foxrunner

My oldest son (20 Y.O.) fancies himself as a Hibachi Connoisseur. He has eaten at ton of Hibachis and rates Allures as the best. We had a great chef and of coarse that makes a huge difference. My take was that it was well worth the up charge and we really like the value proposition of the MDR. The sushi class was also outstanding, my only complaint about both of them is the food quantity is ridiculous. Another thing is that these are great family time activities, and as the kids get older, it is even more precious.

On our upcoming cruise on Harmony (Newyears this year) our Xplorer excursion was down $10 per person which was $40. My wife had an uncharacteristic encounter with the customer service agent. The agent was indignant about processing such a small refund. We just laughed!

DBP was $65 and yesterday $54. This is on Harmony New Years cruise! The 2 cabins also dropped $20 each. Just a reminder to check all fares when calling!

I'd love to cruise that itinerary, so no tips there. Soak up those sea days!

So when we we booked it was $50 per and then the club opened and it shot to $200 per. We have been to C Cay before the club and enjoyed a waterpark cabana for $500. That was a stretch and way cheaper than the $1600 for our next cruise New Years 2021. We loved the waterpark (52,53, 20 and 17 Years Young). My original plan was to buy waterpark and CCB Club day passes. I didn't jump on the $50 CCB Club price and it went to $200 per, and I was out. Now the price is down to a more tolerable price (80 per) and I'm trying to figure out if it is worth it. I know we would have a great time just enjoying the island for the doughnut. The youngsters love the park and so do I, DW could take it or leave it. She like me just wants to have the family time but I enjoy the slides more. While we loved the cabana we spent little time in it because we were sliding, swimming, and snorkeling. I really don't like be waited on so that isn't a draw. The rest kids and DW don't mind it, Mom does a lot of it day to day, and the kids work in the service industry. I'm odd and it just doesn't thrill me. I'm not sure I could ever do Star Class because I would feel uncomfortable with someone doing stuff I could do for myself. Long post and a question " Is CCB Club worth it for $80 per?

I was inquiring about your itinerary Western Eastern or South?

We just did this and the only real problem is that your luggage will not be directed to the correct room unless you fill out the tag the way you want it. It is somewhat inconvenient to have two seapass cards. Benefit you can bring 2xbottles of wine per room, regardless of whether they get the booze package.

We were on Allure over the last New Years with DW and our 20 Y.O & 17 Y.O. , not Christmas but a holiday feel. We were in a balcony and boys down the hall interior. We were Western and you didn't mention East West or South. We did date night (Giovannis) sans the boys and otherwise ate in the MDR, except one night at Hibachi. The MDR is awesome don't feel pressured to eat specialty. You will really enjoy the relationship you will build with the MDR staff. Advice 1) Have fun and never forget the irreplaceable family time! 2) My boys are here due to Covid and they say "never miss dinner , or any other meal because the food is epic". "Ping Pong and Waverider are NOT to be missed. Commandeer the rents balcony when they are in the Solarium". 3) The early bird gets the worm, don't burn the candle at both ends. Get up in the morning, and enjoy the ship with a much lower crowd level. 4) Chair hoggery is real on holiday cruises, embrace the situation on the ground. Feel free to shoot us any questions!

Now I get @Twangster's bye line. Thanks!

The price has not returned to those rates for my sailings. Admittedly prime time over New years, so look for someone with more regular season sailings. We will re book the water park for $80 a head, because it was great!

I think the reason that people jump all over cruise industry is it is perceived as luxury/non-necessity. People must fly and stay in hotels for work. Cruising also has a snobby rep that as @CrznTxn explains is unearned. I admit that I don't really proselytize about the virtues of cruising because most people just don't get it unless they have cruised.

Just back from the Allure in Jan. We brought 2 bottles on board. They were opened and served in the in the MDR. No fee what so ever.

I have never had the UDP but on our cruise we went to Hibachi for the family and had a date night for DW and I at Giovanni's.One advantage of not using a package is you can reserve in the cruise planner prior to departure. Packages require you to make reservations once aboard unless you are cruising above JR Suite. Sometimes it is better to get exactly what you vs saving a few bucks. This comes from a relative cheapskate .000000000000000000

Road Beef should be extra tender as it is Michelin 5 star!🤣

Speednoodles per the usual nailed it. We enjoyed the Key benefits but really needed to catch an early flight. That is why we got the Key. I'm not going to purchase for our next cruise.