Star Vs. Sky Class

[cured]

10 hours ago, brillohead said:

These are all Star Class Only items done by a Genie.  The "regular" suite concierge cannot do any of these things.

That is what I thought and why Star Class was on our eventual bucket list. But the person I responded to said the concierge could do pretty much everything a genie could do. 

[gingersvp]

12 minutes ago, cured said:

That is what I thought and why Star Class was on our eventual bucket list. But the person I responded to said the concierge could do pretty much everything a genie could do. 

Yes, that person was wrong and I suspect has not actually sailed Star class from the nature of their comments. 

 

I sort of think of the Genie as a combo private concierge and butler. 

[topnole]

23 minutes ago, cured said:

That is what I thought and why Star Class was on our eventual bucket list. But the person I responded to said the concierge could do pretty much everything a genie could do. 

They are dead wrong.  It is a completely different level of service.  Is it expensive?   Yes.  Worth it?  That is up to the individual.   But suggesting it is nearly equivalent to sky class is a gross misrepresentation in my experience and opinion.  The genie is the difference maker and you just don’t get that with sky class.  

Edited March 6, 2022 by topnole

[George C]

9 hours ago, brillohead said:

You do realize that this was due to COVID and distancing, right?  Not just that they "changed the rules"?  

I'm guessing that it's gone back to the "special area" now that all the vax only areas and mask rules have changed, which is a shame, because not everyone wants to sit in the "special area".  

 

 

Not sure if they will restore the reserved seats we will see, rccl seems to only care about Star people. celebrity and MSc yacht club treat all there suite passengers better with way better perks.

[HicksRA]

55 minutes ago, George C said:

Not sure if they will restore the reserved seats we will see, rccl seems to only care about Star people. celebrity and MSc yacht club treat all there suite passengers better with way better perks.

They already have restored the reserved seating.  

[George C]

2 minutes ago, HicksRA said:

They already have restored the reserved seating.  

Did you experience the reserved seats being restored , for ice and aqua along with the rest of the entertainment? When did this happen?

[HicksRA]

6 minutes ago, George C said:

Did you experience the reserved seats being restored , for ice and aqua along with the rest of the entertainment? When did this happen?

I may have misread your post. I referred to reserved seating for Star class, not for suites/Pins. 

[George C]

3 minutes ago, HicksRA said:

I may have misread your post. I referred to reserved seating for Star class, not for suites/Pins. 

I was referring to sky class , I did see that star class had this on my last cruise.

[brillohead]

9 hours ago, cured said:

That is what I thought and why Star Class was on our eventual bucket list. But the person I responded to said the concierge could do pretty much everything a genie could do. 

That's why I wanted to clarify their error.  I'm glad you have the appropriate information now.

[Scottee25]

On 3/5/2022 at 1:20 PM, mom2miracles said:

The biggest benefit of Star class versus Sky class is the unlimited deluxe drink package, unlimited dining package and the Royal Genie service. In terms of where you are allowed to go on the ship, it is the same. Both classes have access to the Suites Lounge and to Coastal Kitchen.

 

SKY

• Concierge Service
• All Day Access to Coastal Kitchen*
• Specialty Bottled Water (upon arrival)
• Complimentary VOOM, The Fastest Internet at Sea †
• Flexible Arrival Boarding & Priority Departure
• Priority Dining Reservations
• Venues Early Access to Seating in Select Entertainment Venues
• Suite Lounge Access (complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails each evening)
• Access to Suite Sun Deck
• Royal Caribbean Plush Bathrobes for Use Onboard
• Luxury Pillow Top Mattress
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine

STAR

• Exclusive Access to Royal Genie Service
• All Day Access to Coastal Kitchen*
• Complimentary Specialty Restaurants* (including Chef’s Table and à la carte dining)
• Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package (for guests 21 years or older, or 18 and over where applicable by law)
• Complimentary Refreshment Package (for guests under legal drinking age)
• Still and Sparkling Water Replenished Daily
• Complimentary GratuitiesΔ
• Complimentary VOOM**, The Fastest Internet at Sea
• Expedited Boarding and Departure
• Best Seats in the House in Select Entertainment Venues
• Priority Entrance to Many Onboard Activities††
• Suite Lounge Access (complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails each evening)
• Access to Suite Sun Deck
• Royal Caribbean Plush Bathrobes for Use Onboard
• Complimentary Minibar stocked with Coca-Cola® Beverages and Water
• Complimentary Laundry and Pressing Services
• Luxury Mattress and Pillows
• Frette® Linens
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lavazza Espresso Coffee Maker

 

Where did you obtain that list? When I look at Royal's site for suite perks, I only find this page:

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-rooms/royal-suite-class

 

Your list shows a lot more benefits.

[topnole]

9 hours ago, Scottee25 said:

 

Where did you obtain that list? When I look at Royal's site for suite perks, I only find this page:

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-rooms/royal-suite-class

 

Your list shows a lot more benefits.

And some of the Star class benefits aren’t even listed in that sheet.  For example, they stock you room with beers of your choice as well.  A very nice perk indeed.  

[Scottee25]

9 minutes ago, topnole said:

And some of the Star class benefits aren’t even listed in that sheet.  For example, they stock you room with beers of your choice as well.  A very nice perk indeed.  

That sounds great! Do they have a full list of the benefits listed someplace other than the link I provided?

[topnole]

7 minutes ago, Scottee25 said:

That sounds great! Do they have a full list of the benefits listed someplace other than the link I provided?

Not that I know of, but ask and on here if you have a specific question.  I can tell you about a pre-Covid and I’ll be doing it again soon post Covid.  

[Biker19]

1 minute ago, topnole said:

I’ll be doing it again soon post Covid.  

You know when that is? Do you also have lottery number suggestions?

[topnole]

4 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

You know when that is? Do you also have lottery number suggestions?

Lol.  Post Covid meaning post when it started.  Not ended.  

[Hutcha]

You'll find that most that hate on the genie have never had one. They will do as much, or as little as you want them to. For myself, I have booked Star for my next two Royal cruises. Those two are with our kids (ages 14-22). In the future, if it's just my wife and me traveling, I'll probably just book Sky or Haven on NCL (<---only for the right price).

 

Some benefits to Star... Front of the line access almost everywhere. North Star, bumper cars, shows, flow rider, zip line, etc. The drink and dining package is on steroids. No upcharges for premium food items, Chef's table for only a small wine surcharge, Starbucks included. Behind the scenes tours. A free personal photoshoot in the studio, around the ship, or on the island. Pics are VERY expensive though. Genie will whisk you on and off of the ship whenever you need. Mini bar overflows with your beverage selections. Beer and soft drinks will be there on day 1, but have seen that people get a lot more available once on board (genie has to follow the rules while communicating with you over email). White tablecloth in room (and balcony) dining from any restaurant on the ship. In suite celebrations with decorations, food, drinks and custom created cake. In room cocktail party (genie will send invitations to your guests). Unlimited laundry and dry cleaning service. All gratuities included (except genie).

 

If these things don't appeal to you, Star class may not be for you. 

[AshleyDillo]

On 3/6/2022 at 10:06 AM, gingersvp said:

Yes, that person was wrong and I suspect has not actually sailed Star class from the nature of their comments. 

 

That person HAS sailed Star Class and didn't feel it was worth it to them. Some folks don't see the value in being doted on in the manner in which the Genie does. No reason to debate that.

 

There are some differences between Sky and Star Class that you can put a dollar figure on (UBP, UDP, Chefs Table, cupcake and sushi classes, Escape Room, unlimited free laundry) but a lot of the perks aren't quantifiable because each situation is unique.  Figuring out the value-add of these additional perks is up to the individual.

 

Sometimes the cost difference between Sky and Star Class makes sense, especially in the larger capacity rooms where you get the reduced 3+ passenger rates. 

 

My mother loves, loves, loves Star Class. I'm happy to go along with her as she spends my inheritance 😇.   If I'm booking my own cruises on my own dime, I'm in that inside guarantee every single time with the dining package and using all my D+ discounts I can. 😆

[spooky981]

The Genie is expensive but worth it. Here's a shortlist of what our Genie on the Wonder got us:

• She escorted us to the front row of every show without reservations, and got us instantaneous bar service.
• She walked us off the ship, past all of the lines, right to our excursion waiting area, without waiting in line for any of it.
• She got us food, drinks, and beer that aren't on any menu. I had a twelve pack of Vita Coco to help with hangovers and a variety of about 20 different beers that you can't find anywhere on the ship.
• An excursion was listed as sold out for us, but one text message to our Genie and suddenly there was room.
• She visited us every day at breakfast and every night at dinner to talk about what things we wanted to do. She lived on the ship so she understood all of the ins and outs. Her advice was extraordinary.
• She learned that we liked Oreo Shakes from Johnny Rockets, and the fried cheesecake from Park 150. And they would magically appear in our room periodically without being asked.
• She opened up the FloRider and the Ultimate Abyss about ten minutes early for us so that we could participate without a line. Originally she offered for us to simply skip the line, but I said I didn't want to upset anyone else. So that was what she did instead.
• She went through our bill without even being asked and had about $150 in incorrect charges reversed. Mostly times where we were charged for drinks or food that Star Class gets free.
• She gave presents to my kids on the last day which they loved.
• I have learned that Genies are among the most powerful people on the ship, possibly second only to the captain. The Genies could make any request of any department on the ship and it would be granted.
• She walked us through embarkation and disembarkation. I don't think we waited in a line the whole time.
• My wife cried when she hugged her goodbye.

The only limitation is your imagination. Our Genie could do anything we wanted.

[jndsilver31]

my wife and i have only cruised once in a star class suite. it was last september on the symphony of the seas. we had a 2 bedroom aqua theater suite. we took my wife’s best friend of many years. our genie was wonderful. i personally think the star class is worth the money, if for no other reason but to jump ahead of everyone at disembarkation day.

 

we have a star class suite on the allure of the seas in september (booked it when on the symphony, great deal). but alas that will be the last star class for awhile, have to save up for those suites. we love having the genie.

[Hutcha]

1 hour ago, AshleyDillo said:

That person HAS sailed Star Class and didn't feel it was worth it to them. Some folks don't see the value in being doted on in the manner in which the Genie does. No reason to debate that.

The debate was over the very wrong and misleading statement that the concierge can do everything that the genie can.

[John&LaLa]

4 hours ago, topnole said:

And some of the Star class benefits aren’t even listed in that sheet.  For example, they stock you room with beers of your choice as well.  A very nice perk indeed.  

 

I stocked my own on Symphony.  Easy peasy being on 17. Now I did request the concierge to have my NBA stocked in SL.

 

Now I'll be the contrarian, but really didn't enjoy the CLS. Our OS on Odyssey was much nicer. The only good thing about CLS was proximity to SL and CK. 

 

Wonder solves that with the GS's up there

 

[RFerrington]

12 minutes ago, John&amp;LaLa said:

 

I stocked my own on Symphony.  Easy peasy being on 17. Now I did request the concierge to have my NBA stocked in SL.

 

Now I'll be the contrarian, but really didn't enjoy the CLS.

 

I am also not a huge fan of the CLS.

[vjmatty]

14 minutes ago, RFerrington said:

I am also not a huge fan of the CLS.

 

I loved it for the first day, but the stairs got old really quickly, especially with the only outlet being upstairs.  It reminded me of why our current home is one story lol.

 

I also missed seeing the ocean from the bed, and didn't like the better bathroom being upstairs, and the lack of bathtub and walk in closets.

[topnole]

1 hour ago, John&amp;LaLa said:

 

I stocked my own on Symphony.  Easy peasy being on 17. Now I did request the concierge to have my NBA stocked in SL.

 

Now I'll be the contrarian, but really didn't enjoy the CLS. Our OS on Odyssey was much nicer. The only good thing about CLS was proximity to SL and CK. 

 

Wonder solves that with the GS's up there

 

NBA?

[topnole]

1 hour ago, John&amp;LaLa said:

 

I stocked my own on Symphony.  Easy peasy being on 17. Now I did request the concierge to have my NBA stocked in SL.

 

Now I'll be the contrarian, but really didn't enjoy the CLS. Our OS on Odyssey was much nicer. The only good thing about CLS was proximity to SL and CK. 

 

Wonder solves that with the GS's up there

 

I’ll be doing this exact thing and a CLS on harmony later in the year. It was between that and an owner suite but we have kids so the two bathroom is a huge benefit.  i’m curious what it is about the owner suite that is so much nicer to you?  I assume it’s that it’s just one story and more space as well as a bigger balcony. Is there anything else?  We could switch to an owner suite so I’m just kind of curious.