Jax Posted December 30, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 Debarkation Process Well the tumors are true; the star class debarkation process has changed. Berty said their team were told the change came about as a result of a CBP requirement. Something about large amounts of luggage should go through the crew gangway vs guest gangway. Who really knows but it’s GITCC. The policy requires star class to put their luggage out in the hall by midnight tonight. Berty said we could put ours out by 6:30am tomorrow before heading to CK for breaky. It seems strange that self carry is still allowed but star class luggage with porter isn’t. Whatever….we will get it out by 6:30am. Berty will accompany us through facial recognition and to the luggage collection area before handing us off. Lovetocruise2002 and SweetPea 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 30, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 Star Class Bridge Tour Another change; the genies are now required to do the tour. The officer no longer does it. There is a 3 officer minimum on the bridge and taking one to do the tour, could lead to distraction/safety issue. Berty did a great job but there is obviously technical questions from guests he is not able to answer. Lovetocruise2002, MaryS and SweetPea 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted December 30, 2023 Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 27 minutes ago, Jax said: Star Class Bridge Tour Another change; the genies are now required to do the tour. The officer no longer does it. There is a 3 officer minimum on the bridge and taking one to do the tour, could lead to distraction/safety issue. Berty did a great job but there is obviously technical questions from guests he is not able to answer. So no officer even came over to speak to your group once on the bridge? On Wonder in June (lowly Sky Class), one of the SL concierges randomly invited our extended family on a bridge tour. He led us there but then a bridge officer spoke to us once we were there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 30, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 Just now, OCSC Mike said: So no officer even came over to speak to your group once on the bridge? On Wonder in June (lowly Sky Class), one of the SL concierges randomly invited our extended family on a bridge tour. He led us there but then a bridge officer spoke to us once we were there. On past tours we had access to behind where the officers sit and they would take pictures with us and answer any questions. This time that space behind the officers was blocked off. The 2nd officer answered a couple questions but they remained in their chair, interactions with guests were limited and the officer didn’t engage with us like they use to. It was a different experience than what we were accustom to, but ok. It’s GITCC Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 30, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 Just now, OCSC Mike said: So no officer even came over to speak to your group once on the bridge? Just to clarify, the 3 officers manning the bridge never left their assigned stations. The 2nd officer in charge answered a couple questions while seated in his workspace. Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted December 30, 2023 Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 I wonder who does the bridge tour for non-star then? Definitely not the genies. PPPJJ-GCVAB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 30, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 Just now, Lovetocruise2002 said: I wonder who does the bridge tour for non-star then? Definitely not the genies. Maybe since it’s a paid excursion they bring in an officer to do it. Just another star class downgrade IMO. Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetPea Posted December 30, 2023 Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 1 hour ago, Jax said: the genies are now required to do the tour. The officer no longer does it. Shane did ours. He too did well, and then the bridge crew answered any technical questions, of which i had one so was glad of the opportunity. Did they have any one to pass of technical questions or were you SOL? We GITCC'd embarkation and disembarkation too and told them if it was a CBP issue, they needed to negotiate better. I see it did a lot of good! Jax 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted December 30, 2023 Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 20 minutes ago, Jax said: Just another star class downgrade IMO. Yup Jax and SweetPea 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 30, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 The new changes to the photo process are great! I selected my 100 pics and was immediately able to download them in the app. Here are some highlights of our shenanigans or as @WAAAYTOOO called us #starclassbehavingbadly. One picture is not obvious, so let me know if you see it. It took me a minute to see what was going on. I knew something happened because the photographer was laughing. The 3 photos we now call “crouching tiger hidden dragon” started off with good intentions. The photographer asked Lindsay to crouch and then crouch more. We all assumed our legs wouldn’t show and then we see the end result. Pictures can get boring night after night so this kept the guys happy and cooperative. We have laughed more at some of these picture's and will for years to come. Our group, has become very recognizable to the photographers. A few stopped by as I was picking my 100 just to see them again. Lovetocruise2002, Dan Curtis, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 1 other 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 30, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 Just now, SweetPea said: Did they have any one to pass of technical questions or were you SOL? Yes but when the officer doesn’t stand or leave his seat it’s not a very engaging experience so I feel it cuts down on questions. Just now, SweetPea said: We GITCC'd embarkation and disembarkation too and told them if it was a CBP issue, they needed to negotiate better. I see it did a lot of good! Wienies. I will repeat what you said. SMH SweetPea 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asquared17 Posted December 30, 2023 Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 the hands on the headlights goODBYE FOREVER Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 30, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 Just now, asquared17 said: the hands on the headlights goODBYE FOREVER I completely missed that! Haha. Look closer and to the left. Once you see it you’ll know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisin and Boozin Posted December 30, 2023 Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 Would it be teeth? MaryS and Jax 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 30, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 Just now, asquared17 said: the hands on the headlights goODBYE FOREVER Here’s a hint. I guess I posted the pics prematurely; he’s in the editing phase now. SweetPea and MaryS 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 30, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 Just now, Cruisin and Boozin said: Would it be teeth? Bingo! If you zoom in it’s easier to see. Who carries around Chiclets with them. Cruisin and Boozin and PPPJJ-GCVAB 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisin and Boozin Posted December 30, 2023 Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 Chiclet teeth? Jax 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisin and Boozin Posted December 30, 2023 Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 We definitely need to do star class at the same time what a blast we would all have. Jax 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 30, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 Just now, Cruisin and Boozin said: Chiclet teeth? Yup!! Cruisin and Boozin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 Emerald Free Play Since reaching Emerald we learned about the $6 free play in the casino. I thought it would be fun to use it. Well tonight is the last night so it’s use it or lose it. Reyd had turned his $6 into $62 so far. Lindsay’s status is unknown as I am in the suite packing. Wish them luck. MaryS, Lovetocruise2002, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 2 others 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 Our last supper was in 150 CP. It was originally planned for Jaime’s but since Lindsay was recovering from his lunch at Turquoise Bay he only had soup. It’s probably my least favorite specialty restaurant with the exception of Wonderland but the others in the group really wanted to go back so I took one for the team. It always seems to be consistent with service and food quality. Tonight was no exception. Everything was 10/10 and they even brought a sugar free dessert for my friend. Random thought tonight at supper: this will be the last zero bill I get. MaryS, WAAAYTOOO and SweetPea 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yesiamthere Posted December 31, 2023 Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 He seriously gave you each a watch? Is a gift like that normal from a genie? First star class, our genie gave us a casino hat. He definitely didn’t think that gift out, as I’ve never wear hats. Sometimes, it’s better to not give a gift. I had to thank him for that silly regular man’s hat. Second genie gave us a really nice Royal picture holder with our picture inside it. He put some thought into it. Jax and PPPJJ-GCVAB 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 Just now, Yesiamthere said: He seriously gave you each a watch? Is a gift like that normal from a genie? Yes it was very generous and unexpected. I am not sure what is the norm but I do know genies are given a budget for these purchases. In the past we have received ship models and other small items because they know Reyd likes to collect them. But since Berty gave Reyd a ship last year, we got watches this year. Yesiamthere 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetPea Posted December 31, 2023 Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 2 hours ago, Jax said: It’s probably my least favorite specialty restaurant with the exception of Wonderland I can see why; however, short rib app, short rib main, short rib dessert might change your mind! We are brazenly planning to do that in May! #StarClassBubble as you say! Jax and WAAAYTOOO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammy79 Posted December 31, 2023 Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 What does GITCC mean? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 34 minutes ago, sammy79 said: What does GITCC mean? Going in the comment card. I stole it from @SweetPea PPPJJ-GCVAB, sammy79 and SweetPea 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 7 hours ago, SweetPea said: I can see why; however, short rib app, short rib main, short rib dessert might change your mind! We are brazenly planning to do that in May! #StarClassBubble as you say! Haha I like the way you think! I did the short rib pork belly combo and fried cheesecake for dessert. SweetPea 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckruetze Posted December 31, 2023 Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 16 hours ago, Jax said: Maybe since it’s a paid excursion they bring in an officer to do it. Just another star class downgrade IMO. This summer on Symphony the paid excursion was done by the tour guide and no questions were answered by an officer. The star class tour on the same cruse was much better. The Star class tour was done by the Genie and an office came over and explained a lot of things in details. Jax and SweetPea 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PPPJJ-GCVAB Posted December 31, 2023 Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 29 minutes ago, Jax said: Going in the comment card. I stole it from @SweetPea lol I was just about to google this! Thanks… SweetPea and Jax 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PPPJJ-GCVAB Posted December 31, 2023 Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 8 hours ago, SweetPea said: I can see why; however, short rib app, short rib main, short rib dessert might change your mind! We are brazenly planning to do that in May! #StarClassBubble as you say! Ok now you are making my mouth water! Anything short rib will do for me…love…love…love them! Brings me back to my childhood because my Mom made the absolute best short ribs ever! Oh how I miss her and her cooking! SweetPea, WAAAYTOOO and asquared17 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted December 31, 2023 Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 @Jax I fully concur with your assessment of 150 and Wonderland. They are also my least favorite specialties. Dan actually loves 150 b/c it has a few exotic meat options (duck, venison, etc.) but there really is nothing for me there. I used to love it when it was a Michael Schwartz affiliation but not so much now. I don't leave hungry....but I never look forward to going there. SweetPea and Jax 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 8 hours ago, SweetPea said: I can see why; however, short rib app, short rib main, short rib dessert might change your mind! 14 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said: I fully concur with your assessment of 150 and Wonderland. They are also my least favorite specialties I knew it was a stretch but I asked Berty if I could get a dish from Jaime’s delivered to 150. I know, crazy right, especially at the fanciest restaurant. And in my defense I did say not to ask if it would break protocol or insult anyone. It was the only genie request I have ever made that was declined by the host. Gotta love Berty; he said he could order me a dish to our suite. Instead I had him send me 2 bowls of popcorn for a snack. SweetPea and WAAAYTOOO 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 It was rushed but we got our luggage out at 6:28am. While the disembarkation process relating to luggage may not seem like much of a change, I definitely felt it this morning. On past cruises we would go to CK and return to the suite where our genie and porter would whisk us and out luggage away. I miss this and it’s GITCC. We headed to CK for our last breakfast. The service in CK has been impressive the few times we ate there. Breakfast was delivered within 5 minutes of placing our order. We met Berty on 17 at the elevator bank where he had secured a priority elevator. He accompanied us through facial recognition and to our luggage. I am glad it was a small holding area for star class luggage because none of the luggage was grouped together. We said goodbyes; I may have been clinging to Berty reluctant to lose his genie powers. lol More on Berty in my recap but suffice it to say he is one of a kind. From Berty picking us up on 17 to the curb took 10 minutes at most. Very quick. MaryS, PPPJJ-GCVAB, WAAAYTOOO and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 We are on route to the JW Marriott at the Galleria in Houston. I booked through Blacklane and the communication this morning was good. After a few phone calls with the driver we found each other. Not happy that the company sent vehicle details with license plate only to find out a different vehicle and license plate was sent. This made finding the vehicle more difficult. Plus there is a lingering smell of dope in the vehicle so I will definitely be following up on this. This wasn’t a cheap ride so smelling dope is not ok. Edit: then when we arrive he asks me to go into the app and rate him a 5. Lindsay says “absolutely” and then turns to me and says “absolutely not”. MaryS, PPPJJ-GCVAB, WAAAYTOOO and 2 others 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted December 31, 2023 Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 I didn’t realize they have changed the luggage disembarkation process. I don’t like this AT ALL. I will be keeping my luggage with me. Period. If I don’t get porter assistance - oh well. I lug my luggage off when I’m GenPop and I will continue to do so. Jax, asquared17, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 1 other 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 22 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said: I don’t like this AT ALL. Me either! 23 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said: I lug my luggage off when I’m GenPop and I will continue to do so. I love your way with words. GenPop SweetPea 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 We arrived at JW Marriott about 9:20am and were given the option of an early checkin. There was a fee but it was worth it as we did not want to leave luggage, purse and passports with the hotel when we go to the NFL game. We were surprised with a room upgrade. I couldn’t get pictures of the room quick enough before the guys crashed. Reyd is sleeping on the bed and Lindsay is sprawled out on the couch. and we need to leave for the game soon. I booked a club level room thinking it would be a place we could relax until our room was ready. Then we booked the NFL game but we will still make good use out of the lounge. SweetPea, OCSC Mike, Lovetocruise2002 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 Happening now End of 3rd Quarter 23-3 Texans SweetPea, OCSC Mike, MaryS and 4 others 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted December 31, 2023 Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 5 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said: I will be keeping my luggage with me. Period. This is how we roll. We always keep our luggage with us and roll it off ourselves. asquared17, Jax, WAAAYTOOO and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted December 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2023 5 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said: I will be keeping my luggage with me. Period. 8 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: This is how we roll. We always keep our luggage with us and roll it off ourselves. This is my new years goal; reduce luggage!! lol. I have come to the realization that if Europe 2024 happens we are not taking all this luggage. My goal is 1 large per person at most. The guys didn’t complain at all but I was annoyed with the amount of luggage with 4 hotels in 8 days. It’s motivated me to reduce luggage. MaryS, Lovetocruise2002, WAAAYTOOO and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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