The Cruise I Said Wouldn’t Happen - Allure Star Class, September 10-17

[FireFishII]

6 minutes ago, Rags1 said:

His answers were:

1.  That’ll never happen.

2.  I don’t agree with that particular policy but there’s nothing I can do about it.

3.  If someone asks for that I’ll do it.

4.  Where the hell did you hear that?

It was over an hour ago.  I forget the questions!

 

Oh goody.  We can make up our own questions.  Is this like Jeopardy? 

[Rags1]

Back for show #2. They're just that good

[MLH]

16 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I have asked a long time genie those questions too. Same responses

I know some will want to run

Not  popular opinion but I think they should stop Star Class on those 3/4day cruises.  There simply is not enough time to squeeze everything in from restaurants to shows.  We did STAR once on a 4 day and it was not as enjoyable, everything was rushed and had that been my first experience, I would not have probably booked anymore.  The genies are going to be running ragged. I  talked to a concierge on my Alaska trip and told her she would be an excellent genie. She said no way.  It is one of the most stressful jobs on the ship.

[WAAAYTOOO]

12 minutes ago, MLH said:

 I think they should stop Star Class on those 3/4day cruises. 

I agree.  I don't think 3/4 days is enough time to get your money's worth.  I feel bad for any Genies (and customers) on those sailings.

[Lovetocruise2002]

19 minutes ago, MLH said:

I  talked to a concierge on my Alaska trip and told her she would be an excellent genie. She said no way.  It is one of the most stressful jobs on the ship.

I guess it comes down to personality and preference. I had a similar conversation over the last year with a concierge and they were somewhat envious of the high level of clearance and access that a Genie has, compared to a concierge. Another Genie I spoke with loves the job and would never want to go back to concierge. But I can also see this the other way too. Especially with social media these days, it's making a Genie's job very difficult at times.

I did a 4 day on Allure in 2021. It went by fast but I did not feel like I couldn't do everything. But I also think that is because it wasn't our first time on Allure that sailing. We booked a 4 day on Utopia in 2025. For that one, I am slightly worried about how we will fit everything in.

I also agree though that these 3/4 day sailings will keep a Genie pretty busy. On the flip side, some might prefer this as it could translate to more tips at the end of 7 days. I know from talking to some dining crew members on Wonder, they want to go to Utopia for this very reason.

Those genies on Allure have been Allure genies for quite some time. It will be interesting over the next few months to see who comes and goes.

[WAAAYTOOO]

8 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I did a 4 day on Allure in 2021. It went by fast but I did not feel like I couldn't do everything. But I also think that is because it wasn't our first time on Allure that sailing.

I concur with this feeling.  The 4 night SC that we did on Oasis last year was fine b/c we had been SC on Oasis already.  We knew what we wanted to see and what we could skip.  For those who are trying SC for the first time, I think these shorty cruises are going to be a whirlwind.  For SURE I would never do it on a ship that I had never sailed before.

[SweetPea]

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Especially with social media these days, it's making a Genie's job very difficult at times.

+a million %

No one wants to be surprised anymore. Everyone wants a listed response to how to get their money's worth out of Star Class, and what they should ask of their Genies.

I enjoy reading blogs to get a feel, but i despise those questions. It's not a laundry list. Everyone has different cruising objectives and habits. As a pair of extremely lazy cruisers who are rarely moving before 11am and never in bed before 1 or 2am, our list of must-dos isn't a cookie cutter template for those who are on the running track at 5am or anxiously awaiting FlowRider sessions at 8am.

All this to say that i think an effective Genie relationship is one where you get to know each other a bit and sometimes that "synch" doesn't happen till day 2 or 3. Cruises that are only 3 or 4 days could easily be a wasted opportunity for some newer SC cruisers with an unfamiliar Genie on an unfamiliar ship. 

 

[Lovetocruise2002]

9 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

Cruises that are only 3 or 4 days could easily be a wasted opportunity for some newer SC cruisers with an unfamiliar Genie on an unfamiliar ship. 

This is very true. When I think back to our 4 nighter on Allure, I did not get to know that Genie as much as I have gotten to know our other ones.

[wannabecruiseexpert]

I personally feel the opposite of most regarding the genie and shorter cruises. While I do feel bad for the genie, I think having one on a shorter sailing is even more important than a longer one. We booked one of the 3 nighters on Utopia and I don't think I would have booked a non SC room. I will need the genie's help to navigate the shows and dinners, since EVERYONE will be trying to book the same shows/dinners. I just feel like having the genie will allow us to do and experience so much more. 

[Rags1]

Good morning from Deck 17 and Honduras!  Last night was dinner at Giovanni’s.  I think there’s a contest on board to see which specialty restaurant can take the longest to do something!  We were seated at 5:25. We departed at 7:35. I have food pictures somewhere and I’ll share. Food was good. Followed that with Headliner show MO5AIC. They were amazing as usual. As you know from my earlier post I went back for the second performance. By that time the girls were all in the room. I walked through the casino and put a few dollars in a video poker machine. Hit 4 Aces for $800, cashed out and hit the room.  

[Rags1]

Had breakfast delivered from Coastal Kitchen at 8:15. 
Booked a car and driver through Victor Bodden here in Roaton. New large van with amazing air conditioning. Jay met us in the suite and escorted us through the crowds to our driver. The mission for today was to see a sloth. Taylor has wanted to do this forever. Mission accomplished! Borden’s  place is clean and well kept. Looks as if the animals are well cared for. Spent about 45 minutes there. Sloths, monkeys and birds, oh my. Took a tour of the island and back to the ship. Had lunch in Windjammer just for @Lovetocruise2002.  Melissa and I are going back down to the shopping area for a stroll. Not sure of dinner plans yet.  Shows tonight are Blades and I’ll probably see MO5AIC again. 

[LandstromCruise]

Nice hit in the casino!! 

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 hour ago, Rags1 said:

Had lunch in Windjammer just for @Lovetocruise2002.  

Why on Earth would you do that willingly? Too bad Jay is not one of the Genies I know. Otherwise I would send him a message asap to keep you out of there! (jk )

[Rags1]

48 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Why on Earth would you do that willingly? Too bad Jay is not one of the Genies I know. Otherwise I would send him a message asap to keep you out of there! (jk )

I'm sure Jay would be appalled if he knew

We're eating on the balcony tonight. Wait till he receives our meal requests - from the main dining room!

This word gets out we might be banned from the Suite Lounge!

[Lovetocruise2002]

10 minutes ago, Rags1 said:

We're eating on the balcony tonight. Wait till he receives our meal requests - from the main dining room!

Oh my…. Lol

[Rags1]

4 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Oh my…. Lol

I have to see what all the fuss is about!  I'm really taking one for the team here-not sure which team though At least I'm posting this with a cocktail from the Suite Lounge and impersonating a proper suite guest!

[Rags1]

Random observation. This is my first time in this port. With Jay leading the way we found our car and driver with no issue. But it was a madhouse getting out of the port area! Our ride was in the small circular area. The lot on the right was for busses. It's a tiny area for 5k or more people arriving!  Reminded me of one of my dad's old sayings "Like trying to put ten pounds of sxxx in a five pound bag."  

[asquared17]

why is the digital elevator control panel throwing me for a loop???? 

also the sloth hugging one of the girls I WAS DYING

[Rags1]

4 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

why is the digital elevator control panel throwing me for a loop???? 

Now you have me thinking!  Was that here last year or added before Galveston like Loco Fresh?  I'll have to ask the Nurse

[Rags1]

Goodbye Honduras!  No pier runners that we saw. 

[Va4fam]

Following along.....seems like a great trip so far........what is the name of the tour or service you used to book the sloth tour?   We are going next October and my wife insists that she get a sloth hug!! 

[Rags1]

11 hours ago, Va4fam said:

Following along.....seems like a great trip so far........what is the name of the tour or service you used to book the sloth tour?   We are going next October and my wife insists that she get a sloth hug!! 

Victor Bodden. Highly recommend them

[SweetPea]

You may not want to answer this publicly, but how does it work when you take your Genie to dinner? Asking because we've taken our Butler (Norwegian) to a specialty restaurant. She had to get permission first (I'm guessing Genies wouldn't need this as they are officers?). We paid full retail price for her dinner, but not her drinks. Was only curious if Royal had a similar protocol so i understand if you consider this crass and chose not to answer.

[Rags1]

1 hour ago, SweetPea said:

You may not want to answer this publicly, but how does it work when you take your Genie to dinner? Asking because we've taken our Butler (Norwegian) to a specialty restaurant. She had to get permission first (I'm guessing Genies wouldn't need this as they are officers?). We paid full retail price for her dinner, but not her drinks. Was only curious if Royal had a similar protocol so i understand if you consider this crass and chose not to answer.

I only know we’ve had lunch or dinner a few times with our Genie and there was never a bill. 

[Xaa]

5 hours ago, Rags1 said:

Victor Bidden. Highly recommend them

Bodden. 

https://www.boddentours.com/

[Rags1]

7 hours ago, Xaa said:

Bodden. 

https://www.boddentours.com/

Thanks for correcting my error!  Appreciate it

[Rags1]

Dinner in the suite was wonderful. Food temperature was actually very good. Filet and lobster was excellent!

Blades was amazing!  Very upbeat and fun. I’m always impressed by the skills of these skaters!  Ranks at the top of the ice shows we’ve seen. After the show the ladies all had some casino time while I went back for the third performance of MO5AIC. I’m certain that classifies me as a fan!  
Walked back through the casino, same machine, snagged a quick $600 and hit the room. We had midnight pizza, grilled cheese and tomato soup and other goodies. 
Not sure what today will entail. I’m thinking a cab ride into town and a little exploring
 

 

[Lovetocruise2002]

Great, now I am hungry. My protein smoothie is not going to cut it. lol

Jay looks like he would be a lot of fun!

[Rags1]

He's best friends with our other favorite genie. Very similar personality. He's a hoot

[LandstromCruise]

That food looks amazing!!  Sounds like you’ve found a hot slot machine! 

[Rags1]

[WAAAYTOOO]

Ahhhh...Krazy Lobstah !  One of my all-time favorites.

[Rags1]

2 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Ahhhh...Krazy Lobstah !  One of my all-time favorites.

 

[Rags1]

1 hour ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Ahhhh...Krazy Lobstah !  One of my all-time favorites.

@WAAAYTOOO Mauricio was happy to hear you love his place and said to hurry back!  Free margarita if you show him a screenshot of this post

[Rags1]

[Va4fam]

17 hours ago, Rags1 said:

Victor Bodden. Highly recommend them

Awesome.   Now I can look forward to a date with a sloth in 2024!

Thank you.

[asquared17]

she’s HOLDING THE IGUANA my lord INCREDIBLE 

[Rags1]

5 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

she’s HOLDING THE IGUANA my lord INCREDIBLE 

I know!  I was thinking that with this crew I was kinda surprised they didn't eat it.

[MLH]

6 hours ago, Rags1 said:

fter the show the ladies all had some casino time while I went back for the third performance of MO5AIC. I’m certain that classifies me as a fan!  

 

I think the term Groupie is appropriate

[Rags1]

2 minutes ago, MLH said:

I think the term Groupie is appropriate

Probably so