WAAAYTOOO

Sorry.  I passed bad info.  

Back when we were purchasing individual cruise insurance we always went with USAA.  For the past few years we have been purchasing an annual policy with Allianz.  Since we have never made an insurance claim I have no idea if one is better than the other !  We do a lot of business with USAA and I would have purchased an annual policy with them if they offered one, but they do not.

20 hours ago, Matt said:

FWIW, I never do

Neither do we.

14 hours ago, KathyC said:

This group doesn't do a lot of European sailings, so you won't find as many as you'll find for the Caribbean.   But more and more we're venturing out of this hemisphere and heading across the Atlantic so we'll hopefully be able to provide more in the future.  I'll be adding one in May 2020. 

$46 is a great price these days.  

Those little ones are adorable !!

44 minutes ago, IslandBoundMama said:

Thank you so much!!! He was nervous to get in at first. He was holding on for dear life.

I know the feeling.  I love laying in a hammock but I always feel like I’m going to flip.  Sometimes I do !

15 minutes ago, marti314 said:

You mean like CHOPS?  ahahhahahaha just had to do it

Yep, just like CHOPS !

My experience is that even if one of the specialties is having a special holiday meal, there will be another one where you can use your package.  Truly I don’t believe the special holiday meals have been all that successful. They are waaay overpriced and there’s nothing particularly special about them.  We cruise during the holidays a lot and always have the UDP. We’ve never had a problem using it somewhere. I think we went to Izumi one NYE but that’s fine with us !

Welcome, raahc !

When we were on Freedom in April we did NOT dock at Havensight.

Maybe it is D+, Marti.  Sorry

I love both the OS and CLS.  I am not a fan of the stairs so all things being equal, I would choose the OS but being on deck 17 has is own special perks - especially if you plan on spending much time in CK.  I think, with the teenager, I would go with the CLS b/c you will all have more privacy and she will have her own bathroom.

The BOGO deal does not exist anymore unless you are D or higher C&A

9 hours ago, ScottL said:

We booked the cruise with a military discount.

Welcome to the blog, Scott and thank you for your military service.

You are fortunate, indeed to have received a military discount from Royal Caribbean.  They are, unfortunately, very rare. It’s one of the few disappointing things about Royal Caribbean. 

In all of our years of cruising, We have only received a military discount once and that was on Carnival, years ago.  They required that I fax the “proof” to them when I booked. I really have no idea how Royal handles it but I would certainly take either the 214 with me or a military ID or something. No sense in having utter chaos ensue at the port by not having some kind of paperwork with you, just in case.

As far as tipping goes, it’s completely a personal choice.  You are already tipping the room attendant by virtue of your daily gratuity so an additional tip, should you choose to give one, would be on top of that.  We always tip our attendant extra but it is not required or even expected, from my experience.

I’m happy to hear that your somewhat disappointing first cruise hasn’t spoiled you from the chance to try again.  You certainly picked a great ship.  Allure is a beauty.  If your wife is uncomfortable in crowds I will offer a suggestion regarding the muster drill.  That is the one and only time I ever feel crowded on a ship - any ship.  

Let’s say the muster drill is at 4:30.  At around 4:00, go to your muster station and find the person who is scanning Seapass cards and have that person scan both of your cards.  Then tell that person that your wife is claustrophobic and that you are going inside to have a seat.  Go to one of the bar areas (but not at the bar itself) and have a seat. That is where people who are in wheelchairs or have other physical limitations will sit through the drill.  If anyone says that you must go to your muster station, just tell them that your cards have already been scanned and that you are going to sit where you are for the muster drill. You will find others will come and sit there as well.  One of the staff will perform the life jacket demonstration for those of you who are seated inside.  Then...once the drill concludes and everyone begins to surge towards the elevators, just remain seated and enjoy your seat for a while longer until the crowds clear out.  Not only will you avoid the mass of humanity but you get to sit down in the cool bar area while everyone else is cued up outside.  Of course, on Allure your muster station might be inside anyway but you can avoid the crowds by being elsewhere.

4 hours ago, raahc said:

Thank you.  I meant if I was in the MDR, but wanted the red velvet cake from Chops, or if I was in Chops, and I wanted the baked Alaska from the MDR.  

I hope that's not too confusing ... lol

I'd feel bad asking our waiter either way, but we're still trying to decide which night to forgo in the MDR, and this would solve our foodie issue!

No, I would not be expect this to work in reverse.  If you are dining in a specialty restaurant they will bring a lobster tail to you there (as long as it is already being served in the MDR) but I would not expect them to bring anything from a specialty restaurant (such as red velvet cake) to the MDR.

I have stayed in both rooms and I think you will love the ATS especially if you are on deck 8. My primary objection is the walk all the way aft. It is a LONG way back there. But the views and the balcony are second to none.  There is some exterior noise in the ATS during performances but it’s not excessive and I find the activity of the ATS very exciting. Your reasoning about having a second bedroom is sound. It’s much nicer to have a private bedroom (even though it is small) than to have a made up couch downstairs. I don’t know if you’re considering having a party but there is nothing as impressive as a deck party from the ATS. The Star Loft is impressive but does not come close to the WOW factor of the ATS.  We choose deck 17 now for the convenience but we have never regretted out cruises from the ATS (3)

Yes, you are able to change travel companions however at least 1 original person must remain on the reservation. You can change the second person as many times as you want and at any time up until the last couple of days

The price that is posted on the website is the “base” price for the UDP. On top of that you must prepay the 18% gratuity.  Once you pay the full price (base + gratuity) you are fully paid. If you purchase drinks one at a time (no package) you will pay the cost of the drink + 18% gratuity.

The Concierge didn’t even try to get you into Jamie’s ?

2 swings and 2 misses !

1 hour ago, JennyJenny said:

"They"...who?

The gov already has my stuff. I know that.

...and do do Russia and China and anybody else who wants mine...

If you are on a ship you can ask the LoyAlty Ambassador or if you’re not going to be on a ship any time soon, just call the Crown & Anchor  Society and ask them to send them to you

I’ll bet he ends up loving it !  My husband did not want to go on our first cruise.  His mother (a world Class world traveler) had convinced him that cruising was frivolous and cultureless.  She was wrong. I was right. 

17 minutes ago, VinceC said:

I just won a satellite tournament on the Allure last week and won a Cruise on the Oasis in November 2020 as well as a seat in the Royal Poker Finals tournament on the Oasis.

Congratulations !  What’s the date of the RPT sailing on Oasis in 2020 ?  We are on Oasis on 6 Dec 2020.  Hadn’t even thought about the fact that it might be a poker cruise !  Matter of fact, we are on Oasis THIS year Dec 1.

I have transferred my older-than-60-days reservations from Royal (or the casino) to MEI many times. It can take a few days longer but I have never been unsuccessful.