Royal Caribbean unveils all-inclusive cruising (sort of)
Guests can now purchase a package that covers almost everything on Royal's smaller ships.
Royal Caribbean uses a three-tiered suite structure on its largest and newest cruise ships. Depending on the level of suite you book, you’ll receive one of three sets of perks, which the cruise line refers to as Sea Class, Sky Class, and Star Class.
Sea Class generally applies to junior suites and includes access to the upscale Coastal Kitchen venue for dinner and a few other perks. Sky Class adds things like priority boarding and a few other luxury amenities. And Star Class is reserved for the top-tier suites, essentially providing an all-inclusive cruise experience.
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For example, if you book a Star Class stateroom on one of Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships, you’ll get perks like an unlimited beverage package, unlimited specialty dining, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a “Royal Genie” – essentially a concierge dedicated to making your cruise great.
Although there are certainly suites available on Royal Caribbean’s smaller and older ships, the same tier structure isn’t used. In other words, someone seeking the most luxurious experience possible cannot simply book a Star Class suite and get it. But that appears to be changing.
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Introducing the Royal Genie Package on smaller ships
It looks like Royal Caribbean is now selling Star Class perks on its smaller ships that don’t actually have Star Class suites. Royal Caribbean Blog’s Matt Hochberg recently reported that a new cruise upgrade called the Royal Genie Package is now available to book through the VIP Passes section of its cruise planner.
The package is named for the Royal Genie that Star Class suite guests can access. Essentially, the Royal Genie is a concierge, planner, and ship guide in one who is tasked with making sure your cruise is exactly to your liking at all times (in practice, three or four cabins share one Royal Genie, but it is highly personalized attention).
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A Royal Genie can manage dining and activity reservations, handle any special requests you have, arrange for prime seating at shows, and more.
In addition to the Royal Genie, the package includes some extremely valuable perks, including (but not necessarily limited to):
- Deluxe Beverage Package (guests 21 and older) or Refreshment Package (under 21)
- Unlimited and complimentary specialty dining at certain venues
- Complimentary room service
- VOOM internet service for one device per guest
- Some complimentary beverages from the in-room mini bar
- Complimentary Starbucks beverages
- VIP luggage service
- Reserved seating in the theater
- Free in-room movies
- Access to the suite lounge
As you might imagine, the Royal Genie Package is not cheap. Screenshots posted on Royal Caribbean Blog show a price tag of $300 per night, per guest for adults or $200 per night for children. It’s unclear at this point whether pricing will vary dynamically by ship, or at all.
Some of the perks are fairly easy to value. The cost of the unlimited beverage package is easy to look up for your cruise, and so is the cost of the unlimited specialty dining package, for example.
The same can be said for WiFi. But other benefits, while valuable, are tougher to quantify, such as VIP luggage service, access to the suite lounge, and reserved theater seating. But when you add together these things with the other benefits listed above, even with conservative valuations, it can potentially justify the price tag.
Should you buy the Royal Genie Package?
To be sure, not everything is included. There may be some specialty meals (like the Chef’s Table) that aren’t included, for example. But Star Class benefits are very close to an all-inclusive cruising experience, and until now, have been reserved for the top-tier (read: very expensive) suites on the cruise line’s mega-ships.
More Royal Caribbean news:
- Royal Caribbean makes splash with return of popular activity pass
- Royal Caribbean expands a popular dining package perk
- Royal Caribbean makes surprise cruise upgrade
Of course, booking the Royal Genie Package isn’t right for everyone. For two adults on a 7-night cruise, this would add $4,200 to the cost of your trip – in addition to the cost of the cruise itself. But this could be a solid option for cruisers who are fans of the smaller ships but want the top-tier treatment.
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