Pookie Posted October 15, 2019 Report Posted October 15, 2019 In early 2018, while on Adventure of the Seas partaking in a few adult beverages, the hubster (who I affectionately call Yummy) and I booked our upcoming cruise in February with Next Cruise. Typically, we book suites of one sort or another. This time, in our "happy & relaxed" state, we chose an Aqua Theater Suite on Oasis of Seas, (choking somewhat on the cost!) as a surprise for our daughter for her graduation from high school. (This will be her first cruise). At that time, perks were mentioned, but as the cruise was two years out, we did not remember what was said. (We claim to this day it was not the fault of our refreshments.) We are almost down to the ninety day mark and we've been reading/watching videos for every scrap of information we can find about Star Class/Royal Genies. The Live Blogs are a particular favorite. We have combed social media for pics of the drydock process. Our excitement knows no bounds and we are like little kids who have had too much candy! I have a tote started with items to go, computer lists... we have vowed to not OVERPACK. We have vowed to be ORGANIZED for our Genie so he/she will not have to struggle with what we hope to achieve. I hope to Live Blog and will probably start out doing so. After the first day...who knows... I sent this GIF to my daughter this morning with the fact that there will be less than 60 Star Class passengers on board: We would never act this way, but I do wonder if we will feel this way....BAHAHAHA I would like to thank @WAAAYTOOO, @SweetPea and @Lovetocruise2002 for all the great information they have provided! I hope to provide an account of what our experiences are for future Star Class cruisers. Pookie (Yummy's pet name for me.) . Lovetocruise2002, Matt, ANGELA ROMAN and 2 others 3 2 Quote
Queenbeecruises Posted October 15, 2019 Report Posted October 15, 2019 Yay!!! We are on our very first Star class cruise on the SOTS in the Villa. I currently have a live blog going if you want to follow along. We only have 47 more days of waiting!!! When is your cruise @Pookie? Love the gif by the way!!! ANGELA ROMAN 1 Quote
Pookie Posted October 15, 2019 Author Report Posted October 15, 2019 Yes! I will follow along! Our cruise is Feb 9th... Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted October 15, 2019 Report Posted October 15, 2019 I'll be following too this time as I will be on Oasis in the month after you in an Aqua Theater suite! Which one do you have, curious. We are on Deck 9. ANGELA ROMAN 1 Quote
Pookie Posted October 15, 2019 Author Report Posted October 15, 2019 We are on deck nine also, port side. Quote
Pookie Posted October 15, 2019 Author Report Posted October 15, 2019 Regarding the information of all the sources I have found, there appears to be varying accounts of what and what is not included with Star Class. For instance, I booked and prepaid for the sushi making class and also the behind the scenes tour. I'm wondering if I made an error in doing so. We also thought we would make our dinner reservations, but the cruise planner wants to charge us. This resulted in me calling RCCL and being told to go ahead and book, they will refund once on board. I had a feeling I would end up with a bunch of onboard credit if I booked the restaurants. Definitely didn't want that... Common sense says RCCL should have code written in to link cabin type with the cruise planner, and would open up a whole other conversation about their horrible website... ANGELA ROMAN 1 Quote
betatke1480 Posted October 15, 2019 Report Posted October 15, 2019 I wouldn’t book anything. The genie will handle it all for you. We are on Oasis in Star Class next February also. The genie will handle all of your entertainment and dining. It’s tough to let go of the planning for some people, myself included, but’s that’s part of what we pay for! Pookie 1 Quote
AshleyDillo Posted October 15, 2019 Report Posted October 15, 2019 43 minutes ago, Pookie said: I had a feeling I would end up with a bunch of onboard credit if I booked the restaurants. Haha yep. Same with the activities that you booked. The Genie will take care of refunding you for all of that if you don't go ahead and cancel before the Cruise Planner closes. You make sure to tell the Genie that you are interested in the classes and they will definitely offer you the behind the scenes ship tour as well. Pookie 1 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted October 15, 2019 Report Posted October 15, 2019 I would only pre-book two things: Cabana on Coco Cay and Shore Excursions. All else, let the Genie do it. The sushi making and cupcake classes are included. Same with the Escape room and the behind the scenes tour and the bridge tour. Wait for your Genie. The money is better in your account than Royal's. Does not make sense to book it first. And @Pookie, I think we have the same cabin! SweetPea, Pookie and S0nny 3 Quote
GregD Posted October 15, 2019 Report Posted October 15, 2019 2 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: And @Pookie, I think we have the same cabin! Try not to wreck the place. I’ll be in that same cabin in February ’21! mworkman and Pookie 1 1 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted October 15, 2019 Report Posted October 15, 2019 1 minute ago, emsff02 said: Try not to wreck the place. I’ll be in that same cabin in February ’21! False alarm, I'm starboard side. Got that one mixed up with the one the year after on Allure. Quote
GregD Posted October 15, 2019 Report Posted October 15, 2019 Just now, Lovetocruise2002 said: False alarm, I'm starboard side. Got that one mixed up with the one the year after on Allure. Phew, that was a close one. I know you guys are party animals Lovetocruise2002 and JLMoran 2 Quote
WAAAYTOOO Posted October 15, 2019 Report Posted October 15, 2019 I guess maybe I will be next “up”. We are in the Grand Panoramic Suite on Oasis Dec 1. We have already received our [useless] questionnaire but have not yet heard from our Genie. I am a terrible live blogger b/c I don’t take pictures and I only have an iPad so I try and minimize the narratives (to everyone’s relief, I’m sure). Since it seems that we will be the first to experience the newly amped Oasis is SC, I will make more of an effort than I have in the past. So excited for you, Pookie (I love both your names !). The first SC is so amazing. Just wait until you do your first B2B SC. Then you will really understand decadence ! betatke1480, SweetPea, JLMoran and 1 other 4 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted October 15, 2019 Report Posted October 15, 2019 @WAAAYTOOO the one thing I am curious about is if they updated the rooms and furniture in the star class suites. If you could check on the ATS, it would be much appreciated. Pookie 1 Quote
CGTLH Posted October 15, 2019 Report Posted October 15, 2019 56 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: behind the scenes tour For one bit of clarification. This would be a back stage tour. Don't confuse it with the All Access Ship tour. Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote
WAAAYTOOO Posted October 16, 2019 Report Posted October 16, 2019 4 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: @WAAAYTOOO the one thing I am curious about is if they updated the rooms and furniture in the star class suites. If you could check on the ATS, it would be much appreciated. I don’t know that I will have the opportunity to see any of the ATS but if I do, I will let you know. I can certainly ask. Lovetocruise2002 and Pookie 2 Quote
mathbees Posted October 16, 2019 Report Posted October 16, 2019 We did an aquatheater last summer. Yes, we felt a little awkward, at times, with some of the bourgeois perks. One example: we went to the Izumi Hibachi (like a Benihana). When they served water, everyone else at the table got tap water, but they made a big deal about giving us bottled water. Also, the daily (hourly?) gifts the genie gave us was way over the top: chocolate covered strawberries, milk shakes, etc. Once the genie found out which drinks we liked, what snacks, etc. we were constantly finding them in our room. If we do a star class again, we will definitely curtail some of the benefits. We're simple people who like to be spoiled just a little... Big Tule and Pookie 2 Quote
Pookie Posted October 18, 2019 Author Report Posted October 18, 2019 The Yumster and I spend a lot of time laughing and being absurd. I found a copy of the initial questionaire and typed it into a document to compile our answers at our leisure. Added bonus, it draws out the excitement of the cruise, because as we all know, you board the ship and it seems like you blink your eyes and you are already disembarking. To the question, "If you could invite 3 people-famous or infamous—throughout history for a dinner party, who would you invite?" My answers (and I know they really don't mean anything, but it is fun to think about...): Lucille Ball for laughs. Leonardo DaVinci for intellectual thoughts. Tom Selleck for eye candy. What are some of your dinner guest picks? S0nny, usctiffany and SweetPea 3 Quote
S0nny Posted October 19, 2019 Report Posted October 19, 2019 Nikola Tesla (for the conversations) Lady Gaga (For the entertainment) And Jake Gyllenhall (because he looks like a super fun dude) Pookie 1 Quote
Pookie Posted October 19, 2019 Author Report Posted October 19, 2019 @S0nny Tesla was on my short list, but didn’t make the top 3. My daughter however picked him, Elon Musk and Post Malone. The hubster is still thinking about his. We are definitely nerds...LOL S0nny 1 Quote
Bob_KY Posted October 19, 2019 Report Posted October 19, 2019 Will the Cococay Beach Club be open for your cruise? Quote
Pookie Posted October 20, 2019 Author Report Posted October 20, 2019 I believe it opens at the end of January. However we are on the Western Carribean run for our cruise.... Quote
Pookie Posted October 26, 2019 Author Report Posted October 26, 2019 I have a question about the shower in the master bathroom in an Aqua Theater Suite. I saw a comment on a YouTube video that the height in there was only about 6 feet. This is concerning as I am 5’9” and the Yumster is 6’7”...can anyone confirm? Quote
WAAAYTOOO Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 Yes, those “converted” ATS do have lower overhead clearance than normal. Neither of us had any issues but at 6’7” I think your husband might. I think you’ll be fine. Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 1 hour ago, WAAAYTOOO said: Yes, those “converted” ATS Raye, what do you mean by "converted"? They were once not aqua theater suites? Quote
WAAAYTOOO Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 Oops. I made a mistake. Sorry. Pookie, those 2 BR ATS are original so there’s no particular issue with low ceilings. It’s the 1BR ATS that were added later. Sorry for the bogus information. Didn’t mean to cause stress where there shouldn’t be any ! I guess at 6’7” there’s always a possibility that he might have clearance issues but none that are caused by adding a room that was something else before. Thanks, Sabrina ! Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 7 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said: Sorry for the bogus information. I wouldn't say it's bogus information. I seem to recall some YouTube videos and blogs where people said the shower was low for taller people. I never paid it much attention since none of us are over 6 feet tall. I've only ever been in the 2BDR ATS on Harmony, so I don't know about Oasis and Allure... WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote
Michelle6213 Posted November 18, 2019 Report Posted November 18, 2019 We are in a 2 bed ATS on the Oasis in January. Are the different classes/activities included? Meaning, sushi making, cupcake decorating, mixology? I wish there was somewhere that described in detail all the benefits of Star Class other than the generic listing on their website. Quote
Levi Posted November 18, 2019 Report Posted November 18, 2019 The classes and activities are not included and are an additional charge. Is this the generic' listing you're referring to? I think it spells out the perks and amenities nicely. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-are-the-benefits-of-the-suites-program Quote
Michelle6213 Posted November 18, 2019 Report Posted November 18, 2019 On 10/15/2019 at 10:09 AM, Pookie said: In early 2018, while on Adventure of the Seas partaking in a few adult beverages, the hubster (who I affectionately call Yummy) and I booked our upcoming cruise in February with Next Cruise. Typically, we book suites of one sort or another. This time, in our "happy & relaxed" state, we chose an Aqua Theater Suite on Oasis of Seas, (choking somewhat on the cost!) as a surprise for our daughter for her graduation from high school. (This will be her first cruise). At that time, perks were mentioned, but as the cruise was two years out, we did not remember what was said. (We claim to this day it was not the fault of our refreshments.) We are almost down to the ninety day mark and we've been reading/watching videos for every scrap of information we can find about Star Class/Royal Genies. The Live Blogs are a particular favorite. We have combed social media for pics of the drydock process. Our excitement knows no bounds and we are like little kids who have had too much candy! I have a tote started with items to go, computer lists... we have vowed to not OVERPACK. We have vowed to be ORGANIZED for our Genie so he/she will not have to struggle with what we hope to achieve. I hope to Live Blog and will probably start out doing so. After the first day...who knows... I sent this GIF to my daughter this morning with the fact that there will be less than 60 Star Class passengers on board: We would never act this way, but I do wonder if we will feel this way....BAHAHAHA I would like to thank @WAAAYTOOO, @SweetPea and @Lovetocruise2002 for all the great information they have provided! I hope to provide an account of what our experiences are for future Star Class cruisers. Pookie (Yummy's pet name for me.) . I had to laugh at your description of how you ended up booking your suite. We ended up with ours under the same circumstances. After free flowing cocktails in the concierge lounge on the Allure we thought it would be a great idea to book our ATS and take our 4 - early 20ish kids as an xmas gift. Pookie 1 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted November 18, 2019 Report Posted November 18, 2019 6 minutes ago, Michelle6213 said: We are in a 2 bed ATS on the Oasis in January. Are the different classes/activities included? Meaning, sushi making, cupcake decorating, mixology? I wish there was somewhere that described in detail all the benefits of Star Class other than the generic listing on their website. Yes, typically the sushi and cupcake classes are included. As are the Bridge and Galley tours and also the Escape room. Any classes involving alcohol is usually an additional charge. I took pics of all the star class literature in this blog: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/10695-“i-dream-of-genie”-–-star-class-harmony-of-the-seas-–-031019-031719/ Pookie and Michelle6213 1 1 Quote
basil Posted November 18, 2019 Report Posted November 18, 2019 On 10/15/2019 at 11:16 AM, Queenbeecruises said: Yay!!! We are on our very first Star class cruise on the SOTS in the Villa. I currently have a live blog going if you want to follow along. We only have 47 more days of waiting!!! When is your cruise @Pookie? Love the gif by the way!!! I will follow your blog. We are doing the villa on SOTS in April, so all information from you will be awsome and very helpful. This will be our first star class. I am afraid once I go down that path, I wont want anything else Pookie and Lovetocruise2002 1 1 Quote
WAAAYTOOO Posted November 18, 2019 Report Posted November 18, 2019 4 minutes ago, basil said: I am afraid once I go down that path, I wont want anything else Be afraid. Be very afraid mworkman, Lovetocruise2002, Neesa and 1 other 1 3 Quote
Lovetocruise2002 Posted November 19, 2019 Report Posted November 19, 2019 45 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said: Be afraid. Be very afraid Truth!! Hubby just said to me that the whole “let’s try it once” thing was a scam! Pookie, usctiffany and WAAAYTOOO 1 2 Quote
GregD Posted November 19, 2019 Report Posted November 19, 2019 18 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Truth!! Hubby just said to me that the whole “let’s try it once” thing was a scam! I feel like I am about to be scammed by the wife too. Lovetocruise2002 and Pookie 2 Quote
GregD Posted November 19, 2019 Report Posted November 19, 2019 So this conversation just happened......I’m doomedd WAAAYTOOO, ellcee, RWDW1204 and 2 others 4 1 Quote
Pookie Posted November 19, 2019 Author Report Posted November 19, 2019 The pre-planning continues.... An in depth discussion with our 17 year old daughter about the paper straws on board resulted in ordering these: We couldn't imagine trying to swill down a Johnny Rockets malt with any sort of decorum using a soggy paper straw... Quote
Pookie Posted December 10, 2019 Author Report Posted December 10, 2019 Received our Genie questionnaire today! 60 days out, excitement is a brewing...next step Genie roulette...who will it be? GlassSlipper, WAAAYTOOO and Lovetocruise2002 1 2 Quote
GlassSlipper Posted December 10, 2019 Report Posted December 10, 2019 We are on Deck 9 ATS too on Oasis in April. Can’t wait for your review and picture! Quote
Pookie Posted December 10, 2019 Author Report Posted December 10, 2019 I take pictures of everything so it will definitely be a visual blog... RWDW1204, PSUMatt and GlassSlipper 1 2 Quote
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