Back from Allure--Is Big Better? Not For Us

[CruisinGerman]

Due to the mere factor of Oasis/Allure being an engineering marvel and the only true, innovative ships to have been developed in recent years across the cruise lines, I think everybody interested in cruising should try the experience once.

 

That being said, I also respect the opinion that bigger is not necessarily better and it is more than reasonable for many people not to care for the Oasis/Allure experience.

 

It would probably be difficult for RCCL to cut the prices on those two ships without having to cut the price points on all of the other ships.

 

For now, I believe the ships fill up due to the mere wow factor of having that experience. And I know the Oasis/Allure are extremely popular with the South Americans (especially those from Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Mexico).

 

My personal opinion is that the logistics of maintaining the two megaships and having to fill the other ships at the same time probably do not make Oasis/Allure as profitable as RCCL would like.

 

Support of my opinion is the fact that, even though Oasis/Allure have now passed their test marks after several years in service, nobody else (Carnival Corporation) has appeared to show any interest in building ships of that size and capacity.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

[mo&fran]

I really believe RCL set out to build the ultimate ship for the single purpose to lure cruisers from other lines to come to RC, with the hopes that they would stay here. The inflexibility of the ships in terms of itinerary presents an obsticle in attracting many repeat cruisers. However, the similarties between Oasis compared to Voyager and Freedom class still offers a ship unlike any I have come across.

[The Big Booper]

We did a b2b on Allure in May 2011, both legs all cabins sold but missing a couple hundred kids since schools were in session. We never really found it over crowded anywhere considering there were over 5,800 people on board both weeks.

 

I agree, the Jammie felt crowded because the pathways were narrower then other RCI ships. That being said, there are MANY alternatives for lunch and breakfast and when we did use the Jammie always sat in one area with easy access to the food action stations. In 2 weeks you learn how to minimize problems.

 

We didn't have large organized groups either week but there was a group of 400-500 Brazillians on one week and there was definitely a competition among the hot, tightly toned women to see who could wear the skimpiest and tightest bikini. My wife encourages my photo behavior, pointing out subjects way across the pool deck which the 24x super-zoom reels in easily.

 

We never felt crowded sitting at the pool deck, no matter what pool we sat at and always saw stacks of unused deck chairs just waiting to be set up. No CHOGS here.

 

While the two bigguns are not everyone's cup of tea, they are definitely marvels of design and engineering. At least the OP tried it out.

 

And getting back to the derogatory "Malls of the Sea" comment, every ship has a shopping area with stores on both sides, the stated purpose of the Promenade is to provide a wide corridor for passenger movement without the overcrowded conditions that exist on smaller ships such as the Vision and Radiance class. On those, it's like being in a NY subway at rush hour after a show breaks when on the Radiance type.

 

I still feel that the Celebrity "S" class is the best compromise between these two schools of thought when it comes to ship design and those ships have two mini promenades. No Parades here.

 

Deck 4

 

 

Deck 5

 

[Cruzaholic41]

Madison Madhouse - You tried Oasis Class and it wasn't for you. At least your opinions are from experience. Thank you for your report.

[Madison Madhouse]

I just wanted to thank everyone for the nice comments and feedback on my original review. Hope we hear from a few more folks in the days ahead, and chat some more. Another great aspect of cruising is the passion so many of us have for it!

[spcopps]

We have only sailed on Carnival's smaller ships..think Imagination here. We LOVE seeing the ocean and sitting in the window seats having a cocktail and letting the kids gaze at the ocean. I have LOS booked and I am worried about the promenade now. DH isn't a people person, but is tolerant, so wondering if we will enjoy people watching. We usually spend a LOT in the casino (think about 1500-2000 for 4 nighter last time) so maybe having options other than the "corny" carnival shows will keep more money in our pocket. We always book cabins with balconies so we can enjoy breakfast before getting dress and return to after ports and relax. We don't do the pool (NEVER even been in the pool on a cruise and our first cruise we never even saw the pool deck :eek:) and only spent time at the waterworks with our kids this last cruise for about 3 hours, they preferred the kids club.

SO I guess my questions are:

1) Is the promenade crowded or can you grab a chair outside a pub and have a nice drink and watch the people and

 

2) what is free to drink for breakfast if you can't get juice now without paying? I know the usual like tea/water but anything else now?

[critterchick]

Critterchick - We'll be on Rhapsody in July for Alaska....I'm hoping that we'll be impressed with the changes and maybe be able to convince DH he can live without the Promenade :-)

 

I'm jealous - we have to wait until next year to see her improvements!

 

Maybe we should send your DH and my DW on one of the mega ships together, as I also have no desire to be back aboard!:D

 

Rick

 

My mind is reeling....:D:eek::eek::D

[rubrrick]

I'm jealous - we have to wait until next year to see her improvements!

 

 

 

My mind is reeling....:D:eek::eek::D

 

So is mine.......but the thought is there!!:D;)

 

Rick

[carrie2409]

Thanks for the honest review. I think Royal thinks bigger is better. I really enjoy my Voyager class ships. I am comfortable with the layout of the voyager vessel's. I think I will stick with what I know. Sailing Explorers in December:)

[akcruz]

SO I guess my questions are:

1) Is the promenade crowded or can you grab a chair outside a pub and have a nice drink and watch the people and

 

Most of the time the promenade is a great place to people watch. Get a drink and sit outside on of the bars in the promenade and you are good to go. DH and I do this most every night.

 

Of course, they do hold some events in the promenade such as parades, parties, etc. For these it WILL be crowded.