Andy & Sheryl Unwin

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.

15 hours ago, Midwest Cruiser said:

@Andy & Sheryl UnwinFor me the Tub is almost a deterrent, I'm 6'7" and do not fit in the Tub/shower combo.  Of which we will have on in our GS on Wonder(I'll be taking Bath showers HAHA).  Wish I would have booked 1 day sooner to get the Owner suite with the shower and the bath tub separated. 

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

2 hours ago, Kayleigh said:

I ordered this for our cruise and it worked great ( have an android and the pictures were clear as day):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DNNWW8M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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 = $182
Tuesday
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
16 x $13 = $208
Wednesday
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
20 x $13 = $260
Thursday
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
8 x $13 = $104

Running 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.

On 1/11/2022 at 7:04 PM, Andy & Sheryl Unwin said:

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

17 hours ago, Andy & Sheryl Unwin said:

Left Oakland CA on Wednesday, now in Ft Worth, and scheduled for delivery tomorrow before ipm

Arrived here a few moments ago.  Expiry Date is : 2022/11/20

Start to finish from order to delivery, 3 days

On 1/11/2022 at 7:04 PM, Andy & Sheryl Unwin said:

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

Left Oakland CA on Wednesday, now in Ft Worth, and scheduled for delivery tomorrow before ipm

On 1/12/2022 at 4:07 PM, Neesa said:

When in March? My sister is going March 13th and I am unsure about the expiration situation BUT then I read @SpeedNoodlesordeal. The lines right now everywhere are long, this home one seems the way to go, but I am torn does she order it now or later & risk not getting it in time? 

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.

30 minutes ago, fa-li said:

I tip in cash, 1s and 5s throughout the cruise for drinks, as well as 20s to put together bigger tips for cabin steward, waitstaff, and anyone else at the end of cruise who I appreciate. Precovid, envelopes were provided on the last night. Someone can say if this is still a thing. I also tip cabin steward upon arrival, saying thanks for having room so perfect. I’ve found this goes a long way throughout the rest of the cruise. If you do any shore excursions, it’s nice to tip in cash, guides and drivers. Basically I bring piles of cash lol. 

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

Formal nights, whether one or two, are a wondeful opportunity for me to see Sheryl dressed in her finery. Therefore I do my utmost to ensure I dress to match, wearng either blazer and tie, or my tux. It is a small thing to do to see such beauty.

13 minutes ago, Iluv4n6 said:

Thanks all for your feedback!  We may consider Ft Myers to fly in/out of on a future cruise vacation with embarkation in S FL, and when the available flights give us more cushion on the front and back end to not be scrambling to make any connections.   I also can appreciate the potential problem of having the *budget* airline cancel the only flight they have for the week, besides my main concern of simply being able to transport the family with a decent cushion. 

But if I see a good rental car option/price from Fort Myers, I may still be tempted to roll the dice.   

  

One thing I would consider if you choose to fly into RSW (other than arriving at least a day ahead) is the alternative routes of either State Route 80, or US-41 (Tamiami Trail). Its good to know there is a backup should I-75 be shut down.

Until the Covid shut downs, I flew in and out of Ft Myers every week near enough. I live about 40 miles north of there.  That being said I would not fly in on a budget airline, nor on the same day of cruise to allow for delays and cancellations. 

Technically it is under 3 hours to either Port Everglades, or Port Miami. However, there are always unpredictable surprises such as an overturned tanker on I-75 which happened today. So if you are flying into RSW, plan on doing it at least 24 hours ahead.

In your situation, I would choose the additional costs of flyng into Miami or Ft Lauderdale if only for peace of mind and less hassle.

On 11/28/2021 at 9:34 AM, FManke said:

Is anybody else having this issue? There are no Black Friday deals offered on the cruise planner for our cruise next year. Prices are the same as earlier in the week. Is it me?

Happy Cruising!

I have been monitoring several items for our Allure sailing in March. I have to say, none of them changed in value at all. 

We have lanyards with a detachable end and a supply of plastic pouches, they work well

22 hours ago, 904Duval said:

You should wait for a drop in price. You could wait for the Black Friday sale after Thanksgiving. I would pay about $100 pp or less for the Beach Club (BC) pass.  The lobster and grouper lunch is worth it. And 2 ships gets a little crowded.  But the BC has a max capacity.  
I would book the regular cabana right now. It includes admission to the beach club for 8 people.  So with your current group you’re getting the cabana for $200 at current price or if you could find 2 more people it’s way worth it. 
You can always cancel whatever you book in the cruise planner when you get a better price. 100% refundable until a few days from sail date. Takes about one week for the refund to post on your credit card. 

For our last trip on Freedom (Sep 27) I booked at $161.00  using the repricing option, that went to $124.00 then down to $91.00  so it works

On 10/16/2021 at 2:51 PM, Andy & Sheryl Unwin said:

Can someone explain what kind of group this is? I see the innuendo, but never heard of any group chartering an Oasis class. And yes I am being serious, I just dont put it together... 

 

On 10/16/2021 at 5:59 PM, AshleyDillo said:

Google Bliss cruise. It's a NSFW lifestyle cruise.  That's one example. There are also clothing optional cruises that are full charters as it would be difficult to do that as a partial charter.

On 10/16/2021 at 6:51 PM, Vancity Cruiser said:

Or Atlantis cruises....

On 10/16/2021 at 7:07 PM, Neesa said:

Or Bare Necessities Cruises

Thank you for the responses.  I had rather thought this is what was being inferred, but didnt want to assume anything. To each their own I guess

Can someone explain what kind of group this is? I see the innuendo, but never heard of any group chartering an Oasis class. And yes I am being serious, I just dont put it together... 

On 10/5/2021 at 8:43 AM, Andy & Sheryl Unwin said:

We made the mistake of doing just that. With 3 cruises in the future, (Freedom Sep 27, Allure March 13, 2022 and Serenade Oct 29, 2022) it seemed like a good idea to buy the 6 pack.

However, when received they have an expiry date of December 2021, ergo, four of the kits were wasted.

We still have them so if anyone who wants them prior to their expiry date wants to get in touch, they can be freebies.

On 10/5/2021 at 9:18 AM, Andy & Sheryl Unwin said:

And just like that, taken !

Alas the expiry date on the box has come and gone. As we cannot validate the extension of the lot # they are off the market.

8 hours ago, CrusingfromClayton said:

Do cruise documents need to be printed out or is the app sufficient?

Always print them out and take them with you. Back up is sometimes a wise move. This way if no internet connection, you still have a way to board

We didnt have issues on our recent 4 days on Freedom. Mask off outside areas, back on when inside unless at a bar or in a restaurant. Saw lots sitting at the bar in the R bar, although as we prefer a table anyways, not an issue.

All part of lifes rich tapestry.