silentbob007

Same for Allure

I think a lot of people in this forum err on the side of caution. Do you need the letter? Probably not. Even if you need it, you may not be asked for it. BUT if you get someone shoreside who asks you to produce it, you are probably not getting on the ship. I just had an issue with my father in law and taking oxygen a plane. We did everything asked and the particular agent at the desk denied him boarding. Once that one person decided he was not boarding it wasn’t happening no matter who we complained to or showed what the website said.

I thought I had read at one point this could also happen in some people because desalinated water may contain more salt than you are used to.

When I was booking Allure last month, Royal’s website only showed a general balcony GTY however other travel websites showed XN and XB guarantees. When I called my agent, I was able to specifically book the XB. I had a cabin for 3 on hold because no GTY was offered. The day I went to confirm the reservation, an XB popped up as available for 3 at a significant savings.

Did not get an email but was able to put in some bids for my April 2 cruise. Had a hold on a specific cabin but was able to book a GTY when it came time to make payment for substantial savings (and got a decent room assignment). Any bid I make is playing with house money on the off chance one gets accepted.

Starbucks (actual branded stand, not other venues serving Starbucks coffee) is excluded from everything … drink package, vouchers, etc.

I think you have to knock on the door for entry since your card won’t open it.

They certainly save spots to be booked onboard.

Is a direct transfer to IAH bootable on board? The only thing I see in the planner now is a trip that includes a stop at NASA but it doesn't mention compatible departure times.

I dislike embarkation day (until I'm onboard, have my bags, and can go into vacation mode) but I loathe disembarkation day (early morning and having to leave). Have only done a few B2B cruises and have wondered why I just don't stay onboard every time. 🙂

Park Cafe is my go-to, though seating is obviously more limited than the WJ. Sorrentos, Cafe Promenade, and El Loco Fresh are also other options.

The easy sign of rough weather ahead is when they start putting barf bags in the stairwells. I don't generally take sea-sickness medication for Oasis ships, but I do take it with me just in case. On cruises where there seems to be a bigger likelihood of rocking and rolling (transatlantics, smaller ships, notoriously rough areas, etc), I will proactively take something like Bonine (non-drowsy) as a once-a-day precaution.

Oasis class is a very inward focused design. There are different places to go to see water but are not the focus below the top decks.

Glad to follow along. My first cruise out of Galveston in April and bringing an extended family of brand new cruisers. Will be my first cruise since right before Covid and also my first with 2-year old baby boy in tow (though I guess he technically joined us on our last cruise where we told my parents about him).

Well retail prices are the same. What the stores mark them up for on the other hand…. I think our Total Wine sells for our local min which is $70.

On my most recent booking, Royal’s website only had as generic balcony guarantee but from other websites it was clear it was also possible to get an ocean view balcony guarantee for just a few dollars more and that was what I asked our agent to book. I’ve had many neighborhood balconies and didn’t really have a problem with them. You sometimes get some nose bleed through, especially in the boardwalk. People watching was interesting and I’d rather have an interior balcony than no balcony at all, but I don’t ever plan to spend my day hanging out there.

Full Broadway shows have only been on some oasis and quantum class ships, though at one point in the distant past I seem to remember seeing Saturday Night Fever on Liberty.

Being prime spring break time, there might be much different pricing and availability for 2-person cabins than 4-person cabins. Note that even if you have two people in a cabin that can hold 4, there is no guarantee you will be able to be add more people later as the ship might have reached max occupancy.

The port is a decent distance from Rome or the airport by train or road so I would suggest afternoon for international check-in though I haven’t flown out that direction so can’t speak from experience.

The ports you stop at may not exactly be close to cities of interest. Definitely look at dress codes depending on excursions. Nightlife may be subdued if everyone is exhausted from the day.

Sad to hear about the frost damaging the plants. That cannot be an issue that is quickly fixed.

When I took my wife on her first cruise, we ate dinner in the MDR the first night (with the usual madness) and the food/service did not make it a good experience. We've sailed in suites since then and eaten at CK. Very close to booking Allure in April to be with family but will be back in a balcony ... I tried to sell her on the new menus but she was a bit upset when she realized shrimp cocktail (her go-to every day) was only on the MDR menu 4 nights. Oh well, I tried.

Partly time of year issues, but we are looking at balconies for the price we previously were able to get full suites. When I got a quote back of $17,000 for a grand suite on Icon, I just laughed.

If all goes as expected, we will be paying top spring break dollar on April 2nd. I really enjoy the Oasis class. I got engaged on the Harmony, which was my wife's first cruise, and then we had our honeymoon on the Allure. Right before COVID, we told my parents she was pregnant on the Oasis. Now I cannot convince her that it might be OK to cruise on a ship without a Central Park (though she is resigned to not have one when we eventually decide to go to Alaska).

I’ve not cruised post-Covid, but even years ago the limited vouchers were great. I remember packing into the tiny concierge lounges on ships many years ago and it was always a game of hope-for a-spot. I have enjoyed the social aspect of the lounges, but that is the biggest drawback for me. As someone who has done the last couple of cruises in full suites on oasis ships, I appreciated a better experience for the premium I was paying. I do enjoy benefits of my brand loyalty, don’t get me wrong, but I hate the animosity the extremes on both sides can have.