Need major Allure and Miami help

[mom2mybugs]

Hi everyone,

   I have been mostly absent/lurking the last few months.  To make a long story short, we were forced to cut short our August French river cruise trip.  In post vacation depression, I booked us on Allure of the Seas for spring break March 2019.   Allianz ended up not paying on our insurance claim (long story but keep in mind insurance doesn't cover all unexpected emergencies such as a minor child's major health issue) and I planned on canceling the trip.  Especially planned on canceling as airfare to Florida was attrocious.  As a result, I didn't do any research or make any black friday purchases for this cruise (though I got a few deals on our August europe cruise).  Fast forward to today after a horrendous day at work to discover $360 frontier airline flights (which did turn into 470 by the time bags, seats etc were purchased!) and I have decided that debt is ok if it saves my sanity.  So now we are definitely keeping the allure cruise and I'm overwhelmed by everything.  Show reservations, restaurant bookings and the dreaded do I spend 950 on two people drink pkg.  What advice can people give me in terms of booking restaurants or shows first?  I really want to do 150 and the izumi hibachi...and the hibachi isn't covered with any of the 3-5 night pkgs, so i was considering the ultimate dining, but i'm worried about food and drink fatigue and we'd lose a ton of money on my 16 year old.  I'm rambling but the biggest ship I've been on is Freedom and I am just overwhelmed by everything!  

   I also need major advice on good hotels in Miami.  Part of the great frontier deal was that we are flying in at 530 am and will really have all day in Miami.  I've never been there and I'm not sure even what areas to consider.  I'm not feeling we have to do the beach but I'd love to have a hotel with either beach closeness or a good pool.  What else is there to do in Miami for one day (with a 16 year old) that doesn't break the bank...since I'm actually considering the freaking ship drink pkg!  

   I will definitely head to the cruise compasses when I stop hyperventilating, but for now I'd love to hear opinions on what not to miss on allure!!  Jane

[Lovetocruise2002]

@mom2mybugs glad to have you back!  Sorry to hear the insurance did not work out in your favour but glad to hear that you now have a wonderful OA class ship to look forward to. 

You are still more than 90 days out (I'm assuming) so you're not too late to book shows.  Just grab them as soon as possible.

I cannot comment on Hibachi or 150 as I won't be trying that till March.

@Matt did a hotel review on the blog with some suggestions.  There was also a thread a few days ago too:

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/10039-where-to-stay-in-miami-the-night-before-cruise/

Last but not least, you may have missed the Black Friday deals but there is still Christmas/NY cruise planner deals that might pop up.

[rjac]

@mom2mybugs Here's something you can do, it's free and your 16 year old will thinks it's really cool. After the muster, go directly to deck 14 as quickly as possible, port side, all the way forward and through the sliding glass door. That will put you on the observation deck right above the bridge and you can stand out on the "wings". Great place for the sail way out of Port Miami or any of the other ports the Allure visits. Word of caution, it is VERY windy up there! Have a great cruise!

[Sweety]

Miss you @mom2mybugs. I have been on the Allure twice. I love Central Park. I spent a lot of time there with the scenery and music. Are you flying out of O'Hare? Let me know about Frontier. We were thinking about trying them. Hate that you missed your river cruise. Our spring break is in April.

[Matt]

9 hours ago, mom2mybugs said:

What advice can people give me in terms of booking restaurants or shows first? 

Book shows first. It's easier to plan dining around shows, rather than the other way around.

9 hours ago, mom2mybugs said:

I really want to do 150 and the izumi hibachi...and the hibachi isn't covered with any of the 3-5 night pkgs, so i was considering the ultimate dining, but i'm worried about food and drink fatigue and we'd lose a ton of money on my 16 year old. 

Based on what you said, I think you're better off not getting a package. Book 150 and hibachi separately.  Packages are nice, but if before you even go you are concerned about not getting money's worth, then I'd advise on holding off.

9 hours ago, mom2mybugs said:

I'm not feeling we have to do the beach but I'd love to have a hotel with either beach closeness or a good pool.  What else is there to do in Miami for one day (with a 16 year old) that doesn't break the bank...since I'm actually considering the freaking ship drink pkg!  

If you want the beach, then you need to book a hotel in South Beach.  

I've stayed in hotels in the downtown area, but they lack any kind of beach. The pool, and hotel in general, is quite good at the Intercontinental.

Generally speaking, hotels will be cheaper the further from Miami you stay.  The further north you go, the better deals you may find.

[WAAAYTOOO]

Jane, I'm sorry to hear about your European river cruise disappointment.  I can't even imagine....

Glad that you are back though...and I think the Allure will make you forget about anything else.

I second Matt's advice - book the shows and entertainment first.  Dining definitely has more flexibility.  I also second Matt's recommendation about the dining/drinks package.  I would choose one or the other.  For us, trying to eat 3 big meals a day is hopeless.  We just can't do it anymore.  I used to be able to, but not anymore.  Maybe if I was getting up at 6AM to eat breakfast....but that is never going to happen !  Maybe a 3 or 4 night plan (these don't "force" you into eating a big lunch)  and then a separate Izumi Hibachi meal.

[tiny260]

@mom2mybugs , I will be on Allure next month so if you think of any questions I will try and find out.

One thing that I can thing of right off is that she is leaving from Miami instead of FLL so you will get to experience the new terminal built for Symphony.

Do the online check in, it is much simpler than it has been especially for Allure.

Load the Royal app on your smart phone, you can check in from the app if you like. The app will track all of your activities, I've been playing with it recently but do not have a lot of experience yet. The app shows all of the venues on board, all of the dinning, shows etc.. Free texting through the new app when on Royal wifi, no Voom needed.

I will try and add stuff as I remember, this will be my 3rd time on Allurem so I take for granted a lot of things other people may not know.

[mom2mybugs]

13 hours ago, Sweety said:

Miss you @mom2mybugs. I have been on the Allure twice. I love Central Park. I spent a lot of time there with the scenery and music. Are you flying out of O'Hare? Let me know about Frontier. We were thinking about trying them. Hate that you missed your river cruise. Our spring break is in April.

Awww... Thank you.  I've been sulking for a bit but need to remember I have 3 cruises booked in the next year!  Glad to be back.  I am flying out of O'Hare and not Midway which is nice, but we have horrible travel times.  I have flown frontier once before and hated it, but it was the week after Xmas so I'm hoping it was just a bad week.  I'm not optimistic but we are flying in a day early so that should be ok and if we end up not getting back then we don't... Life happens!  We are going the last week in March... Spring break isn't tied to Easter.  Jane

[mom2mybugs]

14 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

@mom2mybugs glad to have you back!  Sorry to hear the insurance did not work out in your favour but glad to hear that you now have a wonderful OA class ship to look forward to. 

You are still more than 90 days out (I'm assuming) so you're not too late to book shows.  Just grab them as soon as possible.

I cannot comment on Hibachi or 150 as I won't be trying that till March.

@Matt did a hotel review on the blog with some suggestions.  There was also a thread a few days ago too:

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/10039-where-to-stay-in-miami-the-night-before-cruise/

Last but not least, you may have missed the Black Friday deals but there is still Christmas/NY cruise planner deals that might pop up.

Thanks so much...I figured there was a blog somewhere... Just knew one of you would know where it was!  Thank you...I will look at Xmas and hope...56 a day for the drink PKG is ok for me but we will definitely lose on my husband!  Jane

[mom2mybugs]

13 hours ago, rjac said:

@mom2mybugs Here's something you can do, it's free and your 16 year old will thinks it's really cool. After the muster, go directly to deck 14 as quickly as possible, port side, all the way forward and through the sliding glass door. That will put you on the observation deck right above the bridge and you can stand out on the "wings". Great place for the sail way out of Port Miami or any of the other ports the Allure visits. Word of caution, it is VERY windy up there! Have a great cruise!

This sounds amazing... Though I will probably freeze lol!  Jane

[AGSLC5]

Just now, mom2mybugs said:

Awww... Thank you.  I've been sulking for a bit but need to remember I have 3 cruises booked in the next year!  Glad to be back.  I am flying out of O'Hare and not Midway which is nice, but we have horrible travel times.  I have flown frontier once before and hated it, but it was the week after Xmas so I'm hoping it was just a bad week.  I'm not optimistic but we are flying in a day early so that should be ok and if we end up not getting back then we don't... Life happens!  We are going the last week in March... Spring break isn't tied to Easter.  Jane

I Live in Ft. Lauderdale.. I just want you to know the Miami airport might be busy that week because that is also spring break for Public School in Ft. Lauderdale and I'm sure people will be flying out of Miami to go places so good idea you decided to come a day early. 

[mom2mybugs]

Just now, AGSLC5 said:

I Live in Ft. Lauderdale.. I just want you to know the Miami airport might be busy that week because that is also spring break for Public School in Ft. Lauderdale and I'm sure people will be flying out of Miami to go places so good idea you decided to come a day early. 

Thank you for that info!   That is very good to know!  I always fly a day early but we have no choice but to fly home the last day... And they cheap flight was the last one of the night.  I'm very worried about that but figure we will hope for the best!  Jane

[mom2mybugs]

6 hours ago, tiny260 said:

@mom2mybugs , I will be on Allure next month so if you think of any questions I will try and find out.

One thing that I can thing of right off is that she is leaving from Miami instead of FLL so you will get to experience the new terminal built for Symphony.

Do the online check in, it is much simpler than it has been especially for Allure.

Load the Royal app on your smart phone, you can check in from the app if you like. The app will track all of your activities, I've been playing with it recently but do not have a lot of experience yet. The app shows all of the venues on board, all of the dinning, shows etc.. Free texting through the new app when on Royal wifi, no Voom needed.

I will try and add stuff as I remember, this will be my 3rd time on Allurem so I take for granted a lot of things other people may not know.

I have the app but my trip isn't in yet. I am so thrilled to have the texting.  I'm really excited to try Oasis class for the first time, though much will be wasted on me if I spend as much time on Deck in my chair as I usually do!!!  I'm sure I will think of much to ask you!!!  Jane

[mom2mybugs]

12 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Jane, I'm sorry to hear about your European river cruise disappointment.  I can't even imagine....

Glad that you are back though...and I think the Allure will make you forget about anything else.

I second Matt's advice - book the shows and entertainment first.  Dining definitely has more flexibility.  I also second Matt's recommendation about the dining/drinks package.  I would choose one or the other.  For us, trying to eat 3 big meals a day is hopeless.  We just can't do it anymore.  I used to be able to, but not anymore.  Maybe if I was getting up at 6AM to eat breakfast....but that is never going to happen !  Maybe a 3 or 4 night plan (these don't "force" you into eating a big lunch)  and then a separate Izumi Hibachi meal.

I keep telling myself I will get on a river cruise someday and it will be worth the wait...grrr.  I just know I want to try all the food, but I will get tired if spending so much time eating.  And I will definitely book shows first asap!  Jane

[mom2mybugs]

13 hours ago, Matt said:

Book shows first. It's easier to plan dining around shows, rather than the other way around.

Based on what you said, I think you're better off not getting a package. Book 150 and hibachi separately.  Packages are nice, but if before you even go you are concerned about not getting money's worth, then I'd advise on holding off.

If you want the beach, then you need to book a hotel in South Beach.  

I've stayed in hotels in the downtown area, but they lack any kind of beach. The pool, and hotel in general, is quite good at the Intercontinental.

Generally speaking, hotels will be cheaper the further from Miami you stay.  The further north you go, the better deals you may find.

Thanks as usual for the great advice.  I will definitely book the shows first.  Now I have to figure out if the teen wants to come with us (book early shows) or doesn't care (book late).  Decisions lol....   Jane

[Sweety]

6 hours ago, mom2mybugs said:

Awww... Thank you.  I've been sulking for a bit but need to remember I have 3 cruises booked in the next year!  Glad to be back.  I am flying out of O'Hare and not Midway which is nice, but we have horrible travel times.  I have flown frontier once before and hated it, but it was the week after Xmas so I'm hoping it was just a bad week.  I'm not optimistic but we are flying in a day early so that should be ok and if we end up not getting back then we don't... Life happens!  We are going the last week in March... Spring break isn't tied to Easter.  Jane

Did your school get the snow in November? 

[tiny260]

12 hours ago, mom2mybugs said:

though much will be wasted on me if I spend as much time on Deck in my chair as I usually do!!!  I'm sure I will think of much to ask you!!!  Jane

Do your looking around on embarkation day, then relax and chill out for the rest of the cruise.

On a new ship I usually explore a lot on the first day, after we get some kind of lunch, depending on how early you get on, what is there to do until the rooms get ready? Explore!

On Allure, the Promenade is still the Promenade (Deck 5), Deck 4 is the Casino and Ice Rink, the pool deck is just bigger than other ships, but still the pool deck (Deck 15 and 16) so really you have Central Park on deck 8 and the Boardwalk on deck 6 that will be new to you. So even though it is much bigger, everything is relatively in the same place as on most other Royal ships.

[rjac]

On 12/5/2018 at 11:37 PM, mom2mybugs said:

opinions on what not to miss on allure!! 

Jane,

Forgot to mention before, follow this link : https://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/assets/pdf/our-ships/allure-of-the-seas/Allure_v2016_jun.pdf. You can print off  the deck plans and study them so you will know where everything that interests you on board the ship is located. That way, you won't waist valuable cruise time aimlessly wondering about the ship. 

[tiny260]

23 minutes ago, rjac said:

That way, you won't waist valuable cruise time aimlessly wondering about the ship

Is aimlessly wondering around a cruise ship a bad thing?

[rjac]

4 minutes ago, tiny260 said:

Is aimlessly wondering around a cruise ship a bad thing?

Yes and no. Depends on the personality type. Type A/OCD, yes. Type B, no. 

[mom2mybugs]

15 hours ago, Sweety said:

Did your school get the snow in November? 

Yes we were off the Monday after Thanksgiving.  Northwest suburbs got hammered.  My husband teaches South though and his district was open...I got stuck shoveling the snow!  Jane

[mom2mybugs]

6 hours ago, rjac said:

Jane,

Forgot to mention before, follow this link : https://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/assets/pdf/our-ships/allure-of-the-seas/Allure_v2016_jun.pdf. You can print off  the deck plans and study them so you will know where everything that interests you on board the ship is located. That way, you won't waist valuable cruise time aimlessly wondering about the ship. 

This is great!  Thank you!

[mom2mybugs]

5 hours ago, rjac said:

Yes and no. Depends on the personality type. Type A/OCD, yes. Type B, no. 

I'm used to Disney trips and cruises ..I tend to be type a plan everything for Disney, not as much on the cruise.  But I've been waiting forever to get on one of the Oasis class... So I might be both and conflicted lol.  Jane

[mom2mybugs]

9 hours ago, tiny260 said:

Do your looking around on embarkation day, then relax and chill out for the rest of the cruise.

On a new ship I usually explore a lot on the first day, after we get some kind of lunch, depending on how early you get on, what is there to do until the rooms get ready? Explore!

On Allure, the Promenade is still the Promenade (Deck 5), Deck 4 is the Casino and Ice Rink, the pool deck is just bigger than other ships, but still the pool deck (Deck 15 and 16) so really you have Central Park on deck 8 and the Boardwalk on deck 6 that will be new to you. So even though it is much bigger, everything is relatively in the same place as on most other Royal ships.

This takes a little of the overwhelming out of it.  Thanks!  Jane