First Post + Lots of Questions for my First Booked Cruise!!!

Hello everyone, my name is Michael and I'm 23 years old. I have just finished booking a cruise for my wonderful girlfriend and myself aboard Allure of the Seas for next February 28th. I have lots of questions because I have never been on a cruise in my entire life. My father always said cruises were for old people :roll eyes: and my mom never wanted to go because she said because she does not know how to swim that we shouldn't go :( . I finally got around to booking a cruise on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas which sets sail exactly a year from today, February 28th, 2016. I was hoping some of you could help me because I have a lot of questions right off the bat, and I figured I'd make a thread so that if I had anymore, I would just post them here for all of you wonderful cruisers to help me answer.

A little info about where I will be on the ship. My stateroom will be 10329

well here goes :o

How does ship boarding work for Allure of the Seas? Is it "first come first served"? Or does it go by your deck or Stateroom number? Also can we go right to our stateroom when we board to put stuff down and get settled? Or do we have to wait until a specific time? What is the earliest I can board?

How do checked bags work?

How late do all of the different eateries stay open?

What do the "for fee" eaters generally cost?

How far in advance can I book excursions and shows?

Can my family come to the port to see us off? How far can they go without actually getting on the ship?

What are some things I should bring on the boat with me? I know about the basics, but are there things that you came to realize would be really nice to have after realizing you didn't have it?

How much cash should I bring with me, just a ballpark number, I don't know who takes what nowadays haha.

Is there a set time that I have to be back at the ship for departure from the ports of call? where can i find that out when cruising?

If I think of anymore I will post them in later posts. Thanks in advance for all of your help! :D

Pretty much 1st come, 1st served, as far as boarding goes. It's more like checking into a hotel, rather than boarding an airplane, if that makes any sense!

You give your luggage to the porters ($1-2 per bag is the standard tip) and the bags are delivered to your cabin. Keep anything of value with you at all times!

The "specialty" restaurants are in the $30-40 range...with a few exceptions.

Only ticket holders are allowed in the port nowadays...not like years ago by any means!

We don't bring anything on a cruise that we wouldn't take on ANY vacation....

You will need to be ON the ship 30 mins. prior to sail away! Don't be late!!!! They will tell you in the daily Compass when to be back to the ship.

How will you be paying your bill? Cash? If so, bring LOTS of money. If you're using a credit card to pay your onboard expenses, then you don't need that much cash.....if you gamble, b bring what you're willing to lose. Bring cash for those little purchase ashore....

Anything you buy on the ship is charged to your cabin...and some will pay it off in cash...most use credit cards. Sorry that's not very specific!!

Hello everyone, my name is Michael and I'm 23 years old. I have just finished booking a cruise for my wonderful girlfriend and myself aboard Allure of the Seas for next February 28th. I have lots of questions because I have never been on a cruise in my entire life. My father always said cruises were for old people :roll eyes: and my mom never wanted to go because she said because she does not know how to swim that we shouldn't go :( . I finally got around to booking a cruise on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas which sets sail exactly a year from today, February 28th, 2016. I was hoping some of you could help me because I have a lot of questions right off the bat, and I figured I'd make a thread so that if I had anymore, I would just post them here for all of you wonderful cruisers to help me answer.

 

A little info about where I will be on the ship. My stateroom will be 10329

 

well here goes :o

 

How does ship boarding work for Allure of the Seas? Is it "first come first served"? Or does it go by your deck or Stateroom number? Also can we go right to our stateroom when we board to put stuff down and get settled? Or do we have to wait until a specific time? What is the earliest I can board?

 

How do checked bags work?

 

How late do all of the different eateries stay open?

 

What do the "for fee" eaters generally cost?

 

How far in advance can I book excursions and shows?

 

Can my family come to the port to see us off? How far can they go without actually getting on the ship?

 

What are some things I should bring on the boat with me? I know about the basics, but are there things that you came to realize would be really nice to have after realizing you didn't have it?

 

How much cash should I bring with me, just a ballpark number, I don't know who takes what nowadays haha.

 

Is there a set time that I have to be back at the ship for departure from the ports of call? where can i find that out when cruising?

 

If I think of anymore I will post them in later posts. Thanks in advance for all of your help! :D

A lot of what you are asking will be in the daily cruise newsletters you'll receive each day...when you can get off, when you have to be back on.

Specialty restaurants are usually around $20 - 40 per person.

How far you can book excursions...if you go to RC website, you should be able to find that out.

What to bring? Again, lots of good websites with lists that should help out. For me, personally - power strip (blow dryer, flat iron, iPad, cell phone), bungee cords, meds for seasick/Pepto for tummy/aspirin.

Most ships board first come, first serve...unless you get priority (frequent cruiser programs). Your room probably won't be ready until later so don't plan on going straight to your room. Keep a small carry on with you in the interim, in case you need anything before your luggage arrives (medication, sunscreen, etc)

Lastly, please know that alcohol is expensive! So be careful. I've seen people with 5 pages of on-board charges just from all the alcohol they consumed. Can add up to quite a bit. I'm lucky here...I don't drink:)

Most of all, have fun!!!!!

Happy cruising!

well its a good thing neither my girlfriend or I drink very much lol :p but I'm just a very organized person, i like to have my ducks in a row as soon as possible, hence my questions :o

How does ship boarding work for Allure of the Seas? Is it "first come first served"? Or does it go by your deck or Stateroom number? Also can we go right to our stateroom when we board to put stuff down and get settled? Or do we have to wait until a specific time? What is the earliest I can board?

 

How do checked bags work?

You can arrive at the port as early as maybe 10:00 - 10:30 am if you wish so and you shouldn´t arrive any later than 2 hours before sailaway, as check-in Closes 90 min. prior sailaway.

First Thing upon Arrival will be the checked bags. There will be porters curbside to take your bags from you and they will be delivered to your stateroom later in the day. Note - while usually the bags are delivered in a very timely manner, you might not get them until later in the day or even towards the evening. So be prepared to have all things you Need until then in your carry on.

It´s easiest to print off luggage tags from your cruise docs and attach them to your suitcases after your flight (if there´s one involved) but Prior to Arrival at the port. If you don´t have your luggage tags printed you can get some from the porters.

Upon entering the terminal there will be a security check-Point just like at Airports with x-ray machines for your carry-ons.

Next step is check-in. You will be directed to the check-in area. It´s recommended to complete the online check-in on the RCI Website, which can be done from 90 days Prior to the cruise up to 3 days Prior to departure. However it´s not mandatory to have done so, but it Speeds up the check-in a bit.

If you arrive super early the check-in might not be open yet and you will have to wait for them to open.

At the check-in you will receive your SeaPass Card. This is like a credit Card and serves as your "ship ID", your room key and your onboard credit Card. You can´t pay anything by cash onboard (except tips and Casino). Everything else goes towards your onboard account via use of your SeaPass Card.

Once you have completed your check-in you will be guided one Level up (this is for the terminal for Oasis and Allure). If Boarding has not started yet, you will be directed to a waiting area. The waiting Areas are split, as the first People to board will be all those with a golden and silver SeaPass Card (Suites and Pinnacle Crown & Diamond members) followed by Diamond Plus, then Diamond, then Emerald, then Platinum and Gold C&A members and lastly those in non-Suite cabins and non Status members of C&A.

This goes only for the time when Boarding has not started yet, once the waiting priority boardes have been served People will board as they arrive.

Usually Boarding starts anywhere between 11:30am - noon. It can be earlier or later, depending on port operations on that partiular day.

Your cabin will NOT be ready and accessible until 1:00pm to 1:30pm.

How late do all of the different eateries stay open?

 

What do the "for fee" eaters generally cost?

It varies, but late evening / night your Options get limited.

 

How far in advance can I book excursions and shows?

It´s usually closer to sail date, but just Keep checking back on the RCI Website.

 

Can my family come to the port to see us off? How far can they go without actually getting on the ship?

 

Port entrance. It really doesn´t make any sense for them to get there. They will not get Close to the ship. If they want to watch you for sailaway, they should Position themselves at the end of the channel in the afternoon.

What are some things I should bring on the boat with me? I know about the basics, but are there things that you came to realize would be really nice to have after realizing you didn't have it?

How much cash should I bring with me, just a ballpark number, I don't know who takes what nowadays haha.

No way to tell without knowing how your spending habbits on and off the ship are and if you settle your account with credit Card or cash.

Is there a set time that I have to be back at the ship for departure from the ports of call? where can i find that out when cruising?

 

If I think of anymore I will post them in later posts. Thanks in advance for all of your help! :D

Of course there is a set time to be back. It will be posted in the daily cruise compass delivered to your cabin in the evenings for the next day.

It´s also posted on a sign at the Gangway when you leave the ship.

Note this Deadline has to be taken seriously as they will not wait for you!

If you want a guidance right now, have a look at your itinerary, which has your sailling times listed and plan to be onboard 1 hour before sailing time. Last onboard might well be just 30 mins. Prior, but it can be 1 hour as well.

You sure did pick a great ship to experience for your first cruise!

Here is the link to your roll call- if you are interested you can chat with other CC'ers that are on your sailing! Allure Feb 28

If you are a pool/hot tub person be sure to pack a bathing suit/sunscreen etc since you probably won't get your luggage until later in the afternoon. No need to worry about towels, there are towel stations by the pool.

Plan to board early if you can - you are paying for that first day.

Do bring cash - you can leave in it the safe in your cabin.

Don't forget to budget for the tips. If you selected My Time Dining you will prepay them. Otherwise you will be charged $12/pp per day on your Seapass account.

No need to carry cash around the ship. However, if you're asked to sign for something, your Seapass account will be charged for it.

well its a good thing neither my girlfriend or I drink very much lol :p but I'm just a very organized person, i like to have my ducks in a row as soon as possible, hence my questions :o

You and I must be kindred spirits. I start planning and organizing way in advance. I'm just about done shopping for my May cruise, which is booked last fall. I have my excursions reserved, the ice show reserved, my air, shuttles, hotel...everything.

And...for my September cruise, I already have my air, hotel and shuttles taken care of. Haven't booked excursions yet but that's mostly because I can't find ones I love yet.

So, planning early is fine. I keep a list of what I want to bring on my suitcase and check items off as I put them there...like binoculars, sun hat, flip flops (sandals), etc. that way I don't forget the little things.

I'm excited for you! Which ports are you stopping at?

Exciting on your cruise. We are booked way in advance too for April 2016. For your excursion option, I noticed for our cruise that the excursions are listed if you sign in and go to My Reservations. There is a book option with times, and it looks like they are bookable now (but haven't tried myself).

For the shows, if you look for Cheapo's report, you can see a list of showtimes as of today, but keep in mind that this nay change, especially after dry dock.

Have fun planning.

Pretty much everything has been said. I can only imagine how excited you must be. I remember how I felt when I had booked my first one. You're gonna love it. Have a wonderful cruise!

Cindy

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Hello everyone, my name is Michael and I'm 23 years old. I have just finished booking a cruise for my wonderful girlfriend and myself aboard Allure of the Seas for next February 28th. I have lots of questions because I have never been on a cruise in my entire life. My father always said cruises were for old people :roll eyes: and my mom never wanted to go because she said because she does not know how to swim that we shouldn't go :( . I finally got around to booking a cruise on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas which sets sail exactly a year from today, February 28th, 2016. I was hoping some of you could help me because I have a lot of questions right off the bat, and I figured I'd make a thread so that if I had anymore, I would just post them here for all of you wonderful cruisers to help me answer.

 

A little info about where I will be on the ship. My stateroom will be 10329

 

well here goes :o

 

How does ship boarding work for Allure of the Seas? Is it "first come first served"? Or does it go by your deck or Stateroom number? Also can we go right to our stateroom when we board to put stuff down and get settled? Or do we have to wait until a specific time? What is the earliest I can board?

 

How do checked bags work?

 

How late do all of the different eateries stay open?

 

What do the "for fee" eaters generally cost?

 

How far in advance can I book excursions and shows?

 

Can my family come to the port to see us off? How far can they go without actually getting on the ship?

 

What are some things I should bring on the boat with me? I know about the basics, but are there things that you came to realize would be really nice to have after realizing you didn't have it?

 

How much cash should I bring with me, just a ballpark number, I don't know who takes what nowadays haha.

 

Is there a set time that I have to be back at the ship for departure from the ports of call? where can i find that out when cruising?

 

If I think of anymore I will post them in later posts. Thanks in advance for all of your help! :D

Keep an eye out for posts that include a copy of the cruise compass from a similar Oasis/Allure cruise. It will give you a great overview of what to expect for your cruise. It has tons of information on schedules, restaurants, directions for port/tendering, etc. Once you familiarize yourself, you'll be able to answer 99% of your questions here. You'll never feel out of the loop on board. Times, what to do, instructions and so on are all well publicized and announced.

I spent very little cash on a 5 day. Our excursion took credit card so other than a couple taxi fares, I ended up spending less than $50 cash.

Luggage is easy. You'll print your tags, drop them off at the terminal and they'll be delivered to your room. Keep your carry-on light because you'll probably have to carry it until early afternoon. If you're coming from cold weather, make sure you have a change of clothes since you may not have your luggage delivered until early evening.

Family won't be able to see you off. For sailaway, if you pick a spot head of time for and let them know where you'll be, they may be able to catch a glimpse of you on the port webcam. If they're local and want to wait until evening, they could also stand on the beach by the channel and watch sailaway in person.

Since you won't be able to get into the cabin right away (usually about 1PM) check in your luggage. I usually keep a small backpack to carry a bathing suit, meds, purse and camera. everything else gets checked in. I have seen people dragging suitcases around with them while trying to get lunch in the windjammer or Park Cafe. Too much trouble for me to do that. Enjoy. I too love to plan ahead. Seems like they are only letting you check in 90 days before the cruise now. Make sure to do all your entertainment online as soon as it opens. Especially the comedy club. As others have said look for current compasses on the Allure. she is a wonderful ship. Do you have your passport? When you get to the port there are plenty of people to tell you where to go. They board by deck. Most times they don't start to board till 11-11:30. As for cash, don't forget to factor in tips for taxis, drivers for shore excursions and tour guides as well as porters at port and airports. Everything on the ship will be on your seapass card (which also serves as your room key) At the end of the cruise if you are using a credit card it will automatically be charged to the card. You may also want to tip your cabin steward extra. when you sign for the drinks you will notice that the tip is already included. Don't try to bring a travel iron - it will be taken from your luggage and given back at the end of the cruise. I hope that you have a wonderful time. We love cruising. I laughed when I read the comment from your Mother as I too don't swim well and afraid of deep water. Never did I ever think that I would go on a ship. Do a search for posts about packing lists. For me - a formal dress, casual dresses, sundress, , swimsuits, shoes, otc meds such as aspirin, first aid kit, small sewing kit. duct tape, prescription meds, wrinkle release, lotion,sunblock,tide to go pen, sunglasses, hat, post-it notes,pen, highligter, (for the compass) refillable water bottle.

There was really no reason to give your name and cabin number. If someone really wanted to, they could probably cancel your cruise with that info. TMI = too much information. Don't be so trusting, there are a lot of weirdos in the world, including me [emoji12]

Look forward to having a GREAT cruise! :D

If you think of any other questions at all, please feel free to ask!

LuLu

MJM....You are way too cute! You will learn everything here and the documents you recieve later on in the year will give lots of good points. Always remember to lock all documents...money and anything of great value in safe.

Make sure you make copies of travel documents and passports to be kept with someone at home and a copy kept in check in luggage if flying.

Be very courteous to those who are on the ship that care for your well being (cabin steward, waiter, bartenders and the such). Figure tips to be $12 per passenger per day. For a 7 day cruise that could be $168. Could be more come the time you go next year.

When you are off ship for excursions....do not put wallet in back pocket. Pickpockets are notorious. Put wallet in a thigh pocket that buttons.

If you have not purchased cruise insurance.....do get it. It protects your investment if something happens between now and then!

You will learn as you go along and cruising is just not for old people....it's for smart people!

Economically....it makes sense! :D

could not be more excited! one thing i want to make sure i understand though... I live 20 minutes away from FLL so to save money I was hoping my girlfriends mom could drive us to the port.. she can drop us off at the terminal right? i won't have to walk from the port entrance to the terminal just because she isn't cruising?

Since you won't be able to get into the cabin right away (usually about 1PM) check in your luggage. I usually keep a small backpack to carry a bathing suit, meds, purse and camera. everything else gets checked in. I have seen people dragging suitcases around with them while trying to get lunch in the windjammer or Park Cafe. Too much trouble for me to do that. Enjoy. I too love to plan ahead. Seems like they are only letting you check in 90 days before the cruise now. Make sure to do all your entertainment online as soon as it opens. Especially the comedy club. As others have said look for current compasses on the Allure. she is a wonderful ship. Do you have your passport? When you get to the port there are plenty of people to tell you where to go. They board by deck. Most times they don't start to board till 11-11:30. As for cash, don't forget to factor in tips for taxis, drivers for shore excursions and tour guides as well as porters at port and airports. Everything on the ship will be on your seapass card (which also serves as your room key) At the end of the cruise if you are using a credit card it will automatically be charged to the card. You may also want to tip your cabin steward extra. when you sign for the drinks you will notice that the tip is already included. Don't try to bring a travel iron - it will be taken from your luggage and given back at the end of the cruise. I hope that you have a wonderful time. We love cruising. I laughed when I read the comment from your Mother as I too don't swim well and afraid of deep water. Never did I ever think that I would go on a ship. Do a search for posts about packing lists. For me - a formal dress, casual dresses, sundress, , swimsuits, shoes, otc meds such as aspirin, first aid kit, small sewing kit. duct tape, prescription meds, wrinkle release, lotion,sunblock,tide to go pen, sunglasses, hat, post-it notes,pen, highligter, (for the compass) refillable water bottle.

They board by suite guests first and then C&A status, correct?

could not be more excited! one thing i want to make sure i understand though... I live 20 minutes away from FLL so to save money I was hoping my girlfriends mom could drive us to the port.. she can drop us off at the terminal right? i won't have to walk from the port entrance to the terminal just because she isn't cruising?

Yes. Security will ask for your set sail pass to get into the cruise port. there is plenty of signage on where to go once you get through security.

They board by suite guests first and then C&A status, correct?

Is the boarding by deck 'optional guidance' on allure like it is on other ships or are they more strict about it because of the size of the ship? The boarding time in the email/voicemail for lower decks is usually after 1pm for the 'guidelines' which is far later than the 11am you are hoping to arrive! On NOS, this was not mandated and we had no problem boarding earlier.

Is the boarding by deck 'optional guidance' on allure like it is on other ships or are they more strict about it because of the size of the ship? The boarding time in the email/voicemail for lower decks is usually after 1pm for the 'guidelines' which is far later than the 11am you are hoping to arrive! On NOS, this was not mandated and we had no problem boarding earlier.

To my knowledge, the suggested times for boarding are not enforced on any ships leaving from US ports.

A little info about where I will be on the ship. My stateroom will be 10329

It looks like you picked an excellent cabin. We were in 11329 on Allure last October and it was fantastic. We had a fun view of the Aquatheater from our balcony and got to see some of the ports from the aft and the view of the water while we were at sea.

Welcome to CC. You'll gain a lot of helpful info here.

Check out lots of different forums and reviews.

Enjoy your year of anticipation.

If I missed the answer reading thru, you should do your Online Checkin 90 days from Sailing, On the Royal Caribbean main Page, under the heading, BEFORE YOU BOARD, there will be the tital, ONLINE CHECKIN, select this, put in your Reserv #, Last Name sailing date and Ship. There for each guest complete the 4 pages showing emergency contacts, Pass Port Information etc. There will also be a section for your Onboard Acct. Cash or Credit Card. Soon after Final PYMT it will show ready to Print. From your E Docs you only need to print out your Luggage Tags or your Porter will provide and put on your luggage. Board with an open mind and be prepared to have a fabulous cruise and let any little goofs pass by.:)

another question i had was how often does Royal caribbean have their great sales? I got this trip as part of their "Bogo" sale... are there similar sales throughout the whole year? my girlfriend is so excited for this trip that she actually wants me to start planning a trip for her birthday which is in october... so she wants to do the cruise at the end of february 2016 for my birthday that we booked and then october of 2016 go on another cruise for hers... :D

Sorry to hijack this thread but I'll be cruising on the allure in a few weeks for the first time. I've heard that they do not provide shower gel or shampoo in the cabins for a regular balcony cabin. Is there some place on the ship you can purchase some or should we just bring it onboard with us from say Walgreens or cvs?