Finally, we made it onboard Allure (only 8 months later than planned), so the review!

[peteukmcr]

Apologies for the slow down in my reports but it was my first back to work day today since 9th May and there's a lot to catch up on. So only 1 days events to report today, hopefully tomorrow I'll manage a few more.

[darkauburnnotred]

As we only had a short stay in Nassau (RCI changed the departure time and notified us months ago), we didn't plan anything today.

 

After breakfast Patrick relaxed in the near empty Solarium and I disembarked briefly to take photos of Disney Dream and Carnival Ecstasy, the only other 2 ships in port with us, and of course shots of Allure.

 

Once back on board I explored the quiet ship and then we headed for lunch at Johnny Rockets.

 

During the scrum down (the only 'Ugly' of the cruise) that is the first of the $10 sales this week, Patrick elbows his way to a waterproof watch and I purchase a fedora at full price from Willow.

 

We take a nap and the dress for dinner at Giovanni's Table in formal attire. You'll read of the fun of formal portraits in Central Park in Patrick's blog.:D

 

After dinner we change and head to the Amber Theatre for Chicago and then hunt out the Casino to donate some $$$ to RCI.

 

'Bad' number 3 (not a good start on only day 2). The ventilation in the Casino is terrible and the venue is far too smokey. With not even sitting near a smoker, and after the brief visit, my clothes stink. Not good RCI, do something about it.:mad:

 

Day 2 blog: http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/patch64/2/1368467500/tpod.html

 

Day 2 slideshow:

 

I totally agree, Peter. I am kind of sensitive to second hand smoke, and I felt like I was going to throw up walking through the casino. It was the only way to get to the dining room, however.

[KeywestK]

Peter.....I knew you were back at work and catching up after being away for 2 weeks. NOTE: I always pack my travel coffee mug, because the ships just aren't reliable regarding the cardboard cups/caps/sleeves. I'm always up very early seeking out my coffee. And when I need my morning caffeine, I really NEED it!!!:eek:

 

Loving your review, my friend. Can't wait to read more (even though I've already been privvy to EVERYTHING!!!):D

[rednancy1]

Still here reading your great review, the great blog and loving the slideshow. :)

[kevinsgirl88]

Your doing an amazing job!!!! Thank you so much

[cruiseturbo]

That doesn't help me for my 5 AM coffee prior to my morning walk around the ship.:)

 

We were on the same week and my mom was able to get coffee cups, lids and sleeves in the Cafe Promenade everytime she went, which was at sometimes 5am or so. The first day she had to ask for them and after that they were on the counter by where you order a specialty coffee.

[peteukmcr]

We were on the same week and my mom was able to get coffee cups, lids and sleeves in the Cafe Promenade everytime she went, which was at sometimes 5am or so. The first day she had to ask for them and after that they were on the counter by where you order a specialty coffee.

They must have only had a limited supply, because by the time I turned up, although they had plenty of cups, they typically had no lids when I enquired, and this was at the same place as you mention where you order a speciality coffee. If they had them available on board then they obviously only put out a small number at the start of each day, assuming people would use the mugs next to the coffee urns.

[peteukmcr]

Peter.....I knew you were back at work and catching up after being away for 2 weeks. NOTE: I always pack my travel coffee mug, because the ships just aren't reliable regarding the cardboard cups/caps/sleeves. I'm always up very early seeking out my coffee. And when I need my morning caffeine, I really NEED it!!!:eek:

 

Loving your review, my friend. Can't wait to read more (even though I've already been privvy to EVERYTHING!!!):D

LOL my friend, I thought you may have been bored to tears by now:D

Still here reading your great review, the great blog and loving the slideshow. :)

Glad to to see you're still along for the journey, there is more to come.

[peteukmcr]

Loving your review!!!!!! :D

 

Your doing an amazing job!!!! Thank you so much

Thank you for your encouragement.

[Ocean Boy]

They must have only had a limited supply, because by the time I turned up, although they had plenty of cups, they typically had no lids when I enquired, and this was at the same place as you mention where you order a speciality coffee. If they had them available on board then they obviously only put out a small number at the start of each day, assuming people would use the mugs next to the coffee urns.

 

It pays to get up early!:D

[peteukmcr]

I totally agree, Peter. I am kind of sensitive to second hand smoke, and I felt like I was going to throw up walking through the casino. It was the only way to get to the dining room, however.

Fortunately I'm not sensitive to second hand smoke, and sorry that you suffer from it. Even as an ex smoker, I found it terrible and whenever possible would walk down the Royal Promenade from the aft section of the ship and down the stairs to Entertainment Place to avoid the Casino. When we did walk through it we found the layout a little strange when you had to wind your way around Studio B to exit to Entertainment Place.

[KeywestK]

LOL my friend, I thought you may have been bored to tears by now:D

Glad to to see you're still along for the journey, there is more to come.

 

Peter, anyone who knows you quickly realizes that boredom and you could never be used in the same sentence:)

[peteukmcr]

Another day, another port. Now we arrived in Philipsburg, St Maarten and were to spend the day on a shore excusion "Made in Paradise" which our friends Joyce, Jerry, Gail & Dennis were also to join.

 

So after another great MDR breakfast with the group, unfortunately except Joyce who was feeling a little under the weather, we met up on the dock for our tour guide.

This was a 3 stop excursion, a rum 'factory', a perfumaria, and a cooking demonstration at a beach restaurant.

 

It was blistering hot for us northerners and the first stop did not offer any shade unless you could grab a spot under the makeshift tented area next to the 'factory' which is actually a small shack at the side of the road.:D

 

 

Next stop was the perfumaria Tijon at Grand Case where for answering one of the questions I was given a small bottle of massage oil. Shows my age when the question was about the original perfume, and I was nearly correct when I answered "4711" which was the house number of where eau de cologne was invented (or where the recipe was reproduced after being stolen apparently).

 

Anyway I purchased 2 versions from the 'pour homme' collection, simply called 2.0 and 3.0. As this is on the French side of the island, the prices are in Euro, but the store will take USD at a rate of $1 = 1€ which is a very good rate because at my reckoning something prices at 15€ would be normally be around $19.

 

Anway, then we set off to our cooking demo, which was IMHO just OK. No refreshments provided although we all did get samples of the food cooked, but in order to purchase the simplest of things like a bottle of water this required you to speak French as this was the only language the lady behind the bar understood.

 

A little frustating was also the fact that the chef and our bus driver couldn't seem to agree on the pick up time and so at the end of the demo he said that the staff in the restaurant would be able to provide food to order (and charge) within 15 minutes. The process seemed extremely slow and I'm sure some people had to rush their food. Once we realised the size of the road the bus had stopped on, it became obvious why our driver had insisted that we all be outside the restaurant at a very specific time as once he stopped the bus would block the street. And it did as of course some people had gone wandering off and lost track of time and we soon had a long, long line of annoyed drivers stuck behind the bus.:(

 

However, once everyone was onboard we headed back to the ship and air conditioning. Woo hoo!

 

This is when we realised that the Park Cafe opens until around 6 pm and so we could drop by and grab one (or maybe 2) of the roast beef sandwiches!:D

 

That evening we were all dining in Chops Grille but unfortunately Joyce couldn't make it through the whole meal due to feeling unwell, which is a shame as I consider this one of the best meals we had all week, not only the food, but the service and of course tablemates.

 

Perhaps I'm biased, but I do lust after this:

 

May 16th blog: http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/patch64/2/1368726745/tpod.html

 

Slideshow:

[Ocean Boy]

Another day, another port. Now we arrived in Charlotte Amalie, St Maarten and were to spend the day on a shore excusion "Made in Paradise" which our friends Joyce, Jerry, Gail & Dennis were also to join.

 

 

Slight correction. Charlotte Amalie is on St. Thomas. Phillipsburg is on St. Maarten. It is easy to make that kind of error. I'm not being critical by any means!

[peteukmcr]

Slight correction. Charlotte Amalie is on St. Thomas. Phillipsburg is on St. Maarten. It is easy to make that kind of error. I'm not being critical by any means!

Hee hee, you beat me to my correction! That'll teach me to preview before posting and not to wait to check afterwards!

[Zhane's mum]

Mmmmmm red velvet cake :)

[peteukmcr]

Today starts the first of our 2 final days at sea as we head back towards Fort Lauderdale.

 

I now take it upon myself to do some more early morning exploration of this vast ship and find myself down on deck 5 and on the jogging track! What? How did I manage that, me exercise? What the heck is that? For clarity this is a person who has joined a sports centre with a view to going to perform some light exercise like swimming, but who hasn't managed to get there yet!:D

 

Anyway, I'm intrigued having seen photos of this track and am pleased to find that there are 2 tracks, 1 for runners and 1 more suited to people like me, walkers (although I can walk pretty fast I'm told, especially when heading to a bar, restaurant or shop)!:)

 

 

I must admit I do like some of the amusing signs that adorn the tracks, especially the one to tell you to slow down as you enter the 'tunnel' at the front of the ship. I also found an entrance to the fitness centre as you make your way around this 'tunnel' (you can see it marked on the map above), so I ventured in and nearly ran out again, too many people earnestly exercising at this early hour. I did exit via the entrance to the Vitality Spa and saw the Vitality Cafe for the first time, but didn't stop as it looked far too healthy for my digestion!

 

On my circuit around this track I did find another hidden gem of an area (I did mention it a few days ago, so I haven't forgotten). At the aft of the ship there are a lot of what look like tradtional steamer chairs and loungers which are perfect for relaxing and watching the wake. Just make sure you pick a spot where a runner distracted by the music pounding through their ear buds doesn't run into you.

 

Once we get ready for breakfast we decide to try Johnny Rockets and so head off for the Boardwalk on deck 6. Now, I was a little sceptical of breakfast here, but it was excellent, with decent sized glasses of orange juice, not the thimble sized mouthfuls provided in the MDR. Also it's really nice to sit outside enjoying the first meal of the day.

 

 

The rest of the day passes with more exploring, and if I remember correctly it was the day of another $10 sale, so it was my turn to avoid those with razor blades on their elbows and grab a waterproof watch!:D

 

Oh yes, this is the only day we both entered the Windjammer for lunch (previously only I entered to refill our soda cups from the Coca Cola Freestyle machines). Now as mentioned by many this can be a zoo, and often there are staff controlling lines of people waiting to enter, and these lines extend into the elevator lobby, and there are wait staff taking people to free tables. It is also worth noting that the entrance/exit near one set of the Coca Cola machines which offers access directly to the pool deck is roped off. I assume this is so that staff can control entry through the main doors.

 

However, it's all about timing and when we arrived at 12:30 or so (that early morning exercise/walk must have made me hungry earlier than normal - ha!) the place was practically empty and there were lots of free tables, so just time it right.

 

Tonight was 2nd formal and lobster night apparently so we dress suitably as penquins (well that's what it was supposed to be I'm told, the thing on the plate, the lobster, not the way I'm dressed).

 

Patrick's blog describes it better.

 

Tonight was also the 70's show on the Royal Promenade and Blue Planet in the theatre, which was good, but not great. However, to be fair if you enjoy the production values of Ocean Aria and the gymnastics in the Aqua Theatre and then the broadway produced Chicago, this show has a lot to live up to. If I'd seen it before the other 2, I reckon my view would be different. Please go and see it for yourself, don't just rely on my report (I was once called a 'cultural philistine' so I'm not neccessarily the best theatre critic!).

 

May 17th blog: http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/patch64/2/1368863662/tpod.html

 

Slideshow:

[Ocean Boy]

I love those steamer chairs aft on deck 5. It is very peaceful there.

[peteukmcr]

I love those steamer chairs aft on deck 5. It is very peaceful there.

Me too, also seems a popular place for the professional photographers to take formal shots for those who have obviously purchased one of the special photo packages.

[Ocean Boy]

Me too, also seems a popular place for the professional photographers to take formal shots for those who have obviously purchased one of the special photo packages.

 

The background that I use for my home computer is a photo I took of the wake of the ship while sitting in one of those chairs mesmerized by the beautiful blue Caribbean water. Your thread is bringing back great memories of my own.

[peteukmcr]

Another relaxing day at sea starts with breakfast at Johnny Rockets again followed by pool time, lunch at Johnny Rockets and more pool time.

 

 

I can't believe how lucky we have been with both the weather and the smooth seas, such a wonderful cruise.

 

I omitted to mention the farce that was drinks in the Viking Crown on a previous evening. The reason I have remembered is because I was thinking about the SeaPass account that I always check, especially on the final day.

 

Before our reservation at Chops we once again went to the Viking Crown for a beverage. Once again the venue wasn't busy (I really don't know where all these people go, don't misunderstand me I think is shows how well this ship is designed to disperse passengers and I applaud it). Anyway back to the comedy sketch that was the Viking Crown. Once again the server took our order and disappeared into a back room (just like Boleros) despite the bar server not doing anything.

 

Well, time ticked by and I thought there's no need to go and pick fresh mint for a Mojito (which is where I thought the server had gone in Boleros), just pour a glass from a wine bottle. OK, so an age later, the drinks are served and I offer my SeaPass card, 'oh no sir I'll get it later'. OK I thought, that'll be OK.

 

mmm, big mistake. 20 minutes later, no servers can be seen and I want to pay the check. So I go to the main bar where we are studiously ignored by the bar staff. Eventually I catch one of the servers on the floor and proffer my SeaPass card and request the check. He disappears into this back room. Upon his return I think, great he's got my check. No, he goes in completely the opposite direction to a table at the other end of the Viking Crown. So I approach him and enquire about my SeaPass card, he tells me he hasn't got it, but his colleague has. At this time his colleague appears and so I chase him, no he hasn't got it, his colleague has it!

 

Now, by this time I'm losing it, we're late for dinner reservations and this is turning into an Abbot and Costello farce. Final they converse with each other and my card appears. I think no more of this until I notice an entry on my SeaPass account for $29.90 and, another neat facility on Allure is that you can select the transaction on the TV and see the actual receipt. Needless to say this was not ours. Luckily further down the list was a credit for this amount and then the correct amount for what we had ordered.

 

So during a visit to Guest Services to enquire about the baggage tag number we had been given for departure, I mentioned this farce to them.

 

With regard to departure baggage tags, we had been given number 10 which if I remember correctly enables us to depart at around 7:15 or so.

 

Now, again you can complete the departure questionnaire via the interactive facilities on your in room TV, which is another great development IMHO. I had advised that we didn't need an early departure as we didn't have a flight to catch. However, I think because we are Diamond level RCI seem to always give us the option to leave early, as this has happened on other ships.

 

Guest Relations advised that I don't need to change the tags, and we can depart when we like as our bags will still be located in the terminal in the designated areas identified by tag number. (More of departure in my next instalment).

 

We kept putting off the packing event but it had to be done! We put our bags in the hallway as left for cocktails and kept a small carry on behind for last minute packing of toiletries and this evening clothes.

 

Later we dressed for dinner and went for a final glass of wine in Vintages after saying farewell to our friends in Blaze at the Diamond event, and expressing our gratitute to 2 of the servers who had looked after us so well all week by the use of an envelope containing a gratuity in the time honoured tradition, because from day 2 onwards they knew our poison and delivered them with a smile.

 

Tonight we had reservations for Samba Grill, but not until 9 pm, so upon leaving Vintages we also had the opportunity to say farewell to Cindy the Loyalty Ambassador who was in Central Park.

 

Upon arriving at Samba Grill we were seated quickly and the process of the coloured lights on the table explained. White means we will help ourselves to salad from the salad bar, Green means the servers will come and carve meat at the table, which they will repeat bringing a different choice each time until you turn the light Red. You could then turn it Green again and once again the servers would appear, or like us we decided to go back to White, which means the servers now know you want dessert.

 

 

So, we change it to White, or so we think. We didn't notice that it wasn't White, Green or Red but a slight Yellow/Orange colour! The server turns up with more meat, totally confused and the head waiter know exactly what has happened. The device needs to be recharged!

 

Anyway, although I shouldn't have it having eaten so much meat, I gave in when I see dessert. Why worry now? I haven't all week, one more won't hurt!:D

 

 

 

Oh it was good!

 

So thank you for travelling with us, tomorrow will be departure, and my summary of Allure.

 

May 18th Blog: http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/patch64/2/1368948569/tpod.html

 

Slideshow:

[kevinsgirl88]

Tell your love that he has an amazing blog

[peteukmcr]

Tell your love that he has an amazing blog

Thank you for the compliment, I've told him.

[peteukmcr]

Oh well all good things must come to an end, why? Do many things not done during the 7 days, although I did forget to mention that I did ride the Zipline again on the final sea day. Make sure when you go up there that you have closed shoes that tie securely, no watches or bracelets, chains etc. Rings are ok as long as they are not loose. No sunglasses and nothing in your pockets. In other words leave everything with a non rider.

 

Mmm, where was I, oh yes remembering the last day.

 

After waking, I checked the final SeaPass account (the paper version had been delivered and in the slot on the outside of the door).

 

We packed our things from the previous night in a small carry on roller case, went for breakfast to the MDR, noticing that the low tag numbers were already showing on the electronic displays in the elevator lobbys.

 

After breakfast we returned to the cabin to perform a final check to ensure nothing was being left behind (surprisingly in such a small space, there are many storage places you could hide something at the start of the cruise in order to be tidy, and the forget by the time you leave, so check everything!).

 

We decided as we are not US citizens and have read the reports of reduced staffing at the immigration desks due to budget changes, that we would make our way ashore (tag number 10 that we had been allocated was showing as being available for disembarkation).

 

We could have waited in Dazzles as beverages and pastries were available for C&A Diamond (and I assume D+ & Pinnacle) but didn't want to hang around much longer.

 

Finally we managed to get into an elevator to take us to deck 5, where I nipped across to Guest Services to deposit my feedback survey and then joined a very short line to exit to the ship.

 

Once in the terminal we were presented with a sea of baggage! However, it was all neatly laid out in rows with the tag number indicated by a small sign. Having retrieved our bags and negotiated our way out of the line of luggage, we joined the line that wound back and forth and would lead us to immigration.

 

This line moved constantly, so very soon we were providing the agent directing people to various desks the info that we were non-US citizens and were directed to a desk further down the hall. No worries, the immigration agent just glanced at our passports and waved us through. No question, no submitting of hand or finger prints and that was it, the most painless re-entry into the US we've ever experienced after a cruise, thank you Homeland Security, it is appreciated.

 

Once outside the terminal we followed the signs for car rental shuttles and a very helpful agent asked for the car rental company, gestured to a shuttle waiting on the approach road to move, and directed us to wait at a specific bay, and that was it, we were aboard and off to Hertz. Again the easiest pick up ever.

 

Shortly we were in our rental car and heading north to Kissimmee for 5 more days of relaxation (if you can call it that around the theme parks!) and meeting up with friends for dinner (all people we've met on cruises).

 

So that's it over, here's the link to the final days blog: http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/patch64/2/1368985963/tpod.html

 

There's no slideshow for this day, but I'll provide a summary of our thoughts on Allure shortly.

[peteukmcr]

So, was all the planning, organisation, additional costs (speciality restaurants etc) worth it.

 

In a word YES!

 

Was 7 days enough time to take advantage of all she has to offer, NO!

 

What did we not do?

 

Take a ride on the Rising Tide Bar

Experience many of the venues in Entertainment Place, Blaze (when not the Diamond event) Comedy Live, Jazz On 4. Missed the Headliner show, many activities in the Aqua Theatre.

 

Try all the bars, we missed - Champagne Bar, Bow & Stern, On Air Club, Mast Bar, Sky Bar, Sand Bar, Trellis Bar in Central Park.

 

Try out snacks at Sorrentos (other than one late night pizza slice), Cafe Promenade, Wipe Out Café, Boardwalk Dog House.

 

Would we sail on her or her sister again, YES!

 

It is going to be very interesting to sail on a such smaller ship (Splendour of the Seas out of Venice) later in the year.

 

Highlights:

 

Technology advances on the in room TV, digital way finders screens, unlimited WiFi (for a fee), self service kiosks

 

Central Park

 

Boardwalk

 

Number of venues and design that helps to make the ship seem so uncrowded.

 

Variety of speciality restaurants and the quality

 

Johnny Rockets for breakfast

 

Balcony furniture - so much more comfortable than other ships

 

Bathroom design, larger shower cubicle.

 

Staff, all so friendly if not always providing prompt service!

 

Ease of embarkation, disembarkation especially at ports of call.

 

Ship design in general, especially the Solarium

 

Entertainment options and activities, so much to do, so little time!

 

Freestyle Coca Cola machines

 

Lowlights:

 

My Time Dining - far too rushed to enable staff to 'turn tables'

 

Bar service, even when venue not busy (actually found service better when bar was busy)

 

In room safe far too small

 

But that's it really.

 

These are incredible ships and have to be tried at least once, this explains why prices are still at a premium.