sargemrs

1 minute ago, Tlbecker1 said:

We have enjoyed the new menus, but things have changed.  You can always go to the Windjammer for more choices.

What about the dining in CK?  Have there been changes there?  We'll be on Allure in August and hoping the suite experience won't disappoint!!

7 hours ago, Destaw71835 said:

Just adding my opinion having recently sailed Joy in May, it felt very crowded in every single venue. There just did not seem to be enough space to accommodate everyone. 

Unless you're in Haven!   NO crowding, awesome experience!

13 minutes ago, rockmom said:

yeah, once you get spoiled, it's hard to go back.  For ours in February we have the CL and 2 GS.  My travel buddy and I are in the CL, she wanted me to go for the Aqua suite, but I absolutely love being so close to the suite lounge and Coastal Kitchen on deck 17. But you do have to deal with it being a 2-story suite, so there are stairs. But there are two full bathrooms, which for two women traveling together, is heavenly.  

Two bathrooms are wonderful.  We had 2 on the Joy in Haven Aft.  Amazing luxury!

7 hours ago, topnole said:

I like oasis and allure SL/CK better than Harmony and newer.  The bar is so much nicer. 
 

Since this is your first RCL trip, I’ll mention to not hold back asking the concierge for anything.  They will help with show reservations if shows get cancelled, dinner reservations, key replacement, etc.   They can do almost anything that can be done at guest services (and more) so don’t wait in that line unless you have to.  Enjoy.  

We're not entitled people but we SURE DO enjoy the suite life!  We can't wait!!!  Thanks!!

8 hours ago, rockmom said:

you'll hear from the concierge sometime the week prior to your sailing.  DO NOT MISS THE SHOWS!  Aqua, Ice, Broadway.  All fantastic.  Booking for those will open up somewhere between now and 30 days out, and they book up quickly.  Use the online cruise planner, not the app for pre-cruise planning.   Try and reserve the aqua show early on in the sailing. It can get canceled if there's rough seas, so if you book it early in the sailing, it will be easier to rebook.  I wouldn't wait for the concierge on that--but if there are changes while onboard, that is who will help you.  Suite class (sky and star) is amazing on the Oasis class ships! I've got a crown loft booked for February on Harmony--can't wait! 

We have 2 OS in our group, 2 GS and 1 Aqua so we'll get to see several cabins.  We had NCL Haven's on our last cruise, including the wonderful Owner's Suite that was absolutely amazing!!!!  So we're coming to this cruise SPOILED.  Can't go back!!  We're elderly and this may be our last cruise but as long as our health holds out we want to keep "cruising"!

12 minutes ago, topnole said:

Allure is mostly all original.  She was in great shape last summer when we cruised.  As mentioned, never amped,

which for some is a nice thing.  If you don’t have kids and like the boardwalk, no huge ugly purple slide.  If you have kids, I have to admit, they liked Harmony and Symphony more due to the water slides and the huge ugly abyss slide.  If it was just my wife and I, we wouldn’t care either way.  Allure is fantastic.  

Thanks for the ramping of excitement!  We’re a family group and this is our 5th cruise, first on RCL.  Other cruises were Holland and NCL.  Anxious to compare.  We’re all in Suites so access to CK/ SL and have a blast in the evenings playing games and talking.  Counting the days!

58 minutes ago, rockmom said:

I love Allure!  She has held up well, I'm sailing on her again in October.  Be aware, if you weren't already, that since she wasn't 'amped' due to Covid, there are no slides.  I'm not a 'slide' person, so I love the more open views of the wake, and no big slides over the pool area.  But I know a lot of people, especially those with kids, are shocked when they see that there are no slides.  

Not a problem for us!  We don’t do pools!😁

1 minute ago, Biker19 said:

She had a dry dock in early 2021 - it was mainly for maintenance, very little customer facing work was done.

Well since I haven’t read but 1 review about her being dated, I guess she’s held up pretty well!  Thanks for that!

We’re on Allure in August and wondering when she was last refurbished?  I see she has great reviews so not too concerned but curious!  

9 hours ago, gonole1972 said:

4 of our family sent in renewal paperwork 12 weeks ago.  Still waiting.  Anyone else been waiting this long?  

Yes, I waited 13 weeks. I had a current passport card, thinking I'd never need the book but then we planned a cruise where I needed it.  If your cruise is within 2 weeks and you haven't received it yet, there is a number to call where they will expedite it, I assume.  

6 hours ago, Saturngrl said:

The Key does not grant you entry into the Suite Lounge, Coastal Kitchen or other suite-only areas.  Suites and Pinnacles still board first, then the Key before the assigned boarding time groups.  

Got it!  Thanks!

6 hours ago, Saturngrl said:

There was a crew member with a Key sign waiting outside the MDR after we finished breakfast.  He escorted us from there off the ship.  The funny thing is the people who tried to join our group.  The crew member stopped them cold and told them this was exclusively for the Key, then sent them back to their assigned waiting areas.  Sweet!  

As a newbie RCL cruiser, am I understanding that the Key is a little step-down from the suites perks? Please advise.

3 hours ago, topnole said:

You’ll get an email from the concierge about 4-7 days before your cruise.  If you plan to eat in the CK (suite restaurant) reply to the email and ask for your reservation times.  Use the concierge if you need something.  They can help with a lot of things like show and dinner reservations or even a key replacement.  Also, the SL bar is fee beer and wine (a limited menu) from 11-11 and open bar for mixed drinks 3 hours from about 5-8 (varies by ship).  The SL is a beautiful space on Allure.  Also, nice coffee machine in the SL for espressos, etc..   

 

Enjoy.  Sky class is a nice experience.  Allure is a great ship.  

Thank you so much for that information.  Yes, we've read about the perks of the GS.  We don't drink alcoholic beverages but we love coffee/tea/etc.  and we'll have kids with us, so wonder if that will be an issue in the SL?  We'd stay away from the bar of course but we play games and I think all the kids are interested in the various kid programs so that'll take them away for awhile.  

1 minute ago, topnole said:

They are no longer stocked.  Royal stopped doing this several years ago.  

Great!  One less thing to have to worry about!  Thanks for the reply!

This is our first cruise on RC.  We're on Allure in August.  Wondering if the refrigerators are stocked with various items to be charged for, if used?  Norwegian's refrigerators are stocked and you have to have it emptied so you can put your own desired waters, etc.  If so, can we ask the concierge to empty it, in advance of boarding?

2 hours ago, mandyleighflies said:

 

I WISH I was that crafty!! I use a shop on Etsy for all our door signs! 

 

CynthiaYoungDesigns

 

She makes quality signs with strong magnets! Seeing as you need so many, I would message her on Etsy and see if she can give you a discount on bulk/multi purchase items. 

Oh thank you SO much!  I will look her up!

14 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

He/she might but the reason you get a discount on the package is the lack of certainty of dates/times before boarding.

I’m sure that’s part of the reason, but lots of things are on sale before the cruise.  We will probably wait until we’re onboard to decide anyway so it’s okay.  

2 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Unless you are in Star Class suites, you either have to book/pay for the specialty dining in the planner now (likely cheaper) or ask the concierge to do it for you (at the on board price).

We all paid for the 3 specialty dining package, so you’re saying the suite concierge won’t reserve before we’re onboard?

We are a group of 5 cabins (18 people) all in suites.  My understanding is the concierge will email us for some of our preferences and at that time tell them our specialty dining wishes?  Please advise.  This is our first RCL cruise!

On 5/18/2023 at 7:58 AM, mandyleighflies said:

My kids are 14 and 16 and the holiday's are just different than when they were younger. Gifts are no longer a "big deal" and they have been asking for experiences more than physical things. Therefore, my mom and I decided to book a surprise Christmas cruise the week before Christmas to surprise them for the holiday. We will be sailing on Freedom OTS Dec 18-21 to CocoCay and Nassau!! We will be sharing a 2 bedroom suite with my mom and have a "good old fashioned family christmas". 😂 We would have sailed over the actual Christmas holidays except for the following, they go to their dad the day after Christmas (co-parenting), I will most likely be working over Christmas (Flight Attendant) and the CROWDS are not our thing. 

 

I plan on having t-shirts made and a door sign. Then on the evening of December 16th, I will have the kids open their "presents" and it will be a luggage tag, the t-shirt and a note of SURPRISE...we leave TOMORROW!! 

 

I think this will be the best holiday present and one they won't forget for sure. 

 

Hubby and I are sailing on Allure a week prior for our wedding anniversary, so I will basically be on back to back's 🙈 

Noticed you're making a door sign. We have 5 cabin group going on Allure in August and I was wanting to make door signs for fun.  Do you use the magnetic paper and print on it or??  Just curious and needing idea.  (Sorry to hijack!)

3 hours ago, Fontaid said:

I think the big trees won't be replaced until the Allure leaves Galveston for Florida. Those trees need to be lifted over the top of the ship using a big crane - probably with a 250 foot boom (maybe higher). To try to do something like that during a standard turnaround day is virtually impossible, not to mention very risky from a safety perspective. It takes too long per tree and the safety hazards of 6000 passengers getting off, another 6000 getting on, and all of the staff trying to get things done that day are very high. In addition the cost of the crane would be much less if you only have to rig and derig it once. I'm sure someone has it worked out by now. They just haven't let us know.

 

I'm sure you're correct!  

2 hours ago, llachance said:

Central Park trees were not meant to survive ice/winter storms.  We had a slew of bad weather when they docked earlier this year.

 

I'm sure!  It'll be beautiful when we get on in August!!  Can't wait!!

1 hour ago, loman said:

Your welcome , but i wasnt the poster that posted the cruise , that was

@taglovestocruise. They did the good deed.

There are multiple youtube videos you can watch regarding the Allure.

I was on it September 2022 and it was in good shape .Dont know what happened to the plants after that.

Oasis is our favorite class , Enjoy the cruise !

Thanks!

5 hours ago, loman said:

It is quite the entrance , enjoy your cruise.🙂

Thanks so much for the video.  It looks like it was taken around Christmas and there were lots of dead plants and trees.  Our cruise isn’t until August so I’m sure they’ll be replaced by then!  Can’t wait!

8 hours ago, Newcruiser2012 said:

Our very first cruise in August 2012 left Ft. Lauderdale just as Hurricane Isaac was rolling in. 60 mph wind gusts on deck. Our itinerary was reversed and the seas were a little rough the first couple of days but we had a GREAT time! Still cruising 11 years later 😁

Thanks for all the encouragement!!!!