Dan83

Yes on Adventure last week.

I bought my kids arcade credit in the cruise planner for the discounted rate. Guest services was very helpful in setting up a spending limit. He explained that the normal limit they use is a daily limit. So he unlinked the kids seapass accounts and converted them to a cash account with no spending privileges. So when the credits were gone, the card stopped working. And this worked as advertised. That being said, I do not recommend spending a dime in Royal’s arcades. At least not on Adventure of the Seas. Others ships may have better arcades, maybe. Half the machines were marked out of service and several others didn’t work but the card reader sure worked. It was a waste of money even by kids standards. I just wanted to spoil the kids a little bit, but they left with mostly disappointment after blowing through $100 in credits. Expensive lesson that I don’t need to repeat.

I retract my statement about it working better. Still has bugs. But at least it’s free.

Chat feature is now free on Adventure of the Seas. Seems to work a little better now than last time we paid for it.

I’m just coming out of the woodwork to say that this is the best live review ever. Also, going forward, my poblano soup will only come in a big bowl. And all this time I’ve been ordering two bowls. Brilliant!

I often book my family of 4 into two cabins. If it’s not a kids sail free week, or sometimes even if it is, group rates for two cabins is cheaper. We had a balcony across the hall from an inside last week on Allure. In these cases, I don’t consider Royalup an option. When booking two cabins, we need them to be in close proximity. A successful royalup bid will most likely separate the two cabins considerably. The cabin attendants don’t care who sleeps where. If you do get lucky and score a suite with Royalup, all 4 can sleep there no problem. Just leave the other cabin unused. However, only 2 people would have access to any suite benefits associated with the new cabin. That wouldn’t work out well for my family. So again, royalup really isn’t an option for us when booked into separate cabins. Next month I have us all 4 booked into an inside 😳. It was a deal I just couldn’t resist. Royalup bids are in.

For a party of 6 I would definitely plan on using a Uber/Lyft. That’s probably the cheapest and quickest way. However, last month I found a driver looking to fill empty seats in his shuttle van. $10 got me a ride to the airport.

We’re on Allure now. I’ll try to report back and better answer your question, but for now I’m always seeing lines for my time anytime I’ve walked by and noticed. We have early traditional and if you can do early, that’s the way to go. As expected this week is slammed with kids and families. We have kids ourselves, but we’re managing the crowds well. Things like ice skating and adventure ocean are only possible by showing up early and getting in line. Just be smart when choosing activities and times and all will be well.

Please report on the embarkation process at the new terminal. We’re getting on Allure November 20th.

We’re on Allure for thanksgiving week. I’m looking forward to trying chef’s table for the first time. Just trying to decide which night to reserve it for, basing my decision on the menu in MDR. Don’t want to miss lobster night of course. Royal app has the menu all scrambled up for our sailing compared to the current sailings. With the menu being blank for thanksgiving night and the rest of the week. If I end up with chef’s table on lobster night, would it be inappropriate to request a lobster tail as one of the courses?

Depends on which airline, usually the cheapest fares will not allow a same day standby. You’ll get whatever seat is open, if any. Playing the standby game doesn’t always work out so great. Definitely has some ups and downs.

I’m guessing it’s ship specific. We will be on allure thanksgiving week. Will be our first cruise as diamond. Will definitely try for the photo and voom for the kids and report back here.

So diamond kids do get the photo and 24 hour internet? I’ve read reports of yes and no for those benefits.

An hour and twenty is plenty of time as long as the inbound flight is on time. I’ve done 35 minute connections in ATL many many times. It’s a very efficient airport.

What about TA group space? Doesn’t it usually take a few weeks for those to be available.

Adding to this. Stuart’s Cove is all I could find for a dive operator. Ship’s time in port doesn’t match their requirements listed online. I emailed them and received a prompt response. They said my ship’s arrival time is ok and to go ahead and book it. I’m a little hesitant because what they told me contradicts their own website. Anyone have experience with Stuart’s Cove?

Lol, I wish I were closer to Florida ports. Grass is always greener.

Those of us within driving range of Galveston don’t complain too much about the pricing. If we’re going to complain about something it would be the lack of port stops. Just have to take the occasional flight to Florida for port diversity.

If I remember correctly, this crew member that was regulating the debarkation line also works in adventure ocean. So she’s trained to deal with childish behavior…. This line did move fast though. I remember walking out the cabin door at 6:45 and then getting through airport security at 7:15. Very smooth process. Although we didn’t book the 8 am flight(and I don’t recommend booking one that early) we were able to get on standby. I’ll admit I have a soft spot for someone missing their flights, whether or not it’s their own fault. I would have tried to help them in some way. I’m very familiar with missing a commute flight home and spending the night in an airport or cheap hotel away from family. Airfare is not cheap and most people buy the airfare that doesn’t include same day changes or standby. Missing your flight will surely make for a rough day(or two) of travel.

I tried a grocery delivery to the hotel. Used Walmart plus. Scheduled it for a couple hours after check in at hotel. Half of the wine I ordered went out of stock so they only sent 2 bottles. So I made another order for early the next morning. However, the hotel shuttle to port Everglades decided to leave 30 minutes early and the grocery delivery driver showed up a few minutes late. I missed it by 5 minutes. Ended up buying 2 very overpriced cheap wine from the hotel lobby. In theory, a grocery delivery would be a convenient option for buying cruise wine. But it didn’t work out so great for me.

Yes you are correct. In my excitement about a smooth departure this morning, I neglected to mention that I would not expect to duplicate this every time. I was actually a little nervous booking a 10:25 am flight. We rushed off to the airport and then realized how early it was. Going standby on the earlier flight was a huge bonus.

Just got off Allure this morning. Fastest we’ve ever been off a ship. Left the cabin at 6:45, walked downstairs with our luggage. We were through airport security and at the gate at 7:15 am. We had 10:25 am flights booked. Got on standby list and was on a 8 am flight. Very good experience.

We are currently on Allure, finishing up an 8 day. Main dining has been a little different experience than we’re used to. We have always enjoyed the main dining room experience, this is cruise #8 on Royal. I kinda like that it’s slower paced, but this time, it’s really really slow paced. 2 plus hours each night. Seated at 5:15 and I don’t think we’ve had an appetizer before 6 pm any night this week. I’m thinking short staffed maybe. Our server is working at least 10 tables that we counted. Plus I think she’s working a couple more tables in the next room. I think she’s doing a good job for the workload assigned to her. Food is still good and coming out hot. But it’s just too slow paced. Next cruise we may switch to windjammer. Question, is it possible that cabin category affects seating in the MDR? We’ve had a suite the previous 2 cruises and had very experienced wait staff and very attentive service. Currently in an inside, and noticeably different service. Coincidence? Also, my time dining appears to be a mess. Each night as we’re leaving, lines have been backed up to elevators or further. For reservations and without, both lines are about the same. I’d recommend traditional dining if you are considering my time.

Just to add a data point. Received cabin assignment on Adventure sometime between 86-89 days prior to sail. We don’t often book guarantee cabins so have nothing to compare this to.

Thanks for the info. Not checking bags and we’ll definitely get off early and use a taxi.