Neesa

Ask away here, we are very helpful! Also, @Poochis so correct. They will reach out to you if you are in a suite with an amazing welcome letter that may answer many questions. Responding to that contact usually yields all of your requests being addressed. They are on board now dealing with those on board and next weeks guests. You will be properly taken care of, everything sorted as your sailing gets closer.

@RiveraCruise No, let's stay positive! 2 years you say? Make a plan, the water park is not the be all end all I promise you can still have an enjoyable time. While continuing to watch for openings do you have a concierge or TA to reach out to? If so email your request ASAP. The evening before CoCo Cay gather your towels & confirm when you can get off the ship, go early with your map in hand & stake out a spot for your family, Oasis Pool? The Beach? The water in April for us Floridians is COLD you don't need a mat lol! Go early, explore the Island after you settle in at your home base, enjoy the beauty of the wildlife & flora fauna. Have lunch, head back to the ship and do the waterslides on board multiple times, please make the best of it. Look around at your beautiful family and choose to enjoy it all together, I really feel something will open up for you. I do the water park for my teen, I did purchase a ticket to go in as they wristband you, but it's about being together at the end of the day. Be positive and your family will follow your lead, better to be there then at home, right? I am still sending you the positive vibes, enjoy.

@jay1021 I agree with you. When we visited in November & December there were the weekend party hops ships at the island, wow! I was taken aback. There were chairs scattered availability. The lines for the slides were just under 60 minutes for each slide, kids only did 3 all day because the amount of people it felt like people soup. Passengers brought blue tooth speakers & loud music was on the beach, what ever style they likes clashed with the next group and the Oasis pool was just bodies. We were wearing vax bands at the time & you could see the 2 ships were represented everywhere, it was NOT an enjoyable outing. It was the first time we smelled marijuana on Coco Cay to that extent, for our family specifically it was outside our comfort zone. We figured make the best of it but it was a chore to do, just disappointing. We also understand everyone derives enjoyment in their own way, so we to are sad this Island may have turned a corner. Fingers crossed no, may have to bite the bullet and do the club, at least once!

@RiveraCruise stay on top of it. As the sailing gets closer things tend to open up. I do not know if they hold things back but they allocate so many for sale. Hopefully someone here can offer if they open up additional slots upon arrival. Don't lose all hope yet, I have my fingers crossed for you! Are there any water park cabanas? A little pricey but they come with 6 water park tickets, good luck sending positive energy. FYI the towels, the cooler of water, the server for the cabana...just not playing the towel game alone, having a designated home base the cabana holds value for a large group.

I don't know how to say this, maybe just pull the bandaid off...I LOVED the STAR class experience, and I have designs on booking another Star Class cabin BUT and here goes, oh dear oh my....... Sky class is the perfect sailing experience for me BUT I had to experience STAR to understand this. I enjoyed embarkation so much, I enjoyed Derick even more, he was very grounded and understood right away we wanted to be present in the experience and didn't want to ONLY check off boxes. I enjoy a large cabin and a balcony space I can spread out on, I'm content spending hours out there. We normally eat in a snack type way, my daughter and her weightlifting has us eating smaller things more frequently so while reservations for lunch and dinner were amazing to have, we did cancel a few lunch dates for a more brunch or even one time linner situation; as there was a great deal of time spent meeting Derick on time for things that were set and we sometimes sail a bit looser then that. **as suspected we canceled a dinner for the last night .... we eat sparsely the night before disembarkation for a more comfortable morning and drive home, we were just going to grab picky bland things from WJ I thought his head would pop off. He secured us an early table in Chops, so funny! I thought I loved the laundry but good for pressing that's all. Several of my shirts and one cardigan were toddler sized when I received them back, shame on me totally on me I should not have sent them. Lesson learned, no biggie. I like to walk and I felt like a proper jerk on the golf cart going to and from Barefoot Beach beeping at people walking on the path, I was trying to disappear myself it's not that far but I did feel special at the same time, weird dynamic. Love the Bare Foot Beach experience. I enjoyed the seats chosen for us in entertainment venues but in Sky if I arrive at the proper time I can secure great seats myself. I LOVED how stress-free and easy disembarkation was, as no one ever dwells on this process the ease in which we arrived at our SUV was priceless. I am so happy and blessed I enjoyed my STAR Class experience, I will do it again. But to say I will only sail STAR is just false, it's wonderful. But Sky class is my happy place. While my daughter will beg to differ, hahaha I created a Star class snob, boy does she miss Derick! Our next sailing is on the Mariner so that will actually be a pretty proper shock. We are in that little Panoramic Suite 1804 for the first time, no balcony but two restrooms. Will I reach for my Star again? Yes, but personally for me I hope you are sitting down reading this...... Sky is my sweet spot, my perfectly adequate happy place! I too am in shock by this admission, lol. Humble and kind, have you heard that song? That is my center, I tell myself that everyday and my blessings are to many to count. Thanks for sharing your time with me!

Our visit in August is here from 0800-1800. Would like a Beach type day to include two teens (16) I am looking for other then a Royal excursion. What have you done that you would do again and recommend? Resortsforaday.com is limited & Jaital.com has a few. Is there anything or anywhere else? Thanks so much!

@Lovetocruise2002 your smile and positive attitude trumped any missing outfits. We spoke about you and your family over dinner, that it was a blessing experiencing such positive people. Your energy was infectious, I would sail with you guys any day!

Yay, another list maker. I have columns for each day with activities and tether the outfits to that. I always say, I can totally pack less next time and eventually pack a little more. BUT by far hubby brings the most, I have to lock the suitcase with a combo he doesn't know, or when I open it up, i have to really dig in to find my things. Love those packing cubes....

We did the opposite of @Lovetocruise2002so here is the other scenario. We were given new STAR tags and asked to have it out by 1200 midnight, everyone else must be by 1000. We decided on this course as we had 3 large cases and one medium case, we wanted to be unencumbered the following morning, we had some backpacks for walk off. We enjoyed our last breakfast in CK which was crazy busy people and luggage everywhere. We left our backpacks in our cabin, this was the meeting place for Sky to disembark so a bit hectic. Once we were led to our table breakfast was served and afterwards we went to our cabin to brush our teeth and do our final cabin check. We were set to meet Derick at 0900 at guest services. The elevators were slow of course and crowded as some people ride them up to go down on the last day. It was a great deal easier without our large bags to say goodbye to Derick and disembark. He passed us to Maria a port worker in a blue shirt who took us a back way to retrieve our bags that were set aside in a corner, lined up with just a few more star bags. She inquired if we wanted a porter but we had our teen who weight lifts in her spare time...for fun, so we were good. We were taken to customs into a roped off agent desk and then walked to the parking garage elevator where the ropes were opened for us and the elevator was called. * I'm glad there wasn't the long snaking line like usual for the elevator or I would have felt like a tool! It was a great experience, Disembarkation with Star doesn't get enough love! Have an amazing sailing on the Wonder!!

Random thoughts....asked for 2 donuts this arrived. ( see photo below) We actually shared with another cabin as to not be wasteful. This cuteness was observed when returning to ship at Labadee. I took photos of crew members who went above and beyond, they were sometimes desperate to wait on us and it made me a bit uncomfortable. I kept saying, please take it easy ( as in the song slow ride) Was treated to animals in the cabin which puts a smile on my face. Send the teens duck hunting early! Stay still a bit, soak it in. I actually liked this balcony more than I thought I would. I know these photos are not @twangster level but I did my best. I am home now, and can't wait for our next adventure! **I personally did think the entertainment lacking, I did appreciate that they tried though. The absolute highlight for me was Jesse Hamilton, he made me feel emotion. That is a good entertainer, any questions please reach out. @GregD being neighbors with @Lovetocruise2002 will guarantee smiles and great conversation. What an amazing family, the girls are true light and Justin just the kindest. Down to earth people, you are lucky to be able to sail with them soon.

In the car driving home, was blessed to see @Lovetocruise2002 & @tiny260this morning to say until we meet again! CK this morning was "frantic" when we arrived. It is always better then WJ though. Our disembarkation was a breeze, I was surprised at how many people stopped us to plead with Derick if they could participate in our walk off. It was shocking.. One aggressive man dragged his family through the roped off area with us telling the staff he was with us, he got as far as having his sea pass card swiped and then they were not allowed to proceed to the luggage area with us as we said goodbyes and Derick handed us over to Maria. Derick directed them to their correct avenue of escape! I just kept thinking now I underestimated this perk, I quite liked being whisked through the terminal to the parking garage elevator. We really enjoyed the Star Loft and would not hesitate to book it again.

Wow, Derick to the rescue I had zero internet all day! He was able to fix it right before the Beatlemaniacs show! Our friends from Nevada are leaving the ship at 0830 and flight from Miami doesn't leave until 1530. The Royal excursion is booked. Any suggestions for a quick activity in Miami after disembarking, plus they have 4 large suitcases. ALL Suggestions welcome. We had lunch scheduled at 1200 at Giovanni's but a private function group was there and we were turned away. Derick appeared out of no where and whisked us over to Chops for lunch, how do they do that? We really enjoyed him and the Star Loft experience. While I loved every minute of this trip, I'm still wearing my patch though even though I don't need it, withdrawal from it is really bad just allowing it to take its course, I'm ready....there's no place like home. So nice meeting everyone on this #majorstarclasstakeover....until we meet again!

We spent a glorious day on Bare Foot Beach Labadee yesterday. We had beach cabana one. Derick met us at 1020 outside the ship and we departed quickly. The island was clean, the straw market was in full force. Lots of security. I forbid our teens to go over there without us while passing through for the water slide, I hated that. Staff served the food it was okay but the flies landing all over it gave me pause. Some friends did the zip line and they were pissed. Overwater cabana and they spent HOURS with harness on in a holding area waiting for the zip line. That being said our day was stunning! Not all the cabanas were rented but all the free standing chairs and umbrellas were in use. It was a lovely crowd out there. Kids loved the Rollercoaster!

We started with a light breakfast snack on the balcony this glorious morning. Starting the day here giving thanks and prayers for everything we have to enjoy and for everyone sharing their kindness. With everything going on today staying grounded and being present is what we are accomplishing this sailing. Thankful and blessed! Today we meet Derick at 1015 to go over to our Beach Cabana in Labadee. First time here and really looking forward to an amazing experience. Also included in the photos one of the many reasons my daughter and I am really enjoying the Star experience, hubby is warming but he still puts $$ on every aspect! He is a numbers guy always. We have been taking advantage of the laundry I actually love this perk.

Entertainment miss for us tonight. I know this is a personal thing but my take All due respect to the performer Magic still not our thing. We tried to like it, we wanted to like it BUT it was a hard no for me. Again he was funny and likeable its just card tricks and shadow puppets bore me to tears. I wish they would have maybe booked another live band or something else. The Beatlemaniacs are here but while the sets are different I would have enjoyed another choice. Labadee tomorrow.

@tiny260 funny! Our reservation was at 2000 at Izumi Hibachi and while loud it was the normal loud. At 2130 a group of 10 who clearly enjoyed their drink packages previously arrived. The screaming was excessive. Another couple at our table were so agitated they left before things were cleaned up for dessert. For a second, the male became quite animated noting the other table, I was like, rut row! Tonight brought us back to Chops where I noticed we all ordered seafood, I just thought that was funny. Ceasars salad, mushroom soup and branzino. Derick has us going to a magic show not really our thing but he promised its good, we shall see. @tiny260 I appreciate the good, bad and ugly regarding our experiences as I believe them more authentic. I always look at information I'm reading with a grain of salt when a lot of the times the reviews come from people who are "comped" experiences sorry, why if they are enjoying for free would a negative word be expressed, so thanks so much for your actual experiences. In that spirit we had a leak of a sprinkler head right inside the door, drip drip drip. Okay someone was called and it was shut off. We had four or more visits and then phone calls regarding it STOP JUST STOP, LEAVE ME ALONE! Taheeheehee....

Great minds @tiny260 and we saw @Lovetocruise2002 and her amazing family on the board walk on the way in! Still all smiles, even though their luggage is on a journey of its own, nothing but positive energy from them. On my balcony doing what I do best, staring out into the sea. What an amazing day we have. I'm in trouble though, I just received a text from my teen saying mom this star class was a bad idea, I am getting very used to it. Hubby actually asked for info on Royal Up versus booking straight away, wait what? Derick has been a good fit for us, we pretty much leave each other alone, but if I need something it's completed within a few minutes. We are so low key, yet we do enjoy the special feeling he leaves us with. He checks in a few times a day asking what he can do. I tell him retreat to your bottle for some rest! An amazing human Derick Martis!! My happy place! Labadee tomorrow in a Beach Cabana! First time there looking forward to it.

I knew it. Devious genius' Derick tried to seat us there. Um NO this old lady knows better! It's the performers way of showing their love for the audience. DW, lol.....how is the volume of the music, can you hear it inside your cabin?

Puerto Rico today, first time here so we did Old and New San Juan tour. It was a nicer air conditioned mini bus and the driver was a great guide hailing from Brooklyn NY! We just left and thought we could have used more time there but with only o e other ship in Port it wasn't very crowded. Island was clean and we did not have to wear face masks.

Dinner at Izumi. Just okay, so loud the entire meal all I kept thinking was, I'm good let's go! At aqua show now, first showing all week because of the wind.

Today brought us to Secret Sands a Royal excursion. It was very authentic, the beach was pristine the lift over there on an open air contraption with 25 on board was something I would not do again, I prayed and prayed our driver didn't kill us and I'm not exaggerating. The host at the beach was friendly, the water clear and overall I felt it was worth the money. The ride there and back though, so bad so scary but we are back safe and sound. That experience did give me pause. Tonight Hibachi dinner. No water show again, canceled once more. Our return surprise from Marva!

@starbrat please understand, I would stay in this cabin again. The positives in my humble opinion out weight the negatives. Remember a charging hub for your USB charging needs. The bathroom is super dark at night, the light seems to be on or off, so very dark in the middle of the night, no where to put a night light. The bathroom door opens three quarters of the way, plenty of room to get in or out but it's just weird whilst laying in bed next to the door especially while in use. I am still enjoying all this cabin has to offer. Marva is an amazing room attendant as well.

Here are some images of 1720 upstairs. Also we enjoyed dinner at Chop's not to many photos as it is my rule no phones out at the dinner table, yet here I am sneaking pictures with my phone! I am so happy to report the mushroom soup is back and very delicious. We are requesting to dine there again before this sailing ends. I just don't love the way the bathroom is right on top of the bed. Of course I still love the 17th floor!

Guess what I found?

@bellemiche saved the day in the escape room, Natalie was impressive to observe. 5:55 we escaped! Nice sunny day today, the ship is still rocking though. Coastal Kitchen for a late breakfast and were blessed to be able to chat with @Lovetocruise2002 who just brightens the day! Derick has us at Chops tonight and had us at Portside for lunch, had to cancel that lunch because that's just to much! Ice skating show tonight. Cabin is beautiful, a little tight upstairs but lovely just the same. Balcony is better then I thought it would be. We enjoy seeing all the activity and the water.