Middle Aged Drama Queen Goes BIG: Solo & Last Minute on the ALLURE!!!

[Lany]

I on the other hand, am wishing for you to finish your review, like tonight! We have a 6AM flight tomorrow to board the Oasis on Saturday! HURRY! :D

[Kim & Billy in MO]

ohmygosh ~ I had a cucumber martini at Chops on Navigator last December and it was fantastic. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

 

Kim :)

[KansCocoa]

I on the other hand, am wishing for you to finish your review, like tonight! We have a 6AM flight tomorrow to board the Oasis on Saturday! HURRY! :D

 

Bwahahahahaha....this made me laugh!

 

Okay, just for you - here's the Reader's Digest Condensed Version of the rest of my review:

 

LOVED IT. LOVED ALL THE RESTAURANTS. LOVED THE SHIP DESIGN.

 

Except - I'd get an outside cabin next time. Needed to see more water.

 

How's that??!! :D

[Lany]

Bwahahahahaha....this made me laugh!

 

Okay, just for you - here's the Reader's Digest Condensed Version of the rest of my review:

 

LOVED IT. LOVED ALL THE RESTAURANTS. LOVED THE SHIP DESIGN.

 

Except - I'd get an outside cabin next time. Needed to see more water.

 

How's that??!! :D

 

Perfect! We're in a balcony! Can't wait! Have loved your review thus far...I'll check tomorrow night from the hotel for the next installment! :)

[plazamom]

Hi Sherri-

 

I am thoroughly enjoying your review. Hope your recovery goes well and you enjoy your next cruise. I am a huge Top Chef fan and would love to be going on that cruise.

 

I was on the Allure in August 2011 and we loved it. My "Klingons" now 16, 14, and 12 had the best time. I am taking them on the Oasis this August and can't wait. Decided to switch ships to get to see the different shows. We also ate at Giovannis and loved it and we did the Rita's Fiesta and had a great time. Other than that we ate in the main dining room which we also enjoyed very much.

 

Now to my hint- I had read on cc prior to my Allure cruise that the cupcakes in the Cupcake Cupboard are refrigerated- but purchasing them ahead of time and allowing them to come to room temperature really enhanced the flavor.

 

Lastly- I want to thank you for all of your hard work with the Red Cross. I live in Baldwin on the south shore of Long Island- and although I live in the north part of town and was mostly unaffected by Sandy- many of my friends and acquaintances in the Harbor area were devastated and are still rebuilding. If it wasn't for organizations like the Red Cross in those early weeks after the storm, many of these people would not have food, water and other supplies to survive. Most people were living in the second story of their homes and had no heat- and it got very cold around here shortly after the storm. Again thank you and all of your coworkers for the wonderful work you do.:D

[Arizona Laura]

On the Vanity/Desk area, there's a cool iPod/iPhone docking system - for not one, but TWO devices. I could charge my iPhone while charging my iPod at the same time...and I could play music in my cabin through the speakers. I LOVED this.

 

 

 

We had nothing like that on the Oasis, there are some amazing differences between the two ships. :confused::confused:

 

Is there a docking system in all the cabins?

 

Sherri..thanks so much for the time you took to post your dinner at Giovanni’s.

So what are you doing to spend time besides making us happy with your review? Must be so hard.

Are you in Fort Lauderdale?

Thanks again!

 

Laura

Edited March 22, 2013 by Arizona Laura

[gw2fll]

Sherri:

 

Welcome back. I have truly enjoyed your Review and look forward to more to come. I keep checking back to see if you have posted more - wonderful. Although we have not had an opportunity to sail Allure yet, this is the next best thing. Plus the valuable insights you are sharing is priceless.

 

Thanks for taking us along.

 

Doug

[KGSB11]

Looks like you've made it to the big time (see attached screen shot of main CC page). So I suppose you can say you are a bon-fide Critic! Adds legitimacy to your 150 Central Park persona! :D

[reney313]

 

Wow. After feeling like a truck ran over me a few days ago, I am happy to say I’m finally getting some relief. The ENT doctor I saw on Tuesday has scheduled me for sinus surgery in April, and until then – I’m to take it easy. Which means I have NO EXCUSE to not finish this review…before I’m down to perhaps one loyal reader left. Ack. So…without further ado…here we go!

 

We left off the last time with a review/synopsis of our first day onboard…we’ll start today with Day #2, Nassau.

 

Day 2 Monday

 

Thank goodness for those elevator signs that tell you what day it is... I love nothing more than hanging out in the elevators to watch people's reactions when they notice them for the first time...the pure amazement is priceless to watch! Okay. Wait. That makes me sound rather creepy-stalkerish... hanging out in elevators and all. I didn't mean that the way it sounded. But - all you RCI veterans know what I'm talking about...you've all seen it yourselves. Too funny, sometimes.

 

 

 

The first time my boyfriend came with me on a RCI cruise, on our 2nd day (Sunday), while in the elevator, he said "Funny, yesterday we were in the Saturday elevator". He thought that the day of the week was the "name" of the elevator. I laugh every time I tell that story! HAHAHA.

[My2Kitties]

welcome back

[RicardoC]

Here, we’re docked next to the Carnival Miracle…so named because it’s a miracle that it’s one of the few Carnival ships left that hasn’t had any engine or electrical issues in the last few months.

 

 

Hahahah always some great, creative comments :p Thanks :D

[texasgirl73]

I really do love your reviews. Thank you so much for sharing. I could imagine myself taking a cruise like this by myself and enjoying the opportunity to share with others on the forum but my kids are too young for me to leave for a week. Maybe someday when they are older. :) I am taking my family on the Allure in June so I am really enjoying this report. It's as if you are taking us all on a tour with you.

[barbie5401]

glad you are feeling better. Warm south Florida sun cures all. Did you do the dining package?

[skittl1321]

Glad you are back Sherri! Really enjoying the review.

 

When we went to Nassau we walked to the zoo (it would have been a long walk on a healing foot). It was an interesting experience, a tiny zoo, but we had some great interactions with local children.

 

Glad to hear you did get off the boat! I agree- if you don't, you can't say you've 'been' there.

[jjl64]

The doctor wanted to do my surgery on April 3...but I'm boarding the Celebrity Constellation on April 11 for a Top Chef cruise. NO WAY was I going on a CULINARY cruise 7 days after sinus surgery! I told the doctor I'd do the surgery when I get back - hence the 17th. I'd much rather do surgery AFTER a cruise than before a cruise - yikes!

 

I hope you are planning to do another EPIC review of this Top Chef cruise. We have always wanted to try one of those since we are addicted to any and all cooking shows!

[KansCocoa]

Aw, you guys are the best! I'll be back - after a luncheon today - to address comments, questions - and be posting Day #3 activities...including a review of Chops Grille....! In the meantime - here are the Cruise Compasses for Day #2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 22, 2013 by KansCocoa

[Az's Cruising Nana]

I swore I would not read anymore Allure reviews until after our April departure. However when I saw your name on this I had to read it. I am so glad I am following along. Your adventures,sense of humor and style of writing make this review so entertaining and different from any other Allure review I have read. I can't wait for the rest. I hope you feel better soon and thanks for the review.

 

Sue

[Fisherlady48]

I am so glad you enjoyed your dinner solo. I sail solo and love the specialty dining room dinners. I never feel rushed and always get great service.

 

I am going on the Enchantment in the middle of the Top Chef cruise or I would love to be on it. Please take lots of food porn pictures.

 

K

[CruisingCaraCat]

Hi - first as with everyone else let me thank you for your terrifically entertaining reviews.

 

I just got off Allure from the 3/10 sailing and this of course reminds me of the wonderful time I had.

 

I know your review is not complete but I am hoping you did not miss seeing Chicago. We have been on the Allure three times now and I think I enjoy that show more each time.

 

By the way we had the same menu in 150 and I thought it was just wonderful.

[KansCocoa]

Hi Sherri-

 

I am thoroughly enjoying your review. Hope your recovery goes well and you enjoy your next cruise. I am a huge Top Chef fan and would love to be going on that cruise.

 

I was on the Allure in August 2011 and we loved it. My "Klingons" now 16, 14, and 12 had the best time. I am taking them on the Oasis this August and can't wait. Decided to switch ships to get to see the different shows. We also ate at Giovannis and loved it and we did the Rita's Fiesta and had a great time. Other than that we ate in the main dining room which we also enjoyed very much.

 

Now to my hint- I had read on cc prior to my Allure cruise that the cupcakes in the Cupcake Cupboard are refrigerated- but purchasing them ahead of time and allowing them to come to room temperature really enhanced the flavor.

 

Lastly- I want to thank you for all of your hard work with the Red Cross. I live in Baldwin on the south shore of Long Island- and although I live in the north part of town and was mostly unaffected by Sandy- many of my friends and acquaintances in the Harbor area were devastated and are still rebuilding. If it wasn't for organizations like the Red Cross in those early weeks after the storm, many of these people would not have food, water and other supplies to survive. Most people were living in the second story of their homes and had no heat- and it got very cold around here shortly after the storm. Again thank you and all of your coworkers for the wonderful work you do.:D

 

What a great post! First - a good hint about the cupcakes...although I'm not sure I would have the patience to let them "sit" until they're room temperature...they're too scrumptious, and the temptation is too great! ;)

 

And thanks for the kudos to Red Cross...I am the one blessed by being able to volunteer with an organization who's mission is to help in times of disasters... it's hard to believe we have volunteers who are STILL there, away from their family and homes....I've met some amazing people, for sure...and I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the people of NJ and NY. They were truly amazing! A guy from Brooklyn said to me, "Don't believe what you see on TV. We're actually pretty nice." And they were.

 

Is there a docking system in all the cabins?

 

Sherri..thanks so much for the time you took to post your dinner at Giovanni’s.

So what are you doing to spend time besides making us happy with your review? Must be so hard.

Are you in Fort Lauderdale?

Thanks again!

 

Laura

 

Hi, Laura!

 

Yes. There is a docking system in all cabins - woot!

 

I am in Ft. Myers - on the Gulf side of the state. Besides writing, my plans are to rest and relax a bit...enjoy the sunshine...play some Pickleball (it's a big thing here...and if you don't know what it is, don't feel alone - I didn't have a CLUE!)...and work on my house a bit. And dream of my Top Chef cruising coming soon - of which there will most DEFINITELY be a review - especially of the food!

[KansCocoa]

ohmygosh ~ I had a cucumber martini at Chops on Navigator last December and it was fantastic. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

 

Kim :)

 

Hey - you all are practically my neighbors - just right down I-70! (When I'm in Kansas City, anyway!) Hope you don't get walloped by the snow expected tomorrow. Brrrr. This is when I'm happy to be in southern Florida where it's 80 degrees today. ;) (You can hate me now) And yes...that Martini was wonderful. Needless to say, I had ANOTHER one when I went back for my second dinner. ;)

 

 

Sherri:

 

Welcome back. I have truly enjoyed your Review and look forward to more to come. I keep checking back to see if you have posted more - wonderful. Although we have not had an opportunity to sail Allure yet, this is the next best thing. Plus the valuable insights you are sharing is priceless.

 

Thanks for taking us along.

 

Doug

 

Thanks, Doug...Yes, I promise to be more diligent about posting - especially now that I'm coming out of my sinus fog...! I hope - at some point - you get an opportunity to either sail Allure or Oasis...they're worth trying, at least once! :)

[KansCocoa]

Looks like you've made it to the big time (see attached screen shot of main CC page). So I suppose you can say you are a bon-fide Critic! Adds legitimacy to your 150 Central Park persona! :D

 

Wasn't that amazing??! I'm not sure how they found the review to put it on the main page, but I am truly honored! So yes...I'm a critic. Hee hee. Just not a food & wine critic in NY. But we won't tell anyone that.

 

The first time my boyfriend came with me on a RCI cruise, on our 2nd day (Sunday), while in the elevator, he said "Funny, yesterday we were in the Saturday elevator". He thought that the day of the week was the "name" of the elevator. I laugh every time I tell that story! HAHAHA.

 

OMG, that was funny...I would have died laughing! I'm sure he doesn't think it's funny every time you tell that story, but that is priceless! I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets amusement out of people's reactions to the elevator signs!

[KansCocoa]

welcome back

 

Thank you! It's good to be back...both on the boards, and in "life". Medical setbacks are not fun. :(

 

I really do love your reviews. Thank you so much for sharing. I could imagine myself taking a cruise like this by myself and enjoying the opportunity to share with others on the forum but my kids are too young for me to leave for a week. Maybe someday when they are older. :) I am taking my family on the Allure in June so I am really enjoying this report. It's as if you are taking us all on a tour with you.

 

Hey - when your kids are older - the world is at your feet! I hope you take the opportunity to fly - and spread your wings! I love my kids - but there is definitely a liberating feeling of traveling without them - or even traveling solo. I've learned just how strong and independent I am...and also how much I love my family! ;) You are going to have an amazing time on the Allure - I hope some of the tips have helped! (and some of the mistakes I made - like dropping cupcakes on the floor!)

[KansCocoa]

glad you are feeling better. Warm south Florida sun cures all. Did you do the dining package?

 

Thanks, Barbara! The sunshine here is amazing...Vitamin D is helping tremendously!

 

Yes - I did the Central Park Dining Package...which was $70. This gave me Giovanni's Table, Chops, and 150 Central Park. Didn't save me a whole lot - but saved me a little...since I knew I was going to be eating at all three.

 

Glad you are back Sherri! Really enjoying the review.

 

When we went to Nassau we walked to the zoo (it would have been a long walk on a healing foot). It was an interesting experience, a tiny zoo, but we had some great interactions with local children.

 

Glad to hear you did get off the boat! I agree- if you don't, you can't say you've 'been' there.

 

Well...if I'd had a walking partner, I would have ventured out further - broken foot and all...but it was the fact I was by myself. I don't mind being by myself on a ship - or on a ship excursion/tour - but I hadn't set anything up, and so I didn't want to roam the streets of Nassau alone...if that makes sense. I once wandered the streets of Key West alone...and the streets are generally safe, for the most part - but I got lost, and found myself in a REALLY bad area. I had lots of blingy jewelry on...my money...my credit cards...and shopping bags. That was stupid. Right about the time I thought I was going to get jumped, a police cruiser came down the road and basically escorted me out of the bad area to a safe area. :rolleyes:

[jakesmom04]

Originally Posted by reney313

The first time my boyfriend came with me on a RCI cruise, on our 2nd day (Sunday), while in the elevator, he said "Funny, yesterday we were in the Saturday elevator". He thought that the day of the week was the "name" of the elevator. I laugh every time I tell that story! HAHAHA.

 

Oh my....I thought the same thing the first time I seen this. My wonderful husband still tells that story!