Symphony of the Seas - 5/14/22. First time star class UPDATE - 14 days to go! 🚢🚢🚢 be

[Ferramc]

So, I’ve been anxiously waiting for this one year countdown to begin!  We were supposed to be cruising star class last year, but then this wretched little bug started going around.......

As one who looks for silver linings, I will say that I got a better cabin (4 bedroom villa) at an even better price for this cruise than I had for the cancelled one!  And there will be much more room for all of us (we went from 5 to 7 travelers since we had the extra bedrooms)!  But I’m really hoping that roominess in no longer an issue and that the term social distancing is a very distant memory by then  

So, here’s to the countdown!  May the days go fast and the ridiculously out of touch CDC go ....... well, I really don’t care where they go as long as they let cruising resume! 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[AlmondFarmer]

I’m using this room January 22, 2022. 8 adults. I may post some experiences.

Great work getting this room. Make the most of it 

[AshleyDillo]

I have this room January 16, 2022 but on Harmony!  Can't wait to be able to compare our experiences!

[JLMoran]

@Matt, @Lovetocruise2002 – You are no longer the gold medal holders for furthest-out live blog kickoff.

[Ferramc]

Just a small update ..... we booked the Coco Cay overwater cabana!  It will definitely be an extravagance, but with 7 adults chipping in we figured it would be worth it!  

I know we’re a long way off, so I’ll keep checking the price to see if it goes down. 

[JLMoran]

Congrats on the cabana. Definitely the right call to get it now, prices on those tend to only go upward the closer it gets to cruise day.

[Ferramc]

Only 10 months to go!  It may sound crazy but we’re already talking about the food we’re going to eat.  I’ve been sharing stories and pictures with my family from this site - it has the most amazing info thanks to so many bloggers.  Now my family is anxiously anticipating the often referenced ‘food coma’ .  You are all greatly  appreciated.
 
 

[UDPrincess]

We have this room in June! We will have 7 adults and 5 kids.  I have never sailed RC before, so it is all new!  When can you book excursions? 

[AlmondFarmer]

32 minutes ago, UDPrincess said:

When can you book excursions? 

Likely now if you have/create an account with Royal Caribbean and add your sailing. I use website but understand Royal Application works too.

12 passengers will be a good test for the Villa.

I purchased a cabana on Coco Cay. Having 8 adults in room with drink package made purchase an easy decision. 

[starbrat]

14 hours ago, AlmondFarmer said:

Likely now if you have/create an account with Royal Caribbean and add your sailing. I use website but understand Royal Application works too.

I thought the geni books excursions? Should I be booking things? Our Star Class Cruise is in April. I want an over water cabana

[WAAAYTOOO]

2 hours ago, starbrat said:

I thought the geni books excursions? Should I be booking things? Our Star Class Cruise is in April. I want an over water cabana

As a rule, the Genies do not get involved in excursions UNLESS they are something like the Private Journeys.  Are you going to Labadee or PDCC ?  If you are going to Labadee, then you will HAVE to wait until the Genie contacts you as the Barefoot Beach cabanas are not "For sale" on the Cruise planner.  If you are going to PDCC and you want one of the floating cabanas, I definitely recommend that you go ahead and reserve one now.  While the Genies have influence over the cabanas on Labadee, they do NOT have influence over the cabanas on PDCC.  Could the Genie reserve a float cabana at PDCC ?  Sure, but for that to happen you must wait until the Genie contacts you (30 days out ?) and by then, all of the floating cabanas COULD be gone (most likely not, but you never know !).

So - Labadee - wait for the Genie.  PDCC - reserve it now.

[UDPrincess]

Thank you everyone!

[Ferramc]

1 hour ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

As a rule, the Genies do not get involved in excursions UNLESS they are something like the Private Journeys.  Are you going to Labadee or PDCC ?  If you are going to Labadee, then you will HAVE to wait until the Genie contacts you as the Barefoot Beach cabanas are not "For sale" on the Cruise planner.  If you are going to PDCC and you want one of the floating cabanas, I definitely recommend that you go ahead and reserve one now.  While the Genies have influence over the cabanas on Labadee, they do NOT have influence over the cabanas on PDCC.  Could the Genie reserve a float cabana at PDCC ?  Sure, but for that to happen you must wait until the Genie contacts you (30 days out ?) and by then, all of the floating cabanas COULD be gone (most likely not, but you never know !).

So - Labadee - wait for the Genie.  PDCC - reserve it now.

We booked the overwater cabana about 6 weeks ago to lock it in. The only other thing I would book is the photo package (if it has a good price) but it hasn’t come yet. 

[WAAAYTOOO]

Very interesting coincidence.  A little while ago, I received an email from Nataliya Bugaevskaya who presumably is with Royal's Private Journey Team.  This is for our 9 Jan 2022 Oasis sailing...the first of 3 SC cruises booked for early Jan 2022.

 

I have never gotten anything like this before.  I am always a bit leery of unsolicited emails of this type, but it seems as if she is legit.  I don't think there is any price difference between these prices and the price on the Cruise Planner (my CP has been unavailable since early this morning....not sure what's going on there....) so not sure why I would do this, but I did find it interesting that I was contacted in this way.  What is REALLY perplexing is I have 3 SC cruises coming up BEFORE this one.  Why this one ?  ...and what would Private Journeys have to do with cabana rentals ?

Anyway, I thought it was interesting since we had just been discussing this.  From the email it seems like she is available to help with any Royal excursions...so go figure...

 

 

 

[CGTLH]

4 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

and what would Private Journeys have to do with cabana rentals ?

In a nutshell... sell sell sell!

More practical thought, the one on one interaction might be a more persuasive way to get someone to book an excursion or cabana. A more personable interaction could increase the likely a booking for an excursion will occur. Plus the email also opens the door of the option to reach out and look in to a more excusive Private Journey excursion experience to match the exclusivity of sailing Star Class.

[AlmondFarmer]

4 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

A little while ago, I received an email from Nataliya Bugaevskaya who presumably is with Royal's Private Journey Team. 

Check her name so you can rule out this being a Russian email sales scam…..

[Ferramc]

If it’s real, your price is better than mine (1699).  We have 7 adults so we figured it will be worth it. Plus as many of you say, yolo!  
 

Now I’m working on the best deal for first class tickets for our flight (at least mine and my husbands) . Most likely going to use the sky mile points I’ve been saving. 

[starbrat]

We are going to Labadee so I will wait thank you @WAAAYTOOO. 

[Ferramc]

My monthly countdown continues……..only 9 months to go!  Here’s a quick update:  

Airfare - first class prices are really high but we want to stay in ‘ star class’ mode for this trip. So knowing we had a large expense coming up this month, I researched credit card offers.  I found two - one each for my husband and I - that once we use them and charge our planned expense - the amount of large reward points will more than cover first class airfare!  And yes, I will pay the cards off immediately to avoid high interest fees.   I love nothing better than a deal and free airfare!

Co- travelers - We had dinner last night with two of our traveling party.  They really did not know what star class includes so we had a wonderful time enlightening them!  Especially about the food coma  that I’ve read so much about thanks to other bloggers!

Roll call - still waiting for others to join the 5/14/22 roll call  Know there must be others out there who will be joining us.   
 

Well ……til next month.  
 

 

 

 

[LifesEz]

On 7/15/2021 at 12:42 PM, WAAAYTOOO said:

Very interesting coincidence.  A little while ago, I received an email from Nataliya Bugaevskaya who presumably is with Royal's Private Journey Team.  This is for our 9 Jan 2022 Oasis sailing...the first of 3 SC cruises booked for early Jan 2022.

I have never gotten anything like this before.  I am always a bit leery of unsolicited emails of this type, but it seems as if she is legit.  I don't think there is any price difference between these prices and the price on the Cruise Planner (my CP has been unavailable since early this morning....not sure what's going on there....) so not sure why I would do this, but I did find it interesting that I was contacted in this way.  What is REALLY perplexing is I have 3 SC cruises coming up BEFORE this one.  Why this one ?  ...and what would Private Journeys have to do with cabana rentals ?

Anyway, I thought it was interesting since we had just been discussing this.  From the email it seems like she is available to help with any Royal excursions...so go figure...

@WAAAYTOOO, I received one as well from a Zsofia with an @RCCL address. I wrote with questions and received some answers.
 

Dear Guest,
I hope my e-mail finds you well!

My name is Zsofia and I am a Destination Insider, part of the Private Journeys team at Royal Caribbean International. 

Since you are one of our Star Suite Guests, we’d like to take this opportunity to advise you that the availability of the various types of cabanas at Perfect Day CocoCay is limited on your particular sailing. Since the demand is really high and there are only a few cabanas available, I would like to assist you booking one as soon as possible. There are various types of cabanas and should you be interested to reserve one, I will gladly share pricing, availability and further details with you. Please find attached a map of CocoCay for your reference.  

Please note that at this moment I do not hold any reservation for you. Cabanas are sold on a first come first serve basis. 

Should you not be interested in a cabana, but wish to reserve a shore excursion or private tour for any of your cruise ports, please feel free to reach out to me directly on this email address: 

In your reply, please kindly include your cruise booking ID. 

I am looking forward to hearing from you. 

Kind regards,

Zsofia Sarkadi

Destination Insider & Private Journey Specialist | Global Tour Operations

[Ferramc]

8 months and counting!  I am loving  the updates from the truly live bloggers and can’t wait until it’s my turn!  This monthly count down helps me with the wait - just a little. 
 

in the past month we sold our Michigan home, knowing we would be homeless for a month until our rental would be available (we sold ‘high’ and are banking the profit until we’re ready to figure out our more permanent move to somewhere warmer).  We decided to drive 12 hours from Michigan to our home state of Connecticut so that we could spend time with family. This ties into our cruise plans as the points I earned using a new credit card on the hotel bill will cover 2 first class tickets to Miami next year!  And yes, I paid off the card immediately!  My husband also earned points on his card that should cover our daughter’s  airfare.  Now the challenge is to figure out how to pay for my son and daughter-in-law’s flights with points too .  I’m holding off booking as the flights are really expensive right now.  Figure I’ll give it another month or two.  
 

Well, here’s looking forward to another month down!  

 

 

[Ferramc]

1 minute ago, Ferramc said:

8 months and counting!  I am loving  the updates from the truly live bloggers and can’t wait until it’s my turn!  This monthly count down helps me with the wait - just a little. 
 

in the past month we sold our Michigan home, knowing we would be homeless for a month until our rental would be available (we sold ‘high’ and are banking the profit until we’re ready to figure out our more permanent move to somewhere warmer).  We decided to drive 12 hours from Michigan to our home state of Connecticut so that we could spend time with family. This ties into our cruise plans as the points I earned using a new credit card on the hotel bill will cover 2 first class tickets to Miami next year!  And yes, I paid off the card immediately!  My husband also earned points on his card that should cover our daughter’s  airfare.  Now the challenge is to figure out how to pay for my son and daughter-in-law’s flights with points too .  I’m holding off booking as the flights are really expensive right now.  Figure I’ll give it another month or two.  
 

Well, here’s looking forward to another month down!  

 

 

Forgot to add - we had to drive to CT since we had our 2 dogs with us.  They did amazingly well, especially for 8 1/2 year old pups who’ve never traveled before. 

[Ferramc]

7 months to go!  I  booked flights for   5 of us (immediate family) and used credit card points to book first class!  We’re flying in the day before to avoid stress and we want to get on the ship as early as allowed.   The other 2 travelers will be booking their flights soon (hopefully). I also booked the pet sitter - leaving my 2 dogs is going to be the hardest part of the trip.  
 

Now I’m starting to look at Miami hotels or Airbnb’s for the night before.  Reading blogs to get insights and tips.  3 of us won’t be arriving until after 6pm but my son and daughter-in-law will get there around 1pm.  

 I am so dreading winter and this trip is the major thing I am looking forward to that will help me get through it (although I may try to find a short trip in January to break up the winter months).   
 
Until next month………

[Ferramc]

Woohoo!  6 months to go!    🛥🛥🛥

I ended up booking 2 refundable bay view  rooms at both the Marriott and Doubletree in Biscayne Bay - my plan is to watch reviews and pricing over the coming months and decide closer to the cruise.  So air and hotel reservations are all set for 5 of the 7 of us traveling. Jackie and Dave - my husband’s niece and her husband (who are pretty much the same ages as my husband and me) are booking their arrangements separately but I know they’ll get it done soon!  

The last month has flown by as work was pretty busy and I expect that the next 2 months will as well, but I am dreading the wait between mid January to May.  I keep reading the truly live blogs and guess they’ll have to do until it’s my turn!  

By the way - does anyone know how to edit the title of a blog?  Thanks. 

[SuperStarian]

I am loving the monthly updates! Thanks for taking us along!

[AshleyDillo]

On 11/14/2021 at 6:30 PM, Ferramc said:

By the way - does anyone know how to edit the title of a blog?  Thanks. 

You get the ability to edit the topic when you edit the very first post in a thread

[Ferramc]

8 hours ago, AshleyDillo said:

You get the ability to edit the topic when you edit the very first post in a thread

Wow. That is so easy!  Thanks for letting me know!  

[Ferramc]

5 MONTHS - hard to believe. I had to check that today was really the 14th and then had to double check my math .  It seemed like a lifetime ago that I booked this cruise - which actually it what since we were supposed to cruise in May 2020.   Now 5 months seems like nothing!  
 

We are getting really excited. I am seriously thinking about renting a private boat/yacht in Cozumel.  I had one booked for our 2020 cruise at a relatively decent rate, but prices are definitely a lot higher so I’m waiting a bit before deciding. Odds are I’ll do it!  As I’ve read here many times -YOLO!  
 

My daughter in law told me she’s ready to go - for real (how’s that for a 1980’s expression).   She has clothes and all sorts of odds and ends put aside.  Now my son will probably wait until 3 days before we sail to figure out what he needs to bring!

Anyway, I am so hoping that cruising continues and that there are no new restrictions (and possibly less) by the time May gets here!  
 

Til next time……..
 

 

 

 

 

[Ferramc]

4 more months and starting to get both more excited and more nervous at the same time.  Excited because we’re getting closer.  Nervous because I am really hoping that we all pass our COVID tests when the time comes (I’ve been reading other blogs and the very legitimate concerns others have had about jinxing themselves)   I’m going to try and stay positive that we will all be ok and things will be settled down again by May  

In the meantime, we definitely decided to rent a private catamaran while we’re in Cozumel.  Since there are 7 of us, it will be worth the cost as it will be a great carefree day of swimming, sunning, snorkeling and possibly fishing! 

I’ve also started to think about the ‘what to wear on formal night’ question. I love dressing up but wore cocktail dresses vs gowns on recent cruises.  For this one, I am going to wear a gown at least once.  I also love nothing better than a bargain and happened to see the perfect gown marked down 65% while making Christmas returns, so of course I had to get it.  I really like it, but I honestly think I should drop a couple of pounds before I wear it (Christmas cookies and winter hibernation are doing me in). While my daughter told me that at my age it’s ok to have a tummy I am still setting a goal of losing 5 pounds before the cruise.   
 

Next up for us is to confirm our dog sitter plans - we have someone lined up for nights and a daily check in, but they can’t stay during the day. Our preference is to have someone here mostly full time, so we’re exploring other options   Leaving my two dogs is going to be the only downside of the cruise     
 

Well, til next month……..

 

 

 

 

[Walt Golas]

Following this blog now, we are on for June 11th.  Keeping fingers crossed. 

[Ferramc]

So happy to see the 90 day countdown start yesterday! 
 

Some updates for this month.  First, I cancelled our reservations for the Doubletree and the Marriott near the port (I double booked to give me options). I’ve been watching the trip advisor reviews for these two hotels and they really haven’t improved. Also  the Marriott’s pool will be closed and my son and daughter-in-law were looking forward to hanging out poolside since they’re arriving early on Friday. Here’s the really exciting news - I booked rooms at the intercontinental based on all the great recommendations  on this site. Bayside view, club level. I won’t be able to enjoy it too much since I’m arriving later on Friday, but we want to be in the same hotel as my son.

Jackie and Dave (extended family) booked their airfare and are also flying in early on Friday.  Not sure where they’ll end up staying yet, but they’ll be able to join my son at the pool if they want to.  The private catamaran is booked for Cozumel, so really the only things we need to do to get on the ship are to check in on line and pass the Covid tests.   Argh. 

Finally, the last thing I need to do on the home front is to confirm that our  out of state dog sitter still wants to fly in and watch the dogs (we pay for flight and the dog sitting).  She works with my son, so we’re pretty sure she plans on doing it, she’s just been busy with work.  My back up plan is to keep the local dog sitter who stays overnight and will drop in during the day lined up. The cost is low enough that I will still pay the local sitter  for her time if she’s not needed. It’s kind of like having an insurance policy!   

Anyway, I hope everyone has a Happy Valentine’s Day!   

 

 

[Ferramc]

So we’re now at 60 days out and I’m so excited to be this close to sailing. 
 

First up - I’ve touched base with everyone to make sure they have their passports and vaccine cards ready to go.  Easier for some than others (ie my daughter said ‘I think my vaccine card is in my car and will look for it!’). On a negative note, someone hit her car during a snowstorm on Friday and caused a pretty serious accident.  My daughter’s Jeep rolled a couple times into a gulley - she was very lucky as she has no broken bones, but neck and back pain  and a concussion.   Could’ve been so much worse we’re counting blessings!  I did find her vaccine card in the middle of all of the stuff we had to pull out of her car since it’s been totaled so at least there was that.  
 

Next - the dog sitter situation is  all set.  We’re flying in someone from Connecticut (where we are from)  to watch our dogs in Michigan (where we live now).  Flight is booked and airport pick up and drop off arrangements are all set. We are flying her in on Thursday, so she can meet the dogs and we can have a buffer if there’s any airline problems, as we fly out on Friday.  

And now on to clothes shopping- this has been somewhat challenging for most of us as we’ve either gained weight or lost weight since Covid began  and clothes don’t fit either way.  My husband lost a lot of weight and needs to get new clothes including a suit. Where I am a planner, he’s the chronic procrastinator and underplanner so this makes me nervous.    Last time we cruised he actually forgot to pack ANY bathing suits and shorts. Seriously. We spent what was supposed be a nice evening in Miami pre cruise looking for a clothing store that had bathing suits and shorts for someone over 60. Was not fun.  And my son takes after him. His wife already knows to make sure he’s got his act together. Otherwise, we’ll just see him in the same T-shirt and shorts all week.   Now my daughter, daughter in law and I have been doing a lot of online shopping and are close to being done!  Jackie and Dave, the other family members coming, are pretty much all set too! 
 

So now I’m waiting on check in (3/30) and genie questionnaire!  In the meantime, I am going back and re-reading star class blogs and Star class posts on Facebook to make sure I’m not forgetting anything and to take notes on what to ask for!  
 

Til next time (which may be before April 14)!!!!!

[Ferramc]

Update - I know it’s not the 14th but I figured I’d give an early update.  
 

At this time, we are still planning on cruising, but my daughter is dealing with a severe concussion from a car accident last month (someone lost control of their car, hit my daughter’s jeep, which then went off the highway and rolled over several times before landing).  She’s got to have another mri and lots of therapy to help with cognitive and balance issues, among other symptoms.  Neurologist said she most likely will have motion sickness if she cruises, so I’m really not sure what to do.  We’ve been planning this cruise for close to four years (we were supposed to go in May 2020 but of course Covid hit).   While she is an adult, she’ll be devastated if we go without her.

 Has anyone ever dealt with something like this before?  As I mentioned, we are still planning on cruising (for now) but I’m going to have to cancel the private Catamaran we had planned for Cozumel  (to avoid even more motion sickness) as it’s really expensive and not worth it if we don’t all go.   Also no zip lining in Roatan for her.     We are aware of how  lucky she was and how fortunate we are - things could’ve been much worse - and we are very grateful.  We’re going to see if she has any improvement in the next couple of weeks before we make any other decisions.   
 

Now thinking positively, all of our cruise documents are loaded.  Formal gowns - yes I’m bringing two - are at the tailors.  Husband actually went out and bought two new suits, some shorts and bathing suits (he lost a lot of weight this past year).  My daughter-in-law told me my son still has not gone shopping for his stuff, But that’s for her to work on, not me   
 

And most importantly,  I have not yet received a Genie questionnaire and we’re 38 days out.  I know the questionnaire is not as important as the Genie email,  but it still would be fun to get and offer a good distraction for us.   I’m definitely starting to get impatient!
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

[emfagan]

Concussions and the recovery from them is so tricky...wishing your daughter the best.  It is so hard to know how the cruise might impact her.

[Ampurp85]

I am sorry to hear about your daughter and thank God she is fairly okay. Since you are more than a month away, I have no doubt her situation should continue to improve, I am putting that positive energy into the universe. 

That being said I would circle back to her every week until you leave and see how she continues to improve. Maybe she will be okay with motion sickness medicine and want to cruise. Yes, her activities might be limited but given all that she is going through the small discomfort might be worth it.........and YOLO!

[Ferramc]

So I’m blowing my update schedule since we’re within 31 days of sailing    and the long awaited Genie survey came today!    I’ve been checking for it impatiently every day, so it was a pleasant surprise on an otherwise rough day!  Now to figure out the best way for us to consolidate our answers since we’re three sets of family members!  

Some other updates - Husband not only bought two suits, but actually got them tailored. I think my son still has to go shopping,  but his wife gets to get on his case.  I am in the homestretch of clothes and shoe shopping, and am at the point where I don’t need anything else. BUT if I happen to see something I like, I will have to buy it of course!   Now I just need to figure out how to reduce the number of shoes I am going to bring.  I was pretty good about narrowing things down in the past, but this is the first time we are cruising in four years, so I am tempted to overdo. We’ll see. My personal trick is to keep piles of clothes and shoes (definites and maybes) starting about two months before I travel and then to eliminate a few items every week.  I seem to be struggling more with eliminating stuff than in the past, so we’ll see - I’ve still got 4 more weeks. But just in case, one of the things I bought last week was a larger suitcase. Seriously, I really did!

 

 

 

 

[Ferramc]

Suitcase and shoe pile!

[Ferramc]

Woohoo!  This is beginning to feel so real.  We just got our first genie email - from Andrei!  So excited!  I remember reading great things about him on past blogs and Facebook, but will go back to learn more, now that we know it’s Andrei!  I’d also love to hear from anyone who knows how best to approach working with him.  Thanks 

 

[MLH]

On 4/13/2022 at 6:05 PM, Ferramc said:

Suitcase and shoe pile!

That's not too many shoes! lol  I actually have a carry on suitcase just for my shoes I call is my shoe case and I carry it on the plane and the ship so it doesn't get damaged by the plane or porters.  Last cruise our suitcases were damp, not sure if they got wet or they sprayed disinfect on them as they came on board.  

[Ferramc]

11 hours ago, MLH said:

That's not too many shoes! lol  I actually have a carry on suitcase just for my shoes I call is my shoe case and I carry it on the plane and the ship so it doesn't get damaged by the plane or porters.  Last cruise our suitcases were damp, not sure if they got wet or they sprayed disinfect on them as they came on board.  

I just bought 2 more pairs that I’m keeping for sure and have another 2 that I ordered on line and am waiting to arrive to see if they are comfortable!   I really didn’t do much shopping in the last two years since I worked remote and I’m making up for it now.  My daughter does the second suitcase for shoes, too and  I think I’m going to have to do that this time as well!