jaullram

I have been reading all of the live blogs others are doing of their Star Class cruise and thought about attempting one, however, I didn’t want to be constantly on my phone blogging about the day’s events or answering questions so mine is going to be an “after the fact” blog!  I am certainly not witty and it likely won’t be as funny or entertaining as others but hope to provide some information for anyone else looking for it.  I will space the posts out so if people have specific questions I can answer them along the way.  I am also currently going through all of my photos so future posts will hopefully have less content and more pictures!
Booking
We booked this cruise over a year ago.  We always try to book early to secure a location we wanted and my SIL asked if we wanted to try Star class this trip since we are celebrating big anniversaries.  The prices of the rooms weren’t that bad on Anthem compared to some of the other ships sailing in March.  We booked and then sometime over the summer, my BIL’s parents and nieces decided to join us and they snagged the last Star Class suite on Deck 10. My Husband, his cousin and myself stayed in GLS 10324, my SIL, BIL and niece were in GLS 10724 and my BIL’s parents and their 2 grand kids were in GLS 10720.
Prior to the Cruise
About a month out we received the generic questionnaire about any special requests, who we would be cruising with and some other random questions.  We were sailing with 10 of us in total in 3 Grand Loft Suites on Deck 10 and requested that we have the same Genie.  We also requested what we wanted stocked in our room for drinks and snacks.
A little over two weeks before the cruise, our Genie, Yen Lee reached out to us introducing herself.  From what I have read about Yen, she will make anything we want happen but we shouldn’t expect any real surprises.  That was completely fine with me because I am not one who likes surprises….I used to open my Christmas presents before Christmas and re-wrap them all again! 
We provided her a spreadsheet of where we wanted reservations for dinner for 4 of the nights and a list of what other things we wanted to do (iFly, Flow Rider, Cupcake Decorating, Rock Climbing, Galley/Bridge/Theater tours, North Star, etc.).  We also asked that the two cabanas we had booked at Chill Island on Cococay be next to one another in the front row (specifically Cabana #4 and #5).  After some back and forth emails between Yen, my SIL and myself, we got a final schedule around 5 days out with everything we wanted scheduled.  She indicated she appreciated the spreadsheet as it made it easier for her to make our final schedule for the week. 
This is what she sent to us:

One thing we had really wanted was to have a lunch set up in one of the suites on embarkation day to avoid all of the crowds.  We know we could have eaten at Coastal Kitchen or any of the specialty restaurants but wanted something in our room. Within 24 hours Yen replied with menus we could order off of (Jaime’s and Chops) along with letting us know we could also order pizza.  I have heard a lot of people were told they couldn’t set up lunch in the room on embarkation day but because we were her only suites, I think it made it easier for her to accommodate us. 

@AshleyDillo, @WAAAYTOOO and @dodgestang Thank you so much!  I am definitely a planner so this helps me out.
I think we are going to do lunch at Chops on embarkation day and then we are just going to have light snacks and drinks delivered for sail away.  I am sure if I am specific about what we want it (cheese, crackers, sliced fruit, chips and salsa, etc) it shouldn't be hard.  
The one thing I will really try to insist is that we are able to get into our room when we get on the ship.  I want to go straight there with the luggage and drop stuff off.  I will make sure we put it in our response back to whoever we have.  I will also make sure porter brings suitcases upstairs!  I am thinking $20 or $25 is a good tip for them (hopefully).
I knew the experts would have all of the answers - thank you again!

We noticed it on other sail dates as well on the Oasis.  If someone is interested, it is a great deal for 2 bedrooms and bathrooms!!

I enjoyed your blog very much twangster!  You have me excited for our 7 night Best of Bermuda cruise next summer on Empress!  Can't wait!

Just booked..cannot wait!
 

Just booked..cannot wait!
 

I keep calling until I get an answer I want too!  We recently booked a 2 Bedroom Royal Family Suite for 4 of us.  I called to get the casino rate (no certificates) and one person said it was going to be $6,000 (normal website price was $7400).  I say no way.  I call back a few days later and get a different person.  He puts me on hold for a bit and comes back and says $2,500 for the four of us.  He said if the other couple could prove that they gambled on land he could do better.  They don't gamble at all so we paid the $2,500.  I think an almost $5,000 discount off this type of suite was a big win!!

I keep calling until I get an answer I want too!  We recently booked a 2 Bedroom Royal Family Suite for 4 of us.  I called to get the casino rate (no certificates) and one person said it was going to be $6,000 (normal website price was $7400).  I say no way.  I call back a few days later and get a different person.  He puts me on hold for a bit and comes back and says $2,500 for the four of us.  He said if the other couple could prove that they gambled on land he could do better.  They don't gamble at all so we paid the $2,500.  I think an almost $5,000 discount off this type of suite was a big win!!

I keep calling until I get an answer I want too!  We recently booked a 2 Bedroom Royal Family Suite for 4 of us.  I called to get the casino rate (no certificates) and one person said it was going to be $6,000 (normal website price was $7400).  I say no way.  I call back a few days later and get a different person.  He puts me on hold for a bit and comes back and says $2,500 for the four of us.  He said if the other couple could prove that they gambled on land he could do better.  They don't gamble at all so we paid the $2,500.  I think an almost $5,000 discount off this type of suite was a big win!!

We just got back from our cruise on Anthem this past Saturday and I wanted to give those interested e a little information on the Chill Island Cabanas because I couldn't find out much online before we left.
- The cabanas are amazing but there are definitely some that are better than others.  We specifically chose #14 which is at the end so we had less people around us....unfortunately, it had more birds!  The rock wall on the right of the picture is where the seagulls hang out.
- Next time, we would book book Cabana #9, #10 or #11. 
- Cabanas 8 through 14 are in the front row and 1 through 7 are in the back. 
- There are chairs on the left of the cabanas that are for suite guests and it is first come, first serve.
- If you have access to the Chill Island Cabana area (rented a cabana or are in a suite), there is an upgraded lunch buffet.  Our buffet had lamb chops, ribs, chicken, salmon, shrimp and scallop skewers, Maine lobster tails, hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, fruit, cookies, etc.  A lot of food!!
- There is no bathroom area in the cabana area but it isn't that far of a walk
- The beach is roped off for the cabana area 
- The snorkeling right beyond the roped off area was really good.  We saw hundreds of fish of all different types.
If anyone has any questions, let me know!!
 
 

It really depends what you want - do you want to hang out at the pool or be at a beach - two totally different experiences.  We did Chill Island Cabana and loved it!  There was an upgraded buffet lunch that I am not sure comes with Oasis Lagoon cabanas.  Yes, there were 2 mats and 2 sets of snorkel gear.  There was also a cooler full of water.

FYI - the ones in the back actually had a ramp and not two steps up so those may be better.  They had beach wheelchairs at the end of the dock too which will help get you there.

Yes, right next to the chairs is why I wouldn't include #8.  It was a lot louder there with people talking and we wanted a nice quiet day.  I honestly wouldn't even mind the back row either as the cabanas were staggered.  Overall, it is a wonderful experience no matter which one anyone ends up with.
 

We just got back from our cruise on Anthem this past Saturday and I wanted to give those interested e a little information on the Chill Island Cabanas because I couldn't find out much online before we left.
- The cabanas are amazing but there are definitely some that are better than others.  We specifically chose #14 which is at the end so we had less people around us....unfortunately, it had more birds!  The rock wall on the right of the picture is where the seagulls hang out.
- Next time, we would book book Cabana #9, #10 or #11. 
- Cabanas 8 through 14 are in the front row and 1 through 7 are in the back. 
- There are chairs on the left of the cabanas that are for suite guests and it is first come, first serve.
- If you have access to the Chill Island Cabana area (rented a cabana or are in a suite), there is an upgraded lunch buffet.  Our buffet had lamb chops, ribs, chicken, salmon, shrimp and scallop skewers, Maine lobster tails, hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, fruit, cookies, etc.  A lot of food!!
- There is no bathroom area in the cabana area but it isn't that far of a walk
- The beach is roped off for the cabana area 
- The snorkeling right beyond the roped off area was really good.  We saw hundreds of fish of all different types.
If anyone has any questions, let me know!!
 
 

We just got back from our cruise on Anthem this past Saturday and I wanted to give those interested e a little information on the Chill Island Cabanas because I couldn't find out much online before we left.
- The cabanas are amazing but there are definitely some that are better than others.  We specifically chose #14 which is at the end so we had less people around us....unfortunately, it had more birds!  The rock wall on the right of the picture is where the seagulls hang out.
- Next time, we would book book Cabana #9, #10 or #11. 
- Cabanas 8 through 14 are in the front row and 1 through 7 are in the back. 
- There are chairs on the left of the cabanas that are for suite guests and it is first come, first serve.
- If you have access to the Chill Island Cabana area (rented a cabana or are in a suite), there is an upgraded lunch buffet.  Our buffet had lamb chops, ribs, chicken, salmon, shrimp and scallop skewers, Maine lobster tails, hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, fruit, cookies, etc.  A lot of food!!
- There is no bathroom area in the cabana area but it isn't that far of a walk
- The beach is roped off for the cabana area 
- The snorkeling right beyond the roped off area was really good.  We saw hundreds of fish of all different types.
If anyone has any questions, let me know!!
 
 

We just got back from our cruise on Anthem this past Saturday and I wanted to give those interested e a little information on the Chill Island Cabanas because I couldn't find out much online before we left.
- The cabanas are amazing but there are definitely some that are better than others.  We specifically chose #14 which is at the end so we had less people around us....unfortunately, it had more birds!  The rock wall on the right of the picture is where the seagulls hang out.
- Next time, we would book book Cabana #9, #10 or #11. 
- Cabanas 8 through 14 are in the front row and 1 through 7 are in the back. 
- There are chairs on the left of the cabanas that are for suite guests and it is first come, first serve.
- If you have access to the Chill Island Cabana area (rented a cabana or are in a suite), there is an upgraded lunch buffet.  Our buffet had lamb chops, ribs, chicken, salmon, shrimp and scallop skewers, Maine lobster tails, hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, fruit, cookies, etc.  A lot of food!!
- There is no bathroom area in the cabana area but it isn't that far of a walk
- The beach is roped off for the cabana area 
- The snorkeling right beyond the roped off area was really good.  We saw hundreds of fish of all different types.
If anyone has any questions, let me know!!
 
 

Yes, right next to the chairs is why I wouldn't include #8.  It was a lot louder there with people talking and we wanted a nice quiet day.  I honestly wouldn't even mind the back row either as the cabanas were staggered.  Overall, it is a wonderful experience no matter which one anyone ends up with.
 

We just got back from our cruise on Anthem this past Saturday and I wanted to give those interested e a little information on the Chill Island Cabanas because I couldn't find out much online before we left.
- The cabanas are amazing but there are definitely some that are better than others.  We specifically chose #14 which is at the end so we had less people around us....unfortunately, it had more birds!  The rock wall on the right of the picture is where the seagulls hang out.
- Next time, we would book book Cabana #9, #10 or #11. 
- Cabanas 8 through 14 are in the front row and 1 through 7 are in the back. 
- There are chairs on the left of the cabanas that are for suite guests and it is first come, first serve.
- If you have access to the Chill Island Cabana area (rented a cabana or are in a suite), there is an upgraded lunch buffet.  Our buffet had lamb chops, ribs, chicken, salmon, shrimp and scallop skewers, Maine lobster tails, hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, fruit, cookies, etc.  A lot of food!!
- There is no bathroom area in the cabana area but it isn't that far of a walk
- The beach is roped off for the cabana area 
- The snorkeling right beyond the roped off area was really good.  We saw hundreds of fish of all different types.
If anyone has any questions, let me know!!
 
 

So, I just called to book my free annual prime cruise and then upgrade to a balcony or suite.  In the past, we have always paid around 40% of the total cruise fare for the cabin we want to go to.  So, for example, we booked a Grand Suite with last year's prime offer and paid $1,800 which was 40% of the current rate for that room.  
This year however, the prices to upgrade have increased significantly and we are now paying 70% of the going rate.  I asked about it and she said that is the pricing they have and she couldn't tell me anything more.
When I received the price, the "math" doesn't work either.  If I get a free interior and only have to pay for taxes and fees, I am getting a discount of $1,220 (Total interior (cheapest) for the cruise we are looking at is 1,678 less taxes and fees of $398).  When she priced out the upgrade to a balcony, the discount I received was less than the $1,220 which doesn't seem right!
Currently annoyed because apparently they are taking away more perks from us again!!!! 
Has anyone else experienced this yet?

So, I just called to book my free annual prime cruise and then upgrade to a balcony or suite.  In the past, we have always paid around 40% of the total cruise fare for the cabin we want to go to.  So, for example, we booked a Grand Suite with last year's prime offer and paid $1,800 which was 40% of the current rate for that room.  
This year however, the prices to upgrade have increased significantly and we are now paying 70% of the going rate.  I asked about it and she said that is the pricing they have and she couldn't tell me anything more.
When I received the price, the "math" doesn't work either.  If I get a free interior and only have to pay for taxes and fees, I am getting a discount of $1,220 (Total interior (cheapest) for the cruise we are looking at is 1,678 less taxes and fees of $398).  When she priced out the upgrade to a balcony, the discount I received was less than the $1,220 which doesn't seem right!
Currently annoyed because apparently they are taking away more perks from us again!!!! 
Has anyone else experienced this yet?

So, I just called to book my free annual prime cruise and then upgrade to a balcony or suite.  In the past, we have always paid around 40% of the total cruise fare for the cabin we want to go to.  So, for example, we booked a Grand Suite with last year's prime offer and paid $1,800 which was 40% of the current rate for that room.  
This year however, the prices to upgrade have increased significantly and we are now paying 70% of the going rate.  I asked about it and she said that is the pricing they have and she couldn't tell me anything more.
When I received the price, the "math" doesn't work either.  If I get a free interior and only have to pay for taxes and fees, I am getting a discount of $1,220 (Total interior (cheapest) for the cruise we are looking at is 1,678 less taxes and fees of $398).  When she priced out the upgrade to a balcony, the discount I received was less than the $1,220 which doesn't seem right!
Currently annoyed because apparently they are taking away more perks from us again!!!! 
Has anyone else experienced this yet?

We were on Anthem going out of Bayonne and it was suppose to go to Bermuda.  Jose and Maria (?) were barreling down.  48 hrs prior to the cruise RCCL contacts everyone on the cruise and said we are going to Nova Scotia.  If you want to cancel, we will give you a FCC and pay back your costs.  If you want to go, we will give 50% of the cost + 250 OBC.  They stated that the ship sailed away full occupancy.   The funny thing there was on the sail away a group of 15 people wearing designed tee shirts.  It stated sail away to Bermuda, and than a red line crossed through it with handwriting saying Nova Scotia. It didn't end there.  The next day was a sea day.  They traveled as a group and all had tees, drunk 1...15 Think thing 1 and 2, Dr. Seuss.  I had noticed them throughout the day in different spots on the ship.  We went to trivia, late afternoon.  There they are.  I look around and count the numbers on their shirts.  Other people did too.  All of the sudden we realized there were only 14 people, even though there was a drunk 15.  The group said, that because they got the trip so cheap now (RCCL OBC) they didn't want to jinx it and decided nobody would be #13.  They were the talk of the entire ship, bc everyday they wore a new tee shirt.. Day 3.Bermuda/slashed through and Portland Maine written.   Day 4 was the funniest...Bermuda slashed through and BRRR written because we were now in Canada, the last week of Sept.  These were professionally done and prior to us leaving the temp was suppose to be in the mid 70s in Halifax.  We get there and it was 91 degrees.    
 
 

Yes, right next to the chairs is why I wouldn't include #8.  It was a lot louder there with people talking and we wanted a nice quiet day.  I honestly wouldn't even mind the back row either as the cabanas were staggered.  Overall, it is a wonderful experience no matter which one anyone ends up with.
 

They all face the same direction so the "front row" has a better "full" ocean view.  

We just got back from our cruise on Anthem this past Saturday and I wanted to give those interested e a little information on the Chill Island Cabanas because I couldn't find out much online before we left.
- The cabanas are amazing but there are definitely some that are better than others.  We specifically chose #14 which is at the end so we had less people around us....unfortunately, it had more birds!  The rock wall on the right of the picture is where the seagulls hang out.
- Next time, we would book book Cabana #9, #10 or #11. 
- Cabanas 8 through 14 are in the front row and 1 through 7 are in the back. 
- There are chairs on the left of the cabanas that are for suite guests and it is first come, first serve.
- If you have access to the Chill Island Cabana area (rented a cabana or are in a suite), there is an upgraded lunch buffet.  Our buffet had lamb chops, ribs, chicken, salmon, shrimp and scallop skewers, Maine lobster tails, hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, fruit, cookies, etc.  A lot of food!!
- There is no bathroom area in the cabana area but it isn't that far of a walk
- The beach is roped off for the cabana area 
- The snorkeling right beyond the roped off area was really good.  We saw hundreds of fish of all different types.
If anyone has any questions, let me know!!