Me, Myself & I, First Solo Live Cruise on Allure…May 8-14

[Ukigirl]

Hi all, this is my first live review so hopefully it’ll go well with posting pictures and just being able to get decent WIFI connection on ship. This cruise is overdue by more than two years thanks to…well you know. I was supposed to do first solo cruise back in March 2020 with hubby’s blessing but well…you know. I did end up posting a virtual cruise review because I was sad, bored and mostly housebound for three months.  The review caught the eye of a reporter and somehow I ended up being interviewed and my picture and part of post was featured in Washington Post, I believe @twangsterwas also interviewed. Now on to the real cruise and since hubs started a new project at work, I’m actually going solo. I did ask a couple of friends and mostly got horrified looks and comments like “no way am I going on a floating Petri dish” and “is everything ok with you two since you’re going alone?”  I’m actually happy since I don’t have to deal with any negativity and can come and go as I please and between you and me, looking forward to 7 snore-free nights! I’m on private Facebook group for people traveling this cruise and have already “met” lots of nice people that I’ll be meeting Sunday at Meet and Mingle.  I consider myself an awkward introvert so this will be interesting, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I haven’t signed up for any specialty dining but hoping to go to Izumi sometime this week. This will be third time on Allure and eighth RCL cruise so I’m completely comfortable traveling solo. 
Tested negative today so biggest hurdle complete, sure was stressful waiting for results! Here’s some pics of who and what I’m leaving behind, our three gingers Walter, Norman and Kevin, our grand puppy Leia who is staying with us for several days and Elbo, my waiter on the virtual cruise 😄. Also included pic of Washington Post cover, my 15 minutes’ claim to fame.

Got an early flight from Detroit Metro to Fort Lauderdale, only time I don’t mind waking up at 4:00 am.

 

[Ukigirl]

Oops, another picture that I meant to post instead 😬. 

[Cruise a holic]

Enjoy your cruise a great ship!

[laurieal]

I'm a simple girl. I see beautiful ginger cats, I subscribe.

 

As a solo cruiser who enjoys the big ships, I look forward to your review.

[Ukigirl]

Staying in Fort Lauderdale for one day, usually we like living dangerously and fly in day of cruise but I’m not taking any chances this time. Should be at hotel by 11:00 and since I can’t check in until 3:00, I plan on securing my luggage at hotel and just hang out at the pool. Publix and Total Wine are within walking distance so even though I purchased the deluxe beverage package, still plan on bringing a bottle onboard to enjoy on the balcony. I’ll probably pick up something to eat at Publix unless there’s a restaurant close by.  The hotel does have an evening reception with appetizers so depending on the time, I might stop in for something. I know I won’t sleep well tonight so tomorrow will be an early night for me. 

[Ukigirl]

1 hour ago, laurieal said:

I'm a simple girl. I see beautiful ginger cats, I subscribe.

 

 

I foster kittens and it’s become a dangerous hobby as one adoption turned into two..then three. I’ve been forbidden from adopting anymore since I’m really close to becoming that crazy cat lady.

[Ukigirl]

Sure is nice leaving the house at 4:00 am, got to the airport in record time. Hope all these people aren’t going to Fort Lauderdale! 

[Ukigirl]

Here’s my first order of business, can you put this in a to-go cup?  Guess no Bloody Mary for me 🤔

[Ukigirl]

Plane is here, that’s always a good thing , should be in Fort Lauderdale by 10:15 and by the pool by 11:00. 

 

[laurieal]

Wishing you a safe and smooth journey to Florida ☀️ 

[WELDON]

I am also on this cruise going solo.  This is the second cruise on Allure. Can't wait until tomorrow.

[nelblu]

Enjoy your cruise.  I'm also a solo passenger, but for a sadly different reason.

 

Sailed on Allure 8 niter on January 22 and it was wonderful as the ship was only 40% of capacity.  The port is about 10 minutes from the airport and taxi at that time cost $20 with grats.

 

It took longer for them to place the white band indicating that I was vaxxed than the actual check-in.  It took no more than 15 minutes to board and went directly to CP Cafe and had a couple of Royal's roast beef sandwiches.😄

 

Because of the pandemic, the vaxxxed were separated from the unvaxxed in both the MDR & the theater.   For some ungodly reason even though I chose traditional dining at 5:30, I was assigned MTD which started at 6:30-6:45.  I was seated a table for 2 (social distancing, at that time, would not allow to sit with others at a large table) on the 3rd deck to the right as you enter the MDR. 

 

Although I was sitting alone, there were some 6-7 tables for 2s in that area and met some wonderful tablemates.  Not much separation between tables.  Even met a couple of Pinns that had the audacity to mingle with a simple D+.😊   

 

Being solo, got faster service with my meals and completed in approximately an hour.  This allowed me the flexibility to spend time in the casino and attend any functions around the ship.

 

Entertainment was excellent overall.  We had magicians, singer and dancers, etc.  This was my 3rd sail on Allure and Mamma Mia, the play is a must.  No reservations required.  No problem in getting prime seats in the theatre due to the lower capacity.  

 

When I sail on the Oasis class, I select a CP balcony cabin.  My cabin was on the 12th deck and convenient to the Diamond lounge.  On many days, I enjoy watching Paxs strolling thru Central Park and listening to the afternoon music emanating from the pool deck.  The only hiccup is that on occasions you must remember to close the shades.😁

 

Hope you enjoy your cruise as much as I did and looking forward to your review.  

 

PS.  I really really liked this sail, especially in that I earned quadruple nights/points.😉

 

 

 

Edited May 7, 2022 by nelblu

[OCSC Mike]

12 hours ago, Ukigirl said:

I’ll probably pick up something to eat at Publix unless there’s a restaurant close by.

Might as well go for a Pub Sub while you're down here.... unless you see a WaWa, in which case go there. 🙂

 

Safe travels and enjoy your cruise! Looking forward to your review!

[hucifer]

Yay! Fellow Michigander here who went solo on Allure and LOVED it. Looking forward to this review! 

[Ukigirl]

I am a very anxious flyer and even minor turbulence makes me break out in a cold sweat but gotta say, this was the smoothest flight I’ve ever been on so thanks Mr Pilot man, my hands were only slightly clammy before takeoff. Made it to the hotel and I’m currently sitting by the pool waiting for a margarita (yes it’s 11:00 a.m. but I’m officially on vacation).  Room is nice, any clue where I’m staying?

 

 

[Ukigirl]

Here’s a tip, be kind to employees (just be kind in general), there’s an evening reception with two free drinks but she gave me four because, I’m her words, I wasn’t an ***** to her 😬 so guessing she had a rough morning. 
Also got teary when I opened my luggage and found this 😢.

Our daughter is on vacation in Vegas and our son leaves for Cancun tomorrow so we will all be celebrating Mother’s Day in a few weeks and since it won’t officially be Mother’s Day I’ll probably end up cooking but, hey it’s all good.

[gottagoacruzn]

Have a great cruise, wish I was goin, oh you're babies look sad cuz you're leavin them behind!!!:(

[Lionesss]

Embassy suites???

 

We will be there in 6 days.

 

Pool is awesome.

 

Be safe

[molly361]

4 hours ago, nelblu said:

Enjoy your cruise.  I'm also a solo passenger, but for a sadly different reason.

 

 

Sorry for you loss.  I am also now (sadly) a solo cruiser 

 

Op enjoy your cruise.  I am embarking on the HM tomorrow.

[nelblu]

23 minutes ago, molly361 said:

Sorry for you loss.  I am also now (sadly) a solo cruiser 

 

Op enjoy your cruise.  I am embarking on the HM tomorrow.

Molly, thank you for your kind words.  I'm also sad for your loss.

 

Love Allure, and will be sailing her in late August on an 8 niter to Curacao & Aruba.

 

To the OP, since you are skitteriest in flying, thank God you are not flying from the Northeast.  Today, it's feels like a hurricane.

[Ukigirl]

4 hours ago, Lionesss said:

Embassy suites???

 

We will be there in 6 days.

 

Pool is awesome.

 

Be safe

Yeppers, it was nice except no one to bring me frozen cocktails lol, I actually have to get it myself. It’s a nice hotel, second time I’ve stayed here. Prices are through the roof this weekend thanks to the Grand Prix in Miami but no complaints because I’m on vacation 

[Ukigirl]

8 hours ago, nelblu said:

Enjoy your cruise.  I'm also a solo passenger, but for a sadly different reason.

 

Sailed on Allure 8 niter on January 22 and it was wonderful as the ship was only 40% of capacity.  The port is about 10 minutes from the airport and taxi at that time cost $20 with grats.

 

It took longer for them to place the white band indicating that I was vaxxed than the actual check-in.  It took no more than 15 minutes to board and went directly to CP Cafe and had a couple of Royal's roast beef sandwiches.😄

 

Because of the pandemic, the vaxxxed were separated from the unvaxxed in both the MDR & the theater.   For some ungodly reason even though I chose traditional dining at 5:30, I was assigned MTD which started at 6:30-6:45. 

I am so sorry for your loss!

Thanks so much for all the tips, I have MTD and I’ll try going once to see how it is. Haven’t decided if I’ll ask to be seated with other solo guests or just by myself.  Absolutely planning on seeing the shows and I’ll book them once I board.

I can already taste that roast beef sandwich, that’ll be my first meal!

[Ukigirl]

4 hours ago, molly361 said:

Sorry for you loss.  I am also now (sadly) a solo cruiser 

 

Op enjoy your cruise.  I am embarking on the HM tomorrow.

I’m so sorry for your loss, I recognize your dog from other posts!

[Ukigirl]

Yay for the free evening reception. Free wine? Yes please, I’ll take two. Figured white pairs better with raw vegetables and chips.

 

[John&LaLa]

Have fun with the review. Always nice to read new takes.

 

I have my first solo coming up in June