Sure, it's not a must-purchase program but it is a fantastic option to have. I intend to cushion the drive heavily and in the absence of any on road issues we'll roll in well before even the earliest check in time. Rather than have private dining in a specialty restaurant, Oasis and Quantum Class ships have an entire restaurant that is only available to suite guests: Coastal Kitchen. (This post may contain affiliate links. Related: 27 cruise ship embarkation day dos and donts. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you. ** 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. Below you will find a comprehensive list of all our suite benefits so you can choose the suite that best fits your cruise vacation. Lunch on Day 2 for ships sailing from Seward or Vancouver. While offerings can change at any time, and usually vary slightly between ships, benefits of the Key Program usually include: Priority access to the terminal upon arrival at the port Carry on bag delivery to your stateroom Welcome lunch in the main dining room with selections from Chops Grille The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. The Key is not sold on board the ship. If your clothing got wrinkled in your suitcase, you have the chance to get a complimentary pressing on your itinerary's first formal night. Depending on when you go to select a time, there will be variety of 30 minute windows for you to choose from. First time cruisers: What time to get to the cruise port for your Royal Caribbean cruise? Note, though, that seating is still first-come, first-served. (When choosing a time, aim for something in the afternoon, after the morning rush has died down.). A 3-night cruise would get you 6 points, while a 7-night would get you 14. Also, have your ID and other boarding documents handy, and dont pack anything in your luggage that could cause you to be flagged at security. While outside in line lots of people were unmasked. We make sure to pack several items in our backpack, which I will include below: Youll notice that many of the items listed above are needed because our kids swim on embarkation day. Since you can only order from the Main Dining Room menu when it is open, it is likely that you might find yourself caving an in-suite snack outside of their operational hours. Staying in a Grand Suite means that you can bypass the tender line and be one of the first guests off! My 3 cruises have been less than 40% fill. Second, you're spending extra money for a benefit that is not cheap. You will also get complimentary VOOM, so you do not have to worry about being disconnected or paying extra for a Wi-Fi package! One of the Royal Caribbean suite perks is that suite guests are permitted to enter the terminal one hour before their official port arrival time. What are the largest cruise ships in the world? With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! In fact, balconies on older ships are far less, too. In Lauderdale it was different, this was pre covid, and suites/pinnacle etc had their own security check through. When they first called for boarding ~11am, they called for Pins and suite guests. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. In comparison, an obstructed ocean view balcony is currently being advertised for $1,763 per person. Royal Caribbean Grand Suite Perks | Royal Caribbean Blog If you have any interest in this, it is worth reaching out to your concierge to see what is available on your sailing. If you live within driving distance of your departure port, its acceptable to make your way there the same day your ship leaves unless youre looking at a multi-hour ride and dont want to cut it too close to boarding time. You must purchase The Key package online in advance of your sailing. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Have you ever wanted to get a behind-the-scenes look of a cruise ship? It's important to note that these times that you choose during online check-in are only port arrival times. Your Key purchase is noted on your card by a special icon. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. In comparison, Wonder of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, has 28. After scanning carry ons, up another escalator and board the ship or wait to board? From the website: All suites in the Royal Caribbean Suites program have access to certain benefits. They started letting us into the building a few at a time at 11:45. They are larger, especially on the newer ships in the fleet. One perk of staying in a Grand Suite is that you will have access to complimentary backstage tours. Note that boarding did come to a stop at one point. Offer ends 5/3/23. Either way, you should have plenty of time to enjoy all the entertainment and activities onboard the ship. There are a number of benefits of booking a suite on a Royal Caribbean ship. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. The Key access can also vary, depending on itinerary. It makes sense that you would want to see as many shows as possible! It debuted as a pilot program on Liberty of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas in late 2018. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Is there any special line at this point for The Key? You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Many more perks are available in higher suite tiers. 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. All suites in the Royal Caribbean Suites program have access to certain benefits. What are the benefits of the Royal Caribbean Suites program? Since October 2022, at Cape Liberty in Bayonne boarding times are not being looked at much less enforced. It is my understanding that with the exception of suite guest, who can check in up to an hour ahead of their scheduled time, priority boarding is not being used during COVID. Junior Suite benefits include priority boarding, luxury toiletries and a more comfortable mattress. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. First and foremost, can you book a Grand Suite on any cruise? You cannot, for instance, order from the Main Dining Room menu to enjoy a private in-suite meal. You'll need to buy The Key for every guest in the cabin (age 6 and above) for every night of the cruise. The Key passes are bought online before you board the ship; you can't buy them once you board. Youll need a plan for getting to the port and some knowledge about the embarkation process, including your cruise ship boarding time. You can also do it via the website Cruise Planner check-in process: ** Carry-on luggage drop-off service is limited to two pieces per guest and can weigh no more than 25 pounds per carry-on. We were at the port ~10:20 and our boarding time was 12:30-1pm. For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter. Rude woman at the terminal said nope that line is full and we have to go into the long zig zagging line. Buying The Key package instead of booking a suite is an awesome way to receive some VIP benefits at a more affordable price. We are Diamond+ and gota 1:30 check-in time. Closet Space How can you ensure youre prepared to start your vacation on the right foot? This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Suite Priority boarding : r/royalcaribbean - Reddit Cruise boarding times: How early should you arrive for a cruise - The Follow signs for the applicable arrival channel, whether that be parking or drop-offs via taxis, Ubers and shuttles. 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. Read more:Heres what The Key is (and why some cruisers like it). Either way, I recommend purchasing travel insurance (through a third party, not through your cruise line) that will protect your investment if something happens and you miss your ship. 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. The trick is knowing when that will be. It was a new "guest priority" package available to all cruisers who were willing to pay for it. When can I check-in for my Royal Caribbean cruise? Have more cruise questions? If, however, you are curious to see how much a Grand Suite costs, it depends on the ship, time of year, and length of itinerary. A Royal Caribbean employee came over to our large group and checked in each party using her tablet. 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. What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships? See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. There are two problems with buying The Key for an early check-in. In addition to having a private beach away from the crowds, you will also have upgraded lunch offerings compared to the other buffets. From the Cruise Planner, click toedit your check-in: Txs. Priority boarding - Royal Caribbean International - Cruise Critic Community Read on to find out the answers, as well as when you should plan to arrive in your departure city before you set sail. *with the exception of Vancouver, Canada and any Australian ports**limited to two pieces of luggage per guest; each bag must weigh less than 25 pounds. Is Royal Caribbean's "priority access" package worth the price? TPG Flash the digital pass to the entry staff, they see it says SUITE and they wave you thru. Your link has been automatically embedded. I hear that some people have managed to get earlier times by constantly checking via the RCL App. Once at the Muster Station, you just scan your SetSail Pass. You'll want to do this as early as you can in order to get an early check-in time and avoid wasting time in the cruise terminal. They did not know &asked someone else who said no. We completed our Muster Drill requirements immediately after boarding. Our hotel shuttle offered us a choice of times for departure. Another tip for securing an early arrival time is to book a suite. We were technically allowed to arrive an hour before this 10:30 slot since we were suite guests. When something like this happens, I look for a Royal Caribbean employee and not one of temporary people scattered around the terminal. What does The Key include on Royal Caribbean? As far as your check in time. Can I book back-to-back cruises at this time? In addition to being able to utilize the concierge, you will also have access to a private onboard lounge. Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships? However, the suite amenities -- such as priority embarkation/debarkation, departure breakfast and reserved theater seating -- are pretty sweet (pun intended). Other families, like mine, like to get the process started as soon as possible. This was a huge relief from the typical check-in desk with long check-in lines we have experienced in the past. (They do sell out.). Since you will be one of the first people onboard, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch in the buffet and have shorter lines for any amenities that are open, like the FlowRider, water slides, etc. Royal Caribbean Plush Bathrobes for Use Onboard. If your cruise documents are available, you can access them through your reservation dashboard in yourGuest Account. About a week before the cruise, the Suite Concierge will email suite guests with an introduction and outline basic suite policies, including a flexible arrival policy, where suite guests can arrive one hour before or after their check-in time. They come with a wide range of perks that are meant to maximize the value of your vacation through special privileges and upgraded amenities. Heres what The Key is (and why some cruisers like it), Royal Caribbean offering guest expedited arrival options to speed up check-in process, Royal Caribbean testing expedited boarding, What to expect on embarkation day on a Royal Caribbean cruise. VisitRoyal Suite Classto learn more. Indulge in one of Royal Caribbean's luxurious suites for the ultimate at-sea experience. Each everything, they will serve cocktails and a selection ofhors doeuvres for you to enjoy with other suite guests. What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships? If youre catching a plane, when to fly in for your cruise depends on several factors. Preferred boarding: You and your companions can board with Group 5. All rights reserved. Many terminals have a separate seating area in the terminal for Suites and Pinnacle if you arrive before the ship has commenced boarding. When will it be available? Cruise ships usually begin boarding an hour or two after all passengers from the previous voyage have left the ship. How early can I board my Royal Caribbean cruise? If you dont plan on using the pools, you may not need nearly as many items as we do. We show you what the procedures on boarding day, as well as tips for a less-stressful check-in process at the cruise terminal, plus the top choices for lunch. The junior suites onboard the Oasis of the Seas measure 287 square feet with a balcony size of 80 square feet making them much roomier than the average stateroom. Most cruise ships require all passengers to be on board no fewer than one to two hours before the scheduled departure time, which is almost always in the late afternoon or evening. Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean's Junior Suites Please see my disclosure policy at the bottom of this page for more details.). Signage for The Key will usually be found at the terminal where you embark and also at various points around the ship. We booked a cruise for Oct. 24th and was given a 3:00pm check in time. Priority check-in and boarding on embarkation day*, Carry-on bag drop off in the Main Dining Room with stateroom delivery**, Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room with a menu featuring Chops Grille on embarkation day, Private hours for guests to partake in certain on board activities, such as the FlowRider and rock climbing, without a wait, 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 for one device with high-speed internet (one package per paying guest), Exclusive a la carte breakfast on disembarkation day, Pick your departure time on disembarkation day, 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping, 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases, Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points), Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status, Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award. The Key is available on all Royal Caribbean ships. My kids wear their bathing suits onto the ship underneath their clothes. On one no one ever asked anyone to show their check-in time while on the other one, they strictly enforced the check-in times. Back whenfirst made Diamond in late 90's it meant something, Meet Capt and all Senior Staff each Sailing, was first on and off Ship with only Group before us was Wedding Parties. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. .css-18jw8gc{-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;-ms-appearance:none;appearance:none;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;position:relative;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:middle;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;line-height:1.2;border-radius:var(--chakra-radii-md);transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-normal);height:auto;min-width:var(--chakra-sizes-10);font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);background:none;border:0;color:black;display:inline;margin:0px;padding:0!important;font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-Roboto);font-weight:500;padding-top:0.625rem;padding-bottom:0.625rem;-webkit-padding-start:1rem;padding-inline-start:1rem;-webkit-padding-end:1rem;padding-inline-end:1rem;}.css-18jw8gc:focus-visible,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-18jw8gc:disabled,.css-18jw8gc[disabled],.css-18jw8gc[aria-disabled=true],.css-18jw8gc[data-disabled]{opacity:0.4;cursor:not-allowed;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}.css-18jw8gc:active,.css-18jw8gc[data-active]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:hover,.css-18jw8gc[data-hover]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:focus,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}Cookie Consent, Celebrity Cruises' Suite Class on Celebrity Eclipse, Carnival VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) 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). The Key is an optional add-on you can purchase to get VIP benefits, including an early check-in time. Royal Caribbean International allows cruisers to choose a port arrival time during online check-in. Our hotel (Intercontinental Miami) was a short 15-minute drive to the Port of Miami. Then, the dads in our group took the kids to the pool so that they could swim in virtually empty swimming areas. We know youre eager to arrive at the cruise port for your Royal Caribbean cruise. Youll also find a free printable cruise packing list! Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. If you are wanting to maximize your suite benefits, this is a great way to do so, as evening gowns and suits usually cost between $7.50 and $15.00 per item for everyone else on the ship. 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. Our rooms then opened up at around 1:00 that afternoon. What Food Is Included on a Royal Caribbean Cruise? When to Book Entertainment on Royal Caribbean. You cant miss the porters and their baggage carts as they line up on the curb by the terminal. I would like to NOT repeat that, even if it means arriving much later or much earlier. Yes, cruisers are no longer limited to the Happy Hour menu. Even if you have cruised before, never underestimate the benefits of a concierge. Suffice to say, the pricing of a Grand Suite can vary. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. He also directed us on exactly where to go and made certain we understood we needed passports/identification documents. Expand Do you have any experience with Bayonne and what they have for suites at the terminal? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Royal Caribbean suites are impressive, with some even spanning two levels with a private jacuzzi, multiple bedrooms, and a personalized Royal Genie service. We were onboard at ~11:30am (1 hr before our boarding window started.). When you get the terminal, be sure to tell the pier agent you are staying in a suite so you can be directed to the right place. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises, Q&A with Avoya Travel: Learn How to Turn Your Passion into Success by Becoming an Independent Travel Advisor. If not, just leave blank. You will not have to worry about arriving early and locating a seat, as the main theatre, Studio B, AquaTheatre, and Two70 all have reserved seating for suite guests.
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