Lovetocruise2002

The lobster was slightly overcooked. Mushroom soup was runnier than usual, and the creamed spinach was not too fresh. 

The Royal Genie Package experience: 
Our Genie for this sailing was Lissandra. She is coming from a suite concierge role into Genie. It would seem like all 4 genies working in this RGP role are newer genies on their first or second contract.
Despite being newer to the role, Lissandra was fantastic for what we needed. She was able to anticipate our cruising needs rather quickly and once she got to know us a bit, conversations flowed easily. She constantly checked in on us, both through WhatsApp, and in person. She was very thoughtful as well. The genie experience itself was no different than regular Star Class. Everything that a regular star class genie could do for us, she did as well. Embarkation and disembarkation process remained the same as Star Class. 
The RGP experience is similar to Star Class, but it’s not. They are not trying to market it as such either. It is marketed as the RGP, right down to the banners, literature in the room, seapass card, reserved seats signs, etc., nowhere is the word “star class” mentioned, because they are not trying to make it star class.
Their target market for this program is new and/or suite cruisers. For those who are familiar with SC, it makes it trickier for them in that you should not book this expecting it to be identical. 
There are many similarities: the genie and their “powers”, the inclusion of dining and drink packages, dedicated flowrider sessions, priority embarkation and disembarkation (identical in procedure to SC), etc.
But there are definitely differences as well. One being the exclusion of gratuities, and laundry is questionable. On Freedom it seems to be pressing only; and Indy might be full laundry? The other difference is the room. When you book regular SC, part of the WOW is the suite. With the RGP, depending on what room you book, there is not much WOW. In fact, the smaller rooms hinder the ability to really take advantage of the food delivery etc. The smaller ship also limits what the genie can do. Not as many activities and amenities to offer to guests. 
So is it worth it?
In my opinion, at the right price, maybe. Let me try to clarify. If I was booked on a Non-QN/OA/IC class ship in a category lower than a GS, then it would be worth it at the right price. At $300pp/day, it’s still a hard sell for me. The disclaimer here is that I am already D+ and have access to the crown lounge even without the suite lounge. If I was booked in a GS or higher, no way would I consider the RGP. I would probably be just as happy buying the Unlimited Dining Package, VOOM, and Evian water package. The only way I would consider the RGP if I was booked in a GS or higher would be if the price went down considerably to make it worth it. 
For the amount it costs (regular price) for the RGP, my money is likely better spent sailing true Sky Class on QN/OA/IC class. 
Overall, Hubby and I think the RGP gives you the SC “lite” experience. If you have never tried SC and want to test it out at a possible lower cost, then it’s worth trying. It’s quite similar. If you are familiar with SC, then book with the mindset that it will be a slightly downgraded experience from true SC due to the reasons mentioned above. 
Happy to answer any other questions anyone might have. 3 weeks to SY! This cruise was easier to end knowing there’s a short dry dock. 

You probably just jinxed it for us, lol, but that's good to hear. It's our first dinner for the UDP leg.

I will be on there the 14th sailing and we had it booked but changed our mind since it’s our young children’s first cruise. Going with the flow this time around!

Final thoughts on room: 
I don’t think that I will book another suite GTY in the future, unless it’s a steal of a deal. Even then, I would have to give some serious thought to age of ship etc. 
As I already mentioned we ended up with a JS, which I expected. The accessible part, I did not. We really enjoyed having the open space in the living area. But the bathroom was another story. Hubby had no trouble with it, but I was never able to shower successfully without getting water all over the floor. Most days I ended up putting down a blue pool towel instead of the bath mat. 
Also, perhaps because the ship is older, there was some not so pleasant smells in the room. There was an area by the side of the bed that I slept (near the night table) that smelled like my 8th grade classroom. There was also an area near the balcony that did not smell too fresh either. None of this seemed to bother Hubby. But for someone like myself, who is quite sensitive to smells, it did bother me all sailing. We did not say anything about it as we just chalked it up to being on an older ship. 

The lobster was slightly overcooked. Mushroom soup was runnier than usual, and the creamed spinach was not too fresh. 

The Royal Genie Package experience: 
Our Genie for this sailing was Lissandra. She is coming from a suite concierge role into Genie. It would seem like all 4 genies working in this RGP role are newer genies on their first or second contract.
Despite being newer to the role, Lissandra was fantastic for what we needed. She was able to anticipate our cruising needs rather quickly and once she got to know us a bit, conversations flowed easily. She constantly checked in on us, both through WhatsApp, and in person. She was very thoughtful as well. The genie experience itself was no different than regular Star Class. Everything that a regular star class genie could do for us, she did as well. Embarkation and disembarkation process remained the same as Star Class. 
The RGP experience is similar to Star Class, but it’s not. They are not trying to market it as such either. It is marketed as the RGP, right down to the banners, literature in the room, seapass card, reserved seats signs, etc., nowhere is the word “star class” mentioned, because they are not trying to make it star class.
Their target market for this program is new and/or suite cruisers. For those who are familiar with SC, it makes it trickier for them in that you should not book this expecting it to be identical. 
There are many similarities: the genie and their “powers”, the inclusion of dining and drink packages, dedicated flowrider sessions, priority embarkation and disembarkation (identical in procedure to SC), etc.
But there are definitely differences as well. One being the exclusion of gratuities, and laundry is questionable. On Freedom it seems to be pressing only; and Indy might be full laundry? The other difference is the room. When you book regular SC, part of the WOW is the suite. With the RGP, depending on what room you book, there is not much WOW. In fact, the smaller rooms hinder the ability to really take advantage of the food delivery etc. The smaller ship also limits what the genie can do. Not as many activities and amenities to offer to guests. 
So is it worth it?
In my opinion, at the right price, maybe. Let me try to clarify. If I was booked on a Non-QN/OA/IC class ship in a category lower than a GS, then it would be worth it at the right price. At $300pp/day, it’s still a hard sell for me. The disclaimer here is that I am already D+ and have access to the crown lounge even without the suite lounge. If I was booked in a GS or higher, no way would I consider the RGP. I would probably be just as happy buying the Unlimited Dining Package, VOOM, and Evian water package. The only way I would consider the RGP if I was booked in a GS or higher would be if the price went down considerably to make it worth it. 
For the amount it costs (regular price) for the RGP, my money is likely better spent sailing true Sky Class on QN/OA/IC class. 
Overall, Hubby and I think the RGP gives you the SC “lite” experience. If you have never tried SC and want to test it out at a possible lower cost, then it’s worth trying. It’s quite similar. If you are familiar with SC, then book with the mindset that it will be a slightly downgraded experience from true SC due to the reasons mentioned above. 
Happy to answer any other questions anyone might have. 3 weeks to SY! This cruise was easier to end knowing there’s a short dry dock. 

Our best Chops experience so far has been on Utopia. 

The lobster was slightly overcooked. Mushroom soup was runnier than usual, and the creamed spinach was not too fresh. 

The Royal Genie Package experience: 
Our Genie for this sailing was Lissandra. She is coming from a suite concierge role into Genie. It would seem like all 4 genies working in this RGP role are newer genies on their first or second contract.
Despite being newer to the role, Lissandra was fantastic for what we needed. She was able to anticipate our cruising needs rather quickly and once she got to know us a bit, conversations flowed easily. She constantly checked in on us, both through WhatsApp, and in person. She was very thoughtful as well. The genie experience itself was no different than regular Star Class. Everything that a regular star class genie could do for us, she did as well. Embarkation and disembarkation process remained the same as Star Class. 
The RGP experience is similar to Star Class, but it’s not. They are not trying to market it as such either. It is marketed as the RGP, right down to the banners, literature in the room, seapass card, reserved seats signs, etc., nowhere is the word “star class” mentioned, because they are not trying to make it star class.
Their target market for this program is new and/or suite cruisers. For those who are familiar with SC, it makes it trickier for them in that you should not book this expecting it to be identical. 
There are many similarities: the genie and their “powers”, the inclusion of dining and drink packages, dedicated flowrider sessions, priority embarkation and disembarkation (identical in procedure to SC), etc.
But there are definitely differences as well. One being the exclusion of gratuities, and laundry is questionable. On Freedom it seems to be pressing only; and Indy might be full laundry? The other difference is the room. When you book regular SC, part of the WOW is the suite. With the RGP, depending on what room you book, there is not much WOW. In fact, the smaller rooms hinder the ability to really take advantage of the food delivery etc. The smaller ship also limits what the genie can do. Not as many activities and amenities to offer to guests. 
So is it worth it?
In my opinion, at the right price, maybe. Let me try to clarify. If I was booked on a Non-QN/OA/IC class ship in a category lower than a GS, then it would be worth it at the right price. At $300pp/day, it’s still a hard sell for me. The disclaimer here is that I am already D+ and have access to the crown lounge even without the suite lounge. If I was booked in a GS or higher, no way would I consider the RGP. I would probably be just as happy buying the Unlimited Dining Package, VOOM, and Evian water package. The only way I would consider the RGP if I was booked in a GS or higher would be if the price went down considerably to make it worth it. 
For the amount it costs (regular price) for the RGP, my money is likely better spent sailing true Sky Class on QN/OA/IC class. 
Overall, Hubby and I think the RGP gives you the SC “lite” experience. If you have never tried SC and want to test it out at a possible lower cost, then it’s worth trying. It’s quite similar. If you are familiar with SC, then book with the mindset that it will be a slightly downgraded experience from true SC due to the reasons mentioned above. 
Happy to answer any other questions anyone might have. 3 weeks to SY! This cruise was easier to end knowing there’s a short dry dock. 

The Royal Genie Package experience: 
Our Genie for this sailing was Lissandra. She is coming from a suite concierge role into Genie. It would seem like all 4 genies working in this RGP role are newer genies on their first or second contract.
Despite being newer to the role, Lissandra was fantastic for what we needed. She was able to anticipate our cruising needs rather quickly and once she got to know us a bit, conversations flowed easily. She constantly checked in on us, both through WhatsApp, and in person. She was very thoughtful as well. The genie experience itself was no different than regular Star Class. Everything that a regular star class genie could do for us, she did as well. Embarkation and disembarkation process remained the same as Star Class. 
The RGP experience is similar to Star Class, but it’s not. They are not trying to market it as such either. It is marketed as the RGP, right down to the banners, literature in the room, seapass card, reserved seats signs, etc., nowhere is the word “star class” mentioned, because they are not trying to make it star class.
Their target market for this program is new and/or suite cruisers. For those who are familiar with SC, it makes it trickier for them in that you should not book this expecting it to be identical. 
There are many similarities: the genie and their “powers”, the inclusion of dining and drink packages, dedicated flowrider sessions, priority embarkation and disembarkation (identical in procedure to SC), etc.
But there are definitely differences as well. One being the exclusion of gratuities, and laundry is questionable. On Freedom it seems to be pressing only; and Indy might be full laundry? The other difference is the room. When you book regular SC, part of the WOW is the suite. With the RGP, depending on what room you book, there is not much WOW. In fact, the smaller rooms hinder the ability to really take advantage of the food delivery etc. The smaller ship also limits what the genie can do. Not as many activities and amenities to offer to guests. 
So is it worth it?
In my opinion, at the right price, maybe. Let me try to clarify. If I was booked on a Non-QN/OA/IC class ship in a category lower than a GS, then it would be worth it at the right price. At $300pp/day, it’s still a hard sell for me. The disclaimer here is that I am already D+ and have access to the crown lounge even without the suite lounge. If I was booked in a GS or higher, no way would I consider the RGP. I would probably be just as happy buying the Unlimited Dining Package, VOOM, and Evian water package. The only way I would consider the RGP if I was booked in a GS or higher would be if the price went down considerably to make it worth it. 
For the amount it costs (regular price) for the RGP, my money is likely better spent sailing true Sky Class on QN/OA/IC class. 
Overall, Hubby and I think the RGP gives you the SC “lite” experience. If you have never tried SC and want to test it out at a possible lower cost, then it’s worth trying. It’s quite similar. If you are familiar with SC, then book with the mindset that it will be a slightly downgraded experience from true SC due to the reasons mentioned above. 
Happy to answer any other questions anyone might have. 3 weeks to SY! This cruise was easier to end knowing there’s a short dry dock. 

Final thoughts on room: 
I don’t think that I will book another suite GTY in the future, unless it’s a steal of a deal. Even then, I would have to give some serious thought to age of ship etc. 
As I already mentioned we ended up with a JS, which I expected. The accessible part, I did not. We really enjoyed having the open space in the living area. But the bathroom was another story. Hubby had no trouble with it, but I was never able to shower successfully without getting water all over the floor. Most days I ended up putting down a blue pool towel instead of the bath mat. 
Also, perhaps because the ship is older, there was some not so pleasant smells in the room. There was an area by the side of the bed that I slept (near the night table) that smelled like my 8th grade classroom. There was also an area near the balcony that did not smell too fresh either. None of this seemed to bother Hubby. But for someone like myself, who is quite sensitive to smells, it did bother me all sailing. We did not say anything about it as we just chalked it up to being on an older ship. 

Not bad at all! Room to curb 15 mins. Total time from room to airport…1 hour. Now sitting at our gate at FLL.

Our best Chops experience so far has been on Utopia. 

Well that’s a bummer. I know how that goes for lobster, but man, when they get it right it’s the best!

The lobster was slightly overcooked. Mushroom soup was runnier than usual, and the creamed spinach was not too fresh. 

The Royal Genie Package experience: 
Our Genie for this sailing was Lissandra. She is coming from a suite concierge role into Genie. It would seem like all 4 genies working in this RGP role are newer genies on their first or second contract.
Despite being newer to the role, Lissandra was fantastic for what we needed. She was able to anticipate our cruising needs rather quickly and once she got to know us a bit, conversations flowed easily. She constantly checked in on us, both through WhatsApp, and in person. She was very thoughtful as well. The genie experience itself was no different than regular Star Class. Everything that a regular star class genie could do for us, she did as well. Embarkation and disembarkation process remained the same as Star Class. 
The RGP experience is similar to Star Class, but it’s not. They are not trying to market it as such either. It is marketed as the RGP, right down to the banners, literature in the room, seapass card, reserved seats signs, etc., nowhere is the word “star class” mentioned, because they are not trying to make it star class.
Their target market for this program is new and/or suite cruisers. For those who are familiar with SC, it makes it trickier for them in that you should not book this expecting it to be identical. 
There are many similarities: the genie and their “powers”, the inclusion of dining and drink packages, dedicated flowrider sessions, priority embarkation and disembarkation (identical in procedure to SC), etc.
But there are definitely differences as well. One being the exclusion of gratuities, and laundry is questionable. On Freedom it seems to be pressing only; and Indy might be full laundry? The other difference is the room. When you book regular SC, part of the WOW is the suite. With the RGP, depending on what room you book, there is not much WOW. In fact, the smaller rooms hinder the ability to really take advantage of the food delivery etc. The smaller ship also limits what the genie can do. Not as many activities and amenities to offer to guests. 
So is it worth it?
In my opinion, at the right price, maybe. Let me try to clarify. If I was booked on a Non-QN/OA/IC class ship in a category lower than a GS, then it would be worth it at the right price. At $300pp/day, it’s still a hard sell for me. The disclaimer here is that I am already D+ and have access to the crown lounge even without the suite lounge. If I was booked in a GS or higher, no way would I consider the RGP. I would probably be just as happy buying the Unlimited Dining Package, VOOM, and Evian water package. The only way I would consider the RGP if I was booked in a GS or higher would be if the price went down considerably to make it worth it. 
For the amount it costs (regular price) for the RGP, my money is likely better spent sailing true Sky Class on QN/OA/IC class. 
Overall, Hubby and I think the RGP gives you the SC “lite” experience. If you have never tried SC and want to test it out at a possible lower cost, then it’s worth trying. It’s quite similar. If you are familiar with SC, then book with the mindset that it will be a slightly downgraded experience from true SC due to the reasons mentioned above. 
Happy to answer any other questions anyone might have. 3 weeks to SY! This cruise was easier to end knowing there’s a short dry dock. 

Final thoughts on room: 
I don’t think that I will book another suite GTY in the future, unless it’s a steal of a deal. Even then, I would have to give some serious thought to age of ship etc. 
As I already mentioned we ended up with a JS, which I expected. The accessible part, I did not. We really enjoyed having the open space in the living area. But the bathroom was another story. Hubby had no trouble with it, but I was never able to shower successfully without getting water all over the floor. Most days I ended up putting down a blue pool towel instead of the bath mat. 
Also, perhaps because the ship is older, there was some not so pleasant smells in the room. There was an area by the side of the bed that I slept (near the night table) that smelled like my 8th grade classroom. There was also an area near the balcony that did not smell too fresh either. None of this seemed to bother Hubby. But for someone like myself, who is quite sensitive to smells, it did bother me all sailing. We did not say anything about it as we just chalked it up to being on an older ship. 

Final thoughts on room: 
I don’t think that I will book another suite GTY in the future, unless it’s a steal of a deal. Even then, I would have to give some serious thought to age of ship etc. 
As I already mentioned we ended up with a JS, which I expected. The accessible part, I did not. We really enjoyed having the open space in the living area. But the bathroom was another story. Hubby had no trouble with it, but I was never able to shower successfully without getting water all over the floor. Most days I ended up putting down a blue pool towel instead of the bath mat. 
Also, perhaps because the ship is older, there was some not so pleasant smells in the room. There was an area by the side of the bed that I slept (near the night table) that smelled like my 8th grade classroom. There was also an area near the balcony that did not smell too fresh either. None of this seemed to bother Hubby. But for someone like myself, who is quite sensitive to smells, it did bother me all sailing. We did not say anything about it as we just chalked it up to being on an older ship. 

Not bad at all! Room to curb 15 mins. Total time from room to airport…1 hour. Now sitting at our gate at FLL.

Final thoughts on room: 
I don’t think that I will book another suite GTY in the future, unless it’s a steal of a deal. Even then, I would have to give some serious thought to age of ship etc. 
As I already mentioned we ended up with a JS, which I expected. The accessible part, I did not. We really enjoyed having the open space in the living area. But the bathroom was another story. Hubby had no trouble with it, but I was never able to shower successfully without getting water all over the floor. Most days I ended up putting down a blue pool towel instead of the bath mat. 
Also, perhaps because the ship is older, there was some not so pleasant smells in the room. There was an area by the side of the bed that I slept (near the night table) that smelled like my 8th grade classroom. There was also an area near the balcony that did not smell too fresh either. None of this seemed to bother Hubby. But for someone like myself, who is quite sensitive to smells, it did bother me all sailing. We did not say anything about it as we just chalked it up to being on an older ship. 

Final thoughts on room: 
I don’t think that I will book another suite GTY in the future, unless it’s a steal of a deal. Even then, I would have to give some serious thought to age of ship etc. 
As I already mentioned we ended up with a JS, which I expected. The accessible part, I did not. We really enjoyed having the open space in the living area. But the bathroom was another story. Hubby had no trouble with it, but I was never able to shower successfully without getting water all over the floor. Most days I ended up putting down a blue pool towel instead of the bath mat. 
Also, perhaps because the ship is older, there was some not so pleasant smells in the room. There was an area by the side of the bed that I slept (near the night table) that smelled like my 8th grade classroom. There was also an area near the balcony that did not smell too fresh either. None of this seemed to bother Hubby. But for someone like myself, who is quite sensitive to smells, it did bother me all sailing. We did not say anything about it as we just chalked it up to being on an older ship. 

Not bad at all! Room to curb 15 mins. Total time from room to airport…1 hour. Now sitting at our gate at FLL.

Not bad at all! Room to curb 15 mins. Total time from room to airport…1 hour. Now sitting at our gate at FLL.

Final thoughts on room: 
I don’t think that I will book another suite GTY in the future, unless it’s a steal of a deal. Even then, I would have to give some serious thought to age of ship etc. 
As I already mentioned we ended up with a JS, which I expected. The accessible part, I did not. We really enjoyed having the open space in the living area. But the bathroom was another story. Hubby had no trouble with it, but I was never able to shower successfully without getting water all over the floor. Most days I ended up putting down a blue pool towel instead of the bath mat. 
Also, perhaps because the ship is older, there was some not so pleasant smells in the room. There was an area by the side of the bed that I slept (near the night table) that smelled like my 8th grade classroom. There was also an area near the balcony that did not smell too fresh either. None of this seemed to bother Hubby. But for someone like myself, who is quite sensitive to smells, it did bother me all sailing. We did not say anything about it as we just chalked it up to being on an older ship.