Royal Suite - Star Class Benefits Shrinking??

[marbat105]

We booked Sky class months ago on Oasis for Jan 2017 to celebrate my 60th birthday. We have been on Oasis before and the ports many times before. We wanted to enjoy the amenities being offered. I am particularly concerned about the wording of access to the Coastal Kitchen. When we booked, Sky class had all day access to the Coastal Kitchen. Now the wording is dinner only for Sea, access for Sky and all day access for Star. Sounds very vague to me. In suite dining isn't listed anymore, either. I will call tomorrow and see what they have to say and am following this thread to find out what others are learning. It does bother me that they are already trimming back a program that they advertised so heavily and just started a few months ago. We can cancel our cruise now if we don't like the changes, but what about after final payment?

 

 

Sailing iin Sky class leaving Saturday. The email from our concierge states all day Coastal Kitchen access. In suite dining listed as well. Hoping it doesn't change for you. I know how disappointed I would have been.

Edited August 2, 2016 by marbat105

[MattInFLL]

The daily cart of hand crafted cocktails was a non starter. Our Genie explained no one asked for it the first 3 weeks, but if you wanted a hand crafted cocktail they'd make sure you got one.

 

IMHO the thermal spas on Oasis class and Quantum class are terrible when compared to other lines. So I didn't use it. I also have never ever taken a fitness class on board, so would not miss that.

 

Ultimate Bev package, all specialty dining, and all the other perks, and the best - escorted on and off the ship in MINUTES - made it all more than worth it for us.

 

I also don't see why it should he surprising that things get refined and revised as they figure out what works in "real time" as opposed to on paper. All businesses do this. And if you have your heart set on a thermal day pass, I bet you'll get it.

Edited August 2, 2016 by MattInFLL

[Ourusualbeach]

We booked Sky class months ago on Oasis for Jan 2017 to celebrate my 60th birthday. We have been on Oasis before and the ports many times before. We wanted to enjoy the amenities being offered. I am particularly concerned about the wording of access to the Coastal Kitchen. When we booked, Sky class had all day access to the Coastal Kitchen. Now the wording is dinner only for Sea, access for Sky and all day access for Star. Sounds very vague to me. In suite dining isn't listed anymore, either. I will call tomorrow and see what they have to say and am following this thread to find out what others are learning. It does bother me that they are already trimming back a program that they advertised so heavily and just started a few months ago. We can cancel our cruise now if we don't like the changes, but what about after final payment?

 

After final payment you would be subject to the regular penalty phase.

 

Bookings on or after March 7, 2016

Cruise Length

Days to Departure

Charges Per Person

5 Nights or longer

(Includes Holiday Sailings & Cruisetours)

90+ No charges

89-57 Days Deposit amount

56-29 Days 50% of Total Fare (taxes, fees & port expenses excluded*)

28-15 Days 75% of Total Fare (taxes, fees & port expenses excluded*)

14 Days or less

[Teach2pre]

I guess I'll just wait and see. I'm going to be posting a review after our cruise, so I will pay special attention to the list and see what's offered now. I'll be sure to let you know if there are any changes to the program. We are going on this cruise to relax and unwind from our busy, hectic lives. ANYTHING will be better than going to work everyday!:D

[Relax@Sea]

They missed updating this on the site as it still list most of the amenities from before.

http://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Suites/16049781_RSC_Trade_Flyer.pdf

[RoperDK]

In-suite dining was something that suites could have even before the "new" program. I am sure that they have not eliminated that.

 

Only Sea class is limited to dinner in Coastal Kitchen.

 

Thank you Merion_Mom. We were on Oasis last year in a JS. We were invited to have dinner in the Coastal Kitchen for one night. We really enjoyed our meal there. We booked a GS on Oasis just to be able to enjoy the suite lounge and Coastal Kitchen throughout the day. Thought it would be a great way to avoid the crowds. We also like to relax in our cabin a good bit so the in-suite dining seemed to be a great perk. Regular room service doesn't have much variety.

 

Sailing iin Sky class leaving Saturday. The email from our concierge states all day Coastal Kitchen access. In suite dining listed as well. Hoping it doesn't change for you. I know how disappointed I would have been.

 

Thank you marbat105. I am hoping that the changes aren't too dramatic or we will cancel and book somewhere else. Hope you enjoy your cruise!

 

Dawn

[RoperDK]

I don't see where priority embarkation and waiting in the suite lounge until cabins are ready and escorted (by concierge) disembarkation from the suite lounge is listed anymore for Sky class. I know I'm not crazy.....I have seen this listed before. Am I missing something? I believe it was already a suite privilege before the new program. Can somebody help me out?

 

Thanks so much,

Dawn

[STANMELB]

I don't see where priority embarkation and waiting in the suite lounge until cabins are ready and escorted (by concierge) disembarkation from the suite lounge is listed anymore for Sky class. I know I'm not crazy.....I have seen this listed before. Am I missing something? I believe it was already a suite privilege before the new program. Can somebody help me out?

 

Thanks so much,

Dawn

 

We were escorted off by the concierge on our January and April 2016 Oasis cruises. The same was true for our May 2016 cruise on the Allure. Expect the same for our Oasis cruise this month.

 

Also on our December 2015 cruise on the Independence of the Seas we were escorted off by the concierge.

[TheHobbys]

Regular Customer Service person was a bit worthless, so I called Club Royale. Megan was extremely helpful. It is true that amenities have changed due to lack of interests and no they will not automatically grandfather them in based on the time of booking. However, she stressed that when your Genie reaches out to you to express your hopes of a particular amenity that you would have liked that is no longer listed, and ask if they can make it happen. For example, when we booked the Thermal Room was included for the whole week. This was huge in my boat, and especially for my mother as an extra surprise to her for her 70th and first cruise ever. Spoil her while you can right:) Megan felt like this should be an easy enough request for our Genie to make happen for us. Fingers crossed:)

[marbat105]

I don't see where priority embarkation and waiting in the suite lounge until cabins are ready and escorted (by concierge) disembarkation from the suite lounge is listed anymore for Sky class. I know I'm not crazy.....I have seen this listed before. Am I missing something? I believe it was already a suite privilege before the new program. Can somebody help me out?

 

Thanks so much,

Dawn

 

Again this was in the email from our concierge. I will let you know when I get back. Keep your fingers crossed.

Edited August 3, 2016 by marbat105

[A&L_Ont]

I don't see where priority embarkation and waiting in the suite lounge until cabins are ready and escorted (by concierge) disembarkation from the suite lounge is listed anymore for Sky class. I know I'm not crazy.....I have seen this listed before. Am I missing something? I believe it was already a suite privilege before the new program. Can somebody help me out?

 

Thanks so much,

Dawn

 

Dawn, you are not crazy. :) In the old perk system suites have always had priority boarding, immediately after the B2B cruisers have boarded the ship. JS were included in this perk with the rest of the suites. All suites, but the JS, could go the the SL until the cabins were ready at 1pm.

 

With the new system B2B will be first as well as the Star class guests with their Genie's at their set times and they can go immediately to their cabins. Then it should be the remaining suites followed by the mass boarding of the rest of the guests. Sky class will still have a set priority disembarkation with the SL concierge. The Star Class will disembark, only with their Genie.

 

 

We were escorted off by the concierge on our January and April 2016 Oasis cruises. The same was true for our May 2016 cruise on the Allure. Expect the same for our Oasis cruise this month.

 

Also on our December 2015 cruise on the Independence of the Seas we were escorted off by the concierge.

 

We were escorted as well on Indy last fall and in March on Allure. This was prior to the new suite program being rolled out.

[philpcruiser]

With the new system B2B will be first as well as the Star class guests with their Genie's at their set times and they can go immediately to their cabins. Then it should be the remaining suites followed by the mass boarding of the rest of the guests. Sky class will still have a set priority disembarkation with the SL concierge. The Star Class will disembark, only with their Genie.

 

We were escorted as well on Indy last fall and in March on Allure. This was prior to the new suite program being rolled out.

 

Next cruise will be the first time for us with a Genie (Star class). Do we get to pick the time of the embarkation? It's a short drive to the port, and we'd like to board as early as possible.

[A&L_Ont]

Next cruise will be the first time for us with a Genie (Star class). Do we get to pick the time of the embarkation? It's a short drive to the port, and we'd like to board as early as possible.

 

I'm not sure. We have sailed in "Star Class" suites before this program was launched and always arrived around 10:30. We sail in the RLS this August and this will be our first Genie experience.

 

I am going to "suggest" to our Genie that we will be showing up at our normal arrival time. I am totally OK if our cabin isn't ready to go right away. Our philosophy is we have paid for the day, no matter the cabin, and we want to make the most of our embarkation day. I think though, the Genie wants to give each of their cabins that special attention to detail with different arrival times. We know the ship, we know the cabin, we know the crew etc. We just want to get on with the fun in our low key way. Not every Star Class guest will be like this though, and the Genie won't know this until they meet in person.

 

If our luggage is in our cabin right away that would be best, even if the cabin is not ready for us until 1pm. That way we can unpack right away, worst case at 1pm, after we destroy some roast beef sandwiches at Park Cafe. Then I can head to the flowrider, and destroy it.:D

Edited August 3, 2016 by A&L_Ont

[RoperDK]

We were escorted off by the concierge on our January and April 2016 Oasis cruises. The same was true for our May 2016 cruise on the Allure. Expect the same for our Oasis cruise this month.

 

Also on our December 2015 cruise on the Independence of the Seas we were escorted off by the concierge.

 

Thanks lynnkalb. We are definitely looking forward to priority embarkation and debarkation. A nice perk!

 

Dawn, you are not crazy. :) In the old perk system suites have always had priority boarding, immediately after the B2B cruisers have boarded the ship. JS were included in this perk with the rest of the suites. All suites, but the JS, could go the the SL until the cabins were ready at 1pm.

 

With the new system B2B will be first as well as the Star class guests with their Genie's at their set times and they can go immediately to their cabins. Then it should be the remaining suites followed by the mass boarding of the rest of the guests. Sky class will still have a set priority disembarkation with the SL concierge. The Star Class will disembark, only with their Genie.

 

We were escorted as well on Indy last fall and in March on Allure. This was prior to the new suite program being rolled out.

 

Thank you A&L_Ont. That is what I thought the process was like. Glad to hear it is still that way. I called Royal yesterday and they did confirm that some features were dropped, but that the areas I was concerned about were still available. I suggested that they update their website to include the details like they had before and they transferred me to customer service where I make an official "request". It may or may not happen, but at least I told them what I thought. :)

[marbat105]

Priority embarkation and debarkation is still on website. Done with the a/c issue lol

[RoperDK]

Again this was in the email from our concierge. I will let you know when I get back. Keep your fingers crossed.

 

Thanks again marbat105. Looking forward to hearing how things went. Happy cruising!

 

Dawn

[MattInFLL]

I'm not sure. We have sailed in "Star Class" suites before this program was launched and always arrived around 10:30. We sail in the RLS this August and this will be our first Genie experience.

 

 

 

I am going to "suggest" to our Genie that we will be showing up at our normal arrival time. I am totally OK if our cabin isn't ready to go right away. Our philosophy is we have paid for the day, no matter the cabin, and we want to make the most of our embarkation day. I think though, the Genie wants to give each of their cabins that special attention to detail with different arrival times. We know the ship, we know the cabin, we know the crew etc. We just want to get on with the fun in our low key way. Not every Star Class guest will be like this though, and the Genie won't know this until they meet in person.

 

 

 

If our luggage is in our cabin right away that would be best, even if the cabin is not ready for us until 1pm. That way we can unpack right away, worst case at 1pm, after we destroy some roast beef sandwiches at Park Cafe. Then I can head to the flowrider, and destroy it.:D

 

 

 

Andrew - given your experience with the ship and staff I'm sure the Genie would not mind you getting on a little earlier. But I believe the earliest they can have the Star suites available is shortly after 11. They not only clean but also do the whole welcome set up with snacks and champagne (or what you prefer). Plus your Genie will want to sit with you for a few minutes and make sure your internet codes are working, etc.

 

This why they try to stagger the arrival of their guests to 15 min blocks from about 11:30 to 12:30.

 

I can't say it enough that you go from curbside to your suite in 10-15 mins. Your bags are there right after you.

 

For most people, considering you are bypassing all the lines, that works out just fine. We arrived at 11:30 and were settled in, unpacked and out and about on the ship when there were still long lines in the terminal and no real crowds in WJ etc.

 

I live in downtown Fort Lauderdale and can be there pretty early but decided 11:30 worked out well to just be in and settled.

[A&L_Ont]

Andrew - given your experience with the ship and staff I'm sure the Genie would not mind you getting on a little earlier. But I believe the earliest they can have the Star suites available is shortly after 11. They not only clean but also do the whole welcome set up with snacks and champagne (or what you prefer). Plus your Genie will want to sit with you for a few minutes and make sure your internet codes are working, etc.

 

This why they try to stagger the arrival of their guests to 15 min blocks from about 11:30 to 12:30.

 

I can't say it enough that you go from curbside to your suite in 10-15 mins. Your bags are there right after you.

 

For most people, considering you are bypassing all the lines, that works out just fine. We arrived at 11:30 and were settled in, unpacked and out and about on the ship when there were still long lines in the terminal and no real crowds in WJ etc.

 

I live in downtown Fort Lauderdale and can be there pretty early but decided 11:30 worked out well to just be in and settled.

 

We usually leave the hotel around 10:20 and get to the port around 10:35 or so. I like the organized chaos of the terminal. Getting the precruise photos done, and the muster wrist band for Owen adds a few mutes and then throw in the anticipation of getting on the ship. I guess waiting until 11:30 wouldn't be the end of the world. ;):D

Edited August 4, 2016 by A&L_Ont

[constable145]

The only perk I'm sure even kinda sad about losing is the minibar. That being said, since I have the ultimate package included I'm sure I'll make out just fine.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[MattInFLL]

The only perk I'm sure even kinda sad about losing is the minibar. That being said, since I have the ultimate package included I'm sure I'll make out just fine.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

 

 

That's not certain.... It says you get all the coke products you want plus the waters. That's most of the mini bar. And Red Bull cans are included in the Ultimate package. So maybe the snacks and some juices are not? I'm thinking you are getting it anyway and hope so. We did like that perk.

[Frick_&_Frack]

That's not certain.... It says you get all the coke products you want plus the waters. That's most of the mini bar. And Red Bull cans are included in the Ultimate package. So maybe the snacks and some juices are not? I'm thinking you are getting it anyway and hope so. We did like that perk.

 

I was a little sad to see it not listed; however, I was pretty sure that I could snag something like water or soda to put in it and some sort of snack item (like even cookies) from somewhere. I need something small for late evenings/overnight due to medication issues. I'm thinking if the Genie can't make it happen, he/she will be able to tell me where I'll be able to secure stuff like that aboard.

 

It's a little overwhelming trying to learn so much about the "new" RC. :o

[A&L_Ont]

That's not certain.... It says you get all the coke products you want plus the waters. That's most of the mini bar. And Red Bull cans are included in the Ultimate package. So maybe the snacks and some juices are not? I'm thinking you are getting it anyway and hope so. We did like that perk.

 

I'd hope so too. Considering the UBP comes with Sky Class it seems cheap to charge for the pop, water, red bull and whatever else is in the fridge. However, if you pay for ice cream at scoops it might not surprise me if the fridge did have a charge. ;)

[MattInFLL]

Frick - I'm certain the Genie will make that happen for you, especially if you tell them the reason.

 

Andrew - they were so freely giving us cans of whatever we liked for the minibar, that I would be surprised. But then again, maybe we cost them too much money. :)

[jules815]

We usually leave the hotel around 10:20 and get to the port around 10:35 or so. I like the organized chaos of the terminal. Getting the precruise photos done, and the muster wrist band for Owen adds a few mutes and then throw in the anticipation of getting on the ship. I guess waiting until 11:30 wouldn't be the end of the world. ;):D

 

This is our preferred arrival time at port as well. It's a line I never mind standing in. :) We'll be Sky Class on the Harmony TA, so no Genie. Unless I receive an email about deep-cleaning, we'll be arriving at our usual time.

[Frick_&_Frack]

Matt - The funny thing is that I'm pretty calm (well as calm as an OCD Type-A personality can get ;)).

 

I'm so low-maintenance. Once I get dinners set up, and sort out maybe seeing a few shows/entertainment items (I haven't been to a show in years and years and it's against my nature to not "pre-book" dinner as I've grown accustomed to doing for years now), I pretty much just stay to myself.

 

It's so weird "re-learning" to cruise. :p :D