Andy & Sheryl Unwin

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
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

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.
 
 

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.
 
 

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.
 
 

We hit the WindJammer in under 15 mins every time. In my case, I start my cruise by building a custom burger

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

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 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 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
 

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.

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.

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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

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

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

4 nighter on Freedom, Sept 27th, 1130 onboard