ShellinTX

Thank you for this information @Galveston Cruiser. Much appreciated!

We will be coming from Houston on I-45. Based on information on the Mardi Gras site, the parade begins at 1:00pm and the route crosses Harborside at 20th. Therefore, if we take the route suggested by RCI in the email above - Broadway to Harborside - we would need to cross the parade route. For those who live on the island or are more familiar with the pre-parade lineup, Mardi Gras traffic and closed streets, should crossing the parade route around 10am be troublesome? The other option, which is not what RCI advises, would have us driving on Broadway (through town) and turning onto 14th to reach Harborside and terminal 10. This route does not cross the parade route but has driving through town. We’d appreciate any advice about what we can expect for traffic and which route is best! -Shell

@BecciBoo I’ve thought about bringing this on the ship, but I’m not sure how to make it work. Do you ask the bartender to make your drink without simple syrup and then just mix Skinny Girl syrup in yourself? It would be so nice if there were more sugar free or diet cocktail mixers available on the ship.

@brillohead and @Ozark_KidThanks for your wonderful information! Sounds like a great time. Have you noticed any “diet” cocktail mixers on Allure, besides Coke Zero, etc.? It would be awesome if they had diet tonic, diet ginger beer or sugar free simple syrup! I know, I know, it’s vacation so I shouldn’t worry, but those mixers are chock-full of refined sugar and that’s a no-no for me. Chelle

Perhaps there is an omelet station at Allure’s Solarium Bistro? That would be nice, but maybe that’s crazy dream? 😊

We checked in last week right at midnight the first day check in opened for our upcoming Allure cruise and the earliest time available was 11am. Of course, I’m only guessing that many didn’t check in ahead of us. Perhaps they have made the hour later a permanent change now?

Would be even more splendid if they traded Cozumel for somewhere else. Key West, maybe? @Ourusualbeach How does this itinerary work out for New Years or early January? Michelle

@psmarkle Hoping you and your group have a wonderful time! Looking forward to a report of your experience. Wondering if the VIP is worth the extra cost for a smaller group.

Hey, Ken! Welcome to Texas. Too bad you’re way up there near IAH. Best BBQ toward Galveston is in Pearland, Killen’s Barbecue. Have a great time! Get those bartenders ready for us in February. Michelle