Star Class Review: Harmony 2-4-17

[Twibes]

On Saturday Feb. 4th, 2017 myself and fellow cruise mates / friends embarked on a life changing adventure that would forever be remembered as Harmony of the Seas, Star Class, ‘The cruise that ruined all future cruises.’

 

The 4 bedroom Presidential Family Suite was reserved in advance prior to the ship being completed by my wise friends Nick & Ashley. Also in the suite was another couple Nick and Micah, as well as Dante, Shannon, and myself. (Last minute change meant we were at 7 people although I believe the room requires 8 normally.) I’d also like to add that due to Ashley’s food blogging lifestyle, she was present on the Media Cruise for Harmony of the Seas not too long ago upon its arrival in the US. Thanks to that, she was subsequently invited and ate with the Royal Caribbean CEO the day before our cruise as photographic proof shows below! I can’t think of a cooler thing to be flattered about as a faithful Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor member.

 

 

Note, I won’t go into too much detail into the emails received prior to the cruise by the Genie, as Nick & Ashley handled those and most of you are familiar already with the questions they ask prior to your vacation. There are also a few other reviews of Star Class extremely well done and in great detail so no need to bore you too much here.

 

Arrival at Port

 

We all arrived and met at the FLL airport around 11am on departure day. As a way to celebrate our Star Class Suite status, we were picked up by stretched limousine and arrived at the port on time (As previously confirmed with the Genie) around 11:30am. This is where the Star Class treatment began and was immediately apparent coming from any of us who have cruised in the usual Interior room and/or Balcony etc. As we pulled up to the FLL cruise terminal, at the far end of the luggage drop off was a purple sign reading ‘STAR CLASS’. Here we were met by porters who made sure all of our bags and suitcases were placed in the exact same luggage container for immediate transport onto the ship. We were then escorted inside by a member of Royal Caribbean’s staff holding a clipboard and staying with us during the entire check-in process. There was a slight delay here as all of us were irresponsible for forgot our Set Sail passes! Once we signed the dotted line, we were met by our Genie Sebastian who was extremely friendly and made it feel as though we were at a family reunion rather than a cruise.

 

 

Boarding

 

Sebastian escorted us up the usual gangway to the ship, which as expected is filled with other passengers boarding, there is no way to bypass the typical boarding ramp which is fine, it’s fairly quick. Once on board, Sebastian explained that as most of us were familiar with the ships and how to find our ways around, his immediate goal was to take us to the room. Although most passengers are at the mercy of the room attendants as to when they can enter said rooms, we were escorted through the fire doors and immediately invited into our room where our bags were already waiting. Inside the room we were surprised to find a large table of Jamie’s restaurant food options, appetizers, and bottle of MOET champagne. The bar was stocked with water, ginger ale, orange juice, all the mixers one would need as well as beer. This was already starting out phenomenally. Upon request, we even had shots of Fireball delivered to the room (When does that happen!!) to start off vacation.

 

 

The Genie Life as Explained by the Genie

 

Our Genie Sebastian explained in lame man’s terms, he’s the man to go to. He’s the end all be all, the Morgan Freeman of the Shashank Redemption, the the guy who gets what you want, when you want it, and where you want it at any given time. Obviously, we’d never abuse this, however he made it very clear… If we want room service, call him. If we want specialty restaurants delivered, call him.. if we want reservations, drinks, anything you can think of, call him. By contacting our Genie, his influence is what gets things done on the ship as well as get them done twice as fast. We learned quickly to never doubt him! You could also pick up any phone, at any bar or hallway etc. and simply call the Genie’s extension to contact him. Sebastian had already organized a ‘pre-designed’ dinner schedule based on our likings that were emailed to him. He also setup reserved seating for a comedy show throughout the week, aqua show, Greece, and Columbus theater showing. It appeared all was well with the world.

 

[Twibes]

Star Class Suite Experience Throughout the Week

 

Most guests who are accustom to say, a Grande Suite or above, are quite familiar with the Concierge Lounge (Or Coastal Kitchen on Harmony), as well as the Suite Deck at the Pool, etc. I must say however, the Star Class designation got a lot of attention even from staff on the ship in different venues visited. Not to sound like any of us are better than the next, as we aren’t, however it was a very nice thing to experience.. the feeling that your money was well worth the cost and emotional investment of this treatment. I met the concierge early in the week on a private Helipad sail-away and most of you probably are familiar with him, Muhammed. Extremely nice man, great Concierge, and more than talented at remembering people. One 30 second introduction that day and he immediately greeted me on following days by first name. Another example was when I would sit at the Schooner bar for a solo drink, or a bar in the Solarium, etc…. the staff would look at the Star Class card and immediately comment how the room must be gigantic, were we in a large suite, and some laughed at how small his/her room was on the ship. It welcomed great initial conversation which I personally enjoyed. I never felt like a stranger on the ship nor a number… that only happened when waiting for the elevators!

 

Shots and Snacks on Balcony

 

During dinners in restaurants such as 150 Grille (AMAZING) the manager of the restaurant even stood next to our table to mix the Tuna TarTar by hand and discuss the history of his home country and the food we were eating. Starbucks was included and after showing your SeaPass card they simply waved you through as there was no need to pay with your Seapass card.

 

150 Grille Tuna TarTar

 

During the week, aside from our Genie and Room Attendant (Olga) we also had a bar / beverage gentlemen who consistently made sure our room was filled with all drinks anyone in the suite preferred. I repeat this again, we never were without drinks, this they made sure of. On a few days a # of us opted for a delivery of lunch to the room which after a quick call to our Genie Sebastian, occurred within 30 minutes. He was kind enough to bring Roast Beef sandwiches, Johnny Rockets, Sabor, etc. as requested. I’m still astounded at the fact that every single specialty restaurant was included, drinks included, and that my balance at the end of the cruise was $1.00 from a random tip someone applied. (I tip in cash)

 

The Suite

 

The 4 bedroom Presidential Family Suite was gigantic. 4 rooms, 4 bathrooms, a Jacuzzi / 14 person table / and bar on the balcony, I mean.. I need to say anything more. There was also an espresso maker on the counter which I never even took time to utilize. The room and décor speak for themselves, as do the staff who maintain it. There was an incident where a balcony below us complained of a possible water leak on their balcony and staff felt it may be from the drainage line of our Jacuzzi. When a few workers arrived to work on this, along with a female officer on the ship, they were extremely courteous, apologetic, and friendly. Never was anyone not smiling even if they were performing tedious manual labor in the room. The suite, 12640, was located just off the aft elevators of Deck 12 and was easily accessible within steps of that elevator lobby. It was just about as soundproof a room as I’ve been in, we heard nothing from anyone’s bedrooms or hallways, or even from the living room to the bedroom. All of the curtains are electronically controlled by push buttons on the opposing walls. The ceiling has inset lighting, mood lighting, and chandelier lighting. One thing of note, when sharing a suite like this, all cruisers in that suite can view each other’s Seapass account levels from the TV, great for stalking each other or just being nosey.

 

Suite Bar

 

Suite Living Room

 

 

The Negatives of Any Cruise (Unrelated to Star Class)

 

If you recall, I stated how we were escorted to our rooms immediately upon boarding the ship. There we received our Star Class purple Seapass Cards and wristbands accordingly. I felt like I was carrying an American Express Black Card and didn’t have to pay the bill! We were on the up and up so to speak, and whether or not we were, it is astonishing how rude some cruise addicts can be toward others which can bring a pretty bad taste to someone’s mouth if they hadn’t been on a cruise before. After partaking in our appetizers, champagne, and drinks, we set out to tour the ship. When we all exited the fire doors to the elevator lobby, the usual mass of guests had taken up residency waiting an hour early for the rooms to be released. As we exited the fire door, an older female in a scooter stared up at me, glared directly into my eyes and yelled “Why they get to go to the rooms before everyone else!? They MUST be high priority or something!” Now, again, being in a suite makes no one special whatsoever, it simply means they paid what they felt was a worthwhile investment to have a more personalized experience… however, that being said, the amount spent more than justifies simple accommodations such as being in your room early. It’s no one else’s business where we sleep, why we are able to sleep there, and/or where we have access to at any given time. It’s sad to see people cruise so much they must pick apart anything someone else is enjoying simply due to ignorance. We paid for a service, which we got, so to be treated like that by another cruises was uncalled on our first hour on the ship and yet we all deal with it on cruises unfortunately. I never said anything back to her, because out of respect, perhaps she was a person was could not control her statements or was unaware of the things she verbalizes.

 

The usual Pool Hog virus was in full affect as well on the first full sea day. We were lucky to have a suite deck that was never crowded, but just looking out during my Coastal Kitchen breakfast, it was ridiculous to count 15 chairs hogged in 1 row near the pool with no one visibly around nor outside the pool area yet. You lose faith in humanity when grown adults have to hog that many loungers before the sun is even up!

 

[Twibes]

Departure

 

I can’t speak for everyone who stayed in the suite longer on departure day, as we opted for the Self Disembarking due to a 9:40am flight. As promised, Sebastian met us at 6:30am on Deck 5 and escorted us personally off the ship. By escorted, he walked us all the entire distance to the Custom’s Officer himself while pulling one of our bags. It became a solidified fact at this moment exactly how much the Genie’s were well liked, appreciated, and known across the fleet staff. Sebastian received warm hugs from all of the morning staff working the lines during departure and truly had friends everywhere he went. They definitely pick people persons for this position and justly so, I’m sure it takes a level head to deal with people like us!

 

Conclusion

 

I didn’t write this novel to sound as if anyone is more deserving of good treatment than others, nor was it to act as though money buys status. This review is simply to help those of you contemplating Star Class make the decision as to if the investment is worthy of the experience received, and I’m here to tell you it truly is! I myself wondered if this would feel like a waste of money just for a larger room, however I was wrong. It was such a personalized experienced throughout the 7 days, I know that if I have the funds again I will reserve a Star Class Suite without hesitation. This is 1 instance where you definitely get the experience you paid for with RCCL. Hats off to the Genie’s that make this possible.

 

I'll post more photos of the actual cruise and dinners etc. below this. If you have any questions that either myself or cruise mates that shared the suite can answer, by all means ask away.. happy to help.

[Clarea]

Very nice photos Tim, really enjoying this review of Star Class. Too bad you had to run into some negativity, but it sounds like you didn't let it affect you.

[Twibes]

The finalized Mannequin Challenge in the Presidential Suite of Harmony of the Seas:

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQbBh0sl99-/

[knittinggirl]

Great review!

 

We got a tiny nibble of this when we booked a Grand Suite, and the Concierge took us from the Viking Lounge to deck 1 to disembark.

[Twibes]

Great review!

 

We got a tiny nibble of this when we booked a Grand Suite, and the Concierge took us from the Viking Lounge to deck 1 to disembark.

 

Thanks Knittinggirl! Yes the escort down was very nice.. in reality Harmony got everyone off so quickly the escort off didn't make it any faster, it was already expeditious!

[Twibes]

Suite area of Pool Deck:

 

 

 

 

Conceirge Lounge / Coastal Kitchen

 

 

[Kdiamond55]

Looks like an amazing trip and I'm definitely considering Star class for a cruise down the road - I didn't know much about it before but now I've heard enough! Sounds amazing.

 

Like you said, people should just mind their own business!! The rudeness of people still shocks me. And what does that gain them exactly?

 

Thanks for your report and pics. Fireball in the room? Yes, please!!!

[A&L_Ont]

Our Genie Sebastian explained in lame man’s terms, he’s the man to go to. He’s the end all be all, the Morgan Freeman of the Shawshank Redemption, the the guy who gets what you want, when you want it, and where you want it at any given time.

 

I never said anything back to her, because out of respect, perhaps she was a person who could not control her statements or was unaware of the things she verbalizes.

 

Twibes, great mini review. The quote above is spot on.

 

Red, from Shawshank Redemption is a perfect comparable and he said, "Get busy living or get busy dying". Sounds like you and your friends had some good living while you were cruising.:D As for your description of the lady, you had me smiling from ear to ear.

 

Glad you had a great experience at sea.

[Twibes]

Thanks for your report and pics. Fireball in the room? Yes, please!!!

 

Right!? Coming from a mostly normal cruise life like most of us, the thought of even asking let alone knowing shots would arrive in your stateroom, it was almost ridiculous. I'm very unfamiliar with the entire ask for anything type of treatment, but this was exactly what they want you to do. It was above and beyond in every sense of the imagination. The cost is definitely something to consider, but again, this is one time when you get what you pay for. Everything was included, even the Chef's Table.

[Twibes]

Twibes, great mini review. The quote above is spot on.

 

Red, from Shawshank Redemption is a perfect comparable and he said, "Get busy living or get busy dying". Sounds like you and your friends had some good living while you were cruising.:D .

 

That we did! I'm normally the guy that goes to bed by 9pm because I'm excited to get up at 6am and start the next day early. Not this time, there was simply too many shows, clubs, bars, dance parties, and friends to see and not enough time in the day to do it.

[Twibes]

Chef's Table Menu and Photos:

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Pea Soup

 

 

Butter Poached Lobster

 

[Twibes]

Braised Short Rib Ravioli

 

 

Prime Beef Tenderloin

 

 

Chocolate Sabotage

 

[troykahack]

Chef's Table Menu and Photos:

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Pea Soup

 

 

Butter Poached Lobster

 

 

Thank you for your post. We stay is GS and have given thought to family cruise in Star Class.

 

Comment... Chefs Table - same menu and food display as Majesty May 2016 cruise. Even the place mattes are the same. I wonder when they will change it.

[Twibes]

We also were fortunate enough that Sebastian lined up a Bridge Tour on the Harmony for our last day at sea. Below are just a few of many images taken, but no need to bore you with a dozen of them. This tour also was included in Star Class. Interesting facts:

 

• The Harmony of the Seas has 60,000 types of alarms onboard
  
• The Harmony of the Seas has over 1,500 cameras
  
• The Harmony of the Seas had smoke in the laundry room on day 2 of our trip resulting in a Bravo Bravo Bravo. Within 30 minutes all was well.
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Twibes]

A few more balcony shots as that was the most impressive area of the Presidential Suite:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[grandmarnnurse]

Loved reading your review. I've encountered some rude people (often on scooters!) on cruises, also. I just ignore them. Can't have them ruin my vacation. Your suite looked wonderful! Great pics!

 

 

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[easyboy]

Enjoy reading your review. Very nice and clear photos!

[Deb04103]

We had Sebastian on our 11/12 sailing...loved him!! So accommodating and absolutely made us feel special!

 

 

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[C2cruisin']

Wow! We are on the Anthem next January & have a Star-class suite (not a Presidential, but a Grand Loft) After reading your review I can't wait!! Thanks for all the info.

BTW, was the Chefs Table included with the free specialty dining?

 

 

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[vacationlover_mn]

I'm tempted to get a suite.... just for the semi-private outside deck space and bar :)

 

 

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[DNorthrup]

So how much a day was this compared to me paying $500 for the inside cabin first cruise out of Ft Lauderdale? If you can throw money away ? I would rather do what 5 to 6 cruise to hour one!

 

 

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[Gordo]

Wow! We are on the Anthem next January & have a Star-class suite (not a Presidential' date=' but a Grand Loft) After reading your review I can't wait!! Thanks for all the info.

BTW, was the Chefs Table included with the free specialty dining?

 

 

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We had Star Class Service on Ovation in November and the Chef's Table was included, but they did charge us $25 each for the wine pairing.

[grandmarnnurse]

So how much a day was this compared to me paying $500 for the inside cabin first cruise out of Ft Lauderdale? If you can throw money away ? I would rather do what 5 to 6 cruise to hour one!

 

 

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I'm with you! Although I loved reading this review and looking at the beautiful pics, I could only dream of this type of cruise. Reality for me with my retirement budget is to book only inside cabins. I would much rather have 5 cruises a year in an inside cabin than only one in a suite. But if this is something I could afford comfortably and cruise frequently, then hell yes, I'd do it! But reality for me is only one a year in an inside cabin! Lol!!