nyjustus2

We are on the Spirit on June 7. Our roll call is very slow. Some people moved over to FB and that has actually been fun. I love Cruise Critic for the amazing information I get from other travelers. Have a great cruise!

After reading all these replies I opted to get a shared shuttle transfer to our hotel in Civitavecchia. It was 85 euros for the 3 of us. Definitely not as cheap as train but after traveling for 18 hours I don’t want the hassle of trying to do the trains with our luggage. I may opt to do train at the end of our cruise into Rome. I figured no transfers to get to main station in Rome and we will be rested. I think we will then take a taxi from station to our hotel in Rome.

Can you tell me which Shuttle Service you are using? I don't want to do the train, and our hotel in Civitavecchia has a shuttle, but it's almost double of this. Thanks so much!

I know this is way in advance, but this is the first cruise we are taking that isn't the Caribbean!

We sail on 6/7/18. I believe we are planning to leave NY on 6/5 in the evening, arriving 6/6 a.m. Does this give us enough time to see a bit of Rome or should we come a day earlier?

Also looking for any information that will make our trip more interesting and fun! We've never been to Rome, so we want to fit in as much as possible in a short time.

Thank you!!!

We (party of 6) are going to LFK in April. Based on some of the activities we have chosen and the package we are purchasing, when you are in the water, snorkeling or horseback riding, where do you leave your belongings? I know it said we have a private area, but would we leave our expensive camera, etc. in that area while in the water? I can't convince my husband to leave it on the ship as he loves to take pictures, but I don't want to risk it disappearing either. Please help!!!

Thank you for the kind words. My girlfriend had the tuna. I tried it and it was fantastic. She loved it and would definitely order it again. In regards to Samba Grill, we didn't go there on this trip. Not because I didn't want to, but because my GF is kosher and can't eat the meat. I love Brazilian steakhouses. I'll be going to Samba when I'm back on Allure in 2 weeks. If you keep following my review I'll be posting about Samba when I get back from that trip.

Nate - how many of you are going next week?

Your review has kept all of us counting the minutes until next week! I'm sorry for your loss, Nate, and hope you'll be back in the cruise spirit by the 9th! Looking forward to meeting you!

Your review and pictures are great - keep 'em coming! Looking forward to meeting you and your "gang" in 2 weeks!

By the way, is there a "glow" party on this ship? I read about it somewhere and wasn't sure if it was for the Allure.

Hi - myparents are going on the May 4 Western Caribbean Allure sailing. Can anyone provide their cruise compasses? My mom loves planning and this will help her! Also, if anyone has a copy of the Vitality at Sea menu she'd love to see that as well.

I'm on the Nov. 9 Allure Eastern Caribbean sailing and looking for the cruise compasses for that as well!

Thank you!!

Risa

OMG - was on the Sun in October - the syrup was absolutely disgusting. I couldn't believe it. I didn't have pancakes or waffles the whole 12 days. I was kind of disappointed, but I lost 5lbs on vacation!!!

Agree! I have found that the ship often stays on ships time - my last 2 cruises we had ships time rather than port time.

We sailed NCL Sun last month. We received messages on our bed in the evening that told us to turn our clocks back and then forward to keep with local time.

We are on Allure now. We had dinner in Chops last night ( day 3) so not sure what the menu was. Day 1&2 were good. Do not order the steak. It's so tough none of us could eat it ( in dining room. Steak in chops was superb).

Does Chops still have white glove service? We were on Jewel 3 years ago and not only was the meal outstanding, so was the service. Just curious if anything has changed.

You will not have any problem bringing a reasonable amount of sealed water and soda on board with you. If you roll it on with you (which I always do and suggest), you can expect them to open your bag after the security screening in the terminal to verify that it's sealed / not booze).

 

The reason I recommend rolling it on with you is you eliminate any concern about a misunderstanding where your luggage gets directed to the so-called "naughty room" for further screening.

That's good information...on NCL we put luggage tags on 2 cases of water and they were delivered to our room with our bags. If we have to lug it ourselves, no big deal...

We like getting on board as early as possible so our rooms may not be ready yet. Oh well...we'll figure it out. My husband drinks a lot of water during the day and hates the taste of the ship water, so it's a big plus being able to have bottled water with us!

Thank you!!!

Their official policy is that you cant but is rarely enforced and the "real deal" is that you should have NO problem bringining a reasonable amount of water or soda on board. :)

Thank you!

Just curious about the water/soda policy - some say you can bring it onboard other say you cannot ... what's the real deal?

I read you can bring 2 750ml bottles of wine to your cabin with no corkage fee, providing you don't bring it to restaurants.

What is the policy for bottled water and soda? We just traveled on Norwegian and there was no limit on these two items. Just curious about Royal Caribbean's policy! Thanks!

Hi CC fans!

I have decided to post “Live” (hopefully) this coming week from the Allure of the Seas. I have been looking forward to this trip for almost a year, and have spent countless hours poring over the many Allure reviews. The photos and commentary, tips and advice have been so helpful—Every review had me more excited to experience this ship for the first time! So, for those of you planning an Allure trip soon, I’ll attempt to provide a daily fix of photos and info. Ask away if you have any specific questions that come to mind while I’m onboard! I’ll do my best to answer.

 

I’ve done a couple reviews after I’ve returned and have never considered doing a live review before. Who wants to be tied to their devises, uploading pictures, and paying for expensive internet packages when you’re on the vacation of a lifetime???

 

Well, me I guess—but a few factors weighed into my decision process for this “live”review.

 

#1-Merry Christmas (a bit early) to me!!!! Santa got me a new iPad! So, no dragging around a laptop or running back to my cabin to post photos and commentary. This little guy, paired with my iPhone 5, will follow me anywhere on the ship!

 

#2-I discovered that the Photobucket app for the iPad is fairly intuitive, and only took me a few tries (ok, maybe more than a few) in the Photo and Camera discussion thread to get an actual picture to post.

 

#3-I already have to purchase an internet package for a bazillion dollars (less my Diamond discount paperless coupon, I hope) because DD is missing a few days of school on this trip, and needs to access homework and her text books on her school iPad through the school’s digital locker via WiFi. I’m sure she won’t mind sharing these valuable minutes, and in fact with probably be thrilled to death if I boot her off for a half hour or so, and send her down to the pool.

 

#4-My memory isn’t what is used to be since I turned the big 5-0. Reading my old reviews is like reliving those vacations all over again. I am excited about this trip and want a means to remember it all. If I wait until I get back, unpack, and go back to work, I may not even remember what ship I was on….

 

So, there you have it. The stars are all aligned, and thus begins my live report.

 

I am leading the cast of characters on this adventure -- “Niksmom630”, a.k.a. Chris, traveling with my DH, and my DD who is 14.

Also joining us on this trip is my DBIL, (solo cruiser) and another couple accompanied by their two daughters, ages 14 and 11 (newbies—first cruise ever!)

 

PRE-CRUISE PLANNING

 

The Cabin—We have booked a hump Jr. Suite on deck six. From what I have read, I should be pleased as punch with this location, and enjoy a larger balcony with two loungers. DBIL is in the Jr. Suite next to ours. If the balcony divider is opened, it should be gi-normous!!!! I’ll report back on this.

The Entertainment—I don’t go to shows anymore. Ever. Been there. Done that. However, the rave reviews about the entertainment on Allure made me rethink my position. I have pre-booked; Oceanaria (Day 1 as the recommended by BillOh) , Blue Planet, the Comedy Club and the Ice Show. Guess this will mean less time at the three card poker table in the evenings, and my wallet will be thanking me later.

 

Pre Cruise Stay—living in the Midwest, we always fly out a day early. We will be staying at the Embassy Suites 17th Street for one night. I would love to proudly report on what a great deal I got on the price of this hotel, but sadly—I cannot. I wish I could throw all caution to the wind and bid a bargain basement price for any 3 -4 star hotel room and roll the dice. Who isn’t a tad jealous of all those posters who pay $50 for a $300 hotel room??? I know I am, but I’ve resigned myself to paying a bit extra to keep the control freak in me at peace. I hope to be able to see the Oasis sail away from my balcony, and may even set my alarm to see Allure come in on Sunday morning as well.

 

Dining—I have not made any specialty restaurant reservations, and will likely be eating in the MDR each evening. I know, BORING…..But, our traveling companions are trying to keep their expenses under control, and honestly, I’ve never had a bad meal in the MDR. I will be making an effort to try all the other “free” dining venues on this ship. Maybe I’ll even hit the Windjammer for dinner. Trainman has me convinced to try it one of these days.

 

Beverage Packages—I waffled on purchasing a premium beverage/alcohol packages. Looking back at all my ship charge receipts, it seems like this would be a break even thing for us. Although, we almost always travel with a large group, and take turns buying drinks, so it’s a bit hard to tell exactly how much the two of us are personally consuming. Also, I started thinking about what a pain in the butt it would be to always have to get up and get my own drinks, instead of sending DH to get me one from the comfort of my pool lounger. (I can say what I want here, because he’s not on cruise critic!!!) In the end, I decided to pass on the package -- this time. Since our friends have opted to purchase the package, we’ll know for certain by the end of the week if our alcohol consumption warrants purchasing the package for our cruise in February. We aren’t big soda drinkers, so we won’t be purchasing one of those packages either.

 

Excursions—None. The ship will be my destination for 7 full days. So, as long as Allure is still floating, with power, bar service and food—I’m a happy camper. I realize the reported propulsion issue has many people upset and concerned (to varying degrees), so I’ll be happy to report back any itinerary changes one we board. Actually, I have to admit I was a bit distressed myself, since less time in ports means everyone else can’t get off, and then I can’t have the ship all to myself!!! This may warrant a trip to guest services with a demand for some onboard credit, since I wasn’t planning on sharing the ship with 6000 others for several more hours than RCI had originally promised me!!!! KIDDING, folks…..I understand this is a bigger deal for those trying to plan excursions….For me, meh….not so much…..

 

While we have nothing formally planned, I do however, intend to erase one “to do” off my bucket list, and that will mean a trip to Maho Beach in St. Maarten

 

Well, that’s all for now, folks. Still packing, and our limo arrives at 0’dark thirty in the morning. I thought about posting a few pictures of my packed luggage (YAWN!!!), but instead I’ll try something different…….

We were in Maho Beach three weeks ago. My best advice...get there as early as possible. Lounge chairs are $10 each including an umbrella. Willy is the beach server...awesome dude! Food is a little pricey, drinks are very reasonable. The planes coming in are so cool. Check the surfboard for times of flights and. HAVE FUN!

I am very allergic to cigarette smoke - We just sailed on the NCL Sun and the only place it bothered me was in the Casino, so I stayed out of there. There was very little smoke anywhere near our balcony, and it did not bother me at all on the pool deck. Sorry smokers....I'm all for a ban "band" on smoking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doesn't look like it. Both our cruises are sold out!

Arzeena!!!! Which Royal cruises are you booked on? We just booked Allure for the 11/9 sailing next year!

I have all the Freestyle Dailies if anyone wants a copy. Email me at risa361@aol.com!

Just got back a week ago...we saw dolphins and flying fish from our balcony...very cool

My best tips...

1. Bring a power strip. There is only 1 outlet in the balcony room.

2. Bring a blow dryer...the one on the Sun balcony room is awful if you style your hair.

3. Casino is extremely smokey...avoid if you are asthmatic

4. As crazy as this will sound, if you like Maple Syrup, bring your own bottle. The ship had a maple syrup that had a very odd taste to it. It ruined pancakes and waffles. We asked the waiter and he said they changed brands....it was awful tasting.

5. Bring white clothes for the White Hot Party.....it's so fun!

Most of all, relax and enjoy!

Thank you for the tips. Is a charge for the food on the Sport Bar?

No charge, and the wings are quite good!!!

That is St. Peter Claver and the church is the Santuary of St. Peter Claver.

Hi Carole!!!

LOL at the number of comments and views on this thread already, with no review content yet!!

 

Does anyone have any dailies they could share?

 

Any 2-for-1 early bird specialty restaurant nights?

 

Counting (rather impatiently) the days until I board the Sun ...

I have the dailies for all 11 days, but no clue how to post them here. If you send me an email to risa361@aol.com, I will happily scan and email them to you.

We were on this cruise too. Will chime in after reading the main review.

But let me put my two cents on the pre cruise hotel and the port:

 

Double Tree Grand Biscayne Bay: Nice hotel for overnight stay. Comfortable and clean beds and bathroom, big room. A little dated, but that's not a negative. In downtown area, cab and public transport available, very close to the port, about 5 minutes by cab. Walking distance to Publix, other shopping, restaurants, full deli, convenience/grocery store, hair salon, in the building complex attached to the hotel. Walking distance to a bay side park. Service at the reception was exceptionally great! Ate at Tony Chan's...nothing to write home about and their service was Ok.

 

Port of Miami departures: Chaos. Makes Bayonne look very good! Ground staff did not know where to send who. There was a lack of seating in the waiting area and very long lines inside and outside the building. Many got soaked in the downpour while waiting in line outside.

 

Will chime in with more tid bits later.

Hi Arzeena! I don't remember any rain on embarkation....we got to Port of Miami at 11. There was major chaos as the Coast Guard came on board just as priority boarding started. This caused almost a 2 hr delay in boarding. I actually felt bad for the people working in there. People were getting very nasty. This inspection also caused the cabins to have a delayed opening as well. Once on board, there was a mad rush to the buffet. After seeing and hearing a few very obnoxious passengers, we ate lunch in the MDR which was much more civilized. The rest of our trip was wonderful! Disembarkation was the easiest we've ever had.