ATLgirl15

When I made my reservations on line the dress codes were described for each restaurant and they all required pants in the evening. I haven't sailed yet so it might be that they are not enforcing it.

I've sailed both also and would say Allure wins hands down. We thought entertainment was really lacking on Escape. There is much more energy on Royal cruises, much more visible cruise director engaging with the crowd. The biggest difference is the overall feel of the ship. Allure is so open, you don't feel like you are on a ship. You can be on deck 8 and see the sky. Even covered spaces are several stories tall. Elevator lobbies are open and you can see every floor. There are live plants and trees on board. Escape felt very claustrophobic - low ceilings, closed off spaces and narrow hallways. I will say Escape did win in a few areas - one being the thermal suite in the spa. Royal's is a joke compared to that. We loved the food on Escape but we had a free specialty dining package so its not a good means to compare to Allure's MDR. However, Allure has much more variety in complimentary dining throughout the day. And I agree with never feeling crowded on Allure - there are so many neighborhoods that people were really spread out.

I'd say that was a happy accident! Based on another review of Sky class (which is what GS should be) the cards are purple.

Under the new suite program, the highest tier (Star) includes beverage and specialty dining package. I think the maroon color represents Star class-not sure but that's how it looks online. I think the beverage pacakages don't apply to bottles so maybe that is why there was the charge in coastal kitchen. But it seems like the server should have mentioned that you could have free by the glass. I guess it is all new and they have some kinks to work out.

Last cruise I was on gave complimentary hour hour drinks to diamonds in any venue. Not sure if that was just that cruise because there were too many diamonds on board to fit in the lounge. But I liked it better that way. I hope that is standard now.

That's an interesting question - I guess I'll find out next month.

I contacted Elbow Beach Resort for my upcoming cruise and this is the response. I think the original poster of this thread had a conflict with the resort having a function that day and it wasn't available. but since there seems to be some conflicting info about "day passes" I thought I would pass this along:

Elbow Beach resort facilities, including the private beach, is reserved for the exclusive use of our hotel guests.

However, outside hotel guests may dine at the Lido Complex restaurants, including Mickey's On the Beach. You may also book Spa appointments at the hotel. Should you wish to utilize the public side of Elbow Beach, you may do so. Our Beach Hut offers rentals of Cabanas for the day at the rate of $400, we also have lounge chairs and umbrellas for rental, please see the price list of the items. You may call 441-239-9375 or email csmith@elbowbeachbermuda.com for more details. The Cabana's must be booked in advance.

The price for a "beach set" (2 chairs and an umbrella) is $75.

The water is pretty calm in the areas you are allowed to go. Unless you criss cross with a wave runner you shouldn't experience any choppiness.

We rented a whaler from H2O a few years ago (4 hour) and it was great. None of us had any previous boat driving experience and it was no problem. There are restrictions on where you can go - head out in the ocean then south and then under the drawbridge and back around in the bay. You can't go north to the dockyard area. Not sure if somerset is the same but probably-I think they are located pretty near each other. Heading back to Bermuda this summer and deciding if we are going to do it again. It was a great way to spend the day and so close to the pier.