Nov 4, Allure of the Seas, Western Caribbean - A Review and Complete Pictorial Guide!

[raerom]

Your food porn pictures are so awesome....I just gained 10 pounds looking at them. Please tell me you make a living doing something in the art world. You are so artistic! Your writing style is so professional. I feel like I am on vacation with you. Your photographs are amazing pieces of art!

[CitygirlSF]

Loving the review!

 

 

We too had dinner at Giovanni's and had Bashir as our waiter! And while our food was fabulous (we didn't order the lamb!) Bashir made the night for us!

 

We went Saturday night. That day we did the all access tour, I casually mentioned this to him and asked a question about a crew gym. He spent the next15 minutes telling us all sorts of good juicy tidbits about crew life. They are allowed to and even ENCOURAGED to drink on the job!

 

I was a little worried about his other tables but it didn't seem to be an issue. He was also assigned to the table next to us and I saw someone else bring out their entrees.

 

We had also done a package deal and we don't drink wine. We had a zero balance bill. I ordered the torte for dessert which was okay, but I also asked my new BFF Bashir to try the Malaga ice cream which I missed on the all access tour. It was to die for!

 

I had to leave right after dessert to get to a drawing but DH stayed to settle up, I begged him to tip Bashir well, I was worried about him getting stiffed at other tables. I was happy to see later on our ship bill that he had!

 

We also gave him one of our two WOW CARDS!

[BillOh]

This is a little known secret, but borrowing your photo, this snack area in the vitality spa area has lot of no-extra charge items and is never crowded.

 

[Familygoboston]

 

 

When you exit the casino there is a stunning path heading towards studio B and Comedy live. I loved this little tunnel, it was gorgeous.

 

 

 

 

 

This is quite different from Oasis; there the hall is just kind of a hall!

 

A

Picture from our balcony

 

I have two photo questions for you:

 

1- what are you using for your panoramic shots- DH used his i phone 5 and it was easy peasy!! I just got one and think I will use it for my next review.

 

2-Several of you shots look like you used a special lens, that creates that sort of toy effect- like the one above...what lens is this?

 

Great shot of AF1...the trip must have been fruitful!;) We live very close to an AF airport here in MA and once after our big August storm last year 4 black hawks flew the POTUS right over our house (we don't know which he was in, but we waved to the airmen on board and they waved back!)

 

Great shots...fun to follow along!

[DMickey28]

Me to, I wish I could move there :D

 

 

 

First of all I am not sure if a cruise is a good motivator for a diet, I gained like 5 lbs :(, but I can see your point to start dieting prior the cruise and keep the good work there. That was not my case, too much food :rolleyes:, I could not resist.

 

I did not change anything, that is very odd. Did you try a different browser, is anyone else experiencing this? if so please let me know, I will figure out a way to fix it.

 

I am glad you're enjoying the review, thanks for joining.

 

Thanks! I could care less about gaining on the cruise but if I look as bad as I did on the Allure last year I will cry. I just want to get healthier.

 

I did an update to my computer and tried different browsers and looked for my settings changing and I can't figure it out. It's a bummer, I don't like clicking on each individual picture!

[3some]

Then after I held a grasp of myself I saw guest services straight ahead of me, so I made a dash for it to try to claim my wine back. Before I could get to the counter I was approached by a lady and asked what my concern was, I told her my wine had been confiscated and she told me that its RCCL policy of no liquor being allowed on board. I told her that they changed the policy two days ago and she told I was most likely confused. Then I pulled the UK statement she read it very fast and asked me for my name. Then she said to me "Mr……… your wine will be in your stateroom after sail away" she asked for my info, I thanked her and we left.

 

Did you get your wine returned on Day 1?

[vipcruiser]

OMG your review is soooo great!

I'll be on Allure this weekend. I wish I could read your complete review before I leave :):):).

[DMickey28]

Thanks! I could care less about gaining on the cruise but if I look as bad as I did on the Allure last year I will cry. I just want to get healthier.

 

I did an update to my computer and tried different browsers and looked for my settings changing and I can't figure it out. It's a bummer, I don't like clicking on each individual picture!

 

Sorry to hog your report but I figured it out. The pictures don't show when I am actually logged in. If I log out it's back to normal. Now to figure that out. Thanks. I'll just log out to read!!

[smeck]

Any suggestion as to which side of the ship is best to be on at sail away?

[shorbr]

This is one of the best reviews I have ever read! I'm planning my next cruise on the Allure of the Seas. Thank you so much :)

[WhiteSoxFan]

This is quite different from Oasis; there the hall is just kind of a hall!

 

 

 

I have two photo questions for you:

 

1- what are you using for your panoramic shots- DH used his i phone 5 and it was easy peasy!! I just got one and think I will use it for my next review.

 

2-Several of you shots look like you used a special lens, that creates that sort of toy effect- like the one above...what lens is this?

 

Great shot of AF1...the trip must have been fruitful!;) We live very close to an AF airport here in MA and once after our big August storm last year 4 black hawks flew the POTUS right over our house (we don't know which he was in, but we waved to the airmen on board and they waved back!)

 

Great shots...fun to follow along!

It is a standard lens but his camera has a faux tilt-shift lens effect built into it. You can create the same effects in post with photo editing software.

[swwake]

Thanks so much for your report and your beautiful and captivating pictures! You're really taking me back to Allure!

 

A couple of comments:

- the "surfer" in me loved the surfing pictures on the day of Oasis sail-away.

- the blue and yellow shirts - when we were on Allure, I met Julia at the flowrider (she's pretty good!). She is one of the guides for the Iveco groups. Apparently, as she said, "if you buy a truck, you get a free cruise". When Julia wasn't working with her tour groups (translating, directing, etc.), she was on the flowrider. She also said she had been on Allure in February 2012, back on our voyage, now on your voyage and will be back in April 2013. I kinda want her job!

- I never would have noticed the guy's head chopped off.

 

Sounds like you had a wonderful cruise. Can't wait to read and see more!

 

Oh, I was going to ask - I can't find your Norwegian Sky review from your link. How do I search for it?

Edited November 13, 2012 by swwake

[BearBear69]

I just yanked my husband over to the computer to show him some of your pics and stated this is BY FAR the best and most entertaining review of the O or the A!....and I have read A LOT of them!

We board the Allure again in March and your review is a fab way to get us excited again!

 

Thanks!

 

Oh, and I am cracking up that you got the great pic of AirForce One and then moments later you snapped the shot of the multi million dollar beach front property with the Romney sign in the yard :)

 

Gotta love America!!! Ironic, eh???

[ZimmCouple]

Just trying to figure out what the cost is to have lunch at Giovanni's the day of departure? Are reservations required in advance?

[Clarea]

Just trying to figure out what the cost is to have lunch at Giovanni's the day of departure? Are reservations required in advance?

Giovanni's is $15 per person for lunch. Reservations are not required.

[gambee]

Your review is fantastic! I apprecaite all the hard work you have put into it, it really shows!

 

I am really looking forward to the rest of your review!

 

thanks for your support, glad you're enjoying :)

 

Your food porn pictures are so awesome....I just gained 10 pounds looking at them. Please tell me you make a living doing something in the art world. You are so artistic! Your writing style is so professional. I feel like I am on vacation with you. Your photographs are amazing pieces of art!

 

Unfortunately I don't, but I am currently looking for employment in that area. I really did not know I had a talent for it until I tried it and I love it. I hope in the near future I can find a job that will let me make a living in what I am so passionate for. Thank you so very much for your words of encouragement. It's the leverage I need to help me keep looking a job in that profession. You're so very kind. Thanks for following me.

[gambee]

Loving the review!

 

 

We too had dinner at Giovanni's and had Bashir as our waiter! And while our food was fabulous (we didn't order the lamb!) Bashir made the night for us!

 

We went Saturday night. That day we did the all access tour, I casually mentioned this to him and asked a question about a crew gym. He spent the next15 minutes telling us all sorts of good juicy tidbits about crew life. They are allowed to and even ENCOURAGED to drink on the job!

 

I was a little worried about his other tables but it didn't seem to be an issue. He was also assigned to the table next to us and I saw someone else bring out their entrees.

 

We had also done a package deal and we don't drink wine. We had a zero balance bill. I ordered the torte for dessert which was okay, but I also asked my new BFF Bashir to try the Malaga ice cream which I missed on the all access tour. It was to die for!

 

I had to leave right after dessert to get to a drawing but DH stayed to settle up, I begged him to tip Bashir well, I was worried about him getting stiffed at other tables. I was happy to see later on our ship bill that he had!

 

We also gave him one of our two WOW CARDS!

 

I wished I got WOW cards, but I guess since this was my first cruise with RCCL I did not classify for them. I am currently trying to enroll on C&A but I keep getting an error message.

 

This is a little known secret, but borrowing your photo, this snack area in the vitality spa area has lot of no-extra charge items and is never crowded.

 

 

Yeah I read that before, but we never got around to eating there. Maybe next time. Thanks for the tip :)

Edited November 13, 2012 by gambee

[gambee]

This is quite different from Oasis; there the hall is just kind of a hall!

 

 

 

I have two photo questions for you:

 

1- what are you using for your panoramic shots- DH used his i phone 5 and it was easy peasy!! I just got one and think I will use it for my next review.

 

2-Several of you shots look like you used a special lens, that creates that sort of toy effect- like the one above...what lens is this?

 

Great shot of AF1...the trip must have been fruitful!;) We live very close to an AF airport here in MA and once after our big August storm last year 4 black hawks flew the POTUS right over our house (we don't know which he was in, but we waved to the airmen on board and they waved back!)

 

Great shots...fun to follow along!

 

1. I am using photoshop CS6 for my panoramics. The iphone 5 is great for panoramics, but I am not sure how it will perform in poor lighting situations.

 

2. Any lens will do. I addressed this earlier for another CC member. It's called a tilt-shift effect, most photo editing tools will have the effect. I performed most of mine in camera, in my camera its called "mini" effect.

 

Thanks! I could care less about gaining on the cruise but if I look as bad as I did on the Allure last year I will cry. I just want to get healthier.

 

I did an update to my computer and tried different browsers and looked for my settings changing and I can't figure it out. It's a bummer, I don't like clicking on each individual picture!

 

Not sure, what to tell you, any one else experiencing this? They look ok to me, I just tried my iphone and moms computer.

[gambee]

Did you get your wine returned on Day 1?

 

I will address that very soon ;)

 

 

OMG your review is soooo great!

I'll be on Allure this weekend. I wish I could read your complete review before I leave :):):).

 

You will LOVE your cruise!!!

I am not sure if I will finish by then, I never thought this would be so much work, I knew I wanted to post the most complete review, but I guess I underestimated the amount of work it takes. I am moving as fast as I can :)

[gambee]

Sorry to hog your report but I figured it out. The pictures don't show when I am actually logged in. If I log out it's back to normal. Now to figure that out. Thanks. I'll just log out to read!!

 

That is odd, but I am glad you figured it out. Glad that you can still follow along.

 

Any suggestion as to which side of the ship is best to be on at sail away?

 

PORT, no question about it, there is so much more to see on that side.

[gambee]

This is one of the best reviews I have ever read! I'm planning my next cruise on the Allure of the Seas. Thank you so much :)

 

You're welcome, glad you're enjoying it :)

 

Thanks so much for your report and your beautiful and captivating pictures! You're really taking me back to Allure!

 

A couple of comments:

- the "surfer" in me loved the surfing pictures on the day of Oasis sail-away.

- the blue and yellow shirts - when we were on Allure, I met Julia at the flowrider (she's pretty good!). She is one of the guides for the Iveco groups. Apparently, as she said, "if you buy a truck, you get a free cruise". When Julia wasn't working with her tour groups (translating, directing, etc.), she was on the flowrider. She also said she had been on Allure in February 2012, back on our voyage, now on your voyage and will be back in April 2013. I kinda want her job!

- I never would have noticed the guy's head chopped off.

 

Sounds like you had a wonderful cruise. Can't wait to read and see more!

 

Oh, I was going to ask - I can't find your Norwegian Sky review from your link. How do I search for it?

 

heyyyyyyy, whats up. Glad you could join!!!

 

You will be happy to hear that I tried the flow rider and you will see the results of my attempts soon :rolleyes: not so good, but very funny.

 

Also I just fixed my signature and now all the links work, my review of the Sky is right there. feel free to read it.

 

Thanks for joining :D

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1690520

[gambee]

I just yanked my husband over to the computer to show him some of your pics and stated this is BY FAR the best and most entertaining review of the O or the A!....and I have read A LOT of them!

We board the Allure again in March and your review is a fab way to get us excited again!

 

Thanks!

 

Oh, and I am cracking up that you got the great pic of AirForce One and then moments later you snapped the shot of the multi million dollar beach front property with the Romney sign in the yard :)

 

Gotta love America!!! Ironic, eh???

 

Thanks for the nice comment, I am happy you like it.

 

You know I never noticed the house with the sign, I am glad you pointed it out. Thank you :) and yes quite Ironic lol

[gambee]

Oh I forgot, while at Giovanni's I placed my new iPhone 5 on the bread plate with the olive oil, I almost had a heart attack. Thank God the bf saw it before the olive oil could do any damage to it, fewwwww, that was a close one.

 

After we left the bf wanted to go the coach store to look around, he likes all those brands and stuff, me not so much. I rather spend my money on Tv's and electronic equipment. I actually bought a coach bag to carry my camera before the trip, but I ended up using my old ugly bag just because I liked it better. The new bag stayed in the drawer the entire trip. Anyway, in the store there is not really much of a selection for men, not that I expected it to be anyway. But none the less it is a gorgeous store;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

After we left the coach store we went up stairs to get the document of the wine so we could head down stairs to guest services and claim our wine. Once we opened the door we noticed that Gilbert had already done our room and that my mom's bed was actually very nice, the only problem is that the bed left very little space to walk through. It was a very tight fit.

 

As I turned around to get the folder with my documents, what do I see??????

 

Tadaaaaaa!!!!!!! My wine yayyyyyyyyy :)

 

 

I wasted no time in getting my bottle of Nobilo, putting some ice into a glass and pouring a glass of wine to take to the balcony.

 

 

 

 

As I sat there listening to ABBA, having my glass of wine looking at the ocean and wondering if there was anything better than cruising in life? That's it I was hooked, I had just realized that from then on most of my vacations were going to be spend cruising! No question about it. I was in Heaven :)

 

[gambee]

After some time in the balcony, we realized that we had reservations for "Oceanaria" we discussed it and came to the conclusion that we would be better off watching the show from the aft balcony. We were exhausted and I did not feel like going to the boardwalk an looking for seats. So that is exactly what we did, mom and I headed to the aft balcony, I think the bf stayed in the room watching a movie or reading can't recall.

 

I did not take any pictures of the show due to copyright laws, but I did take a few pics before the show started.