sunseeker551

Just off the Allure (January) & the Enchantment (last week) and we found the same thing, specifically the bar service, the constant push to spend, the lack of friendliness of staff & especially the declining quality of food. We have two cruises booked at the moment but have been discussing all morning whether or not to cancel them. We were wondering if we should try another cruise line, but from what I've been reading on these forums today, it seems to be industry-wide. Perhaps time to try another type of vacation?

I've been doing a lot of research today on two cruise itineraries we're considering and decided it might be helpful to seek advice from the experienced cruisers here. Right now we have one cruise booked and the other on hold, so we only have 24 hours to make up our mind.

We've already sailed on the Silhouette, Allure, Oasis, Liberty and Enchantment (and enjoyed them all) so I'm sure we'd be quite happy on the Serenade as well. We've done eastern and western cruises but have never cruised any of the southern ports. At this point we're leaning towards the Serenade, thinking it offers nicer ports for light sightseeing and beaches (which is what we like to do) but we're really not sure. We're not concerned about the number of ports, so the fact that the Celebrity cruise is one day longer and has more ports, really isn't important to us. The departure is mid January from Ft Lauderdale for both.

I'd really appreciate any feedback/advice regarding the ports that might help us make our decision. Other things we're considering are the ships themselves as well as the cost, but the ports are definitely the most important to us. TIA

In the Windjammer on the Allure last week, one evening was "wing night" and they had a nice assortment of wings.

Good to hear. I called yesterday and got another $300 for $330.

Thanks for the heads-up. I just called and was able to get $500 US for $550 CAD. It seems too good to be true :eek: I sure hope it works out OK. I already have a $300 credit ($100 for an old onboard booking & $200 for the cancelled Allure sailing last year) so I put it on my BF's account. This will be a much cheaper way to pay for his beverage package, cover any drinks I might have and any miscellaneous onboard spending. Only 29 more days to go. :)

Just got on the Liberty for our B2B cruises and relieved to see two lounge chairs on our balcony along with a table & two chairs We're in aft cabin 7708. The balcony is huge & so beautiful... can't wait to sail!

I just got back last week from the LOS where we had the biggest E1 Balcony ever!!! Cabin 7408 is amazing!! It has 2 loungers, 2 chairs, and a table with plenty of room to spare. The balcony has both shaded and sun areas so it meets everyones needs. I will attach some pics.

 

The corner aft balconies on Deck 9 are too small for loungers but I believe deck 8 corner aft 8410 had loungers also.

Thanks for the update...very good to hear. We have cabin 7808 in 2 weeks for B2B cruises (10 days). We booked that cabin specifically for the large balcony & loungers and we're going to be so disappointed if we can't have them. It seems like there's hope again. Fingers crossed.:)

We cruised on the Allure on November 11th so you got off and we got on. :) I wish I could have read your review first but we're doing a B2B on the Liberty 2 weeks from today and will be visiting the same western ports so your review has been very helpful (we've only visited Cozumel on past cruises so the other ports are new to us). What a huge undertaking to write such a detailed review. You did an amazing job...thank you so much for everything you put into this. I can't wait to read your next review.

Oh & I must mention your amazing photos. I know people asked which camera you used but as you know, it's not the camera that makes a good photo, it's the photographer (as the joke goes, when someone makes a great meal we don't say "oh you must have a good oven" LOL). Your pictures here and those posted on another cruise review I read recently have convinced me to take my full frame (Canon 5D MK II) with me on the Liberty when we sail (I typically take a P&S rather than lug my camera, tripod & lenses with me). You did a beautiful job capturing the beauty of the Allure and the Caribbean. Thank you!

I will for sure.

Yes, we are about 33 days until our cruise. Can't wait.

 

There is NO way I would have taken a JS upgrade from my 7708 corner aft. The balcony on that particular cabin is just too precious.

 

My precious... ;)

We have cabin 7708 for our B2B on the Liberty in a few weeks. We also just booked aft cabin 1402 for a December cruise on the Freedom. If we can't have lounge chairs on the balconies though, not so sure we'll really enjoy them.

We've sailed the Allure and Oasis, and although it looks like it's crazy in there at times, we always managed to find a table. As you mentioned, sometimes we did have to go around to the back. During busier times we also found the staff pretty good at helping people find a table.

I spent the day yesterday reading your other two cruise reviews and was sad to see them end.. So excited to unexpectedly see another one when I logged on just now...my wish came true. LOL Hubby & I booked a cruise on the Allure just five days before sailing this past November and I thought that was a rush. I can't wait to read your review...please hurry. :D