Indescribable! (But I'll try): My Allure Photo Review

[beachbuddy]

I have no idea why it was so busy on our day, I hope it was just over-sold so they let everyone go? We even saw a group buying tickets for it the day of outside our bus....strange.

 

There were probably a group of 6-8 vendors, mostly women. They were to the far left of the beach. We were only the 2nd bus to arrive at the beach and the only real space that was available was towards the left, probably 100-200 feet away from their section. They didn't cross onto our section of the beach, would just ask if you wanted your hair braided or wanted to buy anything if you got close.

 

The issue I had was them talking with each other and being unnecessarily loud. At one point I had no idea if they were fighting with each other or just having a good time? Also, the woman who seemed to be in charge of the beach and worked at the bar/restaurant kept walking around trying to get people to buy food and drinks. They also made announcements over an intercom about their "happy hour" smoothies.

 

Occasionally someone would walk up and down the beach along the shoreline but didn't really talk/bother anyone.

 

OH! If you are allergic to dogs, do not go here. At any given time, there were at least 3 dogs hanging out. They left you alone, they were just looking for shade under the trees and chairs, but I can see how it would be frustrating if you had allergies or a fear of dogs.

 

It just seemed too loud and too crowded for me. We preferred our time in Cozumel better.

 

Thanks for the information. I like dogs, but little ones!!! I'm scared to death of big dogs so hope there aren't big dogs roaming around unattended!!!! We were in Ochos Rios a couple times and did an Island Tour and climbed Dunns River Falls which was fun except for the vendors at the end.........LOL Can't think of one other thing that I want to do in Jamaica......

 

Host Faith, sorry for our little hijacking - back to the regularly scheduled program.

 

Patty

 

Patty

[caissonqueen]

I love reading your review. I will admit that I never planned on cruising on a large ship. But after reading the review and seeing the pics, I'm tempted. Of course, your pictures did make me feel ready for my next cruise. :) Hard to get rid of the cruise loving bug. ;)

[BillOh]

OK the Allure definitely has their act together! We didn't get these signs on the Oasis, and most times only had one gangway. :rolleyes:

 

On Allure in 2011 they used 2 gangways at most ports (I didn't get off in Nassau) but there was no signs saying which one to use, we went to the least crowded one, or the one closest to where we were going to go when we went back on board, which was usually our cabin.

[bigque]

Chrystal My Girl! Review Writer Extrodinaire! :cool: Another great one as usual. Who wouldn't want to take a cruise vacation after your reviews! I can't wait to write my next one. You won't be upset if I copy your style would you????? :)

[pabrett46]

duplicate post.. sorry

Edited October 24, 2012 by pabrett46

[pabrett46]

The vacuum:.. sorry tried to reply with just the picture of him but I couldn't do it... anyway I do recognize him. I think it's Henry isn't it? I've haven't encountered him as yet.

 

Enjoying your review so far! Thanks for doing this.

[Host Faith]

Found a Jamaican patty stand. If you're looking for an economical way to get a quick bite of authentic food in Jamaica, go here! The patties are only $3 each, and they're delicious! Very flaky, buttery pastry pocket filled with yummy goodness. They have beef, veggie, and chicken.

 

 



 

 

What is a pattie???

 

See above! ;):)

[Host Faith]

I was anxiously awaiting your review and I am SO glad I found it! I am so very sorry for the loss of your Grandmother. My condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to you and your entire family!

 

I am also really glad that RCCL worked so well with you to make the change in travel plans :).

 

Thank you so much for the in depth reviews you give. I can't seem to get enough (and my cruise is not for another year!!!). I love the pictures and the perspective you share.

 

Thanks Tiffany! :)

 

Sorry it took me so long to reply...brother's wedding this past weekend!

 

I liked the room a lot. It was nice to have that extra balcony space without paying the premium of a D2 room. Who was your cabin steward? I wonder if it was the same person. I think I'd rather have the bed closer to the the balcony door, but it didn't bother me much. Was that scratch on the painting facing the bed still there? It was on the bottom of the picture frame. Oh and there were some strange bangs and noises early in the morning, but I think that is just a trait of cruising. Always going to be a little noise that didn't really bother me. :)

 

I did love taking advantage of that D5 price. I don't remember a scratch on the painting's frame. Maybe they fixed it? I don't remember the cabin steward's name....I might have his card somewhere in my files so I'll check.

[Host Faith]

I love reading your review. I will admit that I never planned on cruising on a large ship. But after reading the review and seeing the pics, I'm tempted. Of course, your pictures did make me feel ready for my next cruise. Hard to get rid of the cruise loving bug.

 

Hi Joann! Thank you! I think the Allure is worth trying, so at least you'll know for sure whether a ship that size is for you. I think my favorite cruise overall was the Southern Caribbean on the Serenade of the Seas, mostly because of the ports, the service, and the beautiful sea views from every area of the ship. The Allure itself is a fantastic ship, and we would absolutely sail her again. I think it was perfect for a babymoon since I didn't have a port-intensive cruise...and there were so many places to eat! :o:D It was nice being able to kick back and catch some shows too. Give her a try, you never know!

 

Chrystal My Girl! Review Writer Extrodinaire! :cool: Another great one as usual. Who wouldn't want to take a cruise vacation after your reviews! I can't wait to write my next one. You won't be upset if I copy your style would you????? :)

 

Heyyyy Mike! How are you? Thank you so much. Feel free to copy away, if I can help with the flow of information here on CC I'm a happy camper. :)

[Host Faith]

The vacuum:.. sorry tried to reply with just the picture of him but I couldn't do it... anyway I do recognize him. I think it's Henry isn't it? I've haven't encountered him as yet.

 

Enjoying your review so far! Thanks for doing this.

 

You're right! He's named Henry and I get amused when I see him in photos around here. My husband was wondering why I got so excited when I saw the vacuum until I explained his popularity on CC, lol :rolleyes::)

[Host Faith]

We returned to the ship....I think we were out there for about 2 hours or so. This was our view from our balcony:

 

 

We could still hear the DJ and his antics, so we hung out on the balcony for a few minutes to listen to him.

 

Wes took a nap, and I was determined to get some ice cream from the parlor on the Boardwalk. I got a scoop of vanilla in a (small) waffle cone. I think it cost about $2.50. If you've ever been to Cold Stone, the vanilla on the Boardwalk was closer to Sweet Cream than a traditional vanilla bean.

 

 



 

I had a total 'pregnancy brain' moment when heading back to the room. I walked all the way from the Boardwalk to room #590, and my room key didn't work. I totally forgot to go up one flight of stairs before going down the hallway, so I was actually at room #6590 :o! Fortunately it wasn't that long a walk to the forward stairs, so I made my way back upstairs quickly.

 

When I returned to the room, Wes saw my ice cream cone and instantly wanted one, lol. So we went back down to the Boardwalk. That's another reason why I liked being on Deck 7- the Boardwalk was a short flight of stairs down. He got one of his favorites- Cookies and Cream in a cup.

 

 

[Host Faith]

We wandered up to the Sports Deck to watch the Flowrider for a while. It was fun watching some of the experts as well as those pretty new to it.

 

 

 



 

[BillOh]

. My husband was wondering why I got so excited when I saw the vacuum until I explained his popularity on CC, lol :rolleyes::)

 

I've had that same discussion with my wife!

[Host Faith]

Some shots of the miniature golf course and the view down from the Sports Deck:

 

 



 



 

[BillOh]

We wandered up to the Sports Deck to watch the Flowrider for a while. It was fun watching some of the experts as well as those pretty new to it.

 

 

Has Wes been on a ship with a flowrider yet? Well, did he try/want to try? I tried it once on Freedom in 2008, but did it multiple times on Allure during those 3 sea days. Having the dual Flowriders made the wait bearable as its fun to watch while in line. I'm probably at least 15 years older than Wes so I'm wondering if he did try. My wife did the zip line, but I am irrationally terrified of heights so I skipped. I guess you get a pass on both of these this trip.

[Host Faith]

Once Wes saw that Izumi had hot rocks, he wanted to give it a try. We booked a 6 PM reservation, so we could watch sailaway from there...and also so we could go to the Main Dining Room afterward if we weren't full since the menu is pretty light. Here's a copy of the menu.

 

 

 

I have to admit I was a little skeptical at first, but we had a nice time. We had an INCREDIBLE view from our table.

 

 

 

First, we were given a complimentary bowl of edamame.

 

I tried the Shrimp Wonton Soup. The broth was rich, delicious...fabulous! The wonton itself was a little strange...too 'fishy' for me. Since the Miso Soup was complimentary, Wes gave it a try since he'd never had it before. He hated it, lol. I didn't like the taste myself.

 

 

 

 

 

[Host Faith]

I meant to just get some soup and the Chicken Kara-Age...but the novelty of the Hot Rocks took over and I ordered the same thing as Wes- the Chicken and Beef Skewer Rock.

 

We had a lot of fun cooking on the Hot Rocks. The meat was delicious and cooked quickly, with a nice sear on each side. Some coarse salt was placed on top of the Hot Rocks, which subtly seasoned the meat while it cooked. I was surprised that the rock stayed hot enough to cook everything through. You may want to cook all your meats in about two batches, moving them to the side where your veggies are when they're done. We didn't even need the sauces that accompanied the dishes. Total YUM :)

 

 

 

 



 

[Host Faith]

As we ate, sailaway started. There was the most beautiful sunset, and there were a lot of people lined up on the upper decks to take photos.

 

[Host Faith]

Has Wes been on a ship with a flowrider yet? Well, did he try/want to try? I tried it once on Freedom in 2008, but did it multiple times on Allure during those 3 sea days. Having the dual Flowriders made the wait bearable as its fun to watch while in line. I'm probably at least 15 years older than Wes so I'm wondering if he did try. My wife did the zip line, but I am irrationally terrified of heights so I skipped. I guess you get a pass on both of these this trip.

 

Nah, he didn't try it. We were extremely laid-back this cruise.

[Host Faith]

After dinner, we walked through the casino to Studio B, to see the How to Train Your Dragon Ice Show. I believe it showed at 7:30. No reservations needed for this one, you could just walk in and take your seat.

 

What a great show! They had a screen on each side of the rink that showed you the moments in the movie that corresponded to what was happening on ice. Very cool. If you can catch it, but sure to go see this one. It was only about 30 minutes long.

 

 



 



 



 

[BecciBoo]

O wow Faith. That is so kool! I am going to make that my first stop on restaurants. Love those stones and the fun of sitting and cooking together! Truly relaxing! Yum!

[MA cruisers]

Host Faith, what a wonderful review. We were on the same sailing as you and had an awesome time. I am reliving it thru your pictures since our camera broke on day 2!! Thanks for sharing.

[Host Faith]

After the show, we went to the Royal Promenade to kill some time before dinner in the Main Dining Room. There was the dreaded $10 sale, and the Promenade was pure CHAOS. It was amazing how people were stepping over each other and pushing one another out the way, all for $10 watches and purses. Geez.

 

 

 

We sat a while and did some people-watching. We saw the Rising Tide Bar come down and go back up. Looked like a spaceship from our point of view:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Host Faith]

Went to dinner in the MDR since Izumi didn't fill us up, lol. I just got the salmon this time. No appetizers since there were two desserts I really wanted to try (:o): the Warm Chocolate Cake and the Strawberry Kiwi Pavlova. The chocolate cake was okay, and I loved the pavlova.

 

 



 



 



 

[Just The 3 Of Us]

I think we might try Izumi - I wasn't sure my husband would like it - but seeing your photos - we may just give it a try. I was considering the 3-restaurant package for Oasis and I think Izumi is one of the choices. He loves his filet so this is right up his alley.

 

Thanks again - just love your reviews (in case I haven't mentioned that before ;))

 

Barb