cruisellama

Welcome aboard!

Sailing Allure now and realized I’m spoiled with the newer/upgraded Oasis ships. Was happy when I heard of it going to Galveston, but it has fewer toys than Freedom class Liberty which might be a disappointment for families. Think it’s going to need amplified to build a Texas following. Especially if Harmony shows up for a late 23 tour.

One other thing to watch on regional carriers - "baggage costs". Far cheaper to pay prior to getting to airport than paying at airline counter. So do some research if you take that path.

Footnotes to your search - Depending upon the airline, flights (whether A2S or on your own) open about 9 months ahead of your desired departure date. I've seen some European airlines open earlier (11 months), and you can see those that show up in A2S. You can play with the "multi-city" selection on A2S and adjust your entry cities for cost. It can make sense to enter in a less expensive gateway city then take a regional carrier or train to the port city. (Example - we can get less expensive direct flight from DFW-Madrid, then take a train or regional carrier from Madrid to Barcelona (port), came can work for Italian entry points) We like using the A2S option for overseas vacations because they work back-ups if you experience delays/interruptions. Also, if you're looking at premium seats, they go first and as the supply diminishes the price goes up quickly. So I book at the earliest practical opportunity.

Sign me up!

I have one in June, and its the standard 90-set back, in fact paying this week.

Actually it is - BRAIN FREEZE

I didn't feel guilty at all - just recycle in the plastic bin. But recently just brought an oversized thermo mug with lid and fat straw that I can dump my frozen drinks in. Rinse and re-use.

Yes. Works the same way. Called "Move up"

Looking forward to seeing Beyond in March '23 (after sailing Edge and Apex). I'm curious about any design changes as the Edge class evolves.

Just rec'd and email from AL - Claudine Benjamin is the current suite concierge on Allure.

Suite

Anyone know who the current Allure concierge is?

We took a bus one way and walked back. There's a microbrew and a breakfast place, and totem artist. We enjoy walking around the towns visiting the grocery stores and talking to the locals.

I think we got that price too. We found it a good deal, nice lounge chairs on the beach, less congested when we were there - really enjoyed the meal.

I didn't know there is a fancy name for sea legs.

If you go top end "Iconic" suite on Edge class ship - its pretty close on inclusive (no Genie, but there's a butler).

Dining room. Last dose of table service.

There are some heated tile lounges/benches that you can sit. Also some steam room areas. It’s ok.

Fly a kite near the fort. You can purchase them there.

If you can get one of the free gov't tests, you can practice before hand. After you do it once - you'll be an expert. Don't sweat it.

Call it a rant - but its a good mood rant, not a grouchy annoyed complaining rant. I continue to snicker at this question, “Is it worth it?” Fill in the blanks. We see this question every day, on almost every travel related on-line social media thread/forum/blog. The question can quickly degrade into a long string of those who agree vs those who disagree and person asking the question ends up just aligning to opinions that self affirm. IMO its individual choice and taste to whether something is "worth it". Most of us can’t guess what makes an on-line stranger happiest using their hard earned vacation budget. An answer - “it depends”. What is yes its worth it to some is not worth it to others. First what does "worth" mean to the poser of the question? “Worth” can be viewed as having economic advantage (a good price), or provide value as an enjoyment or indulgence (is it a tasty meal). And even if its a good price - does the purchaser believe it provide value to their vacation experience? Who knows - but the person posing the question (after they've actually experienced the event or whatever.) The economic advantage of “worth it” could be objectively answered in relative terms. Purchase individual dining experiences for $50 individually, or purchases a package of 4 for $160 (instead of $200 purchased individually). Clearly the economic value of the package is evident ($40 discount) - a monetary savings is objectively observed. But are the premium meals better quality, better tasting than the non-premium meals? How can a stranger answer that? Drink packages are always an interesting debate, people develop elaborate (but cool) spreadsheets to calculate whether anticipated drink consumption covers the al la carte purchase path of beverages Doing the math, they can objectivity affirm a financial "worth it" decision. As a package cost could vary from $50 - $80 pp/pd - lower can be viewed as better, because the return on investment may be realized sooner (depending upon consumption). Can everyone agree a lower priced drink package carries higher value? More drinks could be consumed for less $$ - and that can even positively raise the happy quotient. The other value proposition is related to a “subjective” enjoyment factor against the item being reviewed for purchase (like an excursion). For example, a hiking excursions carries a cost element coupled with and experience element. No one can judge if you’ll enjoy trotting up and down hills in a rain forest. Or paddling around with snorkeling masks with 20 other people bumping into you. While I might enjoy fly boarding just off shore, you might prefer lounging at a private beach club experience. I’m pretty active and don’t like sitting around, so value more active offerings, my wife is happy just sitting on a beach. So before asking a bunch of total strangers, “Is it worth it”, ask the question. Do you want someone to affirm the financial aspect of the activity, or are you asking someone else if you’ll enjoy that activity? If the later, no one can really answer that honestly but YOU.

The proctor will want to keep the test insight the whole time. So whatever is the best way to position the camera. A laptop, phone, tablet is easy to adjust to keep the test in view I used a desktop computer with a camera, and placed the test on a little stool on the desk in front of the camera. Whatever works to keep the test in view. There are some YouTube videos that show how its been done.

Its all personal taste. The situation can be affected by who's cooking too - so there's a little random-ness thrown into everything. Gauge everything yourself, a good or bad recommendation may or may not be aligned to your own personal experience or likes.

Nothing against the performers, thought they're very talented - they follow the script - and did a fine job - but IMO - its a pretty silly storyline.