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First Time Star Class!!!


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So Final payments for the cruise were due on 08/04...… All paid up, looking forward to November.  Hopefully they will announce the additional entertainment that will be on board during this cruising.  I think I have come to the resolve that I will try and avoid the MDR for the entire cruise....and maybe even Windjammer too...….    Want to make sure I put that unlimited specialty restaurants to the test!!!!   :11_blush::11_blush:    Definitely scouting out Izumi for Sushi, Hooked a few times, Chops, etc!!

An aside question, I know that people with they Key can have a special lunch in Chops during embarkation day, can Star Class get in as well, or is it not even worth the hassle of trying to get in with the number of Key guest that are trying to get in for lunch?

@Lovetocruise2002 In your opinion is CK the better option for lunch on embarkation day?  I know it is one of your favs!

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Hmm...lunch at CK on embarkation day would not be my first choice with star class. It would definitely be an option but their lunch menu is not too outstanding. It’s still good but nothing special. 

We did Sabor. That helped us to avoid the Key crowd at Jamie’s and Chops. There are other star class cruisers who swear by having the Genie set up a spread and they have lunch in their suites or balconies. Those are some other options for you to consider. 

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We have done Sabor and Chops for lunch on embarkation day when we were SC.  Bottom line - your Genie will make it happen no matter what you choose.

I agree with Sabrina that lunch in CK is the least appealing meal but it’s not a bad choice.  Chops used to be our go-to embarkation lunch but on our last SC Cruise (Anthem) it was less than exclusive with all the Key folks.  I will say, though, that with the Genie taking you there, personally, the staff immediately takes special notice and our service was impeccable. We were given the full lunch menu (as opposed to the more limited Key menu).

If you’re looking for something more fun and playful, Sabor is a good option but I find the food at the outside Sabor to be waaay below the quality of the full service Sabor.  I’m not a sports bar kinda gal so I would probably avoid Playmakers but that’s a personal thing. 

There’s always the option of having lunch delivered to your suite. I always really enjoy just getting to my suite and relaxing and enjoying it. The only limitation to this option, really, is if you want to booze it up. That’s not going to happen in your suite unless you plan on guzzling beer.

...and that reminds me of something. If you want COLD beer (or sodas or your champagne) waiting for you when you arrive, make sure to have the Genie instruct the room attendant to have your drinks on ice well before you arrive. This one of the few consistently disappointing things I have encountered when sailing SC. Sure, they put a few beers in the fridge but that fridge is no better than any of the other fridges on the ship.  It does NOT keep drinks cold.  Chilled, at best. So make a special point that you expect your drinks to be cold WHEN YOU ARRIVE...not 2 hours later. ...and if you’re going to be doing a lot of cold beverage drinking throughout the cruise OR if you’re going to be hosting a party at some point, tell the Genie that you want an ice chest to keep in your suite for the entire cruise. That is really the only way to make sure that you always have cold drinks on hand.  There will be tons of cans and bottles of drinks in your suite - all lined up on top of the counter hotter’n h.e double hockey sticks.  They will do this for you but you have to ask and verify (with the Genie) before you board. 

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20 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Hmm...lunch at CK on embarkation day would not be my first choice with star class. It would definitely be an option but their lunch menu is not too outstanding. It’s still good but nothing special. 

OK.  I think Ive only been there maybe once or twice for lunches, but never on embarkation day.  Never actually been to Sabor, may have to check that out.  I did want to try a couple other places for lunches, but I saw that a few weren't open on embarkation day.

20 hours ago, CGTLH said:

When I was on Symphony our official first Star class meal was at Playmakers. Having wings and a burger was a great kick off to a cruise.

I was actually thinking to do Playmakers on Sunday (Day 2) to catch the football games etc.  (And its the first sea day)

8 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I agree with Sabrina that lunch in CK is the least appealing meal but it’s not a bad choice.  Chops used to be our go-to embarkation lunch but on our last SC Cruise (Anthem) it was less than exclusive with all the Key folks.  I will say, though, that with the Genie taking you there, personally, the staff immediately takes special notice and our service was impeccable. We were given the full lunch menu (as opposed to the more limited Key menu).

This one of the few consistently disappointing things I have encountered when sailing SC. Sure, they put a few beers in the fridge but that fridge is no better than any of the other fridges on the ship.  It does NOT keep drinks cold.  Chilled, at best. So make a special point that you expect your drinks to be cold WHEN YOU ARRIVE...not 2 hours later.

Chops may be what I end up going with.  Some family members are going to get the key, so this will at least be one meal that we can have together, as Im going to try to avoid the MDR. 

I definitely have to make sure I mention the ice.  Thank you.  Didn't even think about that, especially since they would have just put it in there not long before. Im really big on water more than anything, so I have to make sure I have plenty of that in the room, too bad its only Evian :37_disappointed:

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44 minutes ago, CGTLH said:

No Sabor on Symphony 

Yes. My bad. I thought @SuperNinja was going on HM but then read the original post over again and it turns out @SuperNinja went on HM and is going on SY.

So yes, Sabor not an option. Seeing that it is SY, I would go with what @CGTLH is saying with Playmakers or like @WAAAYTOOO is saying, have your Genie walk you to Chops or Jamie’s, if both are open for lunch on embarkation day.  Or like I said before, I know several star class cruisers who have food waiting in their cabins to avoid the madness (eg. sandwiches from park cafe, fresh fruit, cheese, etc.).  Or try out CK.  We did CK on embarkation day on SY last week. It was nice and quiet there. Food was good. But SY does not rotate their lunch menu halfway through like other ships so we never went back for lunch. 

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  • 2 weeks later...
On ‎8‎/‎8‎/‎2019 at 10:31 PM, Lovetocruise2002 said:

  Or try out CK.  We did CK on embarkation day on SY last week. It was nice and quiet there. Food was good. But SY does not rotate their lunch menu halfway through like other ships so we never went back for lunch. 

That would be my only hesitation, being on 17 and CK being so convenient, that I get tired of the menu.  I am thinking more of a Playmakers as an option for the first day.  I have seen a couple blogs that for the Key Guests now everything is in the MDR but with the Chops Menu.  Is this more because they are allowing more people to participate or they are just changing the venue to keep the specialty restaurant where people with the UDP or Star Class can go and still have seating?

Also, the idea of having food in the room crossed my mind as well.  I saw a couple pics of someone who had a whole seafood spread (I'm a major seafood lover btw) in their room for embarkation day.  How hard would that be to accomplish being that on SY Hooked is not open for lunch that day only dinner?   ( @Lovetocruise2002  Im sure Im really over thinking this...….sorry!)

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7 minutes ago, SuperNinja said:

That would be my only hesitation, being on 17 and CK being so convenient, that I get tired of the menu.  I am thinking more of a Playmakers as an option for the first day.  I have seen a couple blogs that for the Key Guests now everything is in the MDR but with the Chops Menu.  Is this more because they are allowing more people to participate or they are just changing the venue to keep the specialty restaurant where people with the UDP or Star Class can go and still have seating?

Also, the idea of having food in the room crossed my mind as well.  I saw a couple pics of someone who had a whole seafood spread (I'm a major seafood lover btw) in their room for embarkation day.  How hard would that be to accomplish being that on SY Hooked is not open for lunch that day only dinner?   ( @Lovetocruise2002  Im sure Im really over thinking this...….sorry!)

Personally I would do Playmakers for embarkation day. That is already my plan for my next Star class cruise (assuming Hubby says ok cause he doesn’t know yet ?).

Anyway, food in the room while a restaurant isn’t open is an interesting subject. I have learned first hand and through discussions that your mileage is really going to vary here by ship and by the specific genie.  

Basically, the “correct” answer is that if the restaurant isn’t open, they cannot deliver it.

That being said, if you give your genie advance notice they “could” make a special request to food and beverage to have it done. From what I know though, this is not an easy request if the restaurant is closed. There are certain food and safety guidelines that they have to adhere to. So can it be done, yes. Do they like to do it? I don’t think so.

After I found this out first hand, I told myself that I did not want to put a genie out like that again since embarkation day is stressful enough for them. Some might disagree with me. That is sort of where I fall on that issue. 

If you are ordering from an open restaurant or off the room service menu then it shouldn’t be a problem. 

And you are not overthinking. ? You are excited. Star class is awesome! Take advantage of it.

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We sailed star on Anthem trice this year....we must be weird...we like CK lunch ?  It's light, its very different than what we normally eat so it makes for a very straight forward "BOOM, we are on vacation and eating differently" transition.  Otherwise....it would be onion rings and burgers from Rockets every day of the cruise for the kids and nothing for me since I don't normally eat lunch.

 

 

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32 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Personally I would do Playmakers for embarkation day. That is already my plan for my next Star class cruise (assuming Hubby says ok cause he doesn’t know yet ?).

After I found this out first hand, I told myself that I did not want to put a genie out like that again since embarkation day is stressful enough for them. Some might disagree with me. That is sort of where I fall on that issue. 

If you are ordering from an open restaurant or off the room service menu then it shouldn’t be a problem. 

And you are not overthinking. ? You are excited. Star class is awesome! Take advantage of it.

Ok.  Sounds like a plan.  Playmakers it will be.  Should be a few college games on as well, so that may be even better. 

I agree, I am not trying to make the job of the Genie any more stressful that I'm sure it already is.  I will leave the load of ordering for the next couple of sea days (I plan to take full advantage of the covered a la carte menus as well....lol)

I am.  First Star Class...… Cant wait for the one that follows, and really looking forward to hopefully doing the Oasis 5 Transatlantic.   Want to try and circle back to Oasis and Allure also since they are revamping and adding a couple restaurants on those too, but have to see where they can fit.....  Have to catch the right deal. 

On a side note, I saw on the FB group someone mentioned they had $2,600 in OBC through Royal and then transferring to Priceline...… Have you/anyone ever done something like this?  I impressed myself when I had $400, but when I read $2,600...…….:51_scream::51_scream: 

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22 minutes ago, dodgestang said:

We sailed star on Anthem trice this year....we must be weird...we like CK lunch ?  It's light, its very different than what we normally eat so it makes for a very straight forward "BOOM, we are on vacation and eating differently" transition.  Otherwise....it would be onion rings and burgers from Rockets every day of the cruise for the kids and nothing for me since I don't normally eat lunch.

If I was Star on Anthem, and I wanted to avoid the crowd of Key guests on embarkation day, I would also probably choose CK for lunch.  Oasis class has other options that Anthem doesn't and I would not as likely choose CK.

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29 minutes ago, dodgestang said:

We sailed star on Anthem trice this year....we must be weird...we like CK lunch ?  It's light, its very different than what we normally eat so it makes for a very straight forward "BOOM, we are on vacation and eating differently" transition.  Otherwise....it would be onion rings and burgers from Rockets every day of the cruise for the kids and nothing for me since I don't normally eat lunch.

 

 

When I was Sky class on Harmony, I did CK for lunch on most days (Just to avoid the chaos in Windjammer) and while I agree the lunch was absolutely delicious with the "status" cruisers of the 50th BDay and Presidents Cruise together, Im sure it will be saturated with the Higher tiers (which I am not...…..yet!!) …. and while I would love to be able to say I have the patience to sift through all of the people...….I know I don't.....:60_sweat::60_sweat:

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2 minutes ago, SuperNinja said:

Want to try and circle back to Oasis and Allure also since they are revamping and adding a couple restaurants on those too, but have to see where they can fit.....  Have to catch the right deal. 

That is exactly where we are at now after having done all the Oasis class ships.  Circling back to Oasis in March to where it all began.  Can't wait!

3 minutes ago, SuperNinja said:

On a side note, I saw on the FB group someone mentioned they had $2,600 in OBC through Royal and then transferring to Priceline...… Have you/anyone ever done something like this?  I impressed myself when I had $400, but when I read $2,600...…….:51_scream::51_scream: 

I have learned over the years that "Deals" can vary greatly by agency.  If I am thinking of the correct post, didn't some of that come through the Casino or their Royal Visa or something like that?  I don't think that is all through an agent.  And no, I have never booked a cruise with Priceline or any of the big box online agencies.  Costco is the only one that I have been "tempted by" but never ended up doing it. 

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2 hours ago, SuperNinja said:

I saw a couple pics of someone who had a whole seafood spread (I'm a major seafood lover btw) in their room for embarkation day.  How hard would that be to accomplish being that on SY Hooked is not open for lunch that day only dinner?

Might be on the difficult side. One major disappointment with Symphony is Chops doesn't offer the seafood tower.

Will say the grilled shrimp from Hooked were a great evening snack after a show.

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  • 3 weeks later...

A New question that I have based on some of the comments that I have read from others.  Is it true that they are limiting the number of appetizers or entrees that you order from a specialty restaurant at one time?  For example, I have looked at 150 Central Parks new menu, and there are several things on there that I definitely want to try.  In the past, I know I had no issue getting multiple entrees  (it wasn't from a specialty restaurant, likewise I wasn't star class) But just looking for some insight.

**Side note...…….Its getting closer!!…  2 months away and counting!!!!***

 

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1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I am pretty sure for star class that limit does not apply. I have not heard any recent reports from star class cruisers that there was a limit. Only reports of food coma. 

We are going on the Quantum of the Seas sailing from Singapore. Grand Loft SC I believe. Do you have an insight?

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2 minutes ago, Territata said:

We are going on the Quantum of the Seas sailing from Singapore. Grand Loft SC I believe. Do you have an insight?

I have not had the pleasure to sail star class ships on Quantum class ships. However, @TheHobbys did a very entertaining blog on his sailing on Anthem.

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/12964-anthem-of-the-seas-june-6-9-night-bermuda-ol-8720-sc/

Also going to tag @WAAAYTOOO, @CGTLH, @AshleyDillo, and @betatke1480 because they have all done star class on Anthem. 

I tried to cover as much of star class as I could on Harmony in my blog. The link is in my signature or I can post it for you if you cannot find it. All my other star class bookings are on OA class ships.

I feel that Star class on Quantum class is great for activities such as the bumper cars, iFly, North Star. Where it is lacking just slightly is the specialty dining because there are not as many options. 

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I agree with Lovetocruise2002.  The activities where Star Class gives you priority are awesome on the Q Class ships.  The only major restaurant that is missing on Q Class is 150 Central Park but I did miss it on Anthem.  One big drawback on the Q Class is that all of the SC suites are a long walk aft.  I missed deck 17 when I was on Anthem.  The Coastal Kitchen on Anthem is far less impressive than on the O class ships but the food was just as good.  Of course, the Q Class ships do not have a Suites Lounge at all and that’s a big negative.

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I agree with what's been said.  With all of the activities, Star Class was a huge plus for us on Anthem.  Not having to wait in lines for bumper cars, or being able to get right in to the shows was fantastic.  I also agree that it was quite a long walk back to the aft of the ship every time to go to our room, and I missed the atmosphere of the O class ships. 

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On 9/3/2019 at 8:48 PM, Territata said:

Will be First time Royal cruiser. We are DCL devotees. Love love all your blogs. Can't wait for our cruise. In Jan 2021???

Being in central Florida we were sailing DCL for many years and tried the Oasis a little while back.  Pleasantly surprised and then just did our first Star class late May in a Grand Loft Suite on Ovation.  Just guessing, but I’m willing to bet that you will find things are pretty similar in many ways.  Star class really is a great experience and with access to all the activities the ship has to offer you should have a great time.  

If you have any specifics comparing the two lines, contrasting DCL’s concierge vs Star class message me or post here.  There are pluses and minuses to every ship but for us the Quantuum class was a really nice balance of everything.

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6 minutes ago, SuperNinja said:

So I am about 52 Days out and I still haven't heard anything from anyone as of yet.  Not sure if I have high expectations or more excitement to get this process started...….. but I guess I will continue to wait :37_disappointed:

You'll probably get your survey any day now.  Make sure you check your junk mail folder because sometimes it goes there.  Also, it will likely go to the email of the primary person on the reservation.

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We have done Star Class and found that whole ship opens up to you in a special way.....in a way it is like you do have the keys to the castle. It is in a cruise within a cruise. Our Genie was fantastic the way he anticipated our needs and kept track/planned what we wanted to do on a daily basis. He just made everything simple and easy for us to navigate our trip. He escorted us off the ship through customs and literally opened the door to our cab on debarkation day.

 

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46 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

You'll probably get your survey any day now.  Make sure you check your junk mail folder because sometimes it goes there.  Also, it will likely go to the email of the primary person on the reservation.

Hopefully it doesn't end up going in my junk folder.  I usually clear it weekly and every week I end up with hundreds that I just hit empty on.   Fingers crossed it will come soon.

 

26 minutes ago, Wendylee said:

We have done Star Class and found that whole ship opens up to you in a special way.....in a way it is like you do have the keys to the castle. It is in a cruise within a cruise. Our Genie was fantastic the way he anticipated our needs and kept track/planned what we wanted to do on a daily basis. He just made everything simple and easy for us to navigate our trip. He escorted us off the ship through customs and literally opened the door to our cab on debarkation day.

 

I cannot wait !!!.   From all of the various blogs that I have read about it, it seems like such a great experience. 

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On 9/3/2019 at 6:27 PM, WAAAYTOOO said:

I agree with Lovetocruise2002.  The activities where Star Class gives you priority are awesome on the Q Class ships.  The only major restaurant that is missing on Q Class is 150 Central Park but I did miss it on Anthem.  One big drawback on the Q Class is that all of the SC suites are a long walk aft.  I missed deck 17 when I was on Anthem.  The Coastal Kitchen on Anthem is far less impressive than on the O class ships but the food was just as good.  Of course, the Q Class ships do not have a Suites Lounge at all and that’s a big negative.

Really?   We went to the suite lounge every afternoon on Anthem this summer.  It was all the way aft with spectacular views off the back of the ship.  Cocktails and snacks and some quiet time before dinner were heaven.   I can’t remember which deck it was on.  And I thought the food and service in Anthem’s cc was head and shoulders above Oasis.  It was spectacular.  

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1 hour ago, SuperNinja said:

I finally Received the Initial survey today!!!!   Its getting closer!!   I only wish there was a way to actually print it instead of having to strictly do it online in one session...….. any tips??

We typed our answers in Word and then copied it into the survey. That way I still retained a copy of our answers.

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  • 3 weeks later...
1 hour ago, SuperNinja said:

ITS STARTING TO GET REAL NOW!!!     So today I received the email from the Genie.   We will have Sunil as our genie for the trip.  Any thoughts, concerns etc that I should be aware of, or expectations that I should have??

Sunil is awesome!  We have didn’t have him as our genie but I have heard nothing but the best about him. In July, on Symphony, we met him, we were just Sky that sailing and he always made time to say hi and check in on us. Totally uncalled for but it spoke volumes of his character when he did that. I think you are in great hands. He is such a personable guy. 

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On 10/4/2019 at 7:20 PM, SuperNinja said:

ITS STARTING TO GET REAL NOW!!!     So today I received the email from the Genie.   We will have Sunil as our genie for the trip.  Any thoughts, concerns etc that I should be aware of, or expectations that I should have??

I have Sunil as my royal genie next week October 12 sailing. His pre-cruise communications are almost non-existent so don’t expect to get much planned with him before boarding. I’ll let you know how he is when we board. 

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Now that I know who the Genie is going to be, when do we start making plans for the various restaurants that we want to go to (whether for lunch or dinner), the items we would like to have in the room, etc?

20 hours ago, Royalnewbie96 said:

I have Sunil as my royal genie next week October 12 sailing. His pre-cruise communications are almost non-existent so don’t expect to get much planned with him before boarding. I’ll let you know how he is when we board. 

Perfect thank you.  Enjoy your cruise!!!  Hopefully his on-board communication and service makes up for any lack prior.

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1 minute ago, SuperNinja said:

Now that I know who the Genie is going to be, when do we start making plans for the various restaurants that we want to go to (whether for lunch or dinner), the items we would like to have in the room, etc?

 

We are 6 days out and he has planned nothing. Or at lease hasn’t communicated those plans or asked us any questions or confirmed any requests except for one for me. 

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