!!!LIVE!!! from the Allure | Western Caribbean | 29 June 2014 | Pictures!!!

[MisterMom]

 

It’s been a struggle to decide whether or not to do a LIVE review on the world’s largest cruise ship, especially following the excellent other live reviews by Bugsy4271 and others. Of course, who can forget Swim13’s and Gambee’s reviews?! Shout out! I make no claims that this review will be anywhere near the quality of these that have gone before me.

 

I am Dan, traveling with my partner of 15 years, Derrell, BFF of 25 years, Lindsey, and the true star of this review, Aunt Linda. More about Aunt Linda later but, in summary, she’s special needs but very high functioning. She LOVES cruising. She says some very funny stuff that I sometimes post on Facebook and she has quite the following with my friends.

 

 

We booked this trip 14 February 2014, a little late, in my opinion. Originally, we had two D4 connecting Superior Oceanview balconies. However, with one of the recent sales, Junior Suites opened up so I nabbed those at the same fare as the balconies, still connecting and on Deck 8 9 (Central Park). I’m thrilled at these choices because they’re on a hump (large balcony) and also on the starboard side of the ship. I prefer this side of the ship since they look into the ports. I can look at the ocean while we’re sailing so prefer to see the ports while docked. I also purchased a GoPro Hero3+ black edition and will try to film approaches and sail aways. No promises on posting them or the quality as I have NO video editing experience.

 

Hello, my name is Dan and I’m addicted to cruising.

 

Seeing as our last cruise was on the Oasis in June of last year, I have been jonesing for this cruise for quite some time. I have obsessed over reviews, Cruise Compasses, YouTube videos, etc so I can plan for this trip. I usually find that I over-plan and end up not doing half the stuff I wanted to because I get on the ship and just want to relax. Since this is our 3rd trip on an Oasis class, I’ll detail some Allure-specific features but for a more detailed Oasis class photo experience, check out my Oasis photo review.

 

Many folks have great spreadsheet planners. I like kicking it up a notch and using my work Outlook account so I can send invites to Derrell and Lindsey that syncs with their smartphones. We all know what’s planned and when. Given Linda’s OCD-type tendencies, this method also helps us stay on time as I have OCD tendencies, too!

 

Here is what our plan is (please don’t stalk us onboard):

 

 

I’ll make every attempt to post photos, narrative and just whatever I feel like writing about! So many menus, food porn, etc are available on some great reviews so I might not be that focused or detailed in those areas.

 

Part of my overplanning is also having a master packing list. I keep a spreadsheet on my Dropbox account. There’s a master tab that I’ll continue to update but then I have a tab for each cruise I go on as there’s some customization to each one. I’ll see if I can post the master list at some point.

 

So, part of my addiction is probably overpacking? What do you think?

 

 

 

 

In the pic above, you see my photo gear:

Sony AE55 DSLR

HTC OneMax

GoPro Hereo 3+ black edition

 

You may see our travel mascot, Funship Freddy. We’re not necessarily brand-loyal, but there’s a story behind him. More to come….

 

I’ll likely use Tapatalk to post status updates and general pics using my HTC OneMax. If the internet gods are friendly on board, I’ll use our Surface2 to upload some higher quality scenic pics from the Sony DSLR via Photobucket. I don’t anticipate posting any videos until returning home, IF I post any at all.

 

Join me?

[Paulette3028]

 

It’s been a struggle to decide whether or not to do a LIVE review on the world’s largest cruise ship, especially following the excellent other live reviews by Bugsy4271 and others. Of course, who can forget Swim13’s and Gambee’s reviews?! Shout out! I make no claims that this review will be anywhere near the quality of these that have gone before me.

 

I am Dan, traveling with my partner of 15 years, Derrell, BFF of 25 years, Lindsey, and the true star of this review, Aunt Linda. More about Aunt Linda later but, in summary, she’s special needs but very high functioning. She LOVES cruising. She says some very funny stuff that I sometimes post on Facebook and she has quite the following with my friends.

 

 

We booked this trip 14 February 2014, a little late, in my opinion. Originally, we had two D4 connecting Superior Oceanview balconies. However, with one of the recent sales, Junior Suites opened up so I nabbed those at the same fare as the balconies, still connecting and on Deck 8 9 (Central Park). I’m thrilled at these choices because they’re on a hump (large balcony) and also on the starboard side of the ship. I prefer this side of the ship since they look into the ports. I can look at the ocean while we’re sailing so prefer to see the ports while docked. I also purchased a GoPro Hero3+ black edition and will try to film approaches and sail aways. No promises on posting them or the quality as I have NO video editing experience.

 

Hello, my name is Dan and I’m addicted to cruising.

 

Seeing as our last cruise was on the Oasis in June of last year, I have been jonesing for this cruise for quite some time. I have obsessed over reviews, Cruise Compasses, YouTube videos, etc so I can plan for this trip. I usually find that I over-plan and end up not doing half the stuff I wanted to because I get on the ship and just want to relax. Since this is our 3rd trip on an Oasis class, I’ll detail some Allure-specific features but for a more detailed Oasis class photo experience, check out my Oasis photo review.

 

Many folks have great spreadsheet planners. I like kicking it up a notch and using my work Outlook account so I can send invites to Derrell and Lindsey that syncs with their smartphones. We all know what’s planned and when. Given Linda’s OCD-type tendencies, this method also helps us stay on time as I have OCD tendencies, too!

 

Here is what our plan is (please don’t stalk us onboard):

 

 

I’ll make every attempt to post photos, narrative and just whatever I feel like writing about! So many menus, food porn, etc are available on some great reviews so I might not be that focused or detailed in those areas.

 

Part of my overplanning is also having a master packing list. I keep a spreadsheet on my Dropbox account. There’s a master tab that I’ll continue to update but then I have a tab for each cruise I go on as there’s some customization to each one. I’ll see if I can post the master list at some point.

 

So, part of my addiction is probably overpacking? What do you think?

 

 

 

 

In the pic above, you see my photo gear:

Sony AE55 DSLR

HTC OneMax

GoPro Hereo 3+ black edition

 

You may see our travel mascot, Funship Freddy. We’re not necessarily brand-loyal, but there’s a story behind him. More to come….

 

I’ll likely use Tapatalk to post status updates and general pics using my HTC OneMax. If the internet gods are friendly on board, I’ll use our Surface2 to upload some higher quality scenic pics from the Sony DSLR via Photobucket. I don’t anticipate posting any videos until returning home, IF I post any at all.

 

Join me?

 

Gee, I am disappointed that the Meet and Mingle isn't on your schedule.

 

And yes, I do believe you overpack.

[cruisinghawg]

MM see you tomorrow on the "rocks" waving bye bye to the Lady O. Whooo Live Review on one of my sailings!!!!!

[MisterMom]

Gee, I am disappointed that the Meet and Mingle isn't on your schedule.

 

And yes, I do believe you overpack.

 

I worry that I'll book the M&M and then not show up because I'm enjoying my beach pool lounger (or I'm too tipsy to make it there)! Just find me. I'll be ALL over!

 

MM see you tomorrow on the "rocks" waving bye bye to the Lady O. Whooo Live Review on one of my sailings!!!!!

 

I'M THERE! Look for Freddy.

[kccrzr]

Great start on the review and looking forward to more - DD and I are thinking of booking this same itinerary for an August sailing. We have never been on the Allure so your review comes at the perfect time for us. Have a great cruise and thanks for taking the time to post.

[dacsmom]

I am looking forward to your review. I am on the Allure in October.

[Paulette3028]

I worry that I'll book the M&M and then not show up because I'm enjoying my beach pool lounger (or I'm too tipsy to make it there)! Just find me. I'll be ALL over!

 

 

 

I'M THERE! Look for Freddy.

 

I am sure I will find you.....I will be at the C&A event as well.

[Paulette3028]

MM see you tomorrow on the "rocks" waving bye bye to the Lady O. Whooo Live Review on one of my sailings!!!!!

 

I think DH and I will be meeting Sleepless and her husband at their hotel and walking over to the 17th Street Causeway to see Lady O leave.....and then get ready for our own departure the next night.

 

See you on Sunday.....All Aboard -- oh that is for trains....my mode of transportation got confused....see ya Sunday, regardless.

[gordiej]

Gee, I am disappointed that the Meet and Mingle isn't on your schedule.

 

And yes, I do believe you overpack.

Hey - thanks for quoting/reposting the entire OP. I didn't see it the first time.

 

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Forums mobile app

[gordiej]

Here is what our plan is (please don’t stalk us onboard):

 

 

You're getting off the ship in Jamaica? Might as well go to Uganda.

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Forums mobile app

[cruisinghawg]

I think DH and I will be meeting Sleepless and her husband at their hotel and walking over to the 17th Street Causeway to see Lady O leave.....and then get ready for our own departure the next night.

 

See you on Sunday.....All Aboard -- oh that is for trains....my mode of transportation got confused....see ya Sunday, regardless.

Oh rats Paulette we were looking forward to meeting you and Ken at the "rocks" for the Lady O sailing. We were also hoping to run into Sleepless and her husband at Oasis and inviting them to come with us. But if not then we will see you in the WJ.

[JamesEM]

Looking forward to your reports and photos, DW and I sailing on the Allure this Oct.

[MisterMom]

It's 2:15am and I've been awake for 30 minutes. Too excited to sleep but I have to. Urg.....

[MisterMom]

Contributing to my sleeplessness is that we boarded these two yesterday.

 

 

My mom was recently placed in a nursing home and she had five pets that needed new homes. We adopted Gracie, the beagle, and Uno, the shaggy mutt missing half his hair. Both pups had been in a state of neglect with severe flea infestations and allergies. Luckily, Uno has responded well to his treatments and is actually regrowing his hair! They're just now adjusting to living with us and I put them in a kennel. [emoji22]

 

Because of his treatment, though, he's in a good place where he'll continue his meds. Hoping he has a lot more hair when we return!

 

sent trying to use my HTC one smart phone

[Lionesss]

You are off to such a great start...............

 

You got my attention.

 

Already added to my favorite list, and I will check back frequently.

 

Safe Journey

 

Sea Ya

[MisterMom]

Derrell was right to insist we close the suitcases last night.

 

 

 

 

Three trains, a plane and an automobile. At the airport and ready to go!

 

 

 

 

 

sent trying to use my HTC one smart phone

[Jenhem31]

Looking forward to your review! I'm on the Allure in November.

 

I have the same beach towel chair clips! Have a wonderful cruise!

 

 

Carnival Paradise April 2014

Allure of the Seas November 2014

[caa419]

Great start! I'm looking forward to your review. I see the ATL airport there! Have a great cruise!

[MisterMom]

Just landed in FLL. LOTS of folks on our flight cruising out today. Sat next to a couple who is sailing their first cruise EVER on the Lady Oasis. I told them they will be very spoiled.

 

I can see Lady O from the airport!

 

 

sent trying to use my HTC one smart phone

Edited June 28, 2014 by MisterMom

[KirkNC]

Look forward to your live reports.

[MisterMom]

Just met TheSeaCallsMyName and CruisingHawg at the Hyatt! Woo hoo

 

sent trying to use my HTC one smart phone

[MisterMom]

Here's Aunt Linda when I met her at FLL and waiting...

 

 

 

sent trying to use my HTC one smart phone

[sauvichick]

Hi mistermom! We will all finally meet at some point on the Allure. I think everyone has a bit of OCD including myself. I love the spreadsheet and would do one if I wasn't so tech impaired. Have been planning for months and I would rather be overpackd than under. Don't most of us like to have options:D?

 

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Forums mobile app

Edited June 28, 2014 by sauvichick

[MMOMOM]

Will be interested in what you have to say about the GoPro .... my husband has been looking at it, researching it and think he wants it for our cruise next May going to the Western Mediterranean on the Allure. Actually, we're taking a land vacation in the Fall to Kauai and Maui and I'll bet he gets it before that, LOL!! Assuming you have the 'download' for it he said you have to get? Anyway ... Happy Sailing! :)

[MisterMom]

Oasis sail away at the jetty with new friends

 

 

sent trying to use my HTC one smart phone