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Let’s go over some facts and information about the key, what it truly unlocks for us Aussies, and if it’s even worth it for us
What Is The Key On Royal Caribbean?
I’ve covered the key a few times here, but let’s quickly go over the basics! so basically, The Key is a VIP “key” to the ship – you’ll get a small taste of what is similar to star class. Just to name a few things you’ll enjoy – early boarding*, Singuate lunch with an exclusive Key Menu, Early Tender, Private Time access with activities, a signature breakfast on the last morning, and inclusive Voom Wif. If you want to see our in-depth guide and review of The Key, check it out Here. I’ll explain everything you’ll need to know along with a few secret tips and tricks
Is The Key Worth It – Why It is
For those who don’t know me I only sail out of Australia as I live here – I’ve gotten The Key many times before on Ovation Of The Seas and Quantum Of The Seas, which means I’m able to give you the inside scope on what’s going to make it worth it. First of all, you’re getting inclusive internet, which obviously the internet package is cheaper right? Not always
The above photo is from a past cruise I did in October 2022, we sailed on Ovation out of Sydney to New Zealand for 11 nights.
As you can see, the key is actually CHEAPER than the Voom internet package. I’ve seen this happen twice before, it’s rare – don’t get me wrong! but if you can get it at this price it’s a steal. Not long as you get the internet but the early boarding* and everything else that comes with it. You’d be silly not to get this deal – on top of that, the complementary lunch with the signature meal, and access to the private seating in two70 – it will add the perfect touch to your holiday.
For those who suffer from Anxiety or Autism – this could be a potential option for a smooth, quicker, and less stressful option
When it’s NOT worth it
With everything we’ve said above, it can be hard to believe it’s not always worth it. Unfortunately as quoted from Royal Caribbean’s website “* Priority access will not be offered in Vancouver, Canada, or at any ports in Australia. There is no priority queue in the ART test area, for Singapore.” Which can be seen Here – However although they claim this – This hasn’t been the case I’ve personally experienced EVER. I’ve sailed out of both Sydney and Brisbane cruise terminals with The Key, although our early boarding has only been 1 Hour to 45 minutes earlier than everyone else.
Those sailing on Quantum Of The Seas with the Northstar being down are missing out on private time with the Northstar, small factors like these are what take away from the value of The Key – although it still has plenty to offer it purely depends on the price that you can get it at. A lot of the time The Key is a fairly expensive option for getting on the cruise ship an hour earlier than everyone else – which isn’t even guaranteed
My Personal Experience
I’ve had The Key roughly 5 times out of all the times I’ve cruised with Royal – which is more times than I’d like to admit. Every time I have gotten it we’ve had early boarding, typically we noticed it’d only be 1 hour before other passengers would board the ship. Which is nice, it does make boarding very quick and relaxing – there were no massive lines.
The Key is limited to only a number of cruisers that can buy it, meaning it can be sold out. Once we got through security and customs, we were checked in and went to our complementary lunch, we hit a few bars and it was around this point we noticed the ship started filling up slowly.
The next benefit was the “private area” seating for the Star Class and The Key holders in Two70, located up the stairs and in the middle of the second floor, you’ll have comfy private seating to enjoy. Although something we noticed and overheard – a lot of passengers will do the cheeky and just sit there. Which for me is fine, not something I care too much about.
The Final benefit was the private time on the Northstar, which for us was the extended session – we only had about 4 other people in the Northstar with us making for a much more personal experience.
The Key isn’t something I buy very often – however when I can get it for a good deal then I jump on it. Other than that it isn’t worth it for me – Royal Caribbean time slotting for boarding makes it pretty smooth and means the lines are cut down a lot.
How To Purchase The Key Royal Caribbean
Now for the biggest question – How Much Is The Key On Royal Caribbean. The price will vary from ship to ship and even based on itinerary so it’s hard to predict the actual cost. A good baseline is you can get it for roughly – $70 AUD ($46 USD) per night.
To Purchase The Key you’ll need to log in to your Royal Caribbean account – and then go to “Plan my cruise” – Here you’ll see at the top “VIP” and then you’ll see “The Key”.
Overall
To be honest, overall it depends on the price you can get it – prices will vary from ship to ship and itinerary to itinerary. So keeping track of the prices can be tricky sometimes. Personally, I’d say if you can get the key within $50-80 AUD of the Voom Wifi Package, then go for it – If not cheaper. Otherwise, weigh up your options, does getting on 1 hour earlier matter that much to you – do you care about private time with the activities, or the signature lunch and breakfast? If not then this isn’t for you.
If you want a holiday you won’t forget, and want to include that final touch to give you a VIP feel – then yes this is for you. This will give you a time you won’t forget anytime soon. To see a full list of features and FAQ on The Key see Royal’s website Here
Disclaimer: Please note that we are not affiliated with Royal Caribbean or any cruise line mentioned in this post. The information provided is based on research and personal experiences to help you make informed decisions and enhance your cruise adventure.
