TrophyHusband

We had Izzy for our first Star Class experience and were disappointed overall. We didn't hear anything from him pre-cruise until 15-days prior to sail when I finally called RCL. After that phone call he sent one introductory pre-canned email and one email with a draft schedule. When I sent our edits/inputs to his draft he never responded and our next communication with him was when we met at embarkation. At the port he was late for our pick-up and we could have boarded faster if we had just gone with General boarding. Other than stragglers, we were literally the last people to board . So much for getting to our room early. ? Unfortunately, that set the tone for the whole cruise. Throughout the week we generally saw him only once per day, and usually a "touch and go" at dinner for about 5-10 minutes to review the next days schedule. Other than that he was a ghost to our party. Requests to him were about 50/50. We asked for snacks and drinks for sail away, which arrived 45 minutes late and after we were already at sea. Requests for front row seating were not met on two occasions (Comedy show and Come Fly with Me) and a request to eat in CK on Thursday night was not met because 'CK would be to crowded' ?. He did arrange special transport for my Mom at Labadee, a dedicated photographer and some jewelry for my wife on formal night, but other than that there wasn't anything "special" about having a Genie. Fundamentally, he was a concierge that came to us once a day at dinner rather than us having to go to him in the suite lounge. I've also read some of the reviews about Izzy and most are generally good. I was under the impression that his other family(s) on this cruise were pretty high maintenance and he did pass on he was dealing with unusual requests from one particular family. He might have had an off week, or a demanding family, but bottom line; he didn't impress us at all and didn't make us feel we got anything special out the Genie experience.

Like you, I'm a planner. And when I read your blog, and others, about the planning pre-cruise you did with your Genie it pisses me off, thinking....no...knowing, we've already missed out on some things. - Reserving Cabanas? Now probably too late - Dinner plans? Not done - CK Menus? No idea Especially considering RCL advertises contact with your Genie 4-weeks before cruising to facilitate your "expereince" "Approximately 4 weeks before: Your Royal Genie will contact you via email in order to finalize the details of your vacation." http://www.royalcaribbean.com/royalsuiteclass/faq/

We received our SC questionnaire on January 15th which we completed and sent back the next day. That was the only contact we had until March 3rd when I emailed the Oasis concierge asking if we had an assigned Genie and if they had forgotten about us. Later that night I received an email from our Genie; "Thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean. I hope you’re getting excited for your upcoming adventure. My name is XXX and I am thrilled to serve as your Royal Genie. I can’t wait to welcome you to your XXXX Suite XXX onboard Oasis of the Seas on Sunday, March 17, 2019. I’m thrilled to help you create the most memorable vacation ever. If you have any requests for dining, shows, tours, activities or are celebrating any special occasions, please send them my way. To get started, I recommend you begin reserving your Shore Excursions and any Spa services now on Cruise Planner http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruiseplanner. Star Class is a wonderful program with exclusive services and amenities, due to the nature and exclusivity of the program these services are only for the guests residing in the Star Class Suites which allows to provide a better experience. Once I hear back from you, I’ll reach out again to confirm all the exciting details. From this point on, any questions or requests can be sent my way. I’m looking forward to seeing you onboard soon and helping to make your trip extra special." I responded that night acknowledging receipt of the email and asking a few simple questions. I'm still waiting for him to "reach out again to confirm all the exciting details".

Yes. We are sailing on Oasis on March 17th. Why??

We're sailing in 10 days and have received one email from our Genie. And only then after I emailed the concierge asking if they had forgotten about us. Since then, nothing more from the Genie. Very disappointed in the communication from this Genie and already negatively impacting the opinion of our first Star Class experience.