Star Class Review Oasis 4/1-4/8 The Excellent, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

[irishgal432]

Day 3 Jamaica

 

 

Had breakfast in CK. Pretty consistent in service and quality.

 

We had Smitha book a Montego Bay snorkeling excursion with Royal for us. It was a 45 minute bus ride to the boat and then we had about a two hour snorkeling and eco tour. This is the first time I had been away from Falmouth and it was beautiful. The boat and crew was friendly and they had some Jamaican patties for lunch. Then another 45 minute ride back.

 

Vintages-Excellent

 

When we got back on board we arranged to have some Tapas delivered from Vintages. We had gone there the previous day and had some great Cava and Pinot. The bartender was very friendly and had some great stories. This is truly a hidden gem. I am not a big wine drinker but having the wine paired with the tapas was great. Once again there was a lot of Tapas and wine. There were alot of Spanish meats, olives, seafood, crabcakes, cheeses and crusty bread with olive oil drizzle. We devoured them as we did not eat a lot all day.

 

We then went to Giovanis for dinner. We had eaten lunch there with the purpose of not doubling up our choices. Right after we ordered, I started to feel bad. It was a combination of car sickness, snorkleing sickness and the spanish meats. The food wasn't bad, it just was not agreeing with me. I went back to the room and insisted my husband stay and finish his meal. On my way back, I ran into Carmelia and she saw I wasn't feeling well. I told her my stomach was upset a little and I was going to lay down. She then called Smitha to tell her I was not feeling well and Smitha called and wanted to send up the doctor. Without going into details, I told her I just needed some tums because the pork upset my stomach. She then proceeded to seat her other guests in the show, scour the shops for Tums and came into the room upstairs to deliver the tums. Within 30 minutes I was feeling better enough to see Oasis of the Dreams. When she was seating us at the show I asked if she could send some saltine crackers up to the room for later. Talk about magical genie service. That is a great example of how Star Class provides the best service hands down.

 

 

After the show I read a little on the balcony and turned in for the night.

[molly361]

Thanks for the great review Mari. We are on the Oasis now and when we were up on the sports deck and heard the loud music wondered if you could hear it in those CLs. Guess so

 

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[irishgal432]

Thanks for the great review Mari. We are on the Oasis now and when we were up on the sports deck and heard the loud music wondered if you could hear it in those CLs. Guess so

 

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Hi Ellen,

 

We were on the ocean side and not the one right above the sports court so we has a little buffer by the balcony divider but it was still loud. If we go with that room again I will definitely ask them to turn it down to decibel level 120.

 

Enjoy the cruise!

[irishgal432]

Day 4 At Sea

 

Woke up to my daily trek to Starbucks and Oj. Went to CK for breakfast. Same service as usual. I was tempted and got the fabulous french toast with carmelized bananas. I was slowly getting away from my egg whites, fruit and chicken sausage.

 

After breakfast I went to walk on the track. Oasis class ships have a nice track away from the pool deck. It is shaded and breezy. There were a lot of people walking. One lane is for walkers and the other is for joggers. I played some ocean tunes for the walk. There was also a bridge tour that Smitha arranged. We opted out of the galley tour as I have seen it before. We had a young officer give us the tour. I wish I could remember his name, he was really informative and funny. I feel he will end up captain one day.

 

We went to CK for lunch. They alternate 2 menus for lunch versus the 7 menus for dinner. We had pretty good sandwiches.

 

Since I was feeling better today and didn't drink yesterday, today was Vodka day. Started at lunch with some flavored vodkas and mixes. Yum! There are so many bars that they all serve different drinks. I normally let the bartenders make me something that turns out pretty good.

 

We ended up doing things around the ship and hung out on the suite deck for a little bit and read and then headed to the room for a nap. WE stopped on the boardwalk and got cotton candy (included in Star Class). I was going downhill pretty fast on my healthy eating.

 

We had some fruit, cheese, muffins and crackers delivered to snack on.

 

We went to the Suite Lounge for some drinks and conversation. You meet the most interesting people.

 

Dinner -CP150 PARK -Excellent

 

Next to Vinatages this was one of my favorite places. We had the beef for 2 and an appetizer. The Salts were amazing. I normally do not like salt but this was incredible with the bread and butter. Service was excellent. We were dining al fresco and it was such a nice time especially when the lights come on.

 

Smitha stopped by to see how we were doing and to let us know she has the Ice Show reserved for us. We headed there and she had reserved front row center seats for us. The show was very good and the dancer came over the railing to say hello during the performance. It was a little shocking. I am glad I had already finished my drink.It was a fun performance.

 

When Smitha stopped by I had asked her to reserve seats for us on the Rising Tide bar for the 70's show since we would be running from the Ice Show. My husband was starting to feel bad due to a cold and sinus problem so I went by myself to the Rising Tide. They certainly do a great job with a lot of energy. I met a family from Georgia on the Rising Tide who ended up knowing my daughters roommate's parents. It is a small world. I then stopped by the Schooner Bar and listened to the piano player for a while and headed back to the room.

[irishgal432]

Day 6 Cozumel

 

Same morning routine.

 

We had planned to go to the National Park. It is one of our favorite places. My husband was feeling pretty bad so we decided not to get off.

 

Wow staying on the ship is pretty nice. The fitness center was empty, the suite sun deck was empty. It was hard to find an open bar, but I succeeded. We had room service delivered. Although we missed our beach day, we had such a relaxing day.

 

We got ready for dinner at Izumi. We stopped at the Suite Lounge for drinks and conversation and headed to Izumi. Smitha stopped by to see how our day was. She gave us a couple of tips of some resturants she visits in Cozumel. We will have to try them. They sounded wonderful. She had set our seats for Come Fly with Me tonight. We were front and center again and it puts a new perspective on the show. After the show the cruise director said that this was their first performance. They were fabulous. Since my husband went to bed early due to his cold, I went to the Suite Lounge for a bit.

 

As I came up, there was a gentleman standing there. I think he may have been at Chef's Table he didn't make an effort to get on the elevator and said he was fine. As I walked past him I noticed that someone had gotten sick by the trashcan. Hmmmm I wonder who???? I went in the lounge and told the CK Manager. He went out, I went to the bar and got a drink and by the time I went back out some Ninja Cleaners had it spotless. Kudos to RCL to having this fixed so quickly. I went back to the room had a little snack and sat on the balcony for a bit. I was reflecting on the cruise and thinking it was going by so quickly and wishing I could stay on another week. Next thing you know I was sleeping. I was woken up by the putt putt people finishing their game.;)

[irishgal432]

Day 7

 

Last Day Blues...

 

Sadly walked to Starbucks and OJ. My husband was sleeping so I went to Johnny Rockets for Breakfast.

 

I honestly do not know where the time goes on a cruise. There is so much to do it is hard to decide and then you end up doing nothing.

 

This was the case today. Lots to do. I brought my husband some breakfast and then got our clean clothes packed. I decided to use the downstairs closets which was nice and meant I did not have to lug my heavy suitcase downstairs.

 

He went to the fitness center and I went to the Suite Sundeck. The bartender kept giving me fabulous drinks. My husband came up and we were getting ready to go into a cabana and another couple came up at the same time. We said to them to take it and we would go to the bar. Later this same couple came to the bar and were not even suite guests. Apparently the door to the deck does not close and people were up and down all day. People would come up with lots of non suite cards for drinks because all of the other bars were too crowded. It was several groups of people. I mentioned this to Smitha and the Concierge later that night. This was disappointing. I really should have brought this up earlier, but it wasn't as bad as it was the last day.

 

Late lunch at Johnny Rockets. I can hear my arteries clogging now, but boy it was good. We finished packing and headed out to the suite lounge and a late dinner at Chops.

 

Once again Chops was good. Back to the room after some Casino donations.

 

I was not looking forward to leaving in the morning. WE had arranged with Smitha to be walked off at 7am to try to beat the traffic back to Atlanta.

[PhilNDebbieAtSea]

Wow! Amazing cruise! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for sharing!

 

 

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[Clarea]

Excellent review, thanks!

[lazydayz]

Glad you had a lovely cruise. Jealous!

[3happykids!]

excellent review. I enjoyed reading.

[irishgal432]

Next up final thoughts in Star Class and random observations.

 

 

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[irishgal432]

Embarkation and Final thoughts....

 

WOW.

 

Smitha met us in our room at 7 AM. We left our bags out in the hall at 6:30 since we did not valet (Free if you are flying) . This is truly one of the best perks. Even with Sky class you have to wait in the Champagne Bar until you get the clearance to get off with the concierge and then it is normally only 2 times slots. Apparently the majority of the ship was doing self walk off because the lines to get off the ship, the long walkway down to the ramp to get to the luggage hall and then the customs line was backed up. Smitha put on her superpower hat and led us through the crowd by passing the lines and taking a back way into the luggage hall. She did say that sometimes people in line are very upset and rude and will say things and to let her take care of any issues. I will have to say we did not encounter anyone expect for one man who moved for Smitha and then tried to block my husband and I with a piece of luggage. We simply walked over it. I did not want to lose our little engine that could. We walked to the luggage hall and a porter had our bags loaded on a cart and then off to customs we went. We were in our car by 7:10. We said our goodbyes and the sadness took over when I realize cruise withdrawals were coming.

 

Did the Royal Star Class Deliver?

 

Like I said, I was cynical about the Star Class difference since I am used to the Sky Class perks already. What I will say is that there is a noticeable difference in service.

 

Was I totally blown away? Yes and No, there were still a few minor things that should not have happened that put a small damper on my vacation, but overall the service was exceptional. You can tell that the Genies are well trained to cater to their guests. Any little mention of a problem or issue and it is fixed. They are not overly intrusive and pop in at the right times. They are totally professional, (at least Smitha) and perform an excellent job. She is the leader of the team and has interpersonal skills to contact the various departments to get what is needed.

 

One thing that I think needs to be addressed in the future is the way that the room stewards are added and trained. Normally the best ones are put in the top suites and ours was certainly the best!!!! I think she should be training all of the other ones. Her interactions with us, Smitha and other departments went above and beyond and I do not know if that is normally the case.

 

We really wanted to relax on this trip, so we did not do as much as we normally do but still felt we did a lot, ate a lot and drank alot and enjoyed ourselves. I felt like I really had a great relaxing vacation because we did not have to worry about anything like shows, costs or lines.

 

For someone who has not cruised an Oasis Class ship, the Star Service will blow you away and provide a wonderful vacation. For those who have cruised Oasis Class ships it will certainly give you a new experience.

 

We have Harmony booked in September and I am hoping it will be as good as this one was.

[mac_tlc]

Great review! We have our first Star Class experience in August in an Aquatheatre Suite.

 

mac_tlc

 

 

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[molly361]

Mari do you happen to know what times the walkoffs are with me concierge on the Oasis for sky class? Thanks

 

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[STANMELB]

Mari do you happen to know what times the walkoffs are with me concierge on the Oasis for sky class? Thanks

 

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They are usually at 7:45 AM and 8:30 AM.

[Lovetocruise2002]

Wow! Irishgal432, thank you for such a well thought out review. Love the final thoughts at the end and all the good/bad parts of your trip. I will have to ask (force) my husband to read this, as he is a Star class skeptic too. He keeps asking me daily why we need it. We sail next March in the room you had, but on Harmony.

[reallyitsmema]

They are usually at 7:45 AM and 8:30 AM.

 

Do the Sky class then join the line down at customs or do they bypass it as well?

[irishgal432]

Mari do you happen to know what times the walkoffs are with me concierge on the Oasis for sky class? Thanks

 

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That sounds about right. One time we missed it and the shoreside person in charge I think the Piet coordinator walked us off. They give you numbered stickers to identify you as suite guests then you meet in the champagne bar and then they coordinate with the pier people and walk you off to the red luggage tag area. From there the port people see your number and open the magic customs line for you to go through. The process isn't as quick as the star class but it does bypass a lot of standing and waiting.

 

 

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[reallyitsmema]

That sounds about right. One time we missed it and the shoreside person in charge I think the Piet coordinator walked us off. They give you numbered stickers to identify you as suite guests then you meet in the champagne bar and then they coordinate with the pier people and walk you off to the red luggage tag area. From there the port people see your number and open the magic customs line for you to go through. The process isn't as quick as the star class but it does bypass a lot of standing and waiting.

 

 

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Thanks. We are on Oasis in September in Sky Class and have either an 11am or 4pm flight choice. Really would prefer the 11am, but the 45 minute ride to the airport is a consideration.

[irishgal432]

They may provide an option for those walking off early. Maybe stanmelb can confirm with the concierges this week. If that is the case then an 11 flight should work. Just make sure you pick an early shuttle service.

 

 

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[lovescats5]

Enjoyed your review. I agree, though, there are not many Star Class reviews. We were in Star on Oasis 2 times and will be on Anthem in Star in Sept and again March. Once you have the service it is impossible to return to the regular rooms. Our last cruise was the A1 Aqua Theater room with the large balcony. What a way to get spoiled. Half our meals were on that balcony. So glad you enjoyed your week being pampered. One thing though, it is not free, you paid for all the extras when you booked the room.

[irishgal432]

Enjoyed your review. I agree, though, there are not many Star Class reviews. We were in Star on Oasis 2 times and will be on Anthem in Star in Sept and again March. Once you have the service it is impossible to return to the regular rooms. Our last cruise was the A1 Aqua Theater room with the large balcony. What a way to get spoiled. Half our meals were on that balcony. So glad you enjoyed your week being pampered. One thing though, it is not free, you paid for all the extras when you booked the room.

 

So true, I still haven't told my husband what the final cost, (it was his annivesary gift) but it was nice having to pay for anything other than extra gratuities and over the limit drinks. We are in an A1 in Harmony in September with another couple and we are looking forward to it.

 

One thing we did not do was to order specialty restaurants to the room for dinner. Next time we will for sure. I just realized that we missed every sunset because we were at a restaurant.:(

[Amanda31]

You mentioned having your gym clothes laundered, did you have any nicer clothes washed? I've read of people coming home with clean suitcases but some say they are rough on clothes not to send anything nice.

[irishgal432]

You mentioned having your gym clothes laundered, did you have any nicer clothes washed? I've read of people coming home with clean suitcases but some say they are rough on clothes not to send anything nice.

 

 

 

We had most of out clothes cleaned and pressed. There were a few things that were hand wash that we did not send out. My husbands polo shirts did not go. There were some of my nicer clothes that I did not send out as well. We had most of out clothes pressed but opted out of dry cleaning them. I just did not want to chance them getting ruined.

 

 

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[sunni2315]

Thanks for the awesome review! We have our first Star Class experience in an Aqua theatre suite in November and we are looking forward to it. Also, thanks for the departure details. We can’t book flights and Er but this will help us figure out the best flight.

 

 

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