Two Delightfully Unfrugal Idiots sail our White Whale (Oasis OP, 9/24 -10/1/23)

[FireFishII]

2 hours ago, ellcee said:

I need to know why this is a thing. My mom certainly never taught me this yet i have always packed extra on every trip since I can remember packing. 

 

I call it the "in case I s*** my pants" but I haven't s*** my pants since diapers so I dunno.

I have always packed 1 or 2 extra of everything.  This is just in case something gets wet or dirty early in the day. (And I am not talking about #1 or #2).  I guess I picked it up from camping, where you are exposed to all weather and extremely active.   But 2xN + 1 - WOW!  

[OCSC Mike]

37 minutes ago, FireFishII said:

I have always packed 1 or 2 extra of everything.  This is just in case something gets wet or dirty early in the day.

Sure. I bring 8 t-shirts for 8 days (although I'd be wearing one) and then I bring an extra 2-3 because of the above. I also have a couple rash guards for both sun protection (like when on CocoCay or a beach/boat excursion) or just lying around in the Solarium since they won't get wrinkled to death like a cotton t-shirt.

I do not have an algebraic underwear formula though.

[SweetPea]

I've been sick as a dog today but i just realized i got this message. Yes, i didn't rate them that highly in the "likely to recommend" category because of the cost, for one (what do you kids say? Too bougie? Sure, you too can defer retirement for a full year to pay for one week in Star Class!). 

And two, embarkation and disembarkation were what sold Batman on the cost. Now their embarkation/debarkation procedures put them exactly on par with the Haven's procedures. (I told them this already. Not sure what else they want me to say)

[MLH]

9 hours ago, SweetPea said:

I've been sick as a dog today but i just realized i got this message. Yes, i didn't rate them that highly in the "likely to recommend" category because of the cost, for one (what do you kids say? Too bougie? Sure, you too can defer retirement for a full year to pay for one week in Star Class!). 

And two, embarkation and disembarkation were what sold Batman on the cost. Now their embarkation/debarkation procedures put them exactly on par with the Haven's procedures. (I told them this already. Not sure what else they want me to say)

Recieved the same email after I gave them poor ratings.  Here is my repsonse.

I would be happy to respond to you!   

 

When the program first started in 2015, I was very excited.  I normally sail in suites and after I booked a Celebrity Suite and saw the differences in the suite program I was glad to see that Royal Caribbean was enhancing its program.  Sailing on the Oasis Class ships and seeing the Genies and talking to Star Class guests, I knew I would have to try it. Since then, I have sailed Star pre and post pandemic on the following sailings:

 

Oasis 4/18

Harmony 5/19

Harmony 9/18

Oasis 1/22

Quantum 5/22

Allure 5/23

Harmony 12/23

 

We also had to cancel 3 Star after the pandemic due to Covid issues and itinerary changes due to countries not allowing visitors.

 

There are several things that have changed that I have noticed and really feel the program has been declined.  The whole VIP experience has been diminished.  At first I thought it suffered due to the pandemic and upstart.  But my last 2 STAR classes after full occupancy and the ramp up has  not gotten back to the pre pandemic VIP service.  

 

Things that are great!

1. Speciality Restaurants

Just after the pandemic when the restart happened, food was different but it is now back!  Food is so personal, but all in all the Speciality restaurants have been superb.

 

2. The Staff

Once again the staff after the restart has been great.  

 

3.The Ships

Always great.

 

4.Entertainment

So much to do all the time!

 

Things to improve the experience.

 

1. Training for port side employees/turn around staff, logistically dealing with luggage.

 

Allure

First and foremost, on my last cruise we had to wait for quite a while in Galveston for our Shoreside genie to show up when we arrived.  There were 3 star class families waiting.  When we were all checked in and then brought upstairs to wait for the genie and were directed to plastic chairs along the wall  versus the roomy and comfortable  lounge area. This doesn't exude a VIP personal experience when you are crammed in the elevator with all the other Star Class families.

 

We then boarded and were informed our room would not be ready until 1:00 since they had to do maintenance on the room.  Then at 1:00 when the room was open, we had no luggage, although the hallway to the AQ suite was lined with luggage.  My husband and the genie then had to hunt it down after we contacted her.  We had 2 pieces that were tagged for Star Class.

 

Quantum/Seattle,

We were informed at the port that our genie was no longer available, no reason other than unfit for duty.  Finally Muhammad the Suite concierge came to escort us on board.  Once again, rooms would not be ready until 1:30. Luggage was nowhere to be found and the hallway was once filled with bags.  I finally found them stuck in a corner in the crew area and was asked not to retrieve them.

 

Harmony,

Once again, no early access to the room, no luggage delivery until after 3 pm.

 

2. Pay attention to the surveys.

 

We had a new genie on Harmony which did not work out well.  I felt he was inflexible and we were to be on his schedule.  He questioned my husband's attire one evening and asked why he didn't have a jacket.  We sat in our reserved area and were told by another genie that those were hers and we had to move.  Our genie was no where to be found.  For this reason on my next  pre cruise surveys I specifically asked for an experienced genie.  I then got a brand new one, and then she was unfit for duty and got another new genie the day of boarding.  He was very flummoxed and basically said you have sailed with us so much so you know the ship and dropped us off in the bar to wait for lunch at Chops.  Not a great first impression, but he did get much better through the week once things calmed down and then he became unfit for duty and we had a new genie.

 

My last Allure sailing I requested not to have a genie I have had before.  They were great the first time we sailed with them, but would like to have a new experience.  We ended up with the one we specifically asked not to have.  It was still a great experience with a great genie.

 

The first few Star Class sailings, the gifts were very personalized!  I still use the Mother Teresa sayings on the coffee mugs and think fondly of my time on board. A lovely journal and crystal pen  sits on my office desk.  A very nice commemorative University of Georgia  book is on my bookshelf.  The genie got these ideas from my survey.  Now the gifts tend to be things picked up at the gift shop.    An insulated coffee mug, a royal Caribbean hat and a bracelet.  The sentiment is nice, but nothing special.  I am not sure if the genies allocation of gift budget has been reduced or if they don't have time to personalize gifts.

 

3.  Amenities changing/pre cruise purchases

This may be a cost cutting/overbooking issue but  several of the amenities that were included are no longer included.  No more thermal suite day pass, no more cupcake class, no more sushi class, charging for Chef's table when the wines included are included in the drink package, no reserving seats outside of production shows ie rising tide bar during a parade or dance party, having to prepay for Hibachi and Chef's table only to receive OBC once onboard.  

 

No more skip the lines.  Had to go to guest services to get change and the Guest Services officer had me wait in the long line to get my change.  I wasn't sure if that was something the genie could do or not.  

 

No more suite parties with the Officers, ie sailaway from the helipad, suite lounge tapas,, or Chops appetizers.  Those were always fun and great ways to meet other guests.

 

The Flowrider is no longer every 4th person during nonpeak times, instead you are assigned an 8AM time slot for an hour with other Star Class families.  8AM is very early for someone to be up and go out on the flowrider.  Additionally, there is much confusion, as another STAR class family's genie told them they could skip the line at the Flowrider with the wristband.  During the private session, other Star Class families brought their non Star families to the flowrider.  This reduced the time per person on the flowrider.

 

No more table cloths when dining en suite. 

 

We had Tapas one evening in our room and ordered a drink since I forgot to include it.  It took 1:15 minutes to show up.  I would have gladly gone and gotten it if they would have told me it would be that long.  

 

4. Noise/

Staying in an AQUA suite or back facing Star Loft or Royal loft on Oasis Class is loud!  Every morning while trying to enjoy coffee and the view we heard maintenance of hammering, sanding etc which was rather distracting.  Other times, boardwalk and sport court music was always present.  After staying in a Grand Loft on Quantum, and hearing the ocean versus music and maintenance was nice.

 

5. Supply chain issues, 

Post pandemic some ships had some of my favorite liquors/beverages but it is hit or miss.  Some ships have them some do not.  No Cava at vintages, Zacapa rum or my husbands scotch.  There isn't much consistency on what's available.

 

Royal Caribbean has a great product full of innovation and great loyalty benefits.  Did I enjoy my last Star sailings? Yes !  All in all  I cannot recommend that people book STAR due the the very high costs at this time and reduced amenities and decline in program from inception.   I would suggest other suite types that  are more reasonable.  

 

[Neesa]

Oh no! I just hope you feel better soon. Sending you positive thoughts. I agree with you though albeit I'm not familiar with the Haven yet, I'm fine in Sky class as the cost of Star for what they provided for our family did not make fiscal sense. 

I've already informed Mr. Cabash/Vintage Magnet after our final 2 on the books with Royal, Celebrity is in serious contention for our first sailing back, if not Celebrity NCL or MSC. Sadly I have waaay to much time to decide.

Again, wishing you back to health very soon! 

[MLH]

We just got back from Explorer out of Ravenna and  8 out of 12 ended up with Covid.  My daughter and I had it prior to the sailing, so we more than likely would have gotten it.  

Not saying we got it on the ship,but with all the travel on planes, trains, busses,  shuttles and crowds in Greece who knows????

[Lovetocruise2002]

43 minutes ago, MLH said:

Here is my repsonse.

This perfectly sums up all of the negatives with Star lately! Very well articulated. I am curious if they responded to you after that?

[MLH]

5 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

This perfectly sums up all of the negatives with Star lately! Very well articulated. I am curious if they responded to you after that?

Yes. They said thank you for your feedback,our operational teams will reviews this.  lol

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 minute ago, MLH said:

Yes. They said thank you for your feedback,our operational teams will reviews this.  lol

I wanted the "mad" emoji reaction for this one. Terrible.

[MLH]

9 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I wanted the "mad" emoji reaction for this one. Terrible.

IKR. This is why I have stopped wasting my time filing surveys out unless there is a blatant issue.  Maybe if enough of us say would not recommend,they would get the message.

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 minute ago, MLH said:

Maybe if enough of us say would not recommend,they would get the message.

Sadly, I don't even think that will do it. They have so many new cruisers now they can upset their loyalty base and not be too upset about it.

[Lovetocruise2002]

Sorry @SweetPea, totally hijacked this blog with a negative tone.

[SweetPea]

1 hour ago, MLH said:

Now the gifts tend to be things picked up at the gift shop.    An insulated coffee mug, a royal Caribbean hat and a bracelet.  The sentiment is nice, but nothing special.  I am not sure if the genies allocation of gift budget has been reduced or if they don't have time to personalize gifts.

Amen. 

Thank you for your post. I will definitely respond, even about the FlowRider which doesn't affect us at all, but i know how important it is to so many of you, so i will add my feedback to the score. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

I do like those towels though lol

[SweetPea]

7 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Sadly, I don't even think that will do it. They have so many new cruisers now they can upset their loyalty base and not be too upset about it.

Hopefully they know my C&A level is Brown and this is only our 3rd cruise? If they only want one and done cruisers, that's a pretty risky strategy. Although, we had some very serious issues on Mariner, and i addressed them in our survey, no one followed up with us either. 

7 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Sorry @SweetPea, totally hijacked this blog with a negative tone.

Bygones. Needs to be said. And if enough of us complain, maybe they get the hint. Would i sell a kidney to cruise Star Class again? We had fun, of course. However, it's a real stretch to see the value now. Embarkation/Debarkation really took the WOW factor out!

 

Oh P.S. i am negative for Covid, everyone, so there's that!

[SweetPea]

Just a note to say i did fire off that response to Esther. I "Norma Rae'd" on behalf of all of you who were disappointed that complimentary cupcake and sushi classes are no longer. On charging for Captain Jack at PDCC. On charging for wine pairings at Chef's Table. On charging an overage of $2.50 per glass for mediocre Conundrum, that's regularly on sale for $16.99 a bottle here. (Ok that was for me.)

All of these things remind me of everyone's biggest complaint about Norwegian: nickel and diming.

I also took one for the team and lobbied:

The biggest is the lack of perks for Star Class on the FlowRider. I understand that it's popular, but a single one-hour early morning session for Star Class guests hardly exudes VIP experience. I had inquired about this on behalf of a friend sailing soon on Oasis Star Class, and the Genie said something to the effect of, make sure your friend goes because "it's hardly ever busy" during Star Class hour. What does that tell you? Offering a perk at an inconvenient time still allows you to call it a perk without it really being a perk. 

And finally, i hope my shaming them on this is a small ripple that will eventually lead to course correction, if enough of us follow suit. 

Now let's talk about the product deterioration that mattered most to us: embarkation and disembarkation procedures. 

 

In 2019 on our first Star Class cruise, my husband declared your procedures worth the cost of Star Class alone. A porter met you at check in and your luggage stayed with you, through security, and followed you directly to your room. At disembarkation, your Genie and porter met you at your room at the designated time and escorted you and your luggage through customs and out to the curb.

 

Now? Sorry, you're EXACTLY on par with the Haven. 

 

You check your luggage at the port, albeit with a priority tag, just like everyone else. (Exactly like Haven.)

 

You wait for your luggage to be delivered to your stateroom, just like everyone else. (Exactly like Haven.)

 

You put out your luggage the night before (albeit at a later time), just like everyone else. (Exactly like Haven.)

 

You find your luggage in a priority section of the terminal. (Exactly like Haven.)

 

If this is a battle you lost with CBP, i would encourage you to try harder.

 

[Ampurp85]

The lack of quality for the price is why I can't justify star class. Some people are paying salaries to sail one week and they still charge for the little things. Then make the perks hardly worth it, while charging such a high premium.  I am glad you said something but I fear that it will fall on deaf ears. There are so many newbies that will pay the price and accept what they are given.

[MLH]

8 hours ago, SweetPea said:

Just a note to say i did fire off that response to Esther. I "Norma Rae'd" on behalf of all of you who were disappointed that complimentary cupcake and sushi classes are no longer. On charging for Captain Jack at PDCC. On charging for wine pairings at Chef's Table. On charging an overage of $2.50 per glass for mediocre Conundrum, that's regularly on sale for $16.99 a bottle here. (Ok that was for me.)

All of these things remind me of everyone's biggest complaint about Norwegian: nickel and diming.

I also took one for the team and lobbied:

The biggest is the lack of perks for Star Class on the FlowRider. I understand that it's popular, but a single one-hour early morning session for Star Class guests hardly exudes VIP experience. I had inquired about this on behalf of a friend sailing soon on Oasis Star Class, and the Genie said something to the effect of, make sure your friend goes because "it's hardly ever busy" during Star Class hour. What does that tell you? Offering a perk at an inconvenient time still allows you to call it a perk without it really being a perk. 

And finally, i hope my shaming them on this is a small ripple that will eventually lead to course correction, if enough of us follow suit. 

Now let's talk about the product deterioration that mattered most to us: embarkation and disembarkation procedures. 

 

In 2019 on our first Star Class cruise, my husband declared your procedures worth the cost of Star Class alone. A porter met you at check in and your luggage stayed with you, through security, and followed you directly to your room. At disembarkation, your Genie and porter met you at your room at the designated time and escorted you and your luggage through customs and out to the curb.

 

Now? Sorry, you're EXACTLY on par with the Haven. 

 

You check your luggage at the port, albeit with a priority tag, just like everyone else. (Exactly like Haven.)

 

You wait for your luggage to be delivered to your stateroom, just like everyone else. (Exactly like Haven.)

 

You put out your luggage the night before (albeit at a later time), just like everyone else. (Exactly like Haven.)

 

You find your luggage in a priority section of the terminal. (Exactly like Haven.)

 

If this is a battle you lost with CBP, i would encourage you to try harder.

 

Thank you! I really do hope that enough complaints/issues things will change.

I met Mark Tamis VP on the Presidents Cruise where I was sailing Star and brought up a minor issue the genie was having trying to wow us.  He told us that the company would rather hear about it during the sailing when they can correct the issue.  Sure enough within 2 minutes our genie called and told us our issue was resolved.   Mark Tamis has left the company and his vision for Star has burned out a little.

We have a sailing on Harmony Dec 3rd which is one of my last ones booked. 

 

[Jax]

14 minutes ago, MLH said:

We have a sailing on Harmony Dec 3rd which is one of my last ones booked. 

We are on HM Dec 24th. Like you, this is our 2nd last star booking. Hoping both our experiences meet or exceed expectations. 

[AlmondFarmer]

1 hour ago, MLH said:

We have a sailing on Harmony Dec 3rd

I have a group of 40 with 5 Star suites on Harmony this Nov 5th. I will provide highlights of sailing. 

[Jax]

19 minutes ago, AlmondFarmer said:

I have a group of 40 with 5 Star suites on Harmony this Nov 5th. I will provide highlights of sailing. 

Yes please! 

[MLH]

10 hours ago, AlmondFarmer said:

I have a group of 40 with 5 Star suites on Harmony this Nov 5th. I will provide highlights of sailing. 

Wow. That sounds fabulous!

[Neesa]

Huge thanks to the wonderful @SweetPea! True to her word she allowed me to adopt her duckies. We had a very enjoyable afternoon going through the box, many wonderful surprises!!! Thank you so much @SweetPea. 

 

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, Neesa said:

Huge thanks to the wonderful @SweetPea! True to her word she allowed me to adopt her duckies. We had a very enjoyable afternoon going through the box, many wonderful surprises!!! Thank you so much @SweetPea. 

 

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH

[Ampurp85]

OMG I just got new glasses as my prescription changed and that duck with the glasses and hat is sending me . It has such a no nonsense look 

[SweetPea]

What better duck-loving home could they go to?! I'm glad they are now in the right hands!

P.S. Sorry, not sorry, Richard Nixon duck makes me laugh

[OCSC Mike]

1 minute ago, SweetPea said:

Richard Nixon duck makes me laugh

I'm not remotely into politics or US history but that's the one that jumped out at me, lol.

[Lovetocruise2002]

Seeing that pic of the ducks that @SweetPea sent to @Neesa makes me smile, and truly thankful (on this Canadian Thanksgiving too ). That picture is just a small piece of evidence how you can truly meet wonderful people in this blog community and it doesn't matter that there are states, or countries between us.

[SweetPea]

13 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

truly thankful (on this Canadian Thanksgiving too )

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, eh!

[FireFishII]

I missed the Richard Nixon duck the first time around.  @SweetPea said something, I went back looking for him.  OH MY GOODNESS - the air and the peace signs!!  PERFECT!

 

[OCSC Mike]

@Neesa @SweetPea

The below was posted in the FB group for my Allure cruise in 2 weeks. For some reason I feel like the poster is lying, though I have no idea what motive he would have. Social media is a weird place. Maybe I’m just being cynical. Anyway, obviously I thought of you guys when I saw it.

[Neesa]

@OCSC Mike wow she is beautiful. I have seen some gorgeous sparkly ducks, but crystal? Wow, thanks so much for sharing!

[OCSC Mike]

OK, now I’m officially calling shenanigans…

[SweetPea]

1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said:

OK, now I’m officially calling shenanigans

That takes the term UNFRUGAL IDIOT to

A

Whole 

'Nother

LEVEL

[OCSC Mike]

CRYSTAL DUCK-GATE UPDATE:

Someone mentioned what it cost. His response was "I got it on deal for $1800."

[Ampurp85]

1 hour ago, SweetPea said:

That takes the term UNFRUGAL IDIOT to

A

Whole 

'Nother

LEVEL

Is this a Key and Peele reference??? IF so .......I will be honest I use this all the time

[SweetPea]

37 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Is this a Key and Peele reference??? IF so .......I will be honest I use this all the time

Of course!!! 

[MLH]

@SweetPeaDid you hear back from your email response?

[SweetPea]

I did, and it was exactly as you'd expect. I anticipate zero action taken. 

 

 

Thank you for your response. I appreciate this opportunity to help you with your concerns.

 

Thank you for sharing your feedback regarding your recent Star Class cruise experience on Oasis of the Seas. We sincerely appreciate your detailed input, and we want to assure you that we take your concerns seriously. We apologize for any disappointment you've experienced, and we'd like to address each of your points individually.

  

We understand that the removal of the complimentary cupcake and sushi classes for Star Class guests, as well as the pricing adjustments for certain items, have been disappointing and have left you with a less than favorable impression of our services. Please know that our intention is always to provide the best experience possible for our guests. We have taken your feedback to heart and will review our pricing and offerings to ensure that we strike the right balance between offering premium experiences and maintaining fair pricing for our valued guests.

 

We acknowledge your disappointment with the limited access to the FlowRider during Star Class hours. We will evaluate the availability of this perk to ensure it aligns better with the VIP experience we aim to provide.

 

Embarkation and disembarkation procedures are crucial aspects of the cruise experience. We apologize for any inconsistencies you've encountered, and we'll strive to improve these processes to align with your expectations. 

 

We understand that these issues have affected your overall satisfaction with our brand. Your loyalty as a Star Class guest is greatly appreciated.We hope that you will consider sailing with us again in the future, and we will strive to exceed your expectations on your next cruise. If you have any further comments or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. 

 

Sincerely,

[WAAAYTOOO]

Well, at least you know that they did read your review.  That's something.  The non-comital "we'll think about it" replies are lame though...