Star Class Musings from Allure of the Seas

[sjudis]

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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What a wonderful experience for you and your family! I was on the Allure last year and watched the Genies in action with their guests and they looked amazing. Don't worry about anyone glaring at you as you pass them in line, you deserve every moment! [emoji1]

 

 

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[njm5378]

Not waiting in lines is what sold us on the "Suite" life, especially on Oasis class.

[Clarea]

Not waiting in lines is what sold us on the "Suite" life, especially on Oasis class.

The only thing missing is a suite pool. If you want in the water, you still have to deal with the masses.

[njm5378]

The only thing missing is a suite pool. If you want in the water, you still have to deal with the masses.

 

I like the people, so that no issue for me. I would just rather be in the pool longer than waiting in line. ;p

[CallagDeb]

Wow, love reading your posts. What was your cabin before they offered you an upswell? What a great deal! Love it.

[ljcofy]

Yesterday was Puerto Rico. As many others on this forum have said, waay too short of a time in that port. We did the rainforest hike through El Yunque and saw the waterfalls. Absolutely gorgeous. A great excursion that was relatively inexpensive, but fair warning that it was strenuous at times. And, it was raining at times so the path was quite slippery in places. We did some quick souvenir shopping and then back on board. Our tour guide said the reason the boats are in port for such a short amount of time is due to costs. He said it was $400,000 to port for the hours we were there, and even another 30 minutes would be an additional $100,000. Not sure if that is true but that is what he said.

 

We hit the Suite Pool Deck for a bit (something to note is that they have snacks up there. Chips and things, and the bartender brought around cups of sliced fruit.). It started to rain so the girls came back and used the hot tub on the balcony. Dinner was at Chops last nite and was really good. We had to run before we could order dessert to hit the Headliner Show. In hindsight, we should have stayed for dessert. ;-). When we got to the show we told our Genie that we missed dessert, so he had it sent up to our room from Chops after the show. Ahh, the Suite Life!

 

Today was Labadee. Philip, our Genie, escorted us off the ship about 9:30 to the cabana area. We had OTW cabana W5. Location was awesome as was the view. Short walk to the bathrooms and the buffet, which was just okay. My daughters spent a lot of time at the beach opposite from Barefoot Beach as they liked to play in the waves. Barefoot Beach was very calm. The weather was great but hot, but the cabana kept us shaded. For us, the price of the cabana is definitely worth it, to have a bit of shade, privacy, a place to relax and leave our things. We didn't do another excursion on Labadee as we consider the cabana our excursion. I figure if the 4 of us had ziplined or something that would have been close to the cost of the cabana. Also, the cabana came with 4 floating mats and 4 sets of snorkeling gear. Word of warning, they ran out of snorkeling gear pretty early on, so if you get a cabana, ask for the snorkeling gear right away. Also, there was a cooler with 6 big bottles of Evian. We didn't drink them all but left them there given we have a ton of bottles in the suite.

 

We boarded again at 4:30, or tried to. They had 2 medi-vac helicopters land on the pier at separate times today (at least I think that is what they were). The second one landed right as we were all boarding so there was quite a long waiting to go through security as the pier was blocked.

 

But, we eventually made it back on, got showered up and went to the Suite Lounge. It was very crowded tonite, which was the first time I had seen that many people in there. Dinner was at Coastal Kitchen and it was very good. That was our first dinner there all week. Felt like a smaller, more intimate MDR. There were quite a few other families dining as well, but service was quick. It was busy, but there were still tables open. Interestingly, as we were eating yet another helicopter came to the ship. We weren't able to see if it landed or used the basket. Hopefully everyone today was okay.

 

The show tonite was Blue Planet. It was EXCELLENT!!! The theater was packed and everyone seemed to really like it.

 

We are now back in the room, tired from the day, and watching one of the free in-room movies ( another great perk). The girls just asked if the could have a milkshake from Johnny Rockets, so I guess we will pause the movie and grab one, or I guess we could have them sent up. ; -). Ahh, the Suite Life.

 

Can't believe our last full day is tomorrow. It went very fast. One positive, though is we haven't had to have any of the luggage/departure papers come our way yet. Our Genie said he would tell us about it at the last possible moment given we don't have to leave our luggage outside tomorrow nite.

 

One last thing, our Genie has told us a few stories of some of the unreasonable requests that he has gotten over time. It is amazing how rude, demanding, and thoughtless people can be. The Genies are not servants, but sounds like some people insist on treating them that way. Or, they start to think that Star Class is a life status. I won't give any specifics, but I am sure none of the fine people reading this would ever behave like that!

 

Ljcofy

 

 

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[frank808]

Glad you are enjoying the star class suite. That was a great upsell. I hope to get a similar upsell on my upcoming cruises. What cabin did you have before the upsell? Are you in the owners loft suite?

 

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[ljcofy]

We were in a Grand Suite and went to a Grand Loft Suite. 1758

 

 

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[frank808]

Wow what a great upgrade you got! I was offered an upsell for about $2500 from a crown loft to grand loft. I declined it for that price but hope to get a better offer closer to sail date as we are still about 14 weeks from sail date.

 

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[redhead621]

Thank you for taking all of us along on your voyage. I am sailing on Oasis in a 2 bedroom Aqua Theater Suite in 6 weeks and have learned much from this thread. This will be our 1st time in a Star Class and are really looking forward to it. We will be traveling with my daughter and her family. My grand daughters are 5 and 2. We are planning on taking advantage of the specialty dining. When we hear from our Genie I plan on having him make our dining reservations and will ask him to have us seated early. Are there a lot of other children dining in the specialty restaurants? I wold not try taking them to 150 Central Park but am assuming that they will be fine in the others. They are very well behaved but children do get bored having to sit that long. The 5 year old would be no problem but the 2 year old might start to get itchy. Just don't want to have people rolling their eyes at us.

 

Do you know if there are spin classes in the gym and what the cost is.

 

Again, thank you for sharing with us and safe travel home.

Marissa

[ljcofy]

Some thoughts on the beverage package as there is always much discussion on the boards here about if it is worth it.

 

While it is included in Star Class for us and the kids (aahhh, the Suite Life) my husband and I had each purchased a package before the upgrade (no sharing here!). It would have been 100% worth it, even if you are not heavy drinkers. A mimosa or two for breakfast, a Starbucks or 2 during the day, couple of beers or fruity drinks at the pool. Beer is warm when it's only half gone? Order another one. Fruity drink watered down because it's so hot outside? No worries get another one. Didn't really like how that glass of wine tasted? Try something different. Not to mention all of the bottles of water that we consumed along the way as well. All included. Even on days when we were off the ship, we still had the mimosas at breakfast and a Starbucks, maybe a beer by the pool when we got back from the excursion, then the glasses of wine at dinner or a drink at a show, and and several bottles of water. Seriously, I would not classify us as heavy drinkers, but you can see how the day flows where you could utilize the package a ton.

 

Now I will say, the girls have not really utilized their packages all that much. I think they only filled up the Coke glasses once, and gotten a couple of fruit punches at dinners and shows, but for the most part they have stayed with water or the lemonade that is included. Now, they are not typically soda drinkers, so that's likely impact of its usage as well. Funnily, when we are at home, they are constantly wanting Starbucks grapes or smoothies or hot chocolate. And now, when it is included, they seem to have no interest in getting it. Kids!

 

Ljcofy

 

 

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[ljcofy]

There have been a few kids in specialty restaurants, but not a ton of little ones under 5. Mostly saw those at Sabor and Izumi.

 

Not sure on spin classes at the gym (I think I saw bikes so assuming there are classes). Not sure on the price.

 

 

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[Lionesss]

Love your review.

 

We cruise in 28 days on the Allure and for us we are in a CL1.

 

Love the 17th. deck, and can only dream about being in your suite.

 

Question???

 

Did I read or missread, does CK provide room service to just your suites, or all suites on 17th level.

 

Thanks

[ljcofy]

I think it is just to the Star Class suites but not 100% sure on that.

 

 

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[redhead621]

There have been a few kids in specialty restaurants, but not a ton of little ones under 5. Mostly saw those at Sabor and Izumi.

 

Not sure on spin classes at the gym (I think I saw bikes so assuming there are classes). Not sure on the price.

 

 

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Thank you

[ljcofy]

Just went to the Cup and Scoop ice cream and cupcake place. Can confirm that the ice cream and cupcakes are included. They don't even scan your sea pass card. Honestly good for my waistline that I didn't confirm that earlier. They were doing a cup cake decorating class when we were in there. It looked like many moms and daughters and grandmother and grand daughters, and they were having a blast. Looked like a really good time. Not sure what the cost to do that was.

 

 

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[DavyJoneses]

Nice to know how the other half lives. Awesome!

Enjoy.

 

Yes...LOL!

[GINNY L]

Thank you for posting. I will be in star class for the first time in October. I was wondering if you knew if the prohibition event is included in the star class. Also if you know the cost for a private bartender for an hour in the cabin. Thank you for your time.

[chef_christoph]

I've really enjoyed reading your posts - from the upsell story, you keeping it a surprise, and finally the experiences you had while aboard.

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!

 

 

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[Milwaukee Eight]

Some thoughts on the beverage package as there is always much discussion on the boards here about if it is worth it.

 

While it is included in Star Class for us and the kids (aahhh, the Suite Life) my husband and I had each purchased a package before the upgrade (no sharing here!). It would have been 100% worth it, even if you are not heavy drinkers. A mimosa or two for breakfast, a Starbucks or 2 during the day, couple of beers or fruity drinks at the pool. Beer is warm when it's only half gone? Order another one. Fruity drink watered down because it's so hot outside? No worries get another one. Didn't really like how that glass of wine tasted? Try something different. Not to mention all of the bottles of water that we consumed along the way as well. All included. Even on days when we were off the ship, we still had the mimosas at breakfast and a Starbucks, maybe a beer by the pool when we got back from the excursion, then the glasses of wine at dinner or a drink at a show, and and several bottles of water. Seriously, I would not classify us as heavy drinkers, but you can see how the day flows where you could utilize the package a ton.

 

Now I will say, the girls have not really utilized their packages all that much. I think they only filled up the Coke glasses once, and gotten a couple of fruit punches at dinners and shows, but for the most part they have stayed with water or the lemonade that is included. Now, they are not typically soda drinkers, so that's likely impact of its usage as well. Funnily, when we are at home, they are constantly wanting Starbucks grapes or smoothies or hot chocolate. And now, when it is included, they seem to have no interest in getting it. Kids!

 

Ljcofy

 

 

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Thank you for review. Hoping we will get an up sell like this.

 

Drink packages DX - I didn't think it covered Starbucks? Maybe for Star Class?

 

 

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[Sixtynifty]

Starbucks drinks but not food is covered by Star Class.

[jnamadison]

Thank you for the review.

 

I was actually wondering how the booking of your Barefoot Beach Cabana went. Did your genie contact you about that once you upgraded or was this something you had previously booked through the concierge?

 

Thanks.

[Milwaukee Eight]

Starbucks drinks but not food is covered by Star Class.

 

 

 

Ok. I think she was making comparisons to the Drink Package DX and not the all inclusive Star Class. I'm wrong some will say quite often but I think/hope I got this one right.

 

 

 

 

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[ljcofy]

On the booking of the cabana, before the upgrade, we were in a Grand Suite, and the concierge had contacted us about 5 days before we were to sail about reserving a cabana. The e-mail said there were only hilltop and standard cabanas left, with the rest of the cabanas being reserved for star class. I did ask to be put on a waiting list for an over the water cabana.

 

Once I received the upgrade, I immediately got an email from our genie, and I told him that I would like an over the water cabana, which he said he would get for us.

 

Ljcofy

 

 

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[jnamadison]

Thank you for the information and the full review itself!