Need some advice - Allure of the Seas- Labadee Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico

I have never cruised b4. Hubby and I have been invited to a friends Wedding on the RCCL cruise Allure of the Sea.

From all the research I have been doing since we got the invite, I can see that RCCL is AMAZING and so is this ship. I would usually jump at this chance b/c they are having many special things arranged by the bride and groom and it sounds like a really fun time, but...the thing holding me back are the ports. Labadee Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel don't interest me at all. I actually have a bad impression in my mind what these places are like. Dangerous, Unsafe, Boring etc...

This trip will cost about 4k + and I am just trying to figure out if it is worth it. Amazing ship, nice time with friends etc...Never have cruised before so I am super nervous to begin with and like I said the ports feel very bleh to me.. Any insight on any of the locations? Is a cruise more about the ship then the ports?

I am so torn and we have to decide so soon b/c there are only a few rooms in the area that we want left!!

Any thoughts? Advice?

Re: Need some advice - Allure of the Seas- Labadee Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico

Labadee I believe is RCCL's port. Meaning it's private to their company. Usually these types of places are great to visit. I've never been there but it sounds really nice, to me anyway! Then again, I'm one of those, if I'm on a cruise, I'm happy wherever I go

Cozumel was really nice. I went once and we went to a beach. I've heard excellent things about Nachi Cocum and I want to go there if I ever go back to Cozumel.

I can't say anything about Jamaica because I've never been.

Check out Cruise Critic

I've heard great things about Allure. DH would love to go on it but it's too expensive. There is so much to do on that ship that even if you didn't like the port, you would not be bored. Remember, you can come and go as often as you please so you can get off, look around, and come back if you don't like what you see (unless the ship is tendered).

I've been on 6 cruises and loved every single one. I love waking up every morning and being in a different place whether an island or at sea. It's my preferred vacation!

Re: Need some advice - Allure of the Seas- Labadee Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico

I can only comment on Cozumel and Jamaica.

Both places are gorgeous and very safe. Where there is tourism it's very safe.

I wouldn't hesitate to go. It will probably be one of the best trips especially if you can afford it and also since it's for the wedding.

I've been to Jamaica 5 times with only the best to say about the island and the people. I'm planning my next trip (in my head) now.

Re: Need some advice - Allure of the Seas- Labadee Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico

Like pp said, Labadee is one of RC's private islands and it is gorgeous. There are lots of fun things to do there (zipline, snorkel, etc.) or you can just sit back on the beach and relax (which is what I like to do). I've always felt safe there, mostly b/c nobody is on the island but fellow cruisers, cruise staff and locals who work at the small shops.

Cozumel is good too, but I've honestly never ventured too much further than right around the port. There are lots of stores, restaurants and bars right there so you really don't need to go too far.

I'm not a huge fan of Jamaica, but I seem to be in the minority - most people I know really love it. I did have a bad experience there, but as long as you stay with your group/go out on an excursion I think you will be fine.

Having said all that, I would totally go for it if you can. RC is a great cruise line and I'm sure you'll have a blast!!

Re: Need some advice - Allure of the Seas- Labadee Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico

We are going on a family cruise on the Allure next year...same itinerary. When are you going?

I heard nothing but EXCELLENT things about the ship. Check out cruisecritic.com they have great reviews and tips and tricks

Re: Need some advice - Allure of the Seas- Labadee Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico

Well I think on something like the Allure the ship is probably more of the destination but the ports are an added plus. I will be honest and say those ports are not my favorite - Labadee I am 99% sure that is RCCL's private island. Since I haven't cruised with RCCL (I have sailed 14 times with major lines- 11 with Celebrity, 2 Princess and 1 NCL and one over in Europe on a small line). Usually the cruise's private islands are pretty secluded (cruise passengers) and are fairly nice from what I have heard. We enjoyed Princess' private island - basically it is a beach day but you can get drinks, food, sometimes spa treatments (messages) on the island. It can be rather crowded though b.c the whole ship only has one place to be but it is usually pretty large so people do spread out. They sometimes also have some excursions but you really don't need them. It is more of a relaxing day.

I would say IF you are unsure or uncomfortable stick with the ship shore excursions. That way you will be going with a group off of the ship and not having to do anything yourself. This way you don't have to worry about finding an unknown taxi, ending up somewhere you are not comfortable etc.

I am probably also in the minority but I also have never cared for Jamaica the two times I went. Neither have most of my friends IRL. I personally prefer the eastern routes (St Thomas, St John, St Martin, Aruba, Barbados, etc).

Do you like to swim? Snorkel? If so I would say maybe that would be a good time to try a catamaran/snorkel trip. They often leave from walking distance from the ship (you get off the ship someone holds up a sign that says ship tour ABC and they then walk you to a bus or a boat depending on what tour you take). I like the catamaran trips b.c they tend to be relaxing. You usually walk to the boat, then relax (they will sometimes offer rum punch - after you snorkel- and they take a nice sail to one location - sometimes 2 where you snorkel, then some return to the dock while others go to a small secluded beach for a short swim/nap on the sand.

Dunn's River Falls tends to be popular but I got sick after climbing it as did several other friends on their trips so I don't usually recommend it - but it is popular.

Cozumel - I personally enjoyed taking a tour to Tulum if you are interested in something like mayan ruins. If not I have friends who have gone to Chankanaab park which is a cultural area as well as a marine park where you can snorkel. I haven't been but have heard good things.

My personal recommendation is to go online and look at the shore excursions that are offered for your trip. You can easily find that on RCCL's website and see if you find any of them interesting. There are all different types of excursions from hiking, horseback riding, sightseeing, swimming, beach trips etc. Something for everyone. You can arrange your own tours but my feeling is that if you might be uncomfortable go with the ship ones. I would also suggest going over to cruisecritic.com they have not only a dedicated area for RCCL but also for each island and you can see what others have done, and ask questions over there.

Message edited 9/11/2011 10:41:33 AM.

Re: Need some advice - Allure of the Seas- Labadee Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico

Thanks so much girls!!! If anyone has more insight Id love to hear it!

Lisa-- it would be the Allure leaving August 12, 2012, when are u going??

Re: Need some advice - Allure of the Seas- Labadee Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico

Re: Need some advice - Allure of the Seas- Labadee Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico

Posted by Lisa

Posted by Michi

Thanks so much girls!!! If anyone has more insight Id love to hear it!

Lisa-- it would be the Allure leaving August 12, 2012, when are u going??

we are leaving on April 22,2012...so I can give you a review when I get back!

Re: Need some advice - Allure of the Seas- Labadee Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico

My husband & I did this same exact itinerary almost 2 years ago on the Freedom of the Seas (the biggest ship at the time we sailed). I personally found a pretty even balance between ship & ports. I LOVED the activites available on the ship. We did a 7 day itinerary out of Port Canaveral. I believe our 1st full day was a day at sea-I went rock climbing, rode on the Flowrider & just relaxed.

2nd day was our stop at Labadee, Haiti. Beautiful beach; we didn't do the zip line or snorkel; but we walked over to dragon breath cave and took in the beautiful views. They bring all the food you would need for lunch off the ship; so you can basically just lay out on the beach; go grab lunch (included for free) walk around the huts selling things and relax.

We had an extra stop in Grand Cayman which you didn't mention where we went swimming with the Sting Rays. It was my husbands 3 visit to Jamaica and my 2nd so we just went to Dunns River falls to walk around and get off the ship; and took a ride through Fern Gully. Got some beef patties & rum punches.

In Cozumel we had the most amazing time swimming with the Dolphins at Chakkanaab national park. Highly recommend it!

Then went to Charlie O's (near Sr. Frog) for lunch and drinks.

If the cruise isn't too expensive; i say it's definitely an amazing vacation!! Lots of activities on the ship and as long as you plan your excursions or day activities while in port you'll have an amazing time in each country. Jamaica & Cozumel you definitely need to know in advance what you want to do. Not places where you just hop off the ship and decide. Best to have a day planned out-at least in my opinion. In Jamaica; Dunns River Falls is a very popular attraction!!

Re: Need some advice - Allure of the Seas- Labadee Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico

We've gone to those ports.

As others have said, Labadee is their private island. Beach day! Just get off, grab a chair and lounge if you want. They have a little blowup play park, ziplining, mini rollercoaster, etc for extra if you want. It's nice to have this beach day, so when you goto your other ports you can do non-beach activities there.

As for the other ports, if its your first time on a cruise, book thru the cruise line. It is more expensive, but they will guide you thru the process and there is less risk. They will tell you exactly where to go, and take care of transportation, and if the ship is early/late or cancelled port they will refund you. Those things are question marks if you book on your own - so if it's your first time pay the extra and go on the ship excursions for peace of mind. After you get addicted to cruising you will then graduate and move onto independent excursions.

Also, dont forget just because you're at a port, it doesnt mean you need to get off the ship. They're not kicking you out. Most of the time, the ship is BETTER when its at port, because everyone else is off the ship. Pools, hottubs are empty, the spa offers discounts on port days, etc. So if you're worried about safety and/or can't find something you want to do... just stay on the ship.

Re: Need some advice - Allure of the Seas- Labadee Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico

Thanks so much again girls, all this information is super helpful. Gonna show DH this thread and I am pretty we will be booking first thing in the morning!!!