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Allure of the Seas Random Questions 11/8/2015

jbklyn88

By jbklyn88,
in Royal Caribbean International

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jbklyn88

jbklyn88

Posted
Posted

Hey all,

 

Since you were all so helpful for my last cruise on the Adventure, thought I'd start a thread for my next cruise in 20 days on Allure.

 

OK here we go:

 

1. What shore excursions would you guys recommend for St. Thomas?

2. Does RCCL have any excursions on the Dutch side of St. Maarten? If so, what is recommended? (Don't want to do the French side, did that last year. No Maho beach, did that last year too.)

3. Does Atlantis Paradise Island charge a fee to walk around the resort? (Don't want to do any excursions there.)

4. Is the Straw Market close to the ship in Nassau?

5. How soon does the elusive "upgrade fairy" come? Does Royal only upgrade within a category (i.e. Central Park to Boardwalk)?

6. If Mamma Mia is booked as a late show (9:30) and our dinner is at 8:30, can we still be admitted into the show if we have tickets and are a few minutes late?

7. Is a 10:58 AM flight too early to leave from FLL?

8. How much are transfers from FLL to the port via RCCL? How much is a cab ride?

9. Can you use OBC in Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Coach?

10. Are selfie-sticks banned? (I can't believe I just caved and asked a question about a selfie-stick :))

 

There's probably more questions coming.

 

Thanks again everyone!!

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Clarea

Clarea

Posted
Posted

With regard to Atlantis, there is very little you can see for free. They will let you in the casino and the hotel lobby, but I don't think you can even see part of the aquarium anymore without paying.

 

With regard to show tickets, you don't have tickets for specific seats. Reservations only let you in the venue early. If you get there late, they will have let in the standby folks already, so if the show is popular, there may not be any seats left.

 

Cab ride to FLL is about $20.

 

You can use OBC in any of the stores on board.

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BillOh Holiday Sharing Rare

BillOh

Posted
Posted

I thought I'd randomly answer some of them.

 

 

Hey all,

 

Since you were all so helpful for my last cruise on the Adventure, thought I'd start a thread for my next cruise in 20 days on Allure.

 

OK here we go:

 

1. What shore excursions would you guys recommend for St. Thomas?

2. Does RCCL have any excursions on the Dutch side of St. Maarten? If so, what is recommended? (Don't want to do the French side, did that last year. No Maho beach, did that last year too.)

3. Does Atlantis Paradise Island charge a fee to walk around the resort? (Don't want to do any excursions there.)

4. Is the Straw Market close to the ship in Nassau?

Yes, way too close! ;)

5. How soon does the elusive "upgrade fairy" come? Does Royal only upgrade within a category (i.e. Central Park to Boardwalk)?

6. If Mamma Mia is booked as a late show (9:30) and our dinner is at 8:30, can we still be admitted into the show if we have tickets and are a few minutes late?

7. Is a 10:58 AM flight too early to leave from FLL? You probably will be ok,

8. How much are transfers from FLL to the port via RCCL? How much is a cab ride?The last time I did a cab it was like $20, not a long drive.

9. Can you use OBC in Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Coach?YES

10. Are selfie-sticks banned? (I can't believe I just caved and asked a question about a selfie-stick :))No, just try to be aware of others around you.

 

There's probably more questions coming.

 

Thanks again everyone!!

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garnetpalmetto

garnetpalmetto

Posted
Posted (edited)
Hey all,

 

Since you were all so helpful for my last cruise on the Adventure, thought I'd start a thread for my next cruise in 20 days on Allure.

 

OK here we go:

 

1. What shore excursions would you guys recommend for St. Thomas?

We usually book with a local guide/group rather than through the ship. On St. Thomas we favor Henry's Triple-E tours. Do an island tour and learn about the history/culture of St. Thomas from Henry who's a retired USVI police officer, stop off at Mountaintop for a banana daiquiri, and then some beach time at Magen's Bay before heading back to the ship.

2. Does RCCL have any excursions on the Dutch side of St. Maarten? If so, what is recommended? (Don't want to do the French side, did that last year. No Maho beach, did that last year too.)

Again, we usually book with a local guide/group - on St. Maarten we prefer Bernard's Tours. Can't answer as to what RCI has since we steer clear of their offerings.

3. Does Atlantis Paradise Island charge a fee to walk around the resort? (Don't want to do any excursions there.)

No clue. We never get off the ship at Nassau.

4. Is the Straw Market close to the ship in Nassau?

See above.

5. How soon does the elusive "upgrade fairy" come? Does Royal only upgrade within a category (i.e. Central Park to Boardwalk)?

6. If Mamma Mia is booked as a late show (9:30) and our dinner is at 8:30, can we still be admitted into the show if we have tickets and are a few minutes late?

7. Is a 10:58 AM flight too early to leave from FLL?

That's a little too early for comfort for me. Even from FLL, I prefer to try to wait until the early afternoon to fly out.

8. How much are transfers from FLL to the port via RCCL? How much is a cab ride?

I think cab fare's usually in the $15-$20 range. Many cabs take plastic, just be sure you make it clear before getting in the cab. On our most recent trip out, the cabbie tried to claim he didn't accept cards simply because he didn't want to hassle with using the reader.

9. Can you use OBC in Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Coach?

Not sure here. We burned through our OBC before DW hit up Coach for her new bag.

10. Are selfie-sticks banned? (I can't believe I just caved and asked a question about a selfie-stick :))

They weren't on Oasis as of two weeks ago. I'd assume they wouldn't be on Allure either. A shame, too. I hate those darned things. Some idiot poked me square in the back with one on Oasis because he wasn't looking where he was going with it. :mad:

 

There's probably more questions coming.

 

Thanks again everyone!!

 

Hope this helps some!

Edited by garnetpalmetto
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BigMikefromTexas

BigMikefromTexas

Posted
Posted

Please note some answers in red.

 

Hey all,

 

Since you were all so helpful for my last cruise on the Adventure, thought I'd start a thread for my next cruise in 20 days on Allure.

 

OK here we go:

 

1. What shore excursions would you guys recommend for St. Thomas? Impossible to answer without understanding your interests. The most elaborate are private boats to nearby St Johns and Coral Bay, but if staying on the island pick an excursion that includes Magen's Bay. ALmost all tours will include some beach time. Too little is that is your focus.

2. Does RCCL have any excursions on the Dutch side of St. Maarten? If so, what is recommended? (Don't want to do the French side, did that last year. No Maho beach, did that last year too.) YES. You dock in the Dutch Side (Phillipsburg). You can get to the French side too. The around the island tour is quite boring.

3. Does Atlantis Paradise Island charge a fee to walk around the resort? (Don't want to do any excursions there.) And you can walk the water resort areas. Dine there etc.

4. Is the Straw Market close to the ship in Nassau? Yes a little over 1 ship length from port entry. you can access from Woodes Rodgers Walk or Bay St. But you have to run the port vendor maze first.

5. How soon does the elusive "upgrade fairy" come? Does Royal only upgrade within a category (i.e. Central Park to Boardwalk)? Pinnacle's get contacted about 10 days out, Diamonds a little less depending on availability. Suite upgrades to other suite guests are then offered. You will likely need C&A status to be contacted (our your travel agent to be contacted).

6. If Mamma Mia is booked as a late show (9:30) and our dinner is at 8:30, can we still be admitted into the show if we have tickets and are a few minutes late? I would book a speciality restaurant earlier or MTD and get there at least 10 minutes before show time.

7. Is a 10:58 AM flight too early to leave from FLL? NO. But you will need to hustle some. If you buy too much on the trip allow time for customs.

8. How much are transfers from FLL to the port via RCCL? How much is a cab ride? About $20.00 for Taxi. I would not do transfers for early flights. Get your bags and go in a taxi.

9. Can you use OBC in Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Coach?

10. Are selfie-sticks banned? (I can't believe I just caved and asked a question about a selfie-stick :))

 

There's probably more questions coming.

 

Thanks again everyone!!

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BillOh Holiday Sharing Rare

BillOh

Posted
Posted
So is a cab ride definitely cheaper than the transfers?

 

Probably so, I haven't used the transfers in so long I don't remember what the prices were. (Last time was 2008 in Miami, I think that was $35 each)

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Clarea

Clarea

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Posted
Probably so, I haven't used the transfers in so long I don't remember what the prices were. (Last time was 2008 in Miami, I think that was $35 each)

My list says $16.75 per person from Port Everglades to FLL.

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Bellyflopchamp

Bellyflopchamp

Posted
Posted
Hey all,

 

Since you were all so helpful for my last cruise on the Adventure, thought I'd start a thread for my next cruise in 20 days on Allure.

 

OK here we go:

 

1. What shore excursions would you guys recommend for St. Thomas?

2. Does RCCL have any excursions on the Dutch side of St. Maarten? If so, what is recommended? (Don't want to do the French side, did that last year. No Maho beach, did that last year too.)

3. Does Atlantis Paradise Island charge a fee to walk around the resort? (Don't want to do any excursions there.)

4. Is the Straw Market close to the ship in Nassau?

5. How soon does the elusive "upgrade fairy" come? Does Royal only upgrade within a category (i.e. Central Park to Boardwalk)?

6. If Mamma Mia is booked as a late show (9:30) and our dinner is at 8:30, can we still be admitted into the show if we have tickets and are a few minutes late?

7. Is a 10:58 AM flight too early to leave from FLL?

8. How much are transfers from FLL to the port via RCCL? How much is a cab ride?

9. Can you use OBC in Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Coach?

10. Are selfie-sticks banned? (I can't believe I just caved and asked a question about a selfie-stick :))

 

There's probably more questions coming.

 

Thanks again everyone!!

 

Many have already answered these questions, but I wanted to invite you over to our roll call. we have been pretty active and there are some seasoned cruisers on there that could probably also answer most of your questions.

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anchorsaway_cs

anchorsaway_cs

Posted
Posted (edited)

What has been your experience with Henry's Triple E Tours and Bernards?

 

The prices are excellent, just confused on how they gauge pick-up, is it based on ship time or island? I had sent an e-mail, and I am impatiently waiting for a response :D

Edited by anchorsaway_cs
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garnetpalmetto

garnetpalmetto

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What has been your experience with Henry's Triple E Tours and Bernards?

 

The prices are excellent, just confused on how they gauge pick-up, is it based on ship time or island? I had sent an e-mail, and I am impatiently waiting for a response :D

 

They both base it on ship time to my knowledge as they've always been waiting for us when we've gotten in (we've taken both twice now). Make no mistake, they will absolutely get you back to the ship with plenty of time to spare as well. My only caveat about Henry is that he lost his sight a few years ago to glaucoma, so he relies on his sister, I think, and another friend, Lionel, to drive for him and take care of correspondence. Henry still goes on each tour and provides local knowledge and history even though his sight's gone. It sometimes takes a follow-up e-mail or phone call to them to make sure it gets taken care of.

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anchorsaway_cs

anchorsaway_cs

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Posted
Hope this helps some!

 

They both base it on ship time to my knowledge as they've always been waiting for us when we've gotten in (we've taken both twice now). Make no mistake, they will absolutely get you back to the ship with plenty of time to spare as well. My only caveat about Henry is that he lost his sight a few years ago to glaucoma, so he relies on his sister, I think, and another friend, Lionel, to drive for him and take care of correspondence. Henry still goes on each tour and provides local knowledge and history even though his sight's gone. It sometimes takes a follow-up e-mail or phone call to them to make sure it gets taken care of.

 

 

GREAT TO HEAR! Thank you!

 

One other question- do you know if the tours focus around any specific age groups? are they more family orientated? We are 26 and 27 years old.

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garnetpalmetto

garnetpalmetto

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Posted
GREAT TO HEAR! Thank you!

 

One other question- do you know if the tours focus around any specific age groups? are they more family orientated? We are 26 and 27 years old.

 

With Bernard's they'll cater to you, especially if you book a private tour with them. That said while they can be family friendly they can also be adult-oriented. For instance, our tour guide with Bernard's two weeks ago gave a no holds barred look at life on the island and the political turmoil St. Maarten's been in, which was very interesting to us. No matter the age group the vans always have water, soft drinks, Carib lager, and rum punch though, so there's that. Henry sort of aims for a middle ground - there's no specific age focus and he's definitely not as "family friendly" as some operators like Papa Bear who have blaring music and sing-alongs.

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anchorsaway_cs

anchorsaway_cs

Posted
Posted
With Bernard's they'll cater to you, especially if you book a private tour with them. That said while they can be family friendly they can also be adult-oriented. For instance, our tour guide with Bernard's two weeks ago gave a no holds barred look at life on the island and the political turmoil St. Maarten's been in, which was very interesting to us. No matter the age group the vans always have water, soft drinks, Carib lager, and rum punch though, so there's that. Henry sort of aims for a middle ground - there's no specific age focus and he's definitely not as "family friendly" as some operators like Papa Bear who have blaring music and sing-alongs.

 

Great info to have! You've been such a help! Thanks so much!:D

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BillOh Holiday Sharing Rare

BillOh

Posted
Posted
Plus you have to wait until a bus fills up, where with a cab, you jump in and go.

 

That was one big memory from my first ever cruise on Voyager from Miami. They kept moving us around from terminal to terminal and then we sat an hour on a bus at the terminal. When we finally made it to the ship I saw the guy who was next to me at baggage claim, he jumped in a cab, was already pretty drunk and working on a sunburn.

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jbklyn88

jbklyn88

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That was one big memory from my first ever cruise on Voyager from Miami. They kept moving us around from terminal to terminal and then we sat an hour on a bus at the terminal. When we finally made it to the ship I saw the guy who was next to me at baggage claim, he jumped in a cab, was already pretty drunk and working on a sunburn.

 

 

LMAO. Dead.

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Team fraser

Team fraser

Posted
Posted

Hello

Booking my first allure cruise. Will be my second ever cruise- the first being on the freedom of the seas which was brilliant!

 

Do all shows need to be booked on the allure?

How likely is it that you will be able to get into the shows without booking?

How far in advance would most people book?

 

Main dining room.

There will be 5 of us.

Does a meal time need to be booked for each day.

 

Freedom was a set dinner time of 8 and then were free to wander into a show if wanted. Always got a seat.

I've heard the allure is a bit larger and has more passengers so assume this results in the bookings being taken?

 

Many thanks

Laura

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