amygutman

We are boarding the Allure on Friday for my son's 15th birthday (whooo!!!). I know it's not the Harmony but as a similar Oasis class ship we chose the 2 bedroom Aqua Theater Suite 10th floor Star class both for the Genie and view of the Aqua shows. 

Honestly, I love a good balcony no matter where I am on the ship, but the opportunity to have one view of the ocean and one view of a cool show is a huge bonus to us. Plus, my family can cheer me on when I climb the rock wall right next to the balcony!

It's been almost years since we were last on Royal on the Anthem and cannot wait to try out this class of ship (and have kiddo spoiled for his birthday). 

Warmest Amy

@Denversail and @Mr. IT Thanks for bringing us along on such a fantastically entertaining Live Review. So glad you had a nice time in Winter Park - we've lived here for 2 years and it's just such a wonderful place (and bougie-people watching is the best entertainment). 

7 days until we board for kiddo's 15th birthday. Can't wait to experience the Allure for ourselves and crossing our fingers for smooth seas for the aqua shows as we are in an aqua suite!

Glad you made it back safe, and again, thank you for a fun read. 

Warmest Amy

@puckliny Curious about this myself so checked online:

According the the US State Department website: (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/cruise-ship-passengers.html)

• Apply early for your passport, or make sure your current one will be valid at least six months beyond your travel dates and has two or more blank pages. Your cruise company may also require you to have a passport even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or foreign port of entry does not. 

Looked at the Royal Caribbean website as well it follows the State Department rules. 

I know it's not the news you want, but hope it's helpful. 

Warmest Amy

On 4/11/2024 at 10:28 AM, ninjacat123 said:

When on MG, please check out Big Chicken (best chicken sandwiches EVER), Emeril's (Banana Foster Crepes and Muffuletta sandwich sooo good),  Street Eatz (selections change daily) and the gelato by the Shawarma station on Lido (selections change as well).  Bonsai Teppanyaki is great and a lot of fun (make reservations on your Cruise Manager because they could sell out).  Also, when I prepare to post pics on CC from my cell and I see that they are upside down, I remove said photo, go back to camera selection, screenshot the pic and edit so its just the pic and save to camera roll, go back to post and select that pic again and the pic should be right side up.  Something I figured out halfway through my Europe cruise LIVE review.

Hope you post a review on your MG cruise!!😸

@ninjacat123 Thank you so much for the advice on both the cruise and on the cellphone. 

It wasn't a "live" review so I unfortunately couldn't be as dextrous as I wanted with the cellphone. And honestly, as much of a perfectionist as I am, after hour THREE of trying to make the perfect post, I threw up my hands and did the best I could. 

I was just happy that I could post the actual video as my travel agent was very much looking forward to an updated room tour (not too many on the internet, and none recent). 

Appreciate the MG advice - and yes, I really enjoy posting. Considering how much great information I get from CC, if something I enjoy doing can help someone else, then that's great karma + great fun!

Warmest Amy

On 4/11/2024 at 7:03 AM, jimbo5544 said:

Nice review, we traveled many places on Liberty over the years, including our forst trip to the Med.  She will always hold a special place in our hearts, including couple trips in the Captain’s Suite.

@jimbo5544 I love good cruise memories - thank you for sharing!

On 4/10/2024 at 10:16 PM, apugeau said:

I absolutely loved and appreciated this review. Such a cute family!

@apugeau I may be biased, but I do think our kiddo is fabulously cute too!!! Thank you!

Have to say this is the most fun-and-drama filled review I've read ever. I am having so much fun with my figurative popcorn in hand. Honestly , the ship is not the main character here - it's you!!!

Can't wait to hear more; warmest Amy

On 3/30/2024 at 10:36 PM, klb1978 said:

Last time we sailed out of Port Canaveral there was a launch.  I don’t know the exact time, but it was right before the early seating of dinner.  We were able to view the launch from the ship.  It was so amazing!  We live in Orlando, so see launches often, but this was a really cool experience.  I hope you get to see this launch.  Space X is pretty reliable as long as weather conditions are good 

@klb1978 We live in Orlando as well, and no matter how many times we see a launch (great view from our condo's parking lot), it still gives me a thrill! Our last sailing we were so excited as there was a launch scheduled but scrubbed at the last minute. Crossing our fingers for our upcoming Allure the week of the 19th!

Warmest Amy

On 4/4/2024 at 7:59 AM, A&L_Ont said:

We started sailing in Star Class because the cabins we stayed in were turned into Star Class Cabins.
 

We have done 11 Star Class cruises so far and have only had 1 Genie that was not good.  I’m being kind when I say that and it was in 2017.  It wasn’t even a full year into the program and since then they all have be amazing.  Turns out it was her last cruise before her break and she wasn’t renewed.  They all have different personalities and great in their own ways. 

Our most favourite surprise moment happened a couple weeks ago.  It has never happened before and probably never again.  Our Genie surprised us with an in cabin concert performance.  We walked into our cabin and he was there with Stephen the singer from the pub.  We had seen him numerous times in the pub, but never expected to see him in our cabin. 

 

 

@A&L_Ont ARE YOU KIDDING ME? 

This is the coolest thing - a private concert? Holy moley. I would be in heaven. I asked our Genie if he could possible arrange a dance / singing lesson for our son's birthday. He loves performing but is super socially shy and hoping to get him to at least try sharing interest. If our Genie comes through like yours did, I think I would just start crying mom tears. 

Thank you so much for sharing!

Warmest Amy

On 3/29/2024 at 8:32 AM, RobInMN said:

We originally told our Genie that we wanted to watch the show from our balcony one night and seats another night. After watching from the balcony, we told him not to bother with seats on a later show. He brought us drinks and popcorn both nights. 🙂 

Here was out view from Deck 9 (9330)

 

OH MY G-D!!! This is EXACTLY what we were hoping for. 

Kiddo is going to be so happy (as are we). 

Cannot thank you enough for the photos @RobInMN!

Warmest Amy

On 3/24/2024 at 8:04 PM, Denversail said:

Our excursions this trip will be a resort pass to Margaritaville in Nassau. We are doing the Beach Club @ Coco Cay. You will notice a theme. This is my 3rd time in a row doing the Beach Club. I really enjoy it. It creates a relaxing day for me. 
 

We won’t need to be to the airport until 2 pm on Monday. My plan so far is for us to take our time getting off the ship and head over to Disney Springs. I thought we would be able to do some shopping and get some lunch. 

@Denversail Remember that it's Spring Break / Easter here in Orlando - it has been EPICALLY crazy at the airports and all of the theme parks. The pictures posted out of Disney Springs over the past few weeks has looked like cattle being (angrily) herded. 

As some of the Northern states still are on their Easter breaks (Florida schools are mostly back in session) you may run into some serious crowds. 

If I may suggest a nicer quiet town with awesome shopping and restaurants (plus, only about 20-30 mins from the airport depending on traffic), try Winter Park. We live here and it's paradise on earth. A cute little town that yes, has some tourist crowds but is charming, good parking (use the garages), and outstanding small-town vibe. 

Warmest Amy

On 3/23/2024 at 7:18 PM, Denversail said:

This trip was a super last minute decision. Mr. IT and I decided 15 nights from the cruise that we would book it. I called 14 days out and was luckily still able to get an ocean balcony. He said they only had two more available. My free casino offer was for a junior suite but those were sold out. 😞

 

Just to explain some of the alias’s… I posted a news alert on my last live which was this Feb. I used these aliases in that review. Dupable (my mother) called me first thing the morning after my announcement that I’d be doing another live. She was so excited. It was like she will be on the trip with me. We will discuss more of her stalking tendencies later. Let’s just say she is following us all very closely. 😳  

@Denversail Am following along eagerly - we board the Allure on the 19th so excited to (metaphorically) travel with you a few weeks early!

Warmest Amy

@LittleMissMagic Thank you for the lovely review! What a great way to spend the bachelorette party and what an amazing room! You should be an ambassador for the Star Class!

Warmest Amy

On 3/23/2024 at 3:23 PM, irishgal432 said:

With the 3/4 night sailings the genies have double the communication work load.  Normal 7 day sailings it is about a month out, but with the new 3/4 sailings it may be less than that.  You can reach out via facebook or twitter .  they are normally very responsive.

@irishgal432 Makes a lot of sense. Actually, I think it's crazy that the Wonder and the Allure and so many other of the very large (>5000 passenger) ships have such short itineraries. Talk about crew exhaustion. Embarkation day is just crazy for them and cannot imagine doing it twice weekly. 

Definitely my stress about the "perfect birthday" for kiddo is a first world problem, so thank you for putting my anxiety into perspective. It's going to be  a lovely cruise!

Warmest amy

On 3/23/2024 at 10:22 AM, cured said:

Tell us you have never sailed Star Class without telling us.

 

And to answer your question. Yes. We have never found any of the butlers on any of the other lines give the same kind of service as the genies.

 

@cured Wow...that's high praise!

I am so excited to hear you had a great experience. 

warmest Amy

On 3/23/2024 at 9:00 AM, wdwkings said:

@amygutman don’t put much faith into the star class questionnaire.  It might have been used at one time but it seems that is not an item the genies really are paying much attention to these days.  If you are within 30 days expect to get an email directly from the genie in the next week or so.  That is where you will want to communicate your requests.  They are good about coordinating with you once they start with the emails.  
 

Expect that you will be using WhatsApp while on the ship, so if you do not have an account for everyone in the party you might want to add that to your phones.  The genie will setup a group chat in WhatsApp for the party a day or so ahead of the cruise.  They will still meet you each day but that seems to be the more common communication method on all of our post COVID star class cruises.

 

Have fun and enjoy the cruise.  If you are familiar with Royal, star class can be a nice experience.  Don’t worry about the post stating the suites on Royal is not up to par.  We have sailed on other lines in suites also and there are positive and negative to everyone.  While we did enjoy the areas of the MSC yacht club, especially the sun deck/pool area, service levels on other lines including MSC, really aren’t that different from star class.  NOT saying that Royal couldn’t do better, just that the difference between them is not large.  
 

 

@wdwkings thank you for the kind words. Cruising is so personal - likes, dislikes, and opinions are varied and actually really interesting. Ultimately, it's an expensive product that we do have high hopes for not so much as an alternative to NCL / MSC or other "suite-focused" ships, but because it's really the first cruise my son has specifically chosen for something HE wants to do / see vs something his boring parents have planned. 

I am always excited to sail, especially on a ship new to us - our only other Royal ship was the Anthem and I worked on the Empress for a contract ... oh, she was a lovely old lady. A true ocean liner who I was so sad to see decommissioned. But that was a job (certainly no butler there in my 90 sq foot room), and this is for fun so I am cannot wait for April 19th!

Warmest Amy

On 3/23/2024 at 7:46 AM, klakrad said:

We were in a 2-bedroom Aqua suite last year on Allure. First time in Star class as well. I had the same concern as our Genie didn't email us until about two weeks out, don't worry. Jay didn't miss anything. I know they are very busy but will make your voyage amazing.

@klakrad thank you. I know the butlers run crazy on MSC and NCL, and it seems even more so on Royal as the suites seem very spaced out. 

Did you love watching the aqua show from the balcony? It looks like an incredible experience. 

Warmest Amy

On 3/23/2024 at 7:08 AM, bajathree said:

I can't help you on an e-mail....hopefully someone else will. But with over 50 Royal sailings under my belt lower your expectations a bit on suite class with Royal. Royal honestly doesn't do suite class well compared to other lines. It's really just the bigger cabin you are paying for with ROYAL.

@bajathree FIFTY SAILINGS!!! That's amazing. Watched Gary Bainbridge's comparison of the "ship within a ship" concepts on my night off work tonight, and I think he has the same thoughts as you do. 

But, it seems like Royal is less focused on the "suite neighborhood" than the entire Star Class experience. Just my initial thoughts based upon CC reviews and youtube videos. Cannot wait to experience it ourselves though!

Warmest Amy

On 3/23/2024 at 2:55 PM, LittleMissMagic said:

Since Allure is sailing 3/4 night itineraries, contact with the Genie is pushed a little closer to sail date since there are more sailings. We recently sailed in Star Class on Allure. Our sail date was Friday, February 23, and I first received an email from our Genie (Tao Yin, amazing!) on Monday, February 12. I responded with my special celebration requests, and within a day, I received a personalized itinerary.

 

I'm very Type A, so I understand the frustration of having to wait so close to sail date for confirmation from your Genie, but rest assured, once you're on the ship, you'll be in great hands!

 

If you're looking for a little Star Class inspiration to hold you over until your sailing, I wrote a Live Review of our cruise in the Royal Loft Suite on Allure of the Seas - 

 

Thank you @LittleMissMagic- this was such a lovely review!!!!

On 3/23/2024 at 6:38 AM, amygutman said:

Good morning - 

So excited to be boarding the Allure for the April 19 sailing out of Port Canaveral. First time in Star Class and booked the 2 bedroom Aqua Suite for our son's 15th birthday. We completed the questionnaire sent out last month by the Genie (quite interesting, I must say) but had a two specific borthday requests we want to confirm prior to boarding the ship that we asked for in the questionnaire. 

 

Is there an email / phone number to reach out to the Allure Genies? I tried the regular guest email and received a "general" reply about the Genies contacting me via email 30 days out from the sailing - no info about a specific email address. It's past 30 days, so that's a bust. The regular guest relations email and phone number have also given the same "30 days email" reply and no Genie email information. We don't have high status on Royal so the Crown and Anchor line has not been helpful either. 

 

It's a bit frustrating, actually - in comparison NCL and MSC both have dedicated pre-concierge emails / contact numbers for their suite guests. Not complaining, just contrasting. Any help would be appreciated. 

@bajathree @irishgal432 @LittleMissMagic @cured @wdwkings @RobInMN @smokeybandit and @klakrad My humblest thanks and deep apologies for the late replies. 

Night shift worker that got slaughtered in the days since I posted (can you see why I am really, really looking forward to this vacation!!!). 

As always, this amazing cruise critic community has been super helpful and I and so grateful. Out butler Mr Chinegadoo actually reached out via email today regarding specific birthday wishes for our son. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and all of the wonderful suggestions. I hope some days to offer assistance should you ever have a question I can help with!

Warmest Amy

On 3/21/2024 at 1:42 PM, cruiseDH22 said:

Wifey and I have done 4 or 5 NCL cruises.  We are interested in a Carnival Cruise to Bahamas or Caribbean out of NY later this year.

 

What will we expect, not having experienced Carnival before.  What will we miss, and what can we expect in general?

 

I will probably post this on the Carnival forum as well, but looking for some expert insight and thought I will start here.

 

(Once you NCL you never consider anything else?)

@cruiseDH22

We did it! We went from "never cruising in anything but a suite" to an old Carnival ship, the Liberty, for a last-minute cheapo long weekend cruise in an aft balcony. Did we love it? YES!!!!!!

We were honestly so surprised - none of the amenities we were used to, and still, we ate well, were incredibly entertained, had a hideously decorated but incredibly clean and comfy circa-1980's pink and orange room, and some of the nicest crew you have ever met. 

Carnival's tributes to our military and first responders and fund-raising for St Jude's were added benefits. 

We loved it so much we've booked 2 more Carnival cruises. It's a different experience than we have been used to, and if we had such a good time on such a small, older ship, than I cannot wait to experience some of the newer models. Different strokes for different folks though - each cruise and each cruiser are really different so try something new...you may love it!

Here's a link to my review:

Warmest Amy

Good morning - 

So excited to be boarding the Allure for the April 19 sailing out of Port Canaveral. First time in Star Class and booked the 2 bedroom Aqua Suite for our son's 15th birthday. We completed the questionnaire sent out last month by the Genie (quite interesting, I must say) but had a two specific borthday requests we want to confirm prior to boarding the ship that we asked for in the questionnaire. 

Is there an email / phone number to reach out to the Allure Genies? I tried the regular guest email and received a "general" reply about the Genies contacting me via email 30 days out from the sailing - no info about a specific email address. It's past 30 days, so that's a bust. The regular guest relations email and phone number have also given the same "30 days email" reply and no Genie email information. We don't have high status on Royal so the Crown and Anchor line has not been helpful either. 

It's a bit frustrating, actually - in comparison NCL and MSC both have dedicated pre-concierge emails / contact numbers for their suite guests. Not complaining, just contrasting. Any help would be appreciated. 

5 hours ago, complawyer said:

hey chief mate. for the 1st time in a very long time and a great number  of posts, i completely disagree with you.

 

i can ignore no cookies, no hash browns, boring entertainment, crowed pools, chair/ seat hogs, and almost any little nuisance that may arise once i'm on the ship.

 

what is inexcusable, is finding prior passengers paraphernalia  in my cabin. sorry my friend the least i would expect is a clean cabin. while i might ask the cabin steward to take away things left in a drawer, someone else's junk under the bed, or in the bathroom/ shower, just shows (at least to me) an extremely lazy and or inefficient steward. 

 

you will notice my responses to peoples complaints are usually backing norwegien and advising people not t sweat the small stuff or let it ruin the cruise.

 

to quote the infamous don corleone, "this i cannot forgive"

@complawyer and @ChiefMateJRK chiming in here as well: As someone with many cabins across many lines, there is always an "hold my breath" when entering a room for the first time. 

Perhaps the smell of cleaner and fresh linen sheets is not enough to ease my mind, but after 4 cruises in a row where something small was missed (leftovers in the fridge, used soap in the shower, old snacks in one of the drawers, and used coffee mugs on the coffee service tray PLUS a loofah in the shower that had hair on it). Most common is cigarette butts on the balcony ledges. We once turned over the pillows on the "cleaned couch" to find what looked like crusted baby puke. Ugh. 

It's really off-putting; and these were in premium suites / Havens / Yacht Club rooms. Makes for an uncomfortable situation because we do not want anyone to get in trouble - the work it takes to turn over a ship perfectly is massive and exhausting. Yet, it starts off the cruise with an "ick" factor.  Ironically, the cleanest room we've stayed in recently was on a very old Carnival ship in a balcony room which was wonderfully sanitized for our pleasure. It may have been a bit rusty, but dang, it was clean. 

Now, each of those dirty room situations was immediately addressed by the concierge / butler / suite manager. OBC, a free meal at the steakhouse, a spa certificate have each been offered and happily accepted. We are not a-holes, but even in the cleanest-appearing of rooms we usually bring our own sanitizing wipes and clean exposed surfaces (especially remotes, phones and furniture - too many bare bottoms have been on those couches!). 

Never ruins our trip, but with any money spent - be it on the cheapest room or the grandest suite, should always come the minimal expectation of a room "cleaned and sanitized for your pleasure". 🧼🧹

Warmest Amy

Sorry to hijack, but seems like an appropriate thread to ask a quick questions re: Star Class and Genies - is there a contact email to reach a "general" Genie desk? We are sailing on the Allure April 19 and we are hoping to board sooner than the 1300 time slot available. 

Because we were told we will be met by the Genie upon arrival, we don't want to just show up earlier without warning as I do not want to disturb the Genie's other client passengers' plans. 

Thank you...our first Star class and ready to have kiddo spoiled for his birthday!

Warmest Amy

5 hours ago, Paelos said:

Heading on the Liberty in April with my wife, so I appreciated your review! I'll give the BBQ place a stop by for sure. We've also booked the steakhouse on the first night, and I fully prepare to drink that free bottle of wine! Hopefully I have some good luck in the casino.

 

What games in the casino did you like to play? You had mentioned there weren't many "cheap" games, so what bet/denomination were you able to find that you liked?

So, my habit is to find the 1 or 2 centers, then play "all of the lines", so that the spins are between $2.50 and $5.00. I find I can play for quite of bit of time winning some, losing some, and getting casino points. 

No particular favorites honestly - though the Buffalo game and one called "Queen's Gambit" were particularly nice to me 😇

I hope you have a wonderful time and are able to look beyond the rough edges. Such a great little ship with, and I cannot state this enough, one of the best crews we have ever had. 

Warmest Amy