Join me on first solo cruise - Allure Oct 29

[DandDM]

Hi all.  First attempt at a live report; noticed that someone else is doing a report on the same cruise, which will likely be much more exciting than this, but wanted to share my first solo experience.  Have read a lot about cruising solo on these boards, and also have had many questions answered, so want to give back a little!  

 

First off, quick background on this cruise: my wife and I did our first Oasis Class cruise on the Symphony last September and absolutely loved the ship. Found a repositioning cruise on the Allure for Nov 5 with incredible rates and booked a CLS for a steal while on board.  Fast forward to February when we got notice that the cruise was cancelled, with options to move to earlier Allure cruises. When I looked at the options, no CLS were available (or any full suites), and ended up booking a Jr Suite for this cruise.  Fast forward again to a couple months ago, and a CLS opened up.  Since I was going solo, hesitated to even call, but decided to (in large part because I was still upset about losing the great deal we got) and was very surprised when Royal honored the original offer and booked me in the CLS at my original price.  Meanwhile, OBC stacked up...got the OBC for booking on board (plus $50 for some promo), another $200 for moving the cruise, then even more when I did the upgrade.  So have an obscene (IMO) about of OBC to spend.  Will talk about that later.

 

Solo part of cruise.  Just to put it out there: my wife passed away unexpectedly in April. Had a cruise booked within two weeks of her passing; assumed I'd not be going, but family and friends encouraged me to do it and get out of town.  My best friend was able to quickly rearrange his schedule to join me and the cruise ended up being the best thing I could have done at the time.  That same friend had a family Alaska cruise planned for July and I booked a solo cabin.  While I would not consider that a 'solo' experience as we shared meals, shore excursions and shows, I realized that I was comfortable enough on a ship to continue with this cruise. Have also been taking weekend trips with my dog, but determined that traveling with my pooch was not really a solo experience.  So this is my first significant solo experience and both excited and a little nervous about it!   

 

Currently I'm at the airport for the first leg of my flight to Ft Lauderdale; will post some photos, more about my plans and other thoughts during my upcoming  layover in Houston.

 

Cheers,

[DandDM]

Flight has been delayed. Obligatory dog photos. Took Luna to my parent’s place. 
 

then she found out I was leaving her there. 

[dino1037]

Have a fabulous time!

I went with a friend and got off last Saturday..we had the best time.

Easy to get chatting to people on a cruise…I’m sure you will enjoy the experience and my condolences to you 

[Ilovesailaway]

Sorry for your loss. I hope you have a great cruise and I look forward to your review especially the photos.

[irishgal432]

Keep in mind you cash "cash out" your OBC in the casino.  Go to a slot machine and use the option to charge to your room.  Ask at the casino cage for instructions to charge to your room.  Do 75 at a time and gamble once o twice and then cash out to the casino.  

[DandDM]

2 hours ago, irishgal432 said:

Keep in mind you cash "cash out" your OBC in the casino.  Go to a slot machine and use the option to charge to your room.  Ask at the casino cage for instructions to charge to your room.  Do 75 at a time and gamble once o twice and then cash out to the casino.  

Sounds like a solid plan…except I might fail at only spinning once or twice!  I anticipate  some minor gambling to occur. 😎

[DandDM]

2 hours ago, Ilovesailaway said:

Sorry for your loss. I hope you have a great cruise and I look forward to your review especially the photos.

Not much for photos yet…flight had a layover in Houston and apparently they had big storms today. Arrived two hours late and won’t be in ft Lauderdale until after midnight. Doing my best to keep my spirits up. 

[DandDM]

Mangesh is the concierge for this cruise, and so far he has been great!  He sent the show schedule earlier this week and asked to email our requests for shows and dinner.  Generally chose the first showing for each show (so opportunity to reschedule is something comes up) and also reserved for coastal kitchen most nights.  I asked and he confirmed that with my D+ benefit, I could eat at two specialty restaurants and use my BOGO benefit...so booked Chops and 150 central park.  Below is the show schedule he sent.

 

 

[HBE4]

26 minutes ago, DandDM said:

Not much for photos yet…flight had a layover in Houston and apparently they had big storms today. Arrived two hours late and won’t be in ft Lauderdale until after midnight. Doing my best to keep my spirits up. 

 

It''s good to keep up your spirits by downing a few spirits.🙂

 

St. Arnolds is a good choice. I went to their brewery when I visited Houston a few months ago. Solid selections across the board.

 

Edited October 29, 2022 by HBE4

[DandDM]

The Houston airport was crowded…many delayed flights meant a lot of folks waiting. Finally got out of there and flight was good. Deplaned, found my bag, and Uber to the hotel for an almost 1am arrival. The place was locked up, but rang the bell and got checked on. 

[DandDM]

Apparently the annual boat show is in town and hotels are full . When I first looked for a room a while ago, prices were high so I figured I’d try again later. Them last week someone posted on the roll call about hotel prices and I realized I never got back to it. Found this place for $169, pretty much last minute, on Hotwire - it will be just fine for tonight. 

[aubreyc1988]

Following along! I was on the Allure on Oct 1 sailing. My condolences to you 😞 

 

I will be doing my first solo cruise on Monday on the Freedom 4 night. Booked it a few weeks ago through casino, sailing solo so that I can get double points and be diamond for my cruise in 2023. 
 

I am pretty nervous about going by myself, if I am being honest. 

[perfect match]

First of all, condolences 💐 on your loss.
 

Thank you for taking us along with you on your first solo cruise. I’m looking forward to cruising along with you. 
 

Ft Lauderdale gets really busy during the boat show. Glad you were able to get a room for the night. I think that’s a good omen that you’re going to have a wonderful cruise.

[DandDM]

8 hours ago, aubreyc1988 said:

Following along! I was on the Allure on Oct 1 sailing. My condolences to you 😞 

 

I will be doing my first solo cruise on Monday on the Freedom 4 night. Booked it a few weeks ago through casino, sailing solo so that I can get double points and be diamond for my cruise in 2023. 
 

I am pretty nervous about going by myself, if I am being honest. 

Best on your solo trip!  I hope to have many positive experiences to share yo help get you ready

[DandDM]

7 hours ago, perfect match said:

First of all, condolences 💐 on your loss.
 

Thank you for taking us along with you on your first solo cruise. I’m looking forward to cruising along with you. 
 

Ft Lauderdale gets really busy during the boat show. Glad you were able to get a room for the night. I think that’s a good omen that you’re going to have a wonderful cruise.

Thanks. My Uber driver mentioned that it took him an hour Saturday night to take some folks from the show to a beach front restaurant. Think I got lucky on this place!

Edited October 29, 2022 by DandDM
Typo

[DandDM]

Woke up this morning with a reminder from the Royal app to not show up at the port until check in time. No idea if they will actually enforce, but as I have a 11:30 check in and haven’t left the hotel yet, won’t be an issue. 

[DandDM]

Took a walk-in A1A Beach Front Avenue! This morning…can’t see it with thinking of vanilla ice, though. Noted that it’s actually called Beach Blvd here, maybe a Ft Lauderdale thing. 
 

also some random photos from my walk. 

[DandDM]

Slow drive through Fort Lauderdale to get to the cruise port, arrived at 11:15 and was on the ship by 11:30. Some photos; 
 

[DandDM]

The ship was already hopping!  Went to the suite lounge for a snack and some liquid refreshment. Sat with a couple from Louisiana and had a nice chat. Got the safety stuff out of the way so exploring the ship, waiting for cabins to open up. 

[DandDM]

This is interesting : letter in stateroom states five drinks up to $13 are included. Already checked at a bar and drinks were $14. Per other posts, don’t think there will be a $1 charge, but will confirm. Also, a pano from my balcony. 

[Ozark_Kid]

17 hours ago, DandDM said:

Generally chose the first showing for each show (so opportunity to reschedule is something comes up)

Smart idea.  On the October 15th cruise the 1st 2 days of Momma Mia got cancelled.  We were able to watch later. 

You will not be charged the extra $1 on the drinks.  They just went up in the last month from $13 to $14.  They just haven't changed the letter.  Maybe next time you see Mangesh, mention it to him to confirm.   He also might get it changed for future cruisers. 

Have a great cruise and thanks for taking the time to do a live.

[DandDM]

1 hour ago, Ozark_Kid said:

Smart idea.  On the October 15th cruise the 1st 2 days of Momma Mia got cancelled.  We were able to watch later. 

You will not be charged the extra $1 on the drinks.  They just went up in the last month from $13 to $14.  They just haven't changed the letter.  Maybe next time you see Mangesh, mention it to him to confirm.   He also might get it changed for future cruisers. 

Have a great cruise and thanks for taking the time to do a live.

Thanks for the info. Enjoyed your recent live report, got me ready for this cruise!  For what is worth, asked about starlink. The folks at the voom desk said it was coming ‘soon’ but couldn’t, or wouldn’t, give me anything more specific. 
 

cheers,

[F19810]

I just want to say, enjoy your first solo cruise.  Since my travel buddy got sick over ten years ago, all of my vacations are solo trips and I love it.  I find that traveling solo, I meet more people and have more freedom to do what I want.  I'm so used to traveling solo, the idea of traveling with somebody just doesn't appeal anymore.

[Ozark_Kid]

56 minutes ago, DandDM said:

Thanks for the info. Enjoyed your recent live report, got me ready for this cruise!  For what is worth, asked about starlink. The folks at the voom desk said it was coming ‘soon’ but couldn’t, or wouldn’t, give me anything more specific. 
 

cheers,

Thanks.  Even without Starlink I thought the internet worked good enough.   If you have problems with it try turning off the wifi and then turn it back on.  I think I only had to do it once or twice.   It fixed it right away. 

[DandDM]

4 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

Smart idea.  On the October 15th cruise the 1st 2 days of Momma Mia got cancelled.  We were able to watch later. 

You will not be charged the extra $1 on the drinks.  They just went up in the last month from $13 to $14.  They just haven't changed the letter.  Maybe next time you see Mangesh, mention it to him to confirm.   He also might get it changed for future cruisers. 

Have a great cruise and thanks for taking the time to do a live.

Thanks for the info. Enjoyed your recent live report, got me ready for this cruise!  For what is worth, asked about starlink. The folks at the voom desk said it was coming ‘soon’ but couldn’t, or wouldn’t, give me anything more specific. 
 

cheers,