New Program called "The Key"

[Grenouille21]

I can see how my comment about holding off on recommending RCI could be interpreted in different ways.  All I meant was that I want to see how this shakes out.  

 

I deal with Disney a lot and while I have had my issues with them and do not feel they are the right product for everyone, they excel at customer service.  This is my first go-round with RCI and I am glad it is an issue with my cruise not a client's.  So I will wait and see what happens.

[Thorben-Hendrik]

9 minutes ago, Grenouille21 said:

 This is my first go-round with RCI and I am glad it is an issue with my cruise not a client's.  So I will wait and see what happens.

You will get used to their "royal-service".... 🙄

 

Edited April 13, 2019 by Thorben-Hendrik

[blueridgemama]

5 minutes ago, Grenouille21 said:

I can see how my comment about holding off on recommending RCI could be interpreted in different ways.  All I meant was that I want to see how this shakes out.  

 

I deal with Disney a lot and while I have had my issues with them and do not feel they are the right product for everyone, they excel at customer service.  This is my first go-round with RCI and I am glad it is an issue with my cruise not a client's.  So I will wait and see what happens.

 

I totally get it and I by no means meant to question your comment unfairly. I am sorry if it appeared that way. I am also sorry about my sort of unpleasant post in response to that particular poster, but he just rubs me the wrong way with his constant negativity.

[Cel_cruise]

Boarded Symphony today 4/13... Noro on prior cruise delayed boarding 30 min.

Really really disappointed so far.

Arrived at terminal at 10:45. Check in was a zoo. Took a while to get thru security.

Before security they told us that we would go to The Key holding area and line when we got upstairs.

After security they would not let anyone go and made everyone wait together. It was a mess. And most workers after security had no idea what The Key was.

Then we finally got were upstairs - and they made us stand in another long line for my daughters Muster station tag.

From there - we got back in the line with everyone to board the ship. When we finally got on board to ding - we ask where to drop off luggage and the girl had no idea what The Key was and kept trying to tell us that they were at our room!! Ugh! Finally found someone to confirm to head to the theatre and which direction (it’s a little disorientating walking into the promenade not knowing which way is up and a gazillion people standing around!!).

Get to the theatre and they take our bags and then we went to Chops. Still no internet code. Enjoyed Chops but it did take a while. The food was good - we had no problem getting extra appetizers to try, our steaks were cooked well, and the dessert was yummy. A member of our group is celebrating a birthday - and they brought out the cheesecake and decorated the plate and sang to her. It was a nice touch.

When we finished lunch - we were able to go to our rooms. The rooms were nice.....BUT - there was NO KEY paperwork!!! Argh!!!

My friends did have it - so they helped us get connected to WiFi (no code needed - nice!) and shared the amenity sheet - it’s HORRID!!!



Key for Chops and Internet is good - but no boarding or amenities with it! Will have to see how it works out for shows.

Our group is documenting our experience and will be discussing with staff on board and eventually with corporate. I understand the boarding process was changed due to Noro but there was no reason for the cluelessness of the staff and the complete lack of benefits provided.

I did our our Meet and Mingle and Top Tier Event (since when does this include Gold?) letter and Drink Package cup in our room....which means that they could have put The Key paperwork in!


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[blueridgemama]

41 minutes ago, Cel_cruise said:

Boarded Symphony today 4/13... Noro on prior cruise delayed boarding 30 min.

Really really disappointed so far.

Arrived at terminal at 10:45. Check in was a zoo. Took a while to get thru security.

Before security they told us that we would go to The Key holding area and line when we got upstairs.

After security they would not let anyone go and made everyone wait together. It was a mess. And most workers after security had no idea what The Key was.

Then we finally got were upstairs - and they made us stand in another long line for my daughters Muster station tag.

From there - we got back in the line with everyone to board the ship. When we finally got on board to ding - we ask where to drop off luggage and the girl had no idea what The Key was and kept trying to tell us that they were at our room!! Ugh! Finally found someone to confirm to head to the theatre and which direction (it’s a little disorientating walking into the promenade not knowing which way is up and a gazillion people standing around!!).

Get to the theatre and they take our bags and then we went to Chops. Still no internet code. Enjoyed Chops but it did take a while. The food was good - we had no problem getting extra appetizers to try, our steaks were cooked well, and the dessert was yummy. A member of our group is celebrating a birthday - and they brought out the cheesecake and decorated the plate and sang to her. It was a nice touch.

When we finished lunch - we were able to go to our rooms. The rooms were nice.....BUT - there was NO KEY paperwork!!! Argh!!!

My friends did have it - so they helped us get connected to WiFi (no code needed - nice!) and shared the amenity sheet - it’s HORRID!!!



Key for Chops and Internet is good - but no boarding or amenities with it! Will have to see how it works out for shows.

Our group is documenting our experience and will be discussing with staff on board and eventually with corporate. I understand the boarding process was changed due to Noro but there was no reason for the cluelessness of the staff and the complete lack of benefits provided.

I did our our Meet and Mingle and Top Tier Event (since when does this include Gold?) letter and Drink Package cup in our room....which means that they could have put The Key paperwork in!


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Doesn't sound promising so far. Be sure you follow up post cruise about your specific issues with the Key. Unless they hear about negative issues they wont do anything to fix it. Lack of information from crew is unacceptable. They should all know what the Key is by now. It is in its 4th month of operation. I hope things go better for the rest of your cruise. Thanks for sharing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Thorben-Hendrik]

49 minutes ago, Cel_cruise said:

Boarded Symphony today 4/13... Noro on prior cruise delayed boarding 30 min.

Really really disappointed so far.

Arrived at terminal at 10:45. Check in was a zoo. Took a while to get thru security.

Before security they told us that we would go to The Key holding area and line when we got upstairs.

After security they would not let anyone go and made everyone wait together. It was a mess. And most workers after security had no idea what The Key was.

Then we finally got were upstairs - and they made us stand in another long line for my daughters Muster station tag.

From there - we got back in the line with everyone to board the ship. When we finally got on board to ding - we ask where to drop off luggage and the girl had no idea what The Key was and kept trying to tell us that they were at our room!! Ugh! Finally found someone to confirm to head to the theatre and which direction (it’s a little disorientating walking into the promenade not knowing which way is up and a gazillion people standing around!!).

Get to the theatre and they take our bags and then we went to Chops. Still no internet code. Enjoyed Chops but it did take a while. The food was good - we had no problem getting extra appetizers to try, our steaks were cooked well, and the dessert was yummy. A member of our group is celebrating a birthday - and they brought out the cheesecake and decorated the plate and sang to her. It was a nice touch.

When we finished lunch - we were able to go to our rooms. The rooms were nice.....BUT - there was NO KEY paperwork!!! Argh!!!

My friends did have it - so they helped us get connected to WiFi (no code needed - nice!) and shared the amenity sheet - it’s HORRID!!!



Key for Chops and Internet is good - but no boarding or amenities with it! Will have to see how it works out for shows.

Our group is documenting our experience and will be discussing with staff on board and eventually with corporate. I understand the boarding process was changed due to Noro but there was no reason for the cluelessness of the staff and the complete lack of benefits provided.

I did our our Meet and Mingle and Top Tier Event (since when does this include Gold?) letter and Drink Package cup in our room....which means that they could have put The Key paperwork in!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

WOW only 1 special hour each - in 7 days!😱

They sure royaled you!👎🙄

Edited April 13, 2019 by Thorben-Hendrik

[blueridgemama]

24 minutes ago, Thorben-Hendrik said:

WOW only 1 special hour each - in 7 days!😱

They sure royaled you!👎🙄

 

king of the emojis!

[Grenouille21]

2 hours ago, Cel_cruise said:

Boarded Symphony today 4/13... Noro on prior cruise delayed boarding 30 min.

Really really disappointed so far.

Arrived at terminal at 10:45. Check in was a zoo. Took a while to get thru security.

Before security they told us that we would go to The Key holding area and line when we got upstairs.

After security they would not let anyone go and made everyone wait together. It was a mess. And most workers after security had no idea what The Key was.

Then we finally got were upstairs - and they made us stand in another long line for my daughters Muster station tag.

From there - we got back in the line with everyone to board the ship. When we finally got on board to ding - we ask where to drop off luggage and the girl had no idea what The Key was and kept trying to tell us that they were at our room!! Ugh! Finally found someone to confirm to head to the theatre and which direction (it’s a little disorientating walking into the promenade not knowing which way is up and a gazillion people standing around!!).

Get to the theatre and they take our bags and then we went to Chops. Still no internet code. Enjoyed Chops but it did take a while. The food was good - we had no problem getting extra appetizers to try, our steaks were cooked well, and the dessert was yummy. A member of our group is celebrating a birthday - and they brought out the cheesecake and decorated the plate and sang to her. It was a nice touch.

When we finished lunch - we were able to go to our rooms. The rooms were nice.....BUT - there was NO KEY paperwork!!! Argh!!!

My friends did have it - so they helped us get connected to WiFi (no code needed - nice!) and shared the amenity sheet - it’s HORRID!!!



Key for Chops and Internet is good - but no boarding or amenities with it! Will have to see how it works out for shows.

Our group is documenting our experience and will be discussing with staff on board and eventually with corporate. I understand the boarding process was changed due to Noro but there was no reason for the cluelessness of the staff and the complete lack of benefits provided.

I did our our Meet and Mingle and Top Tier Event (since when does this include Gold?) letter and Drink Package cup in our room....which means that they could have put The Key paperwork in!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

As I think you are aware, this mirrors my experience with the private hours and lack of designated boarding for Key guests.  I am trying to communicate with RCI regarding our experience but so far no response.  Perhaps if a bunch of us complain together we might get a response.  

[Cel_cruise]

 
As I think you are aware, this mirrors my experience with the private hours and lack of designated boarding for Key guests.  I am trying to communicate with RCI regarding our experience but so far no response.  Perhaps if a bunch of us complain together we might get a response.  

I think you still had more than us! We don’t have the wristband or the option to cut the line even if we wanted to! I am hoping to talk to someone on board as well but our group will definitely be sending feedback and possibly asking for compensation.

All that being said - I do suspect that the reason for the lack of Flowrider time is due to private sessions....but it’s awfully frustrating how non-standard this program is across the fleet.


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[TheRisleyFamily2021]

4 hours ago, Cel_cruise said:

Boarded Symphony today 4/13... Noro on prior cruise delayed boarding 30 min.

Really really disappointed so far.

This is truly disappointing to read. As was already mentioned, after four months they have had plenty of time to educate the crew!  First the 'no show reservations needed" disappeared, and then the "daily" private hours.  Now the boarding amenities have gone < poof > (if they were ever in place to begin with!) And the private hours even more limited? Not what I signed up for, and dwindling daily.     I am reconsidering my Key purchase for our June and November cruises,  especially since the the Thanksgiving cruise will be PACKED with kids, as always. PLEASE keep posting, experienced Keyers !!

[kdeason912]

Can't remember what I've posted to date but went to the ice show on night 5 of our cruise and had reserved seats in the first 3 rows on the left side of the rink. We got there about 25 minutes early and there were very few people in that section. Getting off of Harmony in the AM so I'll post about how that goes. So far for us it has been worth it but reading other reviews I'm not sure I would trust it as the differences throughout the fleet seem very drastic! 

[Grenouille21]

4 hours ago, Cel_cruise said:

I think you still had more than us! We don’t have the wristband or the option to cut the line even if we wanted to! I am hoping to talk to someone on board as well but our group will definitely be sending feedback and possibly asking for compensation.

All that being said - I do suspect that the reason for the lack of Flowrider time is due to private sessions....but it’s awfully frustrating how non-standard this program is across the fleet.
 

 

 

One of the things that bothers me most about this is the inconsistent implementation, even on the same ship!  It really just seems like this is an idea that wasn't well thought out.  I am fine with the idea of a pay-to-play option for people who would benefit from the extras that are included.  But when those specific extras are NOT included, what are you even paying for?  

 

If they are not going to be able to offer private hours on FR because of private lessons, maybe they need to rethink offering that as a benefit?  

 

I just can't see The Key lasting much longer, especially as more people are sharing their actual experience.  

[seanjulz]

10 minutes ago, Grenouille21 said:

 

One of the things that bothers me most about this is the inconsistent implementation, even on the same ship!  It really just seems like this is an idea that wasn't well thought out.  I am fine with the idea of a pay-to-play option for people who would benefit from the extras that are included.  But when those specific extras are NOT included, what are you even paying for?  

 

If they are not going to be able to offer private hours on FR because of private lessons, maybe they need to rethink offering that as a benefit?  

 

I just can't see The Key lasting much longer, especially as more people are sharing their actual experience.  

They should of just left it as it was at the start and tried it for a year like that then looked at changing if they needed to the way it is now it changes week to week ship to ship

[Grenouille21]

10 minutes ago, seanjulz said:

They should of just left it as it was at the start and tried it for a year like that then looked at changing if they needed to the way it is now it changes week to week ship to ship

 

Or at least try it out on one or two ships for 6 months, during both slow and busy seasons, and make it known that it is a pilot program and changes may happen.  

[tcmagnum]

21 hours ago, TennisCruiser62 said:

 

Hi All,

Just off Anthem of the Seas this morning. Arrived at the Silk Dining room on deck 4 where they had a sign out for Key members only. One last time for them to bring you the food and to sit and relax. We took our time since we have a late afternoon flight. After we finished eating we were told to go to the Shore excursion desk for Key debarkation. I thought since we were getting off late (9:30am) the crowd would have disappeared. I was wrong! The two of us were escorted off the ship with a staff member carrying a KEY sign and we cut the lines following him. He took us down to luggage and to the special Key area which was being guarded by a staff member. Picked up our luggage, proceeded off the ship (there was a line of passengers waiting to get off the ship and an even longer line for security. He took us to a special security line which had absolutely no waiting. From there you are in your own. It was great, I can only imagine people having to wait in that security line for 30-45 min maybe?! They really make you feel special. 

The whole experience with the Key was great. Watched the shows from Key/Suite section. Never ever full except during The Gift show. 

Will report more after I have more down time. Time for a little shopping in New Jersey

 

Thank you for your personal experience.  Good or bad experience, that's what I'm looking for.

 

[kdeason912]

Can't remember what I've posted to date but went to the ice show on night 5 of our cruise and had reserved seats in the first 3 rows on the left side of the rink. We got there about 25 minutes early and there were very few people in that section. Got off Harmony this AM. We skipped breakfast as we were ready to hit the road. There was no line to get off the boat so the girl directing us off told us it would take longer if she sent us to the key area for escorted departure. We were off the boat and through customs in less than 20 minutes. The area for key luggage was in the very front of the luggage room just next to the star class luggage. Overall for us the experience was worth the money due to the early embarkation and reserved seating. I don't know that I would see much value on some of the smaller boats in the fleet. Hope I've provided some valuable info for those on the fence. Happy sailing!! 

[Keksie]

Serenade is a smaller ship and the Key was definitely worth it for us.  Even if they had a flow rider etc we would not have been interested in those activities anyway.  That is not why we got the Key.  What we did get it for, it worked exceptionally well. When we got to the port there was a small line before check in.  We told them we were Key and they gave us a card with a key on it to show.  We were escorted upstairs to wait with the suite people.  As soon as they boarded we were right behind.  Headed to the theater to drop of our back packs.  I had a small cross body purse for my phone, cash ad passports.  We had a wonderful lunch in Chops and then headed to our room.  There our wifi codes were waiting with a welcome letter.  The welcome letter had times for the rock wall but since we were not going to use the rock wall I didn't pay much attention to it.  During the 11 days we were on the ship we could go to the theater 10 minutes before the show and get our seats in the middle of the balcony.  Great sight lines and we have never wanted to be in the very front anyway so we were very happy with this part of the Key. We had fruit, cookies and desserts delivered during the cruise.  Some were because we are Diamond and some because of the Key.  I am not sure which was which.  The last evening we had a call from the Key people to schedule our walk off the next day.  We could pick 7:10 or 7:50.  We had late flights so picked 7:50.  We put our luggage out the night before.  The next morning we had a wonderful breakfast in the dining room.  At 7:50 an escort walked us down as a group to get our luggage then walked us to the front of the line for customs.  Very easy and fast.  This alone was worth it to me.  The last day has always stressed me out, with the windjammer packed, no place to sit, long lines, having to find our luggage in a huge group etc.  This time I was relaxed and happy.  If it is available for our trip next year on the same ship I will get it again.

[TheRisleyFamily2021]

14 minutes ago, Keksie said:

The last evening we had a call from the Key people to schedule our walk off the next day.  We could pick 7:10 or 7:50.

You have to schedule your departure? I thought one if the key benefits was breakfast and departure at your leisure? Am I missing something?

[kdeason912]

21 minutes ago, LiamsMommy2008 said:

You have to schedule your departure? I thought one if the key benefits was breakfast and departure at your leisure? Am I missing something?

Just got off of Harmony this morning and we could get off whenever we wanted. It must depend on the ship...

[TennisCruiser62]

14 hours ago, LiamsMommy2008 said:

This is truly disappointing to read. As was already mentioned, after four months they have had plenty of time to educate the crew!  First the 'no show reservations needed" disappeared, and then the "daily" private hours.  Now the boarding amenities have gone < poof > (if they were ever in place to begin with!) And the private hours even more limited? Not what I signed up for, and dwindling daily.     I am reconsidering my Key purchase for our June and November cruises,  especially since the the Thanksgiving cruise will be PACKED with kids, as always. PLEASE keep posting, experienced Keyers !!

 

My husband and I had a great experience with The Key. Just home from Anthem of the Seas Bahamas 7 day cruise yesterday.

*Embarkation at Cape Liberty, Bayonne was great. Special “The Key” line for security (a sign was out for Key members).

*Special Check—in line for Key guests. Here they slide you in to the next available agent

*since seapass cards are not issued at checkin (they will be waiting for you in your cabin at 1pm), you will get a Key bracelet to wear the first day so staff will know you are a key member. You can still order drinks etc. if you have a drink pkg. 

*sent to the Suites/Pinnacle door for boarding, no waiting. Just kept walking and following others straight onto the ship (we saw many people waiting in chairs to board

*Soon as you step foot on board you are directed to a table for Key members where you get your voom Internet codes and special Key activity hours. 

*next, we went to check in one carry on bag in the Royal theater. A line here of 4 people and only one check in person. (By the time we went to our cabin our carryon was already INSIDE THE CABIN, inside a closet.

*We explored the ship as we were an hour too early to go to Jaimie Oliver’s for lunch. We rode the bumper cars as it just opened. 

*Lunch at Jaimie’s started out great when there were only a few of us, as it started getting more and more crowded we saw less and less of our waiter! But the pasta was fantastic!

*After Jaimie’s (12:45ish) we decided to walk from deck 5 to deck 12 to see if our cabin was ready. Many people waiting by stairs to get into the hallways of their cabins. They must open from top to bottom as our floor and deck 11 were already opened for passengers and luggage waiting outside our door! 

*At first I was disappointed in the schedule for Key member times for the activities as there weren’t many but we took advantage of the hours they offered. The first Key member hour on Flowrider about a dozen of us showed up. This was my first time and the instructors were great at teaching you what to do. I was able to ride twice (2 tries each time). The second day for Key members only 5-6 of us showed up. It was great for me as I’m a first timer and just happy I got to try! Staff at both times always asked if you were a Key member and even asked the kids to show their key card. 

*Rock climbing, staff seemed a little more lenient. They asked if everyone was a Key member but never asked to show the card. Pretty sure a few kids were not cuz they didn’t answer. 15 min later another staff came and asked her coworker if we were all Key members and they guy didn’t seem to care and said yes. 

*iFly was awesome- NO ONE else showed up for iFly Key time. My husband and I had the time all to ourselves! (It was 11am on Nassau day, so people were probably on excursion). We’ve been before so only got off for a short time and back on to try iFly. We both got to go in twice and we asked the instructor to do a demo of her tricks. 

We did iFly again because we had a reservation that we booked earlier. That group we had 12 people so everyone had one turn each.

*Northstar was pretty busy. We had a reservation so we went at that time instead of the Key time. They have a reserved line and a standby line which we saw a few times people who were waiting in standby never able to get on. Next time is like to reserve a time when we are docked so you can see the island from above!

*Since there is only one Flowrider on Anthem, we saw at non-Key times that they split it in half by putting a bumper in the middle so you can have 2 people ride at the same time. 

*As far as the shows we never had a problem getting a good seat. For The Gift we sat in the reserved seating main level, rows 3-4 Center were blocked for Key. It was manned by a staff member as well as a sign and she did turn people away. The other shows we sat upstairs in the center, lots of reserved seating there. There were signs for diamond, pinnacle etc. but we’re told we can sit there. Many times the sign was there and I think only 1-2 shows did they have a staff member checking. 

*The Key also gave us priority debarkation at Port Canaveral and Cococay. We didn’t get off the ship at Port Canaveral. At Cococay, we asked where the key debarkation was and the officer told us where it was but said there was no line in the regular debarkation. She was right. The Key debarkation was at the other end of the ship which made for a longer walk on the pier.

*Voom Surf & Stream worked great at sea! I was able to download pics, send messages etc. no problem! 

*Debarkation day- we went to Silk for breakfast and that was very relaxing and quiet. It really was a dining room of only Key members. 

*After we finished breakfast, used the restroom and were ready to debark we went to The shore excursion desk were a staff member was waiting to escort us off the ship. Anthem was still calling debarkation numbers and were only up to 31 out of 93. He grabbed his Key sign and said to follow him. We cut across the line of people waiting to get off the ship to an officer who scanned us out right away. We proceeded to follow our guide to the Key luggage area, picked up our luggage and followed him to security where there was absolutely no waiting. We looked over at all the other passengers waiting in a long snake like line waiting to go thru security. It was a long line. He said goodbye to us there. Proceeded out, called Uber and were off to the mall. 

For us the Key worked great on the Anthem and seemed like most of the staff we encountered with were very aware of The Key program. 

 

 

 

[Keksie]

1 hour ago, LiamsMommy2008 said:

You have to schedule your departure? I thought one if the key benefits was breakfast and departure at your leisure? Am I missing something?

That is the way it was working on Serenade.  I think if you wanted to do walk off you could at any time but I don't think you have the escort. 

[TennisCruiser62]

1 hour ago, LiamsMommy2008 said:

You have to schedule your departure? I thought one if the key benefits was breakfast and departure at your leisure? Am I missing something?

On Anthem, no scheduled time. You just have to eat breakfast before 9-9:30am. You can be escorted when you are ready. 

[Cel_cruise]

Going to post this in my review and the Key thread.

After the Top Tier event we met with Adrian from Guest Services and asked if we could set up an appointment with him to discuss The Key. He said - let’s talk right now!

He asked our names and he immediately New my friends name because she had MANY issues this past week with RCI canceling The Key for her daughter room of 4. Ship and Shore side clearly communicated to each other before the cruise but no one got back to my friend for days! #ugh

He took a lot or notes and I fully expect some compensation, but he said we will also he getting an On Ship Survey On Day 6 and we will document everything there formally as well.

He said that we SHOULD have gotten the wrist bands and had that explained to us when we dropped off our carry on bags. We told him that the people before us and after us also didn’t get them. He is sending them to our rooms. I mentioned that it’s difficult that it’s so inconsistent across the fleet and he said they were still trying to work out what works best for each ship but he said it’s been fairly consistent on SOTS the past few weeks.

Also - we were all suited up for Ice Skating at 9:30am this morning - to find out after standing there for a while - that it was a misprint!! Skating is 9:30PM!! He acknowledged the misprint in our talks and apologized for it.

I will update as the story unfolds. I was polite when talking to Adrian and also said that while the compensation is appreciated in place of the services missed - I booked this specifically because it was spring break week and I wanted these conveniences and less headaches. I also let him know that it’s difficult to buy something or recommend it to others when it’s such an unknown and I would be hesitant to do so again in the future.



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[Cel_cruise]

One more random tidbit from SOTS - Key Members don’t have to check out towels!!?!? We show our card and they give them to us! No swiping or tracking! While I love the convenience of this - it has this free random sort of feel! Ha!


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[Thorben-Hendrik]

1 hour ago, Cel_cruise said:

One more random tidbit from SOTS - Key Members don’t have to check out towels!!?!? We show our card and they give them to us! No swiping or tracking! While I love the convenience of this - it has this free random sort of feel! Ha!


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That happens to everybody....their system is more for show than it is real...🙄