OCSC Mike

Since you've sailed both classes and you know your kids, I think you're most equipped to answer this yourself. Watch a video or just check the deck plan to see what Allure is missing and determine if it's stuff your kids will miss. My general answer would be that kids will enjoy both classes but I would personally always go with Oasis class, amp'd or not. My young nieces (8 & 12 at the time) had a great time on Allure last year and, having never been on anything but Oasis class, called Indy "the tiny ship" when my wife and I were on her last summer, lol.

There are almost always Indian offerings in the WJ in my experience (some of my favs, especially bthe butter chicken). How often they differ may vary.

Yes, you can book in advance 30-60 days out now... but don't stress. Besides standby (which will also work except for possibly the adult comedy show b/c of the small venue), they hold back a certain % of reservations for booking onboard. Once you board, you should be able to get reservations either via the app or at wherever they have a makeshift "box office" set up. High probability that you will get to see whatever you want.

Food is available and I'm a huge fan! Two main places to eat at no extra charge... Snack Shack (3 locations)... Crispy chicken sandwiches, mozzarella sticks, funnel cake. *Sandwich hack - get a plain chicken sandwich and top it with the mozz sticks and red sauce for a chicken parm sandwich. Chill Grill/Skipper's Grill (same stuff at each)... taco bar with freshly made tortillas, a few hot sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, salads, soft serve ice cream, cookies, brownies. *Wife's favorite dessert hack - take a plastic drink cup to the soft serve station then crumble the chocolate chip cookies into the ice cream. Google for a map of the island and/or use the one in the app to find locations.

Aim high! I've joked about holding out for Diamond when I got married, but given that I got engaged in my early 20's, Pinnacle wasn't really on the table.

Agreed. I don't think The Key is ever worth it at the current prices I've seen but people buy stuff all the time I wouldn't. To each his own.

I remembered the conversion but I guess you were right and I was Platinum. I only sailed 3 times prior to 2011.

In rare instances, the cabin you get via the bar code trick can be changed before it's officially assigned. I've seen it reported a couple times but it's highly unlikely. I assume that's their reasoning.

I would have known if I was Diamond, lol. There was a reason we didn't go to open bar happy hour back then. Pretty sure it was emerald but I could be wrong.

Benefits? Yes. Are they worth the current prices, especially if you're D+? Not IMO.

I stumbled upon one from a popular blog site and was referred to my current TA from a "friend" I met in the forums. Sorry I can't just give you a referral. I prefer not to share any of my e-mail addresses publicly. Best advice I can give is to do some sleuthing/searching online, contact a few, and see if they offer what I mentioned. FWIW, I used to book directly myself and only began using TA's and booking early-ish over the past few months as prices were getting crazy and I realized I would no longer be able to find the last minute deals I used to.

Find a TA that has group rates with refundable deposits and lower prices.

Based on recent trends, prices are only going one way... up.

Yeah, that's what I meant, I just worded it poorly. Without a cabin assignment, I just ignore them.

Well who told you to sail Carnival? 🤣 I wouldn't even be close to D+ if not for my wife. I married into Emerald 21 years ago. Hadn't been on a cruise before our honeymoon but my wife sailed as a kid. We also have 42 points from her generous parents taking the family on cruises in GS's twice in the past 14 months (one was a covid special for 28). We're just now beginning to look to cruise more than once or twice a year but I won't even be thinking about Pinnacle for a very long time (if ever). I have a 2nd crystal block to look forward to in the next couple years, so there's that. Yay paperweights!

Maybe I'm still missing something. Once the excursion is available via RC, why wouldn't you still attempt to book it directly? Either they will have a spot or they won't. All it takes is a phone call (or clicking through a website). If they don't, you book through RC. Or book through RC first to ensure a spot and then try direct since you can always cancel for a refund in the cruise planner.

I'll just be happy for my wife and I to get 4 days to share as D+ after our next cruise. We're content sharing one account/device so we'll be doing something like you do once we get on board to stretch it out for the full cruise, one way or another.

Only if you're in a Sky Class suite or above on Oasis or Quantum class. As Diamond, you each get one free day (which can only be used onboard) or the equivalent $ amount off a "rest of cruise" package. If it's a 7-night cruise and you want it for the whole week, it will be cheaper to purchase pre-cruise during a sale. If it's shorter, see firefly's post above.

I'm not following the logic here. Why would number of ships make you book through RC (assuming it will cost extra)? Either you can get a direct reservation or you can't.

We had a similar excursion booked on our own on land before a cruise in 2018 that was cancelled due to weather so we re-booked through Royal last minute and did dog sledding Skagway. This doesn't help with your exact question but it was an amazing experience. Just figured I'd share that and also mention that I would look to book on your own. We found the exact company Royal was using in Skagway and tried to book through them directly but they said they had no openings (b/c Royal had them booked up) so we had to pay extra due to the last minute nature and it being a once in a lifetime type trip for us at the time. Alaska is expensive as-is and we haven't booked anything except that through Royal in a very long time. If you're not comfortable doing so, that's cool too, everyone has their own preferences and comfort level.

In my experience, it can happen on any random day. You may have to wait for your docs if you don't have an official assignment by then... or it could come later today. I'm sure you're checking daily anyway, just sharing.

Ah, didn't realize that, thanks. My booked cruises are pretty far out and I try not to bother my TA too much so didn't ask. 😁

It would seem they are not going strictly in date order based on some people reporting adjustments for cruises sailing several months later than others for whom those cruisers have not yet received their adjustments. Is this what you're seeing?

There is only one option now, fleet wide. Also, internet only comes included with GS's on Oasis and Quantum class ships.

The food is still 100x better on CocoCay. Give me the “cold.” 😋