Crewzer33

Yes, 1200 kids, but we are used to that since we have to cruise during school breaks. One of our sons has graduated from college and youngest (newlywed) has one term of law school left, then we aren't committed to those times. BUT, I met so many polite and nice kids on this trip! It is a lot of people, but I like being around "youngsters" lol.

We tried Mini Bites for the made to order omelettes and so did others in our group at different times - never seemed to be busy. (We heard several people asking where the Windjammer was while in Mini Bites.) We went to the Solarium many times for breakfast and lunch. We also checked out what was on the menu in the other venues. We always do Park Cafe as our embarkation lunch (we have been on Allure and Oasis twice each) and board as soon as they let us so we are having lunch about 11:15. Since we end up eating a much bigger breakfast than we ever would at home, lunch for us is around 1:30, so the crowds are manageable at those times no matter where you go. We found the the Windjammer and Solarium had similar basic offerings at breakfast and lunch, but Windjammer has more and on a grander scale. The Windjammer also has more dessert offerings, a make your own pasta station, make a wrap station, along with an ice cream sundae station. The Windjammer also had a ginormous cake they were serving for dessert at lunch one day, along with a ginormous submarine sandwich that they were slicing pieces off of. Windjammer also had roasted chicken, ham and pork for lunch.

We didn't book our cruise until late October, so we were not able to sign up for the traditional dining but were wait listed for it. The MTD dining times were already booked too. In the end we did get the traditional main dining prior to getting on the ship. Since we like to go the shows every night, and that controls when we eat, the traditional worked best for us. However, the first night we did not receive our appetizer until we had been seated for an hour. (Our waiter did have a very large group that was in his section too.) After telling our waiter that we had shows booked between 8 and 9 p.m. every night, he made sure that we received our meals timely. He was so busy though that if you didn't care for your initial entree, it really wasn't possible to get an alternate. If we thought we might like two different entrees, we would order an extra for the table to share. We were approached the first day at lunch about purchasing the specialty restaurant package and we politely declined and were never asked again.

Toward the end of the cruise, I did book another cruise for February 2018 and the traditional dining option already wasn't available......

We did the self-disembark and got off the ship close to 8 a.m. Customs took maybe 15 mins max. Others in our group who left later said that the customs line was longer (up to an hour) but no line for taxis. We could have easily made a 10:40 flight, but were booked on an 11:45 flight out of FLL. The Mobile Passport line was very short if you wanted to go that route.

We have always had our dinners in Main Dining Room and have not cruised for three years. Thanks to Cruise Critic people, we expected the food to be of a lesser standard than in the past. However, we did have some great meals - the risotto the first night was EXCELLENT and the sole later in the week was very good. The Branzino was "fishy" even though it was the Chef's recommendation - not good! Our waiter was working his tail off while his assistant did next to nothing. He gave up the "spiel" last night about filling out the questionnaire and how they get "incentives" for high ratings. I will absolutely give him high ratings, but sheez, Royal must really put the pressure on them for so many to tell this to passengers. I will also let Royal know of our opinion on the main dining food - we would consider it "banquet" quality, while in the past that was not the case.

10717 you can see the Abyss that's for sure - but it didn't bother them (newlyweds stayed there) and it didn't block the view, more like an obstruction.

Just off Harmony this morning and had a GREAT cruise. We had an ocean balcony and a boardwalk balcony. Just did main dining for dinner. We are a Diamond family and enjoyed the Diamond Lounge every night. We have sailed on Oasis and Allure two times each, so we more or less hit the ground running (with your helpful tips about differences). Did not copy compasses. Happy to answer any questions I can. And THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of your tips pre-cruise.

Where are the Coke freestyle machines located? (Thanks!)

How many electrical outlets are in your stateroom (and if any are not in obvious spots, location please) and are there any USB charging ports? (First time having three in a stateroom with electronics.) Enjoying your review, thanks!

I also left prescription eyeglasses onboard, called Royal and never heard anything more.

Enjoying your review! Can you tell me if the Boardwalk amenities are still being given? (soda package for two, Johnny Rockets and climbing lesson)

jaredgold33 jaredgold33 is online now

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Join Date: Apr 2011

Posts: 100

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On HOTS now and can confirm that iMessage texts ONLY between iPhones will work when connected to royal wifi. Only one of us has purchased the VOOM internet package and our phones are on airplane mode, we are only connected to royal wifi. You don't even need to log in to anything, just connect and text away to friends/family who have iPhones!! We were going to buy the messaging feature on the Royal IQ app but after hearing the bad reviews (and finding out that this trick works) we definitely won't be doing that!

Thank you for answering the question that was posted (and not giving unsolicited advice/comments).

From the information I have gathered from cc members, Diamond members get one day of free internet use. There are five of us, so we would each get one day for a total of five days. Are we able to use the other's log in info (using one device at a time) and share the time that we have?

We are Diamond Members cruising in February - does anyone know if the complimentary drinks during cocktail hour can be used at the Bionic Bar?

Also, what is the Diamond internet discount?

Thanks!

I assume there is a charge for the Escape Room? If so, how much? (Thanks for the info)

Absolutely agree with the initial post! (Maybe now they will move the Anthem to Florida.)

We have been sailing over Christmas since our boys started college (six years now). I bought a tree, box of ornaments, and garland from our local dollar store for each of our rooms ($6 total). My boys loved it, and the intention was to leave it on the ship. Well, I've packed it up and repacked it now six times and they still look great and gives us a little Christmas feel in our stateroom.

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I knew I would get a fast response - Thanks. Is Liberty no longer based out of Miami?

Is this a schedule stop or for some other reason? Inquiring cruise critic member wonders.

Nachos are available in the Wipe Out cafe on Oasis class.

How do you go about renting in advance a cabana in Labadee?

Radio! Looking forward to "cruising with you" again! You said you reserved a cabana, can anyone sailing on the Allure do that in advance of their cruise? Thanks for the response, and Bon Voyage!

Deck - 10706

Cabin # - D7

Class – Starboard aft

Front Starboard, Front Port, Back Starboard, Back Port, Central Park, or Boardwalk -

Bed near?(balcony or bath) – bath

Quiet Cabin (With comments on problems. Note if connecting. ) – yes

Balcony View - Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions or privacy was an issue– nice ocean view

Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? - normal

Was wind a problem? no

Any specific problems with this cabin? no

Any other comments?