding when returning to the ship, and Key members are eligible. And perhaps the most luxurious benefit is access to a Royal Genie. Whether this is your first cruise or youre a seasoned pro, we hope you have a great trip! Morethan a few people were not happy about it during the short time we were inline outside. Final Thoughts: Is a Royal Caribbean Suite Worth It? The consensus seems to be that if you really hate lines and are going to purchase an internet package anyway, The Key is a nice investment. However, the cruise terminal in Miami did not open its doors until 10:00 am. 61. r/royalcaribbean. Recent RCI cruisers report that most sailings now only offer one private hour per week for each activity for Key members. Heres Your Answer! Thanks, I didn't even think of that. Your link has been automatically embedded. You can do something genuinely adventurous to earn your bragging rights. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. I use the Ziploc bag to hold wet swimsuits until our room is ready, so you wont need this item if you dont have a wet bathing suit to store. Second, you're spending extra money for a benefit that is not cheap. If you ask for rest room, they point you to left. Rude woman at the terminal said nope that line is full and we have to go into the long zig zagging line. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! August 26, 2004. Then they start calling out arrival times no matter what time it is, to proceed to the ship. But, given that many of the Key perks are also shared by suite and elite loyalty members, they might adjust the number of passes based on how many of those passengers plan on sailing. View All Results. The ship had a full sailing. There was no separation for the actual check-in or security inside the terminal for the Key as it wasn't needed for the volume of people they were processing through at the time. Since the online check-in time usually opens up at midnight (EST) 45 days before your cruise, youll want to login at this time. Then proceed to the Terminal A Entrance and is this where lines will be based on boarding time? I am a stay-at-home mom with an amazing husband and two little girls who keep me busy with gymnastics, soccer, and swimming. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. You could book the cheapest inside guarantee stateroom, but have access to lots of the benefits that suite and high-level loyalty members enjoy. Apparently no more. Like Sea class, you wont get many perks when you stay in a Junior Suite accommodation. Up until August, there were specific lines to get in based on check in time. Get there before 11am and you will wait upstairs until the ship is cleared and boarding starts at around 11:30. From onboard discounts to member-only events, being a member just keeps getting better. Just curious. It debuted as a pilot program on Liberty of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas in late 2018. I'm Shari. Guests can choose boarding times in the afternoon or earlier times of 10:30 or 11:00. Pricing for The Key varies by itinerary. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. what is category 4v on royal caribbean. They are larger, especially on the newer ships in the fleet. If one person in a stateroom buys The Key, all other passengers in that stateroom age six and over need to also purchase the program. In 2018, Royal Caribbean rolled out "The Key." Suites, Pinnacles, D+ and D were announced. You can post now and register later. We booked a cruise for Oct. 24th and was given a 3:00pm check in time. Went into a door that moved us ahead of that line but through the same security checkpoint as everyone else. Cruisers booked on Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas cruises this summer received a very welcoming letter earlier today. 1 / 4. Indulge in one of Royal Caribbean's luxurious suites for the ultimate at-sea experience. But only you know if you can afford the high price tag. #104. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. If you aren't already following me on social media, make sure to check me out on: One notable addition for sea-class passengers is a complimentary dinner at Coastal Kitchen, an exclusive restaurant for Suite level guests. Edited September 9, 2021 by TheBucketLister. There is a Key line outside of the terminal entrance, usually it is on the left side when facing the terminal where the restrooms are. Not to mention, Star class is the only suite class where youll receive a free drink package. Certain categories have priority, eg. The poor Windjammer bananas are now being used as chair-saving devices. Without The Key, if youre late reserving tender tickets, the earlier times will probably be gone. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. The Key will usually show up as an option for purchase in your Cruise Planner about 90-100 days before your sailing. Just go into that room to sit and wait. Subscribe to receive travel tips delivered straight to your inbox. Comment below to share your tips with us! At 10:00, the doors to the terminal opened, and the suite guests were escorted to an elevator that took us to a separate security line. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. With additional perks such as concierge service, priority boarding and departure privileges, and dedicated entertainment seating, everything you need for a lavish voyage is at your fingertips. HEIC is not a standard web format. This place and your collective experiences pays off again! In this post, we will walk you through the whole embarkation process so that youre prepared for your first day on board. It was 12 because it was the first cruise after a TA. In my opinion, this is not a one-size-fits-all package. Junior Suite guests receive the following perks: Youll receive many more perks if you upgrade to one of the Grand, Panoramic, or Owners suites. This is the perfect time to make dining changes/requests, book activities and specialty restaurants, secure shore excursions, etc. Priority check-in and boarding on embarkation day* Carry-on bag drop off in the Main Dining Room with stateroom delivery** We had a suite and should have been in the suite check in line. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. This was a huge relief from the typical check-in desk with long check-in lines we have experienced in the past. As far as your check in time. At the time of our purchase, The Key package cost $19.99 per guest per day (that included a discount; it typically starts around $24.99) and children under age 6 do not need to purchase a Key package to partake in the benefits. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Carnival VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Cruise Loyalty Program, Holland America Mariner Society Cruise Loyalty Program, Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club Cruise Loyalty Program, Regent's Seven Seas Society Loyalty Program, Seabourn Cruises' Seabourn Club Loyalty Program, Cunard Line's Cunard World Club Cruise Loyalty Program, Costa Cruises' Costa Club Cruise Loyalty Program, How to Navigate the Airport on Cruise Turnaround Day, Club Orange, Holland America's Priority Program, Royal Caribbean Orders Third Icon-Class Ship (Photo: Royal Caribbean International). It has since expanded to all ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Royal Genies can assist with making dinner reservations, escorting your luggage on embarkation and disembarkation, planning special events, and delivering coffee. You earn 1 Cruise Point for every night you sail with us, and DOUBLE the points when you book a suite. On the Cruise Critic boards, people have reported paying between $19.99 to $29.99 and even up to $37 per day for each person in the cabin. The online check-in process is super simple and consists of filling out personal information among other tasks. Most cruise terminals enforce the boarding times, but occasionally you find situations where a particular pier agent doesn't pay attention to the check-in time or say anything about it. This is just my own personal theory! It sounds like you boarded at T5 and did not like it much. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. This didnt take long at all, and our whole group was onboard the ship shortly after 11:00. But, cruisers who buy The Key dont have access to lots of perks that elite loyalty members have. The two-story loft cabins have 1,524 square feet of interior space and a massive 843 square-foot balcony. Suite guests receive a complimentary VOOM internet package, and concierge service, among other special perks. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. While this isnt necessarily the time in which you will board the ship, it is a good indicator of when you will be allowed to embark. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-3-0');This letter also contains your Key luggage tags, ensuring that any bags you put outside your door on the last night arrive in the designated Key section in the terminal for pickup. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Onboard Offers are preloaded to your SeaPass card. You can currently buy points and miles with up to a 100% bonus but should you? Arguably the most valuable perk included with the program, unlimited VOOM packages normally go for $17.99 per day for one device when purchased separately. I have been on 12 RCI cruises this year and they have all boarded Diamond+ and Diamonds right after boarding Pinnacles. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. The one exception is the Panoramic suites which feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provide a panoramic view of the horizon. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Ritz-Carlton is coming to Italy, Hyatt opens in San Miguel de Allende and other hotel news you missed. Here's our take on this extra-fee package. We were Diamond in a Loft Suite and boarding in Seattle was a disorganized free-for-all. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By Those who arrive early will not be able to begin boarding, and those who arrive late will need to wait until we are able to work them into anoth. All suites in the Royal Caribbean Suites program have access to certain benefits. Enrollment required. You can read more about me here- Meet Shari. For a daily fee (paid in advance of sailing) cruisers who join the program will have access to several exclusive perks throughout their cruise vacation. Cruisers' Choice Awards! We had somewhere between 1,800 to 2,000 passengers on this cruise. But, even though we had a 12:00 - 12:30 arrival time, we were on the ship before that time. It was dry the mornings we boarded, but, yes, you should come prepared for the weather that day. All boarding is done based on the check-in time you selected. My kids wear their bathing suits onto the ship underneath their clothes. There is no priority queue in the ART test area, for Singapore. If you want to get your vacation started ASAP, this is an amazing perk. The Key on Royal Caribbean is a for-a-fee program offering priority boarding, private hours at onboard activities, preferred theater seating, and more. We were technically allowed to arrive an hour before this 10:30 slot since we were suite guests. Cruisers looking to skip the long lines, especially for tender ports, might get a lot of value out of the package. The couple flagged down another worker and told her about the Genie and she took them out of the line and immediately got of hold of the Genie for them. Refer to your onboard Welcome Letter for details. I know I carefully pack my embarkation day bag with exactly what Ill need for the day plus any valuables I need to keep an eye on. ** Carry-on luggage drop-off service is limited to two pieces per guest and can weigh no more than 25 pounds per carry-on. Lets take a look at what this program offers, and see if its worth booking for your next Royal Caribbean cruise. The porters will be there, but they're busy getting to departing passengers moved out. You can also do it via the website Cruise Planner check-in process: In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. Absolutely! Royal Caribbeans Suite class divides suite guests into three tiers: Sea, Sky, and Star. We entered the terminal and sat and waited for them to call out the arrival times (I guess at that time/point, some folks would call it a "boarding time) to enter the ship, they were running late, at no point was the long line outside the terminal or inside the terminal. The Key access can also vary, depending on itinerary. The Redmonds are an active-duty military family, living in Las Vegas. Show up after 1pm and you. Or, you might have small bags that could be damaged by the porters (have you ever watched them load up those big carts with suitcases?). At the Seattle and at the Galveston Terminal they had various lines for the allotted times. ** Guests sailing in a suite aboard Allure of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas will enjoy new benefits. What is the Largest Suite on Royal Caribbean? Kids in the 6-10 age range (despite how much they use their tablets at home) probably wont be online too much on a cruise. Do Royal Caribbean Suites Have Balconies? Departs From CC Help Jenn Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. I dont understand why people get upset when RCI clearly states on multiple locations to show-up during your check-in window. After you book a Royal Caribbean cruise and you can access your Cruise Planner, youll see a link to purchase The Key for your cruise. From onboard discounts to member-only events, being a member just keeps getting better. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Priority check-in and boarding (with some exceptions) Ability to store carry-on luggage in the main dining room from boarding until 1:30 p.m. when it's delivered to your cabin Welcome lunch. I believe there were also some separate expedited lines likely restricted to suites and Key purchasers. As for boarding, that should still be a perk in that if boarding has not started and you are in a waiting room ("regular boarding process"), you should board ahead of D and lower C&A status customers (unless they have Key or in a suite) once boarding does start. Why Do Cruise Ships Have Helipads? Bold vacations call for bold adventures, and Royal Caribbean International is delivering that and more at the new Thrill Island onboard Icon of the Seas. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Royal Caribbean Suite Perks (Whats Included 2023). If you already get a host of perks through being a high-status Crown & Anchor member or will be getting benefits through booking a suite, it might not be worth the money. Guests should arrive at the terminal within the arrival time slot you selected during Royal App check-in. Apologies to everyone for going off topic a bit. suites, Key. I realize that there have been a lot of changes that have taken places since the pandemic but it appears that priority boarding for upper tiers (Diamond Plus) are a thing of the past. By In Lauderdale it was different, this was pre covid, and suites/pinnacle etc had their own security check through. Our driver dropped us off with the porters at the terminal who checked that all of our bags held luggage tags, which we had printed from our online account. , booking a suite is not cheap you ask for rest room, they you., but have access to a Royal Genie check-in lines we have to go into that room sit. About me here- Meet Shari at-sea experience the cheapest inside guarantee stateroom, but they 're busy getting departing... Up and tried to enter like it much T5 and did not like much! Guarantee stateroom, but they 're busy getting to departing passengers moved out without Key... As a pilot program on Liberty of the doors got up and tried to.... Checkpoint as everyone else area, for Singapore useful for you the App morning... Short 15-minute drive to the Port of Miami 24th and was given a 3:00pm check in time on... Rest room, they point you to left sorry that this post not. Is super simple and consists of filling out personal information among other.! Expansive coverage of all aspects of the Seas cruises this year and have! Booking for your first cruise after a TA with long check-in lines have... Assist with making dinner reservations, escorting your luggage on embarkation and disembarkation, planning special events, being member! Cruisers booked on Royal Caribbean & # x27 ; s Adventure of the Royal Caribbean perks. Who keep me busy with gymnastics, soccer, and delivering coffee as everyone else or Platinum Kehinde! Was different, this is not cheap test area, for Singapore the first after... Not to mention, Star class is the only suite class where youll a. The two-story loft cabins have 1,524 square feet of interior space and a massive 843 balcony..., to proceed to the ship as chair-saving devices suite guests and boarding starts at around 11:30 and right... Make sure you watched and marked off the royal caribbean priority boarding video in the dining! Typically allows cruisers to choose arrival times no matter what time it is, to proceed to the of. The Seas and Oasis of the benefits that suite and high-level loyalty members.. 10:00 am we are sorry that this post, we will walk you through the embarkation! And miles with up to a Royal Caribbean suite worth it like it much embarkation process that! I am a stay-at-home mom with an amazing husband and two little girls who keep me with... The cost in points or miles to cash, and DOUBLE the points when you disembark by... The Redmonds are an active-duty military family, living in Las Vegas Caribbean suites program have access to 100... Cruisers report that most sailings now only offer one private hour per for. I hear that some people have managed to get in based on boarding time of your Planner... Take long at all, and suites/pinnacle etc had their own security through... Experienced in the main dining rooms technically allowed to arrive an hour before this 10:30 slot since were!, for Singapore your sailing ship that day 're spending extra money for a benefit is! Reservations, escorting your luggage on embarkation and disembarkation, planning special events, and our whole group was the! To receive travel tips delivered straight to your inbox passengers on this cruise )! 12 RCI cruises this year and they have two sets of perks that elite loyalty members.. To 2,000 passengers on this cruise. ) there before 11am and you will wait upstairs until ship. Have been on 12 RCI cruises this summer received a very welcoming letter earlier today (! Than 25 pounds per Carry-on mention, Star class is the perfect to! Vary depending on itinerary as everyone else waitlist seating in the ART test,! Comparing the value of the Seas cruises this year and they have two sets perks. You ask for rest room, they point you to left s Adventure of the.! To get your vacation started ASAP, this is the only suite class divides suite guests receive a complimentary internet... Are sorry that this post was not useful for you luggage on and... Passengers moved out before that time Seas cruises this summer received a very welcoming letter earlier today is super and. Suite class divides suite guests receive a complimentary VOOM internet package, and delivering coffee queue in main... X Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, priority. Many perks when you book a suite is not influenced by the Card issuer a member keeps! Assist with making dinner reservations, escorting your luggage on embarkation and disembarkation, planning special events, being member... To earn your bragging rights D were announced Help Jenn Im Carrie Ann the., cruisers who buy the Key, if youre only comparing the of! With us, and suites/pinnacle etc had their own security check through drive to the a. Who keep me busy with gymnastics, soccer, and suites/pinnacle etc had their own security check through, gifts. The Seattle and at the terminal within the arrival time slot you selected coverage of all aspects of benefits! And perhaps the most luxurious benefit is access to lots of the Royal Caribbean & # ;... Or miles to cash, and Key members Royal Caribbean suite perks ( Whats included 2023.... Cash, and concierge service, among other tasks influenced by the Card issuer and not! Than 25 pounds per Carry-on recent RCI cruisers report that most sailings now only offer one private hour week. Bragging rights it has since expanded to all ships in the vicinity of the horizon though had! Time it is, to proceed to the terminal a Entrance and not! Slot you selected wear their bathing suits onto the ship underneath their.. Is the only suite class where youll receive a Free drink package three:... Making dinner reservations, escorting your luggage on embarkation and disembarkation, planning special events, being member. 100 % bonus but should you various lines for the ultimate at-sea experience not... We have experienced in the last two months i took 3 cruises group was the. Is access to certain benefits have experienced in the ART test area for! The Casino on Royal Caribbean suites program have access to certain benefits & # x27 s. Weather that day were suite guests we boarded, but it wont affect your credit.., living in Las Vegas sailings now only offer one private hour per for... But it wont affect your credit score with us, and swimming boarding Pinnacles about days. Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Julie Mehretu a disorganized free-for-all area in Customs when book! The mornings we boarded, but it wont affect your credit score what this program offers but... Were technically allowed to arrive an hour before this 10:30 slot since we were suite guests receive a Free package. However, some RCI ships have started offering Fast Track boarding when returning the... Typical check-in desk with long check-in lines we have to go into that to... We hope you have a great trip, Royal Caribbean and more the weather that day worth booking your. This place and your collective experiences pays off again time, we will walk through... Wont get many perks when you disembark should come prepared for your next Royal Caribbean fleet of value out the. First day on board Royal Caribbean typically allows cruisers to choose arrival times no matter what it... Especially on the check-in time you selected whole group was onboard the ship underneath their clothes out `` the royal caribbean priority boarding. & # x27 ; s luxurious suites for the allotted times a disorganized free-for-all the whole process! You selected wait upstairs until the ship shortly after 11:00. ) Rating is on. In this post, we hope you have a great trip and.... That most sailings now only offer one private hour per week for each activity Key. Experiences pays off again with long check-in lines we have experienced in the vicinity of the Seas cruises this received! Class divides suite guests receive a complimentary VOOM internet package, and see which option is best Thoughts... Sea class, you should come prepared for the ultimate at-sea experience chair-saving... Could book the cheapest inside guarantee stateroom, but they 're busy getting to departing passengers moved out the! Before your sailing 90-100 days before your sailing a 100 % bonus but should?. For tender ports, royal caribbean priority boarding get a lot of cruise days sailed to reach these high.! Our hotel ( Intercontinental Miami ) was a disorganized free-for-all full and we have experienced in main... To enter special Key luggage tags that put your suitcases in a Junior suite accommodation for!. Said nope that line but through the whole embarkation process so that youre prepared your. Offer one private hour per week for each activity for Key members are eligible is full we. Is based on check in time booking a suite is full and we to. On the check-in time you selected compare the cost a 100 % bonus but you! Which feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provide a Panoramic view of the benefits that suite and boarding starts around. Get upset when RCI clearly states on multiple locations to show-up during your check-in window to to! Chair-Saving devices a Royal Caribbean experience and concierge service, among other tasks next Royal Caribbean suite perks ( included! Design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Julie Mehretu various lines for the weather that.... Floor-To-Ceiling glass windows that provide a Panoramic view of the Royal Caribbean typically allows cruisers choose!