New RCI cruiser…..need tips and info

[sargemrs]

A group of 18 just booked Allure of the Seas last night. We’re veteran cruisers on NCL but schedules didn’t work.  We all got GS.  Our research sounds like we can eat at the designated suite restaurant.  We’re leaving from Galveston and need some parking tips.  Sounds like there are many activities for kids.  We have ages 2-15, total 8.  6 seniors and  4 young marrieds.  We’re on the August 27 cruise.  Any help would be appreciated as we’re not familiar with RCI.

[Biker19]

6 minutes ago, sargemrs said:

Any help would be appreciated as we’re not familiar with RCI.

Start with reading some Allure related threads - drop down menu on the main page here at the RCI section of CC.

[moposh]

Post in your roll call.  Haven't left from Galveston so can't help you there.  Don't know what other specific info you want. 

 

They have activities for kids and teens.  Or teens can just go on their own or with family.

[sargemrs]

Thanks, I just did join the roll call.  Not too active, just 2 cruisers.

[neverbeenhere]

I'm not here promoting anything. (Statement made)

 

There is a large thumbs up social media site that has rollcalls  for your particular cruise with a lot more members.

 

Personally, I only use sites that are owned by Tripadvisor, but I heard about this other place.

 

 

 

I've recently been sent to the doghouse and am trying to stay out of it.

[billslowsky]

28 minutes ago, neverbeenhere said:

I'm not here promoting anything. (Statement made)

 

There is a large thumbs up social media site that has rollcalls  for your particular cruise with a lot more members.

 

Personally, I only use sites that are owned by Tripadvisor, but I heard about this other place.

 

 

 

I've recently been sent to the doghouse and am trying to stay out of it.

I agree, the rollcalls on cruise critic have greatly diminished in value.  

[1025cruise]

For parking, please post to the Gulf Coast Departures board.

[moposh]

1 hour ago, sargemrs said:

Thanks, I just did join the roll call.  Not too active, just 2 cruisers.

unfortunately, sometimes it's like that.  Mine's not too active either.

[HappyTexan44]

12 minutes ago, moposh said:

unfortunately, sometimes it's like that.  Mine's not too active either.

I wonder why that is?   Isn't the other location becoming increasing unpopular.  I know my visits are now down to about once every four months when I look for something in particular.  

Edited March 22, 2023 by HappyTexan44

[moposh]

5 minutes ago, HappyTexan44 said:

I wonder why that is?   Is the other location becoming increasing unpopular.  I know my visits are now down to about once every four months when I look for something in particular.  

I don't know.  At first I thought maybe a lot of people weren't booking.  Maybe because RC doesn't do a meetup on the ship.

 

I wouldn't even know how to find roll call in other location.

[atakkat]

9 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

For parking, please post to the Gulf Coast Departures board.

We are sailing on April 23 cruise, purchased the south lot. Port of Galveston cruise parking usually has discounts.

[erby2283]

22 hours ago, moposh said:

I wouldn't even know how to find roll call in other location.

Just search for ship name and date of sailing.

 

I personally enjoy all roll calls bc not everyone is on all of them.  I have many lifelong friends that I have met on CC roll calls so this is usually my first go-to place for my sailing.

[ajtaylor29]

On 3/22/2023 at 9:30 AM, sargemrs said:

A group of 18 just booked Allure of the Seas last night. We’re veteran cruisers on NCL but schedules didn’t work.  We all got GS.  Our research sounds like we can eat at the designated suite restaurant.  We’re leaving from Galveston and need some parking tips.  Sounds like there are many activities for kids.  We have ages 2-15, total 8.  6 seniors and  4 young marrieds.  We’re on the August 27 cruise.  Any help would be appreciated as we’re not familiar with RCI.

We will be on Allure in 3 weeks, first time on that ship so i'm looking forward to it! We booked parking right across the street (port of galveston), this is our first time at the new RCCL terminal. In the past, we've parked further away and shuttled over, it's always been easy.

You're correct - you will be able to eat all your meals at Coastal Kitchen, including lunch on embarkation day. We've had access to CK on other RC ships, and I think the food is very good (definitely a step up from the MDR). We usually will eat here instead of MDR or Windjammer (buffet), then sprinkle in a couple of specialty restaurants as well.

There is a lot to do on this ship so the kids should have a blast!

You should be able to book shows a few weeks before sailing (on the royal app). 

If you have any specific questions, i can find out while i'm onboard April 16th!

[sargemrs]

18 hours ago, ajtaylor29 said:

We will be on Allure in 3 weeks, first time on that ship so i'm looking forward to it! We booked parking right across the street (port of galveston), this is our first time at the new RCCL terminal. In the past, we've parked further away and shuttled over, it's always been easy.

You're correct - you will be able to eat all your meals at Coastal Kitchen, including lunch on embarkation day. We've had access to CK on other RC ships, and I think the food is very good (definitely a step up from the MDR). We usually will eat here instead of MDR or Windjammer (buffet), then sprinkle in a couple of specialty restaurants as well.

There is a lot to do on this ship so the kids should have a blast!

You should be able to book shows a few weeks before sailing (on the royal app). 

If you have any specific questions, i can find out while i'm onboard April 16th!

Thanks for that!  I had looked at the parking lots and definitely need to book that closer one.  If it’s not too nosy, what category of cabin are you in.  And also if you you can review the conditions of the ship!  We don’t do most shows, etc. but play games and hang out mostly with our families!  Thanks again!

[ajtaylor29]

1 hour ago, sargemrs said:

Thanks for that!  I had looked at the parking lots and definitely need to book that closer one.  If it’s not too nosy, what category of cabin are you in.  And also if you you can review the conditions of the ship!  We don’t do most shows, etc. but play games and hang out mostly with our families!  Thanks again!

We don't usually do most shows, either, but i will say on our last 2 cruises we have gone to the main shows and enjoyed them! The aqua theater on Symphony was amazing, and Allure has one too so we'll definitely go see that. I've made reservations for the broadway show (my hubby isn't too excited but we'll see....?!?!) A word of advise - if you DO decide to book shows, try to do it early in the week, especially the aqua and skating shows. On our December Symphony cruise we had wind all week, which caused a lot of show cancellations. If you book early, you have a chance to either see the show OR rebook for later if it gets cancelled.

We are gamblers, so we spend a lot of time in the casino, especially when we're sailing without family like this upcoming Allure cruise! 

We had originally booked a junior suite but we bid on several suites via  Royal Up, and we "won" the bid for the Crown Loft Suite! We're excited about it, we've sailed in Crown Loft Suites before and really love them (especially the 2 bathrooms).

I will definitely report back to you about the condition of the ship once we return. From everything i'm reading, Allure is a fan-favorite of many RC cruisers so i'm excited to try it out!