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. When you are ready to experience Royal Caribbean's suite life, the Grand Suite is the first category of stateroom. This will help you make the most out of your day in port. However, the earlier your arrival time, the sooner you are usually able to embark on the ship. Luxury Pillow Top Mattress. 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. 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. If youve already checked in online, the process will be faster. Display as a link instead, You don't need the App to check for an earlier boarding time. I always advise flying in at least one day before youre scheduled to embark, just in case you encounter any delays or cancellations. After check-in, youll head up the gangway and onto the ship, where security will scan your card to log that youve boarded. As for Royal Caribbean opening up additional earlier times, it's not usually the case. 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. We are local and had to be dropped off once just before 7:30 and the porters were there and took our bags. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. When something like this happens, I look for a Royal Caribbean employee and not one of temporary people scattered around the terminal. Signage for The Key will usually be found at the terminal where you embark and also at various points around the ship. Before you head inside, leave large bags with the porters, who will make sure theyre safely loaded onto the ship. First, we recommend choosing your port arrival time before completing anything else during online check in. Successfully completing the check-in process for you and those guests listed on your SetSail Pass will allow you to receive a SetSail Pass. You don't need the App to check for an earlier boarding time. 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. Suites onboard these ships are broken up into three different categories -- Sea, Sky, and Star -- that all come with different benefits. At the time of our purchase, The Key package cost $19.99 per guest per day (that included a discount; it typically starts around $24.99) and children under age 6 do not need to purchase a Key package to partake in the benefits. A second way to grab an early port arrival time is by purchasing The Key. What port was this? Our family chose to eat lunch at Windjammer Marketplace after boarding. . 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 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. 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. Priority boarding By mimi217, October 3, 2021 in Royal Caribbean International Share. About a week before the cruise, the Suite Concierge will email suite guests with an introduction and outline basic suite policies, including a flexible arrival policy, where suite guests can arrive one hour before or after their 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. Indulge in one of Royal Caribbean's luxurious suites for the ultimate at-sea experience. So, in practicality, what will that mean regarding boarding in Galveston? Then, the dads in our group took the kids to the pool so that they could swim in virtually empty swimming areas. For what ever reason when check-in times first became available the earliest time was 1:00. Here's our take on this extra-fee package. Your previous content has been restored. Certain hotels have resort fees. When I approach the terminal I drop my bags with porters is that right? We enjoy being on the ship early to take advantage of as much time on board as possible. Expand Do you have any experience with Bayonne and what they have for suites at the terminal? My 3 cruises have been less than 40% fill. 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. He also directed us on exactly where to go and made certain we understood we needed passports/identification documents. Have more cruise questions? Whats a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money? Once inside whether there continues to be separation for the Key depends on when you arrive. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you. How can I get my Royal Caribbean cruise boarding pass (SetSail Pass)? When will it be available? 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. Since we were in a suite, we were able to stand in the super short line on the right. 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. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Knowing this, we decided to reserve a shuttle service to pick us up at our Miami hotel at 9:30 on embarkation day. Note that some benefits that Grand Suite guests have on other ships are not available to those on Quantum and Oasis Class. I hear that some people have managed to get earlier times by constantly checking via the RCL App. Disembarkation generally wraps up by 10 a.m. at the latest, and some extra time is allowed for the crew to start on tasks like provisioning (restocking of supplies and food), bunkering (refueling) and cleaning of the vessels cabins and public areas to ready them for the next round of guests. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. Her whole family, including the oceanview cabin guests, were permitted to stand in the suite line. 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. 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. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Priority embarkation is not available in Vancouver or ports in Australia, for example. (Make sure you watched and marked off the Safety video in the app the morning of your cruise.). I think the number of passengers determines how strictly they enforce the check-in times. Apologies to everyone for going off topic a bit. Our hotel (Intercontinental Miami) was a short 15-minute drive to the Port of Miami. Certain hotels have resort fees. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The answer to the first question depends on how far of a commute you have to the cruise port. How early is too early for the porters to be there? At 11:00, crew members instructed all of the suite guests to form a line. 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. Check-in opens up 45 days before your cruise begins. mimi217, October 3, 2021 in Royal Caribbean International. 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. If you have a cruise booked with Royal Caribbean, you can typically check-in around 45 days before your sail date. It's available for a small additional cost without the need of booking the type of suite that offers similar perks. This online check-in is when you choose your port arrival time. Perhaps you had a long day ashore or you are just wanting a lazy evening in your suite. (When choosing a time, aim for something in the afternoon, after the morning rush has died down.). If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Quote Done Members 534 Posted September 6, 2022 On 9/6/2022 at 4:33 AM, HeWhoWaits said: 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. The day your cruise begins is full of excitement, and naturally, you may be wondering what time you can board the ship. They started letting us into the building a few at a time at 11:45. 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. First, if you miss The Key check-in window, you have to fall back to whatever time you had before. Priority check-in and boarding on embarkation day*, Carry-on bag drop off in the Main Dining Room with stateroom delivery**, Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room with a menu featuring Chops Grille on embarkation day, Private hours for guests to partake in certain on board activities, such as the FlowRider and rock climbing, without a wait, Priority departure at ports of call from ship-to-shore, Seats in the exclusive VIP seating section at shows in the main theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B and Two70, VOOM Surf & Stream for one device with high-speed internet (one package per paying guest), Exclusive a la carte breakfast on disembarkation day, Pick your departure time on disembarkation day, 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. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? 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. The big day is approaching, and youre finally getting ready to head to the cruise port and board your ship. Once you've booked a cruise, go to Royal Caribbean's site, log in to your account and click on "Cruise Planner." You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Boarding begins roughly between 10 and 11 a.m., depending on the ships schedule and how long it takes everyone from the last cruise to debark. Guests can choose boarding times in the afternoon or earlier times of 10:30 or 11:00. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Several years ago, I decided to start this blog to document our family trips. If we are, do I just call for a new time? Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. Just present your SeaPass card as usual to have access to these amenities. Guess I am wondering if having "priority" will shorten boarding all that much. 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. The new method has worked so well that it has largely remained in place for most cruise lines. *with the exception of Vancouver, Canada and any Australian ports**limited to two pieces of luggage per guest; each bag must weigh less than 25 pounds. This benefit will only be applicable to those whose itinerary includes a stop in Labadee, Haiti. Why is check-in not available for my cruise? The Redmonds are an active-duty military family, living in Las Vegas. When they first called for boarding ~11am, they called for Pins and suite guests. 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. (driving in so coming from parking deck). Suffice to say, the pricing of a Grand Suite can vary. The Key access can also vary, depending on itinerary. 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. Here, suite guests can relax on the suites-only Barefoot Beach. 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 your documents are not yet available, check back soon. 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. The Key is Royal Caribbean's way of giving extra benefits to cruisers who want a more VIP experience onboard (or simply want to make sure that they can skip the lines). Rude woman at the terminal said nope that line is full and we have to go into the long zig zagging line. Be prepared with this information when your concierge reaches out to you, which will be about a week or so before departure. 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; Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. You can also do it via the website Cruise Planner check-in process: For additional packing tips and cruise hacks, check out our post on Royal Caribbean Tips for First Timers. On arrival there is a clearly signed entrance for SUITES and The Key.. and this is a priority boarding area. We are Crown and Anchor Diamond and I'm wondering if we qualify for priority check in. Those staying in a Grand Suite, however, will get two points per night. C&A became too successful. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Additionally, Star Class suites include complimentary gratuities, specialty dining and premium alcoholic beverages. If you are wanting an elevated cruising experience, you might be considering booking a suite on your next Royal Caribbean cruise. You can then save this information and complete the rest of the check-in process at a later date. This buffet wasnt crowded at all during these early hours, and it offered a large variety of food for our big travel group. 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. Once at the Muster Station, you just scan your SetSail Pass. Your carry-on bags pass through a scanner, and you must walk through a metal detector. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. We didnt even have to get off the couch. . Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. HEIC is not a standard web format. So, continue reading below to find out everything you need to know about how to get an early boarding time on Royal Caribbean, so you can get started on your vacation as soon as possible! Yes. This place and your collective experiences pays off again! For a 3-night vacation, you would earn 3 points, for a 7-night cruise, you would earn 7, and so on. Suite guests still need to get a check-in time for their sailing, butusuallythey will be give more flexibility in their times. A Royal Caribbean employee came over to our large group and checked in each party using her tablet. You will then go straight to the section on choosing your arrival time and pick the one you want. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? In my opinion, this is not a one-size-fits-all package. Show more Royal Caribbean. We know youre eager to arrive at the cruise port for your Royal Caribbean cruise. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Find the right card for you. Since the online check-in time usually opens up at midnight (EST) 45 days before your cruise, youll want to login at this 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. So, anyone in the wrong line was asked to move. ** 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. The per-person cost varies based on your ship and the time that you choose to purchase the package. The entertainment offerings onboard Royal Caribbean ships are some of the best at sea. 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. 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. Comment below to share your tips with us! In comparison, Wonder of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, has 28. In comparison, an obstructed ocean view balcony is currently being advertised for $1,763 per person. You will also get complimentary VOOM, so you do not have to worry about being disconnected or paying extra for a Wi-Fi package! Morethan a few people were not happy about it during the short time we were inline outside. 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. In 2018, Royal Caribbean rolled out "The Key." We are Diamond+ and gota 1:30 check-in time. Read more:Heres what The Key is (and why some cruisers like it). First and foremost, can you book a Grand Suite on any cruise? In the weeks leading up to your cruise, be sure to complete online check-in. However, the cruise terminal in Miami did not open its doors until 10:00 am. Our check-ln time was 12:00 to 12:30. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. You should also receive an e-mail when your documents are ready. 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. Export it as JPEG to use on the web. This was a huge relief from the typical check-in desk with long check-in lines we have experienced in the past. We like to carry a backpack onboard the ship on embarkation day. 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. When to Book Entertainment on Royal Caribbean. 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. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. You must purchase The Key package online in advance of your sailing. Your Key purchase is noted on your card by a special icon. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. You cannot, for instance, order from the Main Dining Room menu to enjoy a private in-suite meal. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. This was a really fast process that took less than five minutes. That way, you have time to rebook yourself on a different flight if something goes wrong. Instead, cruisers can pick from almost any cocktail, beer, and many wines. If you are hoping to climb the Crown & Anchor loyalty ladder faster, this is one way to do it! Edited September 9, 2021 by TheBucketLister. Same questions on The Key at this point. Get there before 11am and you will wait upstairs until the ship is cleared and boarding starts at around 11:30. 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. Royal Caribbean typically allows cruisers to choose arrival times in thirty-minute blocks as shown in the image below. Employees come over to make you show that you are in a suite. Each cruiser scanned his/her SetSail Pass (from the Royal Caribbean app) and was permitted to board the ship. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Royal Caribbean typically allows cruisers to choose arrival times in thirty-minute blocks as shown in the image below. 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 allows us to keep our things organized and within easy access. After scanning carry ons, up another escalator and board the ship or wait to board? The Key is an optional add-on you can purchase to get VIP benefits, including an early check-in time. Absolutely! Grandeur, for instance, only has sixteen Grand Suites, two of which are the larger 2-bedroom option. 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. Terms and Conditions Apply. Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of autism friendly products and services, and they include: Priority check-in, boarding and departure Special dietary accommodations including gluten-free and dairy-free Adventure Ocean flexible grouping by ability for children 3 to 11 years old Adventure Ocean toilet-trained policy exception Will holds be placed on my credit card when I create an onboard account. There's no way to know that's happened without checking manually. Even if you have cruised before, never underestimate the benefits of a concierge. 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 suitesprovide more than extra living space.

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