Dan Curtis

Great photos, thank you. I,like the new elevator panel look.

Cruise day! I’m up by 6am, looking at the foggy Hong Kong sunrise. MisterZ is NOT interested in getting up yet so I’ll take the time to talk about the itineraries. 
Day 1 — depart Hong Kong Day 2 — at sea Day 3 — Okinawa, Japan  Day 4 — at sea Day 5 — Ilocos, Philippines  Day 6 — Subic Bay, Philippines  Day 7 — at sea Day 8 — HK turnaround Day 9 — at sea Day 10 — Danang, Vietnam Day 11 — at sea Day 12 — arrive Hong Kong This is our first back-to-back. This is also the first cruise we have been on where the ship was the focus; we usually cruise based completely on the ports. This is also the largest ship we’ve been on. Explorer was the biggest before this. Lots of firsts!

Miami Day 2
An action-packed day today.
First up, a jet boat ride around Biscayne Bay where we got absolutely drenched!
Followed by an quick ride on some electric scooters around Bayfront Park to help us dry off.
Then, after lunch, we grabbed some City Bikes and cycled back over to Miami Beach across Venetian Islands and down to South Pointe Park to watch today's cruise ships set sail. It was exciting to get my first IRL look at an Oasis class ship prior to boarding Allure tomorrow. 
We then strolled the 2 miles or so back to the hotel via a fantastic Italian restaurant on Española Way.
We've had a great couple of days in Miami, but now we're VERY excited about boarding Allure tomorrow. 

30 minutes in a taxi and about $45USD-equivalent later, we’re in our hotel in Kowloon. L’hotel elan (lower case, with a ‘ over the e that I didn’t even try to make happen here) is a stylish mid-range hotel about 1km from the cruise terminal. The unrest in Hong Kong has definitely impacted the tourist industry. We got this room for about $85 for the night which is a screaming deal for this part of town. Breakfast is included.

So, we've arrived in Miami to rain of almost biblical volumes. We've been told that it only rains heavily for about 11 days of the year here. Unfortunately, it looks like 3 of those are the 3 days that we're here before our cruise!
Oh well, you can't do anything to control the weather so we're going to make the most of it, and the effects of the jet lag, by getting up early tomorrow and heading to Cape Canaveral for the day. Not somewhere that I thought I'd ever get to see and the boys (and when I say 'boys', you must remember that those to whom I refer are aged 40 and 46) are particularly excited about it. 
Tonight we've just checked into our hotel, where we were pleasantly surprised to receive vouchers for a free drink each in the bar and even more pleasantly surprised to find that cocktails were included. Then we went for dinner at a Cuban place around the corner called Bella Cuba. The drinks service was a little slow but the food came out pretty quickly and was really flavourful and pretty healthy. 

I dont think an excursion will go,down this close to your cruise. @SPS we are also on Vision out of San Juan in January.

New touchscreen control panels in the elevators

On port days a "Gangway" button is added.

 

@Corky441 as promised we did do the ATV excursion through Carabali. There was another for Camp Rico as well but I cannot speak to that.
As for the machines used they were in rough shape. In fact mine would not go into 4x4 and I got stuck in the mud on one of the trails which was actually the most fun part. If you're the type who wants new, pristine, carefully maintained equipment this would not be a tour for you. The stops were beautiful and we took a dip in a very lovely, clear river. Painted ourselves with rocks and minerals, and then got shots at the bar after. 
There is a shuttle/bus that takes you from the port to the venue and its about a 30-40 minute ride. The bus had AC and was comfortable also taking us back to port after the excursion. He makes two stops on the way back one near a shopping area close to port and one back to port directly. 
It was a blast but don't go expecting nothing to go wrong. As I said I did get stuck for a bit until I was pushed out, and another ATV decided it didn't want to go into gear after a stop. Quick fix but my group is generally mechanically inclined and unphased by the odd breakdown in the jungle.
If things like that concern you however I'd choose another excursion. All in all I would do it again without hesitation. It says long pants required but they are more of a suggestion. It does get hot by your legs and you can burn yourself if you're not careful in shorts. They will turn you away if you don't have closed toed shoes and your drivers license.
 
As for the deposit I didn't pay attention. Upon check-in they took my drivers license and a credit card and sent me on my way to pet the cats. Did I mention there were cats? About six of the friendliest little barn cats. I would've paid the money just to pet them all day. On my current credit card statement I have no charges from Carabali so if there was a hold it fell off quickly.

We made it!! And are settled into the Conrad Downtown. We landed at JFK in the midst of a winter squall. It was kinda funny because as we landed and people started turning on their phones emergency alerts started sounding on everyone’s cell phone. Traffic was slow into Manhattan as a result; taking about 90 minutes. A big shout out to NY City Limo as our driver was great. He was waiting for us with an airport meet and greet and got us here safely.  
Of course, the boys were starving so eating was a priority.  We found a great pizza place called Harry’s Italian beside the Conrad. Enjoyed the pizza and Fettuccine Alfredo. 

@twangster, this is a great brochure you created.  Did you go around and price each of the drinks out and create this from scratch or did you get a copy form Royal?

It would be great to say 'hi' if we bump into one another.
We should be fairly easy to spot in embarkation day if I can convince tube others to all wear tube t-shirts I bought them 

Like someone else said, formal night in the mdr is the only time my wife can get a tie on me, and that's a bow tie, for her this night is special and we have cruised many times, we still enjoy the pictures and she enjoys putting that long dress on and some nice jewelry as someone said. One of our favorite parts of,the cruise is the mdr with friends we travel with or new friends we meet at the table. I am a blue jean and ball cap guy and just don't enjoy dressing up, I,always say if I need a tie, I don't need to go. But,one night, maybe two,a year I,can handle, but to each their own,I,really don't notice what,other around me wear and like most said, it don't ruin my dinner. 

After a VERY hectic few months, it's almost time for our very first Caribbean cruise sailing on Allure Of The Seas over Christmas.
Itinerary 
22/12 - Embark at Fort Lauderdale 
23/12 - Sea Day
24/12 - Sea Day
25/12 - St Maarten (hopefully ?)
26/12 - San Juan
27/12 - Sea Day
28/12 - Coco Cay 
29/12 - Disembark at Fort Lauderdale 
 
The Crew
Me, husband (both Brits) & our USA-dwelling British & Canadian friends all in our late 30s to mid 40s.
For us, it's our 5th cruise - 3rd on RC having done the Med on Navigator and Independence.  For our friends, it's their very first cruise and we've told them they'll love it. I hope we were right!
We chose this sailing to fit in with my holidays from school (I'm a primary school teacher) and because I really wanted to try an Oasis Class ship.
Pre-Cruise
We've driven down to Heathrow airport from our home in the Midlands this afternoon and are spending the night at the Radisson Edwardian Blu. We stayed here earlier this year and were really impressed so we booked again. They do a deal where you get a hotel stay and parking and it's just a short Uber ride to the terminal in the morning. They have a funky bar with great cocktails and a couple of restaurants. Tonight we're trying the Indian restaurant. 
We're flying into Miami tomorrow (after original direct flights to FLL were cancelled and we had to rebook at extra cost or face going via Chicago or somewhere in Texas!) and staying at Pestana Beach hotel in South Beach. 
Our friends fly in to FLL from Detroit in the morning, are renting a car and picking us up from MIA when we arrive in the afternoon. 
We've got no firm plans ( we've all been REALLY busy, plus we thought we weren't going to be able to go at all when our TA went bust!) but we're hoping to see the Everglades and do an Art Deco architecture tour.
 

We just did the Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounter excursion last Wednesday.  We took a boat from the Mariner of the Seas to Blue Lagoon.  It took about 20-25 minutes.  But it was a gorgeous day, and you go by Atlantis so you can see it from the distance.  The captain gave out some information (tour guide type stuff).  However, we couldn't hear him due to all the noise.  
The dolphin encounter experience was more than I expected.  You sit with your group on one of four sides.  Our side went first.  Each person got to hug the dolphin, kiss the dolphin, feel the top of the dolphin, feel the underbelly of the dolphin and so forth.  Once your group is done, you then leave that area and can go hang at the beach.  The water was so clear.  
We were late getting off the boat because of Immigration or something to that effect.  We caught the first shuttle back from the Blue Lagoon (1:30 p.m. I think).  We would have stayed on the beach longer if my daughter didn't want to get back to catch up with some friends she had met on the boat.  When I got back, I had time to go shopping at some of the stores in Nassau.  
Atlantis looks gigantic.  
I bought this excursion before our cruise, when it was on sale.  I think it was worth it.
 

If they stink and look like slobs I don't care what they paid. If they took a bath and look neet I don't care what they wear.

Like someone else said, formal night in the mdr is the only time my wife can get a tie on me, and that's a bow tie, for her this night is special and we have cruised many times, we still enjoy the pictures and she enjoys putting that long dress on and some nice jewelry as someone said. One of our favorite parts of,the cruise is the mdr with friends we travel with or new friends we meet at the table. I am a blue jean and ball cap guy and just don't enjoy dressing up, I,always say if I need a tie, I don't need to go. But,one night, maybe two,a year I,can handle, but to each their own,I,really don't notice what,other around me wear and like most said, it don't ruin my dinner. 

Like someone else said, formal night in the mdr is the only time my wife can get a tie on me, and that's a bow tie, for her this night is special and we have cruised many times, we still enjoy the pictures and she enjoys putting that long dress on and some nice jewelry as someone said. One of our favorite parts of,the cruise is the mdr with friends we travel with or new friends we meet at the table. I am a blue jean and ball cap guy and just don't enjoy dressing up, I,always say if I need a tie, I don't need to go. But,one night, maybe two,a year I,can handle, but to each their own,I,really don't notice what,other around me wear and like most said, it don't ruin my dinner. 

Just got off the Anthem a week ago on Sun, we saw people wearing shorts and t shirts and base ball hats in the MDH, They should be a able to tell people like that they need to put pants and a shirt on. I am not saying they need a suit but crappy shorts and a t shirt are a bit much.

Our first cruise we were concerned about dressing up on formal nights.
By the 4th cruise is was ... whatever ... business casual with a tropical twist usually. I have a few dress "cruise shirts" that are not too loud with an island/tropical print. That and a pair of cargo pant slacks and loafers.
I still see a few people that go all out. They are usually getting their photo taken and are part of some party or family celebrating something.
I occasionally see someone in cutoff jeans come dragging in. Personally, I think that is a bit too casual for the dining room. If you can't dress any better than that, go to the Windjammer or Johnny Rockets.
Have I ever seen seen anyone "torn apart" over their attire? Not once.

Oh I see.  I got confused with the thread title.  I thought you went from Orlando to FLL on a shuttle.  I would love to be able to do that.

We used them from Orlando a couple,of years ago, no problems, they were very nice , usually they wait till the van is pretty full, but with a group that size, they probably would pick you all up and go. I would use them again.

Post-cruise Miscellaneous Musings #2 - Our experience as newbie Diamonds 
We definitely enjoyed the benefits of our newly acquired Diamond status. 
We thought the concierge was courteous and attentive and the lounge itself was lovely. We had breakfast there on the first morning due to the early timing of the M&M and it was adequate for our needs, although unfortunately the coffee machine ran out of milk so we only managed to get tiny coffees and the people after us had to wait for it to be replenished. The coffee machine had been one of the perks we were most looking forward to and, unfortunately, it was a little disappointing. Whatever coffee beans they were using were fine for drinks with milk in them but very harsh and bitter if you just wanted espresso. As espresso drinkers at home, we do feel qualified to comment.
We also used the lounge on several occasions to get drinks in the evening just before our late seating dinner at 8 pm. When I say "drinks" I actually mean a can of soda and a bottle of water each, since we don't drink alcohol. Perhaps we did not get as much "benefit" out of this perk as others who do drink alcohol, but it saved us the cost of the sodas throughout the cruise. On other occasions, we simply stopped at one of the bars to get the sodas. Interestingly, at two of them - the pub and the Champagne bar - they insisted they had to open the cans before giving them to us, whereas this did not happen at the café promenade. Also interestingly, none of the bars we visited had the happy hour menu on display.
We also took advantage of the free photo perk. Usually we would buy one photo each, so this again saved us some money, since we were able to choose one each at no cost.
And we also made use of the Diamond section in the MDR at breakfast on two occasions. We did not use it more often partly because the MDR finishes serving breakfast quite early and partly because we found the service to be excruciatingly slow.
All in all though we were happy with our new status. 

And that brings me on to Post-cruise Miscellaneous Musings #3 - Dining
Dining is obviously highly subjective so our opinions may well be different from yours, but here goes.
Over the course of our cruise we had breakfast once in the DL, twice in the MDR and the rest in the WJ. I think I have already mentioned my dislike of the layout of the WJ on this class of ship but one thing that I did like was the toast station right at the entrance. This was the area where we usually sat and it meant we were able to have hot toast when we wanted it, rather than the cold version we received on both occasions in the MDR.
All of our lunches were in the WJ and again that area at the entrance was our go-to spot. They had the makings for some tasty salads there, with several types of salad leaves, beans, corn, chickpeas, tuna and more. All in all the quality and variety were very acceptable.
We did not eat dinner in the WJ so I can't comment on that aspect.
On this cruise we had the three-night dining package and there was a specific reason for this, harking back to our cruise last year on Navigator. That was our first encounter with the new menus, which we found to be very limited in terms of choices. On that 9-night cruise there were three or four nights when we struggled to find something to our liking. Also on that cruise, by mere coincidence, we tried our first ever specialty dining because I got a cracking deal on the now demised BOGO.
With this in mind, when I saw in the app that the menus for our Adventure cruise were the same as those last year on Navigator, I thought we would be best with a three-night dining package. That way, we would only have to eat the NY strip steak once!
That said, on the nights we ate there we found the quality of the food in the MDR to be very good and, in fact, I think our most disappointing meal was probably the one in Chops. However, what we did notice in the MDR was the distinct downturn in the level of service and this was certainly not due to the staff themselves but to the fact that they (serving and kitchen staff) were clearly insufficient in number. I remember in our early years of cruising that dinner in the MDR used to be a fancy affair and one of the highlights of our cruise experience. That unfortunately can no longer be said to be the case but times change and since we're not really paying a great deal more for our cruises than when we first started back in 2001, I think we can probably bear to put up with it. 

To the extent that we're already planning our next one. Unfortunately it's not going to be until spring 2021 because we want to spend a few days doing touristy stuff in the Big Apple and then cruise from there, which means some serious saving up will have to be done beforehand.
In the meantime, and since that really does wrap up my rather long "not-very-live-at-all-and-actually-mostly-recap" review, a huge thank-you to all of you who have indulged me by following along. 
Until our next Adventure, from us to you - Happy Cruising!

For being so helpful and nonjudgmental even when asking a lot of questions!
This forum is very helpful for cruises! I will recommend it to everyone!

I'd say the biggest reason people would be discouraged from contacting you is the high probability of getting scammed by someone whose first post is trying to sell something.
I won't say WAAAYTOOO has never been wrong, but I put way more faith in their answers because they are an established contributor to this forum.