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New Program called "The Key"


ValerieJo
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Thank you for posting this! Things look pretty good on Harmony! I understand why they have Flowrider hours in the evening but it’s such a bummer if you are with a group that wants to do early dinner! Would be great if you have my time or late dinner though!


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Had the key for an 8 night Eastern Caribbean itinerary on Adventure OTS leaving out of Port Everglades.  We had our own security line and check in line (although we got there early so it didn't give us an advantage at the time).  Lunch at Chops wasn't crowded and we were out within an hour.

 

My husband planned to spend some quality time on the Flowrider and the extra hours were well worth it.  Most of the times were split between him and one other person. 

 

Having the reserved spot in the Lyric wasn't really necessary for the most part but it was very handy for Studio B.

 

We did have priority disembarkation at each of the ports even though we docked at the pier. 

 

Disembarkation at the end was pretty pointless going through terminal 29.  We had an escort to get off the ship but then we were just with everyone else.

 

Overall it was well worth it for us.

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1 minute ago, cantgetaname said:

I'm in the process of booking Anthem for spring 2020 through travel agent and hoping to be able to get the key.  Where do you look on the website to purchase the key? 

In the Cruise Planner section called Internet and More. 

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1 hour ago, AFwifelife said:

Had the key for an 8 night Eastern Caribbean itinerary on Adventure OTS leaving out of Port Everglades.  We had our own security line and check in line (although we got there early so it didn't give us an advantage at the time).  Lunch at Chops wasn't crowded and we were out within an hour.

 

My husband planned to spend some quality time on the Flowrider and the extra hours were well worth it.  Most of the times were split between him and one other person. 

 

Having the reserved spot in the Lyric wasn't really necessary for the most part but it was very handy for Studio B.

 

We did have priority disembarkation at each of the ports even though we docked at the pier. 

 

Disembarkation at the end was pretty pointless going through terminal 29.  We had an escort to get off the ship but then we were just with everyone else.

 

Overall it was well worth it for us.

Sounds more seamless, lets hope this is now the new standard!

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On 4/8/2019 at 2:09 PM, chadcf said:

Does anyone know how far in advance they start selling this? My cruise is a good 18 months out and lots of things aren't available in the cruise planner, but I'm curious when I should start watching out for the key to be purchasable. 

I purchased the key on the Oasis Apr 7 sailing out of Port Canaveral, about 6 weeks prior at $19.99 per day per adult a pop (we had 4 pax in the cabin but only 2 adults and 2 toddlers, so it was worth it). I believe this was something like 30% off regular price key. However, that sailing got cancelled due to the crane accident in Freeport.

 

So I rebooked on the Harmony (around Apr 2), sailing out of Fort Lauderdale for Apr 28 sailing. I then purchased the key on Apr 5 through the booking agent for $23.99 per day per adult, slightly more expensive than the Oasis above. Even today in Cruise Planner (Apr 12) I see the key as being available for the same price $23.99.

 

So if i had a guess, you can buy the key from around 60-days prior to sailing to the time they sell out (maybe 2 weeks prior to sailing). The Royal Caribbean resolutions agent that helped me re-book told me the limit for Keys are set at 5% of total people on board, so if Harmony has a full sailing for 5500 people, 275 people is the max # of keys sold.

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So we’ve been lucky enough to cruise RRCL 4 times. We’ve done Ocean View Balcony three of the times and wanted to upgrade our experience slightly. Looked at suites when we booked our upcoming Symphony cruise and the price difference to ocean balcony was astronomical. So we’re trying The Key. My husband loves the Flow Rider and the lines on the Harmony last June were super long all the time. So that'll be a good perk. Plus all 3 of us having unlimited streaming will be good for afternoon downtime.

Evenings get so hectic rushing from dinner to shows. We always end up way off to the right or left side of the stage with obstructed views. I’m interested in seeing how the other half lives.

No one seems to be talking about the final day perks. Leisurely high-end breakfast with escorted walk-off. Sounds like a classier ending to a fantastic week. 

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2 hours ago, archchic said:

So we’ve been lucky enough to cruise RRCL 4 times. We’ve done Ocean View Balcony three of the times and wanted to upgrade our experience slightly. Looked at suites when we booked our upcoming Symphony cruise and the price difference to ocean balcony was astronomical. So we’re trying The Key. My husband loves the Flow Rider and the lines on the Harmony last June were super long all the time. So that'll be a good perk. Plus all 3 of us having unlimited streaming will be good for afternoon downtime.

Evenings get so hectic rushing from dinner to shows. We always end up way off to the right or left side of the stage with obstructed views. I’m interested in seeing how the other half lives.

No one seems to be talking about the final day perks. Leisurely high-end breakfast with escorted walk-off. Sounds like a classier ending to a fantastic week. 

I find out tomorrow how it all goes.  Can't wait!

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5 hours ago, zerallamvuut said:
On 4/8/2019 at 5:09 PM, chadcf said:

Does anyone know how far in advance they start selling this? My cruise is a good 18 months out and lots of things aren't available in the cruise planner, but I'm curious when I should start watching out for the key to be purchasable. 

I purchased The Key for both our June sailing on Harmony and our November sailing on Symphony back in February.

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9 minutes ago, Grenouille21 said:

FYI no one has responded to my emails about The Key and our disappointing experience.  Time to escalate. 

I have been emailing them and they keep sending me emails back (a different person everytime even though i am still replying to thr orginal email) they dont even bother to read what i say and just spew forth standard email that says what the key is 

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2 minutes ago, seanjulz said:

I have been emailing them and they keep sending me emails back (a different person everytime even though i am still replying to thr orginal email) they dont even bother to read what i say and just spew forth standard email that says what the key is 

 

I'm just getting the automated "My name is EFSJ and I will be handling your inquiry.  I will respond within 24 to 72 hours" but it has been 5 days so... 

 

I also emailed RoyalGuestRelations@rccl.com and have heard nothing for 5 days as well.  Giving them one more chance then going up the line.  And will be putting a hold on recommending RCI to clients or posting about them in my social media until this is resolved.

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24 minutes ago, Grenouille21 said:

 

I'm just getting the automated "My name is EFSJ and I will be handling your inquiry.  I will respond within 24 to 72 hours" but it has been 5 days so... 

 

I also emailed RoyalGuestRelations@rccl.com and have heard nothing for 5 days as well.  Giving them one more chance then going up the line.  And will be putting a hold on recommending RCI to clients or posting about them in my social media until this is resolved.


Thank you for contacting the Cruise Administration Department.

Here are the benefits of purchasing The Key: 

 

- Priority check-in and boarding (not applicable in Vancouver, Canada or at any ports in Australia).

 

- Private lunch at Chops Grille on boarding day from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM - this does not need to be reserved, as the dining team will be expecting guests who have purchased The Key package

 

- Exclusive carry-on luggage service offering drop off at the Theater (until 1:30 PM) and delivery to your stateroom - up to 2 carry-on bags per guest* 

 

- Daily private hours at onboard activities like the FlowRider, Rock Climbing wall, Ripcord by iFly, and ice-skating rink (private hours will be provided with the guest's SeaPass with welcome letter)

 

- Priority port of call debarkation.

 

- VIP seating area at shows in the Main Theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B and Two70.

 

- VOOM Surf & Stream (1 device)

 

- Choice debarkation with an exclusive à la carte breakfast from 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM 

Should you have further queries, do not hesitate to contact us.


Kind regards,

Sandy Rubi
Cruise Administration

Telephone: AU 1800 754 500  NZ 0800 102 123    •  Fax: 02 4322 0326  •  Email:
cruiseadmin.au@rcclapac.com
 
i have had pretty much the same email 4 times from different people
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1 minute ago, seanjulz said:

Thank you for contacting the Cruise Administration Department.

Here are the benefits of purchasing The Key: 

 

- Priority check-in and boarding (not applicable in Vancouver, Canada or at any ports in Australia).

 

- Private lunch at Chops Grille on boarding day from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM - this does not need to be reserved, as the dining team will be expecting guests who have purchased The Key package

 

- Exclusive carry-on luggage service offering drop off at the Theater (until 1:30 PM) and delivery to your stateroom - up to 2 carry-on bags per guest* 

 

- Daily private hours at onboard activities like the FlowRider, Rock Climbing wall, Ripcord by iFly, and ice-skating rink (private hours will be provided with the guest's SeaPass with welcome letter)

 

- Priority port of call debarkation.

 

- VIP seating area at shows in the Main Theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B and Two70.

 

- VOOM Surf & Stream (1 device)

 

- Choice debarkation with an exclusive à la carte breakfast from 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM 

Should you have further queries, do not hesitate to contact us.


Kind regards,

Sandy Rubi
Cruise Administration

Telephone: AU 1800 754 500  NZ 0800 102 123    •  Fax: 02 4322 0326  •  Email:
cruiseadmin.au@rcclapac.com
 
i have had pretty much the same email 4 times from different people

 

That is infuriating.  Do you have the email contacts for the execs?  I can send it to you.  I am giving one last chance before I go there.  You are ready to go there now.  

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On 4/10/2019 at 12:23 PM, AFwifelife said:

We did have priority disembarkation at each of the ports even though we docked at the pier.

 

How did that work? Did you have your own line or did they just let you cut? I've never had much of a line getting off in a dock, so I wouldn't think it would help much to cut. Getting on can be a different story though.

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9 hours ago, Grenouille21 said:

 

I'm just getting the automated "My name is EFSJ and I will be handling your inquiry.  I will respond within 24 to 72 hours" but it has been 5 days so... 

 

I also emailed RoyalGuestRelations@rccl.com and have heard nothing for 5 days as well.  Giving them one more chance then going up the line.  And will be putting a hold on recommending RCI to clients or posting about them in my social media until this is resolved.

 

My response from guest relations took about 2 weeks (which I did not think was excessively long considering all the emails they must receive) and was more personal(this was about the Key). They did answer some of my specific questions. One of the main takeaways was that this is a new program and it will be constantly changing and evolving as they get suggestions for what is working and what isn't. I guess I am confused by your deciding to not recommend RCI when you obviously enjoyed almost all aspects of your cruise.

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15 hours ago, MissLittle1959 said:

I find out tomorrow how it all goes.  Can't wait!

 

Hi All,

Just off Anthem of the Seas this morning. Arrived at the Silk Dining room on deck 4 where they had a sign out for Key members only. One last time for them to bring you the food and to sit and relax. We took our time since we have a late afternoon flight. After we finished eating we were told to go to the Shore excursion desk for Key debarkation. I thought since we were getting off late (9:30am) the crowd would have disappeared. I was wrong! The two of us were escorted off the ship with a staff member carrying a KEY sign and we cut the lines following him. He took us down to luggage and to the special Key area which was being guarded by a staff member. Picked up our luggage, proceeded off the ship (there was a line of passengers waiting to get off the ship and an even longer line for security. He took us to a special security line which had absolutely no waiting. From there you are in your own. It was great, I can only imagine people having to wait in that security line for 30-45 min maybe?! They really make you feel special. 

The whole experience with the Key was great. Watched the shows from Key/Suite section. Never ever full except during The Gift show. 

Will report more after I have more down time. Time for a little shopping in New Jersey

 

3452F5B1-FD1A-4BA4-A9C0-C4493E779E32.jpeg

Edited by TennisCruiser62
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2 minutes ago, TennisCruiser62 said:

 

Hi All,

Just off Anthem of the Seas this morning. Arrived at the Silk Dining room on deck 4 where they had a sign out for Key members only. One last time for them to bring you the food and to sit and relax. We took our time since we have a late afternoon flight. After we finished eating we were told to go to the Shore excursion desk for Key debarkation. I thought since we were getting off late (9:30am) the crowd would have disappeared. I was wrong! The two of us were escorted off the ship with a staff member carrying a KEY sign and we cut the lines following him. He took us down to luggage and to the special Key area which was being guarded by a staff member. Picked up our luggage, proceeded off the ship (there was a line of passengers waiting to get off the ship and an even longer line for security. He took us to a special security line which had absolutely no waiting. From there you are in your own. It was great, I can only imagine people having to wait in that security line for 30-45 min maybe?! They really make you feel special. 

The whole experience with the Key was great. Watched the shows from Key/Suite section. Never ever full except during The Gift show. 

Mill report more after I have more down time. Time for a little shopping in New Jersey

 

Glad it worked well for you. There are so many differing experiences with the Key. Hopefully once they work out all the kinks in the program there will be more positive experiences like yours. My cruise isn't  until September so they have about 140 days to perfect it😀

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4 hours ago, blueridgemama said:

 

My response from guest relations took about 2 weeks (which I did not think was excessively long considering all the emails they must receive) and was more personal(this was about the Key). They did answer some of my specific questions. One of the main takeaways was that this is a new program and it will be constantly changing and evolving as they get suggestions for what is working and what isn't. I guess I am confused by your deciding to not recommend RCI when you obviously enjoyed almost all aspects of your cruise.

 

I did enjoy the cruise.  But if the company is unresponsive when their customers reach out, I have to think twice about recommending their product.  I can't see what is confusing about that.  I didn't say that I absolutely will not recommend them ever.  But the way a company handles customers is a huge part of this business. 

 

Most people ask about the level of service and while the service on board (from room stewards, servers, etc.) was excellent, the Guest Services experience and post-cruise service has been less than ideal.

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25 minutes ago, Grenouille21 said:

 

I did enjoy the cruise.  But if the company is unresponsive when their customers reach out, I have to think twice about recommending their product.  I can't see what is confusing about that.  I didn't say that I absolutely will not recommend them ever.  But the way a company handles customers is a huge part of this business. 

 

Most people ask about the level of service and while the service on board (from room stewards, servers, etc.) was excellent, the Guest Services experience and post-cruise service has been less than ideal.

#theroyaltreatment

Don't annoy the fan-club.... They are the cause of the bad service because they continue to praise RCI no matter how often they royal 👑 them! 🙄

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2 minutes ago, Thorben-Hendrik said:

#theroyaltreatment

Don't annoy the fan-club.... They are the cause of the bad service because they continue to praise RCI no matter how often they royal 👑 them! 🙄

Uncalled for response from you,  as usual. No one "annoyed" me and I am certainly not "the reason" for bad service and I am not in anyone's fan club!  I was not praising RCI, I was simply asking a question. I don't know why you continue to post on these boards as you never appear to have anything pertinent to say, just a lot of negativity about everything.

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9 minutes ago, Thorben-Hendrik said:

#theroyaltreatment

Don't annoy the fan-club.... They are the cause of the bad service because they continue to praise RCI no matter how often they royal 👑 them! 🙄

 

Unlike those whose entire purpose in this forum is to spread unhappiness.  Holding grudges makes you ugly and unappealing.  

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