Just Off Allure 7/14/13 Sailing Review

[neptune18]

This was our second Allure Western. Did Oasis eastern last summer.

 

PRE-CRUISE:

Went down two days early and stayed at Courtyard Marriott Beach. Past two years we stayed at Embassy Suites. We liked Courtyard better due to great location on the beach. At E.S. it doesn't really feel like you're in Fla. or anywhere close to the beach.

 

Ate dinner at Coconuts and Kelly's Landing, both of which were great. Lunch on first day, as per tradition was at Firehouse Subs on our way to Total Wine and Publix. Second lunch was at Bubba Gump's, which we would not do again. A tourist trap IMO. We had planned to walk down to the inlet on Sat. to watch Oasis leave but it was raining some of the hardest rain we've ever seen with substantial flooding in the area. We watched from our hotel window as Oasis didn't leave until after six.

 

CABIN:

We had connecting ocean view balconies on deck nine, which is a great location for Central Park. Balconies were unusable 90% of time due to next door smokers who were almost always out there and always smoking when they were.

 

PORTS:

On Labadee we did the the waverunner tour. Our two boys each had their own waverunner and my wife was on mine. When it came time to open them up ours wouldn't go so a new one had to be brought out to us. Then, about a third through the tour, our son's would only go about 3/4 of top speed. Since we were too far out to get a new one my wife and I switched with our son. The tour staff was really good about taking care of us as (with almost no complaining) they deducted 50% of the cost for all of us.The rest of the day was spent on Columbus Cove, mostly in the water.

 

Falmouth. Pre-arranged with Reggae Tours for transportation to Doctor's Cave Beach in Mo Bay. This beach is gorgeous, one of the nicest we've ever been on. While there we paid $15 per person for a 45 minute snorkel session on a glass bottom boat. This was awesome and the snorkeling on the reefs about 200 yards off the beach was great. Lunch at the beach bar there was very good. The Hip Strip area where Doctor's Cave is located is very seedy with all kinds of characters approaching you for all kinds of things. Upon arriving, I literally had one foot out of the van when someone asked me if I wanted to buy grass. My 19 year old son was asked if he wanted marijuana, coke, crystal meth or Rx drugs. The vendors both on and off the beach are pretty aggressive as well. I wouldn't let this deter you from going to Doctor's Cave though, as it was really a great day.

 

On Cozumel we went to Paradise Beach and had a great time. The kids did the water toys and we had a very good Mexican lunch there. The new pool looks great.

 

SHOWS:

Saw Oceanaria, Chicago and Blue Planet, all for a second time. I love sitting out at the Aqua Theater on the first night of the cruise and this is a great show. We were disappointed in Chicago as we thought the two female leads were surprisingly weak and didn't compare talent wise to the other performers we have seen previously.

 

The comedy show was Kivi Rodgers and Rick Corso. Both were hilarious. The headliner was Earl Turner and you must see this guy. He is amazing with incredible energy and had the whole theater rocking. Alan Brooks, the CD, did a great job with the L&M show and the Belly Flop contest. The singer in the pub (Charlie Jourdan, I think) was outstanding.

 

FOOD:

I always read on CC that "food is subjective". I think that's true in the way that you may like lamb and I may hate it. Or my wife hates Asian and I love it. IMO food quality (the quality of the ingredients) and skill in preparation is not subjective. Having said that, the four nights we ate in the dining room were actually pretty good. The pork chop I had the first night was awful (a big disappointment for me as I am a big pork chop fan) and the prime rib I tasted on two different nights was of poor quality and preparation. Otherwise we were generally pleased with the food in the dining room. Did MTD but had same waiters, Norman and Justin each time.

 

We also ate at Giovanni's, which we always love, Park 150, which we loved and Vintages for tapas, which were delicious.

 

We only hit the dreaded Windjammer once (lunch) and ate most lunches at Park Cafe or the doghouse. Breakfasts were at the dining room (once) Johnny Rockets (once) Wipeout, which was surprisingly good (once) and Park Cafe, my favorite.

 

Royal needs to improve the lunch on Labadee. The food is pretty bad and nothing was hot. I acknowledge the challenge of feeding all those people on Labadee but it seems to be a weak effort.

 

MISC:

The crew was great and all went out of their way to be friendly and helpful. Of special note were the casino dealers (spent much time there) and our waiter, Oliver, in Park 150. I read about people giving out WOW cards and more than one crew member told us that they're not a big deal and they'd rather have cash and an excellent survey rating.

 

I also read some recent discussion about the temperature on the Allure and I can now officially confirm that the Allure is a hot ship. Although I do like it colder than most, the cabin was just adequately cool and never as cold as I would have liked. The dining room, Vintages and the Promenade all were hotter than I remembered but the theater was blissfully freezing.

 

Love the new wine policy and was able to bring on six bottles among my sister and wife. Spoke to some people who did the alcohol package and seems like a pretty decent deal if you're a drinker. I am but do mostly wine so it doesn't make sense to me.

 

CONCLUSION:

We had a great time and love this ship. I wish I was on her now. After three Oasis class cruises with the limited itineraries, I think we may be ready for something new. The Breakaway and three days in Bermuda (and no flights) has certainly piqued our interest and we will look into that or a trip to California.

 

I'll be happy to answer any questions.

[shipshape sam]

Any pictures?

[hollon]

What breakfast food did they have at the wipeout cafe as well at Johnny Rockets?

[neptune18]

Wipeout was cooked to order eggs and buffet pancakes and french toast. JR was eggs, french toast, breakfast sandwiches, all cooked to order.

[LBumb]

good job

[Maryscooking]

This was our second Allure Western. Did Oasis eastern last summer.

 

PRE-CRUISE:

Went down two days early and stayed at Courtyard Marriott Beach. Past two years we stayed at Embassy Suites. We liked Courtyard better due to great location on the beach. At E.S. it doesn't really feel like you're in Fla. or anywhere close to the beach.

 

Ate dinner at Coconuts and Kelly's Landing, both of which were great. Lunch on first day, as per tradition was at Firehouse Subs on our way to Total Wine and Publix. Second lunch was at Bubba Gump's, which we would not do again. A tourist trap IMO. We had planned to walk down to the inlet on Sat. to watch Oasis leave but it was raining some of the hardest rain we've ever seen with substantial flooding in the area. We watched from our hotel window as Oasis didn't leave until after six.

 

Thanks for the review!

 

Just a couple of hotel questions: Can you walk to the restaurants from the Courtyard? And does the Courtyard have a shuttle? And finally, what is the pool like?

[marshabear]

there is a Bubba Gump's in Fort Lauderdale????

 

if so, tell me where!! :)

 

 

 

Marsha

[CarolChaCha]

Just back from 7/7 Allure, stayed at Embassy Suites pre-cruise, Marriott Courtyard on Beach 3 days post cruise. Bubba Gumps is right next to Marriott Courtyard and there are all types of restaurants and shops as you walk along Seabreeze Blvd. across from the beach.

We took a taxi from the port to Marriott which is usually faster and cheaper than shuttle, and the same from the Embassy Suites, that does have a shuttle but more expensive than what I paid for cab for 2.

Did not inquire about shuttle at Marriott Courtyard.

[CarolChaCha]

Thanks for the review!

 

Just a couple of hotel questions: Can you walk to the restaurants from the Courtyard? And does the Courtyard have a shuttle? And finally, what is the pool like?

P.S. Re: Marriott Courtyard on the Beach's pool

Small pool, but nice sitting area and bar, of course.

[MR NW GUY]

there is a Bubba Gump's in Fort Lauderdale????

 

if so, tell me where!! :)

 

 

 

Marsha

429 S Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

 

(954) 463-0777

[cidymom]

Thanks for your Allure review. I just have a quick question regarding your comment on lunch on Labadee, can you go back to the ship and eat or do you have to eat on Labadee? Thanks for your help.

[Clarea]

Thanks for your Allure review. I just have a quick question regarding your comment on lunch on Labadee, can you go back to the ship and eat or do you have to eat on Labadee? Thanks for your help.

You can go back to the ship and eat if you like.

[gottalovecruising]

Just back from 7/7 Allure, stayed at Embassy Suites pre-cruise, Marriott Courtyard on Beach 3 days post cruise. Bubba Gumps is right next to Marriott Courtyard and there are all types of restaurants and shops as you walk along Seabreeze Blvd. across from the beach.

We took a taxi from the port to Marriott which is usually faster and cheaper than shuttle, and the same from the Embassy Suites, that does have a shuttle but more expensive than what I paid for cab for 2.

Did not inquire about shuttle at Marriott Courtyard.

 

 

We will be at the Embassy suites next month...did you enjoy your stay? Did you attend the Manager's reception? I have heard it can be very crowded. Would love any info:D

[neptune18]

Coconuts is right across the street from the Marriott. Kelly's is a 5minute taxi ride.

 

The pool at the Marriott is small but there's a nice bar.

 

You can go back to the ship for lunch at Labadee but it would be kind of a pain if you were down by Columbus Cove.

 

I don't know if Marriott has a shuttle. We were six people and I called the van which took us from airport to hotel. He charged $30 to port and I didn't want to deal with waiting for two taxis or one big one.

[Cruisegirl6]

People have spoken about the cabins at night being on the warm side did you experience this?

[canadian-nurse]

I was just wondering- what kind of parking lot the Courtyard has? We have a lifted pick up truck that we drive down and can only stay where there is surface parking lots. We can't fit in a parking garage.

 

Thanks so much for your help! And great review!

[neptune18]

Lyndmar- Cabin cooling was just adequate, but never really a problem. It did seem to get a little warmer during the night after going to bed (usually around 2 am).

 

Canadian- I did not notice the parking lot as we didn't have a car. I have read in reviews, however, that parking is expensive.

[awhcruiser]

I've noticed several posts from you concerning cabins being too warm. How warm is too warm for you?

People have spoken about the cabins at night being on the warm side did you experience this?

[Cruisegirl6]

Neptune 18 thank you that is what I worry about we like it cool and I going through changes and need to have the ac be cool...I still wondering should I change cruises.

 

Awhcruiser I sleep at 70 at home could sleep in 72 the highest for at night.

[Cruisegirl6]

Neptune which room did you have?

[neptune18]

We had 9694 and 9696, connecting ocean view balconies. I wouldn't change based on the temperature. We sleep at 68 at home during summer and even colder during winter and it was never a problem, just not as cold as I would have liked.

 

We also never closed the curtains during the day when in the cabin as that defeats the purpose of the balcony for us.

[Cruisegirl6]

Thank you.

[neptune18]

No problem.

[awhcruiser]

Those are the temps I like for sleeping. I haven't experienced a cruise where the AC was not cold enough for sleeping. I have been in all types of cabins from insides to suites.

Awhcruiser I sleep at 70 at home could sleep in 72 the highest for at night.

[Pencruise]

We were on the same cruise and found our cabin temp fine - we were on Deck 17, however the elevators were roasting hot. Food in main dining room definitely not as good as usual and screaming uncontrolled kids all around us at dinner on late sitting on 3 tables of 10 !! Also ate at 150 Central Park twice and Chops - both excellent food and service. Even though disappointed in Main Dining Room on this cruise it certainly would not deter us from sailing on Allure again, this was our 2nd time on her in 6 months, wonderful ship.