First Timer to Star Class

[Happychappie]

Guys, 

 

Would love to hear anybody's thoughts on how to make the most of a Star Class Experience. Our background is that I am travelling with my wife, 8 year old daughter and 73 yr old (very active/able) mother. We are all Diamond members who love cruising but our usual set up is a balcony/JS. However having a rush of blood to the head I have booked Symphony next year in a Star Loft Suite. I have always fancied going big one year and this is it!!!! We always have the drinks package, speciality dining and an internet package so a number of the perks are what we would be used to anyway. However I would love any expert travellers in this respects opinion on how to really enjoy the benefits of travelling Star Class.

 

If honest, im not in to big public statements so having a Genie to show people im travelling star class when walking in to the theatre doesnt float my boat particularly but I would love to have as much of the trip taken care of for my Wife and Mum so they dont have to think about anything or plan it. Hopefully our Genie can do all this without being a servant to us.

 

So please do share all of your favourite ideas, tips and experiences to help us understand what our Genie can and cants for us are.

 

Many thanks

[firefly333]

This would be the time to order stuff your mom and wife love and have it delivered. Do they love chocolate covered strawberries and lobster? I love lobster every day ha. Fresh squashed oj of course for breakfast. I'd order lobster until I'm tired of it. That's what I did when I had specialty every night except lobster night. Lobster rolls if you have a playmakers with onion rings. Lobster sushi from izumi. 

[topnole]

My recommendation is before the cruise be very clear via email what you want/hope for from the genie after they contact you prior to the cruise.  If you want the room decorated for your wife or daughter, ask them.  If you want a special cake, ask them.  If you want specific beers in the cabin from the get go,

ask them.  We asked for one they don’t even carry on Royal, and we had a case in the room for the week.  
 

If you are a Royal veteran you know the product and what you like or want.  Just be clear and ask.  Don’t wait until day 2 or 3.  Ask ahead and don’t make them guess.  That way they know your expectations.  Be aware they will deliver lots of extras to your room (food, cookies, etc.).  For us it got to be a bit much so we asked for no more unless we ordered it.  So things like that, just be clear.  
 

Definitely do all the shows you can.  Showing up 5 minutes before a show with front row seats is one of the best perks.  We don’t find the showing off part to really happen with us.  We meet our genie outside at the front and they walked us to our seat and brought over a waiter for drinks.  I suppose you could make a big to do out of it,  but for us we sit quickly and I doubt anyone but the folks who worry about others even notice.  Nothing to be worried or embarrassed about.  Our genies have never once followed us around or whatever some people on here suggest.  Last cruise ours came to check on us at dinner each night and would obviously take us to our seats for shows.  That’s it.  No biggie.  I’m sure we could’ve asked for more personal attention, but we didn’t need it so we didn’t.  
 

Otherwise, just enjoy the experience and don’t worry about missing out on something.  Just ask if you want something.  Worst that can happen is they say no.  
 

Happy to answer any questions.  We’ve done Star class a few times and most recently this summer.  

[I Love RCI]

Topnole summed it up nicely. Like everything else in life, you don't get anything unless you ask for it. The genie will typically do all they can to accommodate reasonable requests (and, sometimes, even unreasonable ones). 

 

Enjoy your cruise. Star class is a whole other experience when sailing.  

[spooky981]

Don't pay all that money and not take advantage of the Genie's benefits. My Genie escorted my family all over the ship, we hardly ever waited in line, and most importantly it was never obvious that we were being treated special. I'd probably say we dodged a total of eight hours of standing in line.

 

There was only one time where things got uncomfortable. Our Genie escorted us off the ship in Honduras past what must have been close to 500 passengers who were lined up. When we got to the front there was a brief stop because somebody had fallen down, and it was just enough time that people started to accuse us of cutting the line (which I guess is true). Our Genie immediately defused the situation by saying she was an employee and that we were instructed to follow her.
 

The only other time you can tell someone is star class is when they sit in reserved seats. But that only lasts a moment, because as soon as you arrive the "RESERVED - STAR CLASS" towel is removed from the seat.

 

You're paying a lot of money for Star Class, use it to the fullest or drop down to Sky Class.

[flyguyjake]

You will get a survey from Royal a few weeks out asking a series of questions about your upcoming cruise. You will also get an email from your assigned Genie about 2-3 weeks out. They will also ask you a series of questions to best determine your plans and needs. Be specific as to what you all do and don't like as far as drink/food/allergies. They will make selections for you based on your feedback. Tell them what time you want to dine. What time you all plan on waking up and going to bed. What time you all prefer your morning coffee (Starbucks can be delivered to your room daily, unlimited/included). Tell your genie what soda/water/beer (coke products) you'd like in your fridge. Tell your genie about any celebrations and they will make it very special. You'll also get same day laundry/dry cleaning/pressing daily. You can request in advance your favorite canape to be in your suite on embarkation day.

Your Genie will provide you with a personal dinner/show schedule which you can request changes if necessary. Be sure to have lunch on sea days in the available specialty restaurants. We like to have lunch in Jamie's on Embarkation day. You can also elect to have a meal in your suite from any of the specialty restaurants. Any food on the ship can be delivered to your suite. We like to have 2 whole pizza's delivered at midnight from Sorrento's for our drunk munch. We love their sugar free lemon cookies or fresh hot chocolate chip cookies. Also the Lemon Meringue Cheesecake from Jamie's is to die for. Apple pie ala mode from Chops, yum. Nachos/Burgers/Wings from Play Makers are bomb.

Regarding shows, Genie's usually reserve the first 2 rows for Star Class guests and you can ask your Genie for specific seats if you wish, anywhere in the theater. You can also get popcorn/candy by request.

Embarkation day look for the purple Star Class flag. There will be a small podium just outside the doors where you will check in. The Star Class rep will assign you a porter who will take your bags. The rep & porter will escort you inside and up to the private check-in lounge (your luggage stays with you). Your Genie will greet you in the check-in lounge and escort you on the ship and directly to your suite. You will each get a WOW band and wifi code for your devices. Sugar Beach is also included where you can get an ice cream cone/cup with topping and bagged candy.

Your Genie will also make whatever Spa appointments you want (charges apply). They can arrange for a private escape room session and private FlowRider lesson. They can arrange private shopping at any of the high end stores. At port stops they can escort you off ship if you'd like. They have a special elevator key which immediately calls the elevator and avoids any stops.

It really is a first class experience that we really love. We work hard and vacation big. You do get what you pay for so to speak.

I hope you and your family has an amazing cruise!

 

[topnole]

1 hour ago, spooky981 said:

Don't pay all that money and not take advantage of the Genie's benefits. My Genie escorted my family all over the ship, we hardly ever waited in line, and most importantly it was never obvious that we were being treated special. I'd probably say we dodged a total of eight hours of standing in line.

 

There was only one time where things got uncomfortable. Our Genie escorted us off the ship in Honduras past what must have been close to 500 passengers who were lined up. When we got to the front there was a brief stop because somebody had fallen down, and it was just enough time that people started to accuse us of cutting the line (which I guess is true). Our Genie immediately defused the situation by saying she was an employee and that we were instructed to follow her.
 

The only other time you can tell someone is star class is when they sit in reserved seats. But that only lasts a moment, because as soon as you arrive the "RESERVED - STAR CLASS" towel is removed from the seat.

 

You're paying a lot of money for Star Class, use it to the fullest or drop down to Sky Class.

Just an fyi.  We rarely waited in a line regardless.  In fact I can only remember once at the tram in coco cay all week where we waited for anything that we wouldn’t have waited for otherwise (ex. A drink, or pre cruise checkin).   It was a brief wait at coco cay.  Would’ve been less convenient to coordinate with the genie than to wait as we did.  
 

Obviously the genie has multiple cabins to serve so anyone going Star class first time should realize the genie isn’t going to be with you for a good chuck of the day or cruise.  They are bouncing around attending to multiple cabins which could easily be 10-20 (or more) passengers in total.  So if every cabin gets a walkoff escort they will have to time and schedule around others (who are also all star class).  Sometimes it is just easier to walk off on your own.  We did in coco cay for example and pretty much got right on the tram.  There was zero need for the genie to be with us.  The time it might help for us is getting back on.  But then you have to coordinate the time which makes things less flexible (pros and cons).  Now if you are new to Royal, a walk off might help the first time or if you have a tour and you want to make sure you get to the right spot.  But for some or even many, a walk off isn’t much value added IMO.  

[topnole]

8 minutes ago, flyguyjake said:

You will get a survey from Royal a few weeks out asking a series of questions about your upcoming cruise. You will also get an email from your assigned Genie about 2-3 weeks out. They will also ask you a series of questions to best determine your plans and needs. Be specific as to what you all do and don't like as far as drink/food/allergies. They will make selections for you based on your feedback. Tell them what time you want to dine. What time you all plan on waking up and going to bed. What time you all prefer your morning coffee (Starbucks can be delivered to your room daily, unlimited/included). Tell your genie what soda/water/beer (coke products) you'd like in your fridge. Tell your genie about any celebrations and they will make it very special. You'll also get same day laundry/dry cleaning/pressing daily. You can request in advance your favorite canape to be in your suite on embarkation day.

Your Genie will provide you with a personal dinner/show schedule which you can request changes if necessary. Be sure to have lunch on sea days in the available specialty restaurants. We like to have lunch in Jamie's on Embarkation day. You can also elect to have a meal in your suite from any of the specialty restaurants. Any food on the ship can be delivered to your suite. We like to have 2 whole pizza's delivered at midnight from Sorrento's for our drunk munch. We love their sugar free lemon cookies or fresh hot chocolate chip cookies. Also the Lemon Meringue Cheesecake from Jamie's is to die for. Apple pie ala mode from Chops, yum. Nachos/Burgers/Wings from Play Makers are bomb.

Regarding shows, Genie's usually reserve the first 2 rows for Star Class guests and you can ask your Genie for specific seats if you wish, anywhere in the theater. You can also get popcorn/candy by request.

Embarkation day look for the purple Star Class flag. There will be a small podium just outside the doors where you will check in. The Star Class rep will assign you a porter who will take your bags. The rep & porter will escort you inside and up to the private check-in lounge (your luggage stays with you). Your Genie will greet you in the check-in lounge and escort you on the ship and directly to your suite. You will each get a WOW band and wifi code for your devices. Sugar Beach is also included where you can get an ice cream cone/cup with topping and bagged candy.

Your Genie will also make whatever Spa appointments you want (charges apply). They can arrange for a private escape room session and private FlowRider lesson. They can arrange private shopping at any of the high end stores. At port stops they can escort you off ship if you'd like. They have a special elevator key which immediately calls the elevator and avoids any stops.

It really is a first class experience that we really love. We work hard and vacation big. You do get what you pay for so to speak.

I hope you and your family has an amazing cruise!

 

Survey are hit and miss now.  We didn’t get one.  Just the email 1 month out.  The survey is a waste of time anyhow.  

[John&LaLa]

Ask for a special cake and a nice celebration 😉

 

And don't forget to take advantage of laundry service

 

[topnole]

1 minute ago, John&LaLa said:

Ask for a special cake and a nice celebration 😉

 

And don't forget to take advantage of laundry service

 

I’ve seen one of you ur other posts with that cake.  Just amazing job by the chef!!

 

Good call on the laundry.  I have my dress shirts to the attendant for dress your best night and it took 3 days to get them back.  😂😂.  So much for Star Class on that one.  I had plenty of my favorite beer and I was comfortable those nights, so no worries.  

[rudeney]

22 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

Ask for a special cake and a nice celebration 😉

 

And don't forget to take advantage of laundry service

 

 

That is absolutely ridiculous (in a good way)! 🤣

 

[brillohead]

If you do ask to have seats saved at a show (and ESPECIALLY the adult comedy show, which is very space-limited) and you change your mind, please call the Genie and let them know so some of the mere peasants have a chance to use the seats.

[kjacruiser]

thanks for the tips will be spending the not so big bucks cause we booked the Aqua suite during the big get all back to sailing....so daughters birthday wedding gift cruise will be enjoyable...her hubby paid for the up-grade for the Genie....I'll enjoy the restaurants wife will enjoy her wifi(lets hope no brake downs lolol) 

 

[croosieloosie]

Has anyone in Star Class that has South Beach cabanas had their attendant get food from outside of South Beach? We have two cabanas and lots of different taste. Like can we ask for Mexican food from Skippers? That kind of thing...

 

[Ret MP]

I, usually, don't like to make a public spectacle of myself, either.  BUT, I paid a lot of money for the Star Class experience and I want to experience it to it's fullest.  We've done Star Class many times and have gotten used to the extra service that is provided, to include the overtly obvious presence of the Genie and the reserved seating in a few venues.  I cruise Star Class, but I'm far from a Star Class personality.  

 

One thing I like to do, pre-embarkation day is, as mentioned, communicate with the Genie, let him/her know exactly what your expectations are and any special requests.  I've, after my first Star Class cruise, always let him/her know that I'm an experienced Star Class guest (which they probably already know) and I know what I want and what I expect from the Genie.  On one cruise, I requested a full Ice Cream Sundae bar be set-up in our suite.  It was perfect.   Our grandkids loved it.  On our last Star Class Cruise, I told the genie that I wanted a Cold-Cut/Deli Platter and Fruit Platter with Chocolate covered Strawberries in our cabin daily.  It was good but you have to make sure you tell them everything, which I didn't think I'd have to, like condiments for the Cold-Cut/Deli Platter and bread(s), they just brough an amazing selection of assorted sliced meats, nothing else.  What I'm trying to say is:  Don't be shy!  If you want it, ask for it but be thorough.  All they can do is tell you that they can't do it.  But, the Genie is not in the habit of telling you, NO!  Also, I make a point of telling my Genie(s) that we want to be escorted into/through any line into any venue that we would have special access to.  This helps with moving through a line(s) that you are trying to excuse your way through and avoid comments from those that ask what do you think you are doing or other rude comments. I'm not to receptive to rude/ignorant comments.  Let the Genie do that for you.  

 

During your pre-embarkation day communication(s), make sure you tell your Genie exactly what specialty restaurants you want to go to and how many times you want to go.  I just told the Genie that I wanted to experience every specialty restaurant and Chops twice.  Oh, and that we only wanted to do dessert in Wonderland.  So, on our second visit to Chops, for dessert we went to Wonderland.  Wonderland knew in advance and it was amazing what they had set-up for us.

 

Just enjoy yourself, use your imagination, let the Genie do his/her job and don't worry about anything.  

[Ret MP]

On 7/19/2022 at 6:23 AM, kjacruiser said:

thanks for the tips will be spending the not so big bucks cause we booked the Aqua suite during the big get all back to sailing....so daughters birthday wedding gift cruise will be enjoyable...her hubby paid for the up-grade for the Genie....I'll enjoy the restaurants wife will enjoy her wifi(lets hope no brake downs lolol) 

 

Oh, make sure you let the Genie know about any celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, divorces, whatever) and what you want.  My wife's birthday on our last cruise, the Genie did a great job of getting a birthday cake in the suite and the room was all decorated.  She was almost in tears, she was that happy with it all.  

[John&LaLa]

On 7/18/2022 at 3:34 PM, rudeney said:

 

That is absolutely ridiculous (in a good way)! 🤣

 

 

How about a close up. Cake, not wife😉

 

Promised to never again post the after party picture. 

 

Based on this. Jay on Allure made it happen

Edited July 24, 2022 by John&LaLa