Star Class - Advance Specialty Dining Reservations

[vetteman06]

Hi All,

Cruising next year (Oct) on Wonder of th Seas in Star Class Suite.  Have cruised RCL Suites before in Sky class but not Star Class.  Specialty dining is included with Star Class suites. I plan making Chef's Table reservations shortly to get the date & time I want and will have our Genie reimbuse me for cost I layed out (less the wine fee).  I don't mind laying out the cost for this as the Chefs Table availability is very limited and it will only be the adults in our party. 

 

I would also like to make advance speciality dining reservations (for our full party) for each day.  Not looking to layout additional funds given that it is included in my cabin price.  I just called RCL customer service and stumped the repsentative.  The response was you book the reservations on board.    Any suggestions on who to call or email?  Thanks much

[rudeney]

Wouldn't this work the same as in other suites where you can have the concierge (in this case the Genie) book your specialty dining in advance?  You should get an email from the genie (just like from the concierge) the week before you cruise.  Just reply with the reservations you want.

[constable145]

8 minutes ago, vetteman06 said:

Hi All,

Cruising next year (Oct) on Wonder of th Seas in Star Class Suite.  Have cruised RCL Suites before in Sky class but not Star Class.  Specialty dining is included with Star Class suites. I plan making Chef's Table reservations shortly to get the date & time I want and will have our Genie reimbuse me for cost I layed out (less the wine fee).  I don't mind laying out the cost for this as the Chefs Table availability is very limited and it will only be the adults in our party. 

 

I would also like to make advance speciality dining reservations (for our full party) for each day.  Not looking to layout additional funds given that it is included in my cabin price.  I just called RCL customer service and stumped the repsentative.  The response was you book the reservations on board.    Any suggestions on who to call or email?  Thanks much

If you want to ensure you get the time you want, book it and the genie will refund your payment. 

 

I've never had a problem with waiting until the genie contacted me. They made the reservation for my entire party, Star Class or not. 

 

One of the Genie's magical abilities is to find empty tables in full restaurants. 

[ownedbypets]

Our Genies have always booked dinner reservations for all of us. Your genie will contact you about 2-4 weeks before sailing.

[mac_tlc]

Just off Harmony last month in Star class. The only reservations our genie recommended we make ourselves was Izumi Hibachi. He did all others, and changed them several times during the week for our party of 8. 
 

Mac_tlc

[Ret MP]

You will get an email from your Genie, up to, weeks in advance of your embarkation date.  That is the time to ask him/her any and all questions you may have about the Star Class experience, there are many things that are not included in the advertised "amenities" list on the website.  

 

Having said that, when you respond to the Genie's email, include what you would like to do.  For example, I tell our Genies that we want to experience ALL (or with exceptions) specialty restaurants, we want to go to all shows (not Cats) but do not want to be rushed to get to a restaurant from a show or to a show from a restaurant, so schedule accordingly.  I also let him/her know what we want in the suite when we arrive (example:  Ice Cream Sundae bar, cheese/cold cut plate, chocolate cake, cheese cake, etc.) and what we want as a standing order to be placed in the suite everyday and coffee service and danish every morning at XX:XX AM.  I also tell him/her that we want to be escorted, by him/her, into any and all venues rather than buck the lines and be confronted by those that don't understand what is going on (as a retired LEO (cop) I don't deal well with ignorant confrontation).  We also want to be escorted off the ship when we get into Ports of Call if bucking the line to go ashore.  If you are celebrating an event (anniversary, birthday, divorce, graduation, etc.) let the Genie know and that you would like decorations (if they have any for the event) cake(s)etc.  My last cruise, it was my wife's birthday.  I used an email account that my wife never uses and doesn't have on her computer to let the Genie know about it and to do something special for her.  He handled it very well and it was a complete surprise to her, she loved it.

 

We have always told' the Genie, in general terms, what we want to do and when we want to do it.  Let him/her schedule/reserve for us, provide us with a digital or printed schedule and it has always worked out great.

 

Just rely totally on your Genie to accomplish everything you want (within reason, of course and his/her capabilities).  Afterall, that's what you are paying thousands of dollars for!

 

One last thing, since you are paying thousands of dollars for Star Class and a Genie, don't be shy to inform your Genie if you are unsatisfied with something on the ship or with the Genie's service/performance.  Believe me, they will respond aggressively and favorably.  On the other hand, give positive feedback as well.  The best feedback is a generous TIP.

 

My opinion - Marla is the best Genie in the RCCL inventory of Genies, period!

[Ret MP]

2 hours ago, mac_tlc said:

Just off Harmony last month in Star class. The only reservations our genie recommended we make ourselves was Izumi Hibachi. He did all others, and changed them several times during the week for our party of 8. 
 

Mac_tlc

Did he/she give a reason why he/she couldn't make the reservations for you in advance of embarkation at Izumi Hibachi?  We've never had that problem before.  I'm wondering if things have changed?

[constable145]

4 hours ago, Ret MP said:

Did he/she give a reason why he/she couldn't make the reservations for you in advance of embarkation at Izumi Hibachi?  We've never had that problem before.  I'm wondering if things have changed?

I was told it is because it is such a small venue and you may want to book it weeks or months before the Genie reaches out.

 

[mac_tlc]

12 hours ago, Ret MP said:

Did he/she give a reason why he/she couldn't make the reservations for you in advance of embarkation at Izumi Hibachi?  We've never had that problem before.  I'm wondering if things have changed?

He indicated that the reservations that he could make there only open up a day or two before sailing and the times go quickly. We made our reservation, and a lot of days/times were already gone. Payment was credited as refundable OBC.

 

mac_tlc

Edited September 16, 2022 by mac_tlc

[topnole]

13 hours ago, Ret MP said:

Did he/she give a reason why he/she couldn't make the reservations for you in advance of embarkation at Izumi Hibachi?  We've never had that problem before.  I'm wondering if things have changed?

This is common now for izumi and chefs table.  I guess because so few seats in each and they don’t want to hold back seats just in case for Star class.  

[topnole]

17 hours ago, vetteman06 said:

Hi All,

Cruising next year (Oct) on Wonder of th Seas in Star Class Suite.  Have cruised RCL Suites before in Sky class but not Star Class.  Specialty dining is included with Star Class suites. I plan making Chef's Table reservations shortly to get the date & time I want and will have our Genie reimbuse me for cost I layed out (less the wine fee).  I don't mind laying out the cost for this as the Chefs Table availability is very limited and it will only be the adults in our party. 

 

I would also like to make advance speciality dining reservations (for our full party) for each day.  Not looking to layout additional funds given that it is included in my cabin price.  I just called RCL customer service and stumped the repsentative.  The response was you book the reservations on board.    Any suggestions on who to call or email?  Thanks much

I wouldn’t worry about your reservations at the other  restaurants unless you have a really big party size.  We have done a few Star class trips and always got the exact times we wanted.  The genies will get you in where you want when you want (or at least so close it really shouldn’t matter).  On our prior trips we had situations where we made time or restaurant change requests the afternoon of and the response was always and automatic “done” without pause.  I really wouldn’t worry.  This is one of the huge Star class benefits.  Tell the genie the exact day times and restaurants you want any I’m sure you will have it.  They’ll reach out to via email pre cruise.  In your reply tell them all of this and other things you want to request.  The more they know the more they can make your trip what you want.  
 

Enjoy.  

Edited September 16, 2022 by topnole

[spooky981]

You're Star Class dude. Don't make any reservations, just give your Genie a heads up an hour before you want to eat dinner and choose anywhere you want. Reservations are for people who aren't Star Clsas.

 

You paid a ton of extra money for that flexibility. Use it.

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

On 9/16/2022 at 6:28 AM, spooky981 said:

You're Star Class dude. Don't make any reservations, just give your Genie a heads up an hour before you want to eat dinner and choose anywhere you want. Reservations are for people who aren't Star Clsas.

 

You paid a ton of extra money for that flexibility. Use it.

I don't want anyone to jump through hoops from my lack of courtesy or planning (I try to plan well), paying for Star class or not.

 

I have purchased the Royal Loft Suite plus both Star Loft Suites on a future 7-night Harmony cruise. This is a short and simple ten-person (immediate) family get together, including two children.

 

Seems the Chef's Table and Izumi may require making my own reservations well in advance. How far in advance are we talking?

 

Also, will restaurants be able to accommodate ten to a table? Sounds like the good views in Coastal Kitchen should expect to be taken by the Pinnacle members ahead of Star class. That's a shame.

 

Many thanks.

 

 

Edited October 2, 2022 by 4-2-N-8

[Ret MP]

1 hour ago, 4-2-N-8 said:

I don't want anyone to jump through hoops from my lack of courtesy or planning (I try to plan well), paying for Star class or not.

For that same reason, when I get my first email from the Genie, my answer to him/her, I explain, in detail, what I want and expect, which includes which specialty restaurants I want to go to.  I leave it up to the Genie to schedule the exact time and day of cruise.  I just want him/her to provide me with a schedule, written or digital.  After that, I can't help how or when the Genie actually makes the reservations, that's up to him/her.  

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

10 hours ago, Ret MP said:

For that same reason, when I get my first email from the Genie, my answer to him/her, I explain, in detail, what I want and expect, which includes which specialty restaurants I want to go to.  I leave it up to the Genie to schedule the exact time and day of cruise.  I just want him/her to provide me with a schedule, written or digital.  After that, I can't help how or when the Genie actually makes the reservations, that's up to him/her.  

Good process. Effective. TY.

[alistairg]

Does anyone have the genie email address for Wonder?

 

We are leaving from Rome on the 13th of October and have not heard from them yet.

 

I have tried wn_genie01@rccl.com and wn_concierge@rccl.com but they did not work. I understood that WN was the code forWonder, but maybe I am wrong.

 

Thanks

[irishgal432]

2 hours ago, alistairg said:

Does anyone have the genie email address for Wonder?

 

We are leaving from Rome on the 13th of October and have not heard from them yet.

 

I have tried wn_genie01@rccl.com and wn_concierge@rccl.com but they did not work. I understood that WN was the code forWonder, but maybe I am wrong.

 

Thanks

Contact royal via face book or twitter or the concierge and they can get word to them.  It is ridiculous that there is not a shoreshide contact for these issues.

[Hutcha]

On 10/2/2022 at 12:59 AM, 4-2-N-8 said:

Also, will restaurants be able to accommodate ten to a table? Sounds like the good views in Coastal Kitchen should expect to be taken by the Pinnacle members ahead of Star class. That's a shame.

I would not expect a Pin to get a table head of you. For CK, I think this is the biggest table they have. If you need 10, I think they would push some tables together.

 

Chef's table is just ok. They basically take food that's available in specialty restaurants and put a little twist on it. Not necessarily a better twist. In June, on Harmony, we were there for 4 hours! 

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

3 minutes ago, Hutcha said:

I would not expect a Pin to get a table head of you. For CK, I think this is the biggest table they have. If you need 10, I think they would push some tables together.

 

Chef's table is just ok. They basically take food that's available in specialty restaurants and put a little twist on it. Not necessarily a better twist. In June, on Harmony, we were there for 4 hours! 

I appreciate your time and feedback. Good intel. Thank you.

[TravelMadBrits]

Can I ask if playmakers is included in Star Class? 
 

We sail in 3 weeks… just working out what to ask for lunch on embarkation day 🤓

 

[Hutcha]

6 hours ago, TravelMadBrits said:

Can I ask if playmakers is included in Star Class? 
 

We sail in 3 weeks… just working out what to ask for lunch on embarkation day 🤓

 

Yes, it is.

[Ret MP]

A suggestion:

 

As a Star Class cruiser on a ship that has the Coastal Kitchen, when you go the first time, make sure your Genie escorts you, not just to the entrance of the CK, but to your table, which could very well be the table you get each time you go, if you like it.  If you do that, the wait staff and maitre d will remember you, your party, and your status, also make sure you leave a very generous tip when you leave.  Oh, and talk to the wait staff, ask them questions about where their from, about their family, and so on.  From that point on, the maitre d' and his/her asst will not ask you for your info again, they will happily great you, by name, with a huge smile on their faces.  Also, the wait staff will fall all over themselves to give you great service.  They do work as a great team in the CK, at least that is my experience.  

[reallyitsmema]

23 minutes ago, Ret MP said:

A suggestion:

 

As a Star Class cruiser on a ship that has the Coastal Kitchen, when you go the first time, make sure your Genie escorts you, not just to the entrance of the CK, but to your table, which could very well be the table you get each time you go, if you like it.  If you do that, the wait staff and maitre d will remember you, your party, and your status, also make sure you leave a very generous tip when you leave.  Oh, and talk to the wait staff, ask them questions about where their from, about their family, and so on.  From that point on, the maitre d' and his/her asst will not ask you for your info again, they will happily great you, by name, with a huge smile on their faces.  Also, the wait staff will fall all over themselves to give you great service.  They do work as a great team in the CK, at least that is my experience.  

 

Or just go into CK and enjoy your meal.  If you don't like the table, request a different one.  There is no need to put on a show and throw money around in CK.  The waitstaff and host remember us every evening and seat us at our preferred table without being pretentious.

[Ret MP]

14 minutes ago, reallyitsmema said:

 

Or just go into CK and enjoy your meal.  If you don't like the table, request a different one.  There is no need to put on a show and throw money around in CK.  The waitstaff and host remember us every evening and seat us at our preferred table without being pretentious.

I'm sorry you interpret it that way!  Nothing could be further from the intent!

[TravelMadBrits]

Thanks for all your replies, much appreciated 😃