has spent more than 15 years writing about travel, with particular emphasis on cruises. Your carry-on bags pass through a scanner, and you must walk through a metal detector. 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. A All suites in the Royal Caribbean Suites program have access to certain benefits. So, how do you secure an early arrival time so that you can board the ship as soon as possible? The perks include free WiFi, exclusive lounges, priority boarding, upgraded mattresses, in-stateroom coffee makers, and more. All rights reserved. What Food Is Included on a Royal Caribbean Cruise? If your clothing got wrinkled in your suitcase, you have the chance to get a complimentary pressing on your itinerary's first formal night. Suffice to say, the pricing of a Grand Suite can vary. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. If youre catching a plane, when to fly in for your cruise depends on several factors. Royal Caribbean asks its guests to arrive within their check-in window to avoid crowding in the terminal. 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. Went into a door that moved us ahead of that line but through the same security checkpoint as everyone else. Check-in opens up 45 days before your cruise begins. You will also get complimentary VOOM, so you do not have to worry about being disconnected or paying extra for a Wi-Fi package! 5 minutes later, they included Jr suites also. 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. 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. Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer arriving in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 p.m. By then, the morning rush of me first passengers has usually died down, and it allows enough time between your arrival at the port and all aboard, the cutoff for when all passengers and crew must be on the vessel. Employees come over to make you show that you are in a suite. Since we were in a suite, we were able to stand in the super short line on the right. 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. 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. 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. We were at the port ~10:20 and our boarding time was 12:30-1pm. This allows us to keep our things organized and within easy access. Signage for The Key will usually be found at the terminal where you embark and also at various points around the ship. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Royal Caribbean suites are impressive, with some even spanning two levels with a private jacuzzi, multiple bedrooms, and a personalized Royal Genie service. Follow signs for the applicable arrival channel, whether that be parking or drop-offs via taxis, Ubers and shuttles. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. . Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. In comparison, Wonder of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, has 28. Why is check-in not available for my cruise? 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. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. While outside in line lots of people were unmasked. In addition to breakfast, Grand Suite (and above) guests are also offered private seating for lunch. All suites in the Royal Caribbean Suites program have access to certain benefits. Here, suite guests can relax on the suites-only Barefoot Beach. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a5bba5e9528c15d27c649f19a0dc456c" );document.getElementById("d5aa0859c9").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. You'll need to buy The Key for every guest in the cabin (age 6 and above) for every night of the cruise. 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. They did not know &asked someone else who said no. Our hotel shuttle offered us a choice of times for departure. While the exact tour will vary, you will most likely be taken to see the bridge, galley, and/or theatre. Either way, I recommend purchasing travel insurance (through a third party, not through your cruise line) that will protect your investment if something happens and you miss your ship. Port personnel continued to check our line to make sure only 12:00 to 12:30 passengers were in the line. Second, you're spending extra money for a benefit that is not cheap. 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. 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. The entertainment offerings onboard Royal Caribbean ships are some of the best at sea. Take one 10 night cruise solo in a JS and you will be. For our four-day itinerary out of Miami on Navigator of the Seas and a family of three, the total cost for our package (two adults) was around $159. For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. Once we walked to the entrance of Terminal Building A, we saw two separate lines: a LONG line on the left and a short line on the right. 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. *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions. A 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise onboard Rhapsody of the Seas that also departs in August . Preferred boarding: You and your companions can board with Group 5. 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. Since you can only order from the Main Dining Room menu when it is open, it is likely that you might find yourself caving an in-suite snack outside of their operational hours. Read reviews from Cruise Critic members who have already used The Key on their sailings. Another tip for securing an early arrival time is to book a suite. By If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Our hotel (Intercontinental Miami) was a short 15-minute drive to the Port of Miami. You can then save this information and complete the rest of the check-in process at a later date. Youll also find that the water slides dont have long lines at this time on embarkation day. (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.). The big day is approaching, and youre finally getting ready to head to the cruise port and board your ship. Instead, cruisers can pick from almost any cocktail, beer, and many wines. 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; If you are driving yourself, they may not let you enter the parking if you are too early. Whether this is your first cruise or youre a seasoned pro, we hope you have a great trip! Got on board in Galveston this past Sunday and the only thing suite did for us was save us walking to the end and getting into that line. What about an afternoon at the spa on a sea day? Several years ago, I decided to start this blog to document our family trips. Embarkation day is often full of a lot of chaos and stress, especially if you are a first time cruiser. When you are ready to experience Royal Caribbean's suite life, the Grand Suite is the first category of stateroom. We completed our Muster Drill requirements immediately after boarding. Related: 27 cruise ship embarkation day dos and donts. This will help you make the most out of your day in port. (driving in so coming from parking deck). You must purchase The Key package online in advance of your sailing. With The Key, you don't need to splurge on a suite or have Royal Caribbean status in order to get these perks. We are local and had to be dropped off once just before 7:30 and the porters were there and took our bags. Our family chose to eat lunch at Windjammer Marketplace after boarding. Many guests are curious how early they can board a Royal Caribbean ship on embarkation day, so here is a guide for what to expect. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? We assumed we would need to wait. My 3 cruises have been less than 40% fill. Normally, you get one Crown & Anchor loyalty point for each night of the cruise. 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. Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. mimi217, October 3, 2021 in Royal Caribbean International. When staying in a Grand Suite, however, you will be eligible for priority boarding and departure. Depending on when you go to select a time, there will be variety of 30 minute windows for you to choose from. Guests can choose boarding times in the afternoon or earlier times of 10:30 or 11:00. But what time do cruises board, and is there a best time to board a cruise ship? That seems like a lot to save an hour or two on embarkation day. What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships? Suite guests still need to get a check-in time for their sailing, butusuallythey will be give more flexibility in their times. The couple flagged down another worker and told her about the Genie and she took them out of the line and immediately got of hold of the Genie for them. Suite & Pinnacle members have a separate waiting area and board first, after that all. Clear editor. Certain hotels have resort fees. Like what you see? She frequently travels the U.S. and the world with her toddler seeking out unique travel experiences with a motto that Traveling with Kids makes them better humans. It took a few weeks for my cruises to offer earlier arrival times, so just check back every couple days. Expand Do you have any experience with Bayonne and what they have for suites at the terminal? 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. 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. This large room consisted of plenty of seating options, refreshments, and restrooms. 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. The Key package is a great way to feel like a VIP on your next Royal Caribbean cruise without busting the budget. 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. So effectively to make the most of it, arrive as early as you can. Certain hotels have resort fees. When I approach the terminal I drop my bags with porters is that right? That being said, the number of available suites will be fewer on older ships. However, that will probably slow down some as RCI takes on more passengers each cruise. Note, though, that seating is still first-come, first-served. So, anyone in the wrong line was asked to move. Indulge in one of Royal Caribbean's luxurious suites for the ultimate at-sea experience. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise lines would often allow passengers to show up at the terminal on embarkation day whenever was convenient for them within a half-day window. In fact, balconies on older ships are far less, too. Everyone on the reservation who is older than 6 will need to buy The Key. Priority boarding By mimi217, October 3, 2021 in Royal Caribbean International Share. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. Try your best to adhere to the check-in time, but they will still admit you for check-in if you were to arrive later. In the weeks leading up to your cruise, be sure to complete online check-in. I think the number of passengers determines how strictly they enforce the check-in times. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Purchases made onboard over the initi *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions. We had somewhere between 1,800 to 2,000 passengers on this cruise. Your previous content has been restored. 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. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. There was no separation for the actual check-in or security inside the terminal for the Key as it wasn't needed for the volume of people they were processing through at the time. 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? Is there any special line at this point for The Key? In that post, we provide tips for staying organized and packing for your trip. Suit guest had separate check-in area with a short line and it appeared they were letting them in the building. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. In theory, they never have to step foot in the Main Dining Room or Windjammer! Will holds be placed on my credit card when I create an onboard account. 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. That being said, my sister had a junior suite AND an oceanview room booked. 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 day your cruise begins is full of excitement, and naturally, you may be wondering what time you can board the ship. You cant miss the porters and their baggage carts as they line up on the curb by the terminal. Below you will find a comprehensive list of all our suite benefits so you can choose the suite that best fits your cruise vacation. At Port Canaveral we had to clear security before checkin. The length of time it will take from curb to gangway will vary based on several considerations, including: Its a good idea to show up in your city of embarkation the day before your cruise if youre flying in. 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. Is The White Lotus breaking up with Four Seasons ahead of Season 3? Export it as JPEG to use on the web. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Once inside whether there continues to be separation for the Key depends on when you arrive. The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are few lines and short waits. Even if you have cruised before, never underestimate the benefits of a concierge. 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. We are Diamond+ and gota 1:30 check-in time. HEIC is not a standard web format. 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. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you. Flash the digital pass to the entry staff, they see it says SUITE and they wave you thru. 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. I use the Ziploc bag to hold wet swimsuits until our room is ready, so you wont need this item if you dont have a wet bathing suit to store. Your link has been automatically embedded. This pending amount is used to secure funds for anticipated onboard purchases. I don't even ask, I go to the Suite line and stay there. In comparison, a standard ocean view balcony is currently going for $1,988 per person. I am a stay-at-home mom with an amazing husband and two little girls who keep me busy with gymnastics, soccer, and swimming. When you arrive at the terminal facility in your port of embarkation, you can expect the scene to be chaotic. All rights reserved. All suite guests enjoy priority boarding, as well as luxury bathroom amenities, a Royal Caribbean bathrobe (for onboard use only) and an espresso coffee machine. Start each morning off right with a relaxing breakfast in a specialty restaurant. Since October 2022, at Cape Liberty in Bayonne boarding times are not being looked at much less enforced. What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships? 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. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. 2. Paste as plain text instead, This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Your email address will not be published. The Redmonds are an active-duty military family, living in Las Vegas. Successfully completing the check-in process for you and those guests listed on your SetSail Pass will allow you to receive a SetSail Pass. Royal Caribbean's Junior Suites don't have many perks over a regular Balcony Stateroom. When we got to the pier there was already a long line. The best spot for sailaway on every Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Her favorite cities include London; Amsterdam; Krakow, Poland; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Dawson City, Yukon; and anywhere known for outstanding pizza and theater. We also use the hairbrush for the kids hair after swimming. 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. Should you use the porters to take your luggage on your cruise ship? Booking a suite on any cruise doesn't make sense for us. While frustrating to not have the rules enforced across the board, we still recommend adhering to the check-in time window to avoid any possible denial of boarding until later. (The porters also have luggage tags in case you forget to print yours.). 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. Royal Caribbean provides exclusive perks and benefits for passengers booked in suite accommodations. Since 2021, Royal Caribbean has mostly been enforcing check-in times, so it's important to get a good time as early as you can. We enjoy being on the ship early to take advantage of as much time on board as possible. This buffet wasnt crowded at all during these early hours, and it offered a large variety of food for our big travel group. This place and your collective experiences pays off again! In Lauderdale it was different, this was pre covid, and suites/pinnacle etc had their own security check through. I would like to NOT repeat that, even if it means arriving much later or much earlier. Once you've booked a cruise, go to Royal Caribbean's site, log in to your account and click on "Cruise Planner." BTWcheck in time wasn't even used. 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. There are a few tricks to scoring early arrival times if you are eager to be one of the first passengers on the ship. The Royal Caribbean junior suites offer extra room for cruisers without the hefty price tag of a full suite. Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society Program Updates. If we are, do I just call for a new time? 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. Whether The Key package is worth it depends on the type of traveler you are. When something like this happens, I look for a Royal Caribbean employee and not one of temporary people scattered around the terminal. When can I check-in for my Royal Caribbean cruise? First, we recommend choosing your port arrival time before completing anything else during online check in. In order to complete Check-In successfully, you will need the following: Personal Information for each guest An Onboard Expense Account, also known as your Seapass onboard account, is the cashless system used for all onboard purchases and services. If you have any interest in this, it is worth reaching out to your concierge to see what is available on your sailing. Check-in will be available once our updates are completed ahead of your sailing. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. The Key is an optional add-on you can purchase to get VIP benefits, including an early check-in time. One perk of staying in a Grand Suite is that you will have access to complimentary backstage tours. It is my understanding that with the exception of suite guest, who can check in up to an hour ahead of their scheduled time, priority boarding is not being used during COVID. (They do sell out.). If you are hoping to climb the Crown & Anchor loyalty ladder faster, this is one way to do it! However, the suite amenities -- such as priority embarkation/debarkation, departure breakfast and reserved theater seating -- are pretty sweet (pun intended). This makes it easy to undress them poolside, and they can hop right in. At the Seattle and at the Galveston Terminal they had various lines for the allotted times. In comparison, a standard ocean view balcony is currently going for $1,988 per person. First and foremost, can you book a Grand Suite on any cruise? Luxury Pillow Top Mattress. 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. When you get the terminal, be sure to tell the pier agent you are staying in a suite so you can be directed to the right place. 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.

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