Not Only Weather Impacting Port of Tampa

More Woes for Cruise Travelers This Week in Tampa

If you've been following our blog, you know that the Tampa Port Authority closed the port in anticipation of the approach of Tropical Storm Isaac.   That isn't the only thing impacting cruise line schedules this week.  Give yourself plenty of extra time to arrive at the port.

The 2012 Republican National Convention is in town from Monday through Thursday.

Important Update - Carnival Paradise 8/25/12, Carnival Legend 8/26/12, Carnival Paradise 8/30/12

Important Update for all guests sailing on the Carnival Paradise 8/30/12:

The 2012 Republican National Convention (RNC) will be held in Tampa the week of your sailing. Local authorities have advised us road closures and parking restrictions are expected.  There will also be intermittent traffic delays and temporary closures on interstate roads and throughout the downtown area beginning Saturday, August, 25, through Thursday, August 30.  A map indicating road closures is available at www.tampagov.net/rnc.

We suggest you avoid routes that take you through downtown Tampa. Cruise ship passengers are asked to use the following detour:

– Take I-4 Exit 1
– Go south on 21st Street and turn west onto Adamo Drive
– Turn south onto Channelside Drive
– Passengers may utilize the Port of Tampa parking garage

Given traffic restrictions planned for this week, check-in for your cruise is now scheduled from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and we will sail shortly thereafter. It is essential you allow ample time to arrive at the terminal early enough to ensure you are not left behind.

We’d like to apologize in advance for any congestion you may experience at the terminal as a result of the new check-in times. To expedite the boarding process, please ensure you have completed your online check-in prior to arriving.

To stay up to date on any changes that may affect our departure, we encourage you to sign up for text alerts by texting the following number for your specific sailing:

Carnival Paradise 8/30/12 - text CCL3 to CRUISE (278473)

If you have already signed up for text during your online check-in, you will automatically receive updates. 

Navigating the Allure of the Seas

Who's Afraid of
The Big New Ship?

In this article, we'll try to alleviate your fears about finding your way on the largest ship afloat ... Allure of the Seas.

 

Welcome Aboard

Allure of the Seas

Navigating the Ship

Allure of the Seas has 16 decks which can be a little daunting at first, but you will find that this ship is one of the easiest ships to navigate.   There are several reasons why navigating the ship is easier than you might imagine.

When you embark the vessel, you'll be given a pocket guide to the Allure of the Seas.  It has the usual fold-out map of the ship as you might expect, but  it has much more than that.  It is a miniature guide to all that the Allure has to offer.   You will refer to this pocket guide throughout your cruise. This is just the beginning of the ways Royal Caribbean assists you in navigating the ship.

Where is Chris?  Let's check the digital sign...

Digital Signage

Royal Caribbean had the passenger in mind when building the Allure of the Seas.  We've heard about many innovations, such as the Neighborhoods, the Zip-Line, and AquaTheater, but perhaps the biggest innovation was the various technologies deployed throughout the ship.

• Get up-to-the-minute, real-time communication for departure information, restaurant availability, entertainment information, mustering and more.
• Use the interactive screens to map your way to virtually anywhere on the ship.

Touch the screen to begin navigating the ship.   Unlike most ships, that just have the floor plan of the deck you are on, you'll be able to map from your current location to another point on the ship, even if it's on an entirely different deck.

Real-time Planning

The captain on the Azamara Journey told us that the digital signage is intelligent.   Not only will it show you the navigation to your destination, but it will provide an alternate route if the situation is warranted.  For example, if there are already a number of people waiting for an elevator in one location, it will route you to another elevator where you won't have to wait.  Now, that's innovation!!

Standard Deck Layout Signs

I know what you are thinking ... what happens when the computers go down?   There are still the usual deck layout signs for those that don't want to play with a touch screen.  They aren't as much fun or efficient, but they will do the trick, especially if the computer goes down or power is out.

Deck Layout

Of course, Royal Caribbean built in redundancies for power and computers, so hopefully we won't have to write any articles about those situations in the future.

You'll find the 3-D ship deck plan near the elevators, so that too can be checked while you wait for the elevator.   Where is that... forward or aft?

 SIGNS SIGNS ... 

EVERYWHERE SIGNS

You'll find directional signs , such as the one shown here to the left, in various public areas of the ship (for example along the Royal Promenade).   These will direct you to nearby attractions, restrooms, etc.

"Signs, signs, everywhere signs..."  words from a famous song years ago.  In that song, it goes on to say "can't you read the signs?"  Well, fear not, even if you aren't by a sign, odds are that if you look puzzled, a friendly crew member will be glad to help you find your destination.    Once you get your bearings of a few major landmarks on the ship, you shouldn't have any difficulty navigating.