Allure Star Class - first and maybe continuing impressions 5/29

[Pitzel]

Oh. Forgot to say - we asked about the mystery animal. They don't know either. It's on their "list". They call it the creature ! :)

 

 

 

Loch Ness Monster?

[Bdchili]

Does anyone know if the LOOP is actually an app or is it a website link? If link what is best way to set up on your phone. Just got the email but it appears to be a link

[Clarea]

Does anyone know if the LOOP is actually an app or is it a website link? If link what is best way to set up on your phone. Just got the email but it appears to be a link

It's a website link. Can't you make it a bookmark?

[MattInFLL]

Have to say - we never used it. We found it easiest to use email before the cruise and the phone on the cruise. But each genie might be different.

[Bdchili]

Have to say - we never used it. We found it easiest to use email before the cruise and the phone on the cruise. But each genie might be different.

 

 

We have the same genie you guys had. I will just do what he says. I did bookmark the link, though.

[MattInFLL]

We have the same genie you guys had. I will just do what he says. I did bookmark the link, though.

 

 

 

Oh that's right. I forgot.

 

Francesco's standard response is "whatever you prefer." :) he carries around a large iPad which has all his guest's bookings. Loop must go to that.

[Bdchili]

Oh that's right. I forgot.

 

Francesco's standard response is "whatever you prefer." :) he carries around a large iPad which has all his guest's bookings. Loop must go to that.

 

 

You mentioned that you tipped the cabin steward and someone else, other than Franky. I know that gratuity isn't included for him, but don't the others get something. I was in the hospitality business for a long time, so I far into the same category as you when it comes to tipping. My question is did you treat the others as if they had no tip included and basically doubled or just supplement them for great service?

[MattInFLL]

There are two cabin attendants. Ranier is the "lead". Keith is his assistant. Although he seems to do a lot of work.

 

Our friends in the Crown Loft asked their lead what they saw of the tips. They were told the leads get $42 per week. The assistant gets $8.75 per week. I believe that's per passenger not per cabin.

 

We about doubled for the lead. Our tip to Keith must have been like a windfall. They did a lot of extra work for us because of hosting the cocktail party. And since Ron and I are just friends I was on the sofa, which has to be made up and broken down each day. I'm sure that's not usual when only 2 people are in the cabin.

[MattInFLL]

Just want to add to the above - I would say we fell on the very generous side I think they would have been just as grateful had it been a bit less. We based our tip on what I think Andrew had said he tipped on another thread.

[MattInFLL]

OK, just dropped Ron off for his flight, so time to reflect on the trip.

 

Star Class or not, it was a great cruise filled with some great moments and great friends. Ron wants us to book again next year for the eastern or try Harmony. We both commented that we would have been perfectly happy with Sky Class. The suite concierges seemed to be very attentive and you get access to the SL and CK. But definitely would want Deck 17 no matter what. It's a great retreat and we can handle a suite together with 2 bathrooms. :)

 

But the big question - was Star Class worth it? For us, totally. And the best perk? The escorted disembarkation. You get to put your bags out in the morning and they are brought directly to customs. No bag tags. Your Genie picks you up, brings you to the front of each line and right down to Customs, where he bids you farewell and you go right to a customs agent.

 

Side note for Sky Class- you have 2 priority options: 8am and 9am. You wait in the SL and the concierges basically do the same thing, except in the larger groups, and your luggage goes out the night before and you get it in a special area by customs. We caught up with the 9am group and since it was about 20 or more people, they stopped all lines for a few minutes which upset a couple of people. If it had just been us, I don't think it would have been so noticeable.

 

We were exiting the port in a taxi about 15 minutes after we left the cabin. Easiest ever.

 

But throughout the week, Francesco was basically the orchestrator of making the cruise as easy as possible. And then the surprise gift based on our questionnaire answer (which took some creative thought). And then the cocktail party. He really wanted to do his best for us. You just have to realize he's not a butler. He's your Hollywood level personal assistant.

 

We probably did not use all the perks we could have used, because they weren't of interest, but nice to know they were there.

 

Some of the staff is still learning it exists, and what's included. Which led to a debate with every speciality restaurant waiter about whether Ron's request for the Evian water bottle was an up charge or not. I just didn't bother debating at 150 CP because I knew Franky was going to adjust our bill as necessary.

 

But I'm sure they are going to be refining the experience and making adjustments once they get a good feel for how it all works.

 

If there are more questions, I will be happy to try and answer.

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[MattInFLL]

 

Do you think I could fit in there ?

 

 

Two random sheets that may be helpful for planning.

 

 

Interesting that even when they try to make a comprehensive list, it's not complete. :)

 

Even though I totally planned out our cruise, I referred to this sheet the most :

 

[Bdchili]

What did they consider super premium? Did you purchase anything in that category?

[MattInFLL]

Sorry, no. I was happy to see that Royal has started stocking Titos.

 

But on other ships I've been told it's things like Stoli Elit and Johnny Walker blue label. If you look at the list you see Grey Goose and Belvedere vodka. Hendricks Gin and Patron. So as brands go, they are not being stingy.

Edited June 6, 2016 by MattInFLL

[John Reid]

Ostrich was my first thought. But they have 2 legs. Still stumped.

 

Oh. And Ron corrected me. MOOSE and squirrel. :)

 

Rocky and Bullwinkle!

 

Matt, does suite 1720 have a connecting door to 1718? If so, where is it? Thanks.

Edited June 6, 2016 by natty bumppo

[MattInFLL]

Yes it connects to 1718. You can't see the actual door in this pic but it's to left of the closet under the stairs and to the right of that picture.

 

[MattInFLL]

What's wrong with this picture ?

 

 

They used the Freedom class magnet for Allure.

[marti315]

I thought I would add my two cents in here regarding the term "super premium" liquor. I think they are referring to the Macallan 18, 25, the other aged scotches and things like the Louis XIII. I was on the allure May 8 - 15 and was drinking Stoli Elit, Tanq Ten, Pyrat Rum, Blackwell rum etc all on the premium package with no added charges. As Matt said they are pretty awesome when it comes to the options they have.

 

By the way, I have been a long time lurker to CC but decided to register and get to know some folks in here. Whats peaked my interest is the Star class introduction and I appreciate all your updates and info Matt. I have a 2 bedroom ATS reserved next year on the Allure so i am hopeful they get this program tightened up without removing perks.

[CRUISEBOY305]

Great photos a review as usual Matt.

 

Thanks for sharing.

[John Reid]

Yes it connects to 1718. You can't see the actual door in this pic but it's to left of the closet under the stairs and to the right of that picture.

 

 

Thanks.

[thecoconut]

Thanks so much for sharing! I've loved following along.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[CruisingQueen2605]

They were available every day on the Enchantment last week.

 

No variety at all. In other words, EVERY day the cookies were:

 

Coconut Rangers

 

Oatmeal Raisin

 

Lemon (sugar free)

 

:)

 

I just got off the Allure (5/29 - 6/5 sailing) and had the Coconut Rangers everyday at the Cafe Promenade and in Central Park for dessert with my rb sandwiches and salad. They are my favorite cookie!

[minnie00]

Sorry, no. I was happy to see that Royal has started stocking Titos.

 

But on other ships I've been told it's things like Stoli Elit and Johnny Walker blue label. If you look at the list you see Grey Goose and Belvedere vodka. Hendricks Gin and Patron. So as brands go, they are not being stingy.

 

yeah Titos....thumbs up to hear that:D

[MattInFLL]

I just got off the Allure (5/29 - 6/5 sailing) and had the Coconut Rangers everyday at the Cafe Promenade and in Central Park for dessert with my rb sandwiches and salad. They are my favorite cookie!

 

 

 

Yes! I forgot to share I finally found them at cafe promenade on my late night run. :)

 

Hope you had a good cruise.

Edited June 6, 2016 by MattInFLL

[CruisingQueen2605]

Yes! I forgot to share I finally found them at cafe promenade on my late night run. :)

 

Hope you had a good cruise.

 

Thank you! I had a wonderful cruise. I fell in love with the Allure. I really enjoyed your review!

[Bdchili]

Matt,

Question about in suite party: Did you use Bar Server, Bartender or Mixologist? Francesco, sent me what could be done and there was $200 hr rate difference from Bar Server to Mixologist. Just curious, I am leaning toward Mixologist (can be my splurge, since the wife will have her Spa Apts.) What was your experience?

Edited June 7, 2016 by Bdchili