First time cruisers ensured to be "Allured"?? -April 2019 TR

[pattyw]

Last July we did the Jolly Roger snorkeling tour with Royal. It was OK, we didn't see much and our guides were good but nothing special. The shops were basic touristy souvenirs. I always wonder what other people shop for in port. (it's just not our thing) There was a good bar and grill where we had chips and guac with a few local beers. This November we booked Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout and are excited to go hang out with sloths and monkeys.

I did read about the monkey park! That was the one excursion that we were tempted to do!! That would be so fun!! Next time!!

Yep- I was amazed at how many jewelry stores there were on the ship and at the ports- and pricey ones at that! Wow! I didn't realize so many were interested in making such large purchases on vacation! The purses, clothes, perfume, I understand. But, like you, we weren't interested in heavy duty shopping!

 

[starvenger]

Yeah it's amazing how many of the same stores show up in each port. Although Diamonds International does give away free drinks so that's a nice perk. The one in Falmouth even has a small bar on the 2nd floor that you can visit after "browsing" through their goods.

 

[Monykalyn]

Gorgeous! I admire your resolve to resist the temptation to overbook. Know you guys were tired from the busy tax season. And with all the great amenities on that ship I'd be super torn between exploring the ship vs port!!
I picked our June cruise specifically for the ports so (Havana!!) so that day will be very full.

 

[savage1117]

I did read about the monkey park! That was the one excursion that we were tempted to do!! That would be so fun!! Next time!!

Yep- I was amazed at how many jewelry stores there were on the ship and at the ports- and pricey ones at that! Wow! I didn't realize so many were interested in making such large purchases on vacation! The purses, clothes, perfume, I understand. But, like you, we weren't interested in heavy duty shopping!

I will let you know what we think about the excursion. We are sailing on Harmony on 11/24.

 

[savage1117]

Isn't there a very nice beach near the port too? Mahogany Bay, I think?

Not sure about the beach, sorry.

 

[pattyw]

Isn't there a very nice beach near the port too? Mahogany Bay, I think?

I looked at the port map and under port highlights they have:

Sandy Bay-West end Marine reserve
Gumbalimba Park
West end village
Tabyana Beach

 

[pattyw]

Yeah it's amazing how many of the same stores show up in each port. Although Diamonds International does give away free drinks so that's a nice perk. The one in Falmouth even has a small bar on the 2nd floor that you can visit after "browsing" through their goods.

Ooh- free drinks! I didn't notice the free drinks in Nassau. Our friends went in to many of the jewelry stores for the free charms they were giving. They browsed for a while and one was almost ready to make a purchase, but they weren't willing to give her a good deal. She did purchase a few handbags. All we bought were a few souvenir t-shirts.

 

[pattyw]

Gorgeous! I admire your resolve to resist the temptation to overbook. Know you guys were tired from the busy tax season. And with all the great amenities on that ship I'd be super torn between exploring the ship vs port!!
I picked our June cruise specifically for the ports so (Havana!!) so that day will be very full.

Yep- learned(the hard way!) from our early Disney days that trying to do too much isn't a good idea!

Definitely worth it to stay on board on a port day if you want to go to the spa. That's when they offered the best deals!

Havana sounds so interesting! Can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[pattyw]

I will let you know what we think about the excursion. We are sailing on Harmony on 11/24.

Thanks! I'm sure it will be wonderful!!

Will you be on the cruise for Thanksgiving?

 

[savage1117]

Thanks! I'm sure it will be wonderful!!

Will you be on the cruise for Thanksgiving?

Yes! We will be onboard for Thanksgiving. We are very excited!

 

[pattyw]

Yes! We will be onboard for Thanksgiving. We are very excited!

Wow! I'm sure they will prepare a fabulous Thanksgiving feast!

 

[pattyw]

So, we enjoyed a morning of lounging on our balcony with a beautiful view of Roatan!

We had lunch at Windjammer- it was so peaceful!! Then, we took a walk around the ship! Here's the Boardwalk area:







I love the details in the decor!

 

[pattyw]

Then we went to the Promenade area:



Joe just loved the classic car!




Champagne Bar: We had great martinis here! The cucumber martini was my favorite!
















Sorrento's:

 

[pattyw]

The Bow and Stern:





Time for a martini!

 

[pattyw]

Bolero's:

 

[pattyw]

We enjoyed our afternoon of strolling around the empty ship and having a nice lunch a few drinks!

It was another formal night and tonight we were dining at Chops Grille!!

The Central Park area is so pretty!

 

[pattyw]

The shops in Central Park:







Vintages wine bar:

 

[pattyw]

Trellis Bar:








Lovely seating area to enjoy a drink from the Trellis Bar or a snack from the Park Cafe:

 

[pattyw]

Chops Grille!








We had a fabulous meal!! We both had the filet- it was amazing! Also, it was lobster night in the main dining room. But, we didn't miss out! We were brought a platter of lobster to share!! Again, the dining room was pretty empty when we arrived at 5:30. By the time we left it did fill up, but still not crowded.

 

[OKW Lover]

Vintages wine bar:

Love Vintages. One day we had "lunch" there. Ordered a bunch of small plates and a wine flight. Very, very good!!!