Not so "LIVE" Allure of the Seas Review with PIX!

[Buffett fan]

Very well stated QT!

 

Great questions - but my answers are subjective, and YMMV (your mileage may vary). :)

 

The smoking throughout the ship was minimal. Of course, it was always heavy in/near the casino, even when it was closed. The bars too - definitely had a lingering odor. I don't smoke and can smell it from afar. I don't like it and avoid it about 99% of the time. I will, however, go to the pub and sit towards the Promenade - I do enjoy the entertainment there and don't like to miss out. (And, I believe smoking was only allowed at/around the bar in that venue - at least we never saw anyone smoking elsewhere.) Could Allure do a better job for non-smokers? Yes, but it did not ruin my experience in any way - besides, I'm booked again! :) In comparison, Freedom of the Seas was a very non-smoker friendly ship. They really limited the number of venues for smokers. I loved that. Now, for the smokers out there, this is NOT an attack on you - just an expression of my preferences and opinion. For everyone, leave the debate for another thread - there are plenty of them out there. ;) Let's move on...

 

I Hope this helps with your questions.

[shipshape sam]

I've enjoyed many of your post and with a trip on Allure coming up, I've looked forward to your report. So far, I'm just starting this thread, but I love the pictures leading into port everglades. There is nothing like that excitement of embarkation day and finally seeing that ship from a distance after months of waiting. Looking forward to the rest.

 

 

SO true!!! :)

[shipshape sam]

Great questions - but my answers are subjective, and YMMV (your mileage may vary).

 

I have to start by saying that I had wonderful cruises on both Allure and Freedom. Although they are very different (decor, size, age, etc.), there is a familiarity that they share, I think, due to the overall layout. No, Freedom doesn't have a Central Park or a Boardwalk, but it does have a Royal Promenade, pool deck/H2O Zone/Flowrider, and general layout as Allure. Honestly, I felt very comfortable on Allure from the get-go. All the extras were icing on the cake. (and, as familiar as Allure was, there were many surprises, and a LOT of things to gawk at!)

 

For us, we probably wouldn't book on Oasis/Allure for the two of us unless there was a great price. We are perfectly happy on a "smaller" ship and can't wait to try the Radiance Class. However, I am THRILLED that we'll be sailing on her again this coming February - we're bringing our kids and other family members. I cannot WAIT to share this ship with them!!! We'll be on Liberty (Freedom's sister) a year from now - it will be even more telling how we feel after that cruise! Will we be able to go back to a smaller/older ship after 2 Allure cruises? I think so, but I'll post my thoughts next year.

 

The smoking throughout the ship was minimal. Of course, it was always heavy in/near the casino, even when it was closed. The bars too - definitely had a lingering odor. I don't smoke and can smell it from afar. I don't like it and avoid it about 99% of the time. I will, however, go to the pub and sit towards the Promenade - I do enjoy the entertainment there and don't like to miss out. (And, I believe smoking was only allowed at/around the bar in that venue - at least we never saw anyone smoking elsewhere.) Could Allure do a better job for non-smokers? Yes, but it did not ruin my experience in any way - besides, I'm booked again! In comparison, Freedom of the Seas was a very non-smoker friendly ship. They really limited the number of venues for smokers. I loved that. Now, for the smokers out there, this is NOT an attack on you - just an expression of my preferences and opinion. For everyone, leave the debate for another thread - there are plenty of them out there. Let's move on...

 

I am not Diamond and won't be for quite a while. I am, however, taking up a collection on Paypal for anyone who would like to contribute to QT's Cruise Fund so I may attain this status. Thank you in advance.

 

Hope this helps with your questions.

 

 

 

Loved your review/pictures of Allure of the Seas!

 

We sailed on her last December and want to sail on her again.

 

Our first cruise was on Sovereign of the Seas with 3 other couples. We liked it so much, we took our 2 kids with one of the other couples from previous year and their 2 kids on same ship one year later (March timeframe). It was a differnent cruise...still GREAT. :)

 

We ate at all the speciality restaurants on Allure including Samba's which was our favorite. We did not 'pig' out, but did enjoy a second helping of the lamb chops. :) Second favorite was Chef's Table. Lots of wine flowed with the meal.

 

Looking forward to your review after your February cruise with the whole family! :)

[QTMichele]

Loved your review/pictures of Allure of the Seas!

 

We sailed on her last December and want to sail on her again.

 

Our first cruise was on Sovereign of the Seas with 3 other couples. We liked it so much, we took our 2 kids with one of the other couples from previous year and their 2 kids on same ship one year later (March timeframe). It was a differnent cruise...still GREAT. :)

 

We ate at all the speciality restaurants on Allure including Samba's which was our favorite. We did not 'pig' out, but did enjoy a second helping of the lamb chops. :) Second favorite was Chef's Table. Lots of wine flowed with the meal.

 

Looking forward to your review after your February cruise with the whole family! :)

 

Thanks! It's great that you included your dining experience too - looking forward to making my reservations once they open up. :)

 

This upcoming Allure cruise should be very different. The biggest difference is that my husband will be cruising with his children for the first time. I am excited to feel how different the two experiences are (family versus intimate cruise). I'll let everyone know!

[cruisemama1]

After getting tons of pictures around the ship, I was feeling a little guilty about being away from Jason for so long (well, not really, but it sounds romantic, doesn't it?). I found him at the upper pool deck, just above the Beach Pool. This is a great spot for ocean viewing, but I was feeling restless and wanted a "pool view." Off to the Beach Pool I went. I found front row seating, and was able to put my toes in the water. It was great! The umbrellas are not only great for finding a bit of shade, but they add to the ambiance of the pool. The water was incredibly warm too - just perfect!

 

Because we wanted to experience the Solarium without the crowds, we went to find a place to relax and read (I was reading Ken Follet's Fall of Giants, in case you're interested). The Solarium was very quiet, and we found some loungers on the upper level. It didn't take long for us to feel the HEAT of the Solarium on a port day. It was HOT. Of course, this was cause for a quick jump in the pool! It was cooler than the Beach Pool, but it was very refreshing.

 

We enjoyed the upper level of the Solarium

 

You could also find us in the "front row loungers" - the view was wonderful!

 

 

I was still feeling restless, and really needed to get out of the heat of the Solarium, so we made our way to the cantilevered HOT TUBS! Definitely WARM in there too!

 

Finally, we decided we just wanted to find a table to sit at in the shade and order a couple of drinks. We found a great table right next to the pool bar (can't remember the correct name, but it was between the beach pool and the H2O zone), and GUESS WHAT WE FOUND?!!!

 

THIS!!!!

 

I had read about the cooler on Cruise Critic, but I had also read that it was hit or miss. Maybe it's on all the ships on a regular basis now, but I didn't know, and I was THRILLED to find one.

 

Here's the deal: the cooler is FREE!!! Here's the catch: you have to buy 8 beers. On your next purchase, you get one free beer for every 7 you buy. Here's a better deal - buy a bucket of beer which is buy 5 get 1 free, then put them in your cooler.

 

 

And, just so you know, I don't drink beer, but managed to find a little tequila so I didn't feel left out.

 

Our Aqua Theater show, Ocean Aria, was rescheduled for 5 o'clock tonight. We left our little table by the bar at 4:30 so we could get good seats at the show. We brought our new cooler with us too.

 

Here's a tip - arrive EARLY for Ocean Aria. We arrived with 25 minute to spare and found MANY people already there. Our seats were off center, but fine, until 5 minutes before the start of the show when a man about 6'5" sat directly in front of me. Seriously?! My view was obstructed, and I was distracted, but, I really enjoyed the show!

 

 

Wonderful pictures. This gets me so excited. Thank you!

[QTMichele]

Wonderful pictures. This gets me so excited. Thank you!

 

You and me both! I'll be back on in 54 days!!! WOO HOO!!! :)

 

Thanks for your compliments. :D

[Snorkel Dawg]

Oh, Yeah!

 

 

 

QT-Only 101 days until I buy myself one of those "kool"-ers on Allure!

Thanks for reminding me :D

[Buffett fan]

60 days for me....I'll pass you when I'm getting on the Allure :)

[Snorkel Dawg]

Hey there Buffett!

 

I just heard Jimmy's Hawaiian Christmas song...oh it's such a good one!

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidaze Buffet :)

Jingle Dawg

[Buffett fan]

I love his Christmas album!! It's always a mandatory CD during the holidays :D

 

Have a GREAT Christmas!

[QTMichele]

Oh, Yeah!

 

 

 

QT-Only 101 days until I buy myself one of those "kool"-ers on Allure!

Thanks for reminding me :D

 

How exciting!!!!! You'll be there before you know it!

[QTMichele]

60 days for me....I'll pass you when I'm getting on the Allure :)

 

Oh no! You should go a week early. ;)

[Buffett fan]

Oh no! You should go a week early. ;)

 

I wish I could do a back to back! I know one week will not be long enough to see everything. Plus, I'm sure you'd be a fun cruise mate!

[QTMichele]

I wish I could do a back to back! I know one week will not be long enough to see everything. Plus, I'm sure you'd be a fun cruise mate!

 

That's why we're going back! Gotta see more, do more, and cruise more! A week was definitely not long enough, but we were able to do and see quite a bit. I'm just very excited to share this ship with my kids, parents, and extended family in 52 more days. The looks on their faces will be well worth the wait. :)

 

Have a great cruise! Maybe we'll end up on the same ship someday. Love meeting fellow CC'ers. :)

[Buffett fan]

That's why we're going back! Gotta see more, do more, and cruise more! A week was definitely not long enough, but we were able to do and see quite a bit. I'm just very excited to share this ship with my kids, parents, and extended family in 52 more days. The looks on their faces will be well worth the wait. :)

 

Have a great cruise! Maybe we'll end up on the same ship someday. Love meeting fellow CC'ers. :)

 

I think that would be awesome - a cruise where all of us could finally meet each other in person. I think we'd have a blast, and what fun we could have!! :D

[QTMichele]

I think that would be awesome - a cruise where all of us could finally meet each other in person. I think we'd have a blast, and what fun we could have!! :D

 

Definitely! I've really enjoyed meeting the CC people I've met at the Meet and Mingles, but I'd really love it if there was one big cruise with all of us there. ;)

[Phillies14]

Sunday, March 20, 2011

 

The first view of the Allure was limited, but quite impressive regardless. I couldn't wait to get on that ship!

 

The shuttle dropped us off at 11:26AM. We dropped our bags off with the porters and proceeded into Terminal 18. Through security, check in, and across the gangway we went. Time? 11:36AM - TEN MINUTES FLAT! WOW!!!!! Such a great experience from the friendly staff to the efficient use of my time. ;)

 

We entered the Royal Promenade. This was such a familiar start to our cruise. It wouldn't be long before the famliar became new. And new again. And again. There are just so many extras that RCI has put in place on the Allure. Funny how this ship could feel so familiar and strange at the same time - in a very good way.

 

We started a mini-tour as we made our way to Central Park for lunch, but didn't get far. Instead, we took an elevator (what?! I thought we were taking the stairs this week in the interest of keeping our weight down?! Oh well, we're on vacation!) to the Windjammer. Our bellies were calling and the tour would wait until after lunch.

 

The elevator floor thoughtfully reminding us of the day of the week. It was very nice for the first day or two, then it was just plain rude by the end of the week.

 

 

My first meal on the Allure of the Seas

 

I've gotta tell you that my goal was to eat somewhat healthy (I caved by mid-week). If I would've known how good that apple pie-like dessert tasted, I would've caved on the first day. OMG - it was so good!!! I'm really not used to RCI making good desserts! The rest of my meal was decent too. No complaints from me, but, if you've read my other reviews, you'll know I hate to cook and rarely complain about food when others prepare it for me. Even buffet food.

 

A few notes about the Windjammer. The layout is different - there are two entrances, one on the port side and one on the starboard side. Both entrances lead straight to the buffet (mirror images of each other). We found seating along the sides and the back of the WJ. Although it feels smaller than on the Voyager and Freedom classes, we never had a problem finding a seat for the two of us. Personally, I like the setup better on the other ships - it just felt smaller and more cramped on the Allure. Not a big issue, just my observation.

 

As for selection, I was not impressed. Sure, there is plenty to choose from, but I think they've narrowed down the options, perhaps because there are so many other places to eat? Regardless, I expected just a little more from the Windjammer. The food was always warm and tasted at least good enough, but I wish there were just a few more options on the buffet. One example, there was syrup and butter next to the pancakes and waffles. I was looking forward to strawberries and whipped cream on my carb-induced-coma breakfast food - something I never eat at home, but they were no where to be found until later in the week. Maybe I just got there too late?

 

Another thought about the WJ, there were always plenty of staff walking around to clear the tables; however, they were not as helpful as the staff on the Freedom. The Freedom staff bent over backwards to get me a refill, give me a straw, etc. to the point of ad naseum. It was amazing service, and so unexpected, but very appreciated, from a buffet. This was not the case on the Allure. It was a pleasant environment with good service, just different than Freedom. Oh, and no table clothes for dinner.

Just a note...have done Oasis three times so far and soon to be four times on Allure...they always have the whipped cream and strawberries and or cherries in the WJ., but for some reason early in the week you can only find these on one side or the other....K.O. Near Philly;)

[Phillies14]

PS to all: PLEASE forgive my typos!!! They drive me crazy, and now I can't go back and correct them. Just a little OCD I have, but maybe a CocoLoco will relax me enough so I don't care... ;)

Great review, great pics, enjoyed browsing through! Glad you enjoyed Allure as much as I have, she truly is a wonderful ship, with a fabulous crew....K.O. Near Philly:):)

[DarthGrady]

I remember following along with this thread when you first started it, and I could have sworn that I posted in it. Apparently I didn't, so let me give you a big (if somewhat belated) thank you QTMichele! This is an outstanding review with excellent pics! Makes me wish I was back on Allure, she really is such an awesome ship!

[QTMichele]

Just a note...have done Oasis three times so far and soon to be four times on Allure...they always have the whipped cream and strawberries and or cherries in the WJ., but for some reason early in the week you can only find these on one side or the other....K.O. Near Philly;)

 

I wish that were the case, but they were no where to be found. It could've been the late breakfasts I had, or maybe they were out of stock? Or, maybe they were very well hidden and I'm mistaken? Lol either way, I look forward to hunting them down again in 44 days.

 

BTW, seems like you enjoy the Oasis class. Do you have a favorite ship in this class? Favorite ship/line in general?

[QTMichele]

Great review, great pics, enjoyed browsing through! Glad you enjoyed Allure as much as I have, she truly is a wonderful ship, with a fabulous crew....K.O. Near Philly:):)

 

Thanks for "browsing"! So glad you took the time to comment. :)

[QTMichele]

I remember following along with this thread when you first started it, and I could have sworn that I posted in it. Apparently I didn't, so let me give you a big (if somewhat belated) thank you QTMichele! This is an outstanding review with excellent pics! Makes me wish I was back on Allure, she really is such an awesome ship!

 

Thanks so much (again?!!), Grady! You should know I'm a fan of your reviews which makes your compliments that much sweeter. :)

 

I do believe you made a previous comment, but I have no clue where or what you said. ;) thanks for coming back!

[fi'fi]

love it! :D

 

Ok. This one is funny.

Thx for sharing the pics. And review.

[QTMichele]

Ok. This one is funny.

Thx for sharing the pics. And review.

 

The picture you liked didn't come through so I'm not sure which one you liked, but THANKS! :D And, thanks for reading. My review is from this past March, but I love when it gets revived, especially since I have 42 days left until my next Allure cruise. Can't wait!

 

Thanks again for reading and commenting, everyone!

[Snorkel Dawg]

Michele- Wondering did you take your Ipod with on your Allure cruise & if so how did the in cabin docking station sound? Kinda nice that we won't have to take our lil speakers this trip :)