Royal Caribbean's VIP-access program, The Key, is being offered again on cruise ships and you might be wondering if it's worth it.

The Key advertises as offering guests that purchase special perks and access while onboard that would otherwise not be available to them.

Internet access, early check-in, special times at signature attractions and more are included with The Key.

Does this extra cost amenity make sense to get for your family? I tried The Key out again on an Odyssey of the Seas cruise in 2021 to get a sense of what to expect for anyone sailing in 2022 and beyond.

What is The Key?

The Key is an optional add-on anyone can purchase for their Royal Caribbean cruise that includes special access and perks.

Think of it like a way to pay extra to get VIP treatment, faster access, or otherwise nice to have extras.

Royal Caribbean offered The Key for a few years, but then suspended it as cruise ships began restart in 2021.  The cruise line has brought back The Key for sailings, albeit with some notable changes.

Guests need to purchase The Key before the cruise begins on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner website.

Here is a list of the benefits you get with The Key:

• Early access at the terminal.
• Drop off your carry-on luggage in the Main Dining Room on Deck 3 by 2:00 PM - your carry-on luggage will be hand delivered to your stateroom.
• Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring the Chops Grille menu (open from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM). Royal Caribbean recommends arriving to the terminal no later than 11:30 AM for you to have enough time to enjoy lunch with us!
• Complimentary room service for your entire cruise, along with 25% off all onboard dining purchases
• Private time at some of our onboard activities such as rock climbing, FlowRider, etc.
• Priority departure from ship-to-shore at tender ports.
• Early access at shows in the Main Theater on Deck 4, however a reservation is needed so don't forget to book once you're onboard.
• VOOM Surf & Stream package, now including high speed internet, for one device (1 package per guest).
• On debarkation day, enjoy a private á la carte breakfast and choice departure.

The early check-in is between 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM. If guests are not able to make the early access window, Royal Caribbean says they should arrive within their appointment time and will receive priority access into the terminal.

A full list of benefits will be given to you once you board the ship with ship-specific benefits.

How much is The Key?

The price of The Key varies, and starts at $25.99 per day, per person, although there can be discounts available to bring that price down.

All guests over the age of 6 in the same room must purchase The Key.

When you get to the cruise terminal, and subsequently onboard the ship, there will be special signs to indicate where guests with The Key can go.  In addition, your SeaPass card will have a special sticker to easily identify yourself as having The Key.

Is The Key worth it?

The Key certainly sounds like a good investment for a lot of cruises, especially those new to Royal Caribbean, because it offers benefits and access that might not otherwise be available to them at all.

In my experience, I found the benefits sound a lot better on the surface than they really are.

Many benefits can be obtained in a different way, but without having to spend extra for it. Or the benefits are simply not as lucrative as it sounds. Here are some examples:

• Getting an early check-in time is easy (and free) if you just watch the Royal Caribbean app for when check-in windows will become available to book, and then book a time as soon as possible.
• Welcome lunch with Chops Grille menu can be bought separately at the restaurant or at a different restaurant.  Dining packages offer a good discount on how much lunch will cost.
• Private time at onboard activities tends to be very few (just two times on our Odyssey of the Seas cruise), and at less than ideal times.
• Reservations for shows can be made on your own via the Royal Caribbean app

The only perk that is truly unobtainable on your own is the ability to drop off your carry-on luggage on embarkation day.  Of course, this benefit lasts just 2 hours on the first day of the cruise, so the value is quite limited.

Unfortunately, the private times at attractions were limited and at inconvenient times.  A 9am Flowrider time and a 4pm rock wall session are both times of the day where competition for these venues is less to begin with.

I would also argue both attractions on Odyssey of the Seas with special times for guests with The Key have a limited appeal than other activities where it would be far more useful. 

Free room service is indeed a very nice benefit, but I question how often anyone will order room service to truly take advantage of it.  Breakfast room service is likely the most beneficial time to use room service, but there are so many easy grab and go breakfast options that I think in general, the idea of having room service is better than the actual thing.

The priority for tendering is largely useless since Royal Caribbean ships rarely ever tender, thanks to more and more ports having piers.

The Key could be better in certain situations, such as when sailing on Oasis or Quantum Class ships, which have more entertainment venues where the Key can help with seating.  Then again, Royal Caribbean wants you to arrive 45 minutes early to the theater, which seems to negate the point of having a reserved seat, in my opinion. That is a very long time to wait for a show.

While the check-in time advantage could be helpful to ensure you are among the first to board, Royal Caribbean says if you miss the 30 minute window of arrival right at the beginning, you will not be able to use this benefit.

The Key includes Voom Surf and Stream access for each person, which arguably makes up the bulk of the daily cost. Internet access on Royal Caribbean is not cheap, and if you were already going to buy a wifi package, sometimes the additional cost to get The Key is not much more. Other times, it is notably higher. In addition, with multi-device internet plans, the Key doesn't scale to families or larger groups if internet is always purchased. 

The Key may be a good choice for someone who is going to buy internet access no matter what, and is sailing on a ship with a lot of shows they want to see.

But having tried The Key before and after the cruise industry shutdown of 2020/2021, I do not think it is worthwhile for most people simply because the benefits look better on paper than they are in practice.

If you are Diamond or higher in Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society and/or a suite guest, some benefits overlap with The Key, further reducing The Key's value.

Don't forget you have to buy The Key for all guests in the room over the age of 6, whether they will use all the benefits or not.

I think with a little bit of footwork, you can get similar results on your own and save money on your cruise vacation. Skip The Key, and instead focus on how to get an early check-in time, buy a dining package, pre-purchase wifi, and I think you will find yourself still having a great time onboard.

I'm back on Harmony of the Seas for a Thanksgiving cruise, and our first RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com group cruise since the shutdown.

Not only is it our first time back on Harmony of the Seas, but this is my first time trying out Star Class. Star Class is the top-tier of Royal Caribbean's suite class offerings, and I'm excited to try it all out.

Harmony is sailing on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, and will visit St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

We stayed at the Country Inn and Suites last night, which was a nice hotel for the night. They offer a shuttle to the cruise port, but we had our own car, so we drove.

In the weeks leading up to the cruise, our Genie contacted us via email with an introduction and opportunity to convey different requests. We were able to book specialty restaurants, arrange for drinks and food to be waiting in our suite when we arrived, and even booked times for the kids at Adventure Ocean. Leading up to the cruise, I was impressed with the level of service we had before even stepping foot onboard.

We booked Star Class this time around because when we booked many years ago, the price was reasonable. Prices can really run the gamut for Star Class, but I found this sailing to be a great deal.

Our Genie told us to arrive a bit earlier than our boarding time because our kids needed to be tested at the terminal, since they are unvaccinated.

There is a special check-in area at Port Canaveral for Star Class guests. Instead of giving porters your luggage and it being delivered to your room later, the bags are brought up to your cabin right away.

The testing at the terminal went smoothly, and took about 45 minutes to get the results. This is our last time having to do a test at the terminal since our kids will be fully vaccinated before our next sailing.

After the test results arrived via email, we completed the check-in process and our Genie, Berty, met us in the terminal.

Our cabins were not quite ready yet, so we decided to take the kids to the Boardwalk to start exploring.

The carousel was not running yet, so it was up to the Windjammer for lunch. They had a wide selection of food, including lobster tails.

I got the message from Berty that our room was ready, so we went up to the cabin. The Genie can message you via the WhatsApp app.

We have a two-bedroom AquaTheater suite for this sailing, which is on deck 9.

AquaTheater suite are located at the very back of the ship, and offer fantastic views of the AquaTheater, Boardwalk, and ocean. 

There are two bedrooms, along with a nice living room.  It is not the largest cabin on the ship, but the wrap-around balcony is massive. 

We did a little bit of exploring in the afternoon, starting in Central Park and then moving down to the Royal Promenade.

Of course, we completed our muster drill by doing most of the steps in the app, and then visiting our muster station.

While Berty had signed the kids up for time slots in Adventure Ocean, we still had to register them.

Registration was held in what used to be the open play area for younger kids. Royal Caribbean removed the toys due to Covid protocols, and now is where the staff meets you to sign kids up.

We had a our first meetup of the cruise at Boleros to celebrate the start of the sailing.

There are about 112 friends sailing with us on this group cruise, and we have a few special events planned throughout the sailing.

Harmony of the Seas departed around 5:30pm. There were a few other ships, so we left last.

While it was cloudy enough to block sunset, the weather could not have been more comfortable. Temperatures in the mid 70s, low humidity, and a brisk breeze.

I generally do not get that wrapped up in sail away, but I had to go to our balcony to watch sail away because of the amazing views our balcony offers.

Our kids got room service for dinner: pizza and steak. Another benefit of Star Class is you can order off the specialty restaurant menus and have it delivered to the room. 

For my kids, this is perfect because they can to eat dinner nonchalantly, and then be ready for Adventure Ocean later.

With evening upon us, it was time to shower, change, and get ready for dinner.

We dropped the kids off at Adventure Ocean and then headed to Sabor for our first dinner onboard.

Sabor has been one of my favorite restaurants on a Royal Caribbean ship ever since it first debuted years ago.

As we were seated, guacamole and salsa were served. The salsa was just as good as I remember, but unfortunately the guacamole was a little too watery.

The ceviche appetizer and cohiba tacos were very good, and I enjoyed being back at Sabor one more time.

After dinner, we headed to the Boot & Bonnet pub to enjoy some live music with our evening drinks .

Tomorrow is a sea day.

Stray Observations

Yes, the check-in times matter for when you arrive to the cruise terminal.

I've heard there are around 4,500 guests onboard this sailing. Waiting to check with Guest Relations after we sail.

From almost as soon as we left Port Canaveral, there was quite a bit of movement in the ocean. Enough motion to stagger a bit while walking now and then. Probably the rockiest I've experienced since cruises restarted.

The evening performance of Big Daddy's Hideaway Heist in the AquaTheater was cancelled due to the motion in the ocean.

The first of Royal Caribbean's Black Friday deals is revealed, beginning with its Cruise Planner sale.

The Cyber Monday sale is being advertised as the "biggest sale of the year" with up 55% off onboard prices.

Royal Caribbean has not yet announced the details of its cruise fare sale for Black Friday.

The Cyber Monday sale is valid on purchases made November 23 - December 1, 2021. The sale prices do not begin until November 23.

It applies to sailings departing between November 23, 2021 - December 31, 2022.

Here is what is included during the sale:

Beverage: Up to 50% off

• Classic Soda Beverage Package: 50% off onboard prices.
• Classic Soda Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Over 45% off onboard prices.
• Dasani Water Cans: 50% off onboard prices.
• San Benedetto Water Cans: 50% off onboard prices.
• Evian Water Bottles: 50% off onboard prices.
• Deluxe Beverage Package: 30% off onboard prices.
• Deluxe Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Over 35% off onboard prices.
• Refreshment Package: 50% off onboard prices.

Shore Excursions: Up to 50% off

• Shore Excursions: Discount varies by ship. Please see spreadsheet for specific percentages off.

Internet: Up to 60% Off

• The Key: Discount varies by ship. Please see spreadsheet for specific percentages off.
• VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship. Please see spreadsheet for specific percentages off.
• VOOM Surf Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship. Please see spreadsheet for specific percentages off.

Dining: Up to 55% Off

• Unlimited Dining Package on 3N – 9N sailings: Discount varies by ship. Please see spreadsheet for specific percentages off.
• Lunch at Jamie’s Italian Restaurant: 30% off onboard prices. (only on SC)
• Dinner at Jamie’s Italian Restaurant: Discount varies by ship. Please see spreadsheet for specific percentages off.
• Dinner at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen: 25% off onboard prices.
• Dinner at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar: 25% off onboard prices.
• Dinner at Giovanni’s Table: Discount varies by ship. Please see spreadsheet for specific percentages off.

Activities: 40% Off

• All Access Ship Tour (excl. Grandeur of the Seas)

Gifts & Gear: Up to 55% Off

• Anniversary Decorations with Champagne
• Happy Birthday Decorations with Chocolate Cake & Strawberries
• Happy Birthday Decorations with Vanilla Cake & Strawberries
• Happy Birthday Bright Style
• Inky Beach Set
• Inky Beach Towel (TicTacToe)
• Inky Travel Set
• Red Wine and Cheese
• Royal Caribbean Beach Towel
• Strawberries with Champagne
• White Wine and Cheese
• 9 Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Photo Packages: Up to 70% Off

• Photo Packages: From 5 - 100 Print and/or Digital Options: Discount varies by ship. Please see spreadsheet for specific packages and percentages off.
• Photo Package: Private Photo Session: Discount varies by ship. Please see spreadsheet for specific packages and percentages off.
• Photo Package: Picture This Private Studio: Discount varies by ship. Please see spreadsheet for specific packages and percentages off.
• Photo Package: All Digital: Discount varies by ship. Please see spreadsheet for specific packages and percentages off.

Spa: Up to 30% Off

• Spa Packages: Discount varies by ship. Please see spreadsheet for specific percentages off

To check if your sailing has this new offer available, log into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's web site look for any available offers. Keep in mind that not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

If you spot a better discount on something you already pre-purchased, you should be able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion.

More helpful information

• Should you buy pre-cruise purchases now or wait to buy it onboard?
• 45 ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• How much should I budget for a cruise?

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share. This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley answered questions on a variety of topics this week, giving us insight into what to expect from the cruise line in the near future.

Speaking onboard Odyssey of the Seas, Mr. Bayley hosted a question and answer session with travel agents that covered many aspects of what Royal Caribbean is doing right now.

Questions touched on health protocols, the app, Perfect Day at Cococay, and more.

Royal Caribbean News

• Disney Cruise Line will require kids 5 years and older to be fully vaccinated
• Royal Caribbean will begin offering consecutive cruisers at-home Covid tests
• Check out our Navigator of the Seas live blog
• Two calendar days (not 48 hours) is when you need to get your pre-cruise test completed
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise
• A beginner's guide to sailing in Star Class
• What it's like to go on an Alaskan cruise at the end of the season
• World Wonders you can see on your next Royal Caribbean cruise

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 431st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is available to enjoy, where Matt interviews Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider.

Jay previews the ships, ports, and projects guests can look forward to seeing in the next two years.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: What it was like to go on a cruise ship in the 1970s

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — What it was like to go on a cruise ship in the 1970s — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

6 things you can only do on Odyssey of the Seas

With every new Royal Caribbean cruise ship, there are at least a few things that the cruise line adds that are brand new to the fleet.

Along with favorites that make it on every ship, there are a few new venues and features that get added as well.

Here are a list of six things you can only do on Odyssey of the Seas.

The Covid-19 protocols are not easy to track across the board, but the amount of time before a cruise you need a test can be among the most easily confused.

Over the last few weeks, I've noticed a lot of posts across the internet mentioning needing a negative Covid test and causing issues for some when they think they need to match up their check-in time with what time their test is taken.

In an effort to simply explain what's needed, here is a quick explanation of when you need to get your negative Covid-19 test before your Royal Caribbean cruise.

When you need to take your test

First and foremost, Royal Caribbean says you need to get your test done in calendar days, not hours. So it does not matter at all what time your test is taken versus your check-in time.

Perhaps the notion of 48 hours comes from someone assuming 2 days and 48 hours are the same thing, but it has lead to confusion about what time of day you need to take your Covid test to ensure it is acceptable.

When you check-in for your cruise at the cruise terminal, the only things the staff will look at is:

• If you are negative
• What day you took the test
• Type of test
• Who administered the test
• Name on the test to match your travel documents

Once again, the time of day the test was taken is irrelevant. As long as it was two calendar days for vaccinated passengers (or three for unvaccinated kids) before embarkation, the test will be acceptable from a time taken standpoint.

Cruises sailing from U.S. homeports

For fully vaccinated guests, passengers need to get their negative Covid-19 test taken up to two days before their cruise.  

This means if your cruise leaves on a Sunday, you can get your test taken on Friday, Saturday, or even Sunday.

For unvaccinated kids, you have up to three days before your cruise to get a Covid-19 test taken.

Kids could get their test done on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday for a Sunday departure.  One difference is kids cannot get a test taken the same day their cruise departs because that may affect the sample taken during the kids’ test at the terminal.

Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-cruise test. 

Cruises sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico

The rules are a bit different for cruises from other ports outside the mainland United States, such as Puerto Rico.

If you’re flying in from the U.S.

• Vaccinated guests have no testing requirement to enter Puerto Rico.
• Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative result for a PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours prior to arriving at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan.

If you’re flying in from an international country

All travelers age 2 and up, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative result for a PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours prior to arriving at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan.

If you are already in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico does not require a test from you.

Guests under 2 years of age do not have test requirements to enter Puerto Rico.

Cruises sailing from Barbados

All travelers age 5 and older require a negative PCR COVID-19 test result to fly into Barbados regardless of vaccination status. The test must be taken within the 3 days before the day you fly into the country. You must upload the result to Barbados’ online Immigration/Customs Form, and show it to authorities upon arriving. Learn more about island entry requirements at Visit Barbados.

Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 years of age must show a negative PCR COVID-19 test result at the cruise terminal for a test taken no more than 3 days before the day you board the ship. If timed properly, the same PCR test result provided for entry into Barbados can satisfy this requirement.

Odyssey of the Seas may be the fifth Quantum Class cruise ship, but she offers a few things you cannot find on her sister ships, or even any other Royal Caribbean ship.

With every new Royal Caribbean cruise ship, there are at least a few things that the cruise line adds that are brand new to the fleet.

Royal Caribbean certainly puts its tried-and-true offerings onboard, but it also mixes things up with new innovations when the opportunity presents itself.

Here are a list of six things you can only do on Odyssey of the Seas

Zone Zero

Tucked away in the corner of the SeaPlex is Royal Caribbean's first foray into immersive virtual reality, with Zone Zero.

Royal Caribbean already offers a virtual reality helmet experience on the Sky Pad, but Zone Zero puts your entire body into a virtual world.

Guests put on a full virtual reality suit, with sensors on their hands, legs, and feet.  The bulk of the hardware is contained in a backpack you wear as well.

Guests then literally walk through a virtual world and fight pirates as a group, where they can see each other in virtual world. If you move your arm, your avatar moves its arm. It is incredibly impressive.

Zone Zero has a charge of $18 per person.

Go on a Quantum Ultra class ship in North America

Spectrum of the Seas may have been the first Quantum Ultra Class ship, but she went to Asia immediately leaving the western hemisphere without the opportunity to sail on her.

With Odyssey of the Seas, this is the first chance for many to experience the extras a Quantum Ultra class offers.

If you are wondering what the difference is between a Quantum Ultra and Quantum Class ship are, the answer is in the details.  It is more a sub class than a true different class.

Between the new dining options, revamped public areas, and a splash of new activities onboard, there is just enough to differentiate Odyssey from Quantum, Anthem, or Ovation.

Quantum Ultra Class firsts

Onboard Odyssey, you will find certain features to the first to be offered on a Quantum/Quantum Ultra class ship.

On the top deck is Royal Caribbean's new approach to the pool deck, which has a Caribbean-inspired look to it with the Lime and Coconut.

Royal Caribbean Group's Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider thinks the implementation of the open deck on Odyssey took it essentially to the next level.

The SeaPlex has also been redesigned, opting to swap out the pods found on other ships for new activities in those areas.

This SeaPlex is the largest indoor and outdoor activity center at sea.

Adventure Ocean on Odyssey of the Seas also has the new update to the supervised kids program.

The robust program for kids up to 12 years old is designed for young travelers to chart their own adventures from one vibrant, open space to the next. At Hangout, kids can kick back and play with the latest game consoles, digital interactive tables, board games and more.

Teens have two spaces just for them. Social180 offers the latest in music, games and movies as well as an outdoor deck called The Patio.

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade in SeaPlex

Speaking of the SeaPlex, Odyssey of the Seas is the first to offer Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade onboard.

Located in the SeaPlex, it has a great spot not just for watching your favorite team on one of the many televisions, but to check out the action below. Bumper cars, pickleball, basketball, and more are performed throughout the day.

This is one of the best implementations of Playmakers on any ship because it evokes the sports bar feel the most of any location.

There are 56 TV's you can watch, which means you can catch any game that is on from pretty much any seat.

Playmakers also has a giant TV screen that hangs over the SeaPlex sports court.

Oh, and then there is the menu.

Chicken wings, nachos, onion rings, burgers and chicken sandwiches make up a really tasty set of choices.

Then there is the impressive array of beers you can choose from, a welcome change from the usual Royal Caribbean selection.

New wine bar concept

When Royal Caribbean decided to revamp Giovanni's specialty restaurant, they also took a stab at the nearby wine bar.

Instead of Vintages, Giovanni's Italian Wine Bar took over  the area, and offers a smaller bar menu, such as fried lasagna bites. These small plates are meant to go really well with a glass of wine.

For wine aficionados and those that are looking to grab a quick bite, the new wine bar offers something different.  

Pro tip: If you cannot get a reservation at Giovanni's Italian Kitchen restaurant, you can go to the wine bar and order the same food there without a reservation.

Read more: How Royal Caribbean reimagined its signature Italian restaurant

The Book

Of course there are new shows that you can only see on Odyssey of the Seas.

In Two70 you will find "The Book: Seven Chapters, One Adventure"

This original production loosely tells a story of a librarian who explores the chapters of a book through song, dance, and music. It features lots of different elements and performing styles intertwined to create an act you have never seen before.

Royal Caribbean is going to change up the complimentary test it offers passengers doing a back-to-back or consecutive cruise.

Ever since Royal Caribbean restarted cruises this summer, the line has offered guests doing multiple cruises in a row a complimentary Covid-19 test onboard, but will transition from a test administered onboard to a test done via the home test.

Speaking to travel agents on a webinar on Wednesday,  Royal Caribbean International Assistant Vice President of Guest Experience, Aurora Yera-Rodriguez, said the line is working to change how these tests are conducted.

For anyone sailing with Royal Caribbean and moving to another ship within 3 days or less, they can request a complimentary antigen test be completed at the end of the first cruise.

Right now, guests are taking the test in the medical area onboard, but Royal Caribbean wants to change it.

According to Ms. Yera-Rodriguez, the plan is to give guests the same at-home tests many have ordered to use before a cruise begins.

"So far, back to backers and our consecutive cruisers, we do offer the testing. We're actually working through something right now that we're trying to deploy."

"If it's within that three day window and you're not staying on the same ship, we're actually handing our guests one of our eMed test at home kits, and then you just do it before you go on."

These at-home tests are the Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test. These are the same tests Royal Caribbean sells via Royal Caribbean's special link from the Optum website.

Here is my full review of trying out the BinaxNOW test, which was extremely easy and quick.

It sounded like offering the at-home tests already on some ships, but the program will be expanded to more vessels.

"We let them walk off with an eMed. And it's a perfect process and it's working swimmingly."

Regardless of which test you get, guests sailing on a ship and need a test to go on another ship in less than 3 days can stop by Guest Services to request the test be completed.

The Abbott tests are a FDA-authorized rapid antigen home test and conducted via video chat where the proctor can monitor how you take the test in the same way the test is conducted at a pharmacy or doctor's office.

As Royal Caribbean moves deeper into its restart process, the cruise line is beginning to focus more on what's to come instead of what has happened over the past two years.

With the cruise industry back in operations, and Royal Caribbean ready to bring all of its ships into service by early 2022, some of the projects and plans that were paused during the shutdown are moving forward again.

Overlooking so many of these plans is Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean Group's Chief Product Innovation Officer (CXO).

To get a better sense of what's coming next year, Mr. Schneider sat down with us to preview the big things Royal Caribbean has planned over the next two years.

Hideaway Beach

A new expansion to Perfect Day at CocoCay will bring an adults-only area to the private island.

"One of the things we've heard from a segment of our guests, not all of our guests, is that they want a adult only experience," Schneider said of the decision to go in this direction.

Mr. Schneider also confirmed the new area will be complimentary to guests, "we haven't announced that yet, but I will tell you that it's going to be complimentary."

"There's no reason, if you think of the experience that we're trying to offer, to offer it for pay.

The Hideaway Beach expansion is just one idea Royal Caribbean has for the future of the island. According to Schneider, the cruise line has "a much larger ambition" for the private destination.

As to when it might open, it is not yet certain but late 2022 is the general timeline Mr. Schneider thinks is likely.

Wonder of the Seas

The fifth Oasis Class cruise ship will debut in March 2022 when Wonder of the Seas begins sailings from Florida.

There is a lot to look forward to in this new ship, including a new approach to the Aquatheater. Schneider believes an idea like this is less about designing for one market, but rather an idea that makes sense globally.

"We acclimatized the the Aqua Theater.... it's the next step in the evolution of the Oasis class. But it's cold in January and February in the Caribbean, and sometimes the Aquatheater is cold."

"The acclimatized solarium is again gorgeous architecture and gives us that versatility to make it truly a global ship. Some of the things that people would have looked at and said that feels more like a China centric ship actually really help us out globally."

In terms of exciting new features, Mr. Schneider thinks the evolution of the open pool deck is going to be a great upgrade for this ship.

"I think the open deck on wonder is going to go even yet to the next level, and I say that for a couple of reasons. Number one. It's an Oasis class ship. It's going to have Lime and Coconut. It's going to have all of the ideas and experiences and pool space and shading that you'd expect as a guest that you saw in Oasis, but even bigger."

"It'll have the introduction of our eighth neighborhood, which is our sweet neighborhood. It'll have the largest jumbotron ever built on a ship."

Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has divulged very few details thus far regarding its next class of cruise ship, the Icon Class, and Mr. Schneider did not have much to share other than it sounds like an exciting step forward.

The new ship is coming out in 2023, and he indicated guests should expect to hear a lot about Icon of the Seas once we move into 2022.

"You're going to hear about Icon in a pretty big way in 2022... I guarantee you you'll be impressed by what you see. It's the next evolution for the brand."

"It's been a decade since we've announced a new class. And so you can imagine we're spending a lot of energy making sure that it's going to be an amazing announcement."

Royal Beach Club

The first Royal Beach Club is set to open in Nassau, Bahamas, and it sounds like Royal Caribbean thinks this will be a major new option for guests.

"We've done repetitive environmental assessments. So we we feel that this will be a destination on the forefront of sustainable development, frankly, around the world for any land based destination.

"Our hope is in 2023 that we will be welcoming our first guests onto the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island."

This new project is not intended to be for all guests on a ship to do. Rather, it will supplement the Nassau offerings.

"Wwe're not trying to supplant kind of your experience in Nassau. We want to create an incremental opportunity for you as a guest in Nassau. We want you to go into Bay St., we want you to go to Atlantis. We want you to go do the things you've never done before. We also we wanted to create a world class beach club experience for you as a guests."

Listen to our interview with Jay Schneider

There is a lot more to what Mr. Schneider had to say about what's coming to Royal Caribbean over the next two years, including updates on Perfect Day at Lelepa, why we don't know more about Icon yet, and plenty other nuggets of details.

Listen to episode 431 of our interview with Jay Schneider in its entirety below.

Be sure to subscribe to the RoyalCaribbeanBlog Podcast at Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Stitcher.

While onboard Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley answered questions about a variety of topics related to cruising right now.

Mr. Bayley and Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Vicki Freed, hosted a question and answer session with travel agents that covered many aspects of what Royal Caribbean is doing right now.

Questions touched on health protocols, the app, Perfect Day at Cococay, and more.

Here are some of the more interesting responses to the hot topics the executives touch upon.

Will antibody tests be accepted?

One question raised was if or when someone with antibodies from a previous Covid-19 infection would be acceptable to sail in lieu of a vaccine.

Mr. Bayley said he gets this question a lot, "I think I think we're going to get there. We're not there at the moment."

Besides discussions with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) about the issue, Mr. Bayley said another issue are the various countries who each have their own requirements, "Typically the standards are in each of the countries, often that defines the whole itinerary."

"I can't tell you how many meetings we've had with health authorities literally around the world and particularly obviously with the CDC."

"I do believe we'll get to a good place with antibodies, but it's probably a few more months away."

Chat feature in the app

Another question was about the chat feature in the Royal Caribbean app, and why it costs extra instead of being free.

Mr. Bayley admitted they wrestled with charging or not for the chat feature, "I remember that we had a lot of arguments internally within the company about a dollar ninety nine."

"I'm tempted to say we'll drop it, but nobody seems to be reacting against it. So we'll we'll drop it. Yeah. I think that will be good."

Will the Double Point promo come back?

Ever since the double points in Crown and Anchor Society promo ended earlier this fall, many cruise fans wanted to know if it will ever come back.

Mr. Bayley said he thinks the promo will come back, but they will use it "strategically."

"You'll see more of that coming, but it's not going to be a blanket open book."

Latest on Hideaway Beach

Mr. Bayley took some time to talk about the new port projects Royal Caribbean has lined up, including the next expansion for Perfect Day at CocoCay.

A new adults-only beach area is coming to CocoCay, that will open in late 2022.

"We are opening Hideaway Beach in, I'm hoping it's going to be at some point in '22."

"Hideaway Beach is going to be a adult only zone. It's going to have a beautiful natural lagoon area and a phenomenal pool and of course, stunning new cabanas and overwater cabanas and great dining and entertainment.

Why did Royal Caribbean decide to do adults-only? Evidently there was a lot of demand, "the feedback we've got is that people love Perfect Day, but there's a segment of our customers who want to have more quiet and not have kids all over the place."

Royal Beach Club & other projects

Mr. Bayley also gave an update on the new Royal Beach Club in Nassau, among other port projects.

"We're very close to finalizing the Royal Beach Club in Nassau, Bahamas, that is going to be on Paradise Island."

"Royal Beach Club is going to be an absolutely stunning beach club vibe, looking out to the beautiful ocean with a stunning beach. We're building a really world class, incredible kind of infinity pool."

"It's going to be very much infused in the Bahamian culture with lots of Junkanoo and great music."

Mr. Bayley wasn't sure exactly when it might open, saying it will probably open in 2023.

Moving on, he touched on other projects.

"We had other projects that we were working on before the pandemic. We were envisioning a new concept for Labadee. We were working on the project plan for Vanuatu off the coast of Australia."

"The Perfect Day in Vanuatu is absolutely stunning. I mean, it is game changing."

"New classes of ships that are coming and our vision for destinations, we think that we're going to really move forward and create a whole new blue open space for Royal Caribbean as a vacation company and very excited about that."

Icon of the Seas

Mr. Bayley also talked briefly about Icon of the Seas.

"We feel that Oasis Class was a game changer, particularly for the family market. But when Icon comes. We think it's just going to take it to a whole new level."

Masks

When might masks go away? No one knows quite yet, but Mr. Bayley is optimistic for a change in policy as we move in to 2022.

"I think it's pretty it's pretty certain that the mask policy is going to change for the whole industry, for everybody as we move into the first quarter... as long as we don't see any more variants appearing on the scene."

Mr. Bayley shared the results of a survey the cruise line conducted about masks, "Sixty five percent of all of our customers feel comfortable with some kind of mask guidance. A lot of people do feel comfortable with it as being something optional."

"We're very thoughtful about it and have been because of our family market. :So we're very sensitive to making sure we're not alienating a large group of customers."

"I 'm never arrogant enough to think that we solved it all, but our protocols are really working. Sometimes we can be accused of being a little overcautious, but it's just it's just all working out."

"I think for the industry and for our business, week by week, month by month, these things are going to start slipping away and we're going to get back to quite a quite a normal environment.

Capacity numbers

One topic a lot of cruisers want to know his how full their ships will be in the near future.

Mr. Bayley shared some rough estimates for ships sailing over the next few months.

" In October, I think the Royal Caribbean International Brand fleet sailed at 50 percent load factor."

"In November it'll be 60 percent. In December, it'll be 65. As we move into January, we'll continue to increase it."

"We're monitoring and watching everything is occurring around us, and we're making sure that every time we increase our capacity, we believe it's very safe to do so. Our intention as we move into the spring is to get back to business as normal."