rjac

Hello KLA, Glad you're back. We have been to St. Thomas a number of times. We like the "Secret Sands Beach Getaway", been there three times. I think the name of the beach is Smith Beach and it is a national park. Very good toilet and shower facility. Great beach with loungers and shade. For me, the best part was the grass covered shoal about 50' offshore. No current, easy swim, less than 10' deep and loaded with tropical fish and an occasional green sea turtle munching on the sea grass. Th swim from the shore drops down to about 20' and comes back up to the shoal. Don't be surprised if there are some Southern sting rays swimming through that deeper part. Enjoy!

I gamble every day of my life without money. But to gamble with my money on a cruise ship, well, let's just say, that would be an extremely losing bet....and my wife has made that VERY clear and I have a very low tolerance for pain.

Is Royal doing post cruise covid testing before you reach your port of deparkation in the US if you have not visited San Juan nor Barbados during the cruise? Thanks!

Did you book this excursion through RC? Which website did you use for chakanaab? Thanks.

So, is the Stowaway gone for good or is he just on an extended furlough?

Sorry, regardless of the key, you can only check in at the time Royal gives you. If you show up at 11:00 and Royal has given you a 1:00 time you will have to wait outside of the terminal. When you arrive at the terminal during your 30 minute check in time, you will be given a health review/check up. If you pass it, you can enter the terminal. Correct me if I'm incorrect here fellow cruisers. Have fun Paul!

No need to thank us, that's what this board is all about, helping out new cruisers and don't feel like you're trying our patience, we were all new cruisers at one time. So, feel free to ask away with any questions you may have. Here's a recommendation no one mentioned. Take a picture of the names of your waitstaff, cabin attendant, favorite bar tender, anyone on board who does a really outstanding job for you. At the end of the cruise, you will get a survey from Royal to fill out. There will be a spot in the survey where you can point out the individuals who did a really great job or poor job for you. You can leave positive or negative comments and mention them by name (you will have their photos to help you remember). These comments are read and shared by higher staff and can lead to pay raises, promotion or termination. The Allure is a great cruise ship, we have been on her four times! Here's a fun tip when she is leaving port. Go to deck 14, port side and go all the way to the front (bow) of the hallway. Go through the sliding glass door and you will be standing on top of the navigation deck (thirteen). There are "wings on both the port and starboard) that you can also stand on. Go for photo ops leaving and coming into port. Just beware, it is VERY windy. Hang onto your and or toupee!

Would appreciate some feedback on this particular excursion. Are lounger chairs and shade umbrellas available? Were you constantly pestered by beach vendors? Thanks!

We're looking at these excursions and we are wondering how much the photo they take of us cost? I would like to bring my underwater camera and housing, but I bet they won't let me do that. Thanks!

We are booked on the Anthem next April. We will be taking our daughter her husband, granddaughter (17) and grandson (13) along. Do we, the grand parents have to pay for a Thrill Water Park Pass, as well as the parents? There's no way in hell my wife and I are going to attempt any of the park's amenities. We don't want to make anyone look bad. Thanks!

Yep, Smokey's correct. I will typically tell our waiter to start me off with four because they are kind of small.

That sounds really good, but a lot of calories. However, just about everything you eat on a cruise ship has a lot of calories! 

Hey Crimson, darn good recommendation. By the way, have you changed your mind about escargot?

Yes, it is midnight on the day you can start checking in. I stayed up all night waiting for the magic hour to arrive and gave it a few minutes. At 12:05 a.m. I logged back in and selected a check in time of 10:30 a.m. If you get to the terminal early, you will not be able to check in and you have a 30 minute window to check in at the terminal (10:30-11:00 a.m.). At the terminal you will get a health screening first and then proceed with the check in process. Once you have selected what time you want, you can start entering data. I used the app, very easy. Hope this helps!

Google your cruise ship deck plans and study them. That way you will have a good idea of what' where on the ship. Also, download the Royal app to your smart phone. You'll need that for boarding the ship a lot smoother.

This happens to me on every cruise, regardless of the duration. My wife briefs me at every meal, "don't get used to this. We have to pay when we get off the ship". But, selective hearing kicks in and I still forget once off the ship.

One very important thing to remember is before you walk out of a restaurant like on a cruise ship, you have to pay your bill.

Interesting. Does that mean Nassau is off Royals' port stop list?

I'm on the same cruise and was notified about the change in the itinerary with no explanation. Been to Nassau a couple of times, looking forward to Coco Cay, but I would like to no why the change to the itinerary. Haven't seen anything online either.

Thanks for that link. Nominal fee to become a member but well worth it when selecting cabins!

So, what you're telling us is that you're offline now?

Planning a cruise next year on the Anthem OTS out of New Jersey. First stop is Cape Canaveral. Does Royal offer excursions to the Kennedy Space Center? Thanks!