What benefits come with Star Class on Royal Caribbean cruises?

Star Class is the highest tier of accommodations and service on Royal Caribbean International, offering a luxury, all-inclusive experience designed for travelers who want concierge-level attention, priority access, and premium amenities from embarkation to disembarkation.

This in-depth guide explains exactly what benefits are included with Star Class, how it compares to Sky Class and Sea Class, who it’s best for, and whether it’s worth the cost—using official Royal Caribbean policies, real-world examples, and expert analysis.

Star Class is the top suite category within Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class program, available on select ships. Guests staying in Star Class suites receive the highest level of personalized service, including a Royal Genie, premium dining and beverage inclusions, priority access to attractions, and luxury amenities typically reserved for high-end resorts.

According to Royal Caribbean’s official site, Royal Suite Class is divided into three tiers:

• Sea Class (entry-level suites)

• Sky Class (mid-tier luxury)

• Star Class (ultra-luxury, all-inclusive)

• Source: Royal Caribbean International – Royal Suite Class (royalcaribbean.com)

Which Suites Qualify for Star Class?

Star Class is limited to the largest and most exclusive suites onboard, such as:

• Royal Loft Suite

• Ultimate Family Suite

• Icon Loft Suite

• Star Loft Suite

• Owner’s Loft (on select ships)

Availability varies by ship class, including Icon Class, Oasis Class, and Quantum Ultra Class vessels.Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data that Star Class is offered on every Royal Caribbean ship.

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efits Included With Star Class (Overview)

Star Class benefits fall into five main categories:

1. Personalized service

2. Dining and beverage inclusions

3. Priority access and VIP treatment

4. Luxury amenities and in-suite perks

5. Exclusive experiences and savings

Each category is explored in detail below.

1. Royal Genie: Personalized Concierge Service

What Is a Royal Genie?

The Royal Genie is a dedicated concierge assigned to Star Class guests. Unlike a standard concierge, the Genie acts as a personal vacation planner, managing nearly every detail of your cruise.

Royal Genie Responsibilities Include:

• Pre-cruise planning (dining, shows, excursions)

• Onboard reservations and schedule management

• Priority seating for entertainment

• Coordinating special events (birthdays, anniversaries)

• Custom dining requests (including off-menu items, where possible)

This level of service mirrors luxury hospitality standards commonly found in five-star resorts and private villas.

Comparable concierge models are widely used in luxury hospitality, as discussed in Harvard Business Review research on high-touch service personalization.

2. Unlimited Dining at Specialty Restaurants

What’s Included?

Star Class includes unlimited dining at all specialty restaurants onboard, with no per-meal surcharge.

This typically covers venues such as:

• Chops Grille

• Izumi

• 150 Central Park

• Wonderland

• Hooked Seafood

• Playmakers Sports Bar (food only)

Why This Matters

On a standard Royal Caribbean cruise, specialty dining can cost $40–$75 per person per meal. For families or longer sailings, this benefit alone can represent thousands of dollars in value.

Source: Royal Caribbean Dining Packages – royalcaribbean.com

3. Deluxe Beverage Package (Included)

What Drinks Are Covered?

Star Class includes the Deluxe Beverage Package for all guests in the suite (subject to age restrictions).

This covers:

• Alcoholic cocktails, beer, and wine (up to menu price limits)

• Specialty coffees and teas

• Bottled water and fresh juices

• Premium sodas

Real-World Value

The Deluxe Beverage Package typically costs $70–$105 per person per day, depending on sailing.

Consumer Reports notes that bundled pricing often provides better value for high-use travelers, especially in hospitality and travel sectors.

4. Complimentary Gratuities

Star Class includes prepaid gratuities, covering:

• Stateroom attendants

• Dining staff

• Genie service

This eliminates surprise charges and simplifies budgeting.

Based on publicly available information, Royal Caribbean does not publicly itemize how gratuities are distributed internally.

5. Priority Access Everywhere

Priority Benefits Include:

• Priority check-in and boarding

• Priority departure at ports

• Reserved seating at shows

• Priority access to onboard attractions (subject to safety limits)

On ships with high-demand attractions (e.g., North Star, FlowRider, AquaTheater), this significantly improves the guest experience.

6. Complimentary Wi-Fi (VOOM)

Star Class guests receive complimentary high-speed VOOM internet for all suite occupants.

This is particularly valuable for:

• Remote workers

• Families with multiple devices

• Travelers relying on messaging or navigation apps

• Source: Royal Caribbean VOOM Internet Policies – royalcaribbean.com

7. Exclusive Suite Lounge & Coastal Kitchen Access

Star Class includes access to:

• Suite Lounge (private dining and relaxation space)

• Coastal Kitchen, an exclusive restaurant blending Mediterranean and Californian cuisine

Sky Class guests may have restricted access, while Star Class guests enjoy full, priority access.

8. Luxury In-Suite Amenities

Included Perks:

• Premium bath amenities

• Plush robes and slippers

• Espresso machines (suite-dependent)

• High-thread-count linens

• Expanded room service menu (no service fee)

These amenities align with luxury accommodation standards recognized by global hospitality benchmarks.

9. Complimentary Laundry and Pressing

Star Class guests receive complimentary laundry and pressing services, ideal for longer sailings or formal nights.

This benefit is rarely included outside luxury travel tiers.

10. VIP Seating & Reserved Areas

Star Class includes:

• Reserved seating at AquaTheater and Broadway-style shows

• Dedicated seating in select venues

• Priority tenders in tender ports

Star Class vs Sky Class vs Sea Class (Comparison Table)

Feature	Sea Class	Sky Class	Star Class
Royal Genie	No	No	Yes
Unlimited Specialty Dining	No	No	Yes
Deluxe Beverage Package	No	No	Yes
Complimentary Gratuities	No	No	Yes
Priority Access	Limited	Moderate	Full
Laundry Included	No	No	Yes
Wi-Fi Included	No	Yes	Yes

Is Star Class Worth the Cost?

Best For:

• Families in multi-room suites

• Luxury travelers who value convenience

• Special celebrations (honeymoons, milestone birthdays)

• Guests sailing on Icon or Oasis Class ships

Less Ideal For:

• Budget-focused travelers

• Guests who prefer flexibility over planning

• Short sailings where benefits may not fully offset cost

How to Book Star Class (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit royalcaribbean.com

2. Select a ship offering Royal Suite Class

3. Filter by Star Class suites

4. Confirm inclusions during checkout

5. Coordinate with your Royal Genie pre-cruise

Health, Safety, and Service Standards

Royal Caribbean follows international maritime safety standards, including:

• CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (for U.S. ports)

• WHO-aligned health protocols

• Flag-state maritime regulations

• Sources:CDC.gov – Vessel Sanitation ProgramWHO.int – International Travel and Health

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Star Class include excursions?

No. Shore excursions are not included unless explicitly stated.

2. Is alcohol included for all guests?

Yes, subject to minimum legal drinking age.

3. Can the Royal Genie book sold-out shows?

They prioritize access but cannot override safety limits.

4. Is Star Class available on all Royal Caribbean ships?

No. Availability varies by ship and class.

5. Are gratuities really included?

Yes, standard onboard gratuities are included.

6. Does Star Class include airport transfers?

Generally no, unless part of a promotional package.

7. Can dietary needs be accommodated?

Yes. Royal Genie coordinates dietary requests.

8. Is Wi-Fi truly unlimited?

Yes, standard VOOM access is included.

9. Can children stay in Star Class suites?

Yes. Family-focused suites like the Ultimate Family Suite are Star Class.

10. Is Star Class refundable?

Depends on the fare rules selected at booking.

Final Verdict: What Benefits Are Included With Star Class?

Star Class delivers one of the most comprehensive luxury cruise experiences at sea, combining personalized service, premium inclusions, and priority access into a seamless, high-value package.

For travelers who want a stress-free, resort-style experience with cruise-ship excitement, Star Class stands apart as Royal Caribbean’s most exclusive offering.