cruisellama

Has anyone heard if the APP will now allow you to view onboard photos to select for purchase?  Heard that you won't have to go to a kiosk to view anymore.  

On 5/8/2023 at 10:07 AM, ZMontrose said:

Im currently emerald with 78 points and have a upcoming cruise on Harmony of the Seas that ends on May 27th that will result in me being Diamond. I'm embarking on Celebrity on the 27th for my first Celebrity cruise and was wondering if anyone knew if they would honor my Diamond status on Royal given the extremely short turn around.

This year I've been observing points about 7-days from disembarkation of previous cruise.  That's just what me and my wife have seen this year, can't speak for across the board.

4 hours ago, D Alt said:

I know Azamara is no longer owned by RCCL, but I booked a cruise on the Journey for a 10 night Adriatic cruise for 2025. So exciting!! They are offering a nice deal for early booking. 

It was a great experience when we sailed with them.  (Just as the sale happened).  They have on-board destination "history buffs" who  provide pre-excursion review of local history and politics.    Very interesting small ship - you'll probably recognize all your fellow passengers by the end of the cruise.

For some reason - I really like the "Floating Island" dessert offered in CK.    Always make sure I make the serving day and time.

Now just block collection....

10 hours ago, 27th Lady said:

Sounds like a family panoramic ocean view stateroom

Thanks

We were on a "cabin crawl" on Allure recently and we visited a very interesting family cabin located forward, ocean view, with an inclined window facing forward.  The room was a nice size with a curtained cubby area with bunk beds, a queen sized bed and a pull out couch.   Can't remember if it was on deck 8, 9 , 10...  as we were visiting so many cabins during our venture.  Does anyone know what such a cabin is called or classified as?  Have friends with kids who want ocean view but don't feel comfortable with kids and a balcony at this time.

On 6/30/2023 at 1:43 AM, Erin6112 said:

Royal confirmed Allure will be going into dry dock from Feb to April 2025 seems a bit early for a TA would it be unusual for a TA that time of year? 

But it really needs the Ultimate Abyss  

On 4/29/2023 at 1:48 PM, RCIfan1912 said:

Thinking of possibly trying Celebrity cruises after the 3 Royal Caribbean cruises we have booked. 

It's not as straight forward as booking a Royal Caribbean cruise. There is a "just cruise" booking and the inclusive booking but as far I could tell it was like 250 bucks difference and included a lot like drinks and gratuities. Again this is only going off visiting the website once or twice. 

How is the Celebrity Eclipse? The cruise I was looking at was May 2025 on the Eclipse. 

Please let me know anything I need to know about Celebrity cruises. Oh we have kids, right now they are 9 and 15 months. Kids are ok on Celebrity or is it kinda we are gonna get rude looks from the regular crowd? Thanks for any help or advice. 

DIfferent ratę structure that offers the ability to purchase a more inclusive experience.  They offer "perks" which include pre-paid beverage, tips, internet, and OBC based upon what class and package you elect to purchase.    Most of the time is an uncharge from RCL fare (except for lower suite packages), which can be less than Royal when you consider the perks.  Also, Celeb ships are medium sized ships without any notable toys for adventure seekers.   Only pools, hot tubs and spa.   Kids are welcome and they have programs for them, but its ships are not a draw for kids as they do not offer the "attractions".  We sail both brands, but Celebrity a little more.

3 hours ago, ScottD said:

Already listed a few.... I'm looking at that Cayman island\ Coco cay itinerary for sure....

Yep just saw the PDCC stops on the Celebrity site for the 3-4 day cruises.  Refection and Beyond.  Both nice ships, but with no "toys".   Guess a move to get younger families on Celebrity.

Did anyone notice on this sailing that there was no "lounge hogging" going on despite 6700 people?  It was a very pleasant experience.

15 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

Either they're going to start stopping there or the choice of words is quite poor.

 

It's sounds like it, but in the past when they've run an ad like this, it ended up being a disappointment or at least  underwhelming.   I was under the impression that PDCC is very "booked" with current fleet sailings.  If this is going that way, expect higher loading on the island.  But maybe there will be an isolated stop like they do with Labadee.

12 hours ago, MechelleEric2023 said:

We are so excited for our cruise! It will be a first for my kiddos!  They are 28 & 21!  LOL My last cruise was on Cunard in 1978 when I was 9 years old!  Thank you for this forum! You have answered all of our unwritten questions!!

This will be very different cruise  from 1978.  No skeet shooting.

16 hours ago, BB1 said:

I certainly am not one who can predict the future but it is interesting that  Carnival and Norwegian are both putting their newest and largest ships in Galveston.  It would be reasonable to see an Icon ship there in the not too distant future. It would also be nice if they could put a Celebrity ship there too. 

I noticed that too which had me scratching my head when Allure was sent first, and Galveston is gateway to lots of families in the central part of TX and surrounding drivable  region (OK, LA, MS, AR, MO)    Allure doesn't have enough "kid" stuff compared to the competition. Harmony is coming (updated version), but Icon would be a real draw.

Allure twice and enjoyed the smalls.  Entree's were very generous, but we wouldn't equate the quality  to what we get in a local TX establishment.

2 minutes ago, crazy4disney said:

Interesting... Thank you for sharing your experience! Can I ask around what time you got to the lot?

 

Good picture. If you purchase the premium covered lot, they will route you to the right middle of the pavilion where you get a second scan to enter the covered parking.   We arrived  about 1015a (we had a 1030 boarding window).  The "X'd" entrance was blocked and so we had to drive past the terminal to access just as you highlighted.  

We booked early for the covered parking.  To me well worth it for the short walk and cooler car when we returned.

On 6/10/2023 at 2:41 PM, bobroo said:

Ahhh....no other ships that do Quick n' Dirty sailings have broadway shows, why would Allure when it begins them?

Especially since they already have Blue Planet, an Aquatheater production and ice show.    There are three 3 nights with internally generated content.

Starting in Galveston...  Who else?

Perfect Day and Nassau from Galveston.   Who else?

Eclipse over the Thanksgiving break.  Mexican riviera.

On 5/31/2023 at 5:59 PM, Plumlee2028 said:

Looks like Bionic Bar is now "Pesky Parrot" and Izumi is in Central Park.  Giovannis moved to replace Wonderland.  Otherwise pretty much like Wonder.  

Always thought the bionic bar was a waste of space.  Interesting to watch once, but too slow from ordering to delivery.

On 5/28/2023 at 1:49 PM, cruisellama said:

Anyone know if Claudine is still at the concierge desk?

Concierge is  Analia Corizzo

Book early, book often.

Quite a mess.   Damn the torpedos full steam ahead.