Moving to 5 Star during a Grand Voyage - Questions on perks

[Wayfairers]

We will have about 16 days left in the Grand Africa when we hit 5 star.  Looks like we don’t get alot for that achievement, but at least there are 3 perks (better than nothing!):

$30 towards internet package

2 complimentary dinners at Pinnacle or Tamarind or Canaletto

Complimentary day pass to Greenhouse Spa and Salon

 

Since we will be on a Grand Voyage it seems we will be awarded the star while on board.  

Does that mean from the day we hit 5 star to the end of the cruise we have all 3 perks?

Do the complimentary dinners need to be in different restaurants?

What does it mean to have a complimentary day pass to Greenhouse Spa and Salon - can I get pedi/mani for free on one day?

Does the $30 go toward the internet package I have already purchased for the Grand Africa?

Will the front desk tell us to come pick up new room keys with the 5th star?

[RuthC]

My understanding of the rules is that on a Grand Cruise the new benefits apply at the beginning of the next segment of that cruise. If there is another segment after you meet the days portion of the requirement, then you would get the benefits during the remainder of the cruise. If you were already in the last segment, though, the benefits would apply on your next cruise. 

Now, knowing HAL's inconsistency on so many other topics, I wouldn't be surprised if they apply this rule differently. 

Oh, I have used the free spa benefit, but have never heard of a salon benefit, such as a free mani/pedi. 

[Mary229]

Grands are the exception. You can earn your new status the day you reach the level. I recently became 4 star after 5 days of sailing.  When I boarded I went to the office and mentioned the change of status.  Since I was so close they honored my 4 star benefits immediately and on the appropriate day a new key card arrived in my stateroom reflecting the new level.   DH was a week behind and he received his card a week later 

[Wayfairers]

19 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

Grands are the exception. You can earn your new status the day you reach the level. I recently became 4 star after 5 days of sailing.  When I boarded I went to the office and mentioned the change of status.  Since I was so close they honored my 4 star benefits immediately and on the appropriate day a new key card arrived in my stateroom reflecting the new level.   DH was a week behind and he received his card a week later 

I knew it was treated differently on a grand cruise.   That is awesome they gave you 4 star so quickly 

[Charleston Lady]

Congratulations! The complimentary dinners can be in the Pinnacle, Canaletto or Tamarind, however you choose. The Spa benefit is a day in the thermal suite, but does. not extend to special services like mani-pedi unfortunately.

[Wayfairers]

Do we each get two meals ?

[sandiego1]

3 hours ago, Wayfairers said:

Do we each get two meals ?

Yes if both of you qualify for 5*

[Ottawa traveller]

I have only been able to use the free spa pass on a port day and not on a sea day.

[Wayfairers]

7 hours ago, sandiego1 said:

Yes if both of you qualify for 5*

We both do!

[Wayfairers]

1 hour ago, Ottawa traveller said:

I have only been able to use the free spa pass on a port day and not on a sea day.

That is good to know!   Do you have to make a reservation?

[Ottawa traveller]

I always have gone to the spa and asked what day would be convenient as they like to control the numbers. On at least one occasion, the staff were new and didn't know about the 5 star benefit and I had to have the front office inform them. 

[Wayfairers]

If I make the reservations now, I need to pay.  I am guessing once I get to 5 star I will get reimbursed for my payment?  I will make the reservations for several days after our 500th day.

[albingirl]

19 hours ago, Mary229 said:

Grands are the exception. You can earn your new status the day you reach the level. I recently became 4 star after 5 days of sailing.  When I boarded I went to the office and mentioned the change of status.  Since I was so close they honored my 4 star benefits immediately and on the appropriate day a new key card arrived in my stateroom reflecting the new level.   DH was a week behind and he received his card a week later 

And hence, free laundry!