Allure of the Seas or
Mar 1, 2019, 8:24 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 8
As an alternative to a formal shore excursion, you will find in most Caribbean ports a bunch of cabs waiting. You can negotiate with the driver what you want you to do and what you want to pay--and dollars are gladly accepted. That way you get a custom tour for usually less than what you would pay for a regular tour. I have found local cab drivers friendly, courteous, honest and interesting.
Mar 1, 2019, 10:41 pm
#17
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
I would vote for the Allure, particularly if pleasing your daughter is the main priority...been a couple of years since we did it, but everyone had a great time (from grandkids to parents to grandparents). The food is not gourmet, but it's a really fun week. They had great comedians when we went.
Don't forget to have your travel agent see if they can get you group pricing or some extra amenities--even if you've already booked direct, your agent can probably take over the booking and may be able to improve your pricing.
Enjoy!
Don't forget to have your travel agent see if they can get you group pricing or some extra amenities--even if you've already booked direct, your agent can probably take over the booking and may be able to improve your pricing.
Enjoy!
Mar 4, 2019, 1:44 pm
#18
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 1,552
We sailed on Allure fall of 2017 on a modified itinerary due to a few of the hurricanes impacting a few ports of call. We've sailed on a few other RC ships over the years (and Celebrity) but have not sailed on Princess and Carnival to be able to compare to.
We really enjoyed sailing on Allure because of the so many activities and places on the ship. The missus did the zipline and there was a one person wait. She also did the flow rider. They have two onboard: One for boogie boarding and one for stand up surfing. She did the boogie boarding on a sea day. There was about a dozen and a half people that rotating in line to do it. The line moved fairly quick because they split the flow rider in two sides.
Found the food generally only ok with a couple of winners here and there (eg Kummelweck Sandwiches at the Park cafe). We quite enjoyed the entertainment from the high dive show, to Mama Mia, to the parades/events along the Royal Promenade.
We generally didn't notice the crowds on the ship except for certain shows and events. It does pay to plan ahead to grab a spot early, book tickets ahead of time using the online app, etc.
There are a lot events catering to families/younger kids (eg. Shrek meet and greets, Madagascar show, etc) but just as in the movies, they throw in enough adult gags for a good laugh too.
In terms of itinerary, I feel the eastern itinerary is a little bit more exotic. Personally, I just want to avoid Jamaica though as both of our experiences there have not been fun. If you get a day at the cruise line's "private island" (Labadee or Princess Caye) it can be pretty enjoyable if you like an easy beach day.
We really enjoyed sailing on Allure because of the so many activities and places on the ship. The missus did the zipline and there was a one person wait. She also did the flow rider. They have two onboard: One for boogie boarding and one for stand up surfing. She did the boogie boarding on a sea day. There was about a dozen and a half people that rotating in line to do it. The line moved fairly quick because they split the flow rider in two sides.
Found the food generally only ok with a couple of winners here and there (eg Kummelweck Sandwiches at the Park cafe). We quite enjoyed the entertainment from the high dive show, to Mama Mia, to the parades/events along the Royal Promenade.
We generally didn't notice the crowds on the ship except for certain shows and events. It does pay to plan ahead to grab a spot early, book tickets ahead of time using the online app, etc.
There are a lot events catering to families/younger kids (eg. Shrek meet and greets, Madagascar show, etc) but just as in the movies, they throw in enough adult gags for a good laugh too.
In terms of itinerary, I feel the eastern itinerary is a little bit more exotic. Personally, I just want to avoid Jamaica though as both of our experiences there have not been fun. If you get a day at the cruise line's "private island" (Labadee or Princess Caye) it can be pretty enjoyable if you like an easy beach day.