Bahbey

Disembarked Allure Monday. I purchased The Key for the first time. To me, it was worth it. I am a solo cruiser, female, 75 years old, with limited mobility (I can get around using a cane), but it’s slow going and I can’t stand or walk for long periods of time. In this respect, The Key was worth it. I did have wheelchair assist for embarkation (and disembarkation), and was taken straight to the MDR for a wonderful Chops lunch. By the time I finished, cabins were open, and my carryon was there after having dropped it off in the MDR (a Key feature). I don’t think I could have maneuvered among the crowds in the Windjammer. With The Key, the quiet breakfast in the MDR on the last morning was a pleasure. From there, I was able to disembark at my leisure. My cabin was perfect – 6266 – a balcony. Near the elevators and very easy access to everything – Boardwalk, Central Park, MDRs, and very quiet. Krishna was an excellent steward. Someone has posted a video of the cabin on YouTube – just search for Allure of the Seas, cabin 6266. The lines for the Windjammer for breakfast one morning was so long, I returned to my cabin and ordered Room Service. Glad I did – it was wonderful having breakfast on my balcony. This was my first solo cruise. I was surprised by a few things. In the MDR, I had requested a table for 2, but was seated alone at a 4-person table. I felt like it kind of shouted “I’m alone”. The Waiter Fernando and Ass’t. Waiter Arvinjhon were really great – attentive with very good suggestions. I found the food excellent for 2 reasons – it was all very tasty and I didn’t prepare it. The Head Waiter stopped at my table the first night, with just a quick “hello”. Never saw him again after that. I also was kind of surprised that the photographer didn’t stop at my table but did stop at all around me – even though I was alone, I would have liked a picture to keep. I tried motioning to him to no avail. I made Prime in the casino I think the second night. It would be helpful if the system let you know when you do because I had no idea when I actually earned it. I went to the Casino Host to ask if I had enough points to maybe get an onboard credit and was given a free cruise certificate (just need to pay port fees, taxes and tips)! I went to the Next Cruise desk and paid a $200 deposit for a future cruise. Had I not asked, I wouldn’t have known. I’m not sure I will take advantage of it as I don’t think I’ll gamble as much on the next cruise and would feel obligated to. I’ve read in posts that when reaching Prime, the Casino Host gives a bottle of wine. I didn’t get one. I did get free drinks while playing in the casino, but was too tired the night I got to Prime, and when I went the last night, a waiter was never nearby. If my mobility was better, I would have gone to the bar, but there were so many people there I wouldn’t have made it through without tripping over someone. Unfortunately, there were no steps with handrails leading into the pool, and the ladders are just too difficult to maneuver, so it would have been impossible for me to get out. I hope RCL makes that change on new ships and refurbishments. I thought bar service at the pool deck was adequate. More than once I had to walk and find a server. I never had issues with the elevators, and didn’t experience any children misbehaving, and never encountered any drunk people (just maybe 1 bride-to-be, but she was a “funny good drunk”). I had read that the 3-night cruises had plenty of partiers, but I just didn’t encounter any obnoxious passengers. The Aqua show was amazing and shouldn’t be missed. All in all, I think Allure is a beautiful ship.

On the 3-night itinerary, there are no free lobster nights in the MDR. They are available for $16.99.

I'm trying The Key for the first time. Should I be receiving info about boarding, etc., via email? Thanks.

In the app, click on the little person at the top. Scroll down a bit and you will see "View SetSail Pass". Click on that and it's there.

Debbie will for sure be out of your way, but there's another area that's organizing further south. I'm leaving in 3 weeks, hopefully it won't progress into anything that would interrupt anyone's plans.

No need for a nasty response. I was NOT complaining about the inside cabin - most times I usually book one to keep expenses down so I can cruise more often. IN THIS CASE, it was an observation.

I'm really surprised at some of the negative comments.....I wasn't 'complaining', just that if all 4 of us were on the same reservation, I would've thought that the D+ would have been given the favorable room. I know when you book a gty you get what you get, and I'm fine with that, after all, I'm on a ship. It was just that in this particular situation, out of the 2 cabins, I thought the D+ would've gotten the better cabin. That's all. Sheesh.

First off, I need to say that a gty inside cabin was booked. I knew not to expect anything great. However, we booked 2 gty inside cabins, 2 per cabin. Imagine my surprise when we got our rooms and the 2 people who have only cruised a couple of times were given a cabin overlooking the Promenade, and 2 people, one of which is Diamond + got the inside cabin at the front of the ship. I would have thought that RC would be as loyal to the Diamond + person as they were to RC. I know that with gty you get what you get, and I'm fine with that, but in this situation I think RC should have upgraded the cabin with Diamond + status.

Question – When in the Windjammer, there is sometimes a long line at a particular station. Would it be considered cutting in when you don’t want any of the items that the line is forming for, but want something that is in front of the first person instead and you go ahead and get it therefore skipping the line? Also, I purchased The Key for my upcoming cruise. When will I receive boarding details? I’m assuming (and you know what ‘that’ means! 😊) that when checking in I don’t need to choose a time? This will be my first time using The Key. Thanks for your input.....

Can you explain how to change the date of the sailing on the app? I just can't seem to figure it out. Many thanks!! Fair Winds And Following Seas

Thank you all for your responses! I think that I'm going to skip The Key and take some of y'alls advice re boarding, etc. Fair Winds And Following Seas!

I will be on a 3-night cruise solo. Am a senior who can't really stand for long or walk long distances. Is the MDR open on embarkation for lunch, and breakfast on the last day? Have been thinking about getting The Key just so I can avoid the long lines/crowds on first day/last at Windjammer, etc. The Key would provide both. Thanks for any input!

What venues are open other than the Windjammer on embarkation day? Also, where is breakfast available on debarkation day? Thanks.

I'll be going on my first solo cruise on the Allure in August. A little background - I am a 74 year young widow. My wonderful husband passed away 2 1/2 years ago and we did lots of cruising together. I'm not interested in meeting anyone, just want to take a few days to breathe. I've requested a table for 1, but was advised that they only do tables for 2. I selected any time dining so hopefully they'll be able to grant my request. I don't plan on leaving the ship (Nassau & Coco Cay), and prefer the empty-ish ship to relax and unwind. Any suggestions how to navigate solo cruising? Appreciate any input you can provide.