10 years in the making - First Cruise on Allure Eastern 4-14-13

[rsharp83]

Exit

We don’t care where you go, you just can’t stay here

 

It was here, Sunday, the last day, exit day, sad day. We got up and had breakfast in the MDR one last time. I needed to get a piece of that cinnamon French toast! And then we headed to Blaze. But we were not heading to the airport just yet, oh no. We had better plans.

 

Ross and Sheryl had already ditched us. They were headed to Miami for a few days of extended stay. So that left the 6 of us to find our way home. In planning the trip I knew one thing, I absolutely did not want to be in a full on panic trying to get off the ship and be rushing to the airport in order to make a flight. There were too many of us and too much stress to pull that off. We really didn’t have a good flight option until 5 pm anyway. So what would we do for a day? I was trying to figure out luggage and taxis and when we could drop bags at the airport and then where we could go from there for a while. Then my friend Kathleen made a suggestion to me that turned out to be one of the best decisions we made for the trip. Book a post cruise day trip through RCCL.

 

We chose to go to Hollywood Beach for the day and it was a great decision in many ways. For starters we didn’t have to worry about any luggage issues. We picked up our bags in the terminal; well most of them were in the right place. There seemed to be a lot of luggage in the “lost” section on that day. Our group had two bags in the lost area. We sailed through customs, Sequestration? What Sequestration. We loaded all our baggage on the bus in secured storage and kept what we needed for the day. The bus would take us to Hollywood Beach, keep our luggage and then pick us up and take us to the airport later; very easy.

 

On our bus ride we saw the folks who ditched us for Miami. Yes, as we drove by the rental car place there were Ross and Sheryl in their rented Mustang convertible, with the top UP because it was raining. I got this shot of them; you’ll just have to trust me that it was them in the car. We tried texting Sheryl but I had forgotten to tell her how to set her iPhone back to normal and she wasn’t getting any texts!

 

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Soon enough it was time to head back. One last group picture before we part ways again. But we all live in the same city so it’s not like we won’t see them again.

 

Back to the visitors center, on the bus and to the airport; really easy. And here is the kicker; this whole trip cost $35 each. Not sure there is a better deal on getting off the ship, doing something and getting to the airport. I highly recommend this as it was a very relaxing way to end the trip.

 

[Peeker28]

We have a late flight also, I will have to look into this excursion. We were going to use luggage valet program

[rsharp83]

We have a late flight also, I will have to look into this excursion. We were going to use luggage valet program

 

We were going to use the Valet program but this turned out to be a better option for us. Hard to beat for $35.

[cruiserdudebobby8]

did you enjoy the All Access Tour? i did it twice on Allure and loved it both times

[rsharp83]

did you enjoy the All Access Tour? i did it twice on Allure and loved it both times

It was great. I don't know that I would do it again but it is worth it to do once. Allure is an interesting ship for sure.

[rsharp83]

Hot! Hot! Hot!

 

In looking through my notes there is a subject I realized I had not touched on yet, water temperature. This is not a gripe or a negative, just an observation of what we experienced in our Deck 7 stateroom. And I'd be curious to know if others had the same experience.

 

Our water was HOT. As in if you turn the handle more than a fraction your water will go from very warm to scalding to burn the flesh off of your body.

 

I t wasn't a problem, we just had to be careful but if you have kiddos, keep an eye on them at the sink.

 

We always had HOT showers!

[Cruzin-K]

Still waiting to find out if your wife is ready to divorce you for dragging her kicking and screaming onto a cruise ship :D

[rsharp83]

Fly-by

 

Our flight was delayed a bit and the plane was packed so we didn’t really get away until 5:30. As we took off we were going to fly right over the port area. As the plane banked, there she was, Allure was headed out to sea for another week of fun. We literally flew right over the top of her. It was a great sight to see.

[rsharp83]

And now to answer the question

“Let’s go on a cruise” “NO” For 10 years this was it. So now that I finally got her on a cruise, what was the verdict?

 

On the first Sunday while we were sitting in the terminal waiting to board she heard the term “Back to Back” passengers. She asked me, “What does that mean?” I explained to my DW that they were people cruising for two weeks in a row and they get off the ship for a short time and then get right back on and go again on the other itinerary. “Do a lot of people do that?” she asked. I answered, “Everyone who can afford it and has the time to do it!”

 

Fast forward to the next Sunday. We passed by the area where the Back to Backers were at. She looked at me and said, “I wish we were with them.”

 

Yes the whole crew of first timers had a great time. We had so many good experiences and everyone really enjoyed the cruise. Cousin Dave wants to bring his wife next time. My in-laws, heck they love to travel. However, my FIL said “I’d like to cruise again but I wouldn’t want to be on a ship smaller than this one.” “Jerry,” I said, “The Allure is the largest cruise ship in the world, so if you won’t go on anything smaller, this is it.” He said that the Allure was fine with him!

 

Before we left the Allure Amy and I visited the Loyalty desk and purchased our Next Cruise Certificate! Yes! She loved it and we can go again!

 

One other note on the next cruise issue. I’ve read many post from veteran cruisers that say “I could never sail on those big ships,” “I have no interest in the Oasis class I prefer (smaller class) of ships,” Etc. My issue may be just the opposite. I wonder if I sailed on the Radiance class (just as an example) would I not be as happy? Since I loved all the amenities, activities, action and shows offered on Allure would the smaller ship be a bit of a letdown? I will have to give it some thought. Initially I think that a very port intensive cruise would offset the ship thing. But I likely have plenty of time to think about it.

 

Likely we will target 2015 to sail again. Both our daughters will be graduating, one from College and one from High School. We are hopeful that we can get a whole group of people to go with us; of course I’ll plan the whole thing. And if we have a big group maybe Amy can teach a Zumba class or two! It is highly likely we would be back on the Allure; there is still a ton of stuff I didn’t get to see or do this time! And yes, Captain Bob in St. Maarten is #1 on that list!

 

[Clarea]

First class review, very nice photos, really enjoyed it.

[Familygoboston]

I'm so proud! :o:p I feel like I helped birth something special here! This is not the last we've heard of Rsharp. You must plan the next cruise soon, so we can follow along and enjoy that cruise with you too! (Maybe we will even cruise with you since DH thinks you are his new BFF since you sent all those CDs to him, and then there's ...ummm.. Quest!)

 

Seriously, great job Randy, not only did I have fun following along with your review, we had a ball cruising with you! Fair winds and following seas to our "no longer newbie" cruising friends!:D

 

( told ya she'd love cruising!:rolleyes:)

[Peeker28]

You should try Oasis next time :p

[smeck]

Excellent review a week from Sunday it's our turn.

[elktoncruiser]

Loved your review and the pictures. I can't get enough information and tips on The Allure. Thanks so much.

[cruiserdudebobby8]

It was great. I don't know that I would do it again but it is worth it to do once. Allure is an interesting ship for sure.

 

i loved it, it was really great!, and she is.

[alaska_planner]

thanks for taking the time to share your wonderful review with us!!!!

(i must admit, I've never written a full review - i always say i will, but i somehow never get around to it.. :rolleyes: ...so i'm so appreciative of those who do make the effort!!!!)

 

as for other ships, we haven't been on RCI yet, but our daughter was on the Radiance last summer (southbound Alaska cruise from Seward Alaska to Vancouver)..

she said it was outstanding!! she of course loved Alaska, but she thought the Radiance was amazing!!!

she loved everything about it, the service, the room, the food, and the activities (a nice change from the activity barren Disney cruises), etc......

she and her husband were only sad that they were only able to do a small fraction of all the activities on board, since there was just so much to do!!

you can read her report here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1725813

Edited May 12, 2013 by alaska_planner

[petesweet]

Likely we will target 2015 to sail again. Both our daughters will be graduating, one from College and one from High School. We are hopeful that we can get a whole group of people to go with us; of course I’ll plan the whole thing. And if we have a big group maybe Amy can teach a Zumba class or two!

[/img]

Do I have some interesting news for you! I don't think I can post a link on here, but PLEASE email me and let me share something with you.

kathypeters123 at bellsouth dot net.

Thanks for the wonderful, tantalizing review. Right from the start I knew your wife was going to love this. Caution: You have unleashed a tiger.:)

Happy sails.

Kathy

[reney313]

Great Review! I have a feeling you would love ANY ship you were on. Sure the size and activities are different, but each offer their own special atmosphere. I find I relax more on smaller ships and take the time out to just lounge around on the pool deck for an entire day. I don't do that on the larger ships because I'm always looking for the activities. And then there are certain itineraries, like Alaska, where you really don't want any activities going on because you'll miss watching the most beautiful scenery pass by--even at night!

[texasgirl73]

Great report, thanks for sharing! :) After reading about your Fort Lauderdale Excursion I went and checked to see what (if any) was available for my family (our flight is at 3pm) and low and behold there were a couple available for people with flights after 2:30pm. I booked the Everglades Airboat excursion. I just got back from a cruise with my husband and had to spend 4 hours sitting at the airport- what a bummer that was! I was dreading sitting for even longer with our 4 children. Thank you, I would not have thought of it otherwise. You always get an idea or two from reading these reports!

[fairweather]

Looks like the bridge on the Enterprise. No need for a lot of equipment. Just the data ports and the decision makers....and a very large screen (like the entire glassed in front of the ship). Loved that heliport deck.

 

Thanks so much for sharing what the rest of us would never have gotten to see. Loved your pix and tour.

[rsharp83]

Thanks to everyone for your kind complements. When I thought about writing this review I wasn't sure it would stand up to some of the other outstanding reviews I read in preparing for my trip. And there is always that thought in the back of your head "No one is really going to read this thing."

 

But as some of the other review writers have told me, it is not about competing with other reviews it's about telling your story and helping others that may be planning a trip or who just want to see your experiences.

 

My special, and heartfelt thanks must go to Kathleen of Familygoboston. Without her, we would have cruised and I'm sure we would have had a fine trip. However, her family's influence and participation (Quest aside!) was so much a part of our trip it is hard to imagine it without them around. And even after we are back on land her help and encouraging words throughout the review were a great help.

 

Thanks to all of you who have responded thus far. And if you have questions I'll be happy to answer them as best I can. I will also have a post wrapping up the whole "musical references" thing in the titles. Stay tuned!

[rsharp83]

Great report, thanks for sharing! :) After reading about your Fort Lauderdale Excursion I went and checked to see what (if any) was available for my family (our flight is at 3pm) and low and behold there were a couple available for people with flights after 2:30pm. I booked the Everglades Airboat excursion. I just got back from a cruise with my husband and had to spend 4 hours sitting at the airport- what a bummer that was! I was dreading sitting for even longer with our 4 children. Thank you, I would not have thought of it otherwise. You always get an idea or two from reading these reports!

 

I really considered the Everglades air boat trip! But with my crew I figured a day at the beach was likely a better choice. WHEN WE GO ON ANOTHER CRUISE (notice I didn't say IF), I hope to do the Everglades tour. Please let us know about your experience on it!

[rsharp83]

Excellent review a week from Sunday it's our turn.

 

That last week before the cruise was brutal! Hope you have a great trip!

[rsharp83]

Looks like the bridge on the Enterprise. No need for a lot of equipment. Just the data ports and the decision makers....and a very large screen (like the entire glassed in front of the ship). Loved that heliport deck.

 

Thanks so much for sharing what the rest of us would never have gotten to see. Loved your pix and tour.

 

I kept looking around for Lieutenant Data but I never saw him! Thankfully I didn't see LT. Worf either! And, I have a feeling Spock would be much happier with more computers around.

[jakesmom04]

The lady we met who was hurt was of Asian decent and lived in Vancouver. Her story was pretty scary about her experience trying to get back to the ship after getting hurt. We felt so bad for her, laying in bed for most of the cruise with not even a window to look out of.

 

We never saw her again after we talked to her on Friday night. I hope she made it through dinner with her family. She was determined!

 

No, this wasn't the same person. I do know that she was on deck 8 on the port side. My nephew and his wife tended to her while we went to locate a police officer. The people at Senor Frog's didn't care the less and offered no assistance.