dacsmom

Chocolate dipped frozen key lime pie on a stick.

 

oooohhhhh a definite favorite. I love them, they also have key lime BBQ sauce that sounds weird but is very good. I ordered more when I ran out.

I like the Conch Train and also get your picture taken at the closest point to Cuba statue. I really like Key West, not to overwhelming but good food and shopping. Ripley's is cool if you have not been there before, Hemmingway's house is interesting.

I use an online TA and it goes like this:

OBC were listed on the invoice and it showed up on account onboard.

Gratuities were prepaid as if we paid it ourselves, even with Anytime dining.

Specialty dining: I printed out a coupon and booked while onboard. It could only be used on a port day.

That is exactly how mine worked too.

Yup. I was waiting a bit to book and saw a big price jump for my solo cruise right after the upgrade. I booked before it went any higher. Oh well, maybe I will have a price drop. My cruise is in October.

I also believe I know the online agency you are using and I booked through them for my Feb 2013 cruise for the perks, they were well worth it. I would book through them again if they have a better deal than booking through RC. You cannot pre-book these perks, you have to do this on the ship. I had no problem getting the times and days I wanted once onboard. With the pre-paid gratuities, I chose MTD and had no problem, your TA can take care of that for you, you do not have to pick traditional dining. I also got OBC with them and it was there on the second day, no problems at all. In your documents from them it should spell out how to redeem all these perks and in order to get them, you do have to follow their directions. Give them a call if you have any questions, they are very helpful.

My only additions are about the pool and the movie. In Port Canaveral there were many people in the pool, if you are from a cold region I am sure you will think it is warm. I am a southerner and I waited until the next day when we were further south. The outdoor movie screen was the reason I chose FOS and was not disappointed at all. During the day they play music videos and broadcast the sexiest man and sail away so that everyone can see and not have to crowd around the lower deck. I loved the nighttime movies, so relaxing and you can see from almost any lounger. Have a great trip and congratulations on your upcoming marriage.

I'm sure you can ask for one but it might take the bartender a minute to know that it's basically the same as Royal Caribbean's Lava Flow drink. I have never personally heard anyone order a Miami Vice on a Royal Caribbean ship. Order a Lava Flow and see if it compares to a Miami Vice to you. :)

They are two different drinks and both are available on Royal Caribbean ships. The Lava flow is ok but I prefer the Miami Vice

You mention both Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Which are you cruising from? Not really sure what you're asking.

The OP is cruising from Southampton to FLL on the Oasis where that cruise ends, then driving to Miami to board another ship and sail to San Diego. His first question is how far the rental car agency is from the port in FLL. His second question is how far is the drive to The ship in Miami.

Thanks for the info about snorkeling. The reason I like the lockers is that I don't have to worry about anything being taken while I am in the water. I keep my money (for the markets), my sea pass card, and my camera in there.

The Miami Vice is one of my favorites. I usually conduct a scientific study to find the bar on the ship that makes the best one. Purely for research, I assure you.

Coco Cay is my favorite stop. It is relaxing and you can do as much or as little as you want. The snorkeling is very good. I do like the lockers too. You can lock up your valuables and they give you a wrist band that scans to open it (no more lost keys). The lunch buffet lines can get long but it is not too bad. There is live music, straw market, and many bars. The waiters walk around with Coco Locos so you don't ever have to leave your beach chair if you do not want to. The whole island is walkable and you can go to the back of the island to get away from people. The trail through the woods is fun too. I do not know if you have young children, but there is a lot for them to do too. The best part is there is no chance to miss the ship because of a late excursion. The lines for the tenders can get long at the end of the day but they move really fast.

Thanks for the info and the map. This will be my first time at Labadee also. Does anyone know if they have lockers like the ones at Coco Cay? Is there good snorkeling from the beach or is it better to try one of the snorkeling excursions?

I had the same message before my Feb cruise but had no problem booking during that time once on board. There were only two of us though.

My daughter cruised with me in February and she was made very welcome at the M&M even though she is not a member.

I did the same thing. The next day I sent an e-mail to C&A, they sent a nice reply and added it within two days. I prefer to communicate with e-mail that way I have a written record.

I have done both and I really have no preference. With MTD we had the same waitstaff each night and there was no wait at all. I did usually reserve a time in the morning, but not always. When I cruise solo, I tend to do the set dining time. I think this a great excuse to book another cruise and compare the two options :)

Great, thanks for the post. I do like to cruise out of Port Canaveral.

On the RC website when I click on my reservation number then the payments tab, everything I have paid or applied to my reservation is listed. I have not specifically used a gift certificate but my NCC and savings certificate are listed there. I hope this helps. I should add that this only works if you book through RC and not a TA.

Is there a limit of drinks a day for the drink package?

No, it is unlimited.

I don't usually get a drink package, for me, it is very expensive and you got to deal with those servers and bar tenders.

 

I only get a drink package if there are coke freestyle machines on the ship and I just get the soda package and it is worth it for the money.

 

Side from it is dirt cheap at only around $50 for a 7 day sailing, which is less than the $60 tip you paid, you get a nice souvenir cup which you can reuse when you go back home.

 

And aside from the usual servers and bars, you get to use those coke freestyle machines to completely bypass those servers wanting some tips, on top of getting around 130 different coke products from soft drinks to juice to water variants all cruise long. The powerade are also provides value while working out in the gym or when playing in the sports deck.

I believe the OP is only talking about the premium drink package and that does not include sodas. I have gotten the package and found it worth the price. Everyone is different and for some it is a good deal while for others it is not. I have not had issues with being ignored but this was in February and they were just rolling out the drink packages then. It could be that so many passengers are taking advantage of the deal and it is cutting into their tips. This is not meant as an excuse, but a reason.

Thank you for the wonderful review and pictures. I am starting to plan my vacation on the Allure, I am a Freedom Class fan and I am finding this ship a bit overwhelming.

Your pictures are beautiful, what do you use?

Thank you for the wonderful review and pictures, I cannot wait until your next one.

I have also had the waiters in the MDR not understand that I am a solo cruiser by choice. I sometimes cruise alone or with others but when I am alone I avoid the conversations that start out "What do you want to do, I don't care, what do you want to do." You wind up compromising and doing something no one really wanted to do. As solo cruisers we are able to do what we want, when we want. I have met some of the nicest people on ships, even if some cannot understand why I would ever want to vacation alone. Baby steps, first double points, next let's tackle that single supplement.

Loving your review. I am booking a solo on the Allure for next October and I cannot wait. I wish you had gone bobsledding, I really want to know what that was like. Did they have a kitchen tour or pasta demonstration? I enjoyed them on the Freedom and wouldn't mind seeing both again. Keep up the great naked men, er.. I mean review, sorry got sidetracked .

Thanks for the information, I am about to book a solo for next October. I will love the double points.