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Star Class Musings from Allure of the Seas

ljcofy

By ljcofy,
in Royal Caribbean International

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ljcofy

ljcofy

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3rd day of the cruise (it's going WAAAY to fast). Star Class is everything people say it is and so fortunate that my family and I were able to experience it. To me, the beauty of Star Class seems that it is less about the genie, and more about the access that Star class gives you.

 

Number one, the room is simply amazing in every aspect. Plenty of space for everyone, a ton of storage space so everything can be put away. Two gorgeous bathrooms, a large dining room table and a hot tub on the balcony (which I never thought we would use by the way, but my daughters like sitting in it at night.).

 

You never have to wait in line FOR ANYTHING. When the staff sees the navy blue card, you are immediately taken to the front of whatever line it is. It is uncomfortable at times, but for the most part it is a big help. The genies wait by your seats in shows with red scarves placed over your seats, which are literally the best in the house. They wait until you arrive, and then remove the scarves and ensure you have a drink in your hand. Other staff on the ship see the navy card, and literally everything is free. The only things that cost on the ship are the pastries at Starbucks and scooped ice cream. Most times, when they see your star class card, they don't even swipe it. they just say OK you're fine and wave you on.

 

The coastal kitchen and suite lounge are right next to our rooms, so just a hop skip and a jump away if you need a drink or if you need food. But from a drinking perspective our room has so much beer, water and wine it we could never hope to drink it all. But, every day, they bring more. Also plates of cookies, fruit, sushi etc. we grabbed a quick lunch in the wind jammer, and all decided that we probably would not visit there again. At least not on this cruise.

There is no need to deal with crowds and pushing people when you are Star Class (:-)).

 

Our Genie, Philip, is definitely great. We had a meeting when we got on the ship, because of our short notice of being star class, and he arranged all of our specialty restaurants and shows and gave us a schedule to have everything fit in. He was very open to any changes we suggested if the girls want to do something different or if we want to do something in a different order he was able to make that happen. Before we got upgraded, we were going to the comedy show at the only time slot available which was 11 o'clock at night. I asked him if it would be possible to do an earlier showtime and he was able to make that happen very easily. We also asked to do a galley tour and he was able to arrange that with one of the chefs in less than 12 hours. As people have said before, the Genie is not a butler or a servant, but really a concierge on steroids, a master facilitator. He is not intrusive, he pops up once during the day and at the shows, and we have a number we can call them if there is anything we need. I think we have called him only one time.

 

So, so far on the cruise it has been an absolutely amazing experience. Very fun, very once-in-a-lifetime kind of stuff. Well, I think it's more than a lifetime, but the rest of my family is insisting that this is the only way to go from here on out.

 

I am very happy to answer any questions people have. We don't cruise very often, but from the time I discovered cruise critic, it has been a huge asset to me, and would be happy to return the favor to anyone who has questions.

 

Ljcofy

 

 

 

 

 

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pasodancer Great Review Rare

pasodancer

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First - your cruise sounds amazing!!! Cannot wait to read more from you.

 

Second - are you using your sea pass navy card or using your WOW band? I was thinking that by using the WOW band there was no way any staff could see your Star Class category?

 

How is the weather???

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Clarea

Clarea

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I am using my navy sea pass cards. Not sure if they have WOW bands on Allure. Weather has been great. Hot and a bit windy. Rained for maybe 5 min today then sun again.

You are correct, no WOW bands on Allure. So far, only on Quantum class and Harmony.

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pasodancer Great Review Rare

pasodancer

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Thank you Bob!!! I don't think the technology for the WOW bands is unbugged yet - been hearing problems of people using them, but seems that those that do use them either love them or hate them with more lovers than haters based on my readings.

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Diamond Dandy

Diamond Dandy

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We are looking forward to our August Oasis cruise in an Aqua Theatre suite. Thanks to posts like this we have been able to gather some very valuable knowledge. Really curious about tipping the Genie as well as cabin attendants. One of the perks is that gratuities are included, but I assume more is pretty much expected and deserved. I welcome any input.

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ljcofy

ljcofy

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We will likely tip the Genie between $300 and $400. We did not tip up front. I know the folks that ask the genie to do special things like arrange parties in suite, etc. say they tip more for that. Also, we have 2 cabin attendants that we will prob give $50-$100 each to depending on how rest of week goes. Couple other perks I forgot were free in-suite movies (pretty up to date - Lego Batman, etc) and a huge one is laundry done the same day. Very convenient so we can hopefully go home with clean clothes. Lastly, I think we will only dine in the MDR for breakfast maybe. All other dinners are specialty restaurants and Coastal. Kitchen. We did Sabor, Giovanni's, and Izumi so far. Giovanni's and Izumi were excellent- Sabor only so so. The sake was not included at Izumi's but was a 40% discount.

 

We are going to try out the scoops ice cream place tonite. Will see if there is a charge.

 

Tomorrow is our first port, St. Maarten. We are doing the family race. We are ready to get off of the ship!

 

Ljcofy

 

 

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JJnumber1

JJnumber1

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Star class sounds like it's right out of an episode of "Life Styles of the Rich and Famous"! I know you're enjoying it. I'm surprised they are still having problems with the WOW bands. Wife and I were on the TA for the Quantum when she went to China. Wore the bands the whole trip and they worked great.

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N2DFIRE

N2DFIRE

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What time did you arrive at the port on embarkment day. Did the genie give you a time to arrive?

 

Also what items are available in the mini fridge? ( what kind of candy)

 

 

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Tiggercat

Tiggercat

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Have a great cruise and enjoy every moment of your special treatment! Just curious...how did you get upgraded last minute?

 

 

3rd day of the cruise (it's going WAAAY to fast). Star Class is everything people say it is and so fortunate that my family and I were able to experience it. To me, the beauty of Star Class seems that it is less about the genie, and more about the access that Star class gives you.

 

Number one, the room is simply amazing in every aspect. Plenty of space for everyone, a ton of storage space so everything can be put away. Two gorgeous bathrooms, a large dining room table and a hot tub on the balcony (which I never thought we would use by the way, but my daughters like sitting in it at night.).

 

You never have to wait in line FOR ANYTHING. When the staff sees the navy blue card, you are immediately taken to the front of whatever line it is. It is uncomfortable at times, but for the most part it is a big help. The genies wait by your seats in shows with red scarves placed over your seats, which are literally the best in the house. They wait until you arrive, and then remove the scarves and ensure you have a drink in your hand. Other staff on the ship see the navy card, and literally everything is free. The only things that cost on the ship are the pastries at Starbucks and scooped ice cream. Most times, when they see your star class card, they don't even swipe it. they just say OK you're fine and wave you on.

 

The coastal kitchen and suite lounge are right next to our rooms, so just a hop skip and a jump away if you need a drink or if you need food. But from a drinking perspective our room has so much beer, water and wine it we could never hope to drink it all. But, every day, they bring more. Also plates of cookies, fruit, sushi etc. we grabbed a quick lunch in the wind jammer, and all decided that we probably would not visit there again. At least not on this cruise.

There is no need to deal with crowds and pushing people when you are Star Class (:-)).

 

Our Genie, Philip, is definitely great. We had a meeting when we got on the ship, because of our short notice of being star class, and he arranged all of our specialty restaurants and shows and gave us a schedule to have everything fit in. He was very open to any changes we suggested if the girls want to do something different or if we want to do something in a different order he was able to make that happen. Before we got upgraded, we were going to the comedy show at the only time slot available which was 11 o'clock at night. I asked him if it would be possible to do an earlier showtime and he was able to make that happen very easily. We also asked to do a galley tour and he was able to arrange that with one of the chefs in less than 12 hours. As people have said before, the Genie is not a butler or a servant, but really a concierge on steroids, a master facilitator. He is not intrusive, he pops up once during the day and at the shows, and we have a number we can call them if there is anything we need. I think we have called him only one time.

 

So, so far on the cruise it has been an absolutely amazing experience. Very fun, very once-in-a-lifetime kind of stuff. Well, I think it's more than a lifetime, but the rest of my family is insisting that this is the only way to go from here on out.

 

I am very happy to answer any questions people have. We don't cruise very often, but from the time I discovered cruise critic, it has been a huge asset to me, and would be happy to return the favor to anyone who has questions.

 

Ljcofy

 

 

 

 

 

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JoelinSedona

JoelinSedona

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Coastal Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our favorite waiter was Savian. He was amazing. Would bring multiples of anything you even sounded remotely interested in and made sure you were served promptly if you had to catch a show.

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ljcofy

ljcofy

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To answer some of the previous questions, my upgrade was an upsell, but a very cheap one. $400 for 4 of us. They called on Thursday and we departed This past Sunday, so very short notice.

 

Philip told us that it would be best to get to the pier at 11:00 AM, or we would have some time to wait, while they cleared the ship. In actuality, we arrived about 11:10AM, due to traffic, but we were whisked right through the process. Philip met us at the suite entrance, and took us through. We sat in the suites waiting area for about five minutes. First the consecutive cruisers boarded and then us. Philip escorted us and one other family to the 17th floor.

 

We have been doing breakfast at the coastal kitchen. It has a relatively basic menu, but it covers everything we really would want to eat for breakfast. Including eggs Benedict and eggs cooked to order. There is also a bar open up there for breakfast so any drink you want to order can be ordered. As it turns out, there is again no need to journey to the main dining room because coastal kitchen can deliver on what you need. Not sure when it opens, but we have gone there between 7:00 and 8:30 and it has always been open.

 

For the mini fridge, we haven't had any other stocking request outside of beer water and juice. I haven't asked him for candy because I don't think our girls need to eat anymore, so not sure if they would actually do that.

 

We have gone to the suite lounge before dinner, and it has really been quite empty up there there is a nice selection of hot hors d'oeuvres, cheeses, and small desserts. I have been surprised at how few people have been up there before dinner, but I haven't been there after 6:30 PM so not sure if it fills up. It really is quite convenient to have the suite lounge and coastal kitchen literally next-door to our rooms.

 

Our room is right next-door to the coastal kitchen, and this morning I had the first adverse affects from that. About 4 AM, the loudest music started to come through the walls. I ended up having to call guest services to see if they could get the music turned off, and literally they were able to turn it off in less than two minutes, so we could get back to sleep. I haven't been bothered by plates or anything clinking from the kitchen, it was literally the music that I am guessing was the morning workers getting ready for the early shift.

 

Today was the first day off the ship in Saint Maarten. My family did an excursion called the family race, and we won! Our prize was a bottle of rum that had been hand painted, very nice. The race was a lot of fun and great for families if you are looking for something to do in Saint Maarten. After the race completed about 12:30 PM, we grabbed a couple of chairs on the beach and spent the afternoon swimming before we returned to the ship. Now we are heading to Johnny Rockets for some lunch. I asked Philip to push back our dinner to seven, which he was able to accomplish very easily. Tonight is 150 Central Park.

 

 

 

 

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ljcofy

ljcofy

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We decided we were too tired for a sit down dinner tonite (the heat and the race caught up with us) so we asked the genie to cancel our reservation at 150 Central Park and said we would call him when we figured out what/where we wanted to eat. He then ordered a surprise pizza for us from room service in case we got hungry while we were deciding. We ended up having him order in for us from Coastal Kitchen. It was VERY GOOD.

 

We went to the How To Train Your Dragon ice show. No reservations can be made for this show but all of the Genies were there reserving seats for their guests. Very convenient. Then we went to the 70's dance show. Cheapo Dad had an excellent idea to view the show from Focus balcony (the photo place on deck 6). Perfect place to stand and be right on top of the action. Great viewing area. They were throwing out flashing rings and both the girls got one. The party was fun.

 

Then off to Johnny Rockets before it closed for milk shakes. I can confirm, these are included for Star Class. Still haven't checked on the scooped ice cream place to see if there is a charge.

 

We are now back in the room. We have to leave relatively early for our excursion as our time in Puerto Rico is short. We are doing a Rainforest hike to a waterfall. My husband has been in the hot tub on the balcony for an hour. Have to get him out before he falls asleep!

 

 

 

 

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