Star class genie requests

[RFerrington]

II wonder if they will let me have a cooler of beer to share? I have never hosted a party in my suite before. If they bring in appetizers and the like, is there a charge or is it complimentary?

 

I have only been in Star Class suites on Harmony and I know that there are some minor differences between what is allowed on one ship and not on another (e.g., I think that Allure charges for the wine pairing events and Harmony did not and I think that upcharge items at Chops (aged steak and lobster) were extra even for Star Class on Allure and those were all included for us on Harmony). With that said, it has been my experience that you can get as much water, beer, wine, and soft drinks delivered to your suite as you want. You can get as much food, catered from any specialty restaurant, including Coastal Kitchen and even from the MDR AS LONG as your order is set to be delivered during times when your restaurant is open. So you cannot order lobster from Chops for a midnight snack... And you can invite anyone you want to your suite to eat and drink with you.

 

On both of our Harmony Star Class suites we hosted the cabin crawl and both times we had it catered from Jamie's Italian and had soft drinks, beer and sparkling wine brought in. The only thing that we paid extra for were the bottles of sparkling wine and they were VERY reasonable. The Genie arranged everything. Room service (I guess it was room service) brought plates, silverware, napkins, champagne glasses, drinks, ice, the food, and set up the entire event. Of course they came and picked everything up after it was over. We never asked for a server, but if you want a server you can get one, but it will cost extra. I recall, however, that the price seemed very reasonable when I asked about how much it would cost. We just didn't think a server was necessary and in fact, it would have been a waste of money.

 

I see no reason why (unless the policy is different on Oasis or whatever ship you will be on) you cannot have a nice party in your suite and have them bring food and drinks in for you and your guests - regardless of whether they are Star Class or even in a suite at all.

[PSU]

We had a wonderful experience on the Anthem in July in a Royal Grand Loft Suite. Our genie Jay was super. We are used to having a butler on Celebrity but Jay was even better.

We had no problems embarking in Bayonne. We went to the purple banner for the Royal Suites and there was a porter just for our bags.

They checked us in and called our genie to escort us to CK.

When we got to our cabin, our bags were there.

We had a suite guarantee and didn't get our room assignment until the day before our sail date. Jay sent me an email that night explaining everything that we should do when we got to Bayonne.

We didn't ask for much since it was just a five-night cruise, but Jay would check in with us wherever we were (he knew where we were eating).

We just loved our stateroom at the back of the ship.

RC called us when we got home to see how our experience was. I told them it was a once in a lifetime experience.

I am used to suites on other lines but this suite was superb.

[christa4]

Try the truffle cream pasta at Jamie's as well as the salad with pear and prosciutto. They were better than the planks IMO, which were still amazingly good.

 

We have a $1000 OBC. It will go to a Cabana and a flowrider rental, what ever remains will go into our extra tip pool.

 

I look forward to hearing how your sailing went.

 

I definitely missed out - I didn't get any OBC because I booked through the Group Department. I should have booked online and had my reservation converted to the Group to take advantage of the OBC promotion. Big bummer. :(

[TonyL128]

Thanks! I look forward to your reviews. I chose 1718 over 1720 because of the private balcony.

 

I am not looking for anything extravagant for a "party", just some beer, wine, veggies & dip, maybe a meat platter or small sandwiches, and some sweets. It would probably be a pre-dinner or post show get together. I am envisioning less than 20 people. There isn't a roll call for the sailing yet, if I end up with a CC party, that could be different. Hopefully someone in a bigger suite will be able to host that.

 

 

 

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We were in that suite in April. The whole experience was great! Our Genie (Smitha) was excellent. She pretty much got us whatever we wanted. If you have specific questions, let me know.

 

 

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[Maven3]

We were in that suite in April. The whole experience was great! Our Genie (Smitha) was excellent. She pretty much got us whatever we wanted. If you have specific questions, let me know.

 

 

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Thanks, I'll let you know when I think of more questions.

 

Vickie

 

 

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[Maven3]

I have only been in Star Class suites on Harmony and I know that there are some minor differences between what is allowed on one ship and not on another (e.g., I think that Allure charges for the wine pairing events and Harmony did not and I think that upcharge items at Chops (aged steak and lobster) were extra even for Star Class on Allure and those were all included for us on Harmony). With that said, it has been my experience that you can get as much water, beer, wine, and soft drinks delivered to your suite as you want. You can get as much food, catered from any specialty restaurant, including Coastal Kitchen and even from the MDR AS LONG as your order is set to be delivered during times when your restaurant is open. So you cannot order lobster from Chops for a midnight snack... And you can invite anyone you want to your suite to eat and drink with you.

 

 

 

On both of our Harmony Star Class suites we hosted the cabin crawl and both times we had it catered from Jamie's Italian and had soft drinks, beer and sparkling wine brought in. The only thing that we paid extra for were the bottles of sparkling wine and they were VERY reasonable. The Genie arranged everything. Room service (I guess it was room service) brought plates, silverware, napkins, champagne glasses, drinks, ice, the food, and set up the entire event. Of course they came and picked everything up after it was over. We never asked for a server, but if you want a server you can get one, but it will cost extra. I recall, however, that the price seemed very reasonable when I asked about how much it would cost. We just didn't think a server was necessary and in fact, it would have been a waste of money.

 

 

 

I see no reason why (unless the policy is different on Oasis or whatever ship you will be on) you cannot have a nice party in your suite and have them bring food and drinks in for you and your guests - regardless of whether they are Star Class or even in a suite at all.

 

 

 

Thanks for all the info. We were on the Allure in March in an A2. We never had a party & they didn't bring alcohol to our suite (maybe because we had a 15, 18, 19, 20 & 21 yr old with us) -- but EVERYTHING was free except for the wine pairing at the Chef's table experience -- that was $25. We had aged steaks, lobster, etc and didn't have to pay anything for them. None of us stepped foot in the MDR or Winjammer either, it was awesome! IMO, the Genie gives you small ship attention with big ship amenities.

 

Vickie

 

 

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[Jetdriver787]

We had a wonderful experience on the Anthem in July in a Royal Grand Loft Suite. Our genie Jay was super. We are used to having a butler on Celebrity but Jay was even better.

We had no problems embarking in Bayonne. We went to the purple banner for the Royal Suites and there was a porter just for our bags.

They checked us in and called our genie to escort us to CK.

When we got to our cabin, our bags were there.

We had a suite guarantee and didn't get our room assignment until the day before our sail date. Jay sent me an email that night explaining everything that we should do when we got to Bayonne.

We didn't ask for much since it was just a five-night cruise, but Jay would check in with us wherever we were (he knew where we were eating).

We just loved our stateroom at the back of the ship.

RC called us when we got home to see how our experience was. I told them it was a once in a lifetime experience.

I am used to suites on other lines but this suite was superb.

 

We have Jay next week and really looking forward to the cruise. In April 2016 we were lucky enough to experience the inaugural roll out of the Star class programme on Ovations first cruise from Southampton. It was a fantastic experience, and it will be interesting to see how the programme has matured since. :)

[christa4]

Can anyone give me an idea on when we can expect to hear from our Genie? We sail September 16th on Harmony and I am trying to make travel arrangements with some of our guests, amongst other things, so I'm wondering when I will speak with the Genie so I can start making plans.

 

Thanks!!!

[Maven3]

Can anyone give me an idea on when we can expect to hear from our Genie? We sail September 16th on Harmony and I am trying to make travel arrangements with some of our guests, amongst other things, so I'm wondering when I will speak with the Genie so I can start making plans.

 

Thanks!!!

 

 

 

Ours, Susan on the Allure, sent the initial email on February 27th for a March 12th sailing. Then one week prior to sailing you should receive an invitation for a LOOP app. It is supposed to work like a text, but our Genie couldn't read hers unless she was at a computer. Her RCCL phone wasn't a smart phone, hopefully they have updated that. If not, when onboard CALL your Genie instead of using the app unless you are requesting something a day or two in advance.

 

Vickie

 

 

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[christa4]

Ours, Susan on the Allure, sent the initial email on February 27th for a March 12th sailing. Then one week prior to sailing you should receive an invitation for a LOOP app. It is supposed to work like a text, but our Genie couldn't read hers unless she was at a computer. Her RCCL phone wasn't a smart phone, hopefully they have updated that. If not, when onboard CALL your Genie instead of using the app unless you are requesting something a day or two in advance.

 

Vickie

 

 

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Hi Vickie:

 

Thank you so much for this information! It's extremely helpful. Especially the tip on calling!!

 

I'm getting really excited for my upcoming sailing! ;p Cheers!

[Maven3]

Hi Vickie:

 

 

 

Thank you so much for this information! It's extremely helpful. Especially the tip on calling!!

 

 

 

I'm getting really excited for my upcoming sailing! ;p Cheers!

 

 

 

Your trip will be awesome. The Star class really makes it easy to get things coordinated. The Genie can make reservations for you & will save seats at shows.

 

 

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[christa4]

Your trip will be awesome. The Star class really makes it easy to get things coordinated. The Genie can make reservations for you & will save seats at shows.

 

 

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Yay! It will be a big help and I obviously plan on showing our Genie appreciation for any assistance they give us. Do you happen to know if stateroom credit can somehow be applied to a tip? I ask because we will be getting what they call a Tour Conductor Credit for having a Group. I was wondering if I should plan to have cash or if this credit can be directed towards our Genie or other staff.

[Maven3]

Yay! It will be a big help and I obviously plan on showing our Genie appreciation for any assistance they give us. Do you happen to know if stateroom credit can somehow be applied to a tip? I ask because we will be getting what they call a Tour Conductor Credit for having a Group. I was wondering if I should plan to have cash or if this credit can be directed towards our Genie or other staff.

 

 

 

I know you can't directly transfer it. Some of my friends have gotten "cash advances" from the casino cage against their room charge, essentially turning their credits into cash. I don't know if RCCL has closed that loop or not. I would plan on having cash just in case.

 

 

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[Clarea]

I know you can't directly transfer it. Some of my friends have gotten "cash advances" from the casino cage against their room charge, essentially turning their credits into cash. I don't know if RCCL has closed that loop or not. I would plan on having cash just in case.

You can still get cash from the casino, for a 5% charge, which is waived if you are a member of the player's club or have a "cash" type onboard account.

[Maven3]

You can still get cash from the casino, for a 5% charge, which is waived if you are a member of the player's club or have a "cash" type onboard account.

 

 

 

I know you can get cash in the casino, but can you use your OBC for the cash or does it come off of your credit card? I heard some of the lines may eliminate the ability to convert OBC to cash, but I don't know if it has changed.

 

 

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[Clarea]

I know you can get cash in the casino, but can you use your OBC for the cash or does it come off of your credit card? I heard some of the lines may eliminate the ability to convert OBC to cash, but I don't know if it has changed.

The cash adavance is charged to your onboard account. At the end of the cruise any OBC is used to offset charges, and any excess charges go to your credit card. OBC cannot be directed to specific expenditures.

[Gloworm2]

Wow. I like good service. But this genie sounds like a servant!

 

 

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[Maven3]

Wow. I like good service. But this genie sounds like a servant!

 

 

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Well, technically he/she is a servant. They go to butler school to get certified. It is a job they choose. They are also PAID for their services. On my last 7 day cruise, I tipped my Genie $1200, plus she had a salary & serviced 2 other suites. Do you also have a problem with the person that "serves" you your dinner on the ship? 'Cause the servers are also servants!

 

 

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[constable145]

Can anyone tell me if smoothies from the Vitality cafe are included in the Star class fare? I know they aren't included in the drink package but I'm wondering if they are covered as all speciality dining is included? Thanks!

 

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[chef_christoph]

Can anyone tell me if smoothies from the Vitality cafe are included in the Star class fare? I know they aren't included in the drink package but I'm wondering if they are covered as all speciality dining is included? Thanks!

 

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They were included for us in Star Class when we were on Allure last September. Hopefully they still are.

 

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[Maven3]

Can anyone tell me if smoothies from the Vitality cafe are included in the Star class fare? I know they aren't included in the drink package but I'm wondering if they are covered as all speciality dining is included? Thanks!

 

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When we were on the Allure in March the smoothies were "free" with the Star Class suite. The only food/drink we had to pay additional for on the whole trip was $25 pp for the wine pairing at the Chef's Table dinner (there was no charge for the actual dinner). If you do accidentally get charged for something, tell your Genie & he/she will have it removed from your bill.

 

 

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[nik23]

Can anyone tell me if smoothies from the Vitality cafe are included in the Star class fare? I know they aren't included in the drink package but I'm wondering if they are covered as all speciality dining is included? Thanks!

 

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Yes, all smoothies at spa were included back in Feb. on the Allure

[ljcofy]

Yes. Smoothies were included on the July 9th sailing. The only thing that costs was pastries at Starbucks and a bottle of expensive Sake at Izumi (though it was 40% off). There was a $50 charge that I signed at Chef's Table, but the Genie had it removed.

 

 

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[TonyL128]

Yes, on Oasis, even Starbucks coffees were included.

 

 

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[TrojanUSC]

Couple things to add to this:

 

- I've sailed Star Class four times this year, three out of PE and once out of PC. Embarkation at PE for Star Class has always been a mess. The issue seems to be the porters are completely regimented in their routine and anything that deviates (Star Class) throws them for a loop. On the last visit, they had RCI employee (one of the people who usually works behind the desk) waiting by the Star Class kiosk to check you in and ensure the porters got your bags to the right place. If you get passed around to a different porter or two, you must reiterate "Star Class right?" I learned my lesson on Harmony in March when I wasn't quite so proactive about it and the bags were lost for hours upon hours.

 

- As far as Genie requests, they're usually pretty good about whatever you need. I've found it's way easier to call them for your needs than attempt any other form of communication, which just leads to frustrations. Why they can't just get the Genies company iPhones for iMessage/texting/shoreside communication I'll never know.

 

Here's a few things we've asked for in the past:

 

 

- Suite party for a lot of guests, which had a fully catered menu and open bar.

- Reserved seats in the various shows.

- Reserved table in the night club.

- Private shore excursion arrangements.

- Consistently refilled minibar (beer IS included).

- Specific table requests in the restaurants (i.e. by the window in Coastal Kitchen).

- Room service from specialty restaurants.

- Latest possible departure escort.

- Figure out why buffalo wings were available on the room service menu but nobody on the ship knows what buffalo wings are.