Allure Star Class - first and maybe continuing impressions 5/29

[croosieloosie]

Yes, we ate lunch at Sabor twice and Giovanni's once for lunch.

Thanks again :)

[bciml]

We have an Aqua Theater Suite on Allure booked for our family in January 2017, and after a few calls to Royal Caribbean then reading various boards, we're slightly confused on what's included, and what's not. When we called RC, they said EVERYTHING was included, all restaurants including Johnny Rockets, Chops, etc. We specifically asked if there was anything NOT included, and was told "No". We called back to ask about Starbucks and again, everything was included. I've searched high and low for specifics just so we know what to expect, and this thread has been so helpful! Can you confirm what I have is correct?

 

Mini-Bar: All snacks, water, sodas. No alcohol but can request the Genie to bring drinks to your room.

 

All restaurants included EXCEPT Vintages. Is this correct? If so, does anyone know the cost of this restaurant? Of course, this had to be the one place I was really looking forward to.

 

Scoops not included.

 

Starbucks coffee included. Pastries are not.

 

Johnny Rockets milkshakes not included.

 

Chops upgraded steaks and lobster not included.

 

Any shows excluded?

 

Lastly, since there seems to be some confusion on what's in and what's out, if you're at a restaurant or bar, is the staff knowledgeable enough to clarify things? When we booked, we really liked the all inclusive, but it's hard to understand why they allow some things, but restrict others like the Starbucks pastries and the Johnny Rockets milkshakes, and there's nothing documented to say for sure. I'm probably overthinking this, I just like to know what we will have to pay for.

[MattInFLL]

bciml -

 

I completely agree - it just seems incongruous to offer something like Star Class but charge you for a Starbucks pastry, a scoop of ice cream, or a milkshake at JR's. My only guess has been that there is something in their vendor agreements (since they don't actually own those concessions).

 

But yes, it seems like all of your assumptions are correct, with a couple of possible differences.

 

There are numerous reports that beer and wine will be supplied in the cabin with no problem - as part of your bar set up. But yes, hard liquor will only be by the drink into your cabin.

 

I cannot answer anything about Vintages - I don't drink wine so it was not important to me. But it was not included. But it's not a restaurant. I really think it's just about the wine and some small bites.

 

Unfortunately no, you cannot rely on all your servers to know what is and what is not included. The program is new and it's a lot for them to learn and on a ship of 6,000, this only affects 11 (12?) cabins. So they probably get asked such things pretty rarely. But your Genie should correct anything that is incorrect.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[terkov]

A few more things not included:

The wine pairing at 150 Cp ( only the 3 course meal)

No soda in a can at any bar or restaurant

The drinks and smoothies at the bar in the gym

The aged steak and lobster at chops

[Clarea]

... Any shows excluded?...

Show are complimentary for all.

[kjc852]

I was also told by two waiters in the MDR the extra cost items on the menu were not included. Yet as Matt has stated above, many staff are not intimately knowledgeable of the Star Class benefits since it applies to so few passengers. So I am not confident whether this is correct or not. Seems odd that one can get a 9 oz fillet at Chops included at no added cost, yet incur an extra charge for the same size steak in the MDR.

 

Yes the program is fairly new, but one would expect that 4 months after the rollout of the Star Class benefits, the minor kinks would be resolved by now. Ideally, RC should provide each suite with a short, definitive written list of what will incur an extra charge at the various restaurants and food venues. This will avoid any surprises as Star Class guests will clearly be informed at the beginning of each cruise.

 

I had one frustrating experience I wanted to share. I had read on here there was a sail away gathering on the Allure's helipad when leaving Labadee for selected passengers, Star Suites included. Upon returning to the Allure from a beautiful day at Barefoot Beach, I contacted our Genie about the sail away since there was no information provided in our suite. The Genie knew nothing about it, but said she would check and call us back. About 45 minutes later she called to say yes there is a sail away party and we need to be at the front of the ship in 10 minutes to be escorted to it. Considering our ATS is as far away from the bow of the ship as a cabin can be, we chose not to be rushed by attending. My frustration stems from my Genie knowing less than I do about special onboard events that specifically apply to the guests she is serving.

[MattInFLL]

You know - what a good idea. Have a sheet when you're first briefed by the Genie that points out what's not included. It would definitely cause less confusion. Because the 2000 staff on their constant rotations probably can't keep up :)

 

But they're probably more worried about p****ing you off by tell you what you can't have.

 

Also no excuse for the Labadee sail away for Star, Sky, Pinnacle and D+ being a "surprise." That's a staple done all the time.

Edited August 31, 2016 by MattInFLL

[A&L_Ont]

Matt, red bulls can be brought to your cabin if you ask for them.

 

I also have sheets that I will be posting when I return home.

[Ourusualbeach]

A few more things not included:

The wine pairing at 150 Cp ( only the 3 course meal)

No soda in a can at any bar or restaurant

The drinks and smoothies at the bar in the gym

The aged steak and lobster at chops

 

Just out of curiosity but has anyone sent Mr. Bayley an e mail questioning why there are charges for these minor items.

 

Surely when they rolled out the Suite class perks and came out with the Star class which was really promoted as all inclusive the executives did not specifically exclude such minor items. My own opinion is that somewhere along the line lower level managers are misinterpreting what is to be included and excluded. IMO the only things that should be excluded would be shore excursions, gift shop purchases, spa treatments etc..food or drink items of any kind, from any venue should all be included with the possibility of $ limits placed on premium alcholol as there already is with the included beverage package.

[MattInFLL]

Matt, red bulls can be brought to your cabin if you ask for them.

 

 

 

I also have sheets that I will be posting when I return home.

 

 

 

Good to hear Andrew. The demise of the mini bar peek has been greatly exaggerated. Lol

[MattInFLL]

Just out of curiosity but has anyone sent Mr. Bayley an e mail questioning why there are charges for these minor items.

 

 

 

Surely when they rolled out the Suite class perks and came out with the Star class which was really promoted as all inclusive the executives did not specifically exclude such minor items. My own opinion is that somewhere along the line lower level managers are misinterpreting what is to be included and excluded. IMO the only things that should be excluded would be shore excursions, gift shop purchases, spa treatments etc..food or drink items of any kind, from any venue should all be included with the possibility of $ limits placed on premium alcholol as there already is with the included beverage package.

 

 

 

I never did because in our week on board there was one (maybe 2) scoops charges. We got so much of what we personally cared about - such as unlimited 12 packs of Diet Coke and my never ending stream of red bulls - that we personally did not feel misled at the time.

 

I'm not a Starbucks guy, and I would never order the aged steaks at Chops. I might want the JR milkshake. But overall we just didn't think about it much.

 

But I agree that it's silly to have this stuff cost extra considering the price of these suites. But I also would like to think that the higher ups are paying attention since it's got to be an important high revenue program for them and that the reasons are more contractual than penny pinching. But maybe that's wishful thinking :)

Edited August 31, 2016 by MattInFLL

[Jkbcws]

Do you remember if ur suite had either an entertainment center or speakers so you can hook up music to enjoy throughout the suite? This will be our first time in the SLS on allure and can't wait!

Thanks.

[A&L_Ont]

Do you remember if ur suite had either an entertainment center or speakers so you can hook up music to enjoy throughout the suite? This will be our first time in the SLS on allure and can't wait!

Thanks.

 

When you hooked up it was at the TV and it ran off the TV speakers only.

 

There is a clock radio with iPhone docking capability, but for the wide lightening cord (iPhone and pod that is much older p, 4th generation?).

[Host Star]

Ok. A few things to comment on.

 

So I went back and tried to blow up my original photo of the bottles in the bathroom. Unfortunately with my new iPhone those photos were taken in what's called live mode. Which is like mini six second movies. In case you want to animate a photo. So whenever I try to blow it up too far it starts playing little six second movie. So I can't read the labels any better. Sorry. All I can say is they were very pleasant scents in the shower. :-)

 

We got the questionnaire about a month out. And personal email about 2 weeks out. So I would not hold my breath on the 8 days after booking.

 

Terkov- I'm sorry you are not having the ideal experience. Having you wait at guest services like that should not happen. I remember when I stopped at guest services to take care of something, and later told that the Francesco, and he was sort of horrified that I had not asked him to do it. You're not supposed to be waiting in line like that. They're not Butler's, but they are your personal assistant on board. That is a definite drop the ball moment. Hope it improves for you!

 

All I can say about inconsistencies with the genies is that all of them are still in their very first contracts. All of the genies working today started in the same group. I would hope that there will be some weeding out of those that aren't delivering the standard.

 

And Chops - I always go to chops when a ship offers it. Personally I found chops on allure to be one of the less than great Chops in the fleet. I'm pretty sure I noted in my original review that the service was not spectacular and I was not impressed by the sides. The filet itself was fine. But yes, I like the fillet better at Giovanni's. In retrospect, I definitely would have done dinner twice at Giovanni's instead of Chops.

we were in a crown loft suite.. no genie involved but when we needed guest servcie help for something with our onboard credits Claudine, the conceirge on Oasis told us we absolutely do not stand in line for anything... she takes care of it..and she did... I don't think there is much a genie does that the conceirge doesn't do..

[Jkbcws]

When you hooked up it was at the TV and it ran off the TV speakers only.

 

There is a clock radio with iPhone docking capability, but for the wide lightening cord (iPhone and pod that is much older p, 4th generation?).

 

Thanks for the info. I'll pack my portable speaker then.

[A&L_Ont]

Thanks for the info. I'll pack my portable speaker then.

 

That's what we do as well. It comes in handy on the balcony, the beach and cabana depending on your itinerary.

[klepton]

That's what we do as well. It comes in handy on the balcony, the beach and cabana depending on your itinerary.

 

I hadn't thought about using it in a cabana, that's a good idea. Those are separate enough to not bother others.

 

I'm usually too worried about bothering neighbors to use it on the balcony, but with the huge balcony we'll have on Harmony next year it probably won't be an issue.

[A&L_Ont]

We keep the volume just loud enough to hear it and not disturb the neighbors.

[MattInFLL]

I always bring a Bluetooth portable speaker. My UE Megaboom worked great in the SLS.

 

Star - while I agree that the concierges can do a lot for their Sky guests - and a lot depends on the individual concierge - the suite lounge concierges have a lot more people to deal with, especially on sailings with lots of Pinnacles aboard.

 

Genies have 4 suites at most and, in an ideal world, are at your beck and call. They find you, you don't find them.

 

As Andrew recently reported there really isn't that big of a difference in price pre and post Star Class.

 

But it's what works for you.

[suite dreams]

Looks like suites on Harmony have Nespresso coffee makers. Don't think that is what we had on Allure. Can any one confirm this? I have a Keurig and am not familiar with the Nespresso machine. Are all the pods the same or do different models take different pods. If I know what to buy, I will carry some on board with me. I know the ship will have supplies, but the flavors are not always what I prefer. Just thought someone might know.

[chandom]

Nespresso has two diffrent types of pods.

 

One is a larger pod that does coffee and espresso.

The other is a small pod that does espresso only.

Either way, not compatible with K-Cups.

Also a very limited selection when it comes to flavored.

Edited September 12, 2016 by chandom

[suite dreams]

Thanks for the info. I knew k-cups would not work. When I say flavored I was really referring to the strength. I prefer really strong coffee. So, when you describe the large and small pods, do all machines take both? Doesn't seem like they would. Good info about the pods, but, I guess I still need to know what type pods go in the machines on the Harmony. Large or small. Help.

[chandom]

Nope, the machines that take the larger pod makes both coffee and espresso. Even this is two diffrent pod. Coffee one is twice as thick.

 

Smaller pod is strictly espresso.

 

Based on some photos I found from a review on Oasis.

Looks like it is the Nespresso Vertuoline capsules

[suite dreams]

Thanks for the info.

[kali101102]

Matt - I'm late to the game but finally getting around to reading your review. Thanks so much for posting! We'll be in this same suite on the Harmony next April, so loved reading about your experiences with star class.

 

So it sounds like you waited until a week or so before your cruise to book your cabana on Labadee? I want a cabana but pretty much only B1 or B2 would work for us so DS can play in the sand and make water bucket runs while we sit in the cabana and watch him. Not sure the best way to go about getting one of those reserved ahead of time. Since you've been there, would you recommend one over the other? From pictures I've seen, I'd lean towards B2, the one you had.

 

You should definitely do B2! We had that one this past may and LOVED the location! (You can check out my pictures of it. I'm not cool enough to know how to pose the pic on this thread from my iPad!)