Allure...What did you enjoy?

[Kenlorz]

Hi all!!!

We are trying to convince my sister and husband to join us on our Allure cruise next year. We love vacationing with them and always have a great time together. However, this time a vacation together might not happen at all without your help.... Here's the scoop....

 

We've never cruised before, but we want to try our first on the Awesome Ms. Allure. We've done extensive research and are gaga over all there is to do, eat, and see. The problem, my sister HAS cruised....ONCE. It was a disaster. So, all my efforts to convince her she will have a great time are falling on deaf ears, because I, of course, haven't sailed before and don't know what it's really like.

 

Her cruise was horrid in her memories. It was in the mid-'90s on the much smaller Royal Caribbean Nordic Empress. Her impression: Horrible Seasickness, Cramped interior room, terrible food, nothing much of fun to do. She sums it up to say it was like being trapped on a floating Greyhound Bus for 4 days. It was merely the horrible transportation means to get to the island adventures...which were too short.

 

SO>>>> Here's where I need your help. Can you help me convince her it's totally different on this ship? If you would so oblige, tell me what you absolutely LOVED about the Allure. Because her biggest complaint was boredom, I would especially love to hear those "Most Fun" moments that you had while onboard. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!

[DonnaK]

Ships today are more stable, especially the larger ships. They have stablizers and use other technology to minimize movement. We cruised on Allure in very close proximity to a hurricane and had no issues with seasickness. You can bring meclizine (over the counter - brand name is Bonine) and ginger capsules, just in case.

 

The cabins are still small and cramped, but purchasing a balcony helps allieviate the claustrophobic feeling. Also, putting no more than two people in a standard (non-suite) cabin helps.

 

There are tons of things to do on Allure, so much so that it's impossible to do it all in one week. That's why people often book back-to-back cruises, or take multiple cruises, on Oasis/Allure. The shows are top-notch entertainment, and there is at least one per night. The public areas of the ship are stunningly beautiful - new, clean, bright and spacious! (My "complaint" about this ship is that it offered so much that it was almost overwhelming. The last thing I would call it is boring)

 

There are numerous places to eat (which are included), so you could avoid the buffet for breakfast and lunch every day if you wish. I thought the food quality was very good to excellent in the main dining room, where we ate every night.

[mbjboyle]

Let me first preface this with, cruising is not for everyone....

 

The Allure OTS is a massive ship. Click here for a size comparison chart. Better yet, check out this PICTURE of the Allure docked in Nassau. To place the size into context, the Empress is smaller than any ship pictured.

 

Some will claim, "size DOES matter" in terms of activities aboard a cruise ship. The Allure offers the most onboard options of any cruise ship afloat, hands-down. (Okay, I'm sounding like a salesman but I believe that's what you wanted) From zip lines and flowriders to fine dining and Broadway shows, nearly anything one can visualize as required moments on a dream vacation, the Allure can offer. It is possible to do whatever you heart desires, or nothing at all.

 

On the other hand...

 

Do some more research and check some more threads on C.C. You're bound to get positive reviews, but sift through the negatives as well.

 

Good luck and have a great vacation!

[nancronin]

We are going on Allure 2/26 so I can't give you any details but have your sister read some of the reviews.

 

There is a live review going on now from a woman on the Explorer and I can't believe she has time to sleep with all she is doing. My cruises are more relaxing - I don't want to be running all the time - I do that enough during my regular life. But this woman is having a great time doing what she wants to do. Have your sister read the below thread.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1550586

 

Hope she changes her mind!:)

[yj2cute]

Having just recently gotten off the Allure I can say with confidence that your sister's experience on the Allure will be like night and day compared to the Nordic Empress.

 

What I loved? Pretty much everything. I loved the shows, especially Blue Planet. It was amazing. Loved walking through Central Park. Loved stepping out onto my balcony to love out over the ocean. Loved eating in 3 of the specialty dining venue. Loved the Aqua Theater. I could go on, but I think you get the picture. Tell your sister to give it another try.

[Trainman-2]

Samba's Brazilian Grille

[terrizeb]

SO>>>> Here's where I need your help. Can you help me convince her it's totally different on this ship? If you would so oblige, tell me what you absolutely LOVED about the Allure. Because her biggest complaint was boredom, I would especially love to hear those "Most Fun" moments that you had while onboard. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!

 

Hi - I was on the 5 January Allure cruise. I loved this ship so much I came home and booked another cruise on her. I enjoy many types of vacations and only cruise every two years or so, so the fact that I immediately booked again demonstates how much I enjoyed this cruise.

 

I especially enjoyed the entertainment. There were shows on multiple afternoons in addition the evenings. The quality of the shows was similar to what you would find in Vegas or on Broadway. Even the music in the Jazz club and in evenings in Central Park was outstanding.

 

Lastly, the variety of food / restaurants was very good. I have never particularly enjoyed the food on Royal Caribbean ships (only my opinion - I know that many love the dining experience). On this ship, I experienced Izumi, Giovannis, Chops, Johnny Rockets, Sorrentos, and Park Cafe. The variety and the food was outstanding.

 

You asked for the "most fun" moment. I had boardwalk balcony 9727. My favorite moment was simultaneously waching an afternoon show in the AquaTheater, looking at people climbing the rock wall, and seeing people ride the zipline over my head. In the background, I could see the sun shining on the ship's wake. And this was while I was eating a made to order pizza from Sorrentos. Only on Allure / Oasis.

 

I don't think you could go wrong with taking your sister on this ship.

[graphicguy]

While I'm very much looking forward to my upcoming Allure Cruise in May, I booked it because I got a good deal on it (via Costco). It's gone up since I booked about a month ago, howeve.

 

That said, I am a bit reserved about it. I felt my last RCCL cruise on Liberty of the Seas was likefloating in a big mall. That's my biggest knock.

 

The Allure is even bigger. But, given the deal I got, I'm still looking forward to it.

[Phillies14]

Hi all!!!

We are trying to convince my sister and husband to join us on our Allure cruise next year. We love vacationing with them and always have a great time together. However, this time a vacation together might not happen at all without your help.... Here's the scoop....

 

We've never cruised before, but we want to try our first on the Awesome Ms. Allure. We've done extensive research and are gaga over all there is to do, eat, and see. The problem, my sister HAS cruised....ONCE. It was a disaster. So, all my efforts to convince her she will have a great time are falling on deaf ears, because I, of course, haven't sailed before and don't know what it's really like.

 

Her cruise was horrid in her memories. It was in the mid-'90s on the much smaller Royal Caribbean Nordic Empress. Her impression: Horrible Seasickness, Cramped interior room, terrible food, nothing much of fun to do. She sums it up to say it was like being trapped on a floating Greyhound Bus for 4 days. It was merely the horrible transportation means to get to the island adventures...which were too short.

 

SO>>>> Here's where I need your help. Can you help me convince her it's totally different on this ship? If you would so oblige, tell me what you absolutely LOVED about the Allure. Because her biggest complaint was boredom, I would especially love to hear those "Most Fun" moments that you had while onboard. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!

To wake up and smell the coffee! She will thank you and herself for sailing on Allure. The ship is amazing, the crew, food, activities, etc. etc. are awesome! The ship she sailed on is about the same size as the lifeboats! (OK not quite!).Have sailed Oasis three times and soon to be four on Allure and could sail these ships year round if finances permitted....K.O. Near Philly:);)

[pjnj40]

I was on the Allure back in 2010. I was never bored on that ship for seven days. there was so much to do that the list grew so long that i never made to get it all done. This ship got everything you need. The flow rider(wave simulator for both boogie and surfing), merry go around(yes adults is on there as well), zip line, rising tides bar(bar that go up and down 3 decks), 70 night, Chicago(broadway play that came from exact format as in NYC), casino, Quest(adult game), Giovanni(italian specialty restaurant), Central PArk to look at flowers, parades, ice skating, bingo, pool. hot tubs, self serve yogurt(some people think it ice cream), Oceanias(diving show at night), pigging out at Royal Promenade Cafe, spa treatment, excerise room. I never sit still for five minutes.

 

The cabins part i can understand but most of time you are out on the ship somewhere doing stuff. You only go ing to be in there to change and sleep. There is seasick pills that are free on the ship which you may want to carry with you in case you do feel it. I doubt that you won't need it because i didn't feel a thing. Only at night time we felt little shakes here and there but it didn't caused the ship to tilt at all because the stabilizer is the ship friend.

 

 

I hope all this will convince she won't be bored now.

[CVU]

Loved Chicago!!!:)

Booked a B2B again for next Jan. on Allure!!!

[johneeo]

Her cruise was horrid in her memories. It was in the mid-'90s on the much smaller Royal Caribbean Nordic Empress. Her impression: Horrible Seasickness,

 

Now there is the rub.

 

If she went on a cruise and was effected by sea sickness, that is enough reason to be hesitant.

 

Personally, I do not understand how anyone would get sea sick, especially on a ship like the Allure/Oasis, but I do understand there are those that do. I feel bad for them and I would hate to think of what would happen if I talked someone in to going, and they wound up in their cabin sick for 7 days.

[golfer1966]

Too much to list. I was skeptical due to her size, but OMG...AWESOME !!

[ALSEAU]

Hi all!!!

We are trying to convince my sister and husband to join us on our Allure cruise next year. We love vacationing with them and always have a great time together. However, this time a vacation together might not happen at all without your help.

 

Her cruise was horrid in her memories. It was in the mid-'90s on the much smaller Royal Caribbean Nordic Empress. Her impression: Horrible Seasickness, Cramped interior room, terrible food, nothing much of fun to do. She sums it up to say it was like being trapped on a floating Greyhound Bus for 4 days. It was merely the horrible transportation means to get to the island adventures...which were too short.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!

 

It might help if we knew what was fun/enjoyable for you and your sister on your other vacations together.

 

I know negatives are not what you are looking for but in your case some of them may be a selling point.

 

These ships are so big I never felt like I was at Sea

I felt like I was walking around in a huge Mall

I felt like I was at a resort and not on a ship

To many pay options for eating

The ship was designed to be the destination

 

Again it is important for us to understand what makes a fun vacation for you and your sister and your spouses on land. It could be she didn't enjoy her first cruise because she wasn't traveling with you.

[Kenlorz]

It might help if we knew what was fun/enjoyable for you and your sister on your other vacations together.

 

I know negatives are not what you are looking for but in your case some of them may be a selling point.

 

These ships are so big I never felt like I was at Sea

I felt like I was walking around in a huge Mall

I felt like I was at a resort and not on a ship

To many pay options for eating

The ship was designed to be the destination

 

Again it is important for us to understand what makes a fun vacation for you and your sister and your spouses on land. It could be she didn't enjoy her first cruise because she wasn't traveling with you.

 

Thanks everyone for the input, so far!!! I can't wait to read this thread to her!! To answer this particular question, a fun vacation for us is tons and tons of activities. We're always doing something... with limited chill time, in-between. Our last vacation together was a week in Vegas, which included: multiple shows, good restaurants, zip-lining in the desert, kayaking on the Colorado River, Dune Buggies in the desert, Hiking a national park, singing along with dueling pianos, shopping in great malls, casino time, etc.

 

My "to-do's" for this cruise include: Many of the specialty restaurants, most of the shows, the Prohibition Party, Rita's Fiesta, strolling the park @ night to listen to the musicians, Quest, Love & Marriage Game Show, Battle of the Sexes, Flowrider, Rock Wall, Hot Tubs, ...and of course, some down time reading my kindle in the Solarium. I keep telling her how great these things will be, but I think she believes I'm being naive and don't really know what it's truly going to be like. That's why I am so hoping I can steal... eh, SHARE.... a couple of your most memorable and fun moments on board, then she will finally believe me :rolleyes:

[FTLcruisers]

I did not think I would like the Allure when we booked it - too big a ship and too many people. But, guess what I loved --- the big ship and all the wonderful people I encountered.

 

My husband and I have been on more than 50 cruises. We are "foodies" so we loved all the specialty restaurants. The shows were better than on most other ships we've been on. There was the wonderful adults only area where we could enjoy reading our books and going into the hot tubs. Even though I wouldn't do the zip line, it was fun to watch others. The aqua theatre is awesome - in addition to the shows, they showed a movie out there one night. I even got into the characters - had my picture taken with Shrek and many others. Well, I could go on and on but all I can say is....BOOK IT NOW!

 

Marianne

[CatBelle]

Allure is great!! you can eat whereve you want ad the food is awesome in all the restaurants, don't worry about the seasickness because the crew will give you some pills or whatever you need, you can also bring it.

There are many activities, pools and things to do on board, the rooms are clean and very comfortable.

 

I hope I helped you!

[relaxatsea]

I have been on the Nordic Empress and I was on the Allure this past November. I used to love the Nordic Empress, and I do remember some very choppy seas once in a while. I did not feel anything similar to that on the Allure. Of course, taking some Bonine with you is always a good idea, just in case of seasickness. I am in my 60's and these are things I loved on the Allure:

 

Riding the Merry-Go-Round.

Watching my husband on the zipline (I was afraid, but might try next time)

Enjoying a wonderful, romantic dinner at Giovanni's Table

Dancing with Gloria the Hippo at the (chocolate!) character breakfast.

Walking in Central Park at night.

Taking an automatic picture while kissing my DH in the chapel and pretending we were getting married again. (Awww!)

Watching the events on the Boardwalk from our Boardwalk Balcony cabin.

Having breakfast at Johnny Rockets outside (good breakfast!)

Enjoying the ice-skating shows and the spectacular Aquatheater shows.

Walking on the jogging track on Deck 5 and seeing the wake.

Playing trivia with a lady who turned out to be from my hometown.

Eating sandwiches and cookies in the Promenade Cafe.

[ALSEAU]

I have been on the Nordic Empress and I was on the Allure this past November. I used to love the Nordic Empress, and I do remember some very choppy seas once in a while. I did not feel anything similar to that on the Allure. Of course, taking some Bonine with you is always a good idea, just in case of seasickness. I am in my 60's and these are things I loved on the Allure:

 

Riding the Merry-Go-Round.

Watching my husband on the zipline (I was afraid, but might try next time)

Enjoying a wonderful, romantic dinner at Giovanni's Table

Dancing with Gloria the Hippo at the (chocolate!) character breakfast.

Walking in Central Park at night.

Taking an automatic picture while kissing my DH in the chapel and pretending we were getting married again. (Awww!)

Watching the events on the Boardwalk from our Boardwalk Balcony cabin.

Having breakfast at Johnny Rockets outside (good breakfast!)

Enjoying the ice-skating shows and the spectacular Aquatheater shows.

Walking on the jogging track on Deck 5 and seeing the wake.

Playing trivia with a lady who turned out to be from my hometown.

Eating sandwiches and cookies in the Promenade Café.

 

Add to the list:

 

"QUEST" a not miss event

Daily trivia games

Parades in the Promenade

Battle of the Sexes game

A funny 3 generations Marriage game

Great music in all the lounges in the evening

One of the best ships for Karaoke

Comedy Club

All the standard ship's Pool games

Rock climbing walls

Flowrider

If you like you can play Ping Pong, Shuffleboard, Basketball, Miniature Golf.

Hot tubs all day and in the evening

Movies on the big screen at the Aquatheater

Major sporting events on TV screens

And more

[Mrs.setsail]

Was on the Allure Dec.2011 and had the best cruise ever! Zip lined, rock climbed and did flow rider. Motion sickness is a problem for me but I take 1 meclizine pill every day (1/2 pill this cruise did the trick )and I always felt great. The crew was excellent, every show was good to superb, booked Giovanni's twice because our waiter was spectacular! Every eating venue

was good (except free donuts on Promenade deck). Activites every day to choose from. Also the easiest embarkation & debarkation we have EVER had!

Waiting for a good price and will book again. You will all have a SUPER time!:D:D:D

[Ocean Boy]

Now there is the rub.

 

If she went on a cruise and was effected by sea sickness, that is enough reason to be hesitant.

 

Personally, I do not understand how anyone would get sea sick, especially on a ship like the Allure/Oasis, but I do understand there are those that do. I feel bad for them and I would hate to think of what would happen if I talked someone in to going, and they wound up in their cabin sick for 7 days.

 

Even more difficult to understand are that some people complain about being seasick while others complain that Oasis and Allure are so big that you often don't even know that you are on a ship. Nothing like having the worst of both worlds.:eek:

[CroozinFamily]

I will raise my hand to be another who was skeptical because of the HUGE size of these ships. I sailed Oasis in September and LOVED IT!!! We're booked on Allure in April and can't wait!!!

 

I sailed the Nordic Empress in the 80's. Cabins were teensy. I think you will find the cabins on Allure to be a little larger, however they are small....not a regular size hotel room. But.......there is SO MUCH to do on the ship that you are barely in your room, so who cares! A balcony will help to make it feel a bit bigger.

 

Seasickness shouldn't be an issue on such a large ship. I don't get seasick and I actually LIKE the motion when we're rocking and rolling. That's something I miss about these new ships and their great stabilizers. Oh well......what I get instead is well worth sacrificing the motion.

 

I think if your sister reads the threads, she will begin to see that there is a lot to do on this ship and hopefully it will ease her fears enough to go ahead and take a chance. Once on board she will be SO GLAD that she didn't pass up the opportunity.

 

If she is bored, it will be her own fault! There are PLENTY of shows and they are good (well, on Oasis they were and from what I've read about Allure). There are plenty of evening venues to be entertained by all sorts of styles of music. There are parades and demonstrations and wine tastings and the casino and art auctions and bingo and the list goes on. She can zip line and rock climb and swim and ice skate and play mini golf and shuffleboard

 

If she wants to ski on snow, then I wouldn't recommend this vacation. But otherwise, I can't imagine what in the world she would want to do that they don't offer!

 

You could also sell YOURSELF......tell her that YOU weren't along on her last cruise to help make it fun!!!! It's always a bit more fun to go on a cruise with people you have fun with. But even if you go by yourselves, you will still have a good time!

 

Good luck!

[Kenlorz]

You guys are just awesome with all this feedback!!!! I'm absolutely loving your input!!! I read a review that said something about Steel Kettle Drums playing on the ship somewhere. Anyone see these while on board? I think that's something she would like... at least I know I would ;)

[Ocean Boy]

You could tell your sister about the things that Empress and Allure have in common. The problem is, other than the fact that they both float, you would have nothing to say.:D

[NeuroQueen]

I cruised on the Nordic several times and that ship and the Oasis/Allure are as different as.....well , there is NO comparison!

 

Make sure you get a balcony, not a boardwalk or central park balcony, but a real balcony.

 

We were on in late May and NEVER felt the ship move. Be sure and go during a calm time ie. not hurricane season! Take a Bonine each nite before bed and she will be fine.

 

There is so much to do, that we didn't even do a fourth of it and are going again in April of this year. Everyone else has told you of all of the wonderful spots and I wholeheartedly agree. Here are a few of my fav moments.

 

Walking in central park at night and hearing the string ensemble playing.

Eating breakfast in the Solarium and gazing over the ocean.

Sitting at the window seat in Izumi's eating the BEST sushi I've ever had. The view makes you feel suspended. (maybe it was the Sake). No, really an incredible experience. The list goes on and on and on. It was so far from the Nordic that I could barely remember that ship.

 

I hope you let her read this thread and convince her to go. I know she will not be disappointed. Good luck!!