Royal Caribbean has cutback a perk from its popular program that gives guests added benefits.
An update was sent to guests that purchased The Key to inform them of a change to the program.
The Key is an extra cost pass guests can purchase to give them extra perks. It has a daily cost and must be purchased prior to the cruise beginning and for the duration of the cruise.
Instead of offering complimentary private time for the FlowRider, guests with The Key will only get a 25% discount on select sports activities throughout the sailing.
You may apply this discount to as many sports activities as you'd like throughout your sailing – including Flowrider Lessons and Private Sessions.
Examples of other sports activities offered on a cruise include Pickleball intro clinics, and private time at the iFly skydiving simulator.
This discount may not be combined with any other pre-cruise/onboard offer for the booking.
According to Royal Caribbean, they believe this is more in line with the existing Key Package benefit of 20% off any Specialty Dining.
"We believe it will provide even greater value and enjoyment to your cruise experience," the email read.
To take advantage of this new discount, reservations for these activities can be made onboard and can be booked at any time of your sailing.
"I find this absolutely ridiculous"
Guests reacted quickly to the change, with many noting the reduction in benefits.
Brock23 posted on the Royal Caribbean message boards, "The only time that we ever used the Flowrider was during the complementary private time. Now they take that away and trying to and get more money from you.
"Having you book a $500 Flowrider private session. I find this absolutely ridiculous another way they're nickeling and dime everyone that's paying huge amounts of money to go on these boats."
Bcnhot posted on Reddit, "Honestly, I feel a little bit pissed right now, especially because of the way it is written, as if what they are offering is a better deal."
Spam_in_a_can_06 thinks this might benefit some, "Most people with Key didn’t use the open Flowrider because it’s always at odd times. This might be a better deal overall."
MedicalButterscotch is a helpful moderator on the Royal Caribbean subreddit and shared, "Absolutely a downgrade. Don't hesitate to cancel the Key if this sways your decision."
Is it worth buying The Key?
With the change in the Flowrider perk, does it still make sense to get The Key?
The cost of The Key depends on the sailing, but its listed as regularly costing $44.99 per person and must be bought for all guests at least 6 years or older in the cabin when purchased.
The included Flowrider session (and now discounted activity option) was likely never one of the most popular or beneficial perks of The Key.
In my experience, most people buy The Key because it includes:
- Priority embarkation
- Priority disembarkation
- Carry-on luggage assistance
- Includes internet
- Welcome aboard lunch
Because the Flowrider is such a demanding activity and a bit daunting to those who may find it too physically challenging, its inclusion or removal was always going to be somewhat niche.
Regardless of the change, I've said many times I don't see the value of The Key because of how heavy the benefits are on only embarkation day, and the fact many benefits can be attained on your own with the right knowledge.
You can get an early check-in time if you do your online check-in exactly 45 days before the cruise begins.
You could book Chops Grille for lunch on embarkation day and still enjoy a nice welcome aboard lunch.
Whether you have The Key or not, you still need to make reservations for the shows on Oasis and Quantum Class ships. And the reserved seats aren't always the best seats in the house. They're just a special section, that you're required to be at quite early.
And you can always get a good pre-cruise discount on an internet package. In fact, many times it's cheaper to buy your family a multi-device internet package to share.
Usually the argument to buying the Key is for an "easy button" approach to cruising, especially when there's a good sale on it that is offered at just a little bit more than what an Voom package costs.
