JRudy33

Could you please tell me if there is any type of shuttle that takes you down the pier.  Both my husband and I can't walk very long, especially in the heat.  That would help us tremendously because I realize we will have to be doing some walking on the island. 

We have always gotten travel insurance through the cruise line.  Is it better to buy the insurance from another source?  How do the prices compare?

I have to agree with the other poster, I never slept better than when I was recently on the Allure, as did the rest of our party.

Just recently got off Allure. We had a party of 8, with many different likes and dislikes. I have to say that we all thought the food in the MDR was very good. Only one time did someone not like something and it was because she didn't realize it was spicy. After telling our waiter it was too spicy, our waiter was happy to bring her something else. After reading so many bad reviews of the food, I was a little worried about the quality. We all felt the quality and wait staff were great!

Keep Allure safe!!! We will be boarding as you get off. I look forward to experiencing your cruise as I read along. Have a great cruise!!!!

I also said I would never sail on a ship that large, but we were on the Allure two years ago and loved it. So much so that we will be on her again in a week and a half. The only time you can tell there are a lot of people on board is at embarkation, during parades on the promenade, and on sea days around the pools. But even then, it is very manageable. To watch the parades out of the crowd, just go one deck up and watch from the Schooner Bar area. The ship's layout makes it very easy to find your way around. We also thought that the crew was fantastic, just as friendly and helpful as on the smaller ships. I think the Allure is amazing!!!

Does anyone have any updates on the seaweed problem? I will be there the week of September 9th and was curious if it has improved.

My husband and I both have "expedited arrival" on our Set Sail Pass. However, my daughter and her boyfriend are in another cabin. Her's says expedited arrival but her boyfriend's does not. So can they still both go to the expedited arrival line?

Thanks all of you for your responses. Looks like I might just have to stay on ship in Costa Maya.

I am unable to print my Set Sail Pass. I've tried sending it to 3 different printers and it just doesn't print...no error messages....just doesn't print. Any suggestions?

That might eliminate me being able to get to a taxi then. Of course, then I have to worry about the walk back to the ship. How about the shuttles, are they just as far?

How long is the walk to the taxis through the port area. I have difficulty walking far, especially in the heat. I've read that it can be a maze to get through that area. Are there any shortcuts to get through the maze?

No I'm not in a suite. Just an OV balcony.

Thanks for your fast response. I just found out that one of the other couples joining us, entered the same arrival time, but their Set Sail Pass doesn't say that, only lists the time. Wonder if we will have to go to a separate area to board. I guess I will find out in about 5 weeks.

I noticed on our Set Sail Pass, it says "Expedited Arrival". When filling out our online form, it asked what time would we arrive and I entered 11:00 to 11:30. Is that all that means?

Fantastic review! And I totally agree with your ending comments. We always have treated all crew with respect and have had so much fun with them all!

I love reading your review. We will be on the Allure in September. We were on her back in October of 2016. I can't wait!

Could you please tell me how long a walk it is to the Park Royal Hotel from the ship. I've had two knee replacements and can't walk that far yet. If it is too far for me, would it be worth it to take a taxi, or would that be stupid?

Can you just order a margarita and an order of chips and guacamole sitting at the bar either in the restaurant or out at the bar in the middle of the boardwalk?

This is an odd request and may be impossible for you to find out, but in the picture you posted right under the American Icon Lunch Buffet/Salads, there is a waiter with a black vest on. I'm pretty sure he was our waiter when we were on the Allure a year and a half ago. We just loved him. We will be going back on the Allure in September and would love to be able to have him again. If you happen to see this gentlemen in the dining room again, could you please look to see what his name is? If we knew that, maybe when we are onboard the Allure we could see if we could ask to be put into his section. I realize this may be hard to do, so if you don't happen to see him, that's ok.

I love all of your pictures and posts. They have been so informative. Thanks so much for taking the time to post them.

My family and I will have enough points to turn Emerald in the middle of our next cruise. Will we be considered Emerald half way through the cruise or will we have to wait to our next cruise to be Emerald? Just curious.

Thank you all so much for your answers. I was worried a little about it. I will just follow all of your recommendations.

I've recently had two knee replacements. I realize I will set off the metal detectors at the airport, but has anyone had trouble getting on and off the ship setting them off? And if they do, is it a hassle?

When we were on the Allure in 2016, we really enjoyed Sabor for lunch. At that time it was a-la-carte for lunch. We didn't go there for dinner, so I'm not sure how they charged at that time. Is it still that way for lunch, or have they changed it to the $22 flat charge for lunch also?

Thanks to all of you for your replies. I think I may just tip in cash and if I don't happen to have it on me, will just add it to the slip I realize that I don't need to do that, but we have so much fun with some of the bartenders and they work so hard, that I think they deserve a little extra.

We bought the deluxe drink package for our upcoming cruise. I know it includes tax and tips. We also had the package on our last cruise. We had quite a few great bartenders so we liked to give them an extra buck or two. Sometimes we just added it to our slip, but sometimes gave them the cash. Do you know if you add it to your slip, does that particular bartender really get that tip or is it put into a fund for all of them? Do you think they would appreciate the cash more?