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

[KansCocoa]

Wow! If I smoked I'd be lighting up a cigarette right about now!

 

This has to be the most amazing report I've read - and the good news is - I haven't read your last reports - so I have them to look forward to!!!:D

 

Thank you Sherri - and YES - you may come along on my next cruise. (See I was paying attention). Best Wishes for successful surgery and a speedy recovery! Can't wait to read about your future adventures!

 

Okay, I laughed out loud when I read the cigarette comment...hee hee!

 

Thank you! I cruise next Thursday, and then have the surgery the following Wednesday - yay, me!

 

Oh Sherri, always a pleasure to read your reviews!

Sailing on Allure in August for our Honeymoon can't wait.

Come July, I'll be searching this thread again for additional tips and pointers!

 

Hope you're feeling better!

 

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding - and honeymoon! I'm glad the review can help - let me know if you have any other questions...and I am feeling better! (altho I'm still pre-surgery - yikes!)

[KansCocoa]

Sherri have requested "friend" to send you the Alaska information ...if that is OK with you. Would love to share with you our experiences to help you plan for your trip. Robbin

 

Sounds good! (Have you sent the request yet? I don't think I've seen it yet?)

 

 

BTW, loved the food pics. I always take foodie pics to send home to my kids. When one of our daughters went to New Orleans for their honeymoon, she and her new husband only took pictures of food. For 2 weeks we suffered viewing the most beautiful dishes. Now its payback! LOL! (He's an executive chef, and she graduated from culinary school as well so you can appreciate their mind set)

Once again, thanks for the amusing informative review! Can't wait to have time to read your other reviews. You have a way with words:D

 

Marilyn

 

Thanks, Marilyn - I'm glad I'm not the only one who takes food porn pics to share! It's also fun to go back and remember a particularly good meal...of which there were several onboard the Allure. ;)

[KansCocoa]

Thank you for the wonderful review! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

Yes, make sure you walk the Highline when you are in the city, very nice walk. Also if you are on the lower East side, I can recommend doing one of the tours at The Tenement Museum.

 

What plays are you seeing? Nice Work if YOu Can Get It with Matthew Broderick was very good.

 

Oh, we are DEFINITELY doing the Tenement Museum - want to do several tours there, as well as a "Lower East Side" food tour....!

 

We've got tickets to see four shows: 13-year old daughter has been BEGGING for years to see "Wicked" - and although she already drives me crazy by singing "Popular" every night, I guess I'll indulge her...! I want Hubby to see "Once" - as I really, really liked this show, as well...and then, we're going to see "Momma Mia" and "The Lion King".

 

We're doing cultural/food tours in Harlem, Lower East Side, Greenwich/Soho, and Hell's Kitchen area...as well as a "Food Truck/Cart" tour...

 

We're going to do an architectural tour, and a graffiti tour, as well...sounds like fun, huh?!

 

 

I loved your review. I feel like I have cruised with you before. I will definitely try Allure in the next few years. Now I want cupcakes. :D

 

Hey - me, too! Now that you mention it - a cupcake would SO hit the spot right now! Thank you for reading and commenting; I appreciate it. I think you'll enjoy the Allure - or the Oasis - great ships, for sure. :)

[KansCocoa]

Thank you so, so much for scanning these in! They have been so helpful to me.

 

I'm glad they helped...sometimes, it can be hard to get your hands on the Cruise Compasses ahead of time, and they are extremely helpful to us OCD planners!

 

P.S. Shawnee, KS? You're my neighbor! ;)

[kbinshawnee]

Yes, Shawnee KS! We are cruising the Allure in 52 days and can't wait!

[cat2610]

Thank you for such an awesome review. I enjoyed reading it and like others laughed out loud at times. I was all ready to book us on the Allure based on your review when my mom called me and invited us along on her cruise to Alaska. Not being able to turn down a free cruise, I'll have to plan the Allure another time.

 

Now I'm planning on reading all of your other cruise reports. I need some humerous reading!

 

Thanks for taking the time to share with us all.

 

Cindy

[Princess123]

You asked what the Slops Chest is (well, probably several pages back by now!) and it's where the crew can purchase things like shoelaces, uniform etc and other things they might need on board. Some cruises sail to destinations where there aren't many shops available, and time off in port is too precious to have to go shopping for basics anyway! Have a great time on your next cruise, and hope your sinuses don't impair your taste buds.

[Freq Traveler]

Sherri, I have made the friend request, you may have to go to your profile page to accept it. I'm not sure you would have received an e-mail about it. Hope you have a great weekend. It is really supposed to be nice here in Kentucky over the weekend. I have a work trip to Denver--leaving tomorrow and it is suppossed to be in the 40's. Back to winter and turtlenecks for me! :)

[Monk86]

Great review Sherri!

 

Quick question on the Thermal Suite...does this take the place of the usual Sauna and steam room available in gyms in other ships? Is there any FREE sauna or steam room?

[RicardoC]

Ah, Rico - thank you...I'm glad you enjoyed the picture of the Engine Room...or was it the picture of Gisele that you liked, more?! ;)

 

And you're right - I DO need rest! Not really. I mean, I DID need rest after working in NJ/NY, but I'm all rested up now...just in time for my surgery, woot! Can't wait to start the review of the Top Chef cruise!

 

And I'm glad I'm not the only creeper/stalker on here...hee hee. Your secret is safe with me.

 

Sherri,

 

Hope your surgery goes well...it will, I know it ;)

Where is the Top Chef cruise going to? Is it a 7 night as well? Hoping it is so it means I will (most likely) be able to read the new review before I leave for my 1 month "adventure" in the East :D:cool:

 

Have a great weekend (I know it must be an awesome day out down there...just like it is here in the Orlando area) :)

[gilmorefan]

Thanks for the great review!! My daughter and I took a mother-daughter trip on Allure and reading your review was like experiencing it all over again.

 

One of the things I don't remember you mentioning in your review was the

"secret" entrance to the gym from the track. It really isn't a secret but it took us a couple of days to notice. I preferred it to navigating those very long corridors. Having a cabin near Central Park made it super easy and quick to get from one end of the ship to the other. We found it especially helpful when trying to get to shows or getting off the ship in the ports.

 

Thanks for your other reviews as well. You saved me a ton of money that I would have spent on Kindle over Spring Break. :) After reading your Freedom review, I really want to give it a try.

[cruisincha]

Sherri,

 

Awesome review, as always. One question - the beach in Grand Case, was it behind the Grand Case Resort? Found that place totally be accident, and sat on their dock sipping a few beers many years ago, thinking about jumping ship and staying there for a few days. In hindsight, I wish we had done it.

 

Have a great cruise and good luck with the surgery.

 

Trish

[KansCocoa]

Great review Sherri!

 

Quick question on the Thermal Suite...does this take the place of the usual Sauna and steam room available in gyms in other ships? Is there any FREE sauna or steam room?

 

Good question! I honestly don't know, though...I wonder if someone else knows this? I never went into the locker rooms of the gym - I'd use the one downstairs by the Thermal Suite....

 

Sherri,

 

Hope your surgery goes well...it will, I know it ;)

Where is the Top Chef cruise going to? Is it a 7 night as well? Hoping it is so it means I will (most likely) be able to read the new review before I leave for my 1 month "adventure" in the East :D:cool:

 

Have a great weekend (I know it must be an awesome day out down there...just like it is here in the Orlando area) :)

 

Thank you, Ricardo! :)

 

The Top Chef cruise is a 5-day, 4-night cruise with two stops: Cozumel and Key West! I hope to have the review done in a month - that would be good, huh?!

 

It WAS a beautiful weekend here - Florida has nice weather, for sure! ;)

[KansCocoa]

Thanks for the great review!! My daughter and I took a mother-daughter trip on Allure and reading your review was like experiencing it all over again.

 

One of the things I don't remember you mentioning in your review was the

"secret" entrance to the gym from the track. It really isn't a secret but it took us a couple of days to notice. I preferred it to navigating those very long corridors. Having a cabin near Central Park made it super easy and quick to get from one end of the ship to the other. We found it especially helpful when trying to get to shows or getting off the ship in the ports.

 

Thanks for your other reviews as well. You saved me a ton of money that I would have spent on Kindle over Spring Break. :) After reading your Freedom review, I really want to give it a try.

 

I'm glad you enjoyed the review - thank you! And you're RIGHT - I didn't mention that "secret entrance" to the gym! I would use it to leave my Stretch class and then head down to the track to walk...it would most definitely be a good shortcut to use when the Promenade gets crowded - like, on T-shirt sale days!

 

 

Sherri,

 

Awesome review, as always. One question - the beach in Grand Case, was it behind the Grand Case Resort? Found that place totally be accident, and sat on their dock sipping a few beers many years ago, thinking about jumping ship and staying there for a few days. In hindsight, I wish we had done it.

 

Have a great cruise and good luck with the surgery.

 

Trish

 

I'm not sure, Trish...the restaurant, Le Ti Provencal, is listed at 158 Boulevard de Grand Case...would that be close to the Resort? It's a beautiful stretch of beach, for sure, and a hidden gem...not very crowded at all!

 

And thank you - I'm all packed, and ready to go! The surgery should go well, I hope. ;)

[retiring soon]

Hi all!

 

Sherri ~ have a great time on your Top Chef cruise & say ciao to Fabio.:p

Looking forward to your review of that cruise.

Best wishes on your surgery too!

 

~ Jo ~ :)

[cossack 82]

Hey my friend and I are cruising on the Allure Eastern Caribbean route on May 26th. We had heard there is a themed party later in the cruise, like an 80s party or something. We were wondering if anyone knew what it is so that we can plan for it.

 

Thanks,

Cole

[RicardoC]

Thank you, Ricardo! :)

 

The Top Chef cruise is a 5-day, 4-night cruise with two stops: Cozumel and Key West! I hope to have the review done in a month - that would be good, huh?!

 

It WAS a beautiful weekend here - Florida has nice weather, for sure! ;)

 

Good timing!

I just have to make sure I don't lose control of international data like that one time reading someone's Med Review while waiting for flights :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Heheh :o enjoy your cruise!

[agc291]

Seriously one of the best reviews I have ever read about anything. I found myself CRACKING up non stop and got a ton of good info for my Oasis cruise. You also have quite inspired me to write similarly, love your style!

[cruisenshop]

Well, let's get to it.

BEST REVIEW EVER!

Sherri- I found your review in response to my search "Oasis or Allure" ..um - yesterday- while I was in a CLE- that's continuing legal education. That mandatory kind , the kind that I was to listen to, but found myself hearing the same seminar from last year! Boring, so - on the break- took a lookie at Cruise Critic and you saved me. Frankly, I learned much more from you than the lawyers who read slides for six hours...yep, I am educated all right!

 

I was on the Oasis a few years ago for a mother daughter (my Mom) trip and after three(fantastic) Carnival cruises in a row.... I think I am ready to try RCCL again... Had a not so good Liberty of the Seas experience last year. Ready to book our family post holiday getaway on the Allure now... Just so I can see the art work, use the iPod dock and well, just maybe tell people that I picked it "because of Sherri"!

 

Thank you for reminding me of all the things I loved about the Oasis! Thank you for reminding me that I have met some of the most amazing people on cruises- who I now consider friends! Thank Goodness for Cruise Critic!!!

 

Loved your food pictures and dresses....

Any chance to get you on the Allure on Dec 29? Want to take a break from your NYC trip and join us on the NCL Breakaway in June???

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

[Freq Traveler]

Sherri, I still can't email you as a "friend". I think we have to be "contacts" to do so. I have suggested a "contact" with you. When you get back from your cruise and have settled in after your surgery, hopefully I will finally be able to send you that information on the Alaska Cruise.

 

Hope your trip was wonderful and your surgery goes really well!

Have a great day!

Robbin in Kentucky!

[cruiselife4me]

I swear it could be ME writing this, you're writing style is very similar to mine! How cool is that? I haven't cruised on Allure or Oasis...yet....however I might have to wait for Quantum now.

 

Thanks loads sistah!

Mary

[KansCocoa]

Hi all!

 

Sherri ~ have a great time on your Top Chef cruise & say ciao to Fabio.:p

Looking forward to your review of that cruise.

Best wishes on your surgery too!

 

~ Jo ~ :)

 

Hi, Jo! My surgery was yesterday - went well; just in a lot of pain today but taking my pain pills which help a bit. My Top Chef cruise was fabulous! And not only did I say ciao to Fabio, but I have a very funny story now about Fabio that I will be sure to write about in my upcoming review of the cruise. ;)

 

 

Hey my friend and I are cruising on the Allure Eastern Caribbean route on May 26th. We had heard there is a themed party later in the cruise, like an 80s party or something. We were wondering if anyone knew what it is so that we can plan for it.

 

Thanks,

Cole

 

Hi, Cole! (Which is my son's middle name, btw, so I am partial to that name!)

 

Usually, the themed party is 70's night...I can't exactly remember now (I'm blaming it on the anesthesia from yesterday's surgery!)...I know there was a black/white nite, as well...have fun on your cruise - she's an amazing ship and has spoiled me, for sure!

[KansCocoa]

Good timing!

I just have to make sure I don't lose control of international data like that one time reading someone's Med Review while waiting for flights :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Heheh :o enjoy your cruise!

 

Hee, no worries - this review won't be NEAR as long..although this review will have so much food porn pics, you won't believe it! Amazing cruise with amazing food....!

 

Seriously one of the best reviews I have ever read about anything. I found myself CRACKING up non stop and got a ton of good info for my Oasis cruise. You also have quite inspired me to write similarly, love your style!

 

Aw, thank you so much! I'm glad I not only made you laugh, but also provided some tips....in lieu of the events in the world this past week, I'm realizing how important laughter is...its certainly the best medicine!

[KansCocoa]

Well, let's get to it.

BEST REVIEW EVER!

 

THANK YOU!!!

 

Sherri- I found your review in response to my search "Oasis or Allure" ..um - yesterday- while I was in a CLE- that's continuing legal education. That mandatory kind , the kind that I was to listen to, but found myself hearing the same seminar from last year! Boring, so - on the break- took a lookie at Cruise Critic and you saved me. Frankly, I learned much more from you than the lawyers who read slides for six hours...yep, I am educated all right!

 

Hee, this made me laugh...which actually hurts, being one day after sinus surgery, but still...this was too funny!

 

I was on the Oasis a few years ago for a mother daughter (my Mom) trip and after three(fantastic) Carnival cruises in a row.... I think I am ready to try RCCL again... Had a not so good Liberty of the Seas experience last year. Ready to book our family post holiday getaway on the Allure now... Just so I can see the art work, use the iPod dock and well, just maybe tell people that I picked it "because of Sherri"!

 

I think you will be blown away by it all - and by all means, give me all of the credit. ;)

 

Thank you for reminding me of all the things I loved about the Oasis! Thank you for reminding me that I have met some of the most amazing people on cruises- who I now consider friends! Thank Goodness for Cruise Critic!!!

 

Woot! You're welcome...and I agree...some of the best people I've met - or have yet to met (in real life, anyway) are fellow cruisers, and Cruise Critic members!

Loved your food pictures and dresses....

 

Thank you again! I post pics of both so people (especially first time cruisers) have an idea of what to expect...or how to plan, for what to wear....my dresses are chosen for their ease in packing (no wrinkles or ironing needed!), and comfort (no waistlines, belts, or tightness...so important after eating all of that delicious food!)

 

Any chance to get you on the Allure on Dec 29? Want to take a break from your NYC trip and join us on the NCL Breakaway in June???

 

Ha - I WISH I could go back on the Allure in late December!!! I will most likely be embarking on a mission trip to Hawaii around that time....There's a children's camp in Hawaii that I volunteer at every few years to make sure it is handicapped-accessible for the kiddies! But - have a fabulous time!!!

 

 

 

Sherri, I still can't email you as a "friend". I think we have to be "contacts" to do so. I have suggested a "contact" with you. When you get back from your cruise and have settled in after your surgery, hopefully I will finally be able to send you that information on the Alaska Cruise.

 

Hope your trip was wonderful and your surgery goes really well!

Have a great day!

Robbin in Kentucky!

 

Hi, Robbin! Recovering today from the surgery...thanks to my fabulous pain pills, I'm feeling pretty good today but trying not to overdo it! It went well - doctor said, tho, my sinuses were STILL full of infection...this meant I've had a sinus infection for close to five months!!!!

 

Do you want to just email me the info? My email address is sodell330@comcast.net. Or - send a Facebook friend request to me at Sherri Wagner Odell...either way should work, I hope!

[KansCocoa]

I swear it could be ME writing this, you're writing style is very similar to mine! How cool is that? I haven't cruised on Allure or Oasis...yet....however I might have to wait for Quantum now.

 

Thanks loads sistah!

Mary

 

Well, shoot - we need to collaborate on my next EPIC review, so it won't be as much work for me!!! I could use the help, for sure! ;)

 

Wow - the Quantum - I've been trying to read about it, but being a bit loopy from the drugs from my surgery, I'm not sure if its the loopy drugs or if the ship is really that wild & crazy!!! ;)