Problem with the Key?

[ZerasPride]

So we have the Key booked for our upcoming September cruise. Bought it when it was $19 per person. Would not pay the prices I have seen it lately (up to $37 per person). Anyway, when I did on-line check in I expected to see the black Key emblem on the set sail passes that I have read about on-line. But nope, it do not appear. Does anyone have any first hand experience with checking in at the port, not having the Key emblem and then having a problem using the Key entrance? I ask because me and DH are in a junior suite and our friends are not. One of the reasons we all bought the Key was so we could board the ship together. We are sailing on Harmony if that helps. Thanks!

 

[AirDisney]

From what I’ve read online, that seems normal. Didn’t show up on mine either for August sailing on Ovation. I’m going to print out copy of confirmation email just in case, but sounds like once you get your cards, there will be something on those.

 

[crabbymom]

The key will be pre-printed on your sea pass card once you board. You can take a print out of your receipt to show, that is what I did and had no problem. Enjoy!

 

[ZerasPride]

Thanks to you both! I feel a bit easier about it now. Will be sure to bring the print out from all the things we purchased for this sailing!

 

[tnshsms]

Since you guys used the Key when you sailed, did you ever use the priority debarkation in the ports? Was it helpful on Coco Cay or any port you went into?

 

[crabbymom]

Since you guys used the Key when you sailed, did you ever use the priority debarkation in the ports? Was it helpful on Coco Cay or any port you went into?

I did not use it at the ports. I am going to Coco Cay in November for the first time since the new water park opened so hopefully it will help beat the crowds to the slides!

 

[ZerasPride]

I'm hoping the priority debarkation works on Coco Cay as well. We booked a cabana on Chill Island back before the huge price hike and I want to get the party started ASAP!

 

[SDJEL]

We’re on Anthem now. The check in for Key was very smooth and we were on the boat 10 minutes after we walked into the terminal. It was also nice to have a quiet place to eat lunch and not fight crowds in Windjammer or find a place to eat on an unfamiliar ship. I never get WiFi because it is usually too pricey but it has been nice to have because we can communicate with each other. Also, it is good enough to stream video and I watched some Netflix yesterday. There have been little food treats in our rooms which are just a thoughtful surprise. The best part is the hours for activities that are Key only. My daughter and I were the only two at the rock wall yesterday and we went over and over until my legs were shaking. Then, this morning, we essentially had private lessons at Flowrider because no one else showed up. Without that extra time and attention, I don’t know how you can really learn the skills well enough to enjoy yourself. We paid $19.99 per person per day. My husband doesn’t think it is worth it, but I disagree, at least at this point. We have needed the priority debarking yet. We’ll need it in St. Maarten so we will see how it goes.

 

[richmo]

So we have the Key booked for our upcoming September cruise. Bought it when it was $19 per person. Would not pay the prices I have seen it lately (up to $37 per person)....

I think most of you reading this are aware of The Key pricing, but just to clarify, that's $19 (or $29 or $37 or...) per day, per person. So, for example, if The Key is priced at $29, it would be $406 for two for a 7 day cruise (+ taxes, I imagine). If you decide to purchase it, everyone in the stateroom over 6 must purchase for the entire cruise.

 

[BigRob66]

I think most of you reading this are aware of The Key pricing, but just to clarify, that's $19 (or $29 or $37 or...) per day, per person. So, for example, if The Key is priced at $29, it would be $406 for two for a 7 day cruise (+ taxes, I imagine). If you decide to purchase it, everyone in the stateroom over 6 must purchase for the entire cruise.

I paid $24.99 a few weeks ago for an April 2020 cruise, and saw it for $19.99 day/pp. Canceled, and re-bought at the lower price. PITA, but saves $240 total for 6 people on an 8 day. Check often, even after you buy it...

 

[Wakey]

It was totally pointless on Navigator of the Seas, aside from the Chops Grill.
In fact I’d have felt ‘Royally’ ripped off were it not for the included internet and the fact it was 19.99.
I would certainly not get it again.
No queues on disembarkation really anyway.
Very limited events - not necessary anyway.
Anyone could sit in ‘special areas’ in shows which were not special at all.

 

[BigRob66]

It was totally pointless on Navigator of the Seas, aside from the Chops Grill.
In fact I’d have felt ‘Royally’ ripped off were it not for the included internet and the fact it was 19.99.
I would certainly not get it again.
No queues on disembarkation really anyway.
Very limited events - not necessary anyway.
Anyone could sit in ‘special areas’ in shows which were not special at all.

I used it on Mariner in June 2019. YMMV, but I loved it. $25 was a maybe for me because I can cencel it later, and $19 is a no brainer. We got screwed waiting to use the key for debarkation though...
Chops Grill ($25 PP?)
Internet (Showing $17.59 / day / device now)
Luggage carried on / delivered directly to the room
Embarkation priority, so the kids don't get too bored waiting (Priceless)
Breakfast before debarkation ($10 PP?)

 

[cutigerlady]

Since you guys used the Key when you sailed, did you ever use the priority debarkation in the ports? Was it helpful on Coco Cay or any port you went into?

We used this at Coco Cay and it was pointless! We were escorted off the ship, but it wasn't ahead of other guests. In the end, it didn't really matter because there was so much space on the island. A couple walking with us were not happy that this wasn't a perk at all.

 

[Wakey]

We used this at Coco Cay and it was pointless! We were escorted off the ship, but it wasn't ahead of other guests. In the end, it didn't really matter because there was so much space on the island. A couple walking with us were not happy that this wasn't a perk at all.

Same .

I didn't get my luggage taken anywhere.

Internet was 9.99 I think a device, not 17.59 when I was booking. So by not booking Key I would have saved $40 a day as we would likely all paid for the internet.

Coco Cay- we walked to the bottom of stairs- was told to get to back of the queue. I am Key I said- er OK then stay there- but it made no difference- there was hardly a stampede getting off first.

Boarding- Key made no difference at all.

Shows- as above- waste of time.

Key special seating- literally directed to an area on every occasion where everyone else sat.

Did I get off earlier- not sure. No interest in having a special breakfast, kids liked buffet.

They need to really up the game on this Key, its a money extraction machine.

 

[BigRob66]

Same .

I didn't get my luggage taken anywhere.

Internet was 9.99 I think a device, not 17.59 when I was booking. So by not booking Key I would have saved $40 a day as we would likely all paid for the internet.

Coco Cay- we walked to the bottom of stairs- was told to get to back of the queue. I am Key I said- er OK then stay there- but it made no difference- there was hardly a stampede getting off first.

Boarding- Key made no difference at all.

Shows- as above- waste of time.

Key special seating- literally directed to an area on every occasion where everyone else sat.

Did I get off earlier- not sure. No interest in having a special breakfast, kids liked buffet.

They need to really up the game on this Key, its a money extraction machine.

RCCL is now showing the key at $15.99/pp/d, and internet @$13.99/pd/d for my April cruise. The numbers changed twice since I posted... Different people, different perception of value. everyone is right...

 

[Wakey]

RCCL is now showing the key at $15.99/pp/d, and internet @$13.99/pd/d for my April cruise. The numbers changed twice since I posted... Different people, different perception of value. everyone is right...

That perhaps reflects the true value- $2 per person per day (but only if you would have got the internet anyway).

 

[BigRob66]

That perhaps reflects the true value- $2 per person per day (but only if you would have got the internet anyway).

That's your price. I'd pay more as I've gotten more value out of it. If you find value in The Key buy it. If you dont see value in it until the price is $2, then don't buy it until the rate shows $2. That's the fundamentals of economics. We get it, you had a bad experience. I had a great experience.

 

[mevelandry]

I wasn't a fan that they sat us with other guests for the lunch and breakfast (but that's a personal preference and we had a great meal regardless and I heard that they don't do that on all ships).

It ended up costing us 20$ more than we would have paid for booking the internet and chop's separately. Didn't notice a difference at embarkation/disembarkation...

We used the reserved seats in the theater and the fast access to Sky Pad, though.

I don't think I would book it again because I don't mind going early to events and to take water shuttles.