LIVE: Allure Western 7/1-7/8/12 with SilentBob007 and family

[vettecruiser1]

I too was wondering about the ship's location feature on the TV. I had heard that Oasis and Allure did not have it. I enjoy tracking our progress (when I'm in my cabin of course) on the TV. Hope you can fill us in about this Bob. :)

 

 

I was on Oasis 2 weeks ago and yes they have a bridge channel now that tracks your position. It is not the same as before where is shows how far you traveled. Just a map that shows the ship on a map. The arrow(ship)can sometimes be hard to see.

 

There is also a channel that show the 2 cams on the ship. One being the front of the ship during the day and the other cam being the promeande during the night. I think they were installing this my week because it only started working on the last 3 days of the cruise.

[silentbob007]

Day 2: At Sea

 

Our sea day began fairly early as we wanted to grab breakfast at Johnny Rockets once before most other passengers realized that it was open for breakfast without a surcharge. Before that though, we visited guest relations on deck 5 to turn in our D+ internet coupons, which I was able to get stacked in my account. Wifi was pretty fast yesterday morning, but dreadfully slow in the evening … packages are available, but otherwise at $.65/minute, it can add up quickly.

 

At a little after 8 AM, Johnny Rockets was not at all busy. Almost all of the outside seating was open, be we opted to sit inside just to get out of the sun. Breakfast was served very quickly … we had orders of French toast, eggs, and a breakfast sandwich. The food was nothing spectacular, but it was good … and I always prefer having a cooked-to-order breakfast. The other breakfast option on the Boardwalk is the Boardwalk Donuts which is just a place to sit next to a case of self-serve donuts and a coffee station. After watching this venue a little bit, if you would like a donut, I would advise using the provided tongs and taking the rear-most donut possible (or ones on a high shelf). In just a very limited time, I saw two smaller kids run up, open the case, grab a donut, get yelled at by their parents, put the donut back, and run away.

 

From the Boardwalk, we headed up to Deck 11 to visit the Concierge Lounge for a coffee. This lounge is definitely a highlight for suite and D+ guests as it has great views of the Boardwalk as opposed to the Diamond Lounge on Deck 6 which overlooks the Royal Promenade. We stopped and talked to the concierge, and at my request, he placed a small sticker on my SeaPass card to allow us into shows without reservations (except comedy, I believe).

 

After all of the morning duties had been completed, we returned to a made-up cabin (having placed the card in our door slot when we left). From there came the decision … do we go to the Meet and Mingle down at the comedy club at 10:30, or go to the Crown and Anchor repeater party at the Aqua Theater at 10:15. I’ll admit it … I decided to go to the party while the other three went to the Meet and Mingle. They reported later that only 15-20 people showed up at the Meet and Mingle (with over 50 signed up) meaning there were plenty of prizes to go around (they returned to the cabin with two bottles of wine and some other gear).

 

As for the C&A party, like all parties, when it lists 10:15 at the start time, it did not open until 10:15, so a crowd gathered on the Boardwalk. They had the theater roped off and checked passengers’ cards as they entered. There was a large drink selection of sparkling wine, mimosas, screwdrivers, bloody marys, and sea breezes, with the three former drinks all served in the large, drink of the day plastic glass. The Aqua Theater didn’t really fill up, but there was decent attendance when Ken Rush started the show around 10:30 or so. The Loyalty Ambassador gave her talk (sorry … for get the name … Cindy maybe?) and then some of the acrobats from the water show came out to do a routine. Following that, Ken announced a “new” act, during which Captain Tommy and the hotel director came out, mimicking the acrobats (which was pretty funny). They had the high diver take a few dives from the top perch for everyone to see. There was some teasing about the new Sunshine ships … with of course no real new information. They are scheduled to come out December 1, 2014 and December 1, 2015 (Ken opined their names would be … something of the Seas) and that they would follow the company’s thirds-model … one third would be traditional cruising, one third would be evolutionary of already established concepts, and one third would be revolutionary. The show concluded with a video of the Allure being constructed and sailed out, accompanied with a fountain show set to Bon Jovi’s “Not Born to Follow” (or something like that … not a song I’m familiar with). After that, we were invited up on the Aqua Theater stage for pictures if we wanted.

 

We visited the dining room for lunch a little after noon. The menu was different than some lunch menus I’ve seen before with some old favorites along with fish enchiladas and barramundi. We were seated with a very nice couple and had a good conversation.

 

From there it was free time, which we spent exploring the ship and losing money in the casino. From noon-7 they had $6 minimum on blackjack ($10 at night), though we stayed with the low-roller $2 automated blackjack machines. My niece spent all of the time she could at the teen club or running around with her new friends. She spent her afternoon on the pool deck and gave the FlowRider a try (never again she told me because it was scary).

 

I ate a light lunch and knew I was not in love with dinner menu, so I sampled a few other food offerings. I got another roast beef sandwich at the Park Café which was still wonderful and tender. I also got a few hot dogs at the Boardwalk Doghouse to try … my favorite so far is the Smokehouse which tasted like a nice sausage. I think the doghouse is a nice addition to the Boardwalk as, not only is it another free venue, but it also gives the Boardwalk more of a “boardwalk” smell. ☺

 

MTD was very full online, so we had to sign up for 5:30 dinner. We never got around to changing it, so we got dressed for formal night and headed down, grabbing a few pictures on the way. It was the standard formal night menu with shrimp cocktail, scallops (in place of the escargot because of the shortage), and filet of beef. The food was all fine, but nothing too spectacular, especially after the wonderful beef from the night before. We had our waiter grab one of our bottles of wine we had designated as our D+ gifts to be delivered to the MDR and that took a while as they tried to figure out who to talk to, etc.

 

Following dinner, my niece and I waited for pictures with Captain Tommy on the Promenade (next to the car). There are many, many girls celebrating their quincenara (I know the spelling is off), so there were a bunch of girls wearing what looked to be white wedding dresses around the promenade.

 

With the pictures done, we toured the ship as we waited to go see Oceanaria in the Aqua Theater at 9. When we went down at 8:30, there was a huge crowd gathered because they were not letting people in. It turned out that the trampoline was broken and, in the end, the show was cancelled and postponed to the next day at 5:15. At this news, we headed back to the cabin. My niece took off for the teen dance party while my dad and I went around the ship taking night pictures.

 

We went back to the Aqua Theater at 10 for the 10:45 show and tried using our cards with the magic sticker. It worked just fine … they specifically looked for the sticker, scanned us in, and we grabbed a few seats in the area reserved for suite/D+/Pinnacle passengers. This offered us the most entertainment while we waited … we chatted with the unfortunate crew member on our side who had to keep people out of the reserved seats until 5 minutes before the show. We heard everything from “I’m in a suite but I forgot my card” (how did they get in?) to “I’m a gold member but there was a mistake and my card was printed blue.” I felt sorry for the crew member, especially when one man wanted to get into an extended argument with her about how he was a Platinum member and that was better than gold. The show was packed by the time it started with even the splash zone seats filled. You really do have to arrive early to Aqua shows, especially if you want to sit in a comfortable seat rather than the hard benches that are every other row.

 

I thought that the show was pretty good, though I think I liked the one on Oasis better. Of course, that could just be a novelty thing as well. It was definitely worth the time. We slipped out when Ken was up on stage at the end and managed to grab an empty elevator back to the cabin. By this time it was well after 11 and we headed to bed after a nice, “relaxing” sea day on the Allure of the Seas.

 

Tomorrow (ok, really today): Labadee

 

 

PS ... Yes, you an track your progress on the TV now like on other ships. :)

[denamo]

Cannot wait for a nice relaxing day at sea. Thanks for the reveiw. The perk for reserved seating for shows is a nice reward for loyalty.

Enjoy your day at Labadee. A great day to relax and soak up some rays!

[jarz85]

Loving your review and want a lot more pics when you return!

 

With your seapass sticker thing, could you have a reservation for a show on say night 5 but go to the show on night 2 just by flashing your card? Even if it is fully sold out can you still just rock up an hour before and go in?

 

Thanks!

[ZoeyVictoria]

We were on the October 30 sailing and also had to choose between the Meet and Mingle and the C & A repeater party. We thought it was just unfortunate timing for that particular cruise, but now it appears that the two events are always scheduled with a conflict. The combo of mimosa and cotton candy was fun once, but I think I will choose the Meet and Mingle next time.

[suizas]

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/travelDocumentation.do

 

 

Should the last names of the parent and minor child traveling with them differ, the parent is required to present the child’s valid passport and visa (if required) and the child’s birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy). The name of the parent(s) and the child must be linked through legal documentation. Adults who are not the parent or Legal Guardian of any minor child traveling with them are required to present the child’s valid passport and visa or the child’s birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy) and an original notarized letter signed by at least one of the child’s parents. The notarized letter from the child’s parent must authorize the traveling adult to take the child on the specific cruise, must authorize guardian to sign legal documentation/waivers for participation in any activities requiring them (i.e. Rock Climbing, Flowrider, Bungee Trampoline, Inline Skating, or Ice Skating) and must authorize the traveling adult to supervise the child and permit any medical treatment that must be administered to the child. If a non-parent adult is a Legal Guardian, the adult must present a certified certificate of Guardianship with respect to the child.

 

I know last summer when I boarded the Oasis with my 3 boys we were not questioned, and I did not have a notorized letter -- perhaps this was because I still retain their last name so all the docs are with the same last name? I also do have physical custody.

 

But now I am getting nervous about our Allure trip in August... I would think we would be ok?

[BillOh]

We were on the October 30 sailing and also had to choose between the Meet and Mingle and the C & A repeater party. We thought it was just unfortunate timing for that particular cruise, but now it appears that the two events are always scheduled with a conflict. The combo of mimosa and cotton candy was fun once, but I think I will choose the Meet and Mingle next time.

 

 

I would call that stupid planning on Royal's part. Thinking back, I don't think I went to the welcome back on Allure, maybe it was the same time as the meet and mingle and I didn't notice it. Our meet and mingle was dead, I probably should have chose the welcome back reception, though I think my next one will be better. I'll watch for you to tell us if this is the case on your Feb sailing.

[LBumb]

great sea day report

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

Great LIVE report!

Hope to see some more pictures soon!

 

Enjoy your day in Labadee. ;)

 

***

[ARCruisinNana]

 

With your seapass sticker thing, could you have a reservation for a show on say night 5 but go to the show on night 2 just by flashing your card? Even if it is fully sold out can you still just rock up an hour before and go in?

Yes! If you are D+ , PC, or are in a GS or above the Concierge will put a sticker on your seapass. You can get into any show (except the Comedy show). The sticker is your reservation. Great perk!

[silentbob007]

Loving your review and want a lot more pics when you return!

 

With your seapass sticker thing, could you have a reservation for a show on say night 5 but go to the show on night 2 just by flashing your card? Even if it is fully sold out can you still just rock up an hour before and go in?

 

Thanks!

 

Yes. I believe this is because you are really expected to sit in the reserved seats that are roped off until stand-bys would be let in anyway.

[silentbob007]

I know last summer when I boarded the Oasis with my 3 boys we were not questioned, and I did not have a notorized letter -- perhaps this was because I still retain their last name so all the docs are with the same last name? I also do have physical custody.

 

But now I am getting nervous about our Allure trip in August... I would think we would be ok?

 

I would think so, but you might call just to be sure. I always err on the side of being prepared. We definitely had to show my niece's BC, guardianship (since different than on BC), and notarized letter from guardian with specific sailing date and medical/sports release. I'm sure it was harder for us since we had different last names.

[silentbob007]

I'm trying to get photos shared, but Flickr is not loading up the sharing code for me right now for some reason. There are more pics if you click on my linked name under my earlier photos. Hopefully it will work soon so I can embed them.

[jarz85]

Yes! If you are D+ , PC, or are in a GS or above the Concierge will put a sticker on your seapass. You can get into any show (except the Comedy show). The sticker is your reservation. Great perk!

 

Yes. I believe this is because you are really expected to sit in the reserved seats that are roped off until stand-bys would be let in anyway.

 

Thanks for the answers. Thats a great perk as we will be im a suite. We can just pre-reserve shows as a last resort and then just go to them whenever we feel like it!

 

Was just looking at your pics and thy are awesome!

[jarz85]

Yes! If you are D+ , PC, or are in a GS or above the Concierge will put a sticker on your seapass. You can get into any show (except the Comedy show). The sticker is your reservation. Great perk!

 

Yes. I believe this is because you are really expected to sit in the reserved seats that are roped off until stand-bys would be let in anyway.

 

Thanks for the answers. Thats a great perk as we will be in a suite. We can just pre-reserve shows as a last resort and then just go to them whenever we feel like it!

 

Was just looking at your pics and thy are awesome!

[silentbob007]

Hi all ... we survived our day in Labadee and are leaving now. My dad and niece rode the zip line while I did the wave jet tour. More details will be forthcoming. :)

 

Flickr is still not loading up the embed code for some reason, but I'll keep updating photos on my photostream if nothing else.

 

Guess what??!!?? It was HOOOOTTTTT in Labadee. :)

[noshoobie]

Loving your review Bob. The clarity of your pictures is beautiful! I must ask the usual "what type of camera are you using"? question. Can't wait to see more :)

[Eng23]

Thanks for the update about the ships position on the TV. I'm glad to see that the Allure has it now. Keep up the good work! Harold.

[suizas]

would love to know if john morrison is the bartender up at the Sky Bar... Met him last year on Oasis, but I know they switch ships all the time. He was from Trinidad & Tobago... If he's there, tell him his "sister" (susan Morris) is coming on board in August :-)

 

Thank you so much for taking time out of your treasured cruise to blog to us all ~

[LBumb]

enjoy your night

[duncanmaria]

Great review, as always! Hope you get your photo issue ironed out.

[sassy12]

Chris, this is getting scary. We lived across the river from you (not sure if you are still living in West Lafayette), met in Australia, were on the Liberty last February (you were on in December) and are scheduled for the Allure this coming February! Seriously, we're not stalking you and your family although it sure appears to be so!!

 

However, I'm reading every word you write to be prepared for our trip. I can't wait to do the zip line. I zipped in Labadee in February and loved it.

 

Enjoy the rest of your trip!

 

Sharon

[Topo Gigio]

Hi all ... we survived our day in Labadee and are leaving now. My dad and niece rode the zip line while I did the wave jet tour. More details will be forthcoming. :)

 

Flickr is still not loading up the embed code for some reason, but I'll keep updating photos on my photostream if nothing else.

 

Guess what??!!?? It was HOOOOTTTTT in Labadee. :)

 

I can't see your pics.

[LBumb]

carib in july is always brutal hot

[jayzee]

Oh my this is fun! We are not on the Allure until February but I am loving this review! Thank you so much!