Star Class Newbie - Do I need to purchase UBP? and other questions

[LittleMissMagic]

Hello, Royal Cruisers! Hoping for your advice and expertise -

 

I booked the Royal Loft Suite on an upcoming 3-night cruise on Allure of the Seas, and now that our sail date is approaching, I just made the connection that this room is considered Star Class (which I know nothing about). I've never sailed in a suite on an Oasis Class ship before and have no idea about Star Class. I'm hoping to get some CCer advise on a few questions I have -

 

• I purchased the drink package for my sister and I about a month ago.... as I'm reading into Star Class, it seems that the ultimate drink package may already be included? Should I cancel the UBP that I already booked? Is it included for everyone booked in the room?
• This is my sister's Bachelorette trip, and there will be 8 girls total attending. So far, we've booked four girls in the suite (sleeps up to six). I'm trying to keep costs down as much as I can for everyone. We were thinking that we'd book the other girls in two Central Park/Boardwalk view balcony staterooms on the 14th floor, close to the aft staircase so that it won't be too long of a journey between rooms. I know that this could potentially cause problems since we will be in the suite and they will not. We don't really care too much about hanging out in exclusive areas (Coastal Kitchen), as we plan to use the suite as our home base for the cruise and hang out there. We are fine forgoing suite perks/services..... but I also don't want to create a second-class situation for them as far as embarkation goes. (I'm not asking if we can extend our perks to them - I understand the perks would only be extended to those booked in the suite.) Any suggestions/recommendations on what additional room(s) to book for the additional girls?
• Is the Genie someone who could help me with Bachelorette things like room decorations or hosting a party? Has anyone used the Genie for something like this before? I'd love to hear about your experience!
• I'm happy to receive any tips/tricks/advice/anecdotes/or links to other threads regarding the Royal Loft Suite, Star Class, Royal Genies, and more!

 

Thank you in advance!

[Ourusualbeach]

26 minutes ago, LittleMissMagic said:

Hello, Royal Cruisers! Hoping for your advice and expertise -

 

I booked the Royal Loft Suite on an upcoming 3-night cruise on Allure of the Seas, and now that our sail date is approaching, I just made the connection that this room is considered Star Class (which I know nothing about). I've never sailed in a suite on an Oasis Class ship before and have no idea about Star Class. I'm hoping to get some CCer advise on a few questions I have -

 

• I purchased the drink package for my sister and I about a month ago.... as I'm reading into Star Class, it seems that the ultimate drink package may already be included? Should I cancel the UBP that I already booked? Is it included for everyone booked in the room?
• This is my sister's Bachelorette trip, and there will be 8 girls total attending. So far, we've booked four girls in the suite (sleeps up to six). I'm trying to keep costs down as much as I can for everyone. We were thinking that we'd book the other girls in two Central Park/Boardwalk view balcony staterooms on the 14th floor, close to the aft staircase so that it won't be too long of a journey between rooms. I know that this could potentially cause problems since we will be in the suite and they will not. We don't really care too much about hanging out in exclusive areas (Coastal Kitchen), as we plan to use the suite as our home base for the cruise and hang out there. We are fine forgoing suite perks/services..... but I also don't want to create a second-class situation for them as far as embarkation goes. (I'm not asking if we can extend our perks to them - I understand the perks would only be extended to those booked in the suite.) Any suggestions/recommendations on what additional room(s) to book for the additional girls?
• Is the Genie someone who could help me with Bachelorette things like room decorations or hosting a party? Has anyone used the Genie for something like this before? I'd love to hear about your experience!
• I'm happy to receive any tips/tricks/advice/anecdotes/or links to other threads regarding the Royal Loft Suite, Star Class, Royal Genies, and more!

 

Thank you in advance!

Drink and dining packages are included.  Cancel yours

 

Yes the Genie can help

[SG65CB]

Yes the suite includes the drink package for each person, so cancel the one you bought. 

 

Check the pricing, it might cost less to add a fifth and sixth person to the suite than to book a balcony cabin for two. The fifth and sixth person should be the same price as the third and fourth person. 

 

The suite also includes an Internet package for each person, so don't buy an Internet package. 

[chfenton]

I have travelled in star class a few times and this was my experience--You have the top suite on the ship so your genie will be attentive to you.  Yes they can arrange nearly anything you like-just ask.  We hosted 14 for dinner in the Royal loft suite last year--they handled it to perfection.  Everyone over 21 assigned to the room gets the Unlimited Beverage package (i think).  This someone will have to check me on because we have only traveled where there have been only two people over 21 in the star suite.  But if Im right it would be advantageous to book as many as possible in the star class room , again assuming all get UBP.

[Ourusualbeach]

8 minutes ago, chfenton said:

But if Im right it would be advantageous to book as many as possible in the star class room

Sounds good in theory but unless your a family with kids the sleeping accommodations are less than desirable as you increase the number of guests.  Not sure 2 want to share the sofabed and camp out in the living room for the week.

[LittleMissMagic]

8 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Sounds good in theory but unless your a family with kids the sleeping accommodations are less than desirable as you increase the number of guests.  Not sure 2 want to share the sofabed and camp out in the living room for the week.

Exactly, that was why I originally only booked four in the room - trying not to make anyone sleep on the sofa. It is a three night cruise, so perhaps the ladies wouldn't mind camping out in the living room.... I guess I can poll the group!

[irishgal432]

1 hour ago, LittleMissMagic said:

 

 

• I purchased the drink package for my sister and I about a month ago.... as I'm reading into Star Class, it seems that the ultimate drink package may already be included? Should I cancel the UBP that I already booked? Is it included for everyone booked in the room?

It is included in the room for all guests booked in the room.

 

1 hour ago, LittleMissMagic said:

• This is my sister's Bachelorette trip, and there will be 8 girls total attending. So far, we've booked four girls in the suite (sleeps up to six). I'm trying to keep costs down as much as I can for everyone. We were thinking that we'd book the other girls in two Central Park/Boardwalk view balcony staterooms on the 14th floor, close to the aft staircase so that it won't be too long of a journey between rooms. I know that this could potentially cause problems since we will be in the suite and they will not. We don't really care too much about hanging out in exclusive areas (Coastal Kitchen), as we plan to use the suite as our home base for the cruise and hang out there. We are fine forgoing suite perks/services..... but I also don't want to create a second-class situation for them as far as embarkation goes. (I'm not asking if we can extend our perks to them - I understand the perks would only be extended to those booked in the suite.) Any suggestions/recommendations on what additional room(s) to book for the additional girls?

I  would book 6people in the suite and 1 in the balcony. that way all perks go with them as well.  It is easier for a genie to add 2 people to reservations if they person has the UDP not sailing in the Star.They can all board with you.

 

1 hour ago, LittleMissMagic said:

• Is the Genie someone who could help me with Bachelorette things like room decorations or hosting a party? Has anyone used the Genie for something like this before? I'd love to hear yabout your experience!
• Yes,in your communication they will ask what you need.

 

1 hour ago, LittleMissMagic said:

• I'm happy to receive any tips/tricks/advice/anecdotes/or links to other threads regarding the Royal Loft Suite, Star Class, Royal Genies, and more!
• You can order room service for all guests.  I would for sure order breakfastand Starbucks coffee in the morning.  
•  

 

Thank you in advance!

 

 

[js]

I would book as many as you can for the room and keep 2 in the CP balcony. However at night, the extra girls can go sleep back in the other cabin. They dont care or monitor where you sleep at night. 
 

What a fabulous trip you are planning!

Edited November 10, 2023 by js

[A&L_Ont]

1 hour ago, SG65CB said:

Yes the suite includes the drink package for each person, so cancel the one you bought. 

 

Check the pricing, it might cost less to add a fifth and sixth person to the suite than to book a balcony cabin for two. The fifth and sixth person should be the same price as the third and fourth person. 

 

The suite also includes an Internet package for each person, so don't buy an Internet package. 

This is what I would do, especially as it’s a girls trip. There is a ton of washroom space, as well as closet space for 6.

[A&L_Ont]

1 hour ago, LittleMissMagic said:

Exactly, that was why I originally only booked four in the room - trying not to make anyone sleep on the sofa. It is a three night cruise, so perhaps the ladies wouldn't mind camping out in the living room.... I guess I can poll the group!

One could sleep on the sofa and you can ask for a roll away cot.
 

Click on my past reviews and go to the one from June 2012, it’s a RLS review on Oasis. It is basically the same on Allure. It has great photos of the room space. 

[Ret MP]

It would be a shame for you/anybody to pay for a Star Class Cruise and not utilize all the amenities that go along with it.  A Star Class ticket entitles you to basically an All-Inclusive Resort type cruise.  Almost everything is included, including unlimited specialty restaurants, Internet, all drink packages for all over 21, the refreshment package for those under 21, unlimited laundry service(s), being escorted off the ship by the Genie, and avoiding the lines to get off the ship while in ports of call, and so much more.  There are only a few things that aren't included in the fare, excursions, and retail stores, for example.    You also get your suite stocked with your favorite beverages, including beer (if you want a beer brand that isn't normally stocked if the embarkation location has that beer, they'll special order it just for you/your cabin) and wine cooler type drinks, water, and sparkling water you can have a standing order, every day of your favorite snacks (we do cold cuts, bakery goods, and fruit plated).  Also, there are so many other advantages, and actions that the Genie and other crew members will do for you that aren't advertised or well-known.   

 

You will get an email about ~two weeks out from your Genie asking you some questions in an effort to get to know a little about you and your party.  This is a great time to let the Genie know your likes and dislikes.  I always let him/her know about any special occasions and ask for, for example, a Birthday cake.  Also, I ask for a chocolate cake and cheesecake to be in the cabin for when we enter the suite for the first time.  Once I actually asked for an Ice Cream Sundae bar and it was in the suite when we got there.  It was too much for us so we don't do that anymore. Almost forgot, you can ask the Genie to reserve the Rising Tide Bar (Things to Do | Allure of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises) on the '60s, '70s, or '80s (?) night Promenade party.  That would be a good place/thing for your party of 8 to have the Bachelorette-type party (comes at an extra cost, though).  But only the Star Class folks can get the included beverages, others would have to pay individually or use their beverage package if purchased.

 

The bad part of having some folks in your party who aren't Star Class is that they can't (by rule) drink any of the adult beverages that are pre-stocked in your cabin and if they accompany you into a specialty restaurant, they will have to pay their own bill for the menu items and beverages, unless they have the UBP. But, the Genie will include some activities that your non-Star Party can partake in, like the escort off the ship in ports of call.  

 

We had 13 people in the Family Villa (4 bedrooms) on Symphony and nobody complained.  In fact, the 3 people (a mom & dad and a 9-year-old) who slept on the living room pull-out bed said that they were very comfortable.  Storage of belongings was not an issue.

 

Sorry for being so long-winded.  But, you did say that you know nothing about Star Class and I'd hate to see anyone not get what they are paying for.  I could actually triple this post, there is so much more.

[mjkacmom]

13 hours ago, js said:

I would book as many as you can for the room and keep 2 in the CP balcony. However at night, the extra girls can go sleep back in the other cabin. They dont care or monitor where you sleep at night. 
 

What a fabulous trip you are planning!

I don’t think you can book people into 2 different cabins so they get suite privileges, even if you pay the fare for both cabins for them.

[js]

1 hour ago, mjkacmom said:

I don’t think you can book people into 2 different cabins so they get suite privileges, even if you pay the fare for both cabins for them.

No, I just meant keep the same two cabins. Book as many people as you can in the Star class and just the minimum in the balcony. If the extra star class people don't want to sleep on the couch, they can go to the balcony cabin to sleep.

[LittleMissMagic]

3 hours ago, Ret MP said:

Almost forgot, you can ask the Genie to reserve the Rising Tide Bar (Things to Do | Allure of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises) on the '60s, '70s, or '80s (?) night Promenade party.  That would be a good place/thing for your party of 8 to have the Bachelorette-type party (comes at an extra cost, though).  But only the Star Class folks can get the included beverages, others would have to pay individually or use their beverage package if purchased.

 

The bad part of having some folks in your party who aren't Star Class is that they can't (by rule) drink any of the adult beverages that are pre-stocked in your cabin and if they accompany you into a specialty restaurant, they will have to pay their own bill for the menu items and beverages, unless they have the UBP. But, the Genie will include some activities that your non-Star Party can partake in, like the escort off the ship in ports of call.  

 

I love the idea of reserving the Rising Tide Bar for the Promenade party!

 

Thank you, this is so helpful!! You all have me convinced - I'm going to book six girls in the RL suite and two girls in the CPV balcony with the UBP (since this is just a 3-day cruise, not sure if they need the unlimited dining package). I was looking into The Key so that they can get priority boarding/tender, but it sounds like they may be able to join us with no issue?

[firefly333]

1 minute ago, LittleMissMagic said:

 

I love the idea of reserving the Rising Tide Bar for the Promenade party!

 

Thank you, this is so helpful!! You all have me convinced - I'm going to book six girls in the RL suite and two girls in the CPV balcony with the UBP (since this is just a 3-day cruise, not sure if they need the unlimited dining package). I was looking into The Key so that they can get priority boarding/tender, but it sounds like they may be able to join us with no issue?

The big thing for the key is wifi included daily. The lunch usually at chops when boarding is nice and they take care of your suitcases. I wouldn't book just for priority. .. but then I love my wifi. 

[SilkySal]

If I were invited to cruise in the Royal suite, I would gladly sleep on the couch or a cot!!!!! Just sayin'.😉 Hope you and your besties have a splendid cruise!! Cheers!!🥂

[Hogbay]

19 hours ago, LittleMissMagic said:

Exactly, that was why I originally only booked four in the room - trying not to make anyone sleep on the sofa. It is a three night cruise, so perhaps the ladies wouldn't mind camping out in the living room.... I guess I can poll the group!

Fantastic , will there be a review with photos ? Perhaps the ladies might have a pillow fight in the living room. 🤔

[George C]

I am in grand suite, I doubt my royal up to star will work but if I get lucky I can cancel my UDP .celebrity has similar perks for the better suites which we do a lot they give you drink package plus specialty restaurants plus two liters of liquor of your choice for suite.

[A&L_Ont]

46 minutes ago, LittleMissMagic said:

 

I love the idea of reserving the Rising Tide Bar for the Promenade party!

 

There might be a charge for this. We have seen it handled differently on different Oasis Class ships. If there is a charge, they had food, party favours and special cocktails for those on the elevator bar.  We paid for it as Star Class and we had a blast. 

 

46 minutes ago, LittleMissMagic said:

Thank you, this is so helpful!! You all have me convinced - I'm going to book six girls in the RL suite and two girls in the CPV balcony with the UBP (since this is just a 3-day cruise, not sure if they need the unlimited dining package). I was looking into The Key so that they can get priority boarding/tender, but it sounds like they may be able to join us with no issue?

Your two friends should get priority boarding with your group. You can check their luggage with yours at Star check-in and it will be delivered right to your room.  They can take it to their cabin when it is ready. There should be no tendering on Allure.  The one perk that might be worth it is the wifi. 

 

[A&L_Ont]

7 minutes ago, George C said:

I am in grand suite, I doubt my royal up to star will work but if I get lucky I can cancel my UDP .celebrity has similar perks for the better suites which we do a lot they give you drink package plus specialty restaurants plus two liters of liquor of your choice for suite.

With RC individual drinks can be delivered but bottles of liquor will not be left.  Shots can be delivered though.  In the past we have had soda, juices, water, beer, and some bottles of house wine waiting for us as well in the cabin. 

[Ret MP]

3 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

 

There might be a charge for this. We have seen it handled differently on different Oasis Class ships. If there is a charge, they had food, party favours and special cocktails for those on the elevator bar.  We paid for it as Star Class and we had a blast. 

On Symphony my son-in-law paid for the Rising Tides Bar, it was $40.00.  What I don't remember is if it was $40.00 per person or total (I'm sure however, it was $40.00 per person.  $40.00 total seems a little too inexpensive for royal).  No matter what, the fee included the bar being open, a bartender, and a server.  We had no food, of any kind.  Didn't think of it.  It was well worth the cost, for sure.  We are going to do it again on Harmony in January.  Might have some finger foods this time, thanks for the suggestion.

[A&L_Ont]

1 minute ago, Ret MP said:

On Symphony my son-in-law paid for the Rising Tides Bar, it was $40.00.  What I don't remember is if it was $40.00 per person or total (I'm sure however, it was $40.00 per person.  $40.00 total seems a little too inexpensive for royal).  No matter what, the fee included the bar being open, a bartender, and a server.  We had no food, of any kind.  Didn't think of it.  It was well worth the cost, for sure.  We are going to do it again on Harmony in January.  Might have some finger foods this time, thanks for the suggestion.

Yes, $40 is way to economical for RC.
 

When we did it, we were Star Class but it was a pay per person function available for anyone on the ship to partake in. It was fall of 2019 and it was around $100 per-person.  We were on Symphony as well.  They had finger food snacks and the bar was “open” with the entrance fee. 

[Ret MP]

3 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

Yes, $40 is way to economical for RC.
 

When we did it, we were Star Class but it was a pay per person function available for anyone on the ship to partake in. It was fall of 2019 and it was around $100 per-person.  We were on Symphony as well.  They had finger food snacks and the bar was “open” with the entrance fee. 

Interesting!  We had exclusive use for our party of 13.  I do remember the Genie saying that it was a good time to reserve the Rising Tide Bar as it was an inexpensive time frame.  But, I'm lacking in detail.  I just know that we all totally enjoyed it.

 

BTW, for popular consumption:  The DJ for the Promenade Party is on the front of the Bar looking down at the Promenade festivities.    

[LittleMissMagic]

4 hours ago, Hogbay said:

Fantastic , will there be a review with photos ? Perhaps the ladies might have a pillow fight in the living room. 🤔

Oh, you know it! (Though it may be delayed because we'll be sailing Royal over Christmas on Jewel of the Seas, and it's unlikely I'll finish that review before the Bachelorette Cruise.

[George C]

3 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

With RC individual drinks can be delivered but bottles of liquor will not be left.  Shots can be delivered though.  In the past we have had soda, juices, water, beer, and some bottles of house wine waiting for us as well in the cabin. 

Celebrity seems to outdo rccl on upper suite perks , butler restocks fridge daily with your choice of beer soda etc , besides 2 bottles of liquor of your choice is a bottle of champagne which can be exchanged for a good Napa bottle of wine . But would love to try for ourselves.