Is Royal Caribbean’s The Key Worth It? Why We Buy It Every Cruise
If you’re looking for VIP perks on a Royal Caribbean cruise without splurging on a suite, The Key is one of the best add-ons you can purchase. My family and I always get The Key, and we find it 100% worth it—especially if you’re already planning to buy internet access. The additional benefits make embarkation smoother, provide priority access to activities, and add exclusive perks that enhance the cruise experience.
Whether you're a first-time cruiser or someone debating if The Key is right for you, here’s everything you need to know—including why we love it and why we think it’s worth the price.
What is The Key?
The Key is Royal Caribbean’s exclusive priority access program, giving guests special perks, faster boarding, reserved show seating, and included Wi-Fi. It’s available for purchase per person, per day, and offers a premium experience for those who want extra convenience and priority access.
The cost varies per sailing but generally ranges from $25 to $40 per person, per day. Unlike other cruise add-ons, The Key must be purchased for everyone in your cabin who is over the age of six.
💡 Pro Tip: The Key is limited in availability per cruise, so book it early if you want it!
Why We Always Buy The Key
1. It Includes Internet – So It’s Already Worth It!
One of the biggest reasons we always buy The Key is that it includes the Surf + Stream Wi-Fi package (which we would buy anyway).
On its own, Voom Surf + Stream costs around $20–$30 per day.
The Key often costs around the same price as the Wi-Fi package.
If you’re going to buy Wi-Fi anyway, The Key essentially gives you all its other perks for free.
For us, this is the #1 reason why The Key is a no-brainer. If you need internet for streaming, social media, or work, this package pays for itself.
2. Priority Embarkation 🚢
Embarkation day can be chaotic, but The Key makes it so much smoother:
✅ Priority Check-In & Boarding – Skip the long lines and get on the ship faster.
✅ Carry-On Bag Drop-Off – Drop off your carry-on bags in a designated area, so you don’t have to lug them around while waiting for your stateroom.
💡 Pro Tip: Being able to drop off our bags immediately and start exploring is one of our favorite perks!
3. VIP Seating at Shows & Events 🎭
If you love live entertainment on Royal Caribbean, The Key is a game-changer.
✅ Reserved VIP Seating – The Key guests get priority seating at select theater shows, AquaTheater performances, and ice skating shows.
✅ No Need to Arrive Early – You can show up closer to showtime and still get great seats, rather than needing to line up 30–45 minutes early like general admission guests.
💡 Pro Tip: This perk is especially valuable on large ships like Icon of the Seas or Oasis-class ships, where entertainment venues fill up quickly.
4. Exclusive Access to the FlowRider & Other Activities 🌊
If your family loves onboard activities like the FlowRider, rock climbing, or bumper cars, The Key offers priority access during exclusive hours.
✅ Special Time Slots for The Key Guests – Get time to use activities without long lines.
✅ Great for FlowRider Fans – We are big FlowRider users, and this perk saves so much waiting time.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want maximum use of onboard attractions, The Key saves a lot of time in lines.
5. Priority Debarkation (No Waiting to Get Off the Ship) ⏳
✅ VIP Debarkation Breakfast – The Key guests enjoy a special à la carte breakfast on departure day (rather than fighting for space in the buffet).
✅ Priority Departure – Skip the long lines and get off the ship faster.
💡 Pro Tip: This perk is super helpful if you have an early flight or just don’t want to sit around waiting for your group to be called.
Full List of The Key Benefits (At a Glance)
Surf + Stream Wi-Fi Included - Covers the cost of internet, making the rest of the benefits essentially free.
Priority Check-In & Boarding - Get on the ship faster, avoiding long embarkation lines.
Early Access to Stateroom - Your cabin is ready as soon as you board.
Carry-On Bag Drop-Off - No need to lug bags around before rooms open.
VIP Seating at Shows - No need to arrive early for the best seats.
Exclusive Access to Onboard Activities - Skip the lines at FlowRider, rock climbing, and more.
Special Debarkation Breakfast - Enjoy a relaxing final meal instead of fighting buffet crowds.
Priority Debarkation - Get off the ship quickly without waiting for a group call.
Is The Key Worth It? Here’s Who Should Buy It
✅ YES, If:
✔️ You’re already planning to buy the Wi-Fi package (this makes it worth it by itself).
✔️ You love FlowRider, rock climbing, or other high-demand activities and want shorter wait times.
✔️ You don’t want to deal with long lines during embarkation and debarkation.
✔️ You enjoy VIP treatment at shows and exclusive seating.
✔️ You have a large ship itinerary (like Icon, Oasis, or Quantum-class ships) where activities get crowded.
❌ NO, If:
❌ You don’t need Wi-Fi or already get it free (e.g., as a Diamond+ Crown & Anchor member).
❌ You aren’t interested in shows or onboard attractions.
❌ You don’t mind waiting in lines for embarkation, activities, or debarkation.
❌ You’re on a small ship with fewer onboard activities (it’s less valuable on smaller ships).
Final Verdict: We Love The Key & Buy It Every Cruise!
For our family, The Key is absolutely worth it and we purchase it on every single Royal Caribbean cruise. Since we always buy internet anyway, The Key is an easy choice because it covers the Wi-Fi cost while adding so many other perks.
The VIP seating at shows, priority embarkation, and access to FlowRider make a noticeable difference in our cruise experience. It saves time, hassle, and stress, making the vacation more enjoyable from start to finish.
If you’re debating whether to get The Key, ask yourself: “Would I buy the internet package anyway?” If the answer is yes, The Key is an excellent value.
💬 Have you used The Key before? Do you think it’s worth it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 🚢✨