The WORST Royal Caribbean Deals

Summary

Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog shares insights on the cruise experience, highlighting five offerings that may not provide the best value for money. The 'Key' VIP pass, overpriced onboard toiletries, bus tours with limited personal experience, the short-lived thrill of the Crown's Edge, and the exorbitantly priced Coco Beach Club are scrutinized. He suggests alternatives for a more cost-effective and enjoyable cruise vacation.

Takeaways

• 🛳️ The Royal Caribbean blog aims to provide a comprehensive cruise experience, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of the services offered.
• 🔑 The 'Key to the Kingdom' VIP pass is not worth the cost, as many of its benefits can be obtained without extra payment or are not as valuable as advertised.
• 🚶‍♂️ Early boarding with the Key is not significantly advantageous, as passengers can secure early check-in times through online check-in 45 days prior to the cruise.
• 🍽️ The welcome lunch at Chops Grill included with the Key can be purchased without the Key, and a dining package might offer better value.
• 🎢 Exclusive times for onboard activities with the Key are often inconveniently scheduled and do not apply to the most popular attractions like water slides.
• 🎟️ The Key's show reservations can be made by all passengers through the Royal Caribbean app, negating one of its main perks.
• 🌐 Internet access provided by the Key is also available for individual purchase, often at a discount if bought before the cruise.
• 🧴 Purchasing toiletries onboard is expensive and not recommended; it's better to pack necessary items beforehand or buy them at a port.
• 🚌 Bus tours as shore excursions are often not worth the cost, as they can be slow, restrictive, and provide limited viewing opportunities.
• 🤹‍♂️ The Crown's Edge experience on Icon of the Seas is short and overpriced, despite being thrilling.
• 🏖️ The Coco Beach Club has seen a significant increase in pricing, making it an expensive option for a day pass or cabana rental, with drinks not included.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the Royal Caribbean blog?

The main goal of the Royal Caribbean blog is to share as much of the cruise experience as possible, providing insights on what guests should or shouldn't do during their vacation.

What is the 'Key' and why is it considered not worth it by the speaker?

The 'Key' is a VIP pass advertised to enhance the cruise experience with priority services. However, the speaker finds it not worth the cost because many of its benefits can be obtained in other ways or are not as valuable as they seem.

How can one get an early check-in time without the 'Key'?

By doing the online check-in exactly 45 days before the cruise and using the Royal Caribbean app, one can secure one of the first check-in times without needing the 'Key'.

What is the issue with the private times for onboard activities provided by the 'Key'?

The private times are usually at inconvenient hours, such as during dinner or early in the morning, and are limited to a few activities, often not including the most popular ones like water slides or laser tag.

Why does the speaker suggest avoiding purchasing toiletries onboard the cruise?

Purchasing toiletries onboard is expensive, with prices significantly higher than local pharmacies, making it a poor value for the money.

What is the main drawback of bus tours as a shore excursion according to the speaker?

Bus tours can be restrictive, offering limited views from the bus window, no stops for personal exploration, and potentially spending time at uninteresting stops due to the tour's itinerary.

What alternative does the speaker suggest to bus tours for a more fulfilling experience?

The speaker suggests exploring on one's own, using public transportation, or booking smaller group or private tours for a more personalized and enjoyable experience.

What is Crown's Edge and why does the speaker believe it is not worth the cost?

Crown's Edge is an activity where participants navigate suspended platforms and end with a zipline ride over the ocean. The speaker believes it's not worth the cost due to its high price for the short duration of the experience.

How has the pricing of the Coco Beach Club changed since its opening, according to the speaker?

The pricing of the Coco Beach Club has significantly increased since its opening, with day passes and cabana rentals becoming much more expensive, making it less of a good value.

What does the speaker recommend as a better alternative to the Coco Beach Club for a cabana experience?

The speaker recommends Hideaway Beach or other cabanas located elsewhere on the island, such as Chill Island, as better alternatives for a cabana experience due to more reasonable pricing.

What is the speaker's final recommendation regarding the items listed in the script?

The speaker recommends not booking the items listed in the script due to their poor value for money, and suggests following the tips shared on the blog and channel for a more cost-effective cruise experience.