royal caribbean priority boardingroyal caribbean priority boarding

There are several other tricks like completing check-in online or via your cruise lines mobile app before you show up that you can employ to speed up the embarkation process. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). I am a stay-at-home mom with an amazing husband and two little girls who keep me busy with gymnastics, soccer, and swimming. Morethan a few people were not happy about it during the short time we were inline outside. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. However, the cruise terminal in Miami did not open its doors until 10:00 am. You can always show up at the terminal early and hope they arent enforcing check-in times. 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. Her whole family, including the oceanview cabin guests, were permitted to stand in the suite line. Sure, it's not a must-purchase program but it is a fantastic option to have. Purchases made onboard over the initi *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions. You can even start using your drink packages right away to help you get into vacation mode even faster! Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Ask when should I arrive for my cruise? and you likely mean one of two things: When should you arrive in your ships departure port city before your sailing or when should you arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day? Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: The Key - A Faster Way to the Fun Do you know about when you'd like to sail? While the exact tour will vary, you will most likely be taken to see the bridge, galley, and/or theatre. When something like this happens, I look for a Royal Caribbean employee and not one of temporary people scattered around the terminal. I don't even ask, I go to the Suite line and stay there. Usually, guests who book The Key are allowed to check-in with the first group (an exact time will be emailed later). Royal Caribbean typically allows cruisers to choose arrival times in thirty-minute blocks as shown in the image below. 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. He also directed us on exactly where to go and made certain we understood we needed passports/identification documents. A couple in front of us said they had the Genie and she said well it's too late. You will then go straight to the section on choosing your arrival time and pick the one you want. This was super fast and easy as the Muster Stations were all clearly labeled and close to where we walked onto the ship. The Key passes are bought online before you board the ship; you can't buy them once you board. Priority boarding from a TA usually means nothing. Cruise boarding times: How early should you arrive for a cruise - The Below you will find a comprehensive list of all our suite benefits so you can choose the suite that best fits your cruise vacation. 30 Best Things to Do in Downtown Gatlinburg (2023), 35 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee (2023), 89 Free Things to Do on Oasis of the Seas, Best Things to Do in Labadee (from Beaches to Excursions), 53 Royal Caribbean Tips and Tricks You Need to Know. That way, you have time to rebook yourself on a different flight if something goes wrong. We are Diamond+ and gota 1:30 check-in time. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We found our SeaPass cards in the room, which are used during the cruise as your room key, identification, credit card, etc. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. First, we will go over the benefits available for all guests in Grand Suites, then we will go into the specifics of the perks on Oasis and Quantum ships: Embarkation and disembarkation is already hectic enough. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. That being said, the number of available suites will be fewer on older ships. So effectively to make the most of it, arrive as early as you can. How early is too early for the porters to be there? At the Seattle and at the Galveston Terminal they had various lines for the allotted times. In short, purchasing The Key package comes down to your budget and desire for some exclusive benefits. All rights reserved. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! 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. The trick is knowing when that will be. They are larger, especially on the newer ships in the fleet. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. In 2018, Royal Caribbean rolled out "The Key." Once inside whether there continues to be separation for the Key depends on when you arrive. For additional packing tips and cruise hacks, check out our post on Royal Caribbean Tips for First Timers. First, we recommend choosing your port arrival time before completing anything else during online check in. In the weeks leading up to your cruise, be sure to complete online check-in. What Food Is Included on a Royal Caribbean Cruise? Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? 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. We assumed we would need to wait. 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. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! This will help you make the most out of your day in port. Note that The Key is not offered on all Royal Caribbean ships. Terms and Conditions Apply. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. 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. Some benefits may not be available on all sailings. As for Royal Caribbean opening up additional earlier times, it's not usually the case. (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. Check-in opens up 45 days before your cruise begins. For an additional fee starting at $24.99 USD per person/per day, children under six years of age are free, Royal Caribbean cruisers can add on a host of additional concierge-level benefits including: Priority Check-In at Boarding; Carry-on Luggage Drop Off; Luggage Delivery to Stateroom; Dining here offers a more intimate experience than elsewhere on the ship. There is no priority queue in the ART test area, for Singapore. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Many terminals have a separate seating area in the terminal for Suites and Pinnacle if you arrive before the ship has commenced boarding. 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. So, anyone in the wrong line was asked to move. *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions. We are Crown and Anchor Diamond and I'm wondering if we qualify for priority check in. Priority Embarkation for Diamond Members? - Royal Caribbean Instead, cruisers can pick from almost any cocktail, beer, and many wines. Since October 2022, at Cape Liberty in Bayonne boarding times are not being looked at much less enforced. There's no way to know that's happened without checking manually. Since the online check-in time usually opens up at midnight (EST) 45 days before your cruise, youll want to login at this time. Export it as JPEG to use on the web. If boarding has started already they may or may not still maintain a priority lane for the Key. Your carry-on bags pass through a scanner, and you must walk through a metal detector. 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. Royal Caribbean Junior Suite Perks | Royal Caribbean Blog When will it be available? Is Royal Caribbean's "priority access" package worth the price? TPG Another tip for securing an early arrival time is to book a suite. Youll also find that the water slides dont have long lines at this time on embarkation day. 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. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. The latter often includes a separate sitting area with snacks and drinks. It has since expanded to all ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. What are the benefits of the Royal Caribbean Suites program? Is your cruise visiting ports of call that must be accessed via a tender boat? Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? Ships usually start boarding shortly after the final passenger has disembarked from the previous sailing, usually between 10 and 11 a.m. Adhering to your assigned embarkation time will help to keep the boarding process running smoothly. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. 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. Priority Boarding (?) - Royal Caribbean International - Cruise Critic Display as a link instead, How can I get my Royal Caribbean cruise boarding pass (SetSail Pass)? Your Key purchase is noted on your card by a special icon. Just sharing that they are there but that was unusual circumstances, and not recommended. Our family chose to eat lunch at Windjammer Marketplace after boarding. Royal Caribbean suitesprovide more than extra living space. After scanning carry ons, up another escalator and board the ship or wait to board? Tip: When you receive your SeaPass card on board, there will be a small sticker on the card to verify your status. 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 must purchase The Key package online in advance of your sailing. Royal Caribbean Plush Bathrobes for Use Onboard. Luxury Pillow Top Mattress. So, in practicality, what will that mean regarding boarding in Galveston? We were at the port ~10:20 and our boarding time was 12:30-1pm. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. Port personnel continued to check our line to make sure only 12:00 to 12:30 passengers were in the line. In comparison, a standard ocean view balcony is currently going for $1,988 per person. How can I get my Royal Caribbean cruise boarding pass (SetSail Pass)? VisitRoyal Suite Classto learn more. dr martini 1 Quote JazzBassMan Members 89 LocationVirginia Posted March 5 This was my pass from Odyssey from my Apple Wallet. Note that the menu is similar to those of the Main Dining Room; however, you will not have to wait for a table or fight the crowds in the Windjammer! You can post now and register later. 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. has spent more than 15 years writing about travel, with particular emphasis on cruises. What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships? Do you know about when you'd like to sail? 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. When you complete online check-in, you will be assigned a check-in time. Are Royal Caribbean Internet Packages Worth It? Will holds be placed on my credit card when I create an onboard account. This online check-in is when you choose your port arrival time. If your clothing got wrinkled in your suitcase, you have the chance to get a complimentary pressing on your itinerary's first formal night. On one no one ever asked anyone to show their check-in time while on the other one, they strictly enforced the check-in times. 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. Second, you're spending extra money for a benefit that is not cheap. Note that some benefits that Grand Suite guests have on other ships are not available to those on Quantum and Oasis Class. You can then save this information and complete the rest of the check-in process at a later date. Royal Caribbean Cruise Cabins and Suites Guide Inside the building everyone wore a mask. Like what you see? Her favorite cities include London; Amsterdam; Krakow, Poland; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Dawson City, Yukon; and anywhere known for outstanding pizza and theater. For an extra-special journey, select Royal Suite Class, with . 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). priority boarding? - Royal Caribbean International - Cruise Critic You will also get complimentary VOOM, so you do not have to worry about being disconnected or paying extra for a Wi-Fi package! Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Whats the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler? Additionally, Star Class suites include complimentary gratuities, specialty dining and premium alcoholic beverages. In cases where you dont receive a keycard at check-in, it will be waiting for you either at your cabin door or inside your room. 1 download. For what ever reason when check-in times first became available the earliest time was 1:00. When you arrive at the terminal facility in your port of embarkation, you can expect the scene to be chaotic. On arrival there is a clearly signed entrance for SUITES and The Key.. and this is a priority boarding area. If you are driving yourself, they may not let you enter the parking if you are too early. This was a huge relief from the typical check-in desk with long check-in lines we have experienced in the past. Thanks, I didn't even think of that. Priority boarding - Royal Caribbean International - Cruise Critic Community 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. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. As of April 2023, Wonder of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's newest ship and holds the title for the largest cruise ship in the world. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. (Make sure you watched and marked off the Safety video in the app the morning of your cruise.). Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. There are a number of benefits of booking a suite on a Royal Caribbean ship. Basically, it's your chance to get to the fun faster and receive VIP access to certain activities. In this post, we will walk you through the whole embarkation process so that youre prepared for your first day on board. This allows us to keep our things organized and within easy access. You'll want to do this as early as you can in order to get an early check-in time and avoid wasting time in the cruise terminal. You can read more about me here-Meet Shari. BTWcheck in time wasn't even used. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. It debuted as a pilot program on Liberty of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas in late 2018. Royal Caribbean suites provide a range of benefits that can greatly enhance your cruise experience, from an exclusive suites-only lounge to private dining experiences and priority embarkation. . Alternatively, if you have upper-tier loyalty status, youre booked in a high-end suite or youve purchased one of several perks packages (like Carnival Cruise Lines Faster to the Fun, Royal Caribbean Internationals The Key or Norwegian Cruise Lines Priority Access), you can arrive at any time to take advantage of priority boarding or special embarkation lounge access to make your wait more comfortable. After check-in, youll head up the gangway and onto the ship, where security will scan your card to log that youve boarded. It makes sense that you would want to see as many shows as possible! (driving in so coming from parking deck). You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. 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. If you live within driving distance of your departure port, its acceptable to make your way there the same day your ship leaves unless youre looking at a multi-hour ride and dont want to cut it too close to boarding time. You will not have to worry about missing out on the delicious offering in the Main Dining Room since you have the ability to order straight from the menu and have it delivered! 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. Ultimate Guide To The Key on Royal Caribbean - Should Be Cruising In addition to breakfast, Grand Suite (and above) guests are also offered private seating for lunch. Note that boarding did come to a stop at one point. 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.