CrimsonCruiser

I know you said you're leaning to the water package but based on what all you drink, I'd saw the refreshment makes more sense. I'm certain the coffee, tea and juices that you'd avail yourself of would add up quickly and if you're also planning to use that 250 for gratuities (72.50 for a 5-night non-suite room) and drinks (avg $13/each) it may be gone faster than you think. Plus, you can get water at any bar OR freestyle machine in your cup (or any cup) so you're still staying hydrated.

I'm really hoping the person you're referencing either misunderstood what was happening (perhaps was thinking of areas with pre-plated items that we as guests are free to grab), misused "self-serve" or is just plain lying because....I don't want self-serve back. I thought I would have an issue with being served and having to talk to staff regularly but honestly it was great; I never felt shafted on quantity and no one tried to rope into a long conversation. Plus...the buffet was so much cleaner!

In 3/4 of my sailings so far, it's never been later than 5 or 6. The one time it was later, we were running late and got on close to sailaway (so obviously our stuff was last on the ship) and I think it came around 7. I've heard tale it can show up as late as 9 but between my own experiences, eyeing the hallways and several cruise vloggers I've never seen luggage delivery that late.

Oh yay! I'm glad they assign a bungalow - i read an older post that the bugalows were kind of grab as you come and that didn't seem as fun to me...

I've seen it happen where so many people do this no one can get on an elevator going in the direction they intend to and are stuck waiting 3 times as long. It's especially bad on boarding/debarking days.

Hello and welcome to the cruise life! Formal night (or dress your best as Royal has started calling it) is a dress code that applies to dinner in the Main Dining Room only. Otherwise, it is entirely optional and there are many people who opt out of it all together and either go to the buffet or some specialty dining where the highest dress code tends to be smart casual (polos and khakis type of thing). Now - What is formal night dress code? Smart casual+ lol....mostly. I like to pull out a floor length gown and a cocktail dress because I never wear them elsewhere, but you can just swap out the polo for a button up and will be absolutely fine. You're still on vacation and Royal gets that people want to be comfortable.

Poor Elevator ettiquette! I can't stand it anywhere crowded but I feel I see the worst of people on cruises. Being the last group to enter a crowded elevator bank but being first to rush an elevator Not letting ADA folks on or off first Overcrowding Intentionally riding up to ride down or vice-versa Repeatedly pressing the call button before a full elevator door closes thereby stopping that elevator from leaving AND any others from being called. Loud music/phone conversations Standing in the middle of an otherwise empty elevator and not moving when people are getting on Blocking the door from inside so people have to squeeze around you to get off OR from outside so people have to bottle neck to get off Truly not having to experience this on the reduced capacity cruise we did last fall was AMAZING

I've almost done this on the return trip. I'm staring at a potentially overweight checked bag and my instinct is to move a heavier item which is usually some liquid thing. I'll pull it out, put it in the carry on.."wait.no...can't do that...put it back..."

Look...LOOK....look.... I make a list.....a 3 column full page list...i agonize over it to ensure I'm not overpacking.... and somehow..I still...when facing my closet think "OH! I didn't think about this shirt/dress/skirt/socks/shoes etc" and always end up with waaaaaay more than I need on my bed and an airline weight limit looming over my shoulder

I actually might want one of these for the tub in our suite...for us as adults! Those tubs are HIGH (mid thigh on me) and I've found it easier to just sit on the edge and twist my legs in than to step in like normal. Step stool might be useful...

WHERE ARE THE DONUTS?! AND ARE THEY FREE?!?!?!?

I enjoyed De Palm Water park thingy. Slides, scuba, chairs, food, and flamingos came with the price. What excursion did you have that got cancelled?

Welcome to the forums and to the start of your cruise life! Haha! As the gratuities question has been answered (and I am team pre-pay just to avoid that large sticker at the end of the cruise), I will instead comment on the drink package. I think I would recommend at least getting the soda package. It's under $10 per person per day and gives you access to the Coke freestyle machines which, in addition to Soda, also have flavored water, electrolyte beverages and concentrate juices like lemonade. You might find you get bored of or feel limited with the free drink options. (Alternatively, you could also bring cans of soda [and wine] on board which could be more cost effective if you know you won't drink much). And now...here are some things I wish I had known before my first cruise: If you are flying in / driving in from a distance longer a couple hours - come. in. the. day. before. I get it. I do. A debarkation time of early evening makes it seem like you have PLENTY of time to get to the port and get on board but you never know what can happen and you do NOT want to be stressed the day of worried that your vacation will leave without you. (stated from experience) You can order more than one of...everything at the Main Dining Room. If you see several apps or entrees that you spark your interest, get them! It's all included and the staff will not complain - in fact they often encourage you to get more! The stateroom bathrooms are PITCH BLACK. And the overhead light is BRIGHT. In the middle of the night that overhead light will burn your eyes. Go to Dollar tree and get the battery operated LED tea lights. These offer enough light to your dark-adjusted eyes but don't hurt them. Bring at least $100 more in cash than you think you need. Even if you're not buying a bunch of stuff on the islands, there is an opportunity to further tip the staff at the end of the trip and if you're anything like me, you don't want to be staring at those envelopes on your bed thinking about all the great service and interactions you've gotten but having less than $10 in your pocket. TRUE - you can go to guest services for more cash but the last-day line at guest services can be notoriously long and stressful. The trivias actually CAN be fun! It's worth getting off the ship even if you don't have an excursion planned. There are great things to look at and plenty of vendors there eager to give you a tour or adventure. You are NOT locked to leave at your debarkation time! You can either: leave on your own when the ship first docks (carrying off all your luggage) OR hang out til the last group. Your luggage will still be in the port and as far as I know, the group assignment is primarily to (1) avoid huge crowds and (2) to let you (and the porters) know when and where to get your luggage. The $10 promenade sales are so fun! I'm sure there's more I've forgotten, but I hope these tips help!

following! On her this fall and it will be my first Oasis class ship! I want to do ALL the things!

I keep selfishly hoping it will be this year so we either get shuffled over to another Oasis class or get to be on the new version. But realistically, I'm thinking next year since Wonder is here now and will be continuing US sailings next year. I think they can shuffle things around a bit and use Oasis or Harmony to replace Allure sailings for 2023. It's not unheard of after all.

Before Coco Cay was overhauled, Labadee was the superior island. Lots of space, clear beautiful beaches, plenty of chairs, a couple buffets, an extra long zipline, blow-up water park, cabanas, self-controlled rollercoaster and plenty of classic water activities, it has a decent amount to offer. No, it's not going to be the same as Perfect Day CocoCay and I have heard the food was less exciting here than PDCC but it's not a disappointment. I think of Labadee as a great, relaxing beach day. I'm actually VERY excited to return on our trip this fall.

I can't answer about buying a new cabin onboard but I can recommend some pretty decent, inexpensive and comfortable ear plugs that will work very well with a loud snorer: https://www.instacart.com/landing?product_id=20493426 $5.99 from Walgreens

Odyssey had the same complement as mentioned by BrianB and I would say the shampoo and conditioner was nice. nice enough scent - maybe a little strong in-shower - and my hair felt clean without being overly dry (Type 4C). The body wash wasn't moisturizing enough for my hyper dry skin but I liked the scent enough that I'd mix a small pump in with what I brought along.

Well it's some good news - I have a great deal! haha

Holy Moley that's CRAZY high! It wasn't even that high when we first booked! Literally doubled! That per person non-discount rate is about 200 less our total fare! Thanks so much for checking. I was worried I was missing out on more discounts but if that's where the base fare is hovering I can't see it coming even remotely close to what we've got booked!

Thanks! I'm hoping we can eek out getting it under 2k per person hahaha

Hey Waaaaytoo... maybe you can do what my TA couldn't and let me know the current category rate for my GS (1 bedroom) on Allure 8/20/22 out of Ft. Lauderdale

Same! I had no idea about this! Now I don't need to stress as much if we get a 1 PM!

If the bottle-filling stations are closed you should still be able to get water from any open bar. I don't know that they'll fill your cup directly, but like the WJ you can probably just grab a couple of glasses to dump the water from.