Allure of the Seas - April 26 2014
The Cruising Coconuts
We are 4 days away from our trip...
Our trip is just around the corner.
By now, you should have completed the online check in.
If you have not already done so, please do this tonight before the system lock out.
In many cases, you will not be able to make update 2 days before sailing.
If you have any problem check in or have questions about the trip, please don't hesitate to call me.
The "Before You Board" section on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line website is full of information. If you haven't already done so, please take a look so you know what to expect and how to prepare for the trip:
For your convenience, here is the LINK
Southwest Airline Online Check In
If you are booked on a Southwest Airline flight, it is strongly recommended that you complete the online check in, 24 hours before your flight. An early online check in will give you a better boarding position.
There are no seat assignment on Southwest flights. An earlier boarding position will give you better access to seats selection when you board the flight. Website
To learn more about Southwest Boarding Procedure: Click Link
You can bypass the online check in with Southwest Early Bird Check In.
Check Baggage Allowance
Maximum weight is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height) per check piece of luggage. Overweight items from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for an overweight and oversize baggage fee of $75 per item. Full details.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
Carry-on items are limited to one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item. Southwest Airlines limits carry-on bag dimensions to 10x16x24 inches.
All Customers and Employees and their items are subject to a thorough physical search. Full details.
Buffalo International Airport (BUF)
Website
Those who will be flying with Southwest Airline will be departing from Buffalo International Airport. There are many different ways for us to make our way there, with 3 bridge crossing available. If you have a GPS, I find it will usually route your via the Rainbow or the the Lewiston Bridge.
For GPS tracking use 4200 Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY 14225
From the Peace Bridge
- Take the 190 South
- to 90 EAST
- to RTE 33 exit to airport (Exit 51B)
From the Lewiston/Queenston Bridge
- Take the 190 south to the 290 east, to the 90 west.
- The 90 west to the 33 east
- Follow 33 east to the end of the expressway.
From the Rainbow Bridge (Niagara Falls)
- Follow signs to the Robert Moses Parkway east
- Take the Robert Moses to the 190 south to the 290 east, to the 90 west
- The 90 west to the 33 east.
- Follow 33 east to the end of the expressway.
Onsite Parking
For convenience and safety, I always park the the airport parking in either Long Term Parking or Preferred Parking.
On their website, there is a handy parking cost estimator and a place where you can download a coupon to save on the parking. This can be found here: website
What to Expect - Before the Cruise
April 26 2014
Many of us will be flying in a day before the cruise.
Here is a sample itinerary for the purpose of your trip planning.
Flying from Buffalo:
Please budget your time for possible delays and road conditions.
I like to give myself extra time in case of long border crossing and other unexpected delays.
Travel time from downtown Toronto to Buffalo International Airport is approximately 2 hours if there are no traffic. Please make allowance for possible delays at border crossing.
For GPS, use 4200 Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY 14225
April 26 2014
Southwest 3488
11:05AM
Please familiarize yourself with Southwest boarding policy.
There are no seat assignments, but you can reserve a boarding position when you check in 24hrs prior to departure. An earlier boarding position will entitle you to better seats choices when you board the plane.
Find out more about Southwest boarding procedures here: LINK
Please plan to arrive at the airport no later than 9:00 AM to allow time for check in and security screening.
Please note, you will not be able to check in 60 minutes before departure.
Here is are a few links you may find helpful: LINK
Parking Coupon for BUF: Parking Coupon
Ft Lauderdale
We are scheduled to land in Ft Lauderdale International Airport at 2:05PM.
Our private transfer will take us directly to our hotel.
Best Western Plus Ft Lauderdale Airport South Inn and Suites
1900 Stirling Rd,
Dania Beach, FL 33004,
United States
1-954-926-7300
1-800-780-7234
website
Please enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
There are restaurants and shopping within walking distance.
The hotel has a pool for your enjoyment.
April 27 2014
Complimentary breakfast is available from 6:30AM to 10:30AM.
Please confirm time at hotel.
Please meet me in the lobby with your luggage at 11:15AM.
The lobby will be very busy this morning as this is a very popular hotel for pre and post cruise stay.
I strongly advise you to attached your luggage tags to your check luggage before arriving at the lobby.
NOTE:
Once we arrive at the pier, we will be handing our luggage to the porter to load onto the ship.
Please place medications and valuables in your carry on.
You will not have access to anything in your luggage until they arrive in your stateroom, which can be later that night.
At the Pier
The pier will be very busy, with passengers leaving the cruise and those who will be boarding.
The bus will drop us off at the arrival area.
Once you collected luggage, you will hand them off to the porters.
They will load these onto carts to which will be brought onto the ship.
You will not have access to you luggage until they arrive in your stateroom.
Note:
While tipping is a personal choice, it is customary to tip the porter and driver $1 per piece of luggage for their assistance.
After you dropped off your luggage, proceed to the main building for check in.
To expedite the process, please have the following items ready:
- passport
- boarding passes
- credit card to set up onboard account
Note:
Completed your online check in at home to save time. This process should take no more than 10 minutes if your account has been set up prior to arrival.
Due to the size of our group, we will likely separate at this point.
The cruise terminal is very large and process the passengers via long wall of counters.
If you are uncomfortable with checking in our your own, please let me know in advance so we can travel together through this process.
Once you completed the check in, you can board the ship.
Your cabin will likely not be ready until 1:00PM, but the rest of ship is open for your to explore.
I like to begin my trip with the a visit to the Windjammer Cafe on the Lido deck for an early lunch, before it gets too crowded.
By the time lunch is finished, the room should be ready for me to drop off my carry on luggage.
I will likely spend the afternoon before sail away, exploring the ship and acquainting myself with the layout and features. I will usually end up in the swimming pool for the remainder of the afternoon.
Sail Away Meet Up
The best place to be when the ship set sail in on deck!
Let's meet up and start the cruise together.
Sport Pool
Deck 15
4:00PM
Deck Plan
Greg's Travel Only
Email: gtom@travelonly.com
Website: www.gregtom.travelonly.com
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Phone: (416) 850-8888