Join me on first solo cruise - Allure Oct 29

[DandDM]

Today was Labadee (my first visit). A very nice couple from South Catalina invited me to join them in their over the water cabana at barefoot beach. We joked that they should have called it an ‘over the rocks’ cabana…but it was right at the water, private and had easy access to the sea. Had a cooler stocked with water and beer and an attendant checking in often. From the photos you’ll see it had two loungers and a couch. Floating mats included. Was advertised as able to hold eight, we figured that more than four might get a little crowded. 

Edited November 2, 2022 by DandDM
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[DandDM]

This afternoon took a sail on the balance, a 62’ 70’s era expedition yacht. When I booked the excursion read the description and although they talked up the vessel, assumed it would be the regular Caribbean catamaran. We motored/sailed about three miles to a small island then had a hour to swim and sun. Surprised they started serving drinks as soon as we boarded. Usually they wait until after the swim.
 

On the way Bach we were under full sale, somewhat close to shore when the crews attitude suddenly shifted. They got very serious, moved to different positions on the boat, and started glassing the shore. Couldn’t understand what they were saying (creole) and I got a bit worried. However, the captain never put us under power and kept his course, so I think they were more concerned about something happening on shore as compared to any danger to us. They relaxed after a while and the cruise ended without incident. 
 

had a good time, met a young couple on their honeymoon from Minnesota and a retired Air Force couple from Maine. Talked to a crew member about the situation in his country and he was not positive about it. He said it was dangerous and he worried about himself and his family. Apparently things are better on this side of the island, but they are not insulated from the problems. Needless to say, I left a large tip for the crew. They were excellent and gave us a great time, regardless of their personal situations. 

[DandDM]

Forgot the photos.

[DandDM]

1 hour ago, PhoenixCruiser said:

Your meal at 150 Central Park looked fantastic!

Yes!  I’ve read mixed reviews on these boards, but it continues to be my favorite!

[DandDM]

Chair hog situation 

[DandDM]

Solarium is open again. 

[cruiselvr04]

That top picture of the pool is great.  All those blue towels saving seats and one person in the pool.  I wonder where they are?  I doubt they are 4 deep at the pool bar.  Lol.  

[Ozark_Kid]

Good to hear the Solarium is open again. 

[DandDM]

Towel animals guarding the entrance to the cabin. 

[DandDM]

Had issues connecting to the Wi-Fi yesterday. Also didn’t have much to report - did get some wins at the casino and was up for a few minutes. Didn’t lose it all, but not up anymore!

[DandDM]

The show was Action comedy with Rick Novell. He is funny and very talented, was on a unicycle for most of it. Enjoyable, but wouldn’t go again. For some reason, the only photo I took was of the drummer (I think I secretly want my son to get a job as a drummer on a cruise ship!!)

[DandDM]

Dinner at ck again.  Good but I didn’t take any photos. Headed out to coco cay, will leave you with a panoramic from my balcony while at sea yesterday. 

Edited November 3, 2022 by DandDM
Added photo

[Ozark_Kid]

1 hour ago, DandDM said:

Dinner at ck again.  Good but I didn’t take any photos. Headed out to coco cay, will leave you with a panoramic from my balcony while at sea yesterday. 

The panoramic looks real good.

Heard from a different website that they are replacing carpet.  Have you seen this going on?

[PhoenixCruiser]

I wasn't planning to visit CP later this month but you changed my mind!

[DandDM]

Two ships at coco cay today. 
 

the pool was crowded and very few loungers available, but as long as you didn’t need an ocean front seat, plenty of spots available at the beaches.  Noticed new cabanas all over the island, and many weee empty. the swim up bar floating in the ocean was gone. Had wings at fries at captain jacks. Very good and plenty of food. 

Edited November 4, 2022 by DandDM
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[DandDM]

8 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

The panoramic looks real good.

Heard from a different website that they are replacing carpet.  Have you seen this going on?

Have not seen anything but will ask around. Have heard that carpet replacement is happening before they ship restarts in Galveston, but haven’t seen any construction other than the now completed solarium updates and work on deck 15 forward. 

[DandDM]

Bartender (Leo) has not seen carpet stockpiled below deck yet…but admitted he could miss it based on his daily route. He also let me know that the floating bar has been relocated to South Beach. 

[Ozark_Kid]

16 minutes ago, DandDM said:

Two ships at coco cay today. 
 

the pool was crowded and very few loungers available, but as long as you didn’t need an ocean front seat, plenty of spots available at the beaches.  Noticed new cabanas all over the island, and many weee empty. the swim up bar floating in the ocean was gone. Had wings at fries at captain jacks. Very good and plenty of food. 

Wow, that pool is so crowded. 

[perfect match]

Those cabanas look like they are right on top of each other. I had no plans to book one at the prices they’re charging for just two of us, so I hadn’t noticed how close they were. I don’t know who decided that a “Perfect Day At Coco Cay” meant cramming as many overpriced cabanas and loungers as close together as they possibly could was a perfect day at the beach. It’s definitely not my idea of a perfect day. 

[DandDM]

Today is Nassau. Apparently four ships in port!

 

Had booked a tour with sail to Blue Lagoon island and beach. Decided that I’ve had enough boat, island and beaches so cancelled the tour and planned on taking it easy today (last day already!). However, got drinking with some folks from Canada and they invited me on a DIY tour. They just said to bring bus fare and a bottle of wine. How could I turn that down!  Will report back. 
 

Meanwhile, door to Royal suite was open…I thought I was getting a lot of towel animals.

[DandDM]

8 hours ago, perfect match said:

Those cabanas look like they are right on top of each other. I had no plans to book one at the prices they’re charging for just two of us, so I hadn’t noticed how close they were. I don’t know who decided that a “Perfect Day At Coco Cay” meant cramming as many overpriced cabanas and loungers as close together as they possibly could was a perfect day at the beach. It’s definitely not my idea of a perfect day. 

Agree. Also surprised at how many were vacant. Thought prices were going up because they were selling ‘’em out. Guess not. My new friends from South Carolina took a video of an empty cabana at the beach club. That one was impressive. 

[SilkySal]

Just finished these first 4 pages. Thanks for the great review so far! Allure is one of our favorite ships! Great pics too! Cheers!

[DandDM]

3 hours ago, SilkySal said:

Just finished these first 4 pages. Thanks for the great review so far! Allure is one of our favorite ships! Great pics too! Cheers!

Cheers with a sabor margarita. 

[DandDM]

Very fun today. Met my new friends around 10 and headed off ship. Once off the dock (pretty long walk and it was crowded) took a left and walked through town. Made it to a grocery store and bought three 16 oz local beers for $7.80. Outside, caught the no 19 bus. 
 

I thought we were taking the bus to a beach, but we ended up riding the bus all the way around the island. Was a fun trip - locals on the bus shared their thoughts and we drank beer. Saw parts of the island we never would have on a tour. 
 

ended up back downtown and found a little tourist store selling three beers for $10 then caught a taxi to paradise beach. Taxi was $22 - $20 for the three of us plus $2 for the bridge fare. Had thought it would be only $5 per person, but driver said that was from the port. 

[DandDM]

Evidence of some of the local beer and the entrance is to the beach. It is just past Atlantis. Friends said beer at the beach was $8 or more.