Star Class - Royal Genie Rahul

[myraid]

Greetings to you all.

Our December 5th cruise is quickly coming up and we recently received our first email from our Royal Genie Rahul Barua.   This will be our 5th Star Class cruise and we are so looking forward to it after almost 2 years away.   Wondering if anyone has had Rahul as a genie and could tell me how your experience was.  So far I really like the detailed email that was sent compared to others in the past.  We will be staying in ATS 9330 along with our two kids, 12 and 16. The kids are very excited about the newly reimagined Oasis of the Seas.

 

Take care for now

Shawn

[barb in ga]

Rahul assisted us several years ago on the Freedom of the Seas as concierge, and again on one of our Oasis class trips, I don't remember which one . He is without a doubt the best concierge we've ever experienced; his customer service, graciousness and personality were wonderful.

 

He helped us schedule a burial at sea for my brother's ashes. Very thoughtful and efficient.

Barb

[myraid]

11 minutes ago, barb in ga said:

Rahul assisted us several years ago on the Freedom of the Seas as concierge, and again on one of our Oasis class trips, I don't remember which one . He is without a doubt the best concierge we've ever experienced; his customer service, graciousness and personality were wonderful.

 

He helped us schedule a burial at sea for my brother's ashes. Very thoughtful and efficient.

Barb

Thanks Barb.  Appreciate your comments.

[Jimbo]

Did he really  get demoted from a concierge to a genie?

[ticketsunlimited]

8 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Did he really  get demoted from a concierge to a genie?

He was our concierge on Oasis in September and was training the new women to take his place.  He was looking forward to moving to the Genie role.  MYRAID he has lots of experience making people happy I am sure he will do a great job.

 

JIMBO his comment to me for the move was Less headaches and more money.  Take it for what its worth

Edited November 11, 2021 by ticketsunlimited

[Jimbo]

6 minutes ago, ticketsunlimited said:

He was our concierge on Oasis in September and was training the new women to take his place.  He was looking forward to moving to the Genie role.  MYRAID he has lots of experience making people happy I am sure he will do a great job.

 

JIMBO his comment to me for the move was Less headaches and more money.  Take it for what its worth

I guess I thought the Concierge was a lot further up the food chain then that.

 

Just how many cabins do the genie's take care of? If only 1 that could get real iffy if someone doesn't tip that well for the week.

[myraid]

1 minute ago, Jimbo said:

I guess I thought the Concierge was a lot further up the food chain then that.

 

Just how many cabins do the genie's take care of? If only 1 that could get real iffy if someone doesn't tip that well for the week.

Typically they are responsible for 4-5 rooms each. 

[myraid]

13 minutes ago, ticketsunlimited said:

He was our concierge on Oasis in September and was training the new women to take his place.  He was looking forward to moving to the Genie role.  MYRAID he has lots of experience making people happy I am sure he will do a great job.

 

JIMBO his comment to me for the move was Less headaches and more money.  Take it for what its worth

Appreciate the response.  Cheers!

[lovelife]

I've had the pleasure of interacting with Rahul for several years in his concierge capacity. He was shadowing a genie (training) on Oasis when we were on the last two weeks in October. He is sure to be a stellar genie!

[RFerrington]

53 minutes ago, lovelife said:

I've had the pleasure of interacting with Rahul for several years in his concierge capacity. He was shadowing a genie (training) on Oasis when we were on the last two weeks in October. He is sure to be a stellar genie!

Agreed. A few years ago we asked Rahul if he would ever consider becoming a Genie and he laughed and said “no”.  I guess he changed his mind.  We loved him as a Concierge so I’m sure he’ll make an excellent Genie.

[Biker19]

Just now, Punkys dilemma said:

How do I get one?

Book a Star class suite.

[torpeedo]

We love Rahul!  He was our Concierge on the Freedom many times!!  He is very tolerant of crazy complaints and requests.  I've witnessed many and he was just so tolerant and helpful. He was a great Concierge and I guess he is OK being a Genie and everyone will be very fortunate to have him.

[jgoodm]

We are on the next sailing after yours on Oasis and I am very curious to hear how the Genie's work under the Covid guides.  For example, do you still get walked on the ship at your requested time by your genie?  Do they walk you through port testing if necessary, etc.  Please let me know what he said in the e-mail and/or keep. us posted on your vacation!  Thanks.

Edited November 12, 2021 by jgoodm

[myraid]

7 hours ago, jgoodm said:

We are on the next sailing after yours on Oasis and I am very curious to hear how the Genie's work under the Covid guides.  For example, do you still get walked on the ship at your requested time by your genie?  Do they walk you through port testing if necessary, etc.  Please let me know what he said in the e-mail and/or keep. us posted on your vacation!  Thanks.

The email is quite detailed and much of the information around Covid is a summary of the Health precautions (masks indoors, physical distancing, etc.) already mentioned on their website and in the App.  Saying that here are some of the points that were not mentioned on the website:

 

• I want to ensure that you have the full gastronomic experience you desire, so I would like to confirm your preferred dining time. Should your dining time conflict with any of the awesome shows that we have in store for you (show schedules are yet to be confirmed), I will tweak your dining time as required so as to allow you to have a leisurely dinner either before or after a show. While we always endeavor to fulfill all your requests, please understand that due to reduced seating capacity in our restaurants (50% only), last-minute requests may not always be possible. If I may kindly ask whether you are travelling with any family or friends, who may be joining you for dinner, as there are certain restaurants that cater to vaccinated guests only. 
• As per CDC requirements, certain bars and venues will be for vaccinated guests only. Also shows, at our entertainment venues, will have either designated areas for vaccinated guests or designated timing. 
• To allow for physical distancing, capacity in our Concierge/Suite Lounge will be limited and accessible on a first-come, first-seated basis. Should you experience any challenges in gaining access, please let me know.
• For your safety and ours, only your Loft Attendants and I will be able to access your suite after you arrive, and we are not permitted inside your suite while you are there. Should you need to speak with me, we can do so on the phone, you may message me via WhatsApp or email, or we may meet in the Suite Lounge or other physically distanced location onboard while adhering to personal protective equipment protocols. Additionally, if you need assistance receiving any items in your suite while you are not there, such as minibar items, do let me know—I am happy to assist.  
• With regards to room service, the delivery is now done with room service personnel placing the trolley, containing the food ordered, right outside the suite door and guests are now asked to pick the food up from the trolley onto their dining table. For clearance of soiled dishes, you can either leave it in your suite and the same will be cleared by the loft attendant while you are out or you can place the soiled dishes outside the suite and call or message me, and I will have room service clear the same

We will still be walked on the ship at our requested time although now we have to select our check-in time via the App.  I am told that Star Class guests, after going through vaccination validation, etc. will be escorted onto the ship approximately a hour before our dedicated check in time.  We will see.  As for the rest of the email received, it basically goes through the standard set of questions such as preferred dining times, restaurants, mini bar drinks to be stocked, etc.    One thing that I noticed that is different is they asked us what activities we are interested in (Abyss, water slides, flowrider, etc.) and will have our VIP bands ready for us in our room.  This was different than pre-covid where we had to go to the sports booths and get our wrist bands.  Other than this, we put together our other requests and sent them earlier this week.  We have not heard back as of yet.  

 

I hope this answers your question.

 

Cheers!

[Cruise a holic]

15 hours ago, Jimbo said:

I guess I thought the Concierge was a lot further up the food chain then that.

 

Just how many cabins do the genie's take care of? If only 1 that could get real iffy if someone doesn't tip that well for the week.

We always tip the lounge concierges.  Many people do not- so who knows what kind of tips they receive.

[Jimbo]

1 hour ago, myraid said:

The email is quite detailed and much of the information around Covid is a summary of the Health precautions (masks indoors, physical distancing, etc.) already mentioned on their website and in the App.  Saying that here are some of the points that were not mentioned on the website:

 

• I want to ensure that you have the full gastronomic experience you desire, so I would like to confirm your preferred dining time. Should your dining time conflict with any of the awesome shows that we have in store for you (show schedules are yet to be confirmed), I will tweak your dining time as required so as to allow you to have a leisurely dinner either before or after a show. While we always endeavor to fulfill all your requests, please understand that due to reduced seating capacity in our restaurants (50% only), last-minute requests may not always be possible. If I may kindly ask whether you are travelling with any family or friends, who may be joining you for dinner, as there are certain restaurants that cater to vaccinated guests only. 
• As per CDC requirements, certain bars and venues will be for vaccinated guests only. Also shows, at our entertainment venues, will have either designated areas for vaccinated guests or designated timing. 
• To allow for physical distancing, capacity in our Concierge/Suite Lounge will be limited and accessible on a first-come, first-seated basis. Should you experience any challenges in gaining access, please let me know.
• For your safety and ours, only your Loft Attendants and I will be able to access your suite after you arrive, and we are not permitted inside your suite while you are there. Should you need to speak with me, we can do so on the phone, you may message me via WhatsApp or email, or we may meet in the Suite Lounge or other physically distanced location onboard while adhering to personal protective equipment protocols. Additionally, if you need assistance receiving any items in your suite while you are not there, such as minibar items, do let me know—I am happy to assist.  
• With regards to room service, the delivery is now done with room service personnel placing the trolley, containing the food ordered, right outside the suite door and guests are now asked to pick the food up from the trolley onto their dining table. For clearance of soiled dishes, you can either leave it in your suite and the same will be cleared by the loft attendant while you are out or you can place the soiled dishes outside the suite and call or message me, and I will have room service clear the same

We will still be walked on the ship at our requested time although now we have to select our check-in time via the App.  I am told that Star Class guests, after going through vaccination validation, etc. will be escorted onto the ship approximately a hour before our dedicated check in time.  We will see.  As for the rest of the email received, it basically goes through the standard set of questions such as preferred dining times, restaurants, mini bar drinks to be stocked, etc.    One thing that I noticed that is different is they asked us what activities we are interested in (Abyss, water slides, flowrider, etc.) and will have our VIP bands ready for us in our room.  This was different than pre-covid where we had to go to the sports booths and get our wrist bands.  Other than this, we put together our other requests and sent them earlier this week.  We have not heard back as of yet.  

 

I hope this answers your question.

 

Cheers!

Wow, I guess very much different then it used to be, you could go the whole week and never really talk to your Genie in person...............Only on the phone, seems like the job could now be done by somebody remote on land.

Boy have times changed. Seems like the value of having a genie doesn't seem as special as it once was.

[sandebeach]

7 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Wow, I guess very much different then it used to be, you could go the whole week and never really talk to your Genie in person...............Only on the phone, seems like the job could now be done by somebody remote on land.

Boy have times changed. Seems like the value of having a genie doesn't seem as special as it once was.

This varies from ship to ship. Currently in a Star Loft Suite on Allure, and our genie has sat and talked with us in our suite several times. Room service is also allowed to enter and set up your meal. This was also the routine last month on Symphony. However, in September on Odyssey, room service was not allowed to enter our Star class suite. Hubby had to roll the cart into the room and then we set up the table ourselves. 

[myraid]

12 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Wow, I guess very much different then it used to be, you could go the whole week and never really talk to your Genie in person...............Only on the phone, seems like the job could now be done by somebody remote on land.

Boy have times changed. Seems like the value of having a genie doesn't seem as special as it once was.

Will definitely see once we get on board and compare our previous Genie experiences pre-covid.   

[RFerrington]

Something I learned from our last Genie:  The Genies will answer any question put to them either in an email or over the phone with the absolute by-the-book answer to protect themselves.  However, once you are onboard the "rules" can be bent for almost everything.  Granted, this was pre-COVID and I'm sure some of the rules will be stricter than others, nowadays.  But just keep in mind that if you ask a Genie a question that will be returned to you in writing, expect the answer to be exactly what they have been told to say.

 

It seems that the rule about Genies not being allowed into the suite with you is one of those rules that they are able to bend, once onboard.

 

YMMV

[lovescats5]

Why would anyone think a Genie is less than a concierge.  On Liberty we had a concierge, don't remember his name, but he was never at his desk and he spent most of his time in the Suite Lounge talking to the Pinns and Diamonds, never much to say to anyone in a suite.  Our genies have always been around, meeting us at restaurants, any onboard activity, shows, getting off ship, and anything else we needed.  I have never had a genie, and we have had 5, that never spent time with us in person.  Now we are looking forward to a genie for our Thanksgiving cruise and we will see if and what has changed.  Still better than standing in line and being part of the herd when debarking.  Who was Rahul following on Oasis to learn the genie trade?  We know a terrific genie who has been on Oasis.

[myraid]

29 minutes ago, lovescats5 said:

Why would anyone think a Genie is less than a concierge.  On Liberty we had a concierge, don't remember his name, but he was never at his desk and he spent most of his time in the Suite Lounge talking to the Pinns and Diamonds, never much to say to anyone in a suite.  Our genies have always been around, meeting us at restaurants, any onboard activity, shows, getting off ship, and anything else we needed.  I have never had a genie, and we have had 5, that never spent time with us in person.  Now we are looking forward to a genie for our Thanksgiving cruise and we will see if and what has changed.  Still better than standing in line and being part of the herd when debarking.  Who was Rahul following on Oasis to learn the genie trade?  We know a terrific genie who has been on Oasis.

Agree.  Not going to get into the amount specifics, but if anyone wants to search this board what folks are tipping (on average) their Genies, take a peak.  A Genie would be making quite a bit more than a lead concierge.

[Colorado Babe]

8 hours ago, myraid said:

Will definitely see once we get on board and compare our previous Genie experiences pre-covid.   

I guess if we get the Royal Up next week and get a genie we can note the changes.  Sounds a bit disappointing.

[John&LaLa]

2 hours ago, Colorado Babe said:

I guess if we get the Royal Up next week and get a genie we can note the changes.  Sounds a bit disappointing.

 

You could always cancel your bid.😉

 

But FWIW, the Genie is just part of the STAR experience.  As a fellow Pin, you would find the Genie extras really aren't anything special anyway. At least that was our experience on the 2020 Allure TA.

[Pratique]

Rahul is the only crew member who ever insisted that he remembered us even though we had never met him before, and he treated us like royalty. He will be an excellent genie.

[Colorado Babe]

3 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

You could always cancel your bid.😉

 

But FWIW, the Genie is just part of the STAR experience.  As a fellow Pin, you would find the Genie extras really aren't anything special anyway. At least that was our experience on the 2020 Allure TA.

We really want to check out the Star Loft Suite so not going to cancel it. If we don't get it, no big loss.  Next time.