Priority tender boarding At tender ports, where the ship ferries passengers to shore using smaller boats, Key members can take advantage of priority boarding when going ashore. There are two problems with buying The Key for an early check-in. You can also do it via the website Cruise Planner check-in process: Offer ends 5/3/23. It was a new "guest priority" package available to all cruisers who were willing to pay for it. 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. All suite guests enjoy priority boarding, as well as luxury bathroom amenities, a Royal Caribbean bathrobe (for onboard use only) and an espresso coffee machine. On my most recent cruise on Oasis of the Seas, my family and I had junior suites booked with a 10:30 am port arrival time. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. ** 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. Scoring an Early Boarding Time on Royal Caribbean This was super fast and easy as the Muster Stations were all clearly labeled and close to where we walked onto the ship. In comparison, a standard ocean view balcony is currently going for $1,988 per person. This allows us to keep our things organized and within easy access. 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. Boarding begins roughly between 10 and 11 a.m., depending on the ship's schedule and how long it takes everyone from the last cruise to debark. She said you should have called him before entering the terminal. If boarding has started already they may or may not still maintain a priority lane for the Key. That seems like a lot to save an hour or two on embarkation day. Then proceed to the Terminal A Entrance and is this where lines will be based on boarding time? This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. How do I setup a Royal Caribbean SeaPass or Onboard Expense Account? 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. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. However, once you finally arrive at the port and board the ship, all your worries are washed away. Since the online check-in time usually opens up at midnight (EST) 45 days before your cruise, youll want to login at this time. You cant miss the porters and their baggage carts as they line up on the curb by the terminal. 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. 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. Wonder, however, does not have any 2-bedroom Grand Suites onboard. 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. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Heres everything you need to know about the perks you can receive when staying in a Grand Suite. The only other way to get some of these amenities is to earn a high status tier in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program. There's no way to know that's happened without checking manually. Our driver dropped us off with the porters at the terminal who checked that all of our bags held luggage tags, which we had printed from our online account. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? Normally, you get one Crown & Anchor loyalty point for each night of the cruise. HEIC is not a standard web format. Lunch on Day 2 for ships sailing from Seward or Vancouver. We have been on two RCI cruises recently. Royal Caribbean's Junior Suites don't have many perks over a regular Balcony Stateroom. Try your best to adhere to the check-in time, but they will still admit you for check-in if you were to arrive later. Instead, cruisers can pick from almost any cocktail, beer, and many wines. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Her favorite cities include London; Amsterdam; Krakow, Poland; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Dawson City, Yukon; and anywhere known for outstanding pizza and theater. We had somewhere between 1,800 to 2,000 passengers on this cruise. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Since the Suite Lounge/Concierge Club is open during the day, it is a great place to escape for a little bit to recharge without returning to your stateroom. You can then save this information and complete the rest of the check-in process at a later date. Royal Caribbean suites are impressive, with some even spanning two levels with a private jacuzzi, multiple bedrooms, and a personalized Royal Genie service. Terms and Conditions Apply. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. How early can I board my Royal Caribbean cruise? Successfully completing the check-in process for you and those guests listed on your SetSail Pass will allow you to receive a SetSail Pass. Royal Caribbean warns there could be a delay in beginning the check-in procedure if you're late, but you will still be able to get to the cruise. It's available for a small additional cost without the need of booking the type of suite that offers similar perks. But what time do cruises board, and is there a best time to board a cruise ship? After checkin Key and others had to wait for ship to be cleared. Those who arrive early will not be able to begin boarding, and those who arrive late will need to wait until we are able to work them into anoth. At Port Canaveral we had to clear security before checkin. How early is too early for the porters to be there? It says we get priority boarding. To ensure the shortest wait possible, make sure to check in and set up your onboard account online or using your cruise lines mobile app ahead of time. Cabins are not open until 1:30 or so. Get there before 11am and you will wait upstairs until the ship is cleared and boarding starts at around 11:30. He also directed us on exactly where to go and made certain we understood we needed passports/identification documents. Unfortunately the choices were all 10am. In order to complete Check-In successfully, you will need the following: Personal Information for each guest An Onboard Expense Account, also known as your Seapass onboard account, is the cashless system used for all onboard purchases and services. There are a number of benefits of booking a suite on a Royal Caribbean ship. Guests who were sailing in Star Class and had access to a Royal Genie were permitted to move to the front of the line in order to receive the priority boarding that was included in their suite perks. Royal Caribbean's Star Class guests also receive priority disembarkation, unlimited VOOM internet, and invitations to exclusive signature events. 5 minutes later, they included Jr suites also. If your documents are not yet available, check back soon. There was no separation for the actual check-in or security inside the terminal for the Key as it wasn't needed for the volume of people they were processing through at the time. I always advise flying in at least one day before youre scheduled to embark, just in case you encounter any delays or cancellations. This is where I saw it last and was dated 08/24/2021. It took a few weeks for my cruises to offer earlier arrival times, so just check back every couple days. Grand Suites on Vision, Voyager, Radiance, and Freedom Class ships come with fewer perks than those on Oasis and Quantum ships. The Key package is a great way to feel like a VIP on your next Royal Caribbean cruise without busting the budget. At both ports theywere doing the 2:30 people by 1:00 as the lines move fast. Savings on in-flight purchases: Receive a 25% discount on in-flight food and beverage purchases when you use your credit card to . Should I buy my flights through my cruise line, 27 cruise ship embarkation day dos and donts, More banned items: What not to pack for a cruise. Embarkation day is often full of a lot of chaos and stress, especially if you are a first time cruiser. The moms in our group then ran errands to take care of some items. 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. For a 3-night vacation, you would earn 3 points, for a 7-night cruise, you would earn 7, and so on. Royal Caribbean Suite Perks Explained You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Royal Caribbean Suite Perks (What's Included 2023) However, adding the cost of a pre-cruise hotel stay onto the overall bill isnt always doable for every traveler, especially those on tight budgets. I only ask because we're driving from Virginia to Titusville day before and those last 3.5 hours to Miami morning of embarkation. Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. 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. Sky guests onboard Spectrum of the Seas have access to The Balcony. Royal Caribbean Junior Suite Perks: Is it worth it? (2023) - Cruise Mummy The Key passes are bought online before you board the ship; you can't buy them once you board. Same questions on The Key at this point. Check-in | Print Boarding Pass | Royal Caribbean Intl. You will be happy to know that you can find Grand Suites on any ship, whether it is Grandeur of the Seas or the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas. (He was right!) Many terminals have a separate seating area in the terminal for Suites and Pinnacle if you arrive before the ship has commenced boarding. If you are hoping to climb the Crown & Anchor loyalty ladder faster, this is one way to do it! However, that will probably slow down some as RCI takes on more passengers each cruise. It's strictly a pay-to-play situation. C&A became too successful. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, Southwest unveils stunning new Hawaii-themed aircraft, How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value, IHG Rewards Premier Business card review: The annual fee is justified. Royal Caribbean typically allows cruisers to choose arrival times in thirty-minute blocks as shown in the image below. The day your cruise begins is full of excitement, and naturally, you may be wondering what time you can board the ship. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. 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. Do junior suites get priority boarding on Royal Caribbean? Looking at a 7-night Alaska cruise onboard Brilliance of the Seas that also departs in June 2024, an obstructed balcony cabin starts at $1,058, while a one-bedroom Grand Suite starts at $2,646 per person, based on double occupancy. After we completed this check-in procedure, our family sat in the waiting area until it was our turn to board the ship. Went into a door that moved us ahead of that line but through the same security checkpoint as everyone else. This didnt take long at all, and our whole group was onboard the ship shortly after 11:00. Then once inside, up some stairs and someone checks our check in from the app and if ok we move to scanning carry ons? The online check-in process is super simple and consists of filling out personal information among other tasks. Why is check-in not available for my cruise? Onboard Oasis and Quantum Class ships, Grand Suites are considered to be part of the Sky Classtier of the Royal Suite Class. Port personnel continued to check our line to make sure only 12:00 to 12:30 passengers were in the line. has spent more than 15 years writing about travel, with particular emphasis on cruises. Thanks, I didn't even think of that. Priority boarding from a TA usually means nothing. What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships? Suit guest had separate check-in area with a short line and it appeared they were letting them in the building. Some benefits may not be available on all sailings. You can post now and register later. I don't even ask, I go to the Suite line and stay there. (Honest Review). You can also do it via the website Cruise Planner check-in process: So, anyone in the wrong line was asked to move. On the latter two classes, Royal Caribbean introduced what is known as the Royal Suite Class. 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. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. With The Key, you don't need to splurge on a suite or have Royal Caribbean status in order to get these perks. Read more:Heres what The Key is (and why some cruisers like it). I pack sunscreen to apply before swimming, and we carry on other essentials that we need before dinner. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: The Key - A Faster Way to the Fun The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. If someone cancels their cruise, their check-in time goes back into the system for someone else to grab. Is The Royal Caribbean Key Program Really Worth It? This will help you make the most out of your day in port. Either way, you should have plenty of time to enjoy all the entertainment and activities onboard the ship. Group Cruise Accommodations | Royal Caribbean Incentives On the cruise they didnt enforce check-in times there was less than 1000 passengers on the ship. (The porters also have luggage tags in case you forget to print yours.). Bypassing the parking deck on the way in will let you not have to worry about bringing down your luggage from the parking deck at Terminal A. Lines here? We had a suite and should have been in the suite check in line. Like what you see? Export it as JPEG to use on the web. A Junior Suite on a 7-night Greek Isles cruise on Odyssey of the Seas departing in August 2024 starts at $2,423 per person, based on double occupancy. They are larger, especially on the newer ships in the fleet. VisitRoyal Suite Classto learn more. Many more perks are available in higher suite tiers. Even if you have cruised before, never underestimate the benefits of a concierge. Many guests are curious how early they can board a Royal Caribbean ship on embarkation day, so here is a guide for what to expect. Note, though, that seating is still first-come, first-served. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. A All suites in the Royal Caribbean Suites program have access to certain benefits. How can you ensure youre prepared to start your vacation on the right foot? *** Welcome lunch is open from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm. Buying The Key package instead of booking a suite is an awesome way to receive some VIP benefits at a more affordable price. Although its similar to the procedure at airport security, you wont have to take your shoes off or remove laptops or liquids from your bags (unless they find contraband alcohol or something else that looks suspicious). 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. Check-in opens up 45 days before your cruise begins. Its also important to note that theres no best time to board the Royal Caribbean ship. (This post may contain affiliate links. If not, just leave blank. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a5bba5e9528c15d27c649f19a0dc456c" );document.getElementById("d5aa0859c9").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If thats the case and you can find a super-early flight that gets you to your port city with some wiggle room, flying in the same day you sail is possible. 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. Flash the digital pass to the entry staff, they see it says SUITE and they wave you thru. Rude woman at the terminal said nope that line is full and we have to go into the long zig zagging line. Exceptions are more advanced ports or cruise lines (like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity) that allow you to skip the check-in desk if youve already completed everything (check-in, onboard account setup and security photo) ahead of time using the app. Find the right card for you. Edited September 9, 2021 by TheBucketLister. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. When staying in a Grand Suite, however, you will be eligible for priority boarding and departure. When can I check-in for my Royal Caribbean cruise? It is a good question to ask, especially since some of Royal Caribbean's newest suites are only available on certain classes and/or ships. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? Each everything, they will serve cocktails and a selection ofhors doeuvres for you to enjoy with other suite guests. Get there too early and you'll be fighting with the traffic for all those leaving the cruise that is disembarking (and all the other cruises disembarking at the other Miami terminals). The new method has worked so well that it has largely remained in place for most cruise lines. Our hotel (Intercontinental Miami) was a short 15-minute drive to the Port of Miami. Those in Junior Suites will find that they are not eligible for the full onboard suite experience, which may be why you are considering a Grand Suite. It has since expanded to all ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. In addition to having a private beach away from the crowds, you will also have upgraded lunch offerings compared to the other buffets. They started letting us into the building a few at a time at 11:45. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The best spot for sailaway on every Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Is there any special line at this point for The Key? Please see my disclosure policy at the bottom of this page for more details.). Suffice to say, the pricing of a Grand Suite can vary. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. For an extra-special journey, select Royal Suite Class, with . So effectively to make the most of it, arrive as early as you can. Then, youll proceed to the check-in desk, where an agent will help you complete the process. From the Cruise Planner, click toedit your check-in: Txs. Just sharing that they are there but that was unusual circumstances, and not recommended. My kids wear their bathing suits onto the ship underneath their clothes. The Royal Caribbean junior suites offer extra room for cruisers without the hefty price tag of a full suite. If you do not complete check-in online, you will be required to complete this process at the pier at least two hours prior to the published sailing time. Our family chose to eat lunch at Windjammer Marketplace after boarding. All suites in the Royal Caribbean Suites program have access to certain benefits. Guests should arrive at the terminal within the arrival time slot you selected during Royal App check-in. Disembarkation generally wraps up by 10 a.m. at the latest, and some extra time is allowed for the crew to start on tasks like provisioning (restocking of supplies and food), bunkering (refueling) and cleaning of the vessels cabins and public areas to ready them for the next round of guests. Reserved seating section in select entertainment venues (reservations required) Suite Lounge Access (complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cocktails each evening) Access to Suite Sun Deck. We like to carry a backpack onboard the ship on embarkation day. Each cruiser scanned his/her SetSail Pass (from the Royal Caribbean app) and was permitted to board the ship. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. In that post, we provide tips for staying organized and packing for your trip. You will then go straight to the section on choosing your arrival time and pick the one you want. Basically, its your chance to get to the fun faster and receive VIP access to certain activities. We are working to uplift our check-in experience to support a healthy and safe cruise for all guests, crew, and communities where we operate. * Benefits & amenities may varybyship. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. If you are trying to cruise on a budget, staying in a Grand Suite is probably not the most economical choice, as you could devote that money to other experiences, such as shore excursions, specialty dining, etc. 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. What port was this? How can I get my Royal Caribbean cruise boarding pass (SetSail Pass)? Then, the dads in our group took the kids to the pool so that they could swim in virtually empty swimming areas. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise lines would often allow passengers to show up at the terminal on embarkation day whenever was convenient for them within a half-day window. Perhaps you had a long day ashore or you are just wanting a lazy evening in your suite. Boarding begins roughly between 10 and 11 a.m., depending on the ships schedule and how long it takes everyone from the last cruise to debark. For our four-day itinerary out of Miami on Navigator of the Seas and a family of three, the total cost for our package (two adults) was around $159. Your link has been automatically embedded. Autism Friendly Ships | Accessible Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises Guests who pay for this upgraded status typically receive priority access upon arrival on embarkation day. First and foremost, can you book a Grand Suite on any cruise? The length of time it will take from curb to gangway will vary based on several considerations, including: Its a good idea to show up in your city of embarkation the day before your cruise if youre flying in. What exactly are the perks of a Royal Caribbean suite? Is your cruise visiting ports of call that must be accessed via a tender boat? You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Morethan a few people were not happy about it during the short time we were inline outside. A second way to grab an early port arrival time is by purchasing The Key. Note that all of the benefits are available on each ship. Your carry-on bags pass through a scanner, and you must walk through a metal detector. ** Carry-on luggage drop-off service is limited to two pieces per guest and can weigh no more than 25 pounds per carry-on. I hear that some people have managed to get earlier times by constantly checking via the RCL App. Last time we arrived at 12 noon and stood in line for 21/2 hours. The Key is not sold on board the ship. 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. Preferred boarding: You and your companions can board with Group 5. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Yes, cruisers are no longer limited to the Happy Hour menu. All rights reserved. Absolutely! Youll also find a free printable cruise packing list! What are the benefits of the Royal Caribbean Suites program? Have more cruise questions? Guess I am wondering if having "priority" will shorten boarding all that much. Our Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Ocean View/ Panoramic (No Balcony) Suites, and Owner's Suites all receive priority boarding, and our Royal Suite and Villa Suite guests are escorted onboard by an officer. I immediately went to edit my check-in-time and was able to get a 12:00 check-in. Clear editor. We completed our Muster Drill requirements immediately after boarding. What are the Benefits of The Key Program? | Royal Caribbean Cruises Since October 2022, at Cape Liberty in Bayonne boarding times are not being looked at much less enforced. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. There is a Key line outside of the terminal entrance, usually it is on the left side when facing the terminal where the restrooms are. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience.
royal caribbean priority boarding