The REAL TRUTH Behind The Key Program On A Royal Caribbean Cruise

[@Mayrose587]

The Key does not seem be worth it to me. First, the "lump everyone together" for lunch is not something I would not enjoy. I'd rather go to the MDR so I can enjoy my lunch with my family. The menu items to choose from are not that exciting to begin with. Second, the "Private Time Schedule" of activites are activities I would not do in the first place. Yeah, I can see the mad dash to Ice Skate on your Perfect Day. Third, the "preferred" seating is way to high in the theatre. If you sat in the front row of that section, I feel that you could not sit back in your chair and still see the stage. Pro-Tip: you're supposed to peel the kiwi before eating it 😄 I think I would agree with your assessment of the program. $29/day per person is quite a lot. Hard pass for me.

[@murvo]

Just got The Key on the Labour Day sale for $17 per person/day. The included Chops lunch and Voom internet makes this a huge value for me as I was getting the internet ANYWAY! Watch for sales.

[@troublets3060]

do you mean the windjammer? On boarding day the Key lunch is from the Chops selection but is served in the main dining room. Your are right though. In many cases the key isn't worth it. depends on the ship. I got the key when they were first introducing it. The staff were so unprepared for it. If you have a suite you get almost no benefit other than the wifi and the boarding day lunch. On the right ships that have their act together if you are in a standard stateroom and multiple ports it can be a benefit. It isn't as great as they sell it to be.

[@jenniferallred9367]

I personally think it is worth it for us. Just the perk of not walking around with carry-on bags is great. We travel with my mom who is older and we would have to carry her bag too. I love that you get a special lunch in the dining away from the hordes at the Windjammer. And we have teens so they will do the rock wall, zip line, and flowrider. And you can just cut a kiwi in half and scoop out with a spoon. No peeling necessary lol.

[@troublets3060]

@@jenniferallred9367 I do like the lunch and it’s a great way to relax after the hustle of getting on board. My last 2 cruises they did not offer to take the bags. That is a nice touch that I missed.

[@julieb7882]

We used the key for an 11 night from Oahu th Vancouver in April on the Quantum. We got to ship ahead of the several hundred people waiting when we arrived at 11. Having a sit down lunch rather fighting the buffet hoard was fantastic. My daughter did the I-fly as a benefit. My joints didn't need the workout. I don't think we used reserved seating at the couple of shows we attended. We did the north star at a regular time. Departure breakfast was good. We only paid a dollar a day more than the internet so felt it was worth it.

[@JDJRN]

You don't eat the skin on a kiwi fruit. Peel/cut skin off, and eat the inside only. They are really good and great for smoothies.

[@pryttyfatchick]

I just bought the key for my Oasis cruise in 2 weeks, normally I wouldn't have booked it but it was only $17.99 and internet was $20.99. Leaving my bag for me to not have to drag around is really the only perk I see being useful. Our ship is pretty full since there isnt much left to book so it should be interesting to see how priority boarding will be on an oasis class ship.

[@vickiconto]

We get the key when it’s about the same price as the Voom surf and stream, which is what we did for our next cruise. Love the lunch on embarkation day, dropping off your luggage and the breakfast on the last day. Also the internet, more than worth it!

[@robertowens89]

We always look at the cost difference between the Internet package and The Key. If it's within $50 difference we always go with The Key.

[@bellamamma7666]

Thanks for sharing! ‘This kid is living his best life’. Hahaha. You guys always make me smile and laugh while you’re teaching me about cruising!

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

Awwww! This comment made me smile 🥰

[@shopper5969]

Happy Saturday! Missed y’all live chat. Awesome information about the key never heard of it. Nice ship 🛳 enjoy and be safe! Thanks for sharing!

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

Hey!! Thanks for stopping by after! Happy Saturday 🥰

[@meganm9756]

I only bought The Key because my dad is not an experienced cruiser, and I am, and I want him to feel special and not stressed out. It will be nice not to eat buffet getting on board the ship, and then taking my bags to my cabin. I always seem to come back from Coco Cay a little bit earlier, so I’m OK with ice-skating earlier. I don’t know how full our ship is, but it’s nice to have a priority option if needed. Also got great deal on unlimited dining (7 day, 2 people, $420). We have our respective drink packages and separate cabins.

[@karinbrantner3081]

I love that you have a cat. I see the tower behind you while filming.

[@PedroRodriguez-ho3ns]

Thank you for putting this clog out! We always wondered how The Key works. This was very helpful!

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed!!

[@kandigirl2]

We cruised on AOTS in April. Bought the key. Room service was free for us and something we did every night. We also had wi-if service included in the package. Didn’t eat at any of the specialty restaurants but ate at Johnny Rocket and got a discount on our food. All the other perks were useless, as you said.

[@rc9745]

Was it hard reserving shows or activities?

[@kandigirl2]

@@rc9745 They we’re not doing reservations in April. So The Key was not needed. We had no problems finding seats. And we sat where we wanted to.

[@61kburgess]

Lol. Vitality Lemonade....I love it!!!!!

[@JustTheilogsAdventures]

This was the first video I saw of you guys. My first impression on the thumbnail was who is this crazy drunk lady? Wine bottle in the hand and I thought she may have been drunk. Didn't click on it at first and it was actually the third time it popped up that I decided to watch it. A big plus to KZbin for pushing your video and thank you Fain and Laura for creating these videos. You guys are fun and relaxing to watch and sending out positive vibes. Now I'm hooked watching your channel! Love the cruise videos and can't wait to see your new and out of the ordinary travels for 2023!!

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

Crazy drunk lady 😂 that’s hilarious. So glad you gave us a chance!! ❤️

[@JustTheilogsAdventures]

@@TravelSpreeOfficial You guys always make my day! Only time I’m sad is when your video ends. ☹️

[@Tracey328]

We purchased the key, our friends did not, by time we checked in, dropped our carry on luggage, ate lunch, they were just getting on the ship. They did not get to their room until 2:00, their luggage didnt arrive until after 6 pm, while we had our luggage in our room by 1:00. 2nd time getting the key for us.

[@JustTheilogsAdventures]

Our first and only cruise on the Oasis last year my daughter was swimming in the main pools and hot tubs. One night the main pools already closed down and she would jump from one hot tub to another. When the employees would tell her the hot tub is closed she would jump into the next one until they all closed for the night. It was the summer where she really learned how to swim and well and wasn't afraid to swim in the deep part of pool. Best memories and luckily I filmed it. Not to crash your channel but I do have it posted on my channel under Cruise Vlogs. My channel otherwise is momma channel doing momma things.

[@cynthiagunnarsson4173]

We had the KEY on the Independence OS and the best thing about it was the disembarkation! We just had to ask the right person. That guy RUSHED us to the very front of the very, very long line. It was AWESOME! I also enjoyed the lunch and not having to deal with the crowd in the Windjammer on embarkation day.

[@carolbellingham7480]

You peel he kiwifruit before you eat it! 😮😅

[@livingblackirish7713]

We got off the ship yesterday and the line was across the ship. Lucky for us our table mates from our first night had us join their group so the line was shorter and more enjoyable.

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

That’s a big cruise tip right there!

[@cocorunny6597]

They will give you priority disembarkation but you have to wait for them to walk you out. I got it on sale for about the cost of internet so it was worth it because I would get internet anyways and chops lunch and disembarkation. But you have to manage expectations they aren’t giving suite level service.

[@nithyp738]

Thanks guys😊

[@epicsubset]

I love the first ship in the line of ships in the intro is the Disney Magic... counting the days for our Disney Wonder..

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

We can’t wait to eventually get on a Disney ship!

[@epicsubset]

@@TravelSpreeOfficial Have you guys not been on a Disney?

[@hollatip007]

Thank you for this video. We booked our first cruise ever for Oct 17th on Independence of the seas and was curious about the key. You video helped a lot. Many thanks

[@61kburgess]

We were on Holland America Zuiderdam a couple weeks ago and were very disappointed in the food quality, quantity and selection of food in main dining room and Lido marketplace. Have u been on HAL as I would like your opinions.

[@TheDetourDuo]

Think a perk program should absolutely make you feel like a VIP for the price. Room service is a good idea. Like Laura's idea about the free drink but maybe make it like 5-10 free drinks.

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

Ooooo yes, 5-10 drinks. I like that 😍

[@michellepj8809]

Good to know. Thanks guys.

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

Thanks Michelle! ❤️

[@dawnboyd1784]

I think it is more worth it on a bigger ship for the reserved seats at shows. Also depending on the price internet is included. For our cruise next year the key is only $2 more than the internet. Also it appears you were on the ship a bit ago since you have masks on. Things are much busier now.

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

This was July 1st - 4th 2022

[@robertowens89]

Just snagged it on my November sailing for $17.99 a day with the Labor Day sale. It was only $15 more for the week than the two device internet package which is a requirement for my wife and I.

[@Cami_1606]

We just got it at the same price yesterday and we also sail in november. We planned to get the internet package anyway so it wasnt really a big difference in price

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

That’s a good way to look at it!!

[@denisesmith2745]

Hi, you two!! I have commented on another channel how the Windjammer floor was covered with hairs. I ate in it once but couldn’t return. Just also horrible people were in there in bathing suits. I do love you both ❤❤

[@TheHeltonFam]

I’m getting ready to go on RC our first trip! I was wondering what priority debarkation was supposed to be. Like we’re you supposed to just bypass the lines and get off the ship like concierge? Did they drop the ball or is that how it’s supposed to be?

[@julieb7882]

When we used it, we had no disembarkation time and could leave when we wanted. Also, the luggage we put out the night before was in a separte ares.

[@reney313]

We got the key for the first time on our upcoming Greek cruise.I don't see the value in it either for regular caribbean/bahamas cruises. I purchased on black friday special so it was like $5 more per person (per day) than the internet package, which we would have otherwise purchased. My primary reason was to try it out and see if it did feel special at all (it looks like it doesn't) but more so for priority tender. 2-3 of our ports are tender ports so I'm hoping that it is organized and we're able to use that benefit. I suspect we will go to chops and the debarkation breakfast - but I also wouldn't necessarily want that if it weren't included. I think Room Service would be an easy thing for them to add and be a true value add for some groups. I also like the idea of a welcome drink, kind of like years ago sailing when they handed you champagne as you boarded the ship.

[@rc9745]

An avid cruiser for other lines, First time going on Royal in Febuary, Gonna comment as I watch since I'm considering the key due to priority boarding and internet for the wife. -priority boarding is the main reason I'm a fan so to see an empty port makes me wonder if it's worth it but our boat could be different lol - the chops lunch seemed... underwhelming and don't understand the old school sit together -special times for the activities is laughable - the seats for the main shows.... not bad, 45 minutes before a show seems a bit much since it looks like you can get a better seat at the same time.. but I'm doing Symphony so I don't know if it's any different. *French toast by the way lol Thanks for the video guys. The wife was turned off with your experience and is thankful for seeing this.. she's contemplating just buying internet. 1 question for those who have done royal... are you able to reserve shows the moment you get on the boat, or could I do it at my home on embarkation day ?

[@jaylo1022]

Hi Laura & Fain! Thank you for giving us your honest opinions on The Key. I plan on trying RCL in the future and am researching all there is to know. Love your vlogs. BTW, I would choose steak & eggs for breakfast, lol.

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

I don’t have the biggest appetite early in the morning, but now I’m wishing I had gotten that! Sounds so good right now lol

[@bwlfarmer]

I usually go to the bionic bar my wife gets a Long Island Iced Tea I usually change off each time but I get a mudslide as soon as I hit a real bar

[@jakepatchogue9478]

Definitely a complimentary welcome drink or champagne bottle and disembarkation drink would make it more worth it.

[@lovlisparrow]

So for my cruise for Memorial out of Cape Liberty, the key was completely pointless. Their system went down, so no priority access. Because of that we missed chops They werent checking it at the shows Then for the tenders, they weren't acknowledging it either alongside all the other perks basically 1 could be used and that was priority departure...but we were the last off due to speaking with guest services about getting a refund for the key...they gave us a 20% off FCC....will I get it again...probably not.

[@jeffthomas4268]

A plate of bacon and croissants...FANTASTIC!!!

[@stacey2502]

I'm intrigued about the woo woo shot lol, what's in it?

[@debbief2882]

The Key looked interesting.

[@osielialewis9661]

I am looking at The Key for my November sailing. It looks appealing because internet is $16 a day and The Key includes it for $23 a day. I don't plan on buying any specialty dining so the option to have one meal seems good. I would differently have smoked salmon for the breakfast meal hands down! Plus its our Anniversary (25 years) and we don't have anything "special" planned.

[@JJCruise]

We loved having you on our Group Cruise!! 🤗🥳 Our go-to drink is Rum & Diet 🥂 Also, we’ve never used the Key 😅

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

It was a fun weekend, TOO much fun lol 😅

[@JJCruise]

@@TravelSpreeOfficial so much we can’t wait to do it again! 🥳

[@TimusTravels]

Can’t wait to go on a group cruise with you all and our go to is an LIIT and 2 bottles of two buck chuck lol.

[@melodym9608]

We purchased the key before covid and it was great. Now, we don't believe it worth it. But I believe free room service is something that was added to the key program since October. Was it removed?

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

Yeah! So when Covid protocols were stricter, they took away the welcome lunch and just gave you free room service for the entire cruise. But now that they’ve lifted a lot of protocols, the lunch is back. I think we’d rather have the room service lol

[@matthewlucas655]

Thanks

[@RemixbyDELACREMEDELA]

Thank you for saving me all that money!

[@sugarsgetaway]

First drink of the day is a bloody mary . Every time us girls go cruising we all order that

[@chasjohnson1499]

I’m pretty sure my friend was in the show in the royal theater! 🔥🔥

[@joshsavage9689]

The Key does (and has for years) offer free room service.

[@luckylass5444]

I used the Key program. My son and I felt that it was worth it.

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

I’m glad it worked out for you! What ship were you on?

[@CynthiaO-Fernandez]

Totally agree they should give a drink or two😊. I thought it was better on Harmony then on freedom.

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

Yeah we would maybe try it on an Oasis class!

[@corinaparson9870]

Miami Vice sounds great

[@QueenLoriDiss]

Thanks for providing this review! This sounds similar to Carnival's Faster to the Fun, only better....lol. Neither seem worth the money.

[@Jazziegrylbk]

1st drink frozen pomegranate margarita

[@Meplusothers]

That sounds delicious!

[@Chango110418]

The value is the internet package and vip seating at events for us. But this is my first time with the key as well that group lunch pisses me off not gonna lie.

[@xocaitlinnpattz]

I would think between the free WiFi and the lunch, it’s worth it

[@lashawnmartin6198]

Hey guys! Did the key program offer unlimited drinks

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

We wish 😩 It didn’t include any drinks

[@mossncloverdiy299]

How many days was this cruise?

[@Babyrocko1908]

Probably 3 or 4 since Freedom generally does weekend cruises out of Miami.

[@Keep-on-ok]

First drink, White Russian.

[@angelascharmedlife]

Don't eat the kiwi skin my friend. Cut it in half and scoop out green with seeds with a spoon.

[@spookycatladytravels]

We looked into the key and decided it did not seem worth it either. Rather spend that money on excursions.

[@willcooper6980]

Were the people sitting with you at the Key lunch from the group cruise, or regular passengers?

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

They also had the Key!

[@soshiangel90]

I think you guys had a really light sailing so all of the perks that help mitigate crowds didn't apply to you, which sucks because you have no way of knowing that before boarding. I can say, as someone who sails in suites, on a normal, summer, 7-night sailing, the reserved areas fill up and fill up pretty fast. There is also usually someone checking that you have the right pass to get in. It may be that because you had a 3-night sailing with low numbers, the staff knew there weren't as many people on board and didn't bother. All that said though...I feel like the Key's biggest perks tend to be cancelled out by certain C&A or suite benefits, and only shine on 7-night+ sailings so it is really for a limited selection of sailers.

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

That’s good to know! We need to do an update/ redo on a longer cruise!

[@michaelmarfell4690]

Having to eat with strangers seems a little odd, but I guess it’s an opportunity to meet new people.

[@hereyago]

I've never gotten the KEY. Not worth it for me.

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

Yeah, I don’t think we’d do it again unless there are major changes

[@gankula3154]

you guys are cool

[@9OClockRant]

You arrived at 11, but general check in was at noon….. of course you flew through it.

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

I would check your work, and then come back to us

[@9OClockRant]

@@TravelSpreeOfficial what?

[@gabytagabs]

I think The Key is worth it if you are planning on getting an internet package and price is lower than the internet packages alone... but experiencing The Key when you don't have tender ports and don't even made any comment on the internet service (because you didn't needed it in the first place), certainly not worth it.

[@johnniesal7018]

Thanks for sharing your experience with The Key. I agree that it’s not worth the added cost. I saw nothing in your vlog that would make me feel special, like I am receiving extra attention. Great concept but extremely poor execution. Great vlog! 👍🏾

[@kimnovak8985]

Will be cruising for 13 days from Brisbane Australia to New Zealand . I don’t find any real benefits from the Key. You are paying way less than we are for the same privileges we ar being charged $50 per person per day.The activities that are exclusive to key holders are basically at the worst time of day. You potentially miss your dinner bookings and the shows. You want to be switched off from the internet while on holidays so access to vroom is a waste. You are very lucky at the moment with the prices of your drinks packages. They are trying to sell us the alcohol package as second person 50% off but the total price works out to be $1750 or more. How can you possibly drink that much. Even an Australian on a good day couldn’t do that. Even the soda package is nearly $1000 for 2 people. You might think the key is a rip off , you aren’t dealing with the exorbitant prices we are being charged to be hydrated in Summer in the Southern Hemisphere. At the moment they don’t seem to be selling these packages, as people are doing the math and realise it’s cheaper to buy as you go. I’m currently being bombarded with emails from RCCL every week saying the “ discounted drinks packages are on sale for a limited time “ like 48 hours but as soon as that time is up here comes another email selling the same package price . At the moment I have decided if I want a drink I’ll charge it as it’s cheaper than the drinks packages in total.

[@MrAllStarFame]

The content of your videos is great and I love you two but this one is so shaky it’s hard to watch = [

[@Keep-on-ok]

I do have a problem with Royal. They nickel and dime for everything. Beautiful ships though.

[@MrAllStarFame]

I wish it was nickel and dime! I’m dropping hundreds and hundreds!

[@MeowMeow-vo9cj]

@@MrAllStarFame I agree. I’m sticking with Holland America line. 😅

[@brittneysmith7185]

yall are super cute and this was a dope informative video. Im going on my honeymoon and I love exclusive experiences. This is clearly not worth it.

[@allentable]

At least a specialty dining would be nice

[@TravelSpreeOfficial]

That would be a great addition!

[@yinyira]

thank youuuu so much , I was about to purchase that. now I won't

[@svenseven3]

My gosh that's not how you eat a kiwi LOL!

[@guccijules]

#idahopotatoes !!!

[@Tracey328]

Moscow mule