Royal Caribbean removed one of the free perks of its extra-cost VIP program.
The Key is an optional add-on that passengers can purchase for exclusive benefits like a private embarkation lunch, reserved seating during theater shows, priority tender access, and more.
However, an update was sent to guests who bought The Key to let them know one of the best features was dropped.
Previously, The Key included complimentary private time for the FlowRider, the onboard surf simulator. Now, guests with The Key will receive a 25% discount on select sports activities.
The discount can be applied to as many sports activities as you'd like, including private FlowRider sessions, which cost as much as $580. Group sessions, coming in at around $90 per person, are more affordable, depending on how many participants are in your group.
Other sports activities on Royal Caribbean ships include Pickleball clinics and private sessions at the iFly skydiving simulator on Quantum Class vessels.
"Instead of offering complimentary private time for the FlowRider®, we will now be providing you with a 25% discount on select sports activities throughout your sailing," the email reads.
"This benefit is similar to our exciting Key Package benefit of 20% off any Specialty Dining, and we believe it will provide even greater value and enjoyment to your cruise experience."
Should you still buy The Key?
If you can grab The Key for a great price, it may very well be worth the cost. However, it's sometimes advertised for as much as $53.99 in Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner and must be bought for all guests at least 6 years old or older in the same stateroom.
You will receive most benefits on embarkation day, including priority terminal access, an exclusive private lunch in the Main Dining Room, and carry-on bag drop-off and delivery.
However, The Key also includes reserved seating in the main theater, AquaTheater, Two70®, and Studio B for shows during the cruise. Reservations are required on Oasis and Quantum Class ships, though. So, you can't stroll in five minutes before and expect a front-row seat.
With The Key, you'll also have a private à la carte disembarkation breakfast and one VOOM Surf & Stream Wi-Fi package per cruiser.
You might easily justify The Key depending on how much the internet packages are going for. However, since Royal Caribbean allows guests to share Wi-Fi, unless you plan to purchase a separate package for each person in your cabin, The Key could be significantly more expensive.
The private activity times were an appealing part of The Key. While guests can still try their luck on the FlowRider for free with or without the VIP pass, The Key-only sessions were a major perk for those who wanted more time on the water without waiting in line or spending money on a lesson.
"I received the email below this afternoon and have booked The Key for a summer cruise on Ovation of the Seas specifically for reserved time on the Flow Rider, Bumper Cars, Rock Wall, iFly, etc. Does anyone with insider knowledge know if this change impacts other activities or only Flow Rider? I’m disappointed and will likely be cancelling," wrote CAGirl30 on a Royal Caribbean Blog message board.
Brock23 added, "The only time that we ever used the Flowrider was during the [complimentary] private time. Now they take that away and [are] trying to...get more money from you...I find this absolutely ridiculous [and] another way they're nickeling and [diming] everyone that's paying huge amounts of money to go on these boats."
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
