Basti

The Genie indeed seems very useful. Many thanks for all the advices.
I'm going with the Western Caribbean tour so yeah, Coco Cay would be a part of it. Good to know that I have to take care of the cabanas myself. I wanted to get the oversea one once it's available.

Most definitely.  The only things I would book ahead of time are the cabanas from Coco Cay because the Genie cannot get those once they are sold out.  Everything else, leave it to the Genie.

That's exactly my thought. Plus laying out money in Cruise Planner to be reimbursed later by the Genie seems unnecessary.

That is certainly one of the Genie's biggest values...

Isn't that why you have a Genie?

Would you agree if you are in Star Class you are better off forgoing making reservations in advance with Cruise Planner and simply letting Genie do the work once onboard?

Basti, don't book anything even though it shows things available in the cruise planner.  The Genie will take care of everything for you - all of your dining reservations, entertainment...everything.  Just show up ready to have the time of your life !
I don't know what your itinerary is, but if you are going to Coco Cay and decide that you want to rent one of the cabanas or bungalows, this is the one exception to my rule above.  In the "old days" the Genie could get a cabana/bungalow for you without a problem - in fact, Star Class had first chance at reserving these items -  but since Perfect Day the Genies no longer have any control over cabanas and bungalows.  So if you want one of those, DO book it ahead of time.  The Genie will help you with it when it comes time, but they can no longer guarantee you a cabana or bungalow like they used to be able to do.

Oh, I forgot, welcome to the blog @Basti!

Many thanks for all your quick replies. Much appreciated
 
For the moment it's the only cruise I've booked but I've set my eyes on several other RC cruises (e.g. the Norwegian Fjord Cruise or the one that goes to Japan). Maybe I'll book one of these when being on the ship. Since I'm from Germany, cruises starting from the US probably won't happen that often but luckily, some RC ships also start from some ports in Europe. Since I heard cruising can be addictve, I already set my mind on doing a few cruises in the future.

WOW! What a first cruise! How do you follow that one up?
Happy Cruising!

The Cruise Planner only "knows" what was purchased online through the Cruise Planner. It is not programmed to differentiate passengers by booking status.

The cruise planner cannot tell if you are Star Class or not. All options including beverage packages, entertainment booking, shore excursions, etc. are open to those with star class bookings. 
If you purchase something and end up not needing it, your Genie can reverse the charges once you get on board. 

Many thanks for all your quick replies. Much appreciated
 
For the moment it's the only cruise I've booked but I've set my eyes on several other RC cruises (e.g. the Norwegian Fjord Cruise or the one that goes to Japan). Maybe I'll book one of these when being on the ship. Since I'm from Germany, cruises starting from the US probably won't happen that often but luckily, some RC ships also start from some ports in Europe. Since I heard cruising can be addictve, I already set my mind on doing a few cruises in the future.