Good Bye to the Suite Life: My final Star Class Musings

OK, now for my final musings. We are back at home where our Star Class sea pass means nothing (believe me, I tried). No one is delivering me any drinks, and it appears that I am expected to cook for my family. I have called a few times for the genie, but surprisingly, Philip hasn't answered. ;-). I miss the Suite Life.

Our last night on the ship, our dinner was at Chef's Table. Philip had originally booked it for my husband and I and our two daughters (11 and 15) but after the girls realized how long dinner would take, they decided to back out. The Genie ordered room service in for them, and, in hindsight this was a great decision as they would not have enjoyed the meal and would have been bored and fidgeting.

Chef's Table was simply amazing. Best meal of the week by far. We were told to meet on deck 11 outside of the library at 8:20 PM. We were met there and escorted into the 2nd floor of the Diamond Lounge, where Chef's Table is located on the Allure. The table was set beautifully, for a party of about 15 or 16 people. This time there were only five of us for dinner so it was very intimate. One of the five was a crewmember, a dealer in the casino, so that made for some very interesting conversation. The wine pairings and the food were simply incredible, and it was very interesting to hear why the wines were chosen to pair specifically with the food, and then hear the chef talk about how each dish was prepared. I believe there were six courses in all so by the end of it you are very full and pretty tipsy from the many glasses of wine, and the desert martini. In hindsight, I wish that the seating had been earlier, as that was a lot of food and drink so late in the evening. We did not finish until a little before 11PM. I can't imagine how long it would've taken if all 16 people had shown up.

Overall, I cannot say enough good things about cruising star class. Again if we had not gotten the upgrade for such a reasonable price, we would not have been able to sail that way. We were very excited about just cruising in a grand suite, but the differences between that and what Star Class includes is no comparison. The access and the service you received as Star Class are unparalleled. You really do feel like a member of the rich and famous club. The room was awesome, with so much space that it never felt for a second that you were even on a ship. And, being on deck 17, right next to the suite lounge and CK was so convenient. We utilized them frequently because they were so close. Now, I did have one and only one complaint on the cruise which was about noise in the room. For some reason every morning about 4:30 AM music would start up. The room does share a wall with the coastal kitchen, so I was convinced that the music was coming from there. Our genie had security and the sound engineer take a look around and they didn't think it was coming from the coastal kitchen as no crew is in there that early. The next morning the same thing happened, as it did for a third morning. I finally went down to 16 to see for myself, thinking it was the Windjammer and I did hear music coming from there. So, I didn't do a lot of sleeping in on this cruise (but got in more more morning workouts than I planned on so not a total loss). My husband and daughter both heard the music in the mornings as well, but they were able to go back to sleep after. But, as we were leaving the ship, our genie Philip came with an envelope they gave us 15% off of the cost of this cruise to use towards a future cruise. This was great surprise, as I hadn't expected anything or even thought or imagined we would receive anything.

Back to the benefits of Star Class. As I stated before, absolutely everything is included. Literally the only things we paid for were our cabana, some candy that my daughter wanted at the candy store on board, and a bottle of sake that my husband drink at Izumi (got at 40% off).

The ability to eat at any of the specialty restaurants whenever we wanted was awesome, or the ability to order from them via room service. The fully stocked mini bar, and a cooler full of beer that was re-stocked fully every day. Also, the free laundry and pressing services. If we got in our dirty clothes by 10:30 AM in the morning, they were returned to us by 5:00 PM that day. Now, I wouldn't give them anything really expensive to wash, but for swimsuits, undergarments, t-shirts, etc, it is nice to come home with clean clothes.

More perks: Never having to wait in line, the best seats in the house saved for you at every show, having every request met was a great experience we very fortunate to have. Also, getting on and off the ship was so easy and seamless. When we were disembarking, we left our room at 8:45 AM, and were sitting in the airport lounge by 9:15. We didn't pause for anything, went from our room to Uber to airport without a hitch.

We DEFINITELY won't cruise like that every time (though I applaud the people who can - please feel free to adopt my family - or just me!), but I am hoping that we can do it a few more times. I will say with certainty that we will probably not cruise in anything below a grand suite, because the suite perks are great even at that level, especially on oasis class ships.

Again, very happy and willing to answer any questions people have. I am certainly not as much of an expert as some on this board as we don't cruise nearly as often, but I can give you my experiences and opinions from what I saw.

Last time I will say it...Aaah, the Suite Life!

Ljcofy

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Thank you so much for taking the time to share your amazing and "suite" vacation with us. I've enjoyed every word you wrote!

Thank you! I had fun documenting it all.

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Thank you for the excellent reporting. We've got a Star Class suite reserved on Anthem in 2019...far enough off that it may or may not actually happen but at least reading threads like yours gives me the chance to dream about it until then.

The quick escort off may be the best thing of all since as of now I'd have the choice of early flights out of the NY area or very late flights....it would be nice to be able to count on being one of the first folks off the ship and getting to the airport nice and early!

Thanks for your review.

We did the RLS on Ovation around 6 months ago and your review brings back great memories. Star Class makes the cruise absolutely special and it brought great joy to the extended family who was able to travel us.

Unfortunately the cost will make it difficult for us to do too many times but I would like to try and experience it again. I think I would be happy to sacrifice 2 or 3 cruises to do 1 Star Class.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences! It makes me so excited for my upcoming Star Class experience. :cool:

Thank you, very much enjoyed reading about your experience.

Liked the writing style too :D

Who knows, reading about Star Class perks might come handy in another lifetime....

Ljcofy,

Excellent thread. We experienced Star Class in a Grand Loft on its inaugural roll out on Ovation last year. We felt just the same as you, and your enthusiasm has just inflamed the need to chase that particular dragon once again. Holding up a liquor store was clearly out of the question as I suspect they are much heavier in the UK than they seem to be in the US!

So we have reverted to plan B and now have an Owners loft booked on Anthem next month. Sorry kids, but an inheritance wouldn't have made you happy in any event!

We were on the same cruise with you just down the hall a few rooms away (1752, 1750, 1748). I enjoyed reading your description of the Star class and am now seriously thinking of trying it next cruise! We loved the convenience of the Suite Lounge and the Coastal Kitchen also, especially for breakfast, lunch and a couple of dinners in Coastal Kitchen. Thank you for sharing your experience!

Was the upgraded steaks and lobster included in chops?

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Ljcofy, thanks for you Star Class feedback. I'm glad that you enjoyed your cruise and amazing upgrade. Other than the noise from the WJ it sounds like an amazing cruise. Did you use the balcony much as well as it's hot tub?

Having sailed Star Class 2 times already I am fortunate to say that our next 4 cruises will be the same. It is a nice way to cruise.;)

Was the upgraded steaks and lobster included in chops?

 

 

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Several other reports have said that those are included.

Was the upgraded steaks and lobster included in chops?

 

 

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On Allure August 2016 it was not. On Harmony March 2017 all but the snacks in Starbucks was included.

We did not order any upgraded items at Chops, so I can't speak to that.

We definitely did use the balcony a ton, and both my husband and daughters used the hot tub a lot. The room steward would drain it and clean it every morning and refill it to be used. The balcony had two loungers and a small table for drinks on it and then two regular chairs and a foot stool as well as the hot tub.

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Excellent review. One day... One day....

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Thanks again, ljcofy, for taking us along with you on your Star Class adventure.

Some of your comments brought back memories of our own experience in the same suite last September.

You definitely aren't the only one who has experienced noise issues while in the Grand Loft. Before we sailed last year, I came across other similar complaints and also experienced it for myself while aboard.

However, it definitely didn't diminish our overall experience and we all still give that cruise glowing reviews to anyone who asks (and also to a few people who didn't...lol).

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. It's been really enjoyable.

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We are traveling in a grand loft suite in April. We will be in 1701. Are both of them noisy? This will be our second Star class experience. We have Philip as our genie? Anyone have him before?

We are traveling in a grand loft suite in April. We will be in 1701. Are both of them noisy? This will be our second Star class experience. We have Philip as our genie? Anyone have him before?

We are on our last day with Philip as our genie on Allure, and I can say unequivocally that you will be lucky to have him as your genie. Philip had even created a proposed schedule of dinners and shows for us before we even boarded. When we wanted to move some things around — no problem! He anticipated everything we could want and then some.

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Ljcofy, thanks for you Star Class feedback. I'm glad that you enjoyed your cruise and amazing upgrade. Other than the noise from the WJ it sounds like an amazing cruise. Did you use the balcony much as well as it's hot tub?

 

 

Having sailed Star Class 2 times already I am fortunate to say that our next 4 cruises will be the same. It is a nice way to cruise.;)

I want you to adopt myself and my wife, we are excellent conversationists, and I love to hang out with you (or anyone) at the flowrider. My wife is lovely and is a registered nurse in case you need that. I run a business that is a historic example of excellence, but it doesn’t allow me to do star class and live the life I currently live....

So adopt us, we are great and would greatly benefit your family to include us.:evilsmile::eek::halo:

JC

Ahhhh.... maybe one day....

OK, now for my final musings. We are back at home where our Star Class sea pass means nothing (believe me, I tried). No one is delivering me any drinks, and it appears that I am expected to cook for my family. I have called a few times for the genie, but surprisingly, Philip hasn't answered. ;-). I miss the Suite Life.

 

Our last night on the ship, our dinner was at Chef's Table. Philip had originally booked it for my husband and I and our two daughters (11 and 15) but after the girls realized how long dinner would take, they decided to back out. The Genie ordered room service in for them, and, in hindsight this was a great decision as they would not have enjoyed the meal and would have been bored and fidgeting.

 

Chef's Table was simply amazing. Best meal of the week by far. We were told to meet on deck 11 outside of the library at 8:20 PM. We were met there and escorted into the 2nd floor of the Diamond Lounge, where Chef's Table is located on the Allure. The table was set beautifully, for a party of about 15 or 16 people. This time there were only five of us for dinner so it was very intimate. One of the five was a crewmember, a dealer in the casino, so that made for some very interesting conversation. The wine pairings and the food were simply incredible, and it was very interesting to hear why the wines were chosen to pair specifically with the food, and then hear the chef talk about how each dish was prepared. I believe there were six courses in all so by the end of it you are very full and pretty tipsy from the many glasses of wine, and the desert martini. In hindsight, I wish that the seating had been earlier, as that was a lot of food and drink so late in the evening. We did not finish until a little before 11PM. I can't imagine how long it would've taken if all 16 people had shown up.

 

Overall, I cannot say enough good things about cruising star class. Again if we had not gotten the upgrade for such a reasonable price, we would not have been able to sail that way. We were very excited about just cruising in a grand suite, but the differences between that and what Star Class includes is no comparison. The access and the service you received as Star Class are unparalleled. You really do feel like a member of the rich and famous club. The room was awesome, with so much space that it never felt for a second that you were even on a ship. And, being on deck 17, right next to the suite lounge and CK was so convenient. We utilized them frequently because they were so close. Now, I did have one and only one complaint on the cruise which was about noise in the room. For some reason every morning about 4:30 AM music would start up. The room does share a wall with the coastal kitchen, so I was convinced that the music was coming from there. Our genie had security and the sound engineer take a look around and they didn't think it was coming from the coastal kitchen as no crew is in there that early. The next morning the same thing happened, as it did for a third morning. I finally went down to 16 to see for myself, thinking it was the Windjammer and I did hear music coming from there. So, I didn't do a lot of sleeping in on this cruise (but got in more more morning workouts than I planned on so not a total loss). My husband and daughter both heard the music in the mornings as well, but they were able to go back to sleep after. But, as we were leaving the ship, our genie Philip came with an envelope they gave us 15% off of the cost of this cruise to use towards a future cruise. This was great surprise, as I hadn't expected anything or even thought or imagined we would receive anything.

 

Back to the benefits of Star Class. As I stated before, absolutely everything is included. Literally the only things we paid for were our cabana, some candy that my daughter wanted at the candy store on board, and a bottle of sake that my husband drink at Izumi (got at 40% off).

 

The ability to eat at any of the specialty restaurants whenever we wanted was awesome, or the ability to order from them via room service. The fully stocked mini bar, and a cooler full of beer that was re-stocked fully every day. Also, the free laundry and pressing services. If we got in our dirty clothes by 10:30 AM in the morning, they were returned to us by 5:00 PM that day. Now, I wouldn't give them anything really expensive to wash, but for swimsuits, undergarments, t-shirts, etc, it is nice to come home with clean clothes.

 

More perks: Never having to wait in line, the best seats in the house saved for you at every show, having every request met was a great experience we very fortunate to have. Also, getting on and off the ship was so easy and seamless. When we were disembarking, we left our room at 8:45 AM, and were sitting in the airport lounge by 9:15. We didn't pause for anything, went from our room to Uber to airport without a hitch.

 

We DEFINITELY won't cruise like that every time (though I applaud the people who can - please feel free to adopt my family - or just me!), but I am hoping that we can do it a few more times. I will say with certainty that we will probably not cruise in anything below a grand suite, because the suite perks are great even at that level, especially on oasis class ships.

 

Again, very happy and willing to answer any questions people have. I am certainly not as much of an expert as some on this board as we don't cruise nearly as often, but I can give you my experiences and opinions from what I saw.

 

Last time I will say it...Aaah, the Suite Life!

 

Ljcofy

 

 

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Do you mind saying approximately what this suite cost? Ballpark?

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Oh my! This sounds AMAZING! I had no idea this even existed! I can't imagine the cost but I certainly see why someone said they'd give up a few other cruises to be able to do just one like this. I will certainly put this on a short term bucket list (not short like this year, but not gonna wait 20 years either)! Is cost information available on the website or do you need to call in? For those who have done it, is it only certain ships, minimum sail days (like 7 days or longer), what kind of cost to expect.

I must say again, this sounds amazing!!

I'm always open to all-inclusive and luxury.

Do you mind saying approximately what this suite cost? Ballpark?

 

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I just looked at a week long sailing on Anthem to Bermuda and for 2 guests in an owner's suite it was $2,900 a person ($6200 with port fees and taxes)....4 in the same room was $1,600 ($7500 with port fees and taxes)

Oh my! This sounds AMAZING! I had no idea this even existed! I can't imagine the cost but I certainly see why someone said they'd give up a few other cruises to be able to do just one like this. I will certainly put this on a short term bucket list (not short like this year, but not gonna wait 20 years either)! Is cost information available on the website or do you need to call in? For those who have done it, is it only certain ships, minimum sail days (like 7 days or longer), what kind of cost to expect.

I must say again, this sounds amazing!!

I'm always open to all-inclusive and luxury.

Okay, I just found the answers to my questions. Pricing comes up on the Royal Caribbean website but couldn't select it. Their website is horrible so might be able to in a different browser or have to call, who knows.

The Star Class is available on Quantam Class Ships - Anthem, Allure, Harmony, Oasis, Ovation and Symphony. I'm guessing number of days sailing doesn't matter but I only checked 7 and up. Prices did not seem astronomical, at least not for the sailing that I checked.

Star Class is any of these suites booked:

• Royal Loft Suite
  
• Villa Suite – 4 Bedrooms
  
• Owner’s Loft Suite
  
• Grand Loft Suite
  
• Owner’s Panoramic – 1 Bedrooms
  
• Grand Panoramic – 1 Bedroom
  
• Star Loft Suite
  
• Spacious AquaTheater Suite with Large Balcony – 2 Bedrooms
  
• AquaTheater Suite with Large Balcony – 2 Bedrooms
  

On the website, Anthem lists a 2 bedroom Grand Suite with large balcony, but nothing called AquaTheater. There are no 2 bedroom suites in any other class so this one leaves me scratching my head. Would you get Star Class since that's the only class that has 2 bedroom suites? Or would it fall under Sea class that lists Grand Suite - 1 bedroom with balcony. I would think since Sea class specifically states "1 bedroom," then it's bumped up to Star class..but you never know.

Oh my! This sounds AMAZING! I had no idea this even existed! I can't imagine the cost but I certainly see why someone said they'd give up a few other cruises to be able to do just one like this. I will certainly put this on a short term bucket list (not short like this year, but not gonna wait 20 years either)! Is cost information available on the website or do you need to call in? For those who have done it, is it only certain ships, minimum sail days (like 7 days or longer), what kind of cost to expect.

I must say again, this sounds amazing!!

I'm always open to all-inclusive and luxury.

We're trying it for the first time next March on Harmony! I'm a teacher so I can't cruise that often anyway so we decided to splurge to try it! I am beyond excited! There are deals out there. You have to comb through the calendar online. I have heard of people getting it for less than $3000pp depending on the time of year. Next march we (2 adults and 2 kids) are paying about $3300pp for our Star Loft on Harmony.

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Price of our Star Loft for 2 on the Oasis 4-15-2018---$6826.

Price of our Star Loft for 2 on the Oasis 6-3-2018---$8282. Reduced price to $5842 using our

$2400 Pinnacle award.