Help a cruise newbie out

[Anonymous]

We are about to embark on our second cruise ever this Sunday, and I feel like we are going to get out cruised by cruise professionals who understand how it works.

I clearly didn't get the memo about checking in super early to get an earlier boarding time. And I am just now realizing I need to make my time dinner reservations to ensure I get to see the shows. The problem is, I don't exactly know what time the shows start.

I've read cruise critic, I've studied the app map, but feel so.....lost. We're going on Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas to no where particularly special.

For reference, DH and I aren't really cruise people. We mostly picked the ship for our kids (12 and 11) and because we needed a vacation that didn't require air travel this year.

Any help or tip are appreciated.

[Anonymous]

If you don’t already have early or late seating just make your reservations when you get on the ship. It’s not a big deal. If there is a show you absolutely must see and for whatever reason you can’t get a reservation in the main dining room, you can always get dinner on Lido at the buffet. Often it’s the same food as in the dining room. My kids starting asking to go to the buffet for dinner once they turned about 10. Dining room takes too long and they were eager to get back to their friends.

[Anonymous]

Shows are at 7:30 and 9:30

https://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=530&pgtype=activities

More than dining you’re going to want to reserve any kids activities you want on the first day—flow rider, zip line etc. Some of the activities don’t run in port and won’t run if the winds are too high. If there is an activity that might be cancelled due to winds and the cancellation policy is reasonable make reservations for 2 days. If you get on the first day, cancel the second day. If your first day is cancelled due to wind, you’ll still have an opportunity. If you try to make a reservation after your time is cancelled, you’ll find it’s all booked.

If you want spa services, book them now. Be prepared for the provider to want to sell you products at the end of the service. Just say no thank you.