Andy & Sheryl Unwin

As we do with excursions, we usually follow the sage like wisdom provided by Matt and purchase the DBP (with Voom) about the same time as we book the cruise. Then keep an eye on it. Invariably there are fluctuations based on discounts and if its significant, we cancel and repurchase. I wont go through the process to save $2 if you get my drift. Certaily, with excursions (and specifically the Coco Beach Club), it can save a whole bunch of money.

Interesting. I dont drink the stuff myself, I much prefer Pussers Rum. However, there was a goodly supply of CR in the Schooner Bar and pool bar when we were on Allure 3/13 - 3/19. Murphys law always states that someone who doesnt drink it, will spot it.

A word of caution about the new coffee machines. We didnt notice on Allure a couple of weeks back, but we didnt get larger cups, just the demitasse size for espresso. While thats usually fine for espresso size, if you hit the full cup version, get ready to fun and games.... That stuff goes everywhere lol

I found the answer to the CBD oil in the FAQs. It seems CBD products are prohibited https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/prohibited-items-onboard-policy

Almost always Schooners, (exceptions are Solarium and pool bar). Pussers Painkiller Lava Flow with Kraken Rum

I am curious why you would need an air mattress? There should be sufficient bed space for all the room occupants as is.

Best I can suggest is your companion talks to their medical professional and gets an assessment on what will work for them

Any ship, no matter the size is subject to the prevailing winds and swell. Designers can mitigate ship movement with stabilisers and such, but it can never be eliminated. That being said, I know for sure Royal are really good at routing their ships to avoid the really bad weather. We have had one cruise (Serenade) which was a tad lumpy using the seaward passage around the Bahamas. Personally, I loved it but then again I spent 10 years bobbing across the worlds oceans in the Royal Navy. There were other passengers, my wife Shery chief among them, for whom I had the deepest sympathy. On the plus side, the pub was virtually empty for 2 days

The DBP and Voom will be applied to both room occupants. Each can connect their own device. This has been our go-to since day one and it works pretty well. I would say go ahead and book it, but remember to check back for price drops. Its easy to cancel and redo if there is a sale

Europlug and UK plugs are quite different. We always carry an international power converter which has both. In addition with regards to power, the suggestion to have a USB hub was one we picked up from the live blog on youtube a few years ago. This is a huge one and I cant recommend it enough

Thanks tis much appreciated. Another idiot move of mine was not taking my ice machine. Electing instead for cold gel packs as a substitute. Our cabin attendant was amazing in keeping me supplied with ice buckets to chill them down. Not as good as the ice chiller, but took the edge off. Honestly, I cannot praise Royal enough for the help I had. Incidentally, my surgery was delayed by 2 weeks, so I should have been much further along in the recovery process. If I were to go this week it would be a completely different experience, although I would still gladly accept the Pier Assist again.

About 2 weeks prior to both our recent cruises (Freedom and Allure), we did take a step back from the friends circle. Additionally, we made sure to observe social distancing in public, mask up if around those we didnt know, and became obsessive about hand sanitizing. All things others have said, but it does reinforce the idea.

@Midwest Cruiser - I can see how that would be an issue. I am 5' 9" and just about fit for a shower.

We have the same, and totally agree, pic quality is not affected in any way, and screen is fully functional

Sheryl and I much prefer the JS on any sailing. We just had one on a 6 nighter on Allure which due to the double double points scheme polevaulted us to 73 points, so we are now emerald and after our 7 nighter on Serenade later this year will join the ranks of Diamond. However, we have two reasons for liking the JS. Firstly, more space. Its a larger cabin with a walk in closet, and the balcony is bigger. Secondly and probably more important, the JS has a proper bath tub. Truly a luxury onboard any ship. There are other benefits of course, but those are our two top listers

During a live blog on YouTube in January, I asked Matt what kind of boarding/disembarking assistance Royal had for those with physical impairmentsI. I asked because I was scheduled for (and had) a total knee replacement on Feb 8th. But we were also scheduled to board Allure in Fort Lauderdale on Mar 13 Matt advised to contact Royal and ask for Pier Assist. So I did that through my trusty MEI travel agent (shout out to Kelley Hardy) What I can tell you is it was a true revalation in customer service. We found the Pier Assist spot very easily and I was promptly popped into a wheelchair for boarding. My "driver" couid not have been better. Sheryl and I were whisked through the security process in record time, and were quickly taken to the transition point. This is where a member of Allure's crew took over and had me onboard in a few moments, depositing me outside Cafe Promenade until our cabin was ready. Shortly thereafter, remembering the words of my physiotherapist (motion is lotion), although I had the option to retain the wheelchair for the whole cruise, I made the somewhat erroneous decision to return the wheelchair to guest services. (I can be an idiot if I want to and this occassion was no exception). Prior to disembarking, we confirmed with guest services how pier assist worked for ship to shore. On the day we arrived at the appropriate spot on the promenade, once more deposited into a wheelchair. This time it was down to the transition point with a member of crew, and picked up by a wheelchair driver from the terminal who zipped us through customs and immigration and all the way to the car. Huge Kudos to all involved. From Matt to Kelley, then the staff at the terminal and of course, the ships company of Allure. I thank you one and all for enhancing what was a difficult time for both myself and Sheryl. Sheryl of course takes the prize

On our latest sailing on Allure, Sheryl and I both found the app an invaluable tool. The information flow is incredible.

Full disclosure, I am a former smoker who quit 11 years ago for reasons of my own. However, I do enjoy an occassional cigar, particularly when cruising. I have noticed a subtle, but non the less significant shift in the direction of anti-smoking policies onboard. For example onboard Freedom: The Connoisseur Lounge which was formerly next to the Star Lounge, was changed to a library/game/quiet room during her amplification. The size of the smoking areas, where ash trays and such are provided, on the port side of deck 4 and pool deck appear to have reduced. This is my own observation and not based on scientific fact. But it does indicate to me that Royal are at least attempting to accomodate all passenger requirements rather than promote a particular lifestyle. So while I may be a bit miffed at the loss of the Connoisseur Lounge, I applaud their actions in ensuring all needs are addressed.

For us, the DBP is essential to preven the nasty surprise at the end of a cruise. We also add Voom to each package purchased. For our March sailing on Allure, I am watching the prices daily and will snip out and modify as needed. Something I do for everything on the cruise planner. As Matt reminds us often, you can cancel and immediately repurchase. We were in a quandary about the value of the DBP a few years ago, so I kept a record in a note on my cellphone during a 4 nighter on Navigator in Feb 2020. One star equals an alcoholic beverage for either of us. Like many, I use $13 as my price point. I did not record other premium drinks like OJ, nor sodas Monday☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆14 × $13 = $182Tuesday☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆16 x $13 = $208Wednesday☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆20 x $13 = $260Thursday☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆8 x $13 = $104Running Total = $754 $432.00 Drinks package plus Voom $754.00 Consumed $322.00 Saved I intend keeping the same kind of record on Allure. I didnt do so well on Freedom last time.

Arrived here a few moments ago. Expiry Date is : 2022/11/20 Start to finish from order to delivery, 3 days

Left Oakland CA on Wednesday, now in Ft Worth, and scheduled for delivery tomorrow before ipm We are also March 13th, on Allure

Given what I have seen here, I ordered 2 kits for our March cruise today. Will update shipping status and stuff in due course.

Still a thing, happened on our cruise on Freedom in September

We always carry at least $100 per day in cash. Out of that, $100 is in small denomination bills, $5 and $1, specifically for tipping.

We carry a printed copy as a back up. The primary is a screen shot of our Set Sail passes on Cell phone. I have been doing that with airline tickets for a few years. The screen shot means you are not at the mercy of failing wi-fi