Royal Suite - Star Class Benefits Shrinking??

[A&L_Ont]

This is our preferred arrival time at port as well. It's a line I never mind standing in. :) We'll be Sky Class on the Harmony TA, so no Genie. Unless I receive an email about deep-cleaning, we'll be arriving at our usual time.

 

What cabin do you have for the TA? We sail on Harmony November 12 and are in 1732. It would be funny if we had the same cabin.

[A&L_Ont]

Andrew - they were so freely giving us cans of whatever we liked for the minibar, that I would be surprised. But then again, maybe we cost them too much money. :)

 

Let's blame Ron, he might not read or see this. :p

[TheTruthCanHurt]

I'd hope so too. Considering the UBP comes with Sky Class it seems cheap to charge for the pop, water, red bull and whatever else is in the fridge. However, if you pay for ice cream at scoops it might not surprise me if the fridge did have a charge. ;)

 

Actually, I don't believe the UBP does not come with Sea class or Sky Class. According to the list THE UBP only comes with STAR class.

 

Additionally , even if you have the beverage package you would still be billed for the mini bar, UNLESS they were still including it with the STAR class as initially advertised ( and I hope that is true).

 

I have been on the fence about upgrading my sky class crown lofts to star class so I can have the In room beverages and the unlimited specialty restaurants, but dollar wise, i still cant get there ( seems like I could buy those perks cheaper separately than the additional for the package) For me, I can live without the genie.. just like the additional items the Star class offers.

 

I do have to defer to Matt as he seems to be the one with the most knowledge on this topic so far. ( at least from what I have seen)

Edited August 4, 2016 by TheTruthCanHurt

[A&L_Ont]

Actually, I don't believe the UBP does not come with Sea class or Sky Class. According to the list THE UBP only comes with STAR class.

 

Additionally , even if you have the beverage package you would still be billed for the mini bar, UNLESS they were still including it with the STAR class as initially advertised ( and I hope that is true).

 

I have been on the fence about upgrading my sky class crown lofts to star class so I can have the In room beverages and the unlimited specialty restaurants, but dollar wise, i still cant get there ( seems like I could buy those perks cheaper separately than the additional for the package) For me, I can live without the genie.. just like the additional items the Star class offers.

 

I do have to defer to Matt as he seems to be the one with the most knowledge on this topic so far. ( at least from what I have seen)

 

Oops, I meant to say Star Class.

[TheTruthCanHurt]

Oops, I meant to say Star Class.

 

ahh that makes more sense.

 

I have a cruise in november where I am in a crown loft ( sky class) and my friends are in a 2 bdrm aqua theater ( so it will be great for me to see first hand) Whats really going on.

 

As I said, I have been on the fence about upgrading but on average it's another 2k and some change.. and not sure the math factors out for me..

 

Drink package $450.00 1 specialty rest per day maybe $700. for the cruise... so thats what I am personally struggling with. 1200 bucks verses 2k plus ( although for some I imagine it's worth it)

[jules815]

What cabin do you have for the TA? We sail on Harmony November 12 and are in 1732. It would be funny if we had the same cabin.

 

Don't remember cabin number off the top of my head, but we're on the Central Park deck (8?)

[MattInFLL]

All I want is for those booking Star Class to have the same great experience we had - whatever combo of perks and amenities add up for them.

 

I don't think you can make the costs of included amenities add up. It will come down to the intangibles. The incredibly special party and beautiful anniversary cake for our friends. The extra steps they took to squeegee our balcony (which if you've seen pics is about as large as the suite) after a pounding rain storm so it would be comfortable for our party guests. The incredibly personal note and gift for us based on a questionnaire response. I hate to quote a commercial but some things become priceless.

 

I hope you all experience priceless.

 

And Andrew, at one point I think they had 8-10 sugar free red bulls lined up for me. So can't totally blame Ron :)

Edited August 5, 2016 by MattInFLL

[A&L_Ont]

All I want is for those booking Star Class to have the same great experience we had - whatever combo of perks and amenities add up for them.

 

I don't think you can make the costs of included amenities add up. It will come down to the intangibles. The incredibly special party and beautiful anniversary cake for our friends. The extra steps they took to squeegee our balcony (which if you've seen pics is about as large as the suite) after a pounding rain storm so it would be comfortable for our party guests. The incredibly personal note and gift for us based on a questionnaire response. I hate to quote a commercial but some things become priceless.

 

I hope you all experience priceless.

 

And Andrew, at one point I think they had 8-10 sugar free red bulls lined up for me. So can't totally blame Ron :)

 

I will add to add to Matt's comments regarding cost. Having stayed in many of the Star Class suites, on Oaisis class ships prior to the program, I know where they are "normally" priced at. The price hasn't increased because of the genie and added perks. Sure it may fluctuate from week to week depending on the season or be cheaper if you book earlier.

 

I personally see the perks as "gravy" as we used to pay the same cabin price and then extra for our drink package, specialty dining, etc. Now getting to be in the cabin earlier than 1pm is a big plus as we can unpack and start the fun even faster.

 

As Matt said, the cabin, balcony, and stewards are the reasons we had booked these cabins in the past prior to the new program. The Genie and the new perks make it a better value for us. If you are adding up the dollar costs I doubt you will ever be further ahead unless you load the cabin to maximum capacity and divide the costs equally. That will work for some people but personally I wouldn't want to share a ATS with 7 other friends, because at the end of the week would it be to much togetherness.;) We always have priceless experiences while cruising and like Matt I wish you the same fun and experiences.

 

Matt, I have a suspicion if we lived near each other we'd be friends. I'd still blame the red bulls on you.:D

[constable145]

I will add to add to Matt's comments regarding cost. Having stayed in many of the Star Class suites, on Oaisis class ships prior to the program, I know where they are "normally" priced at. The price hasn't increased because of the genie and added perks. Sure it may fluctuate from week to week depending on the season or be cheaper if you book earlier.

 

I personally see the perks as "gravy" as we used to pay the same cabin price and then extra for our drink package, specialty dining, etc. Now getting to be in the cabin earlier than 1pm is a big plus as we can unpack and start the fun even faster.

 

As Matt said, the cabin, balcony, and stewards are the reasons we had booked these cabins in the past prior to the new program. The Genie and the new perks make it a better value for us. If you are adding up the dollar costs I doubt you will ever be further ahead unless you load the cabin to maximum capacity and divide the costs equally. That will work for some people but personally I wouldn't want to share a ATS with 7 other friends, because at the end of the week would it be to much togetherness.;) We always have priceless experiences while cruising and like Matt I wish you the same fun and experiences.

 

Matt, I have a suspicion if we lived near each other we'd be friends. I'd still blame the red bulls on you.:D

Mmm red Bull.. Certainly no Monster... But not bad.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[MattInFLL]

 

 

Matt, I have a suspicion if we lived near each other we'd be friends. I'd still blame the red bulls on you.:D

 

 

No doubt Andrew :)

[ronsex]

Let's blame Ron, he might not read or see this. :p

 

No such luck....

 

As Matt has pointed out... they were very generous with refilling the mini bar with whatever cans of soda, bottles of water, red bull, and packaged snacks we wanted. At one point they just brought an additional 12 pack of Diet Coke and left it along with the usual replenishment.

 

As we pointed out previously... every request was answered with a "yes" except for the one time we asked to dine earlier at the teppanyaki.... and that request was delivered at 3PM on the day of.

 

I'm really picky.... and the whole cruise experience with the Genie was one of my favorite cruises of all time... trust me - that's saying a lot.

[A&L_Ont]

No such luck....

 

As Matt has pointed out... they were very generous with refilling the mini bar with whatever cans of soda, bottles of water, red bull, and packaged snacks we wanted. At one point they just brought an additional 12 pack of Diet Coke and left it along with the usual replenishment.

 

As we pointed out previously... every request was answered with a "yes" except for the one time we asked to dine earlier at the teppanyaki.... and that request was delivered at 3PM on the day of.

 

I'm really picky.... and the whole cruise experience with the Genie was one of my favorite cruises of all time... trust me - that's saying a lot.

 

Maybe we could suggest it was the Texas Tenors or Jesus and Keith. :p OK, OK. I'll accept the blame and I wasn't even there. :D

 

Just knowing who we are I believe our experience will be a good one.

[stevekc]

Are all the drink at the Starbucks cafe included in the star class ??

[MattInFLL]

They were for us. But not the pastries.

[galleycook]

Regular Customer Service person was a bit worthless' date=' so I called Club Royale. Megan was extremely helpful. It is true that amenities have changed due to lack of interests and no they will not automatically grandfather them in based on the time of booking. However, she stressed that when your Genie reaches out to you to express your hopes of a particular amenity that you would have liked that is no longer listed, and ask if they can make it happen. For example, when we booked the Thermal Room was included for the whole week. This was huge in my boat, and especially for my mother as an extra surprise to her for her 70th and first cruise ever. Spoil her while you can right:) Megan felt like this should be an easy enough request for our Genie to make happen for us. Fingers crossed:)[/quote']

 

As I posted on another thread, our travel agent called RCI 3 times while we were booking and the RCI staff had no idea about the perks in Star Class. I was constantly on my cell phone bringing up the RCI website to show the travel agent so that she could explain it to the person on the telephone.

 

It sounds like they have changed some of the perks and personally I don't think this is right. They should be grandfathered to the date that the cruise was booked. I understand that "some" things may be available if your request them from your genie but to me, guests shouldn't have to go asking for things that were part of an original package of perks. It looks like they didn't do their homework on this before rolling out the program(s). Certainly it seems to be creating a lot of confusion.

[marti315]

As I posted on another thread, our travel agent called RCI 3 times while we were booking and the RCI staff had no idea about the perks in Star Class. I was constantly on my cell phone bringing up the RCI website to show the travel agent so that she could explain it to the person on the telephone.

 

It sounds like they have changed some of the perks and personally I don't think this is right. They should be grandfathered to the date that the cruise was booked. I understand that "some" things may be available if your request them from your genie but to me, guests shouldn't have to go asking for things that were part of an original package of perks. It looks like they didn't do their homework on this before rolling out the program(s). Certainly it seems to be creating a lot of confusion.

 

 

I agree that having to "ask/beg" your genie for things that were included and now removed isnt the relaxing / stress free week people hoped for when booking the suite. If the genie is new to the job and had no idea what the perks used to be (over a year ago) this could be some fun back and forth's. I remember RCI used to use the phrases like "THe Ship is yours" in the star class brochures, now it should read "Most / some/ well we will tell you at your sail date what you get in star class".

[MattInFLL]

I have to say I think there's a lot of unnecessary stress going on here.

 

Maybe because I spent several years out of college as a bellman/concierge I just have no issue asking, checking or inquiring when it comes to such services.

 

From the perspective of someone who used to have to provide flawless service in a 5 star hotel, it's simply impossible to read everyone's mind. But give at least a hint and you may get what you wanted and more.

 

Nothing is perfect. This program is still only a few months old. Your Genie is going to ask questions - why not tell them what would make you happy?

[Princess1965]

Has anyone had the Royal Loft Suite or the Owner's Loft Suite on the Allure? Do they have the same Genie? Staying in a Star Suite, is a glass of wine or frozen drink free in Chops? Can one order from all of the fee restaurants to have it sent to the stateroom? Can one have their laundry done free every day? How do they handle someone needing a wheelchair to get on the ship and to off the ship to go home?

[MattInFLL]

Has anyone had the Royal Loft Suite or the Owner's Loft Suite on the Allure? Do they have the same Genie? Staying in a Star Suite, is a glass of wine or frozen drink free in Chops? Can one order from all of the fee restaurants to have it sent to the stateroom? Can one have their laundry done free every day? How do they handle someone needing a wheelchair to get on the ship and to off the ship to go home?

 

 

 

Genie assignments change all the time. So there's no way to know if they will be assigned to those 2 suites or not. For my sailing, my Genie had the Grand Loft the 2 Sky Lofts and an Aqua Theatre.

 

You get the Ultimate Beverage Package in Star which includes almost any drink.

 

You can order from most fee restaurants to your suite. But might be served all at once rather than course by course.

 

Laundry was free on our cruise.

 

You have personalized and escorted boarding and disembarking. They will make sure you have no issues with the wheelchair. It's fast and easy.

[philpcruiser]

 

You have personalized and escorted boarding and disembarking. It's fast and easy.

 

Do you get to choose the time of boarding? We'd like to board as early as possible...

[Princess1965]

We appreciate your great information about the Genie services on the Allure.

Genie assignments change all the time. So there's no way to know if they will be assigned to those 2 suites or not. For my sailing, my Genie had the Grand Loft the 2 Sky Lofts and an Aqua Theatre.

 

You get the Ultimate Beverage Package in Star which includes almost any drink.

 

You can order from most fee restaurants to your suite. But might be served all at once rather than course by course.

 

Laundry was free on our cruise.

 

You have personalized and escorted boarding and disembarking. They will make sure you have no issues with the wheelchair. It's fast and easy.

[MattInFLL]

Do you get to choose the time of boarding? We'd like to board as early as possible...

 

 

 

Your genie will ask you for a time between about 11:30 and 12:30. They can't get you on board before boarding begins and they need time to prep the suites for you. Remember that you get to go directly to your suite unlike everyone else who has to wait until 1 pm. So if you get there at 10am you will be waiting in the terminal like everyone else and then possibly waiting for the suite to be ready. If you arrive at 11:30, you are in your suite in 15 mins and your luggage is close behind. You are out and about to enjoy the ship while most are still in line or lugging their carry on through windjammer.

 

It really is best to arrive at the time you arrange with the Genie.

[philpcruiser]

Matt: Thanks for the response. We'll be embarking at Cape Liberty. Unfortunately, the road into the terminal starts jamming by 10:30 and the parking deck starts filling up. Let's hope I can talk the Genie into an earlier arrival time. We sure would want to take advantage of bypassing the lines.

[MattInFLL]

Well you will still for sure be first on board. You will just likely be waiting since no one can board before the ship clears and that is not usually before 11. At Cape Liberty everyone waits in the same place to board. At least they did in March. I am diamond plus and I was sitting with Pinnacles and top suites - we were just called first. Perhaps since Star Class they have created a separate area to wait.

 

I took a car from my hotel in Jersey City and arrived about 10:20 and traffic was ok getting into the port.

Edited August 17, 2016 by MattInFLL

[philpcruiser]

Matt: you seem you seem to be able to answer alot a lot of questions here, maybe you can handle this one. We just received and sent back the "get to know you" questionnaire. We are sailing star class on Oct.1. When will we be or should be hearing from our genie? We have several requests and hope not to miss out on getting getting the request 'granted'.