Nov 4, Allure of the Seas, Western Caribbean - A Review and Complete Pictorial Guide!

How about 10mg of Maxalt for Migraines? Love that stuff and it works every time; doesn't make you feel weird, groggy, etc. Its super easy on your gut, too :)

Gotta ask a doc for it of course but I highly recommend that med.

How about 10mg of Maxalt for Migraines? Love that stuff and it works every time; doesn't make you feel weird, groggy, etc. Its super easy on your gut, too :)

 

Gotta ask a doc for it of course but I highly recommend that med.

That is good for break through but if excedrin works than keep that for breakthrough. But migraines can successfully be controlled with the right meds

How about 10mg of Maxalt for Migraines? Love that stuff and it works every time; doesn't make you feel weird, groggy, etc. Its super easy on your gut, too :)

 

Gotta ask a doc for it of course but I highly recommend that med.

That is good for break through but if excedrin works than keep that for breakthrough. But migraines can successfully be controlled with the right meds. FYI I am a nurse practitioner so my suggestion is speak with your provider.

What a great trip report and review, thanks for taking the time to post and add such thoughtful details. There is really something for everyone here. I am so torn between trying one of the biggies for our next cruise or staying with a 'smaller' size ship. The more compact layout of the smaller ships is just so convenient for me.

The beef sandwiches from Day 1 look like they were trying to be Beef on Weck sandwiches, a Western NY thing. Should have had a pickle spear on the side, horseradish sauce on the beef, and the top bun should have been dipped in hot au jus. Then it would have been a great sandwich:cool:

PS- HI MOM! Your son is doing a great job!

DH and I were on the Allure last summer and your awesome review really makes me feel like I'm back on the ship! Great job!

Next up we were supposed to meet my bf in the entrance of the casino, because my mom wanted to play and she said my bf was her good luck charm. The problem was that we were running late, we were supposed to meet him there at 3pm and it was 3:04 that memory card was taking her sweet time to unload. We left our state room and got there at around 3:06 and he was not there, you have to understand that is extremely rare for me to be late for anything, him on the other hand is comfortable being late.

 

While we waited there for a little while I took some pictures of some art work that was on display.

 

 

 

 

 

He arrived soon after, good thing because we were about to leave. He claimed that we initially said 2:30 and he was right, it was a miscommunication. So we ended up being very very late, we then headed inside the casino and towards one of those machines.

 

I will comment very little on the casino, we of course went to the non-smoking side, if I am correct that was the starboard side. Mom asked me for $20 and I gave them to her a few minutes later those $20 turned into this.

 

My mom's idea of playing in the casino is putting the money in the machine sit there and people watch, while I or someone else plays with her money. I don't understand... But she is my mom, she can do whatever she wants.

 

 

Then the bf made another attempt with his $20 and the result was even less. Please don't get mad at me, but I really don't understand the obsession with casinos, I have plenty of friends that don't get tired of going to casinos and loosing all their weeks worth of money. But to each their own I guess, I have my own set of flaws. So after donating $40 to RCCL future ship fund, we decided to go up to the promenade to try the cafe there.

 

 

 

When my husband looses in the casino, he calls his leaving the walk of shame.:(

For those you enquiring about the menus I have a video that will most likely answer all your questions. If for some reason this video does not answer your question, just ask me and I will try to search for the answer in my pictures. The video goes a little fast so you might have to pause here and there to read what you're looking for. There was a lot of information to cover so I had to go a little fast.

Here is the link for the video.

http://youtu.be/pD2V5AT40Rs

Once at the room we talked about the show reservation we had for tonight, it was Chicago, like stated before I had zero interest on going there, but I was going to go for them. Both mom and my bf were tired and he started watching a movie. We went to the balcony and agreed that we would do it another day, we tried changing the reservations, but I guess it was too late. In any case we were not going today. We checked her email and replied to a few of them. I noticed that the number of people that replied was decreasing. I told her that they were going to get tired of a bunch of pictures of her drinking and having fun. So at that point I decided that I was going to be the one selecting the pictures to send to the family. That had a better result, I decided to send pictures of sunsets, items, food, details and only a few of us.

After having some more wine in the balcony, mom and I decided that we should go and try a real bar. I had read lots about the Viking Crown lounge and it was one place that I wanted to visit. We ended up going there several other times during our cruise. So we said goodbye to the bf and headed upstairs for a drink. He was lost in his movie and there was no force of nature that would get him out of that bed, well now that I think about it maybe a tidal wave could of done it. But I really don't think anyone would of liked the results of that.

So we got on the elevator and headed up. Let me tell you something, this is by far my favorite bar. The location is prime, the view and atmosphere are fantastic as well. I was in love with this place, the music band was singing songs like Chicago, 3 times a lady and New york. As I walked through the doors, I started singing, its like if this venue was designed for us. The second thing I did was approach the bartender and ask him for a dirty martini, then he looked at me and said it's two for one. And then I remembered he was right, it was ladies night, I guess he saw my lady side ;), no, that was not the case, mom was the lady. So who was I to refuse another drink? I ordered a cosmo, I figured she could drink some of the cosmo. She was already drinking a glass of wine, but I was sure that somehow we could manage to drink everything. You have to remember that we just put down a bottle of wine for dinner and a couple of glasses at the balcony.

The bartender made our drinks, mom paid and tipped extra. Tipping habits back in our home country are very stingy, but she has learned lots from me. The bartender was very professional and knowledgeable about martinis. He made then just the way I like them. My complement goes to him, unfortunately I did not grab his name.

We took our drinks and made our way to the chairs that would become our oasis for the rest of the cruise.

The ceiling lights were MESMERIZING.

Here is a panorama of the lounge, again I failed at doing it perfectly. I think later on I get a better one.

The view. That night the water of the pools had some movement, very cool to watch.

Even the carpet was super cool.

As I was there I managed to get pictures of the drink menu, they had a fantastic menu. Too bad I am set on my strong drinks, but I am sure some of these are amazing.

As we sat there I noticed that I did not even shave that morning, I was having so much fun that I completely forgot to shave. We also talked about the long wait to get into the MDR because the photographers hold the line, but what some people don't know is that you can just go around them and that is exactly what we did. No one said anything, so its all good, but we did pass about 10 people that were waiting for their pictures to be taken.

We only had a few pictures taken of us during the entire cruise, but I never bought one. That is why I carry my tripod with me, so I can get all my pictures just by setting the camera on timer. In most cases all the results are satisfactory, no need for professional pictures for us.

Another topic that came up was walkie takkies, I have no problem with them. But what I do however have an issue with is when parents let their children use them as toys. While waiting to be seated for dinner a little very cute girl was playing with one and interrupting a conversation that was going on between some people that were trying to find each other. The girl kept making silly noises and eventually the people decided to change channels. I am sure the other people were pretty irritated.

By the way I forgot to mention that in the MDR you can only get your meats medium rare or medium well. There was a long thread here in CC about this topic, this was never an issue for mom and I, but it was for my bf. He rarely eats red meat and when he does, he likes it extremely well over done, so he never ordered meat in the MDR, but he did in other venues, ill get into that later.

Once again I want to comment about the musicians in the crown, they were so much fun, some people even requested songs while others danced away. The place was not crowded at all, but everyone there had the right attitude, it was a great time.

After 30 minutes or so I had to go to the bathroom, once there I noticed how nice they were. And as I am sure you already know I had the camera with me, so I took a couple of pictures of the sinks. Sorry about the mess.

I think we stayed there for about an hour and then we decided to go to the sundeck, we had yet to visit it.

This sequence was taken in order going to the sundeck.

The sunDeck was very nice, we had a full moon and it was nice and windy. There was a group of people there hanging out and taking. We stayed for a few minutes, took some pictures and left.

After that we decided to go to On-Air to listen to some live Karaoke, we were pretty beat up by then, but determined to make it there.

Once there we noticed that there was not really much going on, this lady was singing a song that I never heard before. I thought it was different, but very cool. We stayed for a little and then went to the cafe. I wanted to another brownie.

Here is her video: http://youtu.be/2nQpZkRkxWA

Mom got one croissant and I got a brownie. We sat there and enjoyed end of an spectacular day at sea. May I add that this was our first ever day at sea! It could not have gone better.

After the snack we went up stairs, I put all my gadgets to charge and about 5 minutes later we were out… I slept like a baby that night.

Tomorrow I will start selecting the pictures for Labadee and try to get started with my posts. I hope everyone is still enjoy our journey and that I have not bored you by now.

Good night everyone. I will answer all the posts tomorrow after I drop off mom at the airport. She is flying back home for the holidays, I will miss her dearly. But she will be back soon.

I hope everyone is still enjoy our journey and that I have not bored you by now.

Hanging on every word...(and picture) :D

Your pictures are fantastic! I don't even like dirty martinis, but that pic made me want one!

I very much enjoyed coming home from a long day at work and reading the newest installment of your excellent review. I ope your Mother enjoys her holiday back at home. Where is home, if you don't mind me asking?

That is good for break through but if excedrin works than keep that for breakthrough. But migraines can successfully be controlled with the right meds. FYI I am a nurse practitioner so my suggestion is speak with your provider.

Yeah, well I am an RN x 18 yrs as well so I ALSO say speak with your provider....ha ha:)

Peace :)

It brought a smile to my face when I saw it. :) Now I will be looking for others from our group in the background of your pics. ;)

Who knows you might be in more, you know for some reason I think I can remember you. I will keep an eye out.

Thanks for your review, you are doing a fantastic job on a very detailed review with lots of great pictures!

 

I hate to jump ahead but I'm confused about the Allure new menu versus the menu posted from a Freedom sailing. I assume it's a LOCK that the Fisherman's plate is on the second formal night, Thursday on the Allure western. It would be handy if I could know some of the appetizers, other entrees and desserts on this night. There may be some sort of flip flop on Jasmin and Shiitake menus between the Freedom and Allure.

 

Thanks for any info.

thanks for joining, I hope that video I posted last night helped a little with your question. if not let me know. thanks for keeping up with me.

Gambee,

 

Even though I've been on many Royal ships (but not Oasis/Allure), I am just obsessed with your review. I'm not sure what I enjoy the most..... yes the pictures are incredible and very impressive, but I think your references to your bf and his quirks are classic (you better hope he doesn't read cruise critic!) However, your comments about your mom are hilarious (i.e. you knowing in advance she will steal your drink!). You are an awesome son and to be so inclusive of your mother - all of this wrapped into a package of your hilarious and sarcastic storytelling abilities have made this, in my opinion, one of the best reviews EVER to grace Cruise Critic. I don't know what you do for a living, but you might want to try being a travel writer!

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to share with all of us. I wish we could have some pictures of you, your bf, and your mom to put faces to the stories.

 

I'm going on the Independence in January out of FLL and will wave to you if you are still there watching the ships sail away on Saturdays....

 

p.s. time to join the ranks of seasoned cruisers and put a pair of sweatpants in the suitcase for when the waistband doesn't quite make it!

 

Donna

Thank you very much for your comment, posts like this are the ones that really make me want to push to enter a career related to photography and traveling. I am really happy that you're enjoying my review that much. I will try to keep the good work.

:)

Hi to your mom, (since she's reading these). She did an awesome job on the flowrider photos! Go mom! Loving your review. I hate when it ends, I just want it to continue. This has to be one, if not the BEST reviews I've ever seen on cruise critic. You are doing an awesome job and covering a little of everything for everyone's tastes. THANK YOU!

You're welcome, mom says hi back and thank you for the compliment. She said that now she can go work for RCCL as a photographer, lol. :rolleyes:

Gambee, thanks for the info. I didn't notice that.

No problem.

HI MOM!

 

Great job on the flow rider pictures...

I won't laugh at the rest of the flow rider ummm issues but the suit pictures are hilarious... One should never cruise without at least one pair of "fat pants".

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lol, no worries laugh at everything, I know I did. It was one very happy day.

HI MOM!!!

 

Great review and I love the bold print. My husband and I sail on her Feb 24 and we cant wait. On a side note, it sounds like u get a lot of migraines. Your headache medicine will actually produce headaches if you take it too often. If my patients have migraines more than 2-3 times a month. I have them keep a diary to see if weather, food, cheese, WINE etc is a trigger. I often start them on a little inderal (blood pressure med) it will help reset the headache clock. I keep them on it for a year and then I see if we can stop it. Usually that takes care of it. I dont know if your provider has tried these, if not it might be worth a discussion.

 

Becky

The thing with my migraines, well I am almost sure what is causing them. And lets say that its hard to control, but I will surely mention it to my doc and see what he thinks.

The good thing is that I did not get any more during the trip. :)

I laughed they were funny :))

Me too. Every time I look at then, I giggle.

How about 10mg of Maxalt for Migraines? Love that stuff and it works every time; doesn't make you feel weird, groggy, etc. Its super easy on your gut, too :)

 

Gotta ask a doc for it of course but I highly recommend that med.

Thanks I will look into it.

What a great trip report and review, thanks for taking the time to post and add such thoughtful details. There is really something for everyone here. I am so torn between trying one of the biggies for our next cruise or staying with a 'smaller' size ship. The more compact layout of the smaller ships is just so convenient for me.

 

The beef sandwiches from Day 1 look like they were trying to be Beef on Weck sandwiches, a Western NY thing. Should have had a pickle spear on the side, horseradish sauce on the beef, and the top bun should have been dipped in hot au jus. Then it would have been a great sandwich:cool:

 

PS- HI MOM! Your son is doing a great job!

You should try it at least once, just to see what its about. The beef sandwiches were very tasty, to bad we only had one.

DH and I were on the Allure last summer and your awesome review really makes me feel like I'm back on the ship! Great job!

I am glad I am helping take a second vacation for free. I am reliving my all over again and its great.

When my husband looses in the casino, he calls his leaving the walk of shame.:(

lol

Hanging on every word...(and picture) :D

:)

Your pictures are fantastic! I don't even like dirty martinis, but that pic made me want one!

For me it was an acquired taste, I used to hate them.