Yorkshire-Pudding

It may be that I am viewing the experience and differences through a coloured lens. I am usually the planner for my family but unexpectedly was diagnosed with cancer in 2022. I was between surgery and radiotherapy when we sailed, so having a Genie that made thing happen and to 'take over organising duties' was a blessing. I had no guilt asking for things to be done, which I may not have expected a butler to do especially as our Genie was only looking after 2 cabins. The being escorted to everything and popping in to check, could seem overkill, but you do pay for it.

Mac_tlc is right. You can't compare a Genie to a butler. We sailed in the Royal Loft on Anthem last year for 14 nights and the Genie contact started before you cruise. Genies make things happen beyond your cabin on the large RCL ships which makes a difference and are more akin to a personal assistant on your cruise. It does spoil you. Personally we found the Genie experience more relaxed than the formality associated with butlers on other cruise lines. Going to a show, the Genie has your seat reserved where you wanted not just the reserved section and preferred drinks waiting. What stops me booking again is the Royal Loft is the only Star class suite with a bath and it is pure luck if you can book the Royal Loft. It is a different experience from our prior Celebrity cruises, but no less enjoyable. As for Celebrity. I have read this thread over the last few days. Not sailed Celebrity since 2018 as our 2020 and 21 cruises cancelled with the pandemic and we couldn't enter the USA. Now our son is grown and doesn't holiday with us, we have dropped down from an RS to a Aqua SS on Beyond in a couple of weeks. From the comments I am glad we booked our two 2024 cruises in NCL Haven and 2025 on Viking river cruise.

Hi, I sailed in the RLS on Anthem for 14 nights earlier this year. Happy to assist if you have any questions about the Genie.