Newbie Needs Help...Allure of the Sea

[bookgirl98]

New Cruiser here. I am booked for the Caribbean Cruise out of Tampa on the Allure of the Sea (Royal Caribbean) in November. This will be my second cruise and my first time on a Large Ship/Longer Cruise. I am looking for information on what there is to do on the ship, how much the cost is for on ship entertainment, dining, spa, etc. It will be myself, my husband and our daughter (who will be 15y when we cruise). Any suggestions for on and off the boat? And any suggestions where I can find more information about the cruise so I can plan for packing and essentials? I am so new to this, I am not even sure what to pack to wear for dinner every night. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Clarea]

First, you are not cruising on Allure out of Tampa. Allure will be in Ft. Lauderdale at Port Everglades then.

 

There is no cost for any of the entertainment.

 

For your other questions, I suggest you ask on the dedicated Royal Caribbean forum here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=83

[cb at sea]

I suggest you get a guidebook from your library on your ports...that's the best way to learn what each island offers! After you decide WHAT you want to do, come back and ask us HOW...most things are quite easy to DIY in the Caribbean!

 

Pack as you would for any beach vacation...but bring something nicer than shorts for dinner. Long pants/golf shirt for hubby, sundress, capris, slacks for you and daughter!

You don't need all the doodads and geegaws that are on most of the packing lists! The cabins offer lots of storage. Bring your own hairdryer, because the one in the cabin is slow and difficult!

[bookgirl98]

I actually meant Fort Lauderdale, was talking to co-worker and mistakenly typed Tampa since we were talking about other cruises.. Sorry about that. Also, Sorry, I asked this in the wrong place, I thought since it was titled Ask a Cruise Question, I could ask this here. My mistake. I am sure I will not be posted here again. THANKS

[bookgirl98]

Thanks!! I actually found some interesting stuff online about the ports. I was more worried about the costs on board. I have seen several threads where cruisers are discussing the extra costs that you acquire while on the bigger ships. I just wanted to make sure I was prepared.

 

I suggest you get a guidebook from your library on your ports...that's the best way to learn what each island offers! After you decide WHAT you want to do, come back and ask us HOW...most things are quite easy to DIY in the Caribbean!

 

Pack as you would for any beach vacation...but bring something nicer than shorts for dinner. Long pants/golf shirt for hubby, sundress, capris, slacks for you and daughter!

You don't need all the doodads and geegaws that are on most of the packing lists! The cabins offer lots of storage. Bring your own hairdryer, because the one in the cabin is slow and difficult!

[Clarea]

I actually meant Fort Lauderdale, was talking to co-worker and mistakenly typed Tampa since we were talking about other cruises.. Sorry about that. Also, Sorry, I asked this in the wrong place, I thought since it was titled Ask a Cruise Question, I could ask this here. My mistake. I am sure I will not be posted here again. THANKS

It's not the wrong place to ask, it's just that there's a better place for specific cruise line related questions.

[taglovestocruise]

Google Beyond Ships . com. Find your cruise line and then your ship, you will find dozens of pages of pictures, ship tours, menus, deck plans, and all entertainment venues. Be sure to use your cruise planner and book all your shows months in advance. Allure is fantastic, happy cruising

[taglovestocruise]

Just to add, if you pre-pay your gratuities and specialty dining, if you plan on trying any, you could go the whole week with out spending a dime. Maybe a few dollars for room service. happy cruising