mattmom

I searched, couldn't find this answer, I have ordered the VROOM surf/stream for my son. There are 3 of us, I love the idea of being able to text/call each other. Do I need to purchase the Royal IQ app for all 3 or will the VROOM give him access to the Royal IQ without additional purchase?

Thanks. Can't wait to see the Anthem.

Hi All,

Never been to San Juan before, only have a few hours, was thinking of just strolling around on the pier, lunch, pick up so local booze, not what I can pick up in the US local liquor stores. Thoughts? Suggestions??

thanks in advance.

Loved my time on the Allure-everyone gets what they want. WAnt to go at 6 pm fine - want a go at 7:30-go.longest we waited for a table about 10 mins-once-we loved it.

Been following as much as possible on social media. So happy you are seemingly ok as you can be after that unreal experience. The pictures of the damage is sad but repairable. Humans are not-what a great outlook most of you have.

We sailed on her in 2014, the ship is a destination in and of itself. Zip line, flowrider, etc. Loved everything about it. The dive show in the back of the ship was amazing. Food was great, service was great, would sail her again in a second.

I cut a sponge in smaller pieces then soak in dish soap -let it in-store in zip top bag-throw out when used.worked great for a trip to Disney and recent cruise to wash reusable mugs worked great.

Hello All,

I tried posting this under my prior "Just off the Allure", not sure if it posted-doesn't appear that way, my laptop died as I was posting it- so sorry if this is a double post.

This has been a long process getting home and settled. What an amazing time we had aboard the Allure of the Seas. Tried to post last night, site was down. I realize that each person's experience is his/her's so this will be simply IMHO.

THE TIME HAS COME--

A little background-DH, DS (13) and myself- we live about 1.5-2 hrs outside of Philadelphia. So our journey started on Friday right after my son got out of school. We had planned to drive to Philly check-in to our park-sleep-fly hotel and head out Saturday AM for FLL. Decided to take in a Phillies game Friday night. The trip took longer than expected nasty traffic standstill. I am normally a pessimist, but I decided that this ugly traffic jam was going to the worst thing that happens over the next 10 days--and it was! YEAH!! Well, except the Phillies lost, sadly, nothing new there. Anyhow, the hotel was nice, transport excellent. Saturday AM we flew from PHL to FLL on Southwest without issue. Grabbed a cab to Hyatt Pier 66 (about $20 with the tip). Checked in to a nice room which was not in the tower, but it was nice none the less. Had a nice lunch, swim, and headed out to trek to the rocks to see the Oasis sail. Wow-did we mess up-somehow missed a turn in the directions and I felt like I walked forever. It was worth it! I laughed at myself, I remembered thinking earlier in the day when I saw the Oasis from the plane and later from the taxi that "it doesn't look THAT big". Then I got a look at her coming AT us and the sheer magnitude of her. And instantly my excitement was palpable..tomorrow could not come fast enough. This was supposed to be my belated Mother's day as I was too busy getting ready for this trip on Mother's day to go out to dinner. I had my mind set to go out to Pelican's Landing, had seen so many nice photos and reviews here - I decided that was it. Sadly, it is closed until October, 2014. So we ate at the hotel restaurant, not great. But, we were tired, and the menu looked nice. Ok, no biggie...we went out to the convience store across the street and got a few snacks and drinks. Brought the "left over" unopened bottles of iced tea, Gatorade, etc with us the next day in our carry-ons without issue. No trips to the bad girl room for me --not like the person who brought aboard the George Forman Grill-will still laugh about that one for a long time.

SUNDAY ARRIVED!!!!

We took the van transport to the pier, $7/person, cab probably would have been cheaper. Arrived at about 10:30AM- check- in a breeze- the obligatory picture taken, and we were seated in the waiting area for platinum passengers. We were allowed to board about 11:15 AM...that first look is breath-taking. No matter how many pictures you see--it is beautiful. Thanks to you folks here--we headed up to 8 to check out the Park Café. I fell in love with the Tuna sandwich (that sounded really odd) while my husband and son --the Roast Beef. Then we headed to the top of this behemoth. I really think these ships should be the "Behemoth class". I really can't come up with a better word. My husband and son who have been making fun of me for months every time I watch a sail away or repeated your comments here as a subject at dinner were now--blown away--deck after deck after deck. They were amazed that I had an idea where anything on this ship was--HA--they don't know you folks-- like I do. Got into our cabin about 1:15pm. Was the first time I had a balcony cabin. Our cabin 6686 had the bed near the closet--NOT AT ALL a problem. Not a tiny girl here- no issue getting in and out of the closet--don't fret at all. Our cabin attendant brought us extra hangers and filled the ice daily as I asked. Otherwise, nothing special.

Towels, Limes, Snails and temperature

Let me say before I forget--I remember some concerns recently about pool towels--no issue, no need to give your first born or special info...they just hand 'em over. Limes everywhere...not many snails. Guess it's a good thing there were not snails everywhere! I think they were an appy on 1 night The prior daily snail appy has been replaced with scallops in a garlic butter sauce. Tiny bay scallops- too garlicy for me..husband like them. I was not hot nor cold in our cabin--the air conditioner was set as high as possible all week. I slept sleeveless and was fine. I was FREEZING in the theater during the shows and cold in the MDR deck 5, take a sweater.

With muster done..it was sail away time...for some reason we didn't leave til after 6. I didn't care..it was still FUN. Went to dinner in the MDR...MTD..loved this system. We were seated in the area of table 950-953. Met an amazing waiter named Antonio- loved, loved him. Alexander his assistant was nice and did a nice job. We actually ate in the MDR 6 nights.in the same area-on the second night the hostess asked us "can I seat you in the same area?" Guess that was a polite way to ask if the service was ok the prior night..thought the food was good to fine...no real issues...Antonio knows a growing teenage boy when he sees one--nearly every night my son got a second plate about 2 mins after he finished the first one--never asked it was just placed in front of him with a smile. I must say it's been awhile since I have been on a RCI cruise and the only thing I noticed is the desserts...well....are just OK at best. Which made me well...sad. But got over it. The warm choc cake was amazing. What really amazed me is with all the eating--I lost 3 lbs-guess I really did walk as much as I thought.

FOOD and More FOOD

Monday we slept and missed our meet and greet. That made me well...sad. Tried the Donut shop--not great. Johnny Rockets for lunch was really good. Cover charge was $5.95. We did get there for breakfast one day--pancakes-not good--eggs were apparently good. Sorrento's was a frequent stop for my growing teenager- I think he tried nearly every kind they had and kept going back. Café Promenade was a nice stop for those cute little ham croissants. Never tried the hotdogs or Rita's, funny they were both on my "list"... just not enough time in a week to do it all. Had Saturday dinner at Izumi--my husband and Son love sushi--they said it was excellent. I had the "hot rock"--it was ok--not my idea of fun cooking on a rock on vacation...but, I live thru it I think the very idea of cooking on vacation is a really just not my idea of fun. Which is why the sight of the George Forman grill on the table on the way off the ship made me laugh so hard. WHY-would anyone want to cook on a cruise? Nearly forgot--my son and I did the cupcake class-pricey, but fun and I will remember that forever. The cupcakes were really good.

PEOPLE will be PEOPLE

I must say, I have read much about ignorance surrounding the elevators-it's amazing to me that people can survive to adult hood, and in many case well into adult hood and have not yet figured out-pounding the buttons will not make the elevator come faster and you can't get in-UNTIL I get out! Sadly, there were many rude people -all were adults, the most polite were under the age of 15! Amazing. The worst was Monday night during the Captain's welcome message--all dressed up with their "free champagne" and RUDE as can be! Sad, really, sad. They just simply would not move--no mater how many "excuse me, please" I uttered. So, got outta there and was much happier.

ENTERTAINMENT

The entertainment was hit or miss for us. Loved the headliner who was Jeff Tracta...actor, singer, he was excellent. Chicago, was...LONG. Blue Planet was nice..it was so cold in the theater I was focused on my frozen legs/feet. I liked Ice Games and loved the Madagascar "let me entertain you" diving show. Loved OceanAria..still can't believe they dive from so high on a moving ship.

PORTS

Labadee--is a slice of heaven. My husband and son--LOVED the zip line....the staff weighs the rider before..there was a guy there who was 3 lbs over--"take off your shoes, watch, shirt, put down the tickets--that will help"..that made me laugh. He made it! Took them about an hour from start to finish. My son rode the roller coaster- he loves them high and fast--this was not- but he still really liked it--he's 13 and felt like he was "driving". He loved the Labadoozies ( or whatever they are called) if anyone had a recipe- I would love it.

Jamaica--I didn't even want to get off the ship here--prior experience was not a great memory--but I booked the Rose Hall Hilton--it was so nice...we were there about 5 hrs. Right on the ocean, had a large pool with slides, lazy river, hot tub,etc. Had a nice lunch which was included in the price. As were towels,nice not to have to drag them along.

Cozumel--we went to Chankanaab--WOW what fun we had. Pricey, really pricey but I am so glad I decided to do it. Booked ahead, took a cab - I think it was $20 with tip. We fed the Manatees--if you have the chance--DO IT--these amazing huge, gentle creatures are beyond amazing. We fed them lettuce and they were so amazing. Hugged my leg. Then we swam with the dolphins--Royal Swim--they kissed us, we petted them, pulled and pushed us. Had a buffet lunch which was included. There is a lovely beach there, pools to swim.

Sadly, we are back home and will have these amazing memories for a lifetime.

As I said before, I thank each and everyone of you for your help, answers and opinions, especially the ever present clarea. I found many others to have done amazing reviews complete with pictures, Gambee and Bugsy 4271 come to mind. Check them out they are truly like guidebooks. Having said that I will be happy to try to answer any questions and certainly invite those experts to help here if they are available.

Cruise directors are all kinda the same or so I thought until KEN. EGO. wow.

I thought it was just us. Even my son who is generally in a teenage world of his own - said-OMG this guy is driving me crazy. Ticked me off when the last showing of Blue Planet- was booked solid (we took your advise and planned) and at 4:23 pm for the 5:00 show, he left everyone in-reservations or not--he called it "an executive order". I am thinking, wow, glad I spent 2 hrs planning. He definitely is all about KEN.

This has been a long process getting home and settled. What an amazing time we had aboard the Allure of the Seas. Tried to post last night, site was down. I realize that each person's experience is his/her's so this will be simply IMHO.

THE TIME HAS COME--

A little background-DH, DS (13) and myself- we live about 1.5-2 hrs outside of Philadelphia. So our journey started on Friday right after my son got out of school. We had planned to drive to Philly check-in to our park-sleep-fly hotel and head out Saturday AM for FLL. Decided to take in a Phillies game Friday night. The trip took longer than expected nasty traffic standstill. I am normally a pessimist, but I decided that this ugly traffic jam was going to the worst thing that happens over the next 10 days--and it was! YEAH!! Well, except the Phillies lost, sadly, nothing new there. Anyhow, the hotel was nice, transport excellent. Saturday AM we flew from PHL to FLL on Southwest without issue. Grabbed a cab to Hyatt Pier 66 (about $20 with the tip). Checked in to a nice room which was not in the tower, but it was nice none the less. Had a nice lunch, swim, and headed out to trek to the rocks to see the Oasis sail. Wow-did we mess up-somehow missed a turn in the directions and I felt like I walked forever. It was worth it! I laughed at myself, I remembered thinking earlier in the day when I saw the Oasis from the plane and later from the taxi that "it doesn't look THAT big". Then I got a look at her coming AT us and the sheer magnitude of her. And instantly my excitement was palpable..tomorrow could not come fast enough. This was supposed to be my belated Mother's day as I was too busy getting ready for this trip on Mother's day to go out to dinner. I had my mind set to go out to Pelican's Landing, had seen so many nice photos and reviews here - I decided that was it. Sadly, it is closed until October, 2014. So we ate at the hotel restaurant, not great. But, we were tired, and the menu looked nice. Ok, no biggie...we went out to the convience store across the street and got a few snacks and drinks. Brought the "left over" unopened bottles of iced tea, Gatorade, etc with us the next day in our carry-ons without issue. No trips to the bad girl room for me :)--not like the person who brought aboard the George Forman Grill-will still laugh about that one for a long time.

SUNDAY ARRIVED!!!!

We took the van transport to the pier, $7/person, cab probably would have been cheaper. Arrived at about 10:30AM- check- in a breeze- the obligatory picture taken, and we were seated in the waiting area for platinum passengers. We were allowed to board about 11:15 AM...that first look is breath-taking. No matter how many pictures you see--it is beautiful. Thanks to you folks here--we headed up to 8 to check out the Park Café. I fell in love with the Tuna sandwich (that sounded really odd) while my husband and son --the Roast Beef. Then we headed to the top of this behemoth. I really think these ships should be the "Behemoth class". I really can't come up with a better word. My husband and son who have been making fun of me for months every time I watch a sail away or repeated your comments here as a subject at dinner were now--blown away--deck after deck after deck. They were amazed that I had an idea where anything on this ship was--HA--they don't know you folks-- like I do:). Got into our cabin about 1:15pm. Was the first time I had a balcony cabin. Our cabin 6686 had the bed near the closet--NOT AT ALL a problem. Not a tiny girl here- no issue getting in and out of the closet--don't fret at all. Our cabin attendant brought us extra hangers and filled the ice daily as I asked. Otherwise, nothing special.

Towels, Limes, Snails and temperature

Let me say before I forget--I remember some concerns recently about pool towels--no issue, no need to give your first born or special info...they just hand 'em over. Limes everywhere...not many snails. Guess it's a good thing there were not snails everywhere! I think they were an appy on 1 night The prior daily snail appy has been replaced with scallops in a garlic butter sauce. Tiny bay scallops- too garlicy for me..husband like them. I was not hot nor cold in our cabin--the air conditioner was set as high as possible all week. I slept sleeveless and was fine. I was FREEZING in the theater during the shows and cold in the MDR deck 5, take a sweater.

With muster done..it was sail away time...for some reason we didn't leave til after 6. I didn't care..it was still FUN. Went to dinner in the MDR...MTD..loved this system. We were seated in the area of table 950-953. Met an amazing waiter named Antonio- loved, loved him. Alexander his assistant was nice and did a nice job. We actually ate in the MDR 6 nights.in the same area-on the second night the hostess asked us "can I seat you in the same area?" Guess that was a polite way to ask if the service was ok the prior night..thought the food was good to fine...no real issues...Antonio knows a growing teenage boy when he sees one--nearly every night my son got a second plate about 2 mins after he finished the first one--never asked it was just placed in front of him with a smile. I must say it's been awhile since I have been on a RCI cruise and the only thing I noticed is the desserts...well....are just OK at best. Which made me well...sad. But got over it. The warm choc cake was amazing. What really amazed me is with all the eating--I lost 3 lbs-guess I really did walk as much as I thought.

FOOD and More FOOD

Monday we slept and missed our meet and greet. That made me well...sad. Tried the Donut shop--not great. Johnny Rockets for lunch was really good. Cover charge was $5.95. We did get there for breakfast one day--pancakes-not good--eggs were apparently good. Sorrento's was a frequent stop for my growing teenager- I think he tried nearly every kind they had and kept going back. Café Promenade was a nice stop for those cute little ham croissants. Never tried the hotdogs or Rita's, funny they were both on my "list"... just not enough time in a week to do it all. Had Saturday dinner at Izumi--my husband and Son love sushi--they said it was excellent. I had the "hot rock"--it was ok--not my idea of fun cooking on a rock on vacation...but, I live thru it :) I think the very idea of cooking on vacation is a really just not my idea of fun. Which is why the sight of the George Forman grill on the table on the way off the ship made me laugh so hard. WHY-would anyone want to cook on a cruise? Nearly forgot--my son and I did the cupcake class-pricey, but fun and I will remember that forever. The cupcakes were really good.

PEOPLE will be PEOPLE

I must say, I have read much about ignorance surrounding the elevators-it's amazing to me that people can survive to adult hood, and in many case well into adult hood and have not yet figured out-pounding the buttons will not make the elevator come faster and you can't get in-UNTIL I get out! Sadly, there were many rude people -all were adults, the most polite were under the age of 15! Amazing. The worst was Monday night during the Captain's welcome message--all dressed up with their "free champagne" and RUDE as can be! Sad, really, sad. They just simply would not move--no mater how many "excuse me, please" I uttered. So, got outta there and was much happier.

ENTERTAINMENT

The entertainment was hit or miss for us. Loved the headliner who was Jeff Tracta...actor, singer, he was excellent. Chicago, was...LONG. Blue Planet was nice..it was so cold in the theater I was focused on my frozen legs/feet. I liked Ice Games and loved the Madagascar "let me entertain you" diving show. Loved OceanAria..still can't believe they dive from so high on a moving ship.

PORTS

Labadee--is a slice of heaven. My husband and son--LOVED the zip line....the staff weighs the rider before..there was a guy there who was 3 lbs over--"take off your shoes, watch, shirt, put down the tickets--that will help"..that made me laugh. He made it! Took them about an hour from start to finish. My son rode the roller coaster- he loves them high and fast--this was not- but he still really liked it--he's 13 and felt like he was "driving". He loved the Labadoozies ( or whatever they are called) if anyone had a recipe- I would love it.

Jamaica--I didn't even want to get off the ship here--prior experience was not a great memory--but I booked the Rose Hall Hilton--it was so nice...we were there about 5 hrs. Right on the ocean, had a large pool with slides, lazy river, hot tub,etc. Had a nice lunch which was included in the price. As were towels,nice not to have to drag them along.

Cozumel--we went to Chankanaab--WOW what fun we had. Pricey, really pricey but I am so glad I decided to do it. Booked ahead, took a cab - I think it was $20 with tip. We fed the Manatees--if you have the chance--DO IT--these amazing huge, gentle creatures are beyond amazing. We fed them lettuce and they were so amazing. Hugged my leg. Then we swam with the dolphins--Royal Swim--they kissed us, we petted them, pulled and pushed us. Had a buffet lunch which was included. There is a lovely beach there, pools to swim.

Sadly, we are back home and will have these amazing memories for a lifetime.

As I said before, I thank each and everyone of you for your help, answers and opinions, especially the ever present clarea. I found many others to have done amazing reviews complete with pictures, Gambee and Bugsy 4271 come to mind. Check them out they are truly like guidebooks. Having said that I will be happy to try to answer any questions and certainly invite those experts to help here if they are available.

Good morning- we are just off the Allure- WOW. WOW. WOW, will be traveling home most of the day:( Will be back with thoughts. HUGE thanks to all who answered my questions. Be glad to try to answer yours. Just one funny thing before i step away- when leaving the ship walked past the area where folks claim their items i.e. irons, etc. Saw a George Forman grill!!! Wonder what they left at home to make space in luggage for it:). Be back later.

Thanks for taking us along-I'll be on the Lady Allure in 3 weeks--you are so going to help me pass this time. Have a safe and fabulous trip.

Great ideas! Some things I would never think of.

9 weeks til we sail on the Lady Allure, can't wait. Starting to get together a packing list...what's the one thing or things you wish someone would have told you to bring or you wouldn't have forgotten? Or wish you knew before you sailed. So happy to be lucky enough to have this wonderful opportunity. Thanks to all :)

Enjoy- how exciting!

Got what I thought was a great tip from this board a long time ago-soak a small sponge in dish detergent-let dry and pack in a zip lock bag-wet it in your room sink-works great.

Amazingly gross behavior, makes you wonder what "home" is like! I agree can you say NORO:mad:

Chris,

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us. Off to a fun start. Hope you have a great week. Enjoy! Looking forward to your thoughts on the MDR-thinking of eating there most of the week. Here's to sun and fun!

Thanks for taking the time to put together this fun, entertaining and beautiful review. Beautiful family, may you have many, many wonderful memories yet to make together. You pictures are stunning. I especially enjoyed your sense of humor, loved when you told your daughter you would have the captain turn the ship around! I have said similar things many times to my son. Life's blessings to you and your wonderful family.

Donna27th October, 2013 at 1:47 am

Hi Adam,

I really appreciate the opportunity to ask you questions directly. I have been reading about propulsion issues on the Allure. Can you elaborate on that situation. Have a cruise booked for May 2014 and am concerned. Thanks.

Reply

• Adam28th October, 2013 at 3:40 pm
  Hi Donna – Allure of the Seas currently has a small restriction on her top speed. All equipment is fully operational and there is no impact on the maneuverability of the ship or on the safety of our guests and crew.
   
  

Now I have another review to read. You young guys ROCK!!!!

Subbing!!

What a fun group-maybe someday when I can move to sunny AZ I can join your group. Looks like you had a blast except for the awful incident on the bridge. I am sailing next year on the Allure and learn something with each review I read. You took marvelous pictures what camera did you use? Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

Hi Missy,

I am a little late to the party here, but I LOVED your review. I think my favorite picture is the lobster night photo of you and your American Hero. Please accept our family's thanks for his service and going forward yours as you support him. You are a beautiful young lady inside (most importantly) and out. Continue to care for the puppies and Rob and enjoy each day. I am traveling next year on the Allure and enjoyed your review.