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When I purchased a drink package on board the ship, they would put a little sticker on my sea pass card. I just took advantage of the 30% discount on a drink package for my cruise in March 2017. Who will put the sticker on my sea pass card and when? Or have they done away with the stickers? Thanks.

I was there this past February. No, you do not have to "book an excursion to lay on a lounge chair". You can rent them from the attendants on the beach as well as clam shell shelters if you want lots of shade. The beach we were on was on the cove side and you could see the cruise ship. Very calm, little breeze and not much of a view. From what I saw while walking around, the ocean side beaches were nicer. Cleaner water, some waves, nice view. There are shuttle carts that will carry you from the dock to the beach you want. All of the food and beverages comes off of the cruise ship. The barbecue lunch was great!

Has anyone done this dinner theater recently on the Serenade? Would appreciate your thoughts & comments. :blink:

I just scored a discounted deluxe drink package for my March 2017 cruise on the serenade. Been on that ship before, looking forward to this trip!

I've done this one also. Don't take it personal if the rays don't come around you. They know who has the food and who will feed them (hint, the guides). But, the guides will show the more adventurous how to feed the rays. Interesting thing about the rays is they are not shy at all when you're feeding them.

John, I have not had the opportunity for this dive. I have read a lot about it on line and in dive magazines. Surprisingly, it is pretty safe as long as you do what the divemaster says to do and not to do. The divers form a large circle and kneel on the sandy bottom. They then bring the bait cage down into the center of the circle and the sharks come swimming in to be fed. At that point in time you will want to keep your hands and arms close to your body. Some divers have said the sharks run into them trying to get to the bait. The sharks are not interested in the divers, just the bait. Stuart Cove has been running these dives for many years and there have not been any reported disasters. The shrak feeders wear steel mesh suits for their protection. Be sure to check the restrictions on the RC excursion if you're going with RC. If you're going with an independent dive operator, check their restrictions also. Have fun!

I booked a JS and two connecting D7 staterooms on the Allure for April 1, 2018. Big birthday and I'm taking my family. This weekend I checked my travel agents website and surprise, surprise price reductions! Re-booked and saved $770.00. You know I will be diligently checking for price reductions in the future. :D

Definitely agree with exploring the ship and watching the Sail Away......with a healthy drink in hand!

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