Allure Trip Journal with Pics - June 5-12/11 (Solo!)

[Newbcruiser1]

The Meet and Mingle was at 10:15 in Dazzles on deck 8, although it didn’t start until 10:30 because of the number of latecomers. Everyone got a mini notepad and pen on a lanyard. I met some nice people who I talked to, had a cookie (they served cookies, cheese and crackers, fruit, coffee, and juice), and then they did the draw for the prizes. I won a “Worlds Sexiest Man” towel which was quite amusing, although someone else was nice enough to trade their prize, a travel mug and keychain with me (thanks again!!!)

The Move it Move it parade was shortly after, at 11:30am in the Royal Promenade and I opted to watch from deck 6 in the photo gallery - it was nice to have an overhead view and the parade was great - even better than the one on the Liberty in February!

[Newbcruiser1]

I went to the Solarium afterwards and had no trouble finding a comfy cushioned chair in the shade despite the fact it was noon. I read for a while, and then had lunch in the solarium buffet. I had a mini salmon crepe wrap, some salmon, a taste of chicken with black bean and papaya salsa, grilled veggies, and gazpacho from the “make your own” station (with green peppers, onions, olives, and chopped tomatoes ). It was all delicious and it was nice to have a healthier meal. Of course even healthy meals need dessert so I got a frozen yogurt cone by the kids' pool. They had chocolate and vanilla on one side, and strawberry and vanilla on the other.

 

[Journey11]

Great review! Great pictures! Thank you. We are considering the Allure for May 2012. We were on the Oasis in 2010 and loved it.

[Newbcruiser1]

Next was the Worlds Sexiest Man competition in the aqua theatre. It was so nice to have it here with seats versus at the pool on the other ships. It was very entertaining.

First, Alex showed off his sexy side:

Can you guess who won?

Okay okay, I'll tell you! It was the man allllll the way on the right side.

Then I went to the Flash Mob dance class in the Royal Promenade, but I got lost after about 4 songs with all of the steps so I took some pictures and left. I’ll leave the dancing to the experts and video-tape the Mob on Saturday instead!

Next I went back to the Boardwalk and watched the divers practicing in the aqua theatre and had a balloon hat made.

This crazy guy is about to dive off the 62' platform on a moving ship!

My balloon hat in the making:

 

[Newbcruiser1]

What balloon hat experience would be complete without a cupcake though? So off I went to buy a Rocky Road cupcake which I ate on my balcony while sending some emails.

 

I had dinner at Samba Grill with my new Cruise Critic friends.

It was surprisingly empty in the restaurant at 9pm considering they wouldn't book us the 8:00 time slot on the phone as it was only available for onboard booking!

 

[Newbcruiser1]

The meal started with a buffet of appetizers including grilled vegetables, various types of tapenades (mushroom, artichoke, olive, and roasted red pepper), a cold seafood buffet, salad bar, etc.

 

 

We were also served a basket of cheesy garlic bread bites which were delicious. When we were ready for the meat, we changed our table light to green, and the skewers started arriving. Some of the meats included flank steak, filet mignon, chicken wrapped in bacon, beef rib, pork, etc. We were given 3 kinds of dips/seasonings on the table and each meat had a recommended sauce. They also served a basket of French fries and fried plantains, and some corn and roasted tomatoes.

 

There were 3 different desserts to choose from, and after sampling all 3, the passionfruit mousse was by far the best.

 

 

 

The samba dancer was great, as were her costumes, and we enjoyed the experience. Some of the meats were better than others (I enjoyed the filet mignon, although salty, the lamb, and the bacon-wrapped chicken), and some were not very good (the beef rib and flank steak). Overall I would recommend it for the experience, but if you’re looking for top quality meat, stick with Chops instead.

 

After dinner was the adult comedy show. There were 2 comedians, Kivi Rogers and Steve Smith, who of which I saw in February on the Liberty and much of his routine was the same this time around, however still enjoyable. It’s nice seeing this show in a smaller venue as well. Comedy Live had a cool ceiling too!

 

 

I went back to my room shortly after and found a towel animal, however no pillow chocolates. So night 1 came with chocolates, and night 2 had a towel animal - why not both? Oh well! Here is my blind elephant friend!

 

[betmust]

Thank you so much for posting. I am so enjoying reading and looking at your pictures-which ae beautiful. I am looking to book the Allure in the spring and am getting so excited reading this.

Can't wait for the rest....

[RCCLgal]

Hi Newbcruiser,

 

I love your review so far.

 

I am sailing solo on the Allure next week. Any last minute advice or tips for cruising alone? I have been on the Allure before and am hoping to do the things I missed the first time around.

[Newbcruiser1]

Hi Newbcruiser,

 

I love your review so far.

 

I am sailing solo on the Allure next week. Any last minute advice or tips for cruising alone? I have been on the Allure before and am hoping to do the things I missed the first time around.

 

RCCLgal, I just put up some of my solo-relevant experiences on the solo board, so feel free to check that out. It was nice doing it alone because I was able to do things on the spur of the moment, and fit a lot more in that way.

 

My biggest tip would be to get on the Roll Call if you aren't already, and sign up for the Meet and Mingle. You might not see anyone again since the ship is so big, but if you do run into them, it's nice to see some familiar faces. Also see if anyone wants to share their room numbers so that you can stay in touch through voicemail during the cruise and make plans to meet up for meals, shows, etc.

 

In terms of dining tables, I'm not sure what you signed up for, but I didn't have the best experience. I think I would have had daily depression in the evenings if it wasn't for a few meals with CC members! :) If you're unhappy with your table, talk to the head waiter on the FIRST NIGHT, otherwise they might not be able to help you.

 

If you have any other questions, please ask away! :)

[Newbcruiser1]

Day 3: Labadee, Haiti

 

I woke up somewhat early today and had breakfast at Park Café - they have a variety of things from a bagel bar, to breakfast sandwiches and burritos, to cereal, fruit, muffins, etc. I had an onion bagel toasted with lox, cream cheese, onions, and tomatoes, and a fruit cup. It was good.

 

I got off the ship in Labadee at 10am hoping to get some beach time in before the forecasted thunderstorms.

 

 

 

 

[Newbcruiser1]

Columbus Cove:

Adrenaline Beach was very busy (I don't think people realize that the water is choppier here, and the sand is more rocky than the beaches on the other side!) It IS however, good if you want to watch the zip-line!

I went to the beach between Barefoot Beach and Columbus Cove as I did on my last cruise. One of the employees brought a chair to a nice location for me, and off I went into the water. Unfortunately the weather brought with it a lot of grass and seaweed, and even a jellyfish, although the beach was still nice.

The weather was hotter than I’ve ever experienced though, so I didn’t last very long, and by 11:30 or so after a quick swim and a Labadoozie, I was headed back to the ship for some air-conditioning (I was too hot to stay outside to eat lunch at one of the buffets).

I heard some people complaining that Labadee smelled bad. I didn't notice a smell, although it was somewhat damp and extremely humid, so that might have been the culprit.

[Newbcruiser1]

I cooled off in my room for a little while and changed, and then went to Park Café again for lunch. I had a salad and one of the famous roast-beef sandwiches. It was very good. I also had a pecan square for dessert, also excellent.

Unfortunately by this point it was pouring rain, so I went to find a chair in a covered area of the solarium and read for a while before returning to my room to cool off yet again.

I saw Chicago in the Amber theatre at 7pm - it was excellent!

One of the big advantages of the Allure over the other ships I have sailed on is the top notch entertainment. There was never an off key singer or dancer! Tonight happened to be the last performance of the current cast of Chicago, which has been on for 8 months since the Allure’s inaugural cruise, before the new cast starts on the next sailing.

[Newbcruiser1]

I then had dinner in the main dining room with a cruise critic friend (who’s travel buddy didn’t have dinner in the MDR, so I was able to take his seat). It was Venetian night, my favorite menu! I had scallop risotto and caprese salad to start, followed by chicken marsala, and then 2 desserts since I couldn’t decide - the warm chocolate cake, and tiramisu, both of which were delicious! The waiters also did their little parade through the dining room and sang.

[Newbcruiser1]

The Love and Marriage show was at 10:30 and was packed. I managed to find a seat and enjoyed it. I’m not a huge fan of Ken Rush, but he did a great job keeping the audience laughing, as did the participating couples.

Before turning in for the night, I walked around the ship’s upper deck, boardwalk, and central park to take some night-time pictures.

I loved the hanging art in the elevator lobbies:

The Rising Tide Bar:

 

 

 

[Newbcruiser1]

Loved the crazy Boardwalk mirrors:

 

 

 

[will773]

Loving your review! I am seriously getting SO excited and Sunday can't come quick enough.

[UNV-IT!!!]

Where am I lol.

[QTMichele]

LOVING your pictures and comments! Keep 'em coming... I've got a long wait between now and February and need some reading material. ;)

[relaxatsea]

Thank you so much for your wonderful review and excellent photos! We'll be sailing on Allure in Nov. and can't wait, this is a great preview!

[babymaxie]

Hi Newbcruiser,

 

I love your review so far.

 

I am sailing solo on the Allure next week. Any last minute advice or tips for cruising alone? I have been on the Allure before and am hoping to do the things I missed the first time around.

 

 

 

I have traveled Solo before and have been LUCKY as to not be charged the 125% or even higher for the room to myself. If you don't mind me asking, how much does RCCL charge for single travelers?

[babymaxie]

Hi Newbcruiser,

 

I love your review so far.

 

I am sailing solo on the Allure next week. Any last minute advice or tips for cruising alone? I have been on the Allure before and am hoping to do the things I missed the first time around.

 

 

 

I have traveled Solo before and have been LUCKY as to not be charged the 125% or even higher for the room to myself. If you don't mind me asking, how much does RCCL charge for single travelers?

[markadele]

Great review love all the pics we are going in Nov. cant wait to see this huge ship

[Babyberger]

Loving your review! The pictures are great! Makes me want to get a new camera before our November cruise :p Glad you had such a great time, even as a solo!

[libertybelle41]

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experiences and especially the pictures:)

[jakesmom04]

Awesome pic and reviews. Can't wait for our trip aboard the Allure.