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Never mind the expense, think of the laundry bill!

I agree with you Stoneman. It's nice to hit a local spot in Coz for lunch and then get back on the ship for a siesta.

Food???What about the beer and mixed drinks?????

In all the cruises I went on, I never saw a price drop. Saw opportunities to upgrade to a suite or two, a meet and greet with the Captain of the ship or a firm handshake with the cruise director, but, a price drop? Nada. I eat my vegetables, do my exercises and say my prayers. What did I miss?

Here's a link to cruise critic, hope this helps: http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/newport.cfm?ID=532

I spent two weeks on the Allure this past Feb. FANTASTIC Ship!!! I can't address all of your questions, but be sure to book your entertainment shows & times before you get on board the ship. Same goes for any excursions you may want to go on. I would recommend you call RC and ask those specific questions you have. Oh, try Johnny Rockets for breakfast and order "the works". If you like Bloody Marys, try the Bow & Stern Pub on deck 5 and order the BLT Bloody Mary. Yes, it comes with bacon, lettuce & tomato.....as well as vodka. The Allure is a huge ship with lots of things to do and see. Have a great cruise!

I'm glad RC has gone to this tipping procedure. My question is, does the the room attendant, waiter, etc. get a heads up from the cruise ship that their cruiser has pre-paid their gratuities? Or is it a wait and see until the last minute for the cruiser to tell them personally?

Bring bathing suits with your carry on, change and hit the pool. Oh yeah, get your drink package loaded on your sea pass card and let the cruise/party begin!

I don't even use Facebook, Twitter nor Instagram! This place is good enough for me.

Thanks Floatme. I'll keep that in mind.

OK, what is this about "double points for a junior suite"? Is this something new?

Yep, you're correct. Found this post from Feb 21 of this year on the Allure "True to form, the balcony staterooms were perfect with a lot of space and great views. In fact, our balcony divider was already removed prior to our arrival!" ​So, it is possible;e, just have to give RC the heads up before we leave home.

I have booked two connecting staterooms on the Allure for my family. Does anyone know if the dividing wall on the balcony can be opened so the connecting rooms have one big balcony?

I would also recommend that your group is linked together. Your travel agent (if you used one) can do that. Or, if you booked through RC, they can do it. You will need your travel partners booking numbers, as well as yours, to get linked together. Then, whenever you pre-book shows, meals, etc. you will all be together.

Thanks Matt, good advice.

Thanks Gina.

Thanks for all the info Donolog, I think I'll have to sit down and devise a better plan. Every payday I withdrawal some USD in cash for vacation savings, I know it's not the best plan but it works for me. My bank (CIBC) has tried to sell me on a USD credit card. I'll have to look back into it, the benifits of it seemed confusing to me at the time. The Rogers Mastercard linked in your article looked interesting too, I'll have to look into that one aswell. Thanks for the reminder there is better ways. Well, you know, there is an alternative option if your serious about cruising and not having to worry about money conversion........move to the US! :D

We did a cruise on the Allure this past Feb and haven't cruised with RC since 2011. Prior to this last cruise we always got a package in the mail that included "luggage tags". These tags had your deck and room number on them so the on board baggage handlers could get them to the right rooms. RC doesn't send these packages out anymore. You have to print out your "luggage tags" and affix them to your bags. They have the same info as previously mentioned. If you are flying in, bring a small stapler and scotch tape and attach them once you have claimed your bags. Of course, the other luggage tags on you bag/bags will have your name, address, etc.

Ya know, that, or secure it to the 12 year old's arm with a roll of clear packing tape :-) Good idea Mono! But I know her and she would probably complain like hell that the color of the sea pass card doesn't match anything she packed to wear :blink:

I have a major birthday coming up in April 2018. I have booked rooms for my wife & I and our daughter and her family on the Allure. I booked them two connecting balcony rooms. The grand kids will be 8 and 12. Having never cruised with children of our own before, not sure how the sea pass will work for them. I can see those disappearing many times during the 7 day cruise, even if they are wearing them on a lanyard! Does RC offer non-destructible wrist band instead of a sea pass card for children? Also, is it possible for me to purchase a drink package for my daughter or her husband and put it on my account? Thanks!

Refueling will be interesting. I wonder how many ports have lng capability? Could limit their itineraries. I don't know, lng scares me!

Reserve online if at all possible or call RC and have them reserve it for you. The excursion may be sold out by the time you get on board the ship.

I second what Matt said about the St. Kitts train tour. Very scenic, entertaining and great drinks!

I like art, but, I find their prices high. I do enjoy the free champagne and free art they give you for attending the auction. This last trip I took advantage of signing up for a Park West Collectors Card and got a free 18" x 22" Kraznyansky print which they shipped home for free. There are some deals to be had at Park West.

Was in Falmouth this past Feb on the Allure. Did not do any excursions, just planned to enjoy the ship and do some shopping. Great shopping and great Magaritaville with free wifi. DO NOT venture past the gate into the city of Falmouth. Rip off street vendors, hustlers and you name it, not safe in my opinion. RCCL offers some great excursions, although pricey. Check this link out as an alternative :http://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/. Just plug in your cruise line, ship and days at sea.