The Key, Priority access. Is it worth getting?

[AGE_Texas]

We’re going on our first cruise in December with Royal Caribbean and I got an offer to purchase The Key that allows your priority access on embarkation, debarkation and excursion days among other perks like priority seating at shows, 20% off speciality dining, etc. it also includes internet access.

 

The main reason I’m interested is because I don’t want to have to wait for hours to get on/off the ship with my little ones. But not sure how long the waits really are. 
 

It’s $24.99/day pp. internet a la carte is $17.99/day pp so figured it’s a pretty good deal. 
 

Thoughts?

[Orsino]

The conventional wisdom is to not compare The Key directly to the per device cost of internet. While one internet is the price you quote, two internet is not double that cost.

 

Value varies person to person. 
 

Waiting to board is generally only an issue for early times. If you are patient and arrive a little bit later, one generally does not have to wait. 
 

disembarkation is a different story. That can be a long wait. Though, again if one doesn’t have to hurry off, waits can be minimized by leaving later. But then you might end up waiting in a different way anyway. 

[Mum2Mercury]

Would you buy internet anyway?  If so The Key'd cost you an extra $7 x 2 adults or about $14/day or $112/week.  Do they charge 18% gratuity on The Key?  

 

Think about the perks: 

- You'll have priority embarkation, but -- in reality -- you're only talking about saving minutes.  Typically they have a door over to the side for The Key and Suite Guests.  They let those people in, then the earliest time slot people follow right on their heels.  Once you're through the check-in, you'll sit down and wait for them to begin boarding.  Again, they'll allow The Key, Suite Guests and people with a lot of loyalty points to board first, but the people with the earliest time slots will be right on their heels -- you'd save no more than 15 minutes.  

- No one waits for hours to embark.  Here's the process:  Pull up to the terminal, drop your luggage with the porters, join the line -- most people want the earliest boarding time.  When the line starts moving, you'll go through the x-ray check, then move on to have your documents verified.  You'll sit down in the terminal until it's time to start boarding.  No matter what you do, embarkation isn't a lot of fun, and you will have to wait; it'd be smart to bring something your kids really like -- like maybe stickers? -- for that time.  

- The Key only gets you priority disembarkation only for islands that require tenders (boats to the island).  That's a real benefit, but the islands that require tenders are few and far between -- the majority of the islands have walk-off docks.  

- As for disembarkation, we try to leave quickly because we have a long drive.  My husband, the task master, makes us get up early.  I insist up on having a good breakfast, then we get in line about 7:00.  Once the line starts moving, it moves fast.  We're always in the car, suitcases stowed, heading North by 7:30.  

- The Key's priority seating isn't enforced.  I went to a show by myself and chose to sit in the balcony.  After I sat down, I realized I was in The Key seating -- I looked around and saw a couple people I know didn't have The Key.  No one was paying any attention.  They also weren't prime seats.

- If you plan to use specialty dining, that 20% could be worthwhile.  

 

 

 

 

Edited March 25 by Mum2Mercury

[AGE_Texas]

This is super helpful. We would definitely buy internet for 3 devices. 
 

also we have a junior suite. Does that mean we get priority embarkation anyway?

[reallyitsmema]

Here is the link to your other thread:

 

 

[juliejulz]

5 hours ago, AGE_Texas said:

This is super helpful. We would definitely buy internet for 3 devices. 
 

also we have a junior suite. Does that mean we get priority embarkation anyway?

 

[juliejulz]

Just now, juliejulz said:

 

Junior suites do not get priority

[PhillyFan33579]

49 minutes ago, juliejulz said:

Junior suites do not get priority

You get priority boarding with a JS. It is one of the few perks you get with a JS. In general, at least in my book, a JS is just a larger balcony cabin. 

[FionaMG]

Also, how old are your littles? If you're buying the key you have to get it for everyone in your stateroom who's 6 or over so that might bump the cost up even more for you.

[AGE_Texas]

One is 6 and the other is 2 so would need to buy it for 3 of us. I compared the pricing of the options last night and looks like I’d be paying $100 more for the Key vs just getting 3’devices covered so I’m thinking internet only is the way to go 

[elizabethbp]

You also get to leave your carry on bag at the Key reception area which can be really helpful  depending in when cabins open on your cruise.  You get a very good lunch and also a breakfast when you leave. I have used it several times and generally paid only a little more than if just got internet for 2 devices.  

[FionaMG]

57 minutes ago, AGE_Texas said:

One is 6 and the other is 2 so would need to buy it for 3 of us. I compared the pricing of the options last night and looks like I’d be paying $100 more for the Key vs just getting 3’devices covered so I’m thinking internet only is the way to go 

 

I would be inclined to agree. An extra $100 seems a lot for what you actually get.

Unless, you're thinking of buying a boarding day lunch in a specialty dining venue anyway, in which case that would bring the extra amount down.

Edited March 25 by FionaMG

[Saturngrl]

It's really up to you to decide if the Key is value-added perk for your cruise.  Personally, I think it's worth the following perks (sailing out of Port Canaveral):

• Separate line for security and check in
• Separate pre-boarding waiting area close to the gangway
• Priority boarding behind suites and assisted boarding
• Drop your carry on at the MDR and enjoy lunch from the Chops Grille lunch menu.  The menu is limited, but it sure beats fighting the crowds in Windjammer, Solarium buffet, Park Cafe and the added-fee specialty lunch venues.  Your carry on is delivered to your stateroom
• Key seating in the shows IF you made advanced reservations.  They open seating there for everyone else right before showtime, if there is any remaining available seating in that section.
• We don't use the special activity hours, like Flow Rider or rock climbing.
• We LOVE the disembarkation breakfast in the MDR!  It's a nice way to end your cruise.  After breakfast, a crew member with a Key sign escorts you off the ship whenever you choose and your baggage is waiting for you in a Key section at baggage claim.  

 

 

[Biker19]

2 hours ago, AGE_Texas said:

I’m thinking internet only is the way to go 

You can also share a lower device package between all of you.