If you’re looking to get an all-in-one add-on for your Royal Caribbean cruise that includes a range of extras, there’s a new option for you.
Royal Caribbean is now offering Premier Pass, a new priority access program.
Royal Caribbean’s original add-on package, The Key, is still available, but Premier Pass offers a different set of amenities aimed at offering the “newest and most innovative vacation package.”
Purchasing the Premier Pass gives you VIP access, internet access and services you may not otherwise get unless you have stayed in a suite or held a higher Crown and Anchor Society level.
The Premier Pass includes:
- Welcome Bottle Veuve Clicquot
- Priority embarkation and disembarkation
- Inside Access Tour (two guests)
- Officers’ Lunch (two guests)
- Unlimited internet access (two devices)
- Captain’s toast and photo
- Wine pairing with sommelier (two guests) – Wine is complimentary
- Laundry service (one bag per cabin)
Basically, it’s a way to board the ship faster and get VIP treatment at select events.
This new pack includes some benefits of The Key but excludes access to priority activities. Instead, it has more experiences and tours as part of its deal.
“Introducing the Premier Pass, our newest and most innovative holiday package for 2 guests. It offers a range of unique cruising experiences to take your vacation to the next level of luxury. Purchase the Premier Pass before you set sail and enjoy VIP access to the ship, including priority boarding. A bottle of Veuve Clicquot awaits you in your cabin upon arrival – our way of saying “Welcome aboard”.
Your pass includes our most popular Inside Access Tour, where you’ll discover the inner workings of the ship from the bridge to the engine room. Your pass also includes a meal with one of the ship’s officers, complete with a photo of you and the captain.
During your sailing you will enjoy an exclusive combination of food and wine. Stay connected with unlimited internet access for two devices. Cut a fine figure in any port with onboard personal laundry service.“
The new option is under the Packages tab in the Cruise Planner, although I’ve only been able to spot it for one of my upcoming cruises on Mariner of the Seas. RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Bob Rogers spotted it on his Allure of the Seas cruise, so it’s possible it’s only available on select ships so far.
The Premier Pass cost is advertised as $88.99 for our two cruises and is for two guests.
How can I buy the package?
You must purchase the Premier Pass online prior to your cruise departure.
After booking a cruise, go to the Royal Caribbean website, log into your account and click on “Cruise Planner”.
Why Buy Premier Pass?
The appeal of a VIP cruise package is being able to enjoy additional benefits without spending the money on a suite or having enough loyalty program points.
Purchasing the Premier Pass gives you VIP benefits at a lower price, especially for new cruise lines.
In short, Premier Pass is about getting exclusive benefits when you value them. This will make you feel like a VIP on your cruise, especially on the day of embarkation and disembarkation.
Like The Key, it’s not strictly required, but it’s certainly a nice add-on for those who want something special and wouldn’t otherwise enjoy similar benefits.
How is Premier Pass different from The Key?
So far it appears that both The Key and Premier Pass are offered as both options were available on cruises where I could see Premier Pass listed.
As I haven’t tried the Premier Pass yet, based on the description there seems to be some perks that aren’t similar to most.
First and foremost, a Premier Pass purchase is for two people, while The Key is priced per person.
In addition, the key must be purchased prior to departure by each guest aged 6 and over assigned to the same cabin. There is no such requirement for the Premier Pass.
The key is charged per night of the cruise, while the Premier Pass is a fixed price for the entire trip.
Both passes include internet access for the duration of the cruise. Both get you on the ship faster with priority embarkation and priority disembarkation.
In addition, the lists of benefits differ from each other.
What’s included in The Key
- Priority access to the terminal (within booked arrival time) on Day 1.
- Check-in of hand luggage and transfer to the cabin. Check in your hand luggage in the main dining room by 1:30pm.
- Private time at onboard activities like Rock Climbing, FlowRider and more.
- Priority departure at tender ports of call from ship to shore.
- Exclusive welcome lunch in the main dining room featuring the Chops Grille Lunch menu.
- Exclusive VIP seating area for Main Theatre, Aqua Theatre, Studio B and Two70 shows (reservation required).
- VOOM ® Surf & Stream 1 device high speed internet.
- On the day of disembarkation, enjoy an exclusive a la carte breakfast and a choice of departures.
What is included in the Premier Pass
- Welcome Bottle Veuve Clicquot
- Priority embarkation and disembarkation
- Inside Access Tour (two guests)
- Officers’ Lunch (two guests)
- Unlimited internet access (two devices)
- Captain’s toast and photo
- Wine pairing with sommelier (two guests) – Wine is complimentary
- Laundry service (one bag per cabin)
Reserved times for shows and activities are at the heart of what The Key offers, while the Premier Pass includes more experiences.
