Cindy Leslie

3 minutes ago, Fuzzywuzzy said:

We were just looking at San Juan excursions today for our July 2020 sailing. Looking forward to the replies and suggestions.

We were recently there on the Allure and took the “Old and New San Juan” excursion. Included a variety of sites in a short period of time and the guide was very informative. Our party of 4 enjoyed it!

We were on Allure earlier this month and we didn’t feel anything related to the propulsion issue. The only way you might suspect there was any issue at all was when looking at the wake from the back of the ship! We went to San Juan (it was a scheduled stop) and loved it! Went on an excursion so we got a glimpse into different areas and places. Made us want to return just to San Juan someday! 

On 7/18/2019 at 12:33 PM, Jolly Ogre said:

Well it can also depend on where you are at. There are 3 stations that they serve at. The middle one really fills up and there can be a long wait in the beginning. When I was there in january they had a shuttle looking to take you to another station as it was very crowded. It really depends on how far away you want to walk for lunch.

We were on the far end...not too busy at all, because we didn’t rush over as soon as we were told it was open. So, I don’t think that was the reason it was lackluster.

We were in Labadee this past Friday and had reserved two of the beach loungers for the four of us. We got off the ship early and went directly to the check-in hut. We gave them our “ticket” and were given wristbands. We asked for the front row and the gentleman said he would give us a good spot. He took us to the front row and presented us with side by side loungers. We gave him an extra $5 per lounger to thank him and he was most appreciative! Later, when lunch was ready, he came over to advise us and to ensure that he would keep an eye on our spot while we were gone. We loved Labadee! It was really beautiful. Note: don’t forget to take water shoes...bottom of ocean was very rocky.

On 6/19/2019 at 7:23 PM, twangster said:

I've always considered the popcorn charge a means to an end - keeping it from being everywhere. 

If it was free during movies nights the pool and hot tubs would be full of it as would be the pool deck.  Kids would be throwing it around without a care from their parents.  When there is a charge though, suddenly people become responsible with it since they paid for it.

You’d think so, huh? Just got back from Allure of the Seas. After the afternoon performance of Blue Earth, you wouldn’t believe how many popcorn boxes (and uneaten popcorn) were strewn all over the chairs and floor. So sad. 

On our recent Allure of the Seas Cruise, we had the refreshment package and ordered, and enjoyed, virgin strawberry daiquiris, pina coladas and lava flows. Yum!

Were in Labadee this past Friday (Allure of the Seas). It was nice that a free buffet was available, but I really wasn’t that impressed. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad..I had just expected more after reading some of the reviews here.

Just read about this and am disappointed for those that missed or may miss this port. We were there this past Thursday on Allure of the Seas and it was our favorite port. Hope things get better soon. It’s such a beautiful place.

We just got back from Allure of the Seas and went to Sorrento’s numerous times...the pizza was always delicious! As was the antipasti! Only negative...walking by Sorrento’s, smelling the delicious aroma of fresh pizza, and being too full from dinner to partake!

Thank you, Jane! First time on the Allure and I can’t wait! I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited to go on a cruise!

My first cruise was with my mom on a ship from Dolphin Cruiselines. Can’t recall the name. It was in 1982. I was 25 (mom was 52) and we went with a group of senior citizens from the mobile home park my mom moved to after my dad died. Went to the Bahamas during hurricane season. Oh my goodness...what an experience! After a show in one of the ports, we had to walk in ankle high water to get to the shuttle to get back to the ship! Ahhh...memories! First Royal Caribbean ship was the Viking Serenade in 1998! Much, much better!

Enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. We cruise a week from Sunday (July 7th) on the Allure! Have been planning this vacation (flying into Ft. Lauderdale Friday night before the cruise) for so long, and buying new things along the way. Lost track of all my new “must-buys” and now I have more outfits than actual vacation days.  So, now it’s time to decide what I can’t live without and what I can live with leaving at home. Wish me luck!

It’s a shame you didn’t look at this Blog prior to attempting to make your reservations. The advice and suggestions here are spot on and would have provided you with words of wisdom and guidance in booking your first cruise! Now, you have a bad impression of RCL and cruises altogether, which is a real shame. Cruising is awesome and RCL surely delivers! We always use a travel agent, at no cost to us, to handle everything! Takes away any chance of confusion or possible stress. Hopefully, you can get everything sorted out and go on your first cruise! I’m sure you would enjoy it. And if you don’t, I’m sorry.

We did it a couple years ago while on the Regal Princess. The party boat picked us up, then picked up passengers from a Royal Caribbean ship (possibly Oasis). Punch was complimentary, but could buy shots to put in your punch...we ended up buying wristbands so the rum was unlimited! We had lots of fun on this excursion! Beach was beautiful, too!

10 hours ago, JohnK6404 said:

Thank you so much! Have an amazing time next month!

That’s the plan! ?

I thoroughly enjoyed your Blog! We sail on the Allure July 7-14, 2019 and are so excited! Have never been on a ship this big. In fact, the last time I cruised on Royal Caribbean was on the Viking Serenade when my now grown children (32 and 30) were toddlers. We went to Disneyland first then my hubby took the kids home and I cruised with my mom and sisters! Good times were had! This time it’s myself, my sister-in-law, my daughter and my son-in-law! More good times will be had! Thanks again for sharing...can’t wait to get on that big ship and enjoy all it has to offer! Thanks again for your thoughts, comments, insight and all your beautiful photos!

5 hours ago, Andrew72681 said:

Guess where we had to stop after getting back home from our Navigator Cruise today.  

I’m drooling right now...no fair. 

Following along! Have a wonderful time! ?

The worst part of a cruise is having it end and then having to go back home. Glad you made it home safely! Thank you again for sharing your cruise with us... I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Your stops in San Juan look amazing! We have an excursion scheduled, but should have ample time to check one or two of them out afterwards! As always, I’m enjoying your review and pics! Thanks again for doing this! Our cruise can’t come soon enough!

I think when you’re with family, you’re never really a “third wheel”. Plus, there is so much to do on a cruise, you can be busy or relaxed. Either way, always a great time! Basically, any cruise is better than no cruise at all! Good luck on your decision making...I’m sure whatever you decide will be perfect for you! And please relay to your partner, congratulations on making the Police Academy! Thanks in advance for his service and also to you for supporting him along the way!

Our cabins in July are also on Deck 8. We chose them for the convenience to Central Park venues...based on your comments, looks like we made a good choice! Still enjoying your review and photos! Photos give a personal feel, basically icing on the cake (chocolate cake, of course)!

Your pictures are wonderful! We went to Romney Manor and Caribelle Batik when we were in St. Kitts 2 years ago (Regal Princess). The area was beautiful and the batik work was quite stunning! Watching how it’s done was interesting (a lot different than the way we did it back in art class!). Thanks for sharing! 

So basically, this tells me to be a savvy shopper! Do your homework, compare offers, and go with a price that’s best for you! No need to get upset over Royal Caribbean marketing...it’s marketing, after all, and as others have mentioned, it’s no different than other cruise lines, retailers, etc.! Happy Cruising!

Anyone out there please correct me if I’m wrong...but, I don’t think you can buy a soda pop (ie., Mountain Dew) in the “gift shop”. The other stuff you mentioned, yes, but at a pretty high mark-up.