The Key VIP Pass?

[woods1967]

I have not cruised that much and have not done so for the past 5+ years. I have an upcoming cruise with RC and I see that they offer a VIP pass (the Key) and I was hoping to get input on the value of it when you cruise with RC. I think for the cruise it is $32.99 per day per person. They also have a Cafe select coffee card for $31 per person for the entire cruise. Is that a benefit?

 

Thank you.

[Biker19]

17 minutes ago, woods1967 said:

Is that that a benefit?

Welcome to CC.

Don't buy the coffee card till you get on board (same price as in the planner) and ask the barista how many punches per the drink you usually have - then do some simple math to see if it saves you any money.

Most of the time the Key only makes sense (financially) when the price is close (within $1-2) of a Voom (internet) package. The rest of the Key perks have quite a subjective personal value.

 

Edited March 30, 2023 by Biker19

[woods1967]

Thank you for the helpful feedback and insight!

[Rubyfisch]

I bought the Key as a solo traveler in December, even though it was a fair bit more than the internet.

 

I got it because it was my first post-restart cruise and my first solo cruise. I was really nervous about that time period between getting on and the rooms being opened and dealing with my carry on. I have no idea why I was nervous - I've traveled a ton, both on my own and not, but for some reason it was stressing me out, so I bought it. 

 

I was in Baltimore and there was effectively no line, so priority boarding didn't really matter. Dropping off my bag was great. Having lunch in the dining room was nice, but frankly, it was among my least favorite meals. I was on Enchantment, so I didn't really use any of the other perks. It was nice to go to the MDR and have breakfast and be escorted off the ship at the end.

 

In short, I didn't think the Key was a waste of money, but on my next cruise, I'm just going to book embarkation day lunch at Chops and buy the internet package.

[woods1967]

Rubyfisch--Thank you for your helpful comments on your personal experience.

[renza]

Absolutely no need for the key unless you are solo. For everyone in cabin to have to pay is nuts. You can get internet and share or if you do need more it is cheaper the more you buy. Check in is quick on all cruises especially oasis class. So it includes lunch with a chops menu in dining room. Do they hold your carry on. By the time you are done with lunch cabins open at 1 anyway. The times for flowrider, Rockwall, or zip line or offered during times know one would want to go, and it’s only offered 1-2 times for the week. Show seats are no difference for key guest. You still need to show up early to shows. Key is just a money maker for royal. Don’t bother 

[woods1967]

I appreciate your perspective and info!

[HaveWeMetYet]

2 hours ago, woods1967 said:

I have not cruised that much and have not done so for the past 5+ years. I have an upcoming cruise with RC and I see that they offer a VIP pass (the Key) and I was hoping to get input on the value of it when you cruise with RC. I think for the cruise it is $32.99 per day per person. They also have a Cafe select coffee card for $31 per person for the entire cruise. Is that a benefit?

 

Thank you.

The coffee card is more about convenance than saving money. You don't have to wait for a paper receipt to sign. Just punch and go wait. You will save a little depending on which drinks and the size you get.

[woods1967]

HaveWeMetYet-Thank you for the information. 

[ngrund]

1 hour ago, renza said:

 By the time you are done with lunch cabins open at 1 anyway.

100%.

 

We had the Key on Oasis Mar-5 sailing. Got it mostly for the internet and reserved seating in the shows since I knew sailing was at full capacity.

 

The Key lunch was very good, once we finished, we figured we'd go check on the room-as we were hitting the call button for the elevator, the room ready announcement was made over the PA