LIVE from the Allure Dec 1st Labadee Sailing

[Rstamper]

Thanks a million Mel, could you get photos of the dinner menus in the MDR,I wonder if they are using the same menu from the Freedom of the Seas 7 night just got off and would love to know

 

I would also love to see the MDR menus. Thanks. OP - thanks for the review. I can't wait to board the Allure in 7 weeks!

[Cruzntime]

That is why this area is called "Central Park";) When in NYC and in Central Park, do you feel you are at sea:confused: If you always want to see the sea there are many areas on the ship that one can:)

 

Wow Baja, did you read the OP opening statement? I'm sure with the amount of postings you've made you have bound to have read some too. Therefore I'm sure you know the Radiance class is known for connecting it's pax to the ocean. The OP is comparing Oasis class to the Radiance class and you don't have to be a business major to see the Oasis class definitely wants it's pax looking inward toward revenue versus being connected with the sea which generates no on board expense such as Rita's, Cupcake, Starbucks, etc.. I think the OP's remarks are well represented and understood by most.

 

We did a B2B on Oasis last year in a JS, then another week in May in a D1. Granted an outside stateroom with a balcony is much smaller than a JS or a GS, so why would you be surprised??? The OP may have been surprised because, as stated, they had E category cabins and the D category was small in comparison to previous cruise experiences. Without research, reasoning would give to logic of bigger ship equals bigger rooms. Considering a D category is only 12 sq. ft. bigger than an inside cabin on a Voyager/Freedom class, there is very much reason to be surprised. Will be doing a B2B on Allure last week of February and first week of march in a D1 and know that I will have no problem with "space" in the stateroom whatsoever. And am a bit of a clothshound myself. Your luggage fits under your bed and while the closet space isn't a walk in closet it is sufficient. Check the website and you will see the square footage in the stateroom's are very close. Actually your balconey on Allure is larger, your stateroom is a bit smaller. So as far as your comment of you would hate to think what you would do if you were here longer, I don't get it????????

Checking the room sizes shows that a D1 on the Oasis class is ~17% less than a previous class. The drawers in the desk and the compartments next to the mirror has been reduced by 50%. I see how space can be an issue.

 

I have to agree here....I do very much respect reviews and opinions and appreciate that everyone has a different perspective of things:) but in all honesty....if you wanted a bigger cabin why didn't you book one. Cost, availability, D1 being sufficient on prior cruises, whatever... The point of the OP is comparatively speaking so I'm not sure why you felt the need to question the OP's comparative statement. It's no surprise that the "standard" cabins on Oasis/Allure are a bit smaller than Freedom class...it's been posted here plenty. The OP has 1200 post so although you may have seen it posted here plenty the OP may have not and may have been going off of past experience. I think the issue is that you have very much become accustomed to larger cabin space of JR's and suites. Perhaps but the OP did state they have had E and D cabins as well. Once again I believe the OP is speaking comparatively as mentioned it the opening statement. Also I must go back to the comment on comparing Central Park to sitting in the Royal promenade on Freedom class....that just is like comparing apples to oranges....they don't even come close. Once again I think you have misconstrued the OP's intention. My take is that the OP is saying these areas provide the same feeling they felt on the Freedom class and that is they disconnect you from the sea - which connection to the sea is what they feel when on board the Radiance class. If you want, compare the Royal Promanade on Allure to that on Freedom but not try to compare Central Park to the Royal Promenade. Central Park is a gorgeous outside treed garden area ....it has no indoor feel at all.....and seriously....after 30 minutes eating a sandwich you miss the ocean. Let me ask you....do you see the ocean at night while you are eating in the main dining room on any ship:confused: ....I don't think so. I just find it amazing that in a gorgeous area like Central Park the only thing you came away with is that you felt like you missed the ocean and were in a suburban mall. My intent is not to try to trash your review... I just find it a bit :confused:

I'm sure you are not intentionally trying to trash the OP's review but I do detect a hint of bias.

 

My comments are not to trash your comments or to discourage comment but rather to point out that bias may be impeding the ability to see the OP's intent.

[Pumbaamd]

Book from home and bring the list with you!!!!!:cool:

We, with our friends, booked dinners and shows "from home". We all have copies of the lists. Leave tomorrow for Allure's first seven day. Hoping to have as much fun as we did on Oasis, this time last year.

Rick and Deirdra

[bajathree]

Wow Baja, did you read the OP opening statement? I'm sure with the amount of postings you've made you have bound to have read some too. Therefore I'm sure you know the Radiance class is known for connecting it's pax to the ocean. The OP is comparing Oasis class to the Radiance class and you don't have to be a business major to see the Oasis class definitely wants it's pax looking inward toward revenue versus being connected with the sea which generates no on board expense such as Rita's, Cupcake, Starbucks, etc.. I think the OP's remarks are well represented and understood by most.

 

Checking the room sizes shows that a D1 on the Oasis class is ~17% less than a previous class. The drawers in the desk and the compartments next to the mirror has been reduced by 50%. I see how space can be an issue.

 

I'm sure you are not intentionally trying to trash the OP's review but I do detect a hint of bias.

 

My comments are not to trash your comments or to discourage comment but rather to point out that bias may be impeding the ability to see the OP's intent.

 

 

It seems to me that possibly the OP may have stepped onto Allure with some bias;) The first revenue sailing is bound to have a bit of issue, that is to be expected....but, first post complaining away of lack of toiletries....then room size....then we usually sail in a JS or GS....and don't forget we are D+ ......This is such a beautiful ship and to find the bad in something and start listing it before even recognizing the good I do think says a bit of something.......I do hope they enjoy their sailing:)

[melbur]

Day 3 – Labadee

We have been to Labadee many times so we are opting to stay on board. DH booked a massage and I am going to wander around.

Tonight’s show is Chicago.

The Rising Tide Bar was out of commission already today but they got it working later in the today so checked it out. Very nice venue for a quiet drink.

The Concierge Club sent a notice that they were using Dazzles as an overflow lounge – every evening we went into the Club it was packed – so we went there today. What a great spot with live music, dance floor, (and many were dancing) and two tiered with a great view over the Boardwalk. The Diamond Lounge also sent a notice around requesting that 1st seating passengers please restrict the use from 5 – 6:30pm and 2nd seating 7 – 8:30pm. As you can imagine the ship is full of D and D+ so they are handling the volume smartly IMHO.

We popped in to the Casino for a while and were glad to see it is set up as 50/50 – half smoking and half non.

The show Chicago was very good. Again we felt rushed from the MDR to get there in time for the 10:30 show. If you don’t arrive a min of 20 min early you really don’t have a great selection of seats. There are lots of people waiting by the Theatre for no-shows so if you don’t get there in time, your spot is given away to those waiting to get in.

Also for anyone concerned about being overwhelmed by Dreamworks characters, fear not. They announce in the Compass where and when they will be around. We have yet to see a single one as we chose not to go to these functions.

[melbur]

Photo Gallery – the facial recognition concept is amazing. We went to look for our photos last night, and there they were, all neatly filed in our Seapass specific binder. They do have an open area of photos too, I guess if the computer didn’t pick up the recognition.

In reply to some comments . . .

I think I mentioned we have been in all types of cabins in all types of ships – my surprise was with the lack of storage space compared to say a E1 or 2. I really don’t think I am the first to notice this in this class of ship. And complaining about the lack of toiletries – I don’t know, I like to have soap to wash my hands when I use the bathroom! This was more a comment regarding our

cabin steward – really nice young lad but struggling with the job, trying to get the hang of it. This must be a huge learning curve for many of them.He “lost” the coupon books so we had to go to the LA to get them, no biggie.

Booking shows - in the case of Blue Planet for instance, there were only 2 shows for this sailing – so I can clearly see how many couldn’t get reservations. Chicago only has 3 shows. I don’t know how many people the Amber Theatre seats but 3 shows would not cover the number of passengers on board. They cancelled the OceanAria show for Thurs and slotted us in for tonight instead.

Same applies to restaurant reservations – especially when you are talking only 4 nights. I guess my point was if you have your heart set on seeing a particular show or dining in a particular restaurant, pre-booking is the smart thing to do so you are not left disappointed.

The MDR menus seem to be the usual – last night was lobster and prime rib, the Captains Welcome Dinner beef filet, shrimp cocktail etc.

I do have some pics of Giovanni’s menu and Rita’s Cantina.

And a pic of the Godmother (ignore the white line, light reflection

or poor photographer!)

[steamboats]

Melanie,

 

The Amber Theater is seating

 

1,380 Main

434 Upper Orchestra

347 Balcony

 

As I don´t think they are sailing at full capacity but roughly with a maximum of 4,500 passengers 2 to 3 shows do cover all passengers.

 

steamboats

[Cruising89143]

On my two upcoming cruises next month, they are only offering Chicago and Blue Planet for a total of three times each during both sailings. This is the same amount of shows offered this year on both of my Oasis sailings and it worked out fine. Not everyone on board goes to all of the shows.

[Kimmie36]

Thanks a million Mel and I like to wash my hands with soap too :D I wish that RCCL pay a bit more attention to the quality of food in the MDR and the menu selection at lunch in the MDR is the same everyday I guess that's where the specialty places come into play.Did you try Sambas

[denamo]

Thank you so much for posting so many pictures around the ship. Loved seeing the one they have of the godmother. I still am smiling about that one. I think it is interesting that RCCL went that direction, but it will not impact my cruise experience at all.

 

Thanks also for your review comments. Sounds like we will have a wonderful time!

[Cruising89143]

Does anyone have a larger photo of Rita's menu??

[steamboats]

Rita´s Cantina menu:

 

Soups and Salads:

 

Classic Taco Salad

Roasted Chicken-Tomatillo Broth

Iced Mint-Scented Watermelon-Tomato Bisque

Sopa Azteca

 

Smaller Plates:

 

Starter Taco Salad

Fiesta Guacamole

Party Nachos

Shrimp Ceviche Tostada

Grilled Quesadilla

Crisp-Fried Flour Tortilla Fiautas

Grilled Green Asparagus

Chrispy Corn Tortilla Cigars

Crackling Popcorn Shrimp and Zucchini

 

Larger Plates:

 

Ancho Chile Relleno

Grilled Chicken "Chichen-Itza"

Achiote-Pork Roast and Jalapeno Cheese Chimichanga

Grilled Salmon, Chayote Squash and Jalapeno Cheese-Filled Burritos

Seared Red Snapper

Chile con Carne and Jack Cheese Enchiladas

Fajitas for Two

 

Desserts:

 

Puff Pastry Cinnamon Sopaipillas

Banana Enchiladas

Mexican Flan

 

Kids:

 

Cheese Quesadilla

Nachos with Cheese Sauce

 

 

And there´s a cocktail menu too.

 

steamboats

[RenieRaider]

Mel~ Good job! Thanks for taking the time out of your short cruise to post.

How was the weather while in Labadee?

 

What about "Blaze" IF there is a Blaze. Was there a D/D+ event each night like on the OAS?

 

Did you get to the Comedy Show yet!? Who was the headliner? Did you hear?

 

Enjoy your last evening onboard the LARGEST (even just a tiny bit) Cruise Ship in the World!

[Cruising89143]

Rita´s Cantina menu:

 

 

 

Thanks.:)

[geoherb]

Thanks for posting your live thread. My brother and his wife are sailing on this cruise. They're probably some of the ones you saw dancing.

[HideoutII]

Does anyone know the e-mail address for the Allure concierge or loyalty ambassador? I need to contact one of them on the ship as soon as possible.

 

Thank you.

[melbur]

Day 4 at sea

The weather has changed, cooler now that we are on our way back to FLL. Today there was a get together for Plat, D and D+ in the Boardwalk area and it was so packed you could hardly move. Champagne was offered and presentations were made to the 4 highest cruise credits.

Later in the morning, the Dreamworks parade was in the Royal

Promenade. It was hard to get a good spot for pictures but it was fabulous. What a show.

Our evening reservations were for OceanAria and it was spectacular. Entertainment has been top notch and the MDR food along with the Windjammer has been excellent.

TBC

[brensr41]

thank you so much for the review i really enjoyed it now i am even more excited about my upcoming trip on the allure

[koterry]

Day 4 at sea

 

The weather has changed, cooler now that we are on our way back to FLL. Today there was a get together for Plat, D and D+ in the Boardwalk area and it was so packed you could hardly move. Champagne was offered and presentations were made to the 4 highest cruise credits.

Later in the morning, the Dreamworks parade was in the Royal

Promenade. It was hard to get a good spot for pictures but it was fabulous. What a show.

Our evening reservations were for OceanAria and it was spectacular. Entertainment has been top notch and the MDR food along with the Windjammer has been excellent.

 

TBC

Doing a B2B end of Feb. beginning of March. Thrilled to hear the onboard entertainment is so very "wow". Can't wait!

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

That Santa Picture is ADORABLE!!!!! Thanks for catching that on film!

 

The towels.... because Diamond or Inagural Sailing? Do you know if EVERTYONE got them?

 

Have fun! Rain? No biggie....... just keep exploring that ship! :-D

 

I believe all Crown and Anchor received the towels. My son and his wife are gold level and they got the towels. It is even possible that ALL guests were given the towels.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

Gee thanks. :rolleyes:

 

I would be very interested to know if there were any slots held back for suite guests particularly for dinner. If you wouldn't mind asking Maritza, that would be great. We don't want to book ahead because we have so much OBC, we (I?) want it to go towards specialty restaurants instead of earrings for my wife or some such stuff.

 

Thanks for the info, guys.

 

I can tell you this... some of the venues such as the Aqua Theater and the Amber Theater have seating set aside for suites. The sign clearly says "Seating Reserved for Those Holdiing Gold Sea Passes".

 

All the shows are free and you do not need to use OBC to see any show. As for restaurants, my advice would be to book the ones you want to try as fast as you can. I wouldn't wait until you are on board, because you might not get in or you might not be able to eat at the time you prefer.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

I found the Board Walk to be a fabulous venue for the Plat/Diam./Diam Plus meet and greet. I didn't know it, but they have big doors that can close off the entire Board Walk. There was champagne, mimosas and bloody marys offered to drink...too early in the morning for me. WE got to ride on the carrousel.

 

One of the cruisers who received an award for "most frequent cruiser" was the incomparable "Super Mario'. We had just sailed on Liberty of the Seas with him in September and met him briefly.

[melbur]

Further comments . . .

The over all cruise experience was wonderful and the innovations and technology amazing. Everyone should try this class of ship at least once for the experience.

Spme pics below show the interactive kiosks where you can review your account, print boarding passes, and check on your reservations. You could never get lost with all the info kiosks onboard, showing where you are and where you would like to go. You don't feel motion at all, you hardly know you are on a ship.

[melbur]

Mel~ Good job! Thanks for taking the time out of your short cruise to post.

How was the weather while in Labadee? Labadee was HOT! Sunny, but did cloud over slightly later in the aft.

 

What about "Blaze" IF there is a Blaze. Was there a D/D+ event each night like on the OAS? Not aware of anything in Blaze, they used Dazzles as the overflow Concierge Club, which was a great alternate venue.

 

Did you get to the Comedy Show yet!? Who was the headliner? Did you hear? Not the Comedy Club, it was full for all shows, but the Headliner show was Tribute, to Tempations, which was great.

 

Enjoy your last evening onboard the LARGEST (even just a tiny bit) Cruise Ship in the World!

We sure did!

[melbur]

Thanks a million Mel, could you get photos of the dinner menus in the MDR,I wonder if they are using the same menu from the Freedom of the Seas 7 night just got off and would love to know

 

Here are just a few I got - they are pretty standard