Bob_KY

Love the coffee card. My job in the morning is to get my wife a skinny vanilla latte and a poppy seed muffin for breakfast. As i recall on the Allure - the card is not valid at Starbucks.

An approach I've done for multiple cruises was to rent a tux. Saves some luggage space too...

Roasted peach soup anyone?

Oops. I looked at the wrong itinerary.

On this blog, there is an Allure Compass that had a sail date of November 2017. Just keep scrolling down. Have a great time! I have 272 days til my Allure cruise.

Your post triggered more research and heighten my awareness (recently booked an Allure cruise). Thanks.

Hmmmm. I am by the pool finishing my first fruity drink by that time. A tradition.

At Juneau, we took the excursion "Bike n Brew. " The bike ride to Mendenhall Glacier wss great. Loved the Alaskan Brewing Company tasting. We finished early enough to do the mandatory visit to the Red Dog Saloon (food, drink, & entertainment ). Recommendations for Anchorage; Jens Restaurant for dinner (http://www.jensrestaurant.com/contact-us.html). For breakfast, Snow City Cafe (http://www.snowcitycafe.com/home).

This post is "spot on." Even with 7 Royal cruises, I'm still learning. Agree with Ray, this blog site contains a wealth of information (and cruise humor). I can't see a down side for a "Rookie " Cruisers Orientation, even for veteran cruisers on a new ship class (voluntary).

Also key is the mode of transportation back to MCO. If taking RC transfer (port to airport) , they say you should not book a flight before 1230.

Echo all above, prayers for all. So sad. I wonder if accident rates should be published by "excursion" vendor and experience/years associated with that excursion as part of a royal sponsored excursion. Transparency?

Loyal to royal. When any anchor graphic reminds you of rccl's brand and it triggers Royal cruise memories.

Exploring beyond Royal. Confession upfront - I am a planner. I am attracted to the Pacific Coast Cruise that Celebrity offers, a new experience beyond the caribbean, Alaska, and Hawaii. Questions. 1. Anyone have a review or recommendation? 2. Why is the schedule for this cruise always seems less than a year out? Is this the norm? 3. Anyone else have problems "crosswalking" Royal Stateroom categories to Celebrity's? (Prefer Royal's grand suite) 4. Hate to say this, but Royal's website seems more user friendly? Wow. I never thought I would say that - could be what I'm am familiar with. Thanks!

Take the wine in your "carry-on" bags. You can keep the bottles in your cabin. I believe there is an uncorkage fee ($7.95) for MDR or Speciality Restaurants. We pack a cork screw. If you forget, your cabin stewart can get you one. Also, we ask for an ice bucket and extra wine glasses for the room from the start.

As long as my seapass is follicly challenged, it will match my non-hair.

A different thought: additional time, moving again, and more money impact this option. Fly into Anchorage and explore that city as you recover from the long flight. Plenty of hotels and activities to choose from. Food - Jen's Restaurant is a must for dinner and breakfast - Snow City Cafe. Brew - Anchorage Brewing Company, Midnight Sun Brewing Company or Glacier Brew House. Also, recommend: a sticky bun in Talkeetna Roadhouse and in Aleyska, Seven Glaciers Restaurant (reservations? We got a table in the bar..).

I tried to find one of my old "set sail" pass documents. I think an emergency number is listed there. Not sure, but will confirm in 121 days on the Oasis. Anyone have a current one to check? Rjac: What bell bottoms are out of style? I'll just have to wear my leisure suit.

I will be late to the party with a January sailing. Now i have a task to taste.

A little off topic. An excursion we ranked high was "Bike n Brew" out of Juneau. The bike ride to Mendenhsll Glacier wss great. Loved the Alaskan Brewing Company tasting. We finished early enough to do the mandatory visit to the Red Dog Saloon (food, drink, & entertainment ).

We always dress for MDR when we board. Carry ons? Always for us - 3 reasons - toiletries, hot tub flexibility, and wine. First activity is fruity drink of the day by the pool. A tradition. Heavy sigh - 163 days until our anniversary cruise on the Oasis OTS.

FManke, When we did our New England Cruise, we ate at Ecco and loved it. 107 Porter Street. Close to airport.

As a quick information source, look at one of Allure's Cruise Compasses that are posted on this web site. You will be able to get appreciation of the daily activities, hours of operation for different venues, formal nights, etc...

Question - Have you ever asked for a Scotch or Bourbon and the response is "we have Jack Daniels"? When that happens, this happens... :-)

Bourbon.. Woodford Reserve or Bookers - neat. Higher end bourbons (like Scotch lovers point out their favorites ) are in short supply.

Thanks DocLC! Matt's post was very helpful.