Photo Review: Allure Eastern 4/14/2013 The Good Karma Cruise

[Trainman-2]

Great Review!

 

Well Done!

[rcrdale]

Ok, so what haven't you seen?...here are a few still left in the "photo bucket":

 

 

 

(Towel monkey- you must see the towel monkey, just cause they bring such joy!)

 

 

 

Our favorite art work in the level 7 stairwell- laughing buddahs whenever I had time to think about the week my home city was having I would look at these guys and realize it would be ok...good karma would be restored, and before we left, the bad guys were off the streets and most people were already fighting their way back to good health!!)

 

 

(Balloon dog- there are always Boardwalk events- pirate days, balloon animals, face painting, it's free and it's in the compass, they even "take" teens!)

 

 

 

Thank you for one of the better reviews I have read. Like I said before, love your style.

 

Thanks for making my day today. I don't think I could have made it through the day without a picture of the "hanging monkey"!! Loved the laughing buddas also. And you said "they even take teens" how about adults? My wife would love a balloon animal.

[Clarea]

if we do the express walk off, is there some place to eat breakfast on the ship before we disembark?

Windjammer and the Main Dining Room will be open, and possibly some other venues. Breakfast venues on disembarkation morning will be listed in the "As You Depart" letter you will receive in your stateroom towards the end of the cruise.

Edited April 30, 2013 by clarea

[tarajean1962]

I am torn because I can't wait for your next installment, but I also know that it will be the last!:D:(

 

This has been one of the best trip reports I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. I know they are not easy to write and especially when you have to intersperse pictures. I'm sure you already know this but, you are a talented writer. You truly have a way of making people feel that they are right there with you!

 

Thank you so much for the wonderful read!!

 

 

Tara

[Familygoboston]

Enjoyed your review! Hate to see it coming to an end!!!:(

 

Thanks!! Enjoy your Dec cruise...it's cooler then, but the ship is a little quieter!

 

Hahaha... home sweet home! (not for long! - take another cruise soon so we can read more of your wonderful reviews!)

 

Thank you for sharing!

Thanks!! It is sweet, I missed my dog and know I am hearing from friends who were first responders as volunteers at the Marathon. They didn't feel the "right" to complain at first, but now they are suffering the emotional collateral damage from seeing what they saw, and not really being trained for it (in the way soldiers would be!) One neighbor ( a foot doctor) described treating some army guys who were running for charity in full packs and fatigues, and when they heard the explosion, they knew immediately what it was; put their bloody socks and boots back on and went straight out into the street. the Doc said he's still recovering emotionally with a support group, but he's determined to go back next year after over 20 years as a volunteer.

 

 

Another friend is an actor who also drives the duck boat tour- he's volunteered for years in the tents. He refuses to be called a first responder because he says he was only in the "tent", but he still thinks about even the lesser injured folks he saw and assisted there.

 

So I'm glad to be home to lend an ear; keep them all in your prayers!!:)

[Familygoboston]

Oh I'm so sad! I haven't even left yet for my trip and I'm not looking forward to the disembark paperwork :(

 

How chilly is it at night? Trying to decide if we should bring a sweater or jacket

 

Well, we found in April, it was quite warm high 80's days, and low 70's nights...of course we are used to high 50's at night in Maine, so we were warm. But in early December, I wore my sweater most days on deck, it was cool, so it depends partly on what you are used to and the time of year. I always bring a sweater. I didn't talk about my packing list...I think I will post it at the end. I use a standard one I made and modify it for each trip (length, weather activity, amount of bags I'm allowed)

But as part of my "base" list is a lightweight fleece and a packable goretex raincoat; between these two things you would have whatever you need (and hopefully wont!) The Amber theater is very cool, so a dressy sweater is not a bad idea for the theaters (one is an ice rink after all!;))

Also the ship is often moving, so there is often a good breeze on deck. Additionally, you may be doing water excursions, and sometimes there is a pop up shower (see our sailing trip:o) and it's nice to have the packable rain jacket to keep your clothes and camera etc from getting soaked. Most showers end in 5 minutes, but they dump buckets in the meanwhile!

 

This was an INCREDIBLE cruise review. Thanks so much for taking the time. I love that you not only posted a lot of photos but you did the compasses and menus every day, and really great tips about pros/cons of things like cabin location, configuration, etc.

 

We are booked on Deck 11 on Allure in a D7 balcony on June 30. Based on your photos I think I am going to ask to change to the cabin next door (still available) in order to get my bed near the balcony.

 

This is why I like to include positives and negatives; it seems like everyone has different preferences; which is great since there 50% of each!! I hope the cabin you want is still open...it's getting close to departure for you! Fingers crossed.

[Familygoboston]

if we do the express walk off, is there some place to eat breakfast on the ship before we disembark?

 

Onthe "As you Debark" page there is a listing:

WJ: 5:30 AM

Solarium and Park cafe: at 6 AM

and the DR is open at 6:30 AM

 

So you should be able to grab a bit on your way out.

 

Great Review!

 

Well Done!

 

Thank you!! When is you next "live" thread coming?? We are all looking forward to that!:D

[Familygoboston]

Thank you for one of the better reviews I have read. Like I said before, love your style.

 

Thanks for making my day today. I don't think I could have made it through the day without a picture of the "hanging monkey"!! Loved the laughing buddas also. And you said "they even take teens" how about adults? My wife would love a balloon animal.

 

Absolutely! Everyone can be a kid on Allure!! Just watch your elbows;)...I've read some pretty scary reviews where people described their 5 YO;s being bowled over by adults at character venues etc.:eek: There might have been a small line at the balloon artist, but it wasn't a mob scene! They were happy to work with everyone, and as my daughter pointed out the balloons and details were very high quality! her doggie did have his ears go flat, but he was super cute when she first had him made. DD1 had a rose bracelet made and wore it all afternoon, all kinds of options!! Some kids had swords and hats on Pirate day.

 

As for the monkey...I know, there is something just joyous about the monkey!

 

I am torn because I can't wait for your next installment, but I also know that it will be the last!

 

This has been one of the best trip reports I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. I know they are not easy to write and especially when you have to intersperse pictures. I'm sure you already know this but, you are a talented writer. You truly have a way of making people feel that they are right there with you!

 

Thank you so much for the wonderful read!!

 

 

Tara

 

Oh Tara, not to worry, this is me writing that we are talking about...it can't possibly be over anytime soon:rolleyes::p

Thanks for being a "super fan" and your kind words, I hope your next cruise is a great one!!:D

[Familygoboston]

Packing tips:

Packing is very personal...I usually pack lightly and have traveled many places with just a roller bag and back pack. We like to be able to easily manage our bags and over the years, we found we brought too much stuff we never wore. Over the years I have collected a lot of lightweight, packable performance items that I use exclusively for travel. I also have a lot of mix and match and "double duty" items, and I generally do some laundry. On most cruises we do bring those bags and one garment roller bag for the two of us for our "formalware" heavy shoes, and of course since we check it, I can pack a huge bag of ...ummm...sun screen!

 

Other people prefer to bring all their favorite fashions ( including matching shoes) and have several "costume changes" as DH calls them. Those folks often have luggage in the hall on the last night that creates a great mountain that reminds me of that song (can't go around it, can't go over it...);)

 

And the best part, is both "ways" are ok...it's no problem in either case on a cruise. But my list is the minimalist type. Also, if you do want to keep it light, and you don't want to test drive all your fashions, here are some general tips.

 

*pack fewer "day outfits" than days...many days you will wear your bathing suit, workout wear or change for dinner so early, that you can make a pair of shorts work for 2 (or even 3 days:o.)

 

*dinner and shows only take about 3-5 hours total for an evening, usually you can get away with wearing a pair of slacks 2 nights in a row.

 

*try to coordinate outfits so that you only need one pair of dressy shoes/matching purse (I have black or nude, so I often arrange the whole cruise around just "black" or nude" shoes. This cruise we had an extra bag because of the girls (more shoes, more sunscreen, and snorkel gear) so I "splurged" and brought both!!

 

*Also, ladies, don't bring your "regular" purse...you really only need a little bag you can carry cross body in port and while traveling and a small clutch in the evenings. Makes no sense to carry all your regular stuff (for instance you won't need your grocery "loyalty cards" on board), and you only HAVE to carry your sea pass on board.

 

*start a month in advance paring down your toiletries and make up. If you spend some time, you can find the right little bottles for your "lotions and potions" rather than taking the full size. Even if you check bags, carrying 12-16 oz of stuff when you will only need 3-4 for a week is silly! If you wait till the last minute you will just be chucking huge bottles into a bag, so start in advance, get the products you can in sample sizes and arrange to put the other in your own small bottles (easy to find at CVS, Target etc)

 

*Do make note of any special equipment for the activities you'll do (beach shoes for a water excursion, socks for rock climbing, pants and socks for ice skating and closed toe shoes for zip lining)

 

*try not to over jam your bags, or pack a packable bag/back pack you can fill with things you buy on board. Based on the shopping I saw on board, you'll need room for "stuff";) But even if you don't buy- things like balloon dogs take up space!!

 

Packing list:

 

Devices/Recreation

Camera/memory cards/batteries/chargers

ipod-ipad-laptop/charger

phone/charger

magazines/books/kindle and charger

 

Optional but useful stuff

ziplock bags

highlighter/pen (is it just me- or are they not putting one in your room

anymore???)

refillable water bottle

binoculars

over the door shoe holder

magnetic door message center or post its

room snacks/nuts etc (ind. packets so you can take them ashore too)

 

 

Documents

passport

cruise set sail papers

credit cards

cash for tips/excursions

guidebook

e tickets for airlines

medical cards

schedule/itineraries

 

Accessories

sun hat

backpack/beach bag/expandable bag for port or souveniers

sunglasses

belt/tie

silver evening purse

port day/travel purse

 

Jewelry

I use a special travel case for this and rather than chucking it all in, I

match it up with the outfits before leaving.

 

Toiletries

first aid kit

medicine

make up

toiletries

medicine

 

Lingere

underwear

fashion tape (for wayward straps and quick repairs)

pj's

lightweight robe, if you don't get RCL one or are sharing cabins w/others

 

Bathing Suits

Bathing suit 2

Surf Shirt

cover up

 

Daywear

capri/shorts 2-3

pants 2

tees/tops 5

(this assumes laundry on day 4; $25 a bag- if you've cruised before you

get a coupon for $5)

 

Dresses/dinner

skirts/slacks 2

nice dinner tops 2-4

dresses Formal night 2/1 suit or tux, 2 shirts

(I usually pack sun dresses, so I have fewer items than pants and tops)

 

Shoes

black evening sandals/shoes

day sandals

sneakers

flip flops/beach shoes

slippers- I use the flip flops for this purpose

 

Workout

capris or shorts

sports bra

tee

jacket/cover up for dining

4 socks

 

Outerwear

rain coat

lightweight fleece

 

The items in red should go in your carry on bag...both for security and for the convenience...the bathing suit for instance; you might want to hit the pool as soon as you board, but also, if your luggage is lost what is the one item, ladies, that would be REEEEALLLLY difficult to replace:eek: Any old tee will do in a pinch, you can wear you capris to dinner, but that suit you spent agonizing weeks finding...you do not want to lose that!! Same with with your favorite brands and colors of makeup.

[Familygoboston]

Day 8 April 21 Disembark Allure, Miami Beach and Marriott Harbor Beach: A Day in which we watch our ship leave without us

 

And here it is...sigh...:(

 

Why change a good thing, so we went to the Solarium cafe for breakfast, even on the last day it was not crowded. We were packed and ready to go, our group expecting to be called at 7:50-8:15 AM. Our group was assigned to the Adagio DR, but we had the option of waiting in Dazzles with other C&A members.

 

After breakfast at 7:45, we went back to our cabins on 8 and picked up all our luggage. We were going to sit in Dazzles, since it was close, but saw that our group had already been called on the interactive computer in the hallway, so we just headed straight out to the Royal Promenade to disembark.

 

The rest of this is completely boring, with no promise of bungee jumping over a gorge in New Zealand to keep you interested, so we will just move on. For those interested; below is the "live" thread I did with disembarkation times, since it has been a question with the recent budget cuts.

 

Again, our experience was that there were no appreciable delays. I know someone posted this week that they waited 20 minutes because of 4 agents, I don't find that unreasonable, but maybe that's me?? That has been my experience (or worse) before all this budget talk started... not to get to political, but I think some are "looking" for things so they can vent. The air traffic thing did seem to affect us leaving Miami, we waited 1/2 hour on the tarmac before take off. There was also weather in the Mid Atlantic states, so I cannot say why Miami was backed up (weather or lack of controllers or a combo) But I will say leaving Allure on Sunday took us no more time than leaving Oasis on a Saturday a year and a half ago.

 

 

Debarkation: 8:15 we headed out after bfast

8:20 we had "bonged out" and were looking for luggage. This took longer than usual since our bags were not at the proper number, but instead at the " lost luggage area " for no reason we could see- tags with # were on both bags. Maybe it was because Randy wasn't there to save them!

8:30 Still we were through customs

8:38 we were at the cab stand

8:50 we were at the airport.

Wow! 35 minutes from lounge to airport. I think things are moving just fine in Port Everglades.

 

Good luck to the future cruisers- fear not the sequester

[Familygoboston]

Lest you thing this review is over (who talks like that??) our plan was to check into the Marriott Harbor view with the intention of seeing Allure off later that afternoon. Since it was still pretty early for check in and because we were experiencing our first rain of the week in FLL, we decided to head to Miami Beach.

 

The girls have flown through Miami many times, but joke they have never "seen" Miami, so we followed the sun and spent the morning on South Beach walking and touring the Art Deco District until lunch time. What follows are photos of Miami, the Marriott, for those considering a stay there, and our photos of Allure heading back out to sea without us!

 

 

(Miami photos- the beach)

 

 

 

 

(the intercoastal water way)

 

 

 

 

 

(pelicans)

 

 

 

 

 

(Biscayne Bay)

_______________________________________

[Familygoboston]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Familygoboston]

(Harbor View photos)

 

(Ocean View room- 2 double beds, we got upgraded yeah!!)

 

 

 

 

 

(view from the balcony)

 

 

 

 

 

(view of the beach and lounge area)

 

 

 

 

 

(view of the pool from the beach walkway)

[Familygoboston]

Finally, it was about 4 PM and we made our way down the beach (which I will add is cleaner than Miami beach) to the rock jetty, where we saw other former Allure sailors as well as curious beach goers and one guy with a tripod taking photos, who after we got home, DH realized was in one of his photos that we took FROM allure the week before!! He must come every week:D And I thought I was obsessed!!;)

 

(Allure photos)

(pano of the rocks and the port)

 

 

 

 

(and right at 5, she started heading out!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Familygoboston]

But hopefully, she will be sailing with you on board soon! I hope you have enjoyed sharing our cruise as much as I have enjoyed sharing it!!:D

 

 

 

 

(the Coast Guard boat- I think these guys (and gals??) might actually be working with the recruiting division...they make the CG look like an awful lot of fun, and all those kids on board, say..."hmmm, that might be an exciting career!!")

(PS they are actually escorting the Princess ship- see the square port holes??)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[alaska_planner]

Windjammer and the Main Dining Room will be open, and possibly some other venues. Breakfast venues on disembarkation morning will be listed in the "As You Depart" letter you will receive in your stateroom towards the end of the cruise.

 

Onthe "As you Debark" page there is a listing:

WJ: 5:30 AM

Solarium and Park cafe: at 6 AM

and the DR is open at 6:30 AM

 

So you should be able to grab a bit on your way out.

 

that's great! thanks!!

[Peeker28]

Whats the latest you can debark? We have a late flight and want to be one of the last off. Can you debark later if you use the luggage valet program?

[jakesmom04]

Great review....just wish we where all sailing her again this Sunday!

[BugsyCruiser]

Your pictures are fantastic! Well done review :)

[smeck]

Very well done in three weeks I hope to have as good a time as you did.

[funfamilyof6]

Great review...thanks for sharing your vacation and tips with us!!! :)

[Familygoboston]

Whats the latest you can debark? We have a late flight and want to be one of the last off. Can you debark later if you use the luggage valet program?

 

 

Lets revisit this:

 

 

 

If you self disembark, they are expecting you to get off between 6:30 and 7 AM

 

Regular departures are scheduled by group form 7:20- 10:45...and your group will assigned more or less based on your flights/post cruise plans, so if you ahve a late flight there is an excellent cahnce you will be nearer to the end of the list. If you get a tag for 70 or up, you can wait in your stateroom or studio B. If you get a lower number, the only way to get a later luggage tag is to appeal to your room steward (and you'd better plan make it worth his while since you just made his job harder) or plead for an exemption at guest services.

 

 

Of course you CAN leave later than your tag (expect a few knocks on your cabin door by the room steward and his supervisor).

I mean what can they really do at that point...throw you off the ship - you are already leaving?? You won't be able to 'enjoy" the ship, the staff pretty much corrals you into one of the few departure areas or your stateroom,and everything is closed and being cleaned

 

But if everyone with late flights waited for the last group, it would create quite a bottle neck, hence the tags and the effort to control the departures. All of us will occasionally have an exception, but if we all "just do our own thing", it will affect others passengers, the staff and port authorities!

 

If I have a late flight I like to make some arrangements to do something else and then transfer to the airport.

 

Honestly, it's just depressing sitting there with your bags waiting!;)

 

So 10:45 seems to be the outset for the last group (anyone leave later than that just becomes the jerk holding up the next boarding group of 6 thousand people):p

 

that's great! thanks!!

No Prob!

[Familygoboston]

Great review....just wish we where all sailing her again this Sunday!

Me too!:(

 

Your pictures are fantastic! Well done review :)

Thanks! I can't take credit because all the good ones were DH's and he's mad that I forgot to post this one...so here it is!!

 

 

 

[Familygoboston]

Very well done in three weeks I hope to have as good a time as you did.

Im sure you will!:D

 

Great review...thanks for sharing your vacation and tips with us!!! :)

 

 

Thanks!! I enjoy doing it, but like reading others even more... so if you are going soon...please consider doing a review for the rest of us to enjoy!!:D

[Peeker28]

Lets revisit this:

 

 

 

If you self disembark, they are expecting you to get off between 6:30 and 7 AM

 

Regular departures are scheduled by group form 7:20- 10:45...and your group will assigned more or less based on your flights/post cruise plans, so if you ahve a late flight there is an excellent cahnce you will be nearer to the end of the list. If you get a tag for 70 or up, you can wait in your stateroom or studio B. If you get a lower number, the only way to get a later luggage tag is to appeal to your room steward (and you'd better plan make it worth his while since you just made his job harder) or plead for an exemption at guest services.

 

 

Of course you CAN leave later than your tag (expect a few knocks on your cabin door by the room steward and his supervisor).

I mean what can they really do at that point...throw you off the ship - you are already leaving?? You won't be able to 'enjoy" the ship, the staff pretty much corrals you into one of the few departure areas or your stateroom,and everything is closed and being cleaned

 

But if everyone with late flights waited for the last group, it would create quite a bottle neck, hence the tags and the effort to control the departures. All of us will occasionally have an exception, but if we all "just do our own thing", it will affect others passengers, the staff and port authorities!

 

If I have a late flight I like to make some arrangements to do something else and then transfer to the airport.

 

Honestly, it's just depressing sitting there with your bags waiting!;)

 

So 10:45 seems to be the outset for the last group (anyone leave later than that just becomes the jerk holding up the next boarding group of 6 thousand people):p

 

 

No Prob!

They will probably have to drag me off the ship!! I hope someday to do a B2B