TRacanoUK

We actually just got off Allure and were in 12327. We said we will never do a Boardwalk balcony again because even there (2nd furthest back) we felt that the sea view wasn't really there for us. It was also VERY loud for us. Ocean Aria went several nights late into the evening and we have 2 kids...

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Solstice is a great 'adult' cruise. I agree with the other posters!

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They usually have the shows 2x each night so that both seating a can watch. As for a 4-top table, when you get onboard you'll have your table assignment...go check it out. If it's not what you were hoping for you can put in a change request. We've almost never gotten the table situation we want but it's always worked out by night 2.

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We like to create a home base where we meet up with everyone in our group...usually this is a place where we can get a cocktail of course! So, what's your favorite lounge/bar on Allure?

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Thank you! I'm really hoping to talk him out if this. Seems like a waste if suitcase space to me!

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DH is telling me he plans in bringing ice skates for himself and my oldest son. Someone at work told him he'll be able to use the ice more if he has his own skates. I'm not sure how much he thinks he's going to skate, but can anyone confirm this? Having a hard time justifying that extra weight in the suitcase!

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I think the world is becoming a much smaller place and welcome the international options. There are only so many ports in the Carribbean and a whole world out there to explore! I'm excited for it!

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Thank you! This is a major stressor for me! DH said we should just run a movie for them on the iPad but even then there are inevitable squeals and laughter.

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I have 2 very early risers (I'm talking 5:30AM). What are some tips you have for keeping them busy/places on the ship that might be good until a normal hour? Are lounges generally open that we could bring them to run around? I just don't want to wake up our neighbors.

6rugrats--I don't really appreciate the snarky remark. I never insinuated I would put my convenience over their safety. It was a simple question as to what others do. This is why I hate these boards. :(

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We're generally not ones for ship excursions (gasp!) and usually book our own but this is our first time thinking if shore excursions with 2 kids in tow. I know the ports probably won't have law around car seats but I was wondering what other folks do? Ours will be 4 and 2 at the time of the cruise. I've seen suggestions like 'Take a cab to this resort or that beach' but just wondering how parents of small kids get there?

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How many people can you put in a cabana? We're traveling with out family of four and another family of 5...would we have to get 2 cabanas? I was thinking it would just be a sort of home base for the kids and we all want to be together.

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Thanks All for the feedback! It's started out as a 50th bday cruise for my brother (bachelor) with just mine and my sisters families which wouldn't be a big deal, but then some cousins decided to jump on the bandwagon! My husband is starting to call it 'My Big Fat Family Vacation'!

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I'm thinking of leading the charge to plan a family reunion cruise for my extended family. Has anyone ever done it before and have tips for me?

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Thanks all! You've given me a lot to consider. My kids go to sleep really early on one hand but in the other hand it might be nice if DH and I can see 'something' of the shows at night from our balcony after they go to sleep. Hmmm.

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Hi All,

We're thinking of taking advantage of the "Kids Cruise Free" deal going on right now with the 9/21 Sailing of the Allure. I have a question on the Boardwalk Balcony Rooms…A few reviews I've read have said they are loud. I have a 2 and 4 year old. My question is are they TOO LOUD for them to sleep? I thought the Boardwalk View would be good people watching for them and I thought maybe it would be a good place to view the parades and things…but I'm not sure about the noise situation. For those who have sailed on the Oasis Class ships -- in a Boardwalk View Balcony, would you recommend it?

I think it depends on how you are looking at whether its "worth it."

In my view, the food at the specialty restaurants is very good and compared to the MDR (which I have no complaint with) is a significant step up in quality and ambiance. We generally go to the specialty restaurants 1-2 x per cruise.

That answers "worth it" in my mind from a quality, enjoyability perspective.

That said, financially, I don't think they are "worth it" or better said, I don't think they're the great deal people make them out to be.

Everyone tries to compare the cost to a "top notch" restaurant in the States saying that will run you $100-200 for a couple. Fair enough, but let's break that down a little so we're comparing apples to apples. That $100-200 generally includes wine and in some cases specialty coffee. Let's just assume the bottle of wine is $40 (average cost of a red on Celebrity) and the average cost of specialty coffee is $10 for a couple. That means your true comparison price is $60 (low end and ignoring specialty coffee) to $130/140. Looking at Murano, your base/comparison price is $70 for a couple, which is immediately over the low end of the range. I also don't think this accurately reflects in the true "cost". Remember that this cover charge is incremental to your cruise fare, which presumably includes a price for dining in the MDR, which you are giving up. I have no idea what that cost is, but I would guess its at least $10, maybe as high as $20. That means your real "FOOD ONLY" cost of a specialty restaurant is $80-90, compared to a food only cost of $60-140 at comparable restaurants on land.

I guess what I'm saying is this:

1) The specialty restaurants are very good. I don't think they compare to the very best of land based restaurants, but the comparison would definitely be up there and we definitely enjoy dining in them.

2) The "deal" you're getting is not necessarily as good as people make it out to be, but depending on what restaurant you're comparing it to, its not like you're getting ripped off--I honestly think its a wash.

We'll continue going a few times per cruise and look forward to the experience.

When we were on Solstice in May, I believe that the Select dining section was only half of the upper level of the dining room...starboard side if I'm not mistaken.