Other families, like mine, like to get the process started as soon as possible. Preferred boarding: You and your companions can board with Group 5. So, in practicality, what will that mean regarding boarding in Galveston? I immediately went to edit my check-in-time and was able to get a 12:00 check-in. Once you've booked a cruise, go to Royal Caribbean's site, log in to your account and click on "Cruise Planner." It's strictly a pay-to-play situation. If your documents are not yet available, check back soon. Im Shari. 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. Just like some land-based hotels, guests can expect to see an initial $100 pending charge or authorization on their credit card. 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. Yes, cruisers are no longer limited to the Happy Hour menu. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. If you dont plan on using the pools, you may not need nearly as many items as we do. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Second, you're spending extra money for a benefit that is not cheap. 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. 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. We enjoy being on the ship early to take advantage of as much time on board as possible. 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. is a journalist specializing in luxury family travel and the blogger behind The Daily Impressions. Royal Caribbean Embarkation Process & Tips for Boarding Day (4K) 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. When to Book Entertainment on Royal Caribbean. For additional packing tips and cruise hacks, check out our post on Royal Caribbean Tips for First Timers. In comparison, a standard ocean view balcony is currently going for $1,988 per person. After we completed this check-in procedure, our family sat in the waiting area until it was our turn to board the ship. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. We show you what the procedures on boarding day, as well as tips for a less-stressful check-in process at the cruise terminal, plus the top choices for lunch. At Port Canaveral we had to clear security before checkin. By Note, though, that seating is still first-come, first-served. In short, purchasing The Key package comes down to your budget and desire for some exclusive benefits. 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. 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. Autism Friendly Ships | Accessible Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises 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. We completed our Muster Drill requirements immediately after boarding. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. 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. They created a different line for the 12:30 to 1:00. So, how do you secure an early arrival time so that you can board the ship as soon as possible? Your link has been automatically embedded. If you already get a host of perks through being a high-status Crown & Anchor member or will be getting benefits through booking a suite, it might not be worth the money. Sky Suite Benefits - Royal Caribbean International - Cruise Critic Royal Caribbean typically allows cruisers to choose arrival times in thirty-minute blocks as shown in the image below. Cruise ships usually begin boarding an hour or two after all passengers from the previous voyage have left the ship. Confirmed: New Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society Changes Thanks, I didn't even think of that. It's available for a small additional cost without the need of booking the type of suite that offers similar perks. It has since expanded to all ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. A 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise onboard Rhapsody of the Seas that also departs in August . The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Your concierge will be able to assist. Are Royal Caribbean Internet Packages Worth It? The per-person cost varies based on your ship and the time that you choose to purchase the package. Royal Caribbean suitesprovide more than extra living space. The Key passes are bought online before you board the ship; you can't buy them once you board. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? 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. A 3-night cruise would get you 6 points, while a 7-night would get you 14. In 2018, Royal Caribbean rolled out "The Key." The Key is an optional add-on you can purchase to get VIP benefits, including an early check-in time. Below you will find a comprehensive list of all our suite benefits so you can choose the suite that best fits your cruise vacation. You cannot, for instance, order from the Main Dining Room menu to enjoy a private in-suite meal. Successfully completing the check-in process for you and those guests listed on your SetSail Pass will allow you to receive a SetSail Pass. If you are wanting an elevated cruising experience, you might be considering booking a suite on your next Royal Caribbean cruise. At 10:00, the doors to the terminal opened, and the suite guests were escorted to an elevator that took us to a separate security line. Youll also find a free printable cruise packing list! How early is too early for the porters to be there? A couple in front of us said they had the Genie and she said well it's too late. In Lauderdale it was different, this was pre covid, and suites/pinnacle etc had their own security check through. Embarkation day is often full of a lot of chaos and stress, especially if you are a first time cruiser. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Either way, you should have plenty of time to enjoy all the entertainment and activities onboard the ship. (driving in so coming from parking deck). How can I get my Royal Caribbean cruise boarding pass (SetSail Pass)? Your previous content has been restored. Royal Caribbean's Junior Suites don't have many perks over a regular Balcony Stateroom. Her whole family, including the oceanview cabin guests, were permitted to stand in the suite line. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. First, if you miss The Key check-in window, you have to fall back to whatever time you had before. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. This is where I saw it last and was dated 08/24/2021. 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. 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. 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. Suite & Pinnacle members have a separate waiting area and board first, after that all. We are Diamond+ and gota 1:30 check-in time. Royal Caribbean suites are impressive, with some even spanning two levels with a private jacuzzi, multiple bedrooms, and a personalized Royal Genie service. Priority embarkation is not available in Vancouver or ports in Australia, for example. There are a number of benefits of booking a suite on a Royal Caribbean ship. 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. You cannot paste images directly. 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. Since the online check-in time usually opens up at midnight (EST) 45 days before your cruise, youll want to login at this time. Tendering operations can often take hours to get all the passengers to shore, so this is a valuable benefit if your itinerary has multiple tender ports. Guests can choose boarding times in the afternoon or earlier times of 10:30 or 11:00. Once at the Muster Station, you just scan your SetSail Pass. Priority Embarkation for Diamond Members? - Royal Caribbean Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Successfully completing the check-in process for you and those guests listed on your SetSail Pass will allow you to receive a SetSail Pass. The new method has worked so well that it has largely remained in place for most cruise lines. Guests can choose boarding times in the afternoon or earlier times of 10:30 or 11:00. (He was right!) You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. I dont understand why people get upset when RCI clearly states on multiple locations to show-up during your check-in window. What port was this? 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. Check-in | Print Boarding Pass | Royal Caribbean Intl. How can you ensure youre prepared to start your vacation on the right foot? In theory, they never have to step foot in the Main Dining Room or Windjammer! Another tip for securing an early arrival time is to book a suite. For what ever reason when check-in times first became available the earliest time was 1:00. However, the cruise terminal in Miami did not open its doors until 10:00 am. 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). The perks include free WiFi, exclusive lounges, priority boarding, upgraded mattresses, in-stateroom coffee makers, and more. 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. This large room consisted of plenty of seating options, refreshments, and restrooms. For a 3-night vacation, you would earn 3 points, for a 7-night cruise, you would earn 7, and so on. Basically, it's your chance to get to the fun faster and receive VIP access to certain activities. Is your cruise visiting ports of call that must be accessed via a tender boat? Rude woman at the terminal said nope that line is full and we have to go into the long zig zagging line. Guests should arrive at the terminal within the arrival time slot you selected during Royal App check-in. Its important to note that these times that you choose during online check-in are only port arrival times. Certain hotels have resort fees. Paste as plain text instead, While offerings can change at any time, and usually vary slightly between ships, benefits of the Key Program usually include: Priority access to the terminal upon arrival at the port Carry on bag delivery to your stateroom Welcome lunch in the main dining room with selections from Chops Grille Please see my disclosure policy at the bottom of this page for more details.). All suites in the Royal Caribbean Suites program have access to certain benefits. The Redmonds are an active-duty military family, living in Las Vegas. When you are ready to experience Royal Caribbean's suite life, the Grand Suite is the first category of stateroom. Tip: When you receive your SeaPass card on board, there will be a small sticker on the card to verify your status. This allows us to keep our things organized and within easy access. Independence Of The Seas Rooms | Royal Caribbean Incentives 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. Where do I find my cruise reservation documents? This was a huge relief from the typical check-in desk with long check-in lines we have experienced in the past. Boarding Requirements FAQ | Royal Caribbean Cruises Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. You will then go straight to the section on choosing your arrival time and pick the one you want. 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. 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. (Make sure you watched and marked off the Safety video in the app the morning of your cruise.). As for when to arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day, the answer depends on your boarding time. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Royal Caribbean International allows cruisers to choose a port arrival time during online check-in. Should you use the porters to take your luggage on your cruise ship? How can I get my Royal Caribbean cruise boarding pass (SetSail Pass)? This was super fast and easy as the Muster Stations were all clearly labeled and close to where we walked onto the ship. The Royal Caribbean junior suites offer extra room for cruisers without the hefty price tag of a full suite. ago. You will not have to worry about arriving early and locating a seat, as the main theatre, Studio B, AquaTheatre, and Two70 all have reserved seating for suite guests. If boarding has started already they may or may not still maintain a priority lane for the Key. A All suites in the Royal Caribbean Suites program have access to certain benefits. Youll also find that the water slides dont have long lines at this time on embarkation day. Ultimate Guide To The Key on Royal Caribbean - Should Be Cruising Additionally, Star Class suites include complimentary gratuities, specialty dining and premium alcoholic beverages. 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. 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. We have been on two RCI cruises recently. 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. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Our family chose to eat lunch at Windjammer Marketplace after boarding. Clear editor. You should also receive an e-mail when your documents are ready. Grand Suites on Vision, Voyager, Radiance, and Freedom Class ships come with fewer perks than those on Oasis and Quantum ships. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Powered by Invision Community. We assumed we would need to wait. To enhance your experience even more, you could rent one of the cabanas at Barefoot Beach for an extra cost. 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. The Key is not sold on board the ship. Heres everything you need to know about the perks you can receive when staying in a Grand Suite. What does The Key include on Royal Caribbean? 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. This is by far the least crowded time to swim on the cruise ship. Offer ends 5/3/23. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. One perk of staying in a Grand Suite is that you will have access to complimentary backstage tours. What about an afternoon at the spa on a sea day? Instead, cruisers can pick from almost any cocktail, beer, and many wines. He also directed us on exactly where to go and made certain we understood we needed passports/identification documents. On arrival there is a clearly signed entrance for SUITES and The Key.. and this is a priority boarding area. Whats the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler? They come with a wide range of perks that are meant to maximize the value of your vacation through special privileges and upgraded amenities. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. If youre anything like us, we have a small family and always intend to spend 95% of our time out of our room. Like what you see? Guests who pay for this upgraded status typically receive priority access upon arrival on embarkation day. Royal Caribbean International Priority boarding Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! If you have a cruise booked with Royal Caribbean, you can typically check-in around 45 days before your sail date. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. If we are, do I just call for a new time? I would like to NOT repeat that, even if it means arriving much later or much earlier. Quote Done Members 534 Posted September 6, 2022 On 9/6/2022 at 4:33 AM, HeWhoWaits said: This was a really fast process that took less than five minutes. BTWcheck in time wasn't even used. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? Royal Caribbean asks its guests to arrive within their check-in window to avoid crowding in the terminal. Find the right card for you. (Each time you disembark or re-board in a port of call, youll also have to swipe your card, so keep it with you.). Some benefits may not be available on all sailings. If you think you want The Key, buy early, as the number of passes can vary by sailing. I pack my kids undergarments for them to put on after they swim. Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean's Junior Suites 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. It has grown into a website full of information on family vacation tips, kid friendly activities, homeschooling organization hacks, and so much more!

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