Live Trip Report from the Allure of the Seas!

[basketrn]

Thanks for all this great info! Hope you made it safely! Although I am not able to go on the cruise with the podcast next year, I am going on the Oasis next June.

2 questions..

Is the ship cash free similar to the Disney ships? Or do I need to make sure I have cash on hand when on the ship?

My time dining...I am really considering switching to this as we have late dining currently but are early eaters (toddler, usually eat around 5ish). Anyone have any experience with this?

[mattincanberra]

Originally Posted by basketrn

Is the ship cash free similar to the Disney ships? Or do I need to make sure I have cash on hand when on the ship?

Apart from the casino, the RCCL ships are cash free.

[YachtClubWoman]

Originally Posted by basketrn

Thanks for all this great info! Hope you made it safely! Although I am not able to go on the cruise with the podcast next year, I am going on the Oasis next June.

2 questions..

Is the ship cash free similar to the Disney ships? Or do I need to make sure I have cash on hand when on the ship?

My time dining...I am really considering switching to this as we have late dining currently but are early eaters (toddler, usually eat around 5ish). Anyone have any experience with this?

We had my time dining and thought it was great. When I am on vacation I don't want to have a set time for anything. We never waited for a table (4 of us) but we also went to the main dining room between 8 and 9 pm.

I did have cash and tipped our stateroom attendant extra with that ( with my time dining you prepay tips - which I loved)

[mattincanberra]

Originally Posted by OKW Lover

I'd be interested in breakfast options Tracey. Some mornings I just want coffee and a bagel. Others I want a pretty full meal (eggs, bacon, etc). But every morning I want to do that with the least hassle.

Also, any options for in-room coffee in the morning?

Room Service for in room coffee but I don't think Kevin mentioned it, but there is also the donut bar that is open for breakfast on the Boardwalk - half a dozen different donuts, and filtered coffee. From our rooms that was a pretty short trip down a hallway and around a corner - no lines, just grab and go.

I found that I preferred going for a walk around when I woke up tha waiting for room service (or being woken up by them), and either grabbed Starbucks for "pre breakfast", or a donut and coffee from the donut bar in the boardwalk zone.

One of the things I really liked about the Allure was the number of "in between meal"/snacking options - donuts, cupcakes, Starbucks, hot dogs, pizza, etc that are located separate to the proper restaurants.

Talking of food, I can't overstate how much I loved the Park Cafe - It was certainly a regular hangout for us during our time on the Allure. I from time to time contemplate going on a week long cruise just to eat the roast beef rolls (making them potentially the most expensive sandwich in history).

There are two spaces on the ship that I really enjoyed (other than the casino lol), the Solarium (the Adult only pool area), and Central Park. It is hard to explain why, other than they just felt "right".

I am sure you will love all of it Tracey - looking froward to hearing about it when you finally get on board.

Other tip: The cupcake store has a frequent cupcake eating program...

[DSNYDREAMER]

Phew! What a weekend!!! I made it to my hotel late on Saturday night, The Crowne Plaza near the airport/port. It was a 5 minute ride from the airport. Very nice hotel, modern rooms and very spacious. There is a restaurant on site and the staff has been very helpful and friendly. There is not much in the area to walk to, so it would be a good place for a pre night but not the place you would want to book for a 2 or 3 night pre/post stay.

I was able to call Saturday morning and add the extra 2 nights, they even honored the great rate I had by booking online. $98 per night with taxes, AAA discounted. Best part is the free wifi!

We are scheduled to get on the ship tomorrow, I am not sure how much of a pre cruise tour I will get as everyone at RCL is crazy busy, that's alot of people on 2 sailings to take care of. From what I know now, it seems like RCL has really stepped up and is making this as right by people as possible.

From what I have heard (this is unofficial as I haven't heard it directly from RCL but believe it to be true), passengers scheduled to cruise yesterday are getting an onboard credit of $650 per cabin for inside/ocean view/balcony cabins, $1000 for Junior suites and a higher amount for other suite types. For those already in the area or en route, they are reimbursing 2 nights hotel stay up to a max of $250 and offering $100 per person per day for food expenses. They are also offering a future cruise credit in the amount of 10% of what you paid for the cruise.

I think this is very generous for a weather related issue that was not their fault.

I am on my time dining this week and will report back my experience. I am a little concerned now that my experiences will not be typical but we will see!

[disneyholic family]

RCCL was very fair on DD's cruise on the radiance of the seas as well.
Her husband wasn't feeling well in the middle of one of the port days and so he didn't go on their afternoon excursion (he went on the morning one)
So DD went on the whale watching excursion by herself
The next day, when he was feeling better, he went to guest services to see if he could get the money back for that excursion since he'd been ill
Surprisingly RCCL credited them back the cost of the excursion (quite a lot of money)
Also, DD purchased two cases of water at the beginning of the cruise.
She only used one case
RCCL gave them their money back for the unused case of water
So DD and her husband ended the cruise with $250 dollars in their pocket!!!
Surprising!!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

[aspen37]

I think RCCL learned from last years miss handling of a San Juan cruise departure that really made them look terrible. If this is the compensation than it is more than fare. Good for RCCL for taking care of their guests.

[slapwhitey]

I've been messaging back and forth a bit with my lovely wife and she seems to be loving this ship. To the point that she's thinking we should change our spring DL trip to an Oasis or Allure cruise. She's having a good time so far. Not sure what she will miss more....me since she's cruising alone or the roast beef sandwiches once she gets back home.

[OKW Lover]

Hold out for DL!!!

[nenner1]

Originally Posted by slapwhitey

Not sure what she will miss more....me since she's cruising alone or the roast beef sandwiches once she gets back home.

I dream of those at night...mmmm....

[slapwhitey]

Originally Posted by nenner1

I dream of those at night...mmmm....

I tell you I've heard John, Kevin and Matt talk about these things and I would kinda think...c'mon...it's a sandwich...how good can it be? Well apparently good enough that I think she's ready to rebook just for the sandwiches.

[nenner1]

[DSNYDREAMER]

That's a great picture-makes me want to go upstairs and get one right now! I am working on some info to post, typing it up in word first. Hopefully tomorrow. There are not words to describe our incredible this ship is!

[disneyholic family]

Originally Posted by DSNYDREAMER

That's a great picture-makes me want to go upstairs and get one right now! I am working on some info to post, typing it up in word first. Hopefully tomorrow. There are not words to describe our incredible this ship is!

looking forward to hearing about your cruise!!

[Princessclab]

Originally Posted by DSNYDREAMER

That's a great picture-makes me want to go upstairs and get one right now! I am working on some info to post, typing it up in word first. Hopefully tomorrow. There are not words to describe our incredible this ship is!

Where on the ship does one get those yummy looking RB sandwiches?
Anxiously awaiting your post!!!