The $13 allotment coves almost any drink, including martinis at the Schooner Bar. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. I immediately went to edit my check-in-time and was able to get a 12:00 check-in. For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter. Do junior suites get priority boarding on Royal Caribbean? I hear that some people have managed to get earlier times by constantly checking via the RCL App. 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. All rights reserved. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. You can read more about me here-Meet Shari. In my opinion, this is not a one-size-fits-all package. When I approach the terminal I drop my bags with porters is that right? Read more:Heres what The Key is (and why some cruisers like it). 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. As for Royal Caribbean opening up additional earlier times, it's not usually the case. How can I get my Royal Caribbean cruise boarding pass (SetSail Pass)? This is where I saw it last and was dated 08/24/2021. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. So according to this, suite guests are allowed to check-in up to 60 minutes before or after the 30 minute selected check-in window. While showing up early can be a problem, coming in later is not as much of a concern. However, the cruise terminal in Miami did not open its doors until 10:00 am. The porter told us our luggage should be in our cabin fairly early since we were some of the first to arrive at the ship. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. So, how do you secure an early arrival time so that you can board the ship as soon as possible? Just like some land-based hotels, guests can expect to see an initial $100 pending charge or authorization on their credit card. 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. It has grown into a website full of information on family vacation tips, kid friendly activities, homeschooling organization hacks, and so much more! 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. 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. 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. Purchases made onboard over the initi *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. The Key access can also vary, depending on itinerary. On the latter two classes, Royal Caribbean introduced what is known as the Royal Suite Class. In the aftermath of the pandemic, lines began assigning boarding times to passengers or, more commonly, asking them to choose the window of time that theyd prefer in order to stagger the crowds. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Signage for The Key will usually be found at the terminal where you embark and also at various points around the ship. 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). Then, the dads in our group took the kids to the pool so that they could swim in virtually empty swimming areas. Royal Caribbean suitesprovide more than extra living space. Successfully completing the check-in process for you and those guests listed on your SetSail Pass will allow you to receive a SetSail Pass. Many terminals have a separate seating area in the terminal for Suites and Pinnacle if you arrive before the ship has commenced boarding. Went into a door that moved us ahead of that line but through the same security checkpoint as everyone else. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. My kids wear their bathing suits onto the ship underneath their clothes. The Royal Loft Suite on Quantum of the Seas You can also do it via the website Cruise Planner check-in process: As with most cruises, the newer the ship, the most the suite will cost. 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. Then, we walked right into the suite waiting area. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. (Although its not required, its nice to give a dollar or two per bag as a tip.) Her favorite cities include London; Amsterdam; Krakow, Poland; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Dawson City, Yukon; and anywhere known for outstanding pizza and theater. We found our SeaPass cards in the room, which are used during the cruise as your room key, identification, credit card, etc. With additional perks such as concierge service, priority boarding and departure privileges, and dedicated entertainment seating, everything you need for a lavish voyage is at your fingertips. The Key is not sold on board the ship. Dining here offers a more intimate experience than elsewhere on the ship. A Grand Suite on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Wonder of the Seas departing in June 2024 starts at $7,145 per person, based on double occupancy. First, if you miss The Key check-in window, you have to fall back to whatever time you had before. Royal Caribbean typically allows cruisers to choose arrival times in thirty-minute blocks as shown in the image below. My 3 cruises have been less than 40% fill. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, The Key, Royal Caribbean's Priority Program, 8 Reasons to Cruise on a Refurbished Ship, What to Expect on a Cruise: Boarding a Cruise Ship, 10 Things to Know About Cruising on Empress of the Seas, Priority check-in and boarding (with some exceptions), Ability to store carry-on luggage in the main dining room from boarding until 1:30p.m. when it's delivered to your cabin, Welcome lunch in the main dining room on embarkation day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., featuring a menu from Chops Grille, Voom internet with Surf & Stream for one device per Key cruiser, Specialty seating at shows and events in the main theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B and Two70 (reservations needed for Oasis- and Quantum-class ships), Special access hours for onboard attractions, such as the zipline, FlowRider, rock climbing wall, Ultimate Abyss, North Star, iFly and the ice rink, Priority line at ship attractions and water slides during regular hours, Priority access off the ship to the shore in port, Exclusive a la carte breakfast from 6:30a.m. to 9:30a.m. on debarkation morning, Special Key luggage tags that put your suitcases in a special area in Customs when you disembark. First, Royal Caribbean is now allowing guests to use the vouchers for any drink up to $13. Basically, it's your chance to get to the fun faster and receive VIP access to certain activities. Then once inside, up some stairs and someone checks our check in from the app and if ok we move to scanning carry ons? Have you ever wanted to get a behind-the-scenes look of a cruise ship? The big day is approaching, and youre finally getting ready to head to the cruise port and board your ship. This place and your collective experiences pays off again! This was a really fast process that took less than five minutes. We are Crown and Anchor Diamond and I'm wondering if we qualify for priority check in. Our hotel shuttle offered us a choice of times for departure. You can also do it via the website Cruise Planner check-in process: Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can follow her daily exploits, both at sea and on land, on Instagram or Twitter @slyjabroni. Once we check in, the cruise will seem real! First time cruisers: What time to get to the cruise port for your Royal Caribbean cruise? You'll need to buy The Key for every guest in the cabin (age 6 and above) for every night of the cruise. A couple in front of us said they had the Genie and she said well it's too late. Priority check-in and boarding (with some exceptions) Ability to store carry-on luggage in the main dining room from boarding until 1:30 p.m. when it's delivered to your cabin Welcome lunch. Since your luggage isnt guaranteed to arrive in your room before dinner, youll want to make sure you have everything you need ahead of time. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Savings on in-flight purchases: Receive a 25% discount on in-flight food and beverage purchases when you use your credit card to . Powered by Invision Community. Suit guest had separate check-in area with a short line and it appeared they were letting them in the building. We were on the Oasis last week. If you are driving yourself, they may not let you enter the parking if you are too early. Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. In that post, we provide tips for staying organized and packing for your trip. On the Cruise Critic boards, people have reported paying between $19.99 to $29.99 and even up to $37 per day for each person in the cabin. For additional packing tips and cruise hacks, check out our post on Royal Caribbean Tips for First Timers. If your documents are not yet available, check back soon. Unfortunately the choices were all 10am. As with most cruises, the newer the ship, the most the suite will cost. When can I check-in for my Royal Caribbean cruise? Same questions on The Key at this point. VisitRoyal Suite Classto learn more. Youll need a plan for getting to the port and some knowledge about the embarkation process, including your cruise ship boarding time. (Honest Review)Continue, Read More How does Royal Caribbean Royal Up Work?Continue, Read More What Food Is Included on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?Continue, Read More Are Royal Caribbean Internet Packages Worth It?Continue, Read More When to Book Entertainment on Royal CaribbeanContinue, Your email address will not be published. I pack my kids undergarments for them to put on after they swim. Your concierge will be able to assist. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. . ago. Our Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Ocean View/ Panoramic (No Balcony) Suites, and Owners Suites all receive priority boarding, and our Royal Suite and Villa Suite guests are escorted onboard by an officer. 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. 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. On arrival there is a clearly signed entrance for SUITES and The Key.. and this is a priority boarding area. 1 download. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. It's strictly a pay-to-play situation. If youve already checked in online, the process will be faster. If we are, do I just call for a new time? 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. Last time we arrived at 12 noon and stood in line for 21/2 hours. Your carry-on bags pass through a scanner, and you must walk through a metal detector. They have some of the same benefits as those staying in Grand Suites on other ships, such as the concierge service, priority boarding and departure, reserved seating for shows (although reservations are required), Suite Lounge access withcomplimentary hors doeuvres and cocktails each evening, dedicated suites-only sun deck,bathrobes for onboard use, luxury mattress and bathroom amenities, and aLavazza Espresso Coffee Machine. (If youre someone who prefers to spend as much time as possible on board, you can elect to choose an earlier boarding time, but be warned that there could be long lines and wait times.). Other families, like mine, like to get the process started as soon as possible. Check-in opens up 45 days before your cruise begins. 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. Lines here? With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! A few weeks before our cruise one of ourcruise critic members posted that they were able to change there check-in time to 12:00. 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. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. While the exact tour will vary, you will most likely be taken to see the bridge, galley, and/or theatre. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Then proceed to the Terminal A Entrance and is this where lines will be based on boarding time? For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. They started letting us into the building a few at a time at 11:45. You can easily loop back around to park after dropping off the luggage. In comparison, Wonder of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, has 28. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? We make sure to pack several items in our backpack, which I will include below: Youll notice that many of the items listed above are needed because our kids swim on embarkation day. What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships? Check here before booking an award fare. It's available for a small additional cost without the need of booking the type of suite that offers similar perks. Indulge in one of Royal Caribbean's luxurious suites for the ultimate at-sea experience. *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions. Knowing this, we decided to reserve a shuttle service to pick us up at our Miami hotel at 9:30 on embarkation day. If you are wanting to maximize your suite benefits, this is a great way to do so, as evening gowns and suits usually cost between $7.50 and $15.00 per item for everyone else on the ship. Certain hotels have resort fees. While this isnt necessarily the time in which you will board the ship, it is a good indicator of when you will be allowed to embark. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. In the weeks leading up to your cruise, be sure to complete online check-in. You should also receive an e-mail when your documents are ready. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. 5 minutes later, they included Jr suites also. 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. I've only been there prior to boarding beginning and at that time they had all the Key grouped in seats together and they escorted them by groups to board the ship. But how early can you board the cruise ship? 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. Absolutely! During our cruise with Royal Caribbean this past December, we decided to purchase The Key package to determine if it's really worth the price. Most cruise terminals enforce the boarding times, but occasionally you find situations where a particular pier agent doesn't pay attention to the check-in time or say anything about it. Can I book back-to-back cruises at this time? Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Is your cruise visiting ports of call that must be accessed via a tender boat? Since the online check-in time usually opens up at midnight (EST) 45 days before your cruise, youll want to login at this time. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. The new method has worked so well that it has largely remained in place for most cruise lines. With 24/7 complimentary room service, you can order salads, pasta, quesadillas, burgers, and more whenever you would like without incurring the $7.95 delivery fee and 18% service charge. ** 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. Preferred boarding: You and your companions can board with Group 5. Since October 2022, at Cape Liberty in Bayonne boarding times are not being looked at much less enforced. Rude woman at the terminal said nope that line is full and we have to go into the long zig zagging line. 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. The porters will be there, but they're busy getting to departing passengers moved out. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Get there before 11am and you will wait upstairs until the ship is cleared and boarding starts at around 11:30. Whether The Key package is worth it depends on the type of traveler you are. Royal Caribbean International Priority boarding Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Royal Caribbean suites are impressive, with some even spanning two levels with a private jacuzzi, multiple bedrooms, and a personalized Royal Genie service. PLEASE NOTE:We are hard at work uplifting our cruises for the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities in which we operate. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Just sharing that they are there but that was unusual circumstances, and not recommended. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. 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. Depending on the arrival time you chose during online check-in, you can show up at the cruise terminal as early as 10:00 am for your cruise vacation. Our check-ln time was 12:00 to 12:30. You cannot, for instance, order from the Main Dining Room menu to enjoy a private in-suite meal. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. In the last two months I took 3 cruises. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Below you will find a comprehensive list of all our suite benefits so you can choose the suite that best fits your cruise vacation. They will help with anything from booking shore excursions and dining reservations at specialty restaurants, to settling billing discrepancies, checking in for your return flight, and escorting you off the ship on disembarkation day. Grand Suites on Vision, Voyager, Radiance, and Freedom Class ships come with fewer perks than those on Oasis and Quantum ships. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. Youll also find a free printable cruise packing list! First and foremost, can you book a Grand Suite on any cruise? On the cruise they didnt enforce check-in times there was less than 1000 passengers on the ship. We were technically allowed to arrive an hour before this 10:30 slot since we were suite guests. 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. Read More Honest Review of CocoCay Beach CabanasContinue, Read More Are the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Worth It? Related: 27 cruise ship embarkation day dos and donts. Should you use the porters to take your luggage on your cruise ship? From the website: All suites in the Royal Caribbean Suites program have access to certain benefits. But what time do cruises board, and is there a best time to board a cruise ship? Read reviews from Cruise Critic members who have already used The Key on their sailings. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. They are larger, especially on the newer ships in the fleet. I dont understand why people get upset when RCI clearly states on multiple locations to show-up during your check-in window. For an extra-special journey, select Royal Suite Class, with . Luxury Pillow Top Mattress. In this post, we will walk you through the whole embarkation process so that youre prepared for your first day on board. We will also provide tips for scoring the earliest boarding time on Royal Caribbean based on our recent experience on the Oasis of the Seas at the cruise terminal in Port of Miami. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Inside the building everyone wore a mask. Is there any special line at this point for The Key? Buying The Key package instead of booking a suite is an awesome way to receive some VIP benefits at a more affordable price. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Plus, Grand Suite guests are able to eat here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Like what you see? Either way, you should have plenty of time to enjoy all the entertainment and activities onboard the ship. This didnt take long at all, and our whole group was onboard the ship shortly after 11:00. Pasted as rich text. Guess I am wondering if having "priority" will shorten boarding all that much. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. At both ports theywere doing the 2:30 people by 1:00 as the lines move fast. They also re-wear their embarkation clothes since this first day is typically not dressy at all. Her whole family, including the oceanview cabin guests, were permitted to stand in the suite line. However, once you finally arrive at the port and board the ship, all your worries are washed away. The online check-in process is super simple and consists of filling out personal information among other tasks. If you are on a Voyager, Freedom, Oasis, or Quantum Class ship, you will have a reserved section of the pool deck that is saved for suite guests. Show more Royal Caribbean. A second way to grab an early port arrival time is by purchasing The Key. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. 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. Like what you see? There are a few tricks to scoring early arrival times if you are eager to be one of the first passengers on the ship. If not, just leave blank, Royal Caribbean bathrobes (for onboard use only), Suite Lounge/Concierge Club access with horsdoeuvres and cocktails every evening), Priority dining, spa, and shore excursion bookings, Ability to order from the Main Dining Room for in-suite dining (during operating hours), Private breakfast and lunch seating (location varies by ship and sailing), Complimentary pressing on first formal night. A Grand Suite on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Wonder of the Seas departing in June 2024 starts at $7,145 per person, based on double occupancy. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. It is their job to help make your cruise and suite experience as enjoyable as possible. If you are talking about Terminal A at Port of Miami, you will drive around to the drop-off/pick-up area and offload your luggage with a porter. Some families prefer to arrive in the afternoon, so they dont have to navigate crowds at the terminal. Read on to find out the answers, as well as when you should plan to arrive in your departure city before you set sail. 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. I intend to cushion the drive heavily and in the absence of any on road issues we'll roll in well before even the earliest check in time. Offer ends 5/3/23. In short, purchasing The Key package comes down to your budget and desire for some exclusive benefits. The Key is available on all Royal Caribbean ships. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. This benefit will only be applicable to those whose itinerary includes a stop in Labadee, Haiti. If you have a cruise booked with Royal Caribbean, you can typically check-in around 45 days before your sail date. Even if you have cruised before, never underestimate the benefits of a concierge. Are Royal Caribbean Internet Packages Worth It? In fact, balconies on older ships are far less, too. They come with a wide range of perks that are meant to maximize the value of your vacation through special privileges and upgraded amenities. Clear editor. From the Cruise Planner, click toedit your check-in: If there are no better times to select, just close out of the website -- all your existing information is saved. Thanks, I didn't even think of that. Since we were in a suite, we were able to stand in the super short line on the right. 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. All suites in the Royal Caribbean Suites program have access to certain benefits. By As far as your check in time. 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.

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