SheSailsFL

On 7/11/2023 at 2:09 AM, bradpitch92 said:

I don't think the link made it, could you post the link again? Or direct message me. 

Sorry..you can search for it using “Allure of the Seas Best & Worst Cabins -  Shannon Ford”.

Hope you can find it!

8 hours ago, kristikae said:

I thought about that but recent reviews are terrible. They say the food and drinks are terrible, virtually no beach etc.

Not sure about food because I have never eaten there.  Valid concern is that is a priority for you.  
But you will generally find where there is a “good beach”, it is not good at all for snorkeling since there is nothing to see but a white sandy bottom.  Just depends on  your preferences. 
Happy planning!

7 hours ago, kristikae said:

We would like to do a private snorkel excursion.  I will have a 5 and 7 year old with me and the cruiseline snorkel excursions don't allow the 5 year old to go.  What private companies do you recommend?  I used to use Eagle Ray Divers but I've emailed them twice with no response so I don't feel confident using them.

I would suggest Chankanaab Park.  There is great snorkeling with underwater statuary, sunken boats and reef formations to see there & are accessible from land.  There would be plenty for the family to do there for the day.  Very close to port also. 

For a beach day, I  recommend Mr Sanchos or Paradise Beach for families.  Lots to do with kids including the inflatables on the water. Both have an all inclusive package & you can book online.  IMO Playa Mia is not as nice and the food there is pretty bad.  There are tours of all of them on YT so you can get a feel for each. 
If anyone likes to snorkel, these beaches are not the place since they just have sandy beach with shallow water.  In that case I would spend the day at Chankanaab Park.  Great snorkeling with underwater statuary and sunken boat to see.  Lots to see & do in the park & a fun day. Also closest to port. 
 For any option, just grab a taxi when you arrive.  They will have a vehicle large enough to handle 5. 
Enjoy!

My recs would be Nachi Cocom or Paradise Beach.

On 6/21/2023 at 4:55 PM, mzhibbs said:

Where can I find an ATM to get pesos? 

You don’t need pesos for a day in Mexico unless there is some specific reason you need to exchange for them.  US$ and credit cards are almost always accepted.  
All businesses in ports and nearby towns take US$ and menus often have the US$ prices along with pesos.  Just don’t use a debit card in any foreign country since fraudulent charges are harder to fix.
Suggest checking the current exchange rate before you go and do a quick calculation for each transaction to make sure you’re not getting taken.  There are handy “cheat sheet” exchange rate calculators and apps if those would help. 

On 5/21/2023 at 7:43 PM, jagsfan said:

When is Allure returning to Florida?

Looking at sailings available to book, the first cruise from FL is from Miami around the 3rd week of October 2023  After that she will be in PC until summer 2024 when she moves to Ft Lauderdale.  

User malfunction.  Disregard.🤦🏼‍♀️😅

On 5/22/2023 at 8:15 AM, Tippyton said:

Didn't see any.  

I saw on a recent YouTube review that there is no laser tag on the Allure, but I am pretty sure he said they have the Quest game which I think is usually in Studio B.  Random guy on YT so can’t verify.

On 5/21/2023 at 10:33 PM, Deep68 said:

Thank you for your review!

I have been contemplating taking this cruise in September for my wedding anniversary. 
There are not many options for the data of our anniversary and I am struggling to determine if an interior facing balcony on such a large ship is for us. There are no ocean view balconies available.

The price is right and I like the idea of all the things to do but am used to smaller (up to 3K) ships.

I too am looking at a room on 14th floor and was worried about any noise.

 

I have taken around 20 cruises primarily on HAL, Celebrity and Norwegian but did take 2 RCL cruises on smaller ships many years ago.

 

 

I recently found a video on YouTube while randomly exploring and it was the best one I have seen to provide pros & cons for each cabin category, and where the best & worst cabins are in each category.  I was researching to decide if I wanted to take the plunge & book an Oasis class ship purely because I wanted to see the Mamma Mia show. 😗🤷‍♀️😅  I usually prefer the Freedom & Voyager class ships so I thought it was time to branch out.

Doing a b2b and had decided on a Boardwalk balcony aft with a great view of the aqua theater.  After hearing her advice, I went back to my standard OV balcony after all.

Here’s the link to her video on the Allure in case you haven’t seen her before.

Happy sailing!

All the vloggers are saying that their favorite is Paradise Beach.  Looks like their pool is bigger than NC.  Planning to try it on my next visit.  

9 hours ago, dallasdan said:

I like Mr. Sanchos beach.  They have an all inclusive side and an Al carte side.  the all inclusive side you can make reservations ahead of time.  They also have massage tents if you want a massage.  

Definitely not “laid back” though which is his preference. 

On 1/5/2023 at 7:33 PM, hotmonia said:

We will be in Cozumel on a day with 5 ships in port. Ours will be the last one to dock. I want to do a beach club. Worry is, even if I prepurchase a day pass, odds are good we wont find a chair, since some clubs do not set people capacities. 

 

Its between Playa Mia, Paradise Beach and Mr. Sanchos. I have a 4 year old so PM would be my first choice. Has anyone ever experienced difficulty getting a couple of loungers on these busy days? Especially if we were to arrive closer to 11am-noon. Thanks!

Nachi Cocom restricts total reservations daily so never feels overcrowded.  That said, it is not the most family-oriented of the beach clubs since it doesn’t have all the inflatables, etc.  It would still be a fun beach day for your 4 y/o IMO. 

On 1/3/2023 at 1:02 PM, wags111 said:

we are cruising to Cozumel in Jan with 3 kids, ages 2, 6, 10 

 

would you go to Paradise Beach OR do the dolphin excursion? 

 

the 6 & 10 year old have never been on a cruise.... 

I would opt for Paradise beach or Mr Sanchos with kids.  I don’t support businesses that exploit animals in captivity for our entertainment.  Big animal lover so just my opinion. 

I was in a hump cabin on deck 8 (8314) for a b2b through April 28th and literally never heard a sound from the hallway.  Its a perfect location near the elevators but separated by a wall and enough distance from the elevator lobby that you don't hear voices or bells ringing. 
I have the cabin next door (8316) booked for another b2b in November. 

Sure..here are a couple of options.  The Royal ones are narrower but the Carnival ones (or generic version below) fit most any cruise line since they are wider.

1-Cruise Luggage Tag Holder Zip Seal & Steel Loops for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruise | ID Badge | Waterproof, Clear | Royal Caribbean Cruise Travel Accessories | (Clear - 4 Pack)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071J4VQNV/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_39RXRZN7HJGM8KNFZQTR

2-Highwind Cruise Luggage Tags Etag Holders Zip Seal & Steel Loops Thick PVC(this is a generic size that fits all cruise lines I have sailed on so far.  This is not the exact one I have but I cant find those so maybe they’re discontinued.)
by ExploreFirst Brands
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017BVFA00/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3K16K9TA8B9SNWHAY8DX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

2 hours ago, OCALAMIKE said:

How do we get our luggage tags?

Luggage tag is the last page of your edocs.  No need to print that whole document with all the legal-ese, but just tell the printer to print the last page (I think its page 19).  Its color coded to help expedite getting bags to your cabin.  I use the plastic holders from Amazon since I had a tag torn off during handling once and I had to go on a goose chase to locate my bag late on day 1. 

I have the wider tags used by Carnival, Princess, etc and I just use the same ones for Royal’s tags.  There is extra space on either side but I don’t think it matters.

We had planned to take the train but there were several taxis and tour operators at the pier and we opted for a van with another couple and went to Florence for several hours and stopped at Pisa on the way back.  I cant recall the cost but it was very reasonable for the day. 

On 3/18/2022 at 7:32 AM, Lane Hog said:

Pretty much, yep.  But at least we aren't being pressured into an upsell just yet.

 

I'm more disappointed that I can't get decent biscuits and gravy.  Some day we will have a cruise line with a Cracker Barrell upsell restaurant and I'll be there daily.   

Well the new Wonder OTS has a sourhern specialty restaurant called “the Mason Jar”. Bet you score some good vittles in there.  😄

3 minutes ago, ceo418 said:

So can I get these from the Promenade cafe? Anyplace else?

Yes, and the beverage stations in the Windjammer have good selection of tea bags.  I bring a large water bottle and brew tea in the sun on balcony.  So much better than that nasty premade stuff. 

1 hour ago, ericosmith said:

Can you elaborate on this a bit.  Where are the water dispensers and how do the flavors work?

There are water dispensers at some of the bars, at Cafe Promenade and in the Windjammer.  Sometimes there are lemons/limes floating in the water and some dispensers are premixed with different flavor combinations.  One was watermelon with (I think) lime that was really good. 
You will not have trouble finding water.

Just a note though..they do not want you to refill your bottle or cup directly from the dispenser for sanitary reasons.  You need to use one of the plastic cups that are sitting there to fill your container. 

2 hours ago, Akkers said:

So if you do not have a drinks package and go for the free (included) stuff, how do you tell which drinks are free and which are chargeable?

Just about anything you order at a bar other than water will have a charge.  Everything is free at the beverage stations in Windjammer and Cafe Promenade. Water, tea (and other basic bevs) are included in MDR…anything else is extra.  On menus at bars and CP, items with an extra charge have a $ beside them.  Included items don't.  

1.  5 drink vouchers/day (D+)

2.  Bring 2 bottles of wine (or 1 wine, 1 Prosecco)

3.  Bring a few small containers of cranberry or mango for prosecco mixers.

4.  Order water for the cabin

5.  Refill Yeti cup from water dispensers (love the flavored waters)

6.  Make an “Arnold Palmer” with iced tea and lemonade at WJ (makes the bad iced tea more tolerable) OR brew my own tea with a tea bag and water in my Yeti.   
 

I am usually covered with the above.  I don't drink coffee or soda &  I try to avoid the frozen fruity drinks since they're loaded with sugar, so I may have a small bar tab at end of cruise for any additional wine or cocktails. 

I avoid March, because its spring break all month for colleges across the country and the high schools on a rotating basis.  It is warmer in March but in the southern Caribbean, you will still have nice, warm weather in January, with less crowds and herds of drunk college kids.