Recent Allure Info

[topnole]

Just as an fyi, recently on Allure and here are a few bits of info. We have been on both Oasis and Allure several times.

 

The new towel policy was in place on Allure. No swiping cards to get a towel. Simply go get one or what ever you need. The downside was they were left all over the ship, even saw one in the entrance to the main dining room walking into dinner at 8:30. Pretty tacky. Also, many people just leave them on their chairs when they leave which makes it harder to determine if a chair is open. They need to communicate better that towels should be returned to the towel station after use. First time cruisers probably have no idea and there wasn't much signage or communication on what was expected. There was some signage but let's face it, the Allure leaves you with sensory overload if you are a newbie so I could easily see people not noticing.

 

The My Time Dining was the worst we've ever experienced. We had reservations at 8:30 each night and there was always a wait after checking in with 30-40 others waiting in the lobby as well. Never had such an experience and we have done it the same way on several other Oasis class cruises.

 

The two reef snorkel (only $39) was a great value and included drinks after diving. The snorkeling itself was relatively good for a larger type tour.

 

No Wow Cards were given out.

 

Our room steward was fine but we didn't tip extra this time as we didn't think it was warranted. He didn't seem very happy with us. Wondering if they now expect more when you do auto tip.

 

Our wait staff at dinner was hit and miss. Overall dining experience was fine but not as good as past cruises when we really looked forward to seeing our wait staff.

 

The Flowriders were both fully operational all week.

 

Didn't see any evidence of noro (per the post after post dry dock cruise).

 

The diamond lounge hours listed specifically said early seating was from 5-6:30 and late seating from 7-8:30. Nothing was enforced as we went at different times each night but first time I've seen that in writing.

 

The smoking policy has the smokers on one side of the ship on the pool deck and in the casino. Perhaps one or two other areas are allowed that I'm missing. This means it is very smokey on that side by the pools.

 

This meant the casino was very smokey (even on the non-smoking side) so we didn't gamble.

 

Those using the vapor cigs are also supposed to use them only in the smoking areas but I saw them all over the ship using them.

 

We rescued 16 people on the way to Mexico when the crew spotted a distressed small vessel. Seemed like refugees. The captain and crew seemed very happy and humbled to be able to save their lives.

 

The diamond lounge happy hour was in the DL this week and not in Blaze. Our last 4 on Oasis class have been this way. We enjoyed the service staff and the DL Dexter. All very nice and attentive.

 

Disembarkation wasn't too bad but took about 50 minutes give or take to leave the ship and get through customs.

 

Overall, we had a great trip. No major complaint that are worth mentioning here.

[sauvichick]

Welcome back and thanks for the updates. Is it safe to assume we won't detect smoke on the balconies because smoke rises ? We are on Deck 11 portside.

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[Merion_Mom]

Welcome back and thanks for the updates. Is it safe to assume we won't detect smoke on the balconies because smoke rises ? We are on Deck 11 portside.

 

Smoking is not allowed on cabin balconies. The pool deck smoking is THREE decks above you. Noticing smoke would be not only highly unlikely, but would be indicative of someone overly obsessive.

 

:D

[topnole]

Welcome back and thanks for the updates. Is it safe to assume we won't detect smoke on the balconies because smoke rises ? We are on Deck 11 portside.

 

Didn't notice any but we had a boardwalk balcony. Heard it was happening but probably isolated. If it happens to you I'd prob try to identify where and call guest services or ship security. I'm sure that would end it there.

[Sumisid]

Thank you for the review. I was on Allure on the Feb 9 sailing and had similar issues.

 

The new towel policy is a bit of a disaster, you described very well why. In Labadee at 11am, there were no more beach towels available (nowhere!).

 

Wait-staff was not very friendly or outgoing. During breakfast in the MDR, we had downright rude waiters several mornings.

 

We also had reservations every night for My Time Dining and had to wait for at least 15 minutes with many other people in front of the dining room.

 

The freestyle-coke-machines were broken so often, sometimes I had to check 3 different locations and was still without my powerade zero.

 

The bartender at the Solarium-Bar told us on embarkation-day: "What, you bought the Select Package? You absolutely have to upgrade otherwise you will only be drinking bad wine on this cruise!" Well, we informed her then, that we just spent one week on Oasis with that package and were happy with it.

 

Overall we were surprised about the HUGE difference to Oasis. One week before our Allure cruise, we were on Oasis and everybody was so friendly and in a good mood. Everything was well maintained and organized. It was just perfect and we kind of expected the same on Allure. Sadly, that was not so.

[Ocean Boy]

Thank you for the review. I was on Allure on the Feb 9 sailing and had similar issues.

 

The new towel policy is a bit of a disaster, you described very well why. In Labadee at 11am, there were no more beach towels available (nowhere!).

 

Wait-staff was not very friendly or outgoing. During breakfast in the MDR, we had downright rude waiters several mornings.

 

We also had reservations every night for My Time Dining and had to wait for at least 15 minutes with many other people in front of the dining room.

 

The freestyle-coke-machines were broken so often, sometimes I had to check 3 different locations and was still without my powerade zero.

 

The bartender at the Solarium-Bar told us on embarkation-day: "What, you bought the Select Package? You absolutely have to upgrade otherwise you will only be drinking bad wine on this cruise!" Well, we informed her then, that we just spent one week on Oasis with that package and were happy with it.

 

Overall we were surprised about the HUGE difference to Oasis. One week before our Allure cruise, we were on Oasis and everybody was so friendly and in a good mood. Everything was well maintained and organized. It was just perfect and we kind of expected the same on Allure. Sadly, that was not so.

 

It is interesting that our experience on Allure was quite different. Everyone seemed pretty happy and the Free style machines all worked. Maybe since we were the first cruise after the one week dry dock everyone was a bit rested up.

[Mich455]

I was also on the Allure's first cruise from dry dock and found the vast majority of the staff to be extremely friendly. I wouldn't say that I received bad service from anybody.

I must admit I did see some issues with the freestyle soda machines. I only used them once and one of the ones in the promenade wasn't working. The one in the flowrider café had a sign on it saying it was out of action for at least the 2nd half of the cruise. Wasn't a big deal to me as I'm not a big soda drinker but I imagine it would be annoying if you were.

There were issues with towels being left all over the place but I don't place any blame with RCCL for that, the blame has to be with the lazy people who can't be bothered to return them.

All in all I had a fantastic cruise and wouldn't hesitate to cruise on her again

[BillOh]

The freestyle-coke-machines were broken so often, sometimes I had to check 3 different locations and was still without my powerade zero.

 

 

That was the case of the 4/28 sailing last year, mentioned frequently in my review, and most people felt it was outside the norm.

[Gayle V]

What port was that two reef snorkel ?

[sauvichick]

Smoking is not allowed on cabin balconies. The pool deck smoking is THREE decks above you. Noticing smoke would be not only highly unlikely, but would be indicative of someone overly obsessive.

 

:D

 

My question required an answer not a ridiculous and unnecessary comment from you mm. I am aware of the smoking policy and where my cabin is in relation to the pool deck.

 

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Forums mobile app

[DavidsNana]

Was this excursion in Cozumel? If so, was it on one of the Fury Catamarans? Was it a drift snorkel? Was it appropriate for someone who is a decent swimmer but has not snorkeled before? I'm asking as we will be on the Oasis in May, Western Caribbean and are looking at this excursion. Thanks so much or your help.

[cruising sister]

We are booked on the Allure for the TA crossing April of 2015 and booked a Boardwalk balcony on deck 11. We have always done ocean view balcony's but decided to try Boardwalk. Did you like your Boardwalk cabin? We are in the 3 and 4th rooms from the aqua theatre and were hoping we could see it from our rooms.

[JamesEM]

Thanks for the info, will on the Allure this Fall.

[Ocean Boy]

We are booked on the Allure for the TA crossing April of 2015 and booked a Boardwalk balcony on deck 11. We have always done ocean view balcony's but decided to try Boardwalk. Did you like your Boardwalk cabin? We are in the 3 and 4th rooms from the aqua theatre and were hoping we could see it from our rooms.

 

You will definitely be able to see the theater from your cabins. I have not stayed in that location so I can't give you an opinion of them though.

[topnole]

Was this excursion in Cozumel? If so, was it on one of the Fury Catamarans? Was it a drift snorkel? Was it appropriate for someone who is a decent swimmer but has not snorkeled before? I'm asking as we will be on the Oasis in May, Western Caribbean and are looking at this excursion. Thanks so much or your help.

 

It was Cozumel. Not sure on the drift part. The boat tied up to something. Suitable for all levels I think. Not the fury but similar. Only 2 1/2 hours which we liked. Plenty of time for snorkeling and drinks and music after the last snorkel.

[topnole]

We are booked on the Allure for the TA crossing April of 2015 and booked a Boardwalk balcony on deck 11. We have always done ocean view balcony's but decided to try Boardwalk. Did you like your Boardwalk cabin? We are in the 3 and 4th rooms from the aqua theatre and were hoping we could see it from our rooms.

 

Have had nearly the same cabin. You can see most of the show (maybe 20% blocked by the angle of the ship) so see it the first time down below if you care about that. We enjoyed watching them practice which they do a lot.

[cruising sister]

Have had nearly the same cabin. You can see most of the show (maybe 20% blocked by the angle of the ship) so see it the first time down below if you care about that. We enjoyed watching them practice which they do a lot.

 

Thanks for the information, would you book a Boardwalk room again? Does Deck 11 have the public balcony Aft?

[drarill]

Thanks for sharing your cruise review with us!:)

[topnole]

Thanks for the information, would you book a Boardwalk room again? Does Deck 11 have the public balcony Aft?

 

Yes and yes. Only downside is the long walk to the elevators. Only time it was a mild annoyance is when she was in high heels. But lots of walking required anyways. Overall we liked that location and would do it again.

[DavidsNana]

It was Cozumel. Not sure on the drift part. The boat tied up to something. Suitable for all levels I think. Not the fury but similar. Only 2 1/2 hours which we liked. Plenty of time for snorkeling and drinks and music after the last snorkel.

 

 

topnole - thanks for the information. It is much appreciated. Now we can decide between the two that are offiered.