Is it Live or is it Memorex?- Allure of the Seas Review September 18-25 with Pics!

[cactusflower]

That is my kind of lunch - milkshakes and dessert - I love it! I am absolutely loving your review. You seem like such a great family. Thanks so much for all your efforts posting this.

[princessnpirate]

Love the report! I cannot wait to read more!

[livingis2me]

We left Johnny Rockets totally bloated and completely the fullest we’d felt- probably ever. It was the turning point in bloating for the cruise for us- we felt much better as the days went by (and we also stopped trying to eat so much).

 

So true!!! I'm honestly still feeling bloated, almost two weeks later... :eek:

 

Ron

[minniefino]

Thank you so much for posting this fabulous review! I will be on Allure with my young kids in 2 weeks and your review covers all the kid-friendly activities I am interested in.

 

I have a question about the sailaway video on the Port Everglades camera. How did you get the still shots or your family waving on the ship and also the day before when you watched the Oasis sailaway? I looked on inletphotos but did not see where to view these kind of photos. Also, is every sailaway recorded and posted? I'd love to watch our sailaway when we return from our trip.

 

Thanks and I am looking forward to the rest of your review. :)

[jjtt]

I want to join the others to let you know that I am really, REALLY enjoying your review and photos!! What a lovely family you both have! I was on Freedom in August and was soooo looking forward on doing the Flash Mob dance. I even went to the rehearsal, BUT then didn't make the dance. :o You see I was on a cruise when Hurricane Irene hit the east coast!! :mad: I was on the internet trying to find a flight home (as ALL flights were cancelled) then looking for hotels to stay at for a few days. This took a lot of time and I missed the dance. I hope to participate one day. Looking forward to more of your wonderful report!! :p

[vrock]

What a nice family you have. I am loving the pictures and review. I can't wait to hear about the cupcake decorating class I was thinking about looking into that when I get on board. Thank you for the review I am counting down the days until we are on board.:)

[tiggerman101]

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I thought I had it all figured out when we go in a couple weeks. Now, I am thinking I need to book the Samba Grill.

[CRUZCOOL]

We are going on Allure in less than 5 weeks and your review is getting us pumped for it. Thanks for all the great pics. Totally enjoying it!

[Denise5374]

Thank you for the review!

 

Quick questions: How is the Flash Mob dance listed in the Cruise Compass?

[nenner1]

How could you not hop on the carousel?!?!?!! :D

 

LOL, I rode multiple times, not sure if Ron ever did though.....:confused:

 

I am absolutely LOVING your review! I am hanging off your every word. We will be on the Allure in December and our situation is quite similar to yours. Our kids are 10 and 12 and will have their own cabin across the hall from us. My 12 yr old is as obsessed with reading your review as I am. In fact, she lets me know when you have updated it before I get the chance to check!

 

That's so awesome!!! :D

 

We are not so patiently waiting to hear about the flash mob and cupcake decorating as they are both in the plans for us.

Thanks so much for doing this. It has made the waiting and planning a little more tolerable. Can't wait to read more!

 

Kristine

 

Thanks so much Kristine, it's wonderful to know I have younger fans too! The across the hall stateroom worked VERY well for us. Our kids didn't go off on their own much though- except back & forth to the club which our rooms were literally a few steps from.

 

They will love the Flash Mob-although Savannah was the only kid at any of the rehearsals, there were some kids (well, at least one) that happened to be around and jumped in at the performance and just followed along! It's certainly easy enough for the school-age children to participate too!

 

The Cupcake Class, -more on that coming up later today but your kids at ages 10 and 12 might enjoy the Adult class more if they are allowed to take it (I admit I am not sure if there are actual age restrictions on the Adult class). The kids class was certainly geared towards younger aged children and it was too easy for Savannah. I don;t think she'd ever admit she was bored but I do think she would have better enjoyed more of a challenge. Stay tuned for that! :)

 

Oh, those milkshakes look sooooooo good! My mouth is watering right now! :p

 

Oh my gosh, they were so, so very good! Wish I was there NOW having one! ;)

[nenner1]

That is my kind of lunch - milkshakes and dessert - I love it! I am absolutely loving your review. You seem like such a great family. Thanks so much for all your efforts posting this.

 

Thank you so much for reading! I'm so glad you are enjoying it! i promise many more decadent desserts to come (not so many milkshakes but a lot of soft serve pics still to be posted. LOL!!! :D

 

Love the report! I cannot wait to read more!

 

Thanks so very much! I am glad you are enjoying it!:)

 

Thank you so much for posting this fabulous review! I will be on Allure with my young kids in 2 weeks and your review covers all the kid-friendly activities I am interested in.

 

Well thank you so much for reading! i am so glad you are finding it useful!

 

I have a question about the sailaway video on the Port Everglades camera. How did you get the still shots or your family waving on the ship and also the day before when you watched the Oasis sailaway?

 

Well, I am not positive now if they were emailed ot me or if I snagged them on Facebook (all of the webcam sites -Everglades, Canaveral, and NY Harbor- have a FB page, as does inletphotos.com and portfever.com) or if i just found them on the sites. They are all interconnected. Like I said I'm not sure exactly where I got them but it was at one of the above sites. Now that I think about it, I am sure they were not emailed to me.

 

 

(Ron- did you check your spam folder? I remember in the phone message ge said he had the hotmail address)

 

 

I looked on inletphotos but did not see where to view these kind of photos.

 

Yep I'm pretty sure those pics I got from Facebook now that I think about it.

 

Also, is every sailaway recorded and posted? I'd love to watch our sailaway when we return from our trip.

 

Yes! There is -on the port everglades webcam site- an archive area on the left hand side click the tab Sail-Away videos. They also get posted on You Tube (search the ship and sail date), and Facebook. The ones on You Tube stay awhile- our last sailaway video from Jan 2010 is still up!

 

Thanks and I am looking forward to the rest of your review. :)

 

You are so welcome- have an amazing cruise!!!

[ILuvCruisin']

WOW!!! Wonderful Review...Can hardly wait for the rest!!!

 

 

THANK YOU so much! your review of Allure was one of many amazing reviews that inspired me and kept me so very excited for our cruise! So glad to have you "onboard" with us!!! :)

 

 

thx nenner1: Glad to be Onboard!!! the ride is wonderful!!! I am still wriiting and think that the title should be changed to "Everything I can find about the Allure"..haha...as I am incorporated a lot of other cruisers Pics and thoughts...

 

looking forward to more!!

Edited October 4, 2011 by ILuvCruisin'

[nenner1]

I want to join the others to let you know that I am really, REALLY enjoying your review and photos!! What a lovely family you both have! I was on Freedom in August and was soooo looking forward on doing the Flash Mob dance. I even went to the rehearsal, BUT then didn't make the dance. You see I was on a cruise when Hurricane Irene hit the east coast!! I was on the internet trying to find a flight home (as ALL flights were cancelled) then looking for hotels to stay at for a few days. This took a lot of time and I missed the dance. I hope to participate one day. Looking forward to more of your wonderful report!!

 

Oh my gosh I am SO sorry you had to deal with Irene when you were on your cruise!!:eek: And I'm sorry you missed the Flash Mob- it was a lot of fun. But that means you'll just have to go on another cruise, right??? :cool:

 

Thanks so much for reading, I'm glad you are enjoying it!!

 

What a nice family you have. I am loving the pictures and review. I can't wait to hear about the cupcake decorating class I was thinking about looking into that when I get on board. Thank you for the review I am counting down the days until we are on board.

 

Thank you so much for the compliments. I think you will enjoy the cupcake class- I wish I had done the Adult one myself. ;) If after reading about it, it's something you want to do, I definitely recommend booking it online prior to your cruise- the classes are very popular and do sell out quickly. You will have more options with times and days if you do it in advance. (I do think some spots are held back for onboard booking, but if you do wait be sure to go to CC to sign up the first day onboard before the classes sell out).

 

So glad you are enjoying the review! :)

 

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I thought I had it all figured out when we go in a couple weeks. Now, I am thinking I need to book the Samba Grill.

 

You are so welcome. Sorry to throw a wrench in your plans. Haha!:D Samba was fantastic, for sure!

 

Thanks so much for reading!!!:)

[nenner1]

We are going on Allure in less than 5 weeks and your review is getting us pumped for it. Thanks for all the great pics. Totally enjoying it!

 

Thanks so much for reading! I am glad you are enjoying it!! :)

 

Thank you for the review!

 

Quick questions: How is the Flash Mob dance listed in the Cruise Compass?

 

I'm so glad you are finding the review helpful!! :) Thanks so much for reading!

 

The Flash Mob rehearsals are listed simply as "FLASH MOB Rehearsal", and the actual performance (which is at 5:50 PM on the last day. Saturday) is listed as "FLASH MOB Performance". It's not absolutely spontaneous, as they do announce right before the performance that it is coming. LOL...maybe to warn the people relaxing at tables at Sorrentos and Promenade Cafe! :D

 

 

thx nenner1: Glad to be Onboard!!! the ride is wonderful!!! I am still wriiting and think that the title should be changed to "Everything I can find about the Allure"..haha...as I am incorporated a lot of other cruisers Pics and thoughts...

 

looking forward to more!!

 

That's awesome! Isn't it amazing that there is so much to discover onboard that there is more to find out even after your cruise? Now that I am looking back I am realizing all the things we DIDN'T do....sigh. We tried to do it all, and no, I don't think it can be done! Ha ha!!! :D

[sailingawaysoon]

Can't wait for the next installment. Loving your review, especially all the food porn! Keep up the great work. We go on the Allure in February!

[texascat]

more please!!! this is getting me by until I get to travel on Sunday!

 

Thanks for taking the time to write this review!!!

[nenner1]

After lunch we did not have long before the girls’ Cupcake Decorating Class. Ours was scheduled for 3:30. They are offered on the Sea days at different times, and there are classes for children and adults. The Children’s class was $15 and the Adult classes were $22. They last a half an hour, and are a lot of fun. The classes are by reservation only, and can be booked prior to the cruise if you so desire. I do advise booking as soon as possible whether online or onboard- they are quite popular and do fill up. Ours was at capacity.

 

When we arrived at the Cupcake Cupboard the tables were all lined up together and the supplies were already out on the table- including the cupcakes- covered in plastic wrap. With 20 children in attendance and an average of 1.5 parents per child (LOL) it was quite packed in the Cupboard. During our class they stayed open for regular business as well, so with traffic in and out and so many photographing parents around, we were pretty much packed in like sardines. Sarah and Savannah were lucky to get two seats next to each other, when the decorator doing the class invited the children to pick a seat it was kind of a melee.

 

 

It all worked out though: here they are ready to go:

 

It was quite noisy due to some dance classes going on in the Promenade (In addition to the Flash Mob, I saw Zumba and also Michael Jackson classes- all were well attended) The class started off with the decorator giving each child a chance to introduce themselves by name and hometown, and say whether or not they have ever decorated a cupcake before.

 

Sarah didn’t say anything. Savannah- for some reason- said she had NOT ever decorated a cupcake before. I’m not quite sure that is accurate. For sure she has decorated cookies, but maybe not cupcakes. Maybe she’s right and I was not insane enough to allow her free reign with my Pampered Chef decorating kit……

 

Anyhoo, as the class got underway it was quickly obvious the Savannah may have been a tad too old and Sarah was way too young. The ages ranged from about 5-8 mostly, with a couple younger and Sarah the youngest by far and Savannah was clearly the oldest. I’d have to say this class is perfect for kids in that age range (5-8). Younger is too young and it was too easy for Savannah at age 10. Now I’m not sure if they allow older kids and teens to do the Adult class. That class actually uses pastry bags and does more intricate designs with fondant and such. But if you have an older child (age 10 and up) do consider this.

 

We have seen pictures in the past of some of the cupcakes the classes do. The Adult class does a cheeseburger and French fries that is pretty impressive. I have also seen a lion and a monkey. This class –and I could tell by just looking at the preparations on the table- would be doing something different.

 

On the table each child had a cupcake (vanilla), a glob of buttercream frosting that had a few drops of blue food coloring on it, a cup with some green fondant, a cup with some red fondant, some graham cracker crumbs, and some non-pareils (the little round bead like sprinkles)

 

 

I tried to take a lot of video and pics, but since it was just me with the girls (the boys were on the flowrider or doing something else fun!) and I ended up having to help Sarah quite a bit, I didn’t get as many pictures once they got started. Here again another shot from before they began:

 

 

 

The first instruction was to take the green fondant, split it into parts, roll it and then pinch the rolls. Everyone with the exception of Sarah did well with that instruction. Sarah understood the rolling part, but the pinching not so much. I was trying to just let her do her thing with it, I mean she is 3...I didn’t really expect her to become the Cake Boss from just one class or anything.

 

 

The next instruction was a little more involved with the red fondant. They basically created little fishes out of it (round circle, then another circle with two parts cut out for the tail fins. The fondant pieces were then set aside, unless you are Sarah and in her case, they went right on the cupcake before the frosting.

 

Next, they stirred the icing to make it a nice pretty blue, and spread it on the cupcake. No, Sarah did not remove her fish and “seaweed” pieces first. LOL.

 

[nenner1]

She does mean business!

 

 

The next step was to sprinkle the sand (the graham crackers) at the bottom of the ocean. Savannah’s looks like what they were supposed to look like. Sarah’s just looks cute!

 

 

 

 

Then the seaweed, and finally the fish were placed on top, finally followed with little non-pareil “air bubbles” coming from the fish’s mouth! So cute!!

 

Here is a short video at the end, showing the girls’ creations. It was a little but chaotic as the class finished up, with people trying to wrap cupcakes, clear the area, and get their aprons (you get a cute little cupcake cupboard apron for participating). I somehow did not get a picture of Sarah’s cupcake at the end (the video there is the best I have of it), and back in the stateroom she snuck it into the bathroom and ate it without us knowing…LOL!

 

Video(click to play)

 

Here is Savannah’s all wrapped up:

 

 

So overall they did enjoy the class and would we do it again? Yes. We would do it again-maybe if Sarah was older and Savannah could be in the more challenging Adult class.

 

With all of this dessert talk, now let’s go work off some of those calories with some Flash Mob dancing!

 

For those not familiar with this new trend, a Flash Mob is when a group of people come together at a pre-arranged time and place and perform a choreographed dance together. RCCL began doing Flash Mob dances earlier this year on Allure and Oasis, and it has now expanded to Freedom, with other ships soon to come I’m sure. We read about the Flash Mob onboard first here, and watched the videos on You Tube so we were familiar with the dance going into the cruise. I definitely recommend doing so if you want to do the Flash Mob on your cruise. There are classes held each Sea Day in the afternoon (usually 2:30 or 3:30), and they are held in the Promenade right where the dance will be performed. On the Eastern itinerary they also hold a class in the afternoon after leaving Nassau.

 

Our first class had about 20 or so people in it- mostly women, a couple of men, and Savannah was the only child. Each class follows the same structured outline: the entire dance is taught song by song so that if you only make one class you still know enough to get out there and DANCE! during the actual performance. Participation does grow throughout the week; our last class easily had double the amount of people in it. The actual dance performance had maybe 50 people participate.

 

This class the instructor had problems with his ipod that had the music on it, so we lost about 15 minutes of time while he tried to fix it. The music and his instructions are played over loudspeaker so that everyone can hear. I do advise though if you are a visual learner- like me- and need to see, do try to get near the front of the group. I was towards the back and it was quite difficult from back there, because if you can’t see the instructor, then you have to watch others – and they aren’t necessarily doing it right, KWIM? I got a little frustrated at one point because I kept asking Savannah to show me how to do things and she was really getting an attitude about having to help me out. So I got more frustrated. Ha! Actually LOL, I really make it sound fun don’t I? Haha! Actually it is fun, but I do get frustrated when I am trying to learn something and can’t see the demonstration.

 

The view from the rear:

 

[nenner1]

I thought I had more photos and video but it looks like this one short clip taken in the very beginning- before we actually started learning the dance- is all I have:

 

Video(click to play)

 

 

 

Each class ended with a run-through of the entire dance. So like I said, even if you only make one class, you have probably learned enough to get by in the actual performance. We went to 2 classes and knew the dance quite well, although like I said, we were familiar with what to expect beforehand, thanks to You Tube.

 

After Flash Mob class, the Penguins of Madagascar were out in the Boardwalk. Ron took them down for pictures while I got showered and ready for the evening.

 

 

This character line was probably the worst of the cruise. It was quite long and there were some line cutters- or attempted line cutters. I wasn’t there so I will let Ron tell that story if he wants!

 

 

 

And of course afterwards, another ride on the Carousel. Why Not???

 

[nenner1]

Yeah, I’ll take a Coney Island to go. Extra Kraut.

 

 

Afterwards they took a stroll around the ship for some random photos.

 

Meanwhile, upstairs the sun is setting over the ocean:

 

 

Going, going…gone:

 

 

Tonight we had reservations in the MDR for 7:15. We arrived on time to the Adagio MDR- Deck 5 at the MTD podium for reservations to no wait. There was a line for the “no reservations” side. We were quickly escorted in to our table- a 6 top round to ourselves. Our server this evening was Leslie from Jamaica and Jose from Mexico. They were quite good. Leslie was a bit more personable, but service was really good. We let them know we had OceanAria at 9:30, and they promised we would be out in plenty of time to get a good seat for the show.

 

We started off the evening with some bread. It isn’t a RCCL cruise without some Savory Bites!

 

 

Notice how the carpet matches the drap-errrr- the plates….?

 

 

The kids had lemonade to drink and Ron and I had iced tea.

 

Now I still...STILL...felt quite full from Johnny Rockets earlier, so I would only be having soup, salad, and dessert this evening (and could barely manage that!)

 

I started out with the Caprese Salad, fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. Delicious!

 

[nenner1]

Savannah had some fruit she looks like she couldn’t be more excited about!

 

 

Ron and my little seafood lover Brendan both had the Scallop Risotto, Sea Scallops with mascarpone Risotto/ Brendan liked the scallop, but didn’t care for the risotto. Ron liked it, to my recollection.

 

 

The kids’ entrees were soon out; both girls had spaghetti with meat sauce. This was the “Italian” menu so that fit in nicely.

 

 

Ron and Brendan both had the Garlic Tiger Shrimp- Large shrimp in a garlic sauce reminiscent of shrimp scampi, with rice and fresh vegetables. They liked it a lot!

 

 

I had Strawberry Bisque:

 

 

It was good, very light and tangy!

 

We liked the additions of the flat screens in the dining room that displayed Britto artwork. Here’s one of my favorites:

 

[nenner1]

All smiles…for now…

 

 

And soon the rest of us would be all smiles, when THIS was brought to our table:

 

Warm Chocolate Cake with milk chocolate sauce topped with roasted pears and peanut brittle: Sinful!!!

 

Okay, I also had Tiramisu. It was pretty good also.

 

 

And you can never…NEVER get too much ice cream:

 

 

Sure enough we were finished with dinner by 8:40, plenty of time to change into more comfortable clothes and head down to the Aquatheater for the 9:30 OceanAria performance.

 

 

[nenner1]

The biggest recommendation I can give when it comes to the Aqua theater- ESPECIALLY for OceanAria, is that you CAN'T arrive TOO EARLY! We walked up at 8:50 PM, 40 minutes before the start of the show and could not believe how full it already was. We had read the best seats for the show were in the center section about halfway back. When I saw quite a few open seats in that area I went RIGHT for them immediately. I should have been more curious as to why so many prime seats were open when so much of the rest of the theater was full. I would soon find out why- GOLD seating. When I reached that area there was a sign and a staff member there saying it was for GOLD sea passes only and I thought about how we were GOLD members, and – uh- NO, NOT THE SAME THING!! Actual Gold Sea Passes are for suite guests- we are lowly Gold Crown & Anchor members. LOL. I felt pretty foolish for even thinking something so silly, but we quickly scrambled and hoped to find some decent seating still left!

 

We managed to get the front row of actual beach chairs on the right side of the theater. In the Aquatheater, the first few rows- the splash zone- is bench seating, then three rows back the actual chairs start and then every other row is alternating bench and beach chair seating. The chairs are much, MUCH more comfortable!!! The seats weren’t bad at all. In fact we had quite a nice view.

 

 

Of course, the kids wanted to be in the splash zone!

 

 

 

Still lots of chairs left towards the edges of the theater on both sides!

 

 

Bar Service was available and I ordered a Pina Colada. Ron wanted a Bush Whacker and the waiter didn’t think they could make it. What? I didn’t think a Bush Whacker was that exotic. They managed to make it, but Ron said it was just OK.

 

 

The kids were delighted when their friends from the club showed up. Their family set next to us and we enjoyed chatting about St. Thomas and excursions for the next day.

 

[nenner1]

As with Ice Games, and any show, no flash photography was permitted so my pictures aren’t that good, sorry!

 

 

As the show prepared to begin there was a cute skit with the “tourist” lady roaming the theater for the perfect seat. Here she is sitting on the table between Sarah’s chair and the next chair:

 

 

That one wasn’t center enough for her so she moved here:

 

 

But that seat wasn’t close enough so she set up right on the pool deck:

 

 

Yea Lady, I’m talkin to YOU!

 

 

You know how this one is going to end right?

 

You know what was cool? The cast of Ice Games watching from the bench in front of us:

 

[nenner1]

So here is the story of OceanAria- not that it really needed much story. This show is really all about the amazing cirque-style acrobatics, diving, swimming, and tricks:

 

 

 

These two were right over my head:

 

 

This show was so thoroughly entertaining. It was fascinating. Do NOT miss it!!!!