drjohn4

The CDC vessel sanitation program does have much higher standards.  First, they have to remove the contamination. Then the chlorine must be brought up to a certain level for a minimum of 25 minutes (3 hours for loose stool).  Then the filters must be backwashed or filter cartridges changed.  Then the pool has to be drained and the pool surfaces cleaned, but you must be 12 miles from land to discharge the water.  Then the pool has to be refilled and the chlorine and pH brought back into balance.  So yes, that takes the pool out of commission for a long time.
(source: CDC vessel sanitation operations manual Vessel Sanitation Program 2018 Operations Manual (cdc.gov))

The CDC vessel sanitation program does have much higher standards.  First, they have to remove the contamination. Then the chlorine must be brought up to a certain level for a minimum of 25 minutes (3 hours for loose stool).  Then the filters must be backwashed or filter cartridges changed.  Then the pool has to be drained and the pool surfaces cleaned, but you must be 12 miles from land to discharge the water.  Then the pool has to be refilled and the chlorine and pH brought back into balance.  So yes, that takes the pool out of commission for a long time.
(source: CDC vessel sanitation operations manual Vessel Sanitation Program 2018 Operations Manual (cdc.gov))

The CDC vessel sanitation program does have much higher standards.  First, they have to remove the contamination. Then the chlorine must be brought up to a certain level for a minimum of 25 minutes (3 hours for loose stool).  Then the filters must be backwashed or filter cartridges changed.  Then the pool has to be drained and the pool surfaces cleaned, but you must be 12 miles from land to discharge the water.  Then the pool has to be refilled and the chlorine and pH brought back into balance.  So yes, that takes the pool out of commission for a long time.
(source: CDC vessel sanitation operations manual Vessel Sanitation Program 2018 Operations Manual (cdc.gov))

The CDC vessel sanitation program does have much higher standards.  First, they have to remove the contamination. Then the chlorine must be brought up to a certain level for a minimum of 25 minutes (3 hours for loose stool).  Then the filters must be backwashed or filter cartridges changed.  Then the pool has to be drained and the pool surfaces cleaned, but you must be 12 miles from land to discharge the water.  Then the pool has to be refilled and the chlorine and pH brought back into balance.  So yes, that takes the pool out of commission for a long time.
(source: CDC vessel sanitation operations manual Vessel Sanitation Program 2018 Operations Manual (cdc.gov))

I have to admit that before my first cruise on an Oasis class ship - Allure of the Seas, I had the same concerns as the OP.  But when I went on the ship, I had a fantastic time.  I actually liked having all the activities to choose from.  Since I enjoy walking the jogging track and spent a lot of time on the upper decks, I didn't feel any lack of connection to the sea. I do agree with others though that it would be better if there were more indoor areas with ocean views.  I missed having a spot like the Viking Crown Lounge.

I have to admit that before my first cruise on an Oasis class ship - Allure of the Seas, I had the same concerns as the OP.  But when I went on the ship, I had a fantastic time.  I actually liked having all the activities to choose from.  Since I enjoy walking the jogging track and spent a lot of time on the upper decks, I didn't feel any lack of connection to the sea. I do agree with others though that it would be better if there were more indoor areas with ocean views.  I missed having a spot like the Viking Crown Lounge.

I have to admit that before my first cruise on an Oasis class ship - Allure of the Seas, I had the same concerns as the OP.  But when I went on the ship, I had a fantastic time.  I actually liked having all the activities to choose from.  Since I enjoy walking the jogging track and spent a lot of time on the upper decks, I didn't feel any lack of connection to the sea. I do agree with others though that it would be better if there were more indoor areas with ocean views.  I missed having a spot like the Viking Crown Lounge.

Since it's not well publicized, I ask at guest services after boarding if Catholic mass is available and also check the social board. Zero for 2 so far. 

Or if the work trip doesn't happen... take both cruises!

Or if the work trip doesn't happen... take both cruises!

When we went on Allure in July, 11 AM was the earliest check in available.  From what I understand, boarding is the same at all ports.  If you show up after all the guests from the prior sailing are off and boarding has started... you go through security and check in and then get on the ship.  If you arrive early, before boarding has started - you go through security and check in then to the waiting area.  When boarding starts they call boarding groups - suites, Pinnacle, the Key, various other crown and anchor levels, then people board as they arrive.  They try to start boarding as soon as they can get everyone from the prior sailing off, this varies from week to week.

When we went on Allure in July, 11 AM was the earliest check in available.  From what I understand, boarding is the same at all ports.  If you show up after all the guests from the prior sailing are off and boarding has started... you go through security and check in and then get on the ship.  If you arrive early, before boarding has started - you go through security and check in then to the waiting area.  When boarding starts they call boarding groups - suites, Pinnacle, the Key, various other crown and anchor levels, then people board as they arrive.  They try to start boarding as soon as they can get everyone from the prior sailing off, this varies from week to week.

I'd book through air2sea and hold off payment until final payment date. If airfare drop, you can reprice it 

Actually much easier than that. Any Sunday departure will work. Just go to the Saturday evening mass the day prior to boarding and a Sunday afternoon or evening mass when you return. 

We sailed out of Galveston on a Sunday and dropped our bags off at the terminal, then had the driver drop us of at Sacred Heart Catholic Church which is about 1 mile from the terminal for the 11 AM mass.  The church is beautiful and we walked back to the port to board after mass.  It worked out great.  

A faithful Catholic should try to find a way to attend mass when possible.  We have gone to mass in ports of call before.  It is one of the neat things about travel to experience mass in different cultures.  (The music at a mass we went to in Nassau was particularly memorable.)  The Catechism of the Catholic Church recognizes that there are times when attending mass is not possible and recommends "If because of lack of a sacred minister or for other grave cause participation in the celebration of the Eucharist is impossible, it is specially recommended that the faithful take part in the Liturgy of the Word if it is celebrated in the parish church or in another sacred place according to the prescriptions of the diocesan bishop, or engage in prayer for an appropriate amount of time personally or in a family or, as occasion offers, in groups of families." (CCC 2183)  
As to deciding if a Catholic should avoid making vacation plans that would preclude the possibility of attending mass, some might recommend discussing your specific circumstances with your pastor and seeking dispensation from the obligation to attend mass on a particular Sunday if needed.

We sailed out of Galveston on a Sunday and dropped our bags off at the terminal, then had the driver drop us of at Sacred Heart Catholic Church which is about 1 mile from the terminal for the 11 AM mass.  The church is beautiful and we walked back to the port to board after mass.  It worked out great.  

Actually much easier than that. Any Sunday departure will work. Just go to the Saturday evening mass the day prior to boarding and a Sunday afternoon or evening mass when you return. 

I was on Allure about 3 weeks ago with the ship at full capacity and had a fantastic experience. No A/C problems for us. Had a balcony and an inside cabin and both were in great shape. Central Park looked absolutely beautiful. Nice to be in a quieter place with so much greenery. This was my first time on an Oasis class ship, so I can’t compare it to what it was, but it’s still quite beautiful and impressive. Windjammer was busy at times, but we were never unable to find a table for up to 8 of us. The staff were cleaning tables immediately when someone would leave when it was busy. 
 
We had great service and quality of food in the main dining room. On par with a year ago on Odyssey before the menu change. 
 
I only went to trivia once. Harry Potter trivia on the last sea day and it was standing room only. 
 
In summary, don’t feel like you are doomed to a poor vacation. Everything won’t be perfect, but odds are you’ll have a great time and enjoy your vacation!

Actually much easier than that. Any Sunday departure will work. Just go to the Saturday evening mass the day prior to boarding and a Sunday afternoon or evening mass when you return. 

A faithful Catholic should try to find a way to attend mass when possible.  We have gone to mass in ports of call before.  It is one of the neat things about travel to experience mass in different cultures.  (The music at a mass we went to in Nassau was particularly memorable.)  The Catechism of the Catholic Church recognizes that there are times when attending mass is not possible and recommends "If because of lack of a sacred minister or for other grave cause participation in the celebration of the Eucharist is impossible, it is specially recommended that the faithful take part in the Liturgy of the Word if it is celebrated in the parish church or in another sacred place according to the prescriptions of the diocesan bishop, or engage in prayer for an appropriate amount of time personally or in a family or, as occasion offers, in groups of families." (CCC 2183)  
As to deciding if a Catholic should avoid making vacation plans that would preclude the possibility of attending mass, some might recommend discussing your specific circumstances with your pastor and seeking dispensation from the obligation to attend mass on a particular Sunday if needed.

We stayed at a hotel near IAH since our flight got in close to midnight the day before sailing. Seemed safer than Roatan or Costa Maya.  It’s not like we went walking around the neighborhood, just sleeping, breakfast at the hotel and off to the ship. Used Houston VIP shuttle to go to Galveston next day. Worked out quite well. 

Was supposed to sail Monarch of the Seas for our honeymoon, but the fire in the shipyard delayed delivery.  Sailed Song of Norway out of San Juan instead.  Fantastic ship and great trip!

You shouldn't feel like you missed out on anything.  If the minimum bid doubled there is virtually zero chance your bids would have been accepted.

You shouldn't feel like you missed out on anything.  If the minimum bid doubled there is virtually zero chance your bids would have been accepted.