rjac

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. 

Lower prices in the fall......I think it's called the hurricane effect :huh:

I agree, use US currency. Don't bring anything larger than $20.00s. Stick with small bills, better for negotiations. 

We routinely get to the embarkation port the day before and stay in a hotel. Next morning we are at the port between 11:00 and 12:00 ready to board. I do not mind standing in line in order to be one of the first on board. We feel like the ship is all ours! Flying or driving to the port the day of embarkation leaves the door open for disaster, ie, plane delays, traffic accidents, traffic, etc. We do nit want to take a chance of being late or missing the departure.

Good points Stoneman!

Do yourself a favor and hire a cab or go on a bus tour excursion. The local drivers on these islands are unpredictable. St. Lucia has very narrow roads that are steep with switch backs and no guard rails. 

I don't like the thought of a bribe tip either. Although I'm guilty of it, that or guilt is my main reason for tipping. If a bar is busy I'll tip in order to be able to get his attention next time, Total bribe. If my waiter is just ok I'll still tip just because I don't want to be 'that guy'.

I do tip because I'm amazed at the service, it's just rare, normally it's guilt or bribe.

 

Personally I believe the best way to tip is to give them a wow card or really talk them up in you survey through Royal. My last cruise I was really impressed with the eagerness of my assistant waiter so I typed up a long statement on how she impressed me and on how it improved my cruise.

I can only hope these things go on to help their career.

I agree with Jerel on the wow card, survey and statement. I do the same and make recommendations if they can handle more responsibility. Be sure to include your cruising experience. That will add credibility to your comments/recommendations.  

And for saki in Izumi (it wasn't allowed on my last cruise; I suffered with Sapporo beer instead).

Well, it's a tough job, but someone had to do it! Glad you took one for the team.

Have you tired to book it online on your cruise planner? See if you can this week before you leave home.

I received a firm handshake from a C&A rep when I booked on board many years ago. Other than that, nada.