Join me on first solo cruise - Allure Oct 29

[DandDM]

Walked down the beach a little ways and had the area to ourselves. Got in the water a bit, but the waves were vicious. Could only be out for a little while at a time. The beach was gorgeous and we drank our beer and wine. 

[DandDM]

Got back on the ship around four. An MSC ship had arrived, so now five ships in port. Was hungry and wanted to try Sabor. Had tortilla soup, calamari and a burrito. While the food was fine, and Plentiful, it wasn’t remarkable. The bill was $25 plus a $4.50 surcharge (some type of VAT for Nassau?). I spend a lot of time in Arizona and have had much better Mexican meals for less money.  Worth a try, but one and done on Sabor. 

Edited November 5, 2022 by DandDM

[DandDM]

Winding down. Took a nap after Sabor then walked the ship. Found and tipped the concierge, favorite bar tenders and waiter. 
 

had $12 credit left on my onboard account. Advanced $20 in the casino and hit a small bonus on the piggy game. Overall gambled $340 and cashed out $280. Since it was all obc, calling that a pretty good win!  Don’t think I was prolific enough to get any offers, though.  
 

I fly out at 4 pm tomorrow so will wait as long as I can to get off the ship. Haven’t started packing yet…that is normal for me - will stuff my suitcase in the morning and walk it off. Hope to wake early enough to get breakfast. 
 

will wrap this up and give my final thoughts tomorrow when waiting for the flight. 
 

cheers and thanks for following along. 

[DandDM]

What are they doing to the flow rider??

[DandDM]

I'm home, unpacked and laundry in the machine.  Ended up with a good book at the airport yesterday so just found a comfortable spot and waited out my flights.

 

The cruise was better than I could have hoped for.  Met great folks and actually had more offers to do things then I had the time, energy, or stomach space to do. I worry a little bit that this was the 'perfect storm' of the right cruise with the right people (the term LMP from other threads comes to mind), but am hopeful that these types of experiences will be available if I put myself out there to experience them on future cruises.  

 

Some minor regrets about some things I would have liked to do on the ship...but frankly it is such a large ship with so much to do that it isn't surprising.  I want to experience more of the Oasis class; have some ideas on future cruises (and invites from folks I met onboard).  Can't remember if I mentioned this earlier, but the Next cruise desk was understaffed and didn't have a person visit the SL.  Later in the week, no appointments were available at all on deck 5, so I bought an FCC.

 

I did miss my wife a lot, and certain experiences and moments brought back memories (aqua show was a big one).  I tried to keep those thoughts positive, but I so much wished she was with me. Also had some awkward conversations about my situation; but those seem to come up anyway, not unique to cruising. 

 

The cruise experience was also different - didn't do the same activities and meals than would have done with my wife.  Mixed feelings about that as she would talk me into do things that I didn't think I wanted to do, but then I usually ended up enjoying them.  So feels like I might have missed out and actually felt a little guilty at times.  But again, that is part of my life now and not specific to cruising.

 

Hope those who followed along enjoyed the read and that maybe I gave some useful info on the Allure and the solo cruise experience.  If anyone has questions, happy to try and answer.

 

Cheers,

[Ozark_Kid]

Good to hear you made it home safely.   I am happy you enjoyed the cruise.   Thanks for taking the time to share the experience. 

Did you hear what was going on with the flow rider?

 

[Jimbo]

On 11/3/2022 at 9:37 PM, 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. 

That pool with the swim up bar actually looks like pee soup.......... Oh My !

[PhoenixCruiser]

Glad you made it home safely!  Thanks again for taking us with you. 

[DandDM]

4 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

Good to hear you made it home safely.   I am happy you enjoyed the cruise.   Thanks for taking the time to share the experience. 

Did you hear what was going on with the flow rider?

 

Thanks for reading!  There were the guys that worked the flow rider, engineering crew in jump suits and a few guys in civvies that looked like outside workers all huddled around…but nothing happened before I left my cabin. 
 

Interesting that when I finally flew out after 5pm, saw the Allure leaving port. Thought it odd that they kept to their schedule, even with no passengers, but maybe the departure time can’t easily be changed. 

[DandDM]

22 minutes ago, PhoenixCruiser said:

Glad you made it home safely!  Thanks again for taking us with you. 

Thanks!

[mcgore83]

Thank you for sharing your journey.  Prayers are with you.

[ecslady]

Really enjoyed following you along.  I try to cruise with friends usually, but sometimes I cruise solo.  So I'm glad you had a great time and met lots of folks.