A Star Class Experience on Icon of the Seas - April 27th 2024 (7 Day Western Caribbean and Perfect Day)

calvink669 · April 13

I've been debating on whether to do a live blog for this cruise. I started one for Harmony a couple years ago, but we had a family emergency and didn't end up going.

But, since I haven't seen anyone do a live Star blog on Icon yet, and we are now just 2 weeks out and fairly certain no emergencies are on the horizon, I figured I'd give it a whirl.

Who's going: my Wife (Kelli) and I (Tim)

Room: Icon Loft 17020

We are flying into Miami from Houston the day before and staying at the JW Marriott Marquis. We've stayed there before and I have a ton of Marriott points so its free!

We got our survey way early on February 1st almost 90 days out! However, we didn't hear from our Genie (Marla Rivera) until just under 3 weeks out. (More on that in a minute.). Ironically we got another survey exactly 3 weeks out, which I thought was weird, but it turns out a tone of people got the survey that day. Even folks with sailings in July lol. Royal IT strikes again!

Now back to the Genie e-mail; I kind of panicked when we didn't get contacted by the 21 day mark. (This is our 4th star class sailing and we've always gotten an email from the genie by at least day 28.). So, me having FOMO like you wouldn't believe, sent a message to Royal Caribbean International through Facebook messenger and asked them to please look into it the next morning. Imagine my surprise when I had an email from Marla Rivera by that afternoon. Apparently Sunil just left and the genie's have had to double up a bit which resulted in the delay.

I've read nothing but great things about Marla as an OG Genie and so far she has lived up to the billing. I responded with our canned word document that includes our dining, snack, coffee, show, and beverage preferences. She had our entire schedule sent to us the next day with all of our requests! Since then, we have been back and forth a few times as we finalize our arrival in 2 weeks.

Royal Up: So, the Royal loft suite had been available since we booked. It started out at 110K and has worked its way down to 60K this week and as of last night was still available, but it was gone this morning. (This has happened before as it would disappear from inventory as someone held it and then show back up a day later.) Of course I put a minimum bid on it just in case. We shall see what happens lol.

The only place we are likely to get off the ship is Cozumel as we love Paradise Beach, so we have a reservation there with a day bed.

We have a Casita reserved while we are in port in Roatan and we do have a reservation at the Empire Supper club which Marla confirmed we will be refunded and only charged $130 pp plus gratuities.

Other Star Class up charges I will confirm if there have been any changes since Icon launch once we get on board (Chops Iconic cuts, Izumi in the park, basecamp, deserted)

We are really excited and can't wait to get this started! More to come as we get closer

OCSC Mike · April 13

15 minutes ago, calvink669 said:

love Paradise Beach, so we have a reservation there with a day bed.

Since I’m not personally interested in lcon and Star class is way above my pay grade, I’ll be the weirdo most interested in this part since we’re going there for the 1st time in July. I was actually just discussing it in the shore excursion forum today as they’re about to add 3 new daybeds & I’m being OCD about ours.

I’ll let you get back to the Star class stuff & pop back in when you get to Cozumel, lol. I’m sure you’ll have an amazing cruise.

calvink669 · April 13

7 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Since I’m not personally interested in lcon and Star class is way above my pay grade, I’ll be the weirdo most interested in this part since we’re going there for the 1st time in July. I was actually just discussing it in the shore excursion forum today as they’re about to add 3 new daybeds & I’m being OCD about ours.

I’ll let you get back to the Star class stuff & pop back in when you get to Cozumel, lol. I’m sure you’ll have an amazing cruise.

We have Daybed #8, We've had #9 previously and decided we like #8 better. You will love Paradise beach, the food is really good and the services is second to none. It's a bit more laid back than Mr Sanchos, but still a fun time if you want it to be a party!

Will let you know how it goes this time!

OCSC Mike · April 13

7 minutes ago, calvink669 said:

We have Daybed #8, We've had #9 previously and decided we like #8 better.

We want to be on the beach and have #14 which is/was on the end, until I noticed they are adding one to the beach and two to the pool. I e-mailed with them today and was told the new beds should be installed in the next 2 weeks… so maybe if you take a walk down to the beach you can share your thoughts.

We’ll have a great time no matter what so not remotely a big deal, I just like planning. I had an ongoing discussion with someone here ( @Jax ) about the daybeds who was there a few months ago & I know I’ll enjoy the food. Looking forward to your report!

calvink669 · April 13

17 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

We want to be on the beach and have #14 which is/was on the end, until I noticed they are adding one to the beach and two to the pool. I e-mailed with them today and was told the new beds should be installed in the next 2 weeks… so maybe if you take a walk down to the beach you can share your thoughts.

We’ll have a great time no matter what so not remotely a big deal, I just like planning. I had an ongoing discussion with someone here ( @Jax ) about the daybeds who was there a few months ago & I know I’ll enjoy the food. Looking forward to your report!

We will scope it out for sure.

Lovetocruise2002 · April 13

Marla is awesome! Tell her that Sabrina and family say hello. We had her last year on HM in the Villa and ran into her again during Icon inaugural.

I am super happy that you decided to blog this one. While I have nothing booked for Icon in the near future, we do want to sail her again one day. And I am super interested to know what the uncharges are for SC. Rumour has it that they have changed it to include few more things, but then someone said a few weeks ago that was not the case. So please let us know what your experience will be.

Good luck on your RU bid, but it might be a blessing if you don’t win it. That balcony has zero privacy! You will see when you get there. Go to Swim&Tonic and look up. You can practically touch the RLS balcony.

Cruisinkpek · April 13

Super excited about this blog - going star on Icon in June and interested in what theup charges are - and the overall experience!

calvink669 · April 14

Quick update on the Royal up bid: The RLS has now been gone for two days from inventory on cruiseplum so I think it I safe to say someone finally snatched it up. Like @Lovetocruise2002 said it is probably a blessing with the lower deck so close to the aft balcony.

We are less than 2 weeks away now and my brain is already starting to shift into vacation mode

I sent a note to Marla to ask the specifics around star upcharges and if there are any changes, so we'll see what she says.

Lovetocruise2002 · April 14

12 minutes ago, calvink669 said:

probably a blessing with the lower deck so close to the aft balcony.

Seriously, once you get on board, to Deck 16 Swim & Tonic, look up. You won't be sad that you did not win the RU.

Sunnymer · April 14

Thanks for posting! Excited to follow along! We’re Star class on Icon in July.

SuperNinja · April 14

Following along. I have the same room booked in June

Lance S · April 14

I'm on the icon the week before you. I sail out on 4/20. I too have Marla and went through the exact same situation you did. However I never received the survey. Marla has been great lately so let's both cross our fingers!

calvink669 · April 14

8 hours ago, calvink669 said:

I sent a note to Marla to ask the specifics around star upcharges and if there are any changes, so we'll see what she says.

Interesting response from Marla on this subject.

"The Food & Beverage shoreside team is actively working on updates for those items that are/were upcharge onboard the Icon. We have addressed the concerns raised aiming to provide clarity before your upcoming cruise."

So, the suspense builds until we board I guess.

MLH · April 14

49 minutes ago, calvink669 said:

Interesting response from Marla on this subject.

"The Food & Beverage shoreside team is actively working on updates for those items that are/were upcharge onboard the Icon. We have addressed the concerns raised aiming to provide clarity before your upcoming cruise."

So, the suspense builds until we board I guess.

Sounds like corporate speak. Yes they know about the issue but no they are not doing anything. Just note it on your survey and broadcast the absuritity of the situation which may eventually work.

Lovetocruise2002 · April 14

1 hour ago, calvink669 said:

Interesting response from Marla on this subject.

"The Food & Beverage shoreside team is actively working on updates for those items that are/were upcharge onboard the Icon. We have addressed the concerns raised aiming to provide clarity before your upcoming cruise."

So, the suspense builds until we board I guess.

I interpret that as: Don’t know, not willing to commit to anything.

calvink669 · April 15

Yeah, it's strange, I was very clear that it doesn't hurt my head either way, why not just tell me what the current policy is if it hasn't changed?

This was my email verbatim:

Hi Marla,

I hope this email finds you well!

We Had a couple of questions on Star class upcharges on the Icon that is also a burning question on a couple of star class forums.

I know right after startup it was reported that there were upcharges for star class with Chops Iconic cuts, Izumi in the park, Deserted, basecamp, and food at the Trellis bar.

I also know some folks complained and there have been some reports that things may have changed a bit, but I’ve seen nothing specifically that has been verified. It doesn’t hurt my head really either way, just curious if you could shed some light on where things stand now.

Curious Star Class cruisers want to know LOL

See you in less than two weeks!

Lovetocruise2002 · April 15

The suspense continues lol…let us know what happens when you get on board. I am even more intrigued now.

calvink669 · April 15

@Lovetocruise2002Marla sent you a message in her email today.

"Oh.. say hi back to Sabrina, she and her family were so kind and friendly towards me. I will always remember them "

No other updates on the upcharges lol

Lovetocruise2002 · April 15

5 minutes ago, calvink669 said:

@Lovetocruise2002Marla sent you a message in her email today.

"Oh.. say hi back to Sabrina, she and her family were so kind and friendly towards me. I will always remember them "

No other updates on the upcharges lol

Aw...I miss her too. She is genuinely really awesome and fun. Thank you for letting her know that we are thinking of her.

calvink669 · April 21

We are down to 6 days to go and very excited!

Weather so far in Miami looks to be good for departure day as it is currently forecast to be partly sunny and 82!

Kelli has already begun organizing and packing I, on the other hand, will likely get packed up Friday morning before our flight to Miami lol

We are flying United from Houston

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As mentioned before, we are staying at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami. We really don't have anything planned other than dinner at the hotel Friday night.

Our plan is to take a Lyft to the port around 10am and meet Marla around 10:15~10:30 once we drop our luggage at the star class banner and get escorted through security.

Day one schedule from Marla:

We may also have to sneak into the WJ and grab some lobster and shrimp if it's still available as well The plan after lunch is change into swimwear and head straight to the hideaway. We may explore a bit, but that is the plan at least. We always go into boarding day with a plan, which usually falls apart as we are easily distracted by shiny things. Sail away will either be at the hideaway or on our balcony, depending on how many cocktails we've had up to this point.

Still curious to see what if any of the uncharges are for Star. I don't know why they are hesitant to just say what they are now, but we'll see soon!

The next few days will likely be chaotic as always, my last day of work is Wednesday, but Kelli is working through Thursday.

T-6 and counting!

OCSC Mike · April 21

9 minutes ago, calvink669 said:

I, on the other hand, will likely get packed up Friday morning before our flight to Miami

I like your style. We have a one hour drive to PC so I do some packing the day before but always finish early in the morning before hopping in the car.

Playmakers lunch and night one filet in CK?

Between that stuff and Paradise Beach, sounds like we have some common preferences... except for the Star Class part, lol.

calvink669 · April 21

4 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Playmakers lunch and night one filet in CK?

Can't miss night one filet in Coastal Kitchen!

Generalchadwick · April 21

So excited for this. And no offense to the OGs who are awesome and I love all their blogs and want them to keep doing it and give us more. @Lovetocruise2002 don't hit me. But it will be great to get both and new perspective on Star coupled with a new ship.

calvink669 · April 21

2 hours ago, Generalchadwick said:

So excited for this. And no offense to the OGs who are awesome and I love all their blogs and want them to keep doing it and give us more. @Lovetocruise2002 don't hit me. But it will be great to get both and new perspective on Star coupled with a new ship.

Those are some big shoes to fill! I'm afraid, I'm neither as funny nor as witty as some of the OGs here. What I will say is (I think it was @SweetPeathat coined this) you might get a few cases of BUTI (Blogging under the Influence) on this trip

OCSC Mike · April 21

20 minutes ago, calvink669 said:

Those are some big shoes to fill! I'm afraid, I'm neither as funny nor as witty as some of the OGs here.

Everyone has their own style and any blog is better than no blog. You'll be fine.

That said, I do like having my own little niche... not much competition for "frugal guy in interior positing mostly food & drink porn."

20 minutes ago, calvink669 said:

you might get a few cases of BUTI (Blogging under the Influence) on this trip

I bet many of us are looking forward to this part!

Lovetocruise2002 · April 21

3 hours ago, Generalchadwick said:

So excited for this. And no offense to the OGs who are awesome and I love all their blogs and want them to keep doing it and give us more. @Lovetocruise2002 don't hit me. But it will be great to get both and new perspective on Star coupled with a new ship.

No offense taken! The OG credit here goes to the likes of @twangster @WAAAYTOOO and @CGTLH. I was reading those blogs long before I ever started blogging. And I fully agree with @OCSC Mike, any blog is better than none. And it’s even better that we all have our different styles. I too am looking forward to following @calvink669’s trip! I have plans to go back on Icon one of these days!

SweetPea · April 21

2 hours ago, calvink669 said:

Those are some big shoes to fill! I'm afraid, I'm neither as funny nor as witty as some of the OGs here. What I will say is (I think it was @SweetPeathat coined this) you might get a few cases of BUTI (Blogging under the Influence) on this trip

Ha! I call it PUI (posting under the influence!).

When this happens, i inevitably hope for the best and post a clarification later.

Godspeed! Looking forward to this one!

calvink669 · Thursday at 07:28 PM

Ok, with our flight to Miami less than 24 hours away, I'm happy to report that Kelli is completely packed, and I.....am not. But don't worry I have plenty of time to have things squared away before the car services arrives to take us to the airport in the morning .

One interesting thing of note that I'm not sure I've seen mentioned before. It seems that Hard Rock Hotel has teamed up with Club Royal.

Sounds fun and exciting

And we just found out that both Phoenix and DSB will play on this sailing! We love live music, so this is a real treat!

We are also checked in for our flight and ready to go in the morning! The plane we are taking starts the day in Houston then makes a quick turn in New Orleans and then back for our flight at noon.

The excitement is building!

Tic Toc

WAAAYTOOO · Thursday at 08:58 PM

Exciting news about Hard Rock ! This is the first I’ve heard of it. Woohoo. We used to stay at the Hard Rock when we were still flying in. I really hate that they got rid of the outside shopping/eating area. We quit going there once they shut all of that down…