🌟💫⭐️A “Starry” Christmas - Harmony Dec 24-31, 2023⭐️💫🌟

[SweetPea]

I have to say the first time we did Star Class in Spring of 2019, we bragged to anyone who would listen about how great embarkation and disembarkation was in SC on our Dec 2019 Haven cruise. I'm pretty sure we made several converts. 

Having sailed SC in Fall and Haven over Thanksgiving, we were no longer bragging at all. In fact, we met some other disenfranchised SC Cruisers where SC was no longer their first choice. SC really lost its luster there. And i did mention that as well in the past cruise survey and follow up. I had hoped that my stating very clearly that their embarkation and disembarkation in SC was now EXACTLY the same as Haven would tick them off and motivate them into action. In fact, i give the nod to Haven now for disembarkation because you use the service elevator and you are taken directly to the scan off point, where another Haven escort awaits you once off the ship to point you to your luggage. 

[SweetPea]

And wahhhhh! I'm so over week-long cruises! They simply fly by much too quickly! 

Thanks for taking us along to sail, and enjoy the rest of your landline vacation!!!

 

 

[Jax]

Some final thoughts: 

Berty was a star this week. ️ He delivered an amazing experience for us. We have never had a repeat genie but it was even better than I imagined. Pre cruise communication was non existent after our initial phone call because I knew Berty would take care of everything.  He is one of a kind, hard working, kind and willing to fulfill any request. 
The 2 bedroom ATS remains one of our favorites for the 2 bedrooms, large deck and aft views. We have stayed in several different star class rooms and have decided there is no perfect suite for us. There are features and qualities we like about all of them.
I have avoided western Caribbean cruises because we are not thrilled with the stops; particularly Mexico. Well we actually enjoyed this cruise the most. It was the best weather we have ever had, virtually no wind except for the last day. Our day at Paradise Beach was fantastic. The tour operators were way more organized than what we experienced on Eastern Caribbean cruises. Our least favorite port was Roatan and we would likely stay on the ship next time. 
We had a great week with our friends. As our boys graduate we realized it’s up to us to keep these traditions going. There were several times I looked around to see laughter, smiles and a great time being had. And you all know how much fun we had with the photos.
We loved being able to dine with our friends 5 nights this cruise.  It was a treat for them as well. We have Berty to thank  
Elevators were a mess this week. Worst we have ever experienced in our 4 Christmas cruises. Fortunately we were on 9, not deck 17 and could use the stairs most of the time.  
The star class flowrider session worked in Lindsay’s favor this week; essentially it was him and 1-2 other people but I still have mixed feelings on this one.  
The ship seemed to run hot; at least during the hours we were out and about. 
There are a few things going in the comment card (GITCC). I am annoyed with the changes to disembarkation and felt the bridge tour was a letdown. 
This one didn’t affect us but it did our friends. WJ hours changed for the Christmas and New Years sailings and they were closed from 3-6pm. Berty said the changes were made to accommodate picture taking that begins at 5:30pm. It’s definitely going in their comment card as it made them late for every dinner reservation as they had to get food for their special needs daughter. According to them there were some very long lines at the jammer all week, morning and at 6pm. 
The spa service is terrible.  I touched on it earlier but it’s consistently bad on all the ships we have sailed on. I use the thermal suite out of necessity to maintain my routine and health while travelling; otherwise I would avoid it.  GITCC.
Our stateroom attendant was a very nice man but I agree with @Lovetocruise2002 it’s hard to service 24 rooms and a star class suite.  He may not have the same experience that the attendents do on deck 17 but he tried hard and that goes a long way in my book. We gave him some consumables to enjoy and a cash tip. 
With star class pricing that is nuts and the diminishing perks I will have to think hard about what our future vacations look like. If Europe doesn’t work out I will likely rebook to avoid losing our deposit but beyond that I honestly don’t know. 
All that being said our vacation was fantastic! I didn’t think I could top last years vacation but the boys said I did so that makes my heart happy
Thanks everyone for following along the last couple weeks. Feel free to ask any questions.  

 

[Jax]

1 hour ago, SweetPea said:

And wahhhhh! I'm so over week-long cruises! They simply fly by much too quickly! 

We just said the same thing! 10 nights would be ideal. 

[Jax]

Reply from Blacklane. I am impressed with how quickly they replied. 

I genuinely apologize for the discrepancy between the vehicle you received in person and the one you received via SMS. I genuinely recognize how terrible this is for you, especially in light of the car's strong dope odor. 

I would like make sure you know that we take this matter very seriously and an internal investigation has already started to establish what action can be taken by us to follow up with the chauffeur and also to examine how we can avoid something like this from happening again. I am personally following up with our team responsible for chauffeur relations on this matter to ensure they are fully aware of the situation.

I also want to reassure you that we would be happy to process a 50% refund for this ride, totaling $105.78 USD. In addition, we would like to give you a 50% voucher for your next ride, this is a one-time use that is valid for three months. Please respond to this email if you accept this, and we will take care of the rest.

[SweetPea]

Will you have an opportunity in the next 3 months to use the voucher?!

 

Sounds like if you can, that's a nice offer, though not the 5* rating the driver expected!

 

 

[LandstromCruise]

42 minutes ago, Jax said:

We just said the same thing! 10 nights would be ideal. 

I agree.  Did a 3 night which was just way too short.  I have another booked since it was a casino comp and my wife didn't have enough vacation time left.  Most others I have done were 7 night.  Also just did my first 8 night and even though it was just 1 extra night, it felt like much more than 1 week.  

[LandstromCruise]

was your excursion in costa maya booked through royal or privately?  we will be there on icon in september and looking for things to do. 

[Jax]

42 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

Will you have an opportunity in the next 3 months to use the voucher?!

I checked and they offer service in the Calgary area. Worse case I will use it to book a ride home for Reyd from the bar. 

 

48 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

Sounds like if you can, that's a nice offer, though not the 5* rating the driver expected!

Haha definitely not. I wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t “randomly” drug tested.

[Jax]

5 minutes ago, LandstromCruise said:

was your excursion in costa maya booked through royal or privately?  we will be there on icon in september and looking for things to do. 

It was booked through Royal. There were other tours to the same ruins but ours was called the “exclusive drive” because we were in a 12P van vs a big bus. I highly recommend the smaller size. There were only 9 of us on the tour. 

[Jax]

50 minutes ago, LandstromCruise said:

Also just did my first 8 night and even though it was just 1 extra night, it felt like much more than 1 week.  

We did an 8 night and I agree it did feel considerably longer than just a day.  

[GregD]

@Jax, Thank you for this blog. I really enjoy reading about your holiday adventures. The group photos have me rolling. I will be on Harmony in 49 short days in the deck 8 ATS. Sadly, I was late to your blog and read the whole thing today,  I already submitted my survey yesterday . Had I waited a day, I would have requested Berty in the survey. He seems like an amazing Genie. Maybe I'll send an addendum

[Jax]

7 minutes ago, GregD said:

Had I waited a day, I would have requested Berty in the survey.

Berty currently has 8730, 9730 and the villa. Another genie has the 3 ATS on the other side and the third has deck 17 and 10730.  He mentioned that they rotate every 4-6 weeks so you may get lucky.  If you send in an addendum do it right away….he mentioned that it’s easier to accommodate requests before emails go out to clients at the 30 day mark.  This may help you decide.  Wendy leaves sometime in January and Raj leaves in February. Raj’s replacement isn’t yet known but a concierge onboard HM (Mongesh….I am probably spelling it wrong) is taking over for Wendy. Berty knows him quite well and is excited this will be his first genie assignment.  
 

[GregD]

6 minutes ago, Jax said:

Berty currently has 8730, 9730 and the villa. Another genie has the 3 ATS on the other side and the third has deck 17 and 10730.  He mentioned that they rotate every 4-6 weeks so you may get lucky.  If you send in an addendum do it right away….he mentioned that it’s easier to accommodate requests before emails go out to clients at the 30 day mark.  This may help you decide.  Wendy leaves sometime in January and Raj leaves in February. Raj’s replacement isn’t yet known but a concierge onboard HM (Mongesh….I am probably spelling it wrong) is taking over for Wendy. Berty knows him quite well and is excited this will be his first genie assignment.  
 

We are in 8730 so who knows! I may also just roll with it and see who we get. We are pretty easygoing and it would take a really bad experience to ruin our vacation. We have been spoiled though with Derick on Oasis twice, and Leroy on Anthem. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

MJ is a new genie who is going to HM. I hear people love him! 

[WAAAYTOOO]

Wow, I don't know any of the Genies anymore.  There are SO many new ones.

[Lovetocruise2002]

3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Wow, I don't know any of the Genies anymore.  There are SO many new ones.

There definitely are! Lots of movement too with those moving to new ships and some trying to get off Allure’s 3/4 sailings will be interesting to see what happens when they have WN and UT also doing 3/4 sailings. I cannot imagine genies will like that very much 

[Jax]

30 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

There definitely are! Lots of movement too with those moving to new ships and some trying to get off Allure’s 3/4 sailings will be interesting to see what happens when they have WN and UT also doing 3/4 sailings. I cannot imagine genies will like that very much 

Berty said all genies have been told to expect contracts on the 3/4 sailings. It will be very interesting to see what happens.  

[Jax]

11 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

MJ is a new genie who is going to HM. I hear people love him! 

Sounds like MJ may be replacing Raj when he leaves in February.  

[Lovetocruise2002]

2 minutes ago, Jax said:

Sounds like MJ may be replacing Raj when he leaves in February.  

Yes, that is what I figured because some people have already reported having him for February sailings.

[OCSC Mike]

[Jax]

1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said:

Haha funny you should post this.  Reality is setting in; my purple sea band has lost its genie powers, I am standing in lines and paying for meals, it’s been 2 days since someone did my laundry. On a happier note I did receive a morning GIF from Berty wishing us a happy new years.  

[Jax]

Meet Berty, the star of the week. ️

[OCSC Mike]

11 minutes ago, Jax said:

I am standing in lines and paying for meals

I'm doing a slightly similar land-based version. We just spent a week at my wife's parents' house for the holidays (why we don't cruise over Xmas). Between my MIL cooking and ordering food, not only was I freeloading, but a cruise is the only place I could have eaten more in a week, lol.

Went to the supermarket earlier to buy some healthy stuff for dinner... it was awful.

[MLH]

3 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

There definitely are! Lots of movement too with those moving to new ships and some trying to get off Allure’s 3/4 sailings will be interesting to see what happens when they have WN and UT also doing 3/4 sailings. I cannot imagine genies will like that very much 

Bertie told me that most genies do not want that rotation as it is double work especially the communiction and paperwork.  He also said they are having genie meetings with corporate to come up with a solution.

[MLH]

23 hours ago, Jax said:

Some final thoughts: 

Berty was a star this week. ️ He delivered an amazing experience for us. We have never had a repeat genie but it was even better than I imagined. Pre cruise communication was non existent after our initial phone call because I knew Berty would take care of everything.  He is one of a kind, hard working, kind and willing to fulfill any request. 
The 2 bedroom ATS remains one of our favorites for the 2 bedrooms, large deck and aft views. We have stayed in several different star class rooms and have decided there is no perfect suite for us. There are features and qualities we like about all of them.
I have avoided western Caribbean cruises because we are not thrilled with the stops; particularly Mexico. Well we actually enjoyed this cruise the most. It was the best weather we have ever had, virtually no wind except for the last day. Our day at Paradise Beach was fantastic. The tour operators were way more organized than what we experienced on Eastern Caribbean cruises. Our least favorite port was Roatan and we would likely stay on the ship next time. 
We had a great week with our friends. As our boys graduate we realized it’s up to us to keep these traditions going. There were several times I looked around to see laughter, smiles and a great time being had. And you all know how much fun we had with the photos.
We loved being able to dine with our friends 5 nights this cruise.  It was a treat for them as well. We have Berty to thank  
Elevators were a mess this week. Worst we have ever experienced in our 4 Christmas cruises. Fortunately we were on 9, not deck 17 and could use the stairs most of the time.  
The star class flowrider session worked in Lindsay’s favor this week; essentially it was him and 1-2 other people but I still have mixed feelings on this one.  
The ship seemed to run hot; at least during the hours we were out and about. 
There are a few things going in the comment card (GITCC). I am annoyed with the changes to disembarkation and felt the bridge tour was a letdown. 
This one didn’t affect us but it did our friends. WJ hours changed for the Christmas and New Years sailings and they were closed from 3-6pm. Berty said the changes were made to accommodate picture taking that begins at 5:30pm. It’s definitely going in their comment card as it made them late for every dinner reservation as they had to get food for their special needs daughter. According to them there were some very long lines at the jammer all week, morning and at 6pm. 
The spa service is terrible.  I touched on it earlier but it’s consistently bad on all the ships we have sailed on. I use the thermal suite out of necessity to maintain my routine and health while travelling; otherwise I would avoid it.  GITCC.
Our stateroom attendant was a very nice man but I agree with @Lovetocruise2002 it’s hard to service 24 rooms and a star class suite.  He may not have the same experience that the attendents do on deck 17 but he tried hard and that goes a long way in my book. We gave him some consumables to enjoy and a cash tip. 
With star class pricing that is nuts and the diminishing perks I will have to think hard about what our future vacations look like. If Europe doesn’t work out I will likely rebook to avoid losing our deposit but beyond that I honestly don’t know. 
All that being said our vacation was fantastic! I didn’t think I could top last years vacation but the boys said I did so that makes my heart happy
Thanks everyone for following along the last couple weeks. Feel free to ask any questions.  

 

I honestly agree with your review.  I feel the same way.  another thing about the aq suites is that the towels are different than on 17.I think because of the locations where the attendents have to pick up supplies.

I have one more Star booked on the 
Inaugural Utopia and that is it for me unless I find a really really good deal.  Cutbacks, Star inconsistency makes it hard to pay current prices. I too have had conversation with coporate after my survey and there are no changes.  

[Jax]

2 hours ago, MLH said:

Bertie told me that most genies do not want that rotation as it is double work especially the communiction and paperwork.  He also said they are having genie meetings with corporate to come up with a solution.

He said the same to us. 

2 hours ago, MLH said:

. I too have had conversation with coporate after my survey and there are no changes.  

I spent time on our flight home drafting an email to corporate and sent it. I completed my survey last night. We will see what happens. I have low expectations that much will change.  

[SweetPea]

4 hours ago, MLH said:

another thing about the aq suites is that the towels are different than on 17.I think because of the locations where the attendents have to pick up supplies.

OMG, no! Already not looking forward to our 2BRATS, but hadn't thought towels would add to the already abysmal bathroom sitch. I'm cursing myself for letting Batman pick that cabin. NCL has Haven suites outside Haven proper and getting proper amenities is never an issue. But i appreciate the heads up. Those beach towels we got from Lety may come in handy after all.

[Jax]

4 hours ago, MLH said:

the towels are different than on 17.I think because of the locations where the attendents have to pick up supplies.

Funny you should mention this because several times when I grabbed a bath towel and face cloth they felt thin and kind of rough. I didn’t make the connection.  

[Lovetocruise2002]

6 hours ago, MLH said:

Bertie told me that most genies do not want that rotation as it is double work especially the communiction and paperwork. 

That is exactly what I have heard from other genies too….

[ckruetze]

On 12/31/2023 at 11:55 PM, Jax said:

We just said the same thing! 10 nights would be ideal. 

We have been on one Cruise with Royal and have already booked one for this year and one for next year. All three of then are B2B cruises. 14 days. I think that is the perfect length. And actually the disembarkation day on the first cruise is somewhat cool. You can sit back and watch the stress/sadness around you knowing that you can stay in your suite and have another full week to go.

[Jax]

10 hours ago, ckruetze said:

You can sit back and watch the stress/sadness around you knowing that you can stay in your suite and have another full week to go.

I hope to do a B2B one day. I imagine it’s a nice feeling knowing you get another week.  

[Jax]

I mentioned that Berty preferred his tip via onboard account vs cash. For those interested the process was very easy. He dropped off the form and asked me to return it to him so he could complete the crew member details. All I had to complete was the crew member name, position and tip amount. I folded up the form and put it inside the card we gave him. By morning the next day, the tip showed on my on board account. Very easy process. Since the move to Galveston there is only one company they can use to process their cash.  It sounds like fees are considerably higher than in Florida and thresholds for cash are smaller per transaction. So for now this method works best. 

[DDaley]

On 12/31/2023 at 1:35 PM, Jax said:

I have come to the realization that if Europe 2024 happens we are not taking all this luggage.

I'm so glad you’ve come to this realization! Hahaha

My husband and I doing Amsterdam/Germany/Switzerland this summer and with 4 hotel changes and a cruise I know I gotta keep the packing to a minimum. If your squad can get it down to one checked bag each I will be so proud!!! 

We did 17 days in Greece with only a single 22” carry-on and backpack each (no outfit repeats and no laundry service) so I know it’s doable! 

Thanks for another great blog!

[OCSC Mike]

2 hours ago, DDaley said:

We did 17 days in Greece with only a single 22” carry-on and backpack each (no outfit repeats and no laundry service) so I know it’s doable!

That's impressive. We don't pack heavy at all (no getting dressed up in the Caribbean for example) but when we did 18 days in Alaska (10 land, 8 cruise), we each had one checked bag, one small backpack, and we did laundry about halfway through at the world's wackiest laundromat in Girdwood. The laundromat experience was totally worth it, lol. It also helped that all the lodges/hotels we stayed transport your luggage to the train for you and most picked us up at the train station so the moving around was incredibly easy.

[Jax]

3 hours ago, DDaley said:

We did 17 days in Greece with only a single 22” carry-on and backpack each (no outfit repeats and no laundry service) so I know it’s doable! 

Impressive!

3 hours ago, DDaley said:

If your squad can get it down to one checked bag each I will be so proud!!! 

You won’t be the only one! Lol  

[Jax]

Update on my email to corporate
 I received a call earlier today thanking me for my rave on Berty and letting me know it’s been forwarded to Berty and his manager. We spent the remainder of the call talking about the areas that fell short; she was particularly interested in the disembarkation process.  She committed to escalating the things we discussed but who knows what corporate will do.  I told her changes can sound good at the corporate level but fall short at the guest level. She noticed our upcoming star class this summer in Europe and asked me to stay in touch with her as she would like to make it right with some promotional OBC or similar.  We will see what, if anything happens. 

[SweetPea]

You faired better than i did! Hopefully if enough of us complain about disembarkation they will negotiate a bit better with CBP (or whatever they think the roadblock is). 

[Jax]

5 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

You faired better than i did! Hopefully if enough of us complain about disembarkation they will negotiate a bit better with CBP (or whatever they think the roadblock is). 

I agree. I told her I found it hard to believe CBP cares about 10 star class rooms that may use a porter to disembark on the guest gangway vs the crew gangway. After explaining the old and the new process she understood why star class guests are annoyed and promised to escalate it.  Time will tell. 

[WAAAYTOOO]

2 hours ago, Jax said:

I agree. I told her I found it hard to believe CBP cares about 10 star class rooms that may use a porter to disembark on the guest gangway vs the crew gangway. After explaining the old and the new process she understood why star class guests are annoyed and promised to escalate it.  Time will tell. 

I totally agree with you.  I don’t believe for one second this has ANYthing to do with CBP.