Allure - Just Back - Observations

[mc-cruiser]

I am just back from my eighth cruise on Allure. It had been about a year since I sailed and must say, I was disappointed. The crew is great and, of course, all the activities such as flow rider, rock climbing and skating rink, make it easy to find things to do especially if you are into outdoor activity while on a ship. Cruising on these mega-liners has changed the experience. Call me old fashion but I don't feel it is a plus when you never see the water unless you are on your balcony or on the top deck. This cruise reinforced the feeling that it is just a big floating resort trying hard (unsuccessfully) to be Disney.

 

The ship went through a dry dock about a year ago. It seems all RCCL executives were concerned with was cramming more cabins into any available space. This is accomplished by reducing public areas. Why in the world would RCCL restrict access to the Viking Crown lounge? Now only suite guests or certain classes of travelers are able to experience what once was their signature lounge. RCCL has already reduced public access to an entire deck to certain passengers and now the Viking Crown Lounge. I understand people willing to pay 500% more for a suite should be entitled to perks. The logic escapes me however. You pay that much for a stateroom and you need your own lounge too? It seems unwise to cater to such a small group. The Allure will never be a luxury cruise ship. 6552 passengers on one sailing does not lend itself to pulling off a luxury vacation experience (unless you spend all your time in your stateroom and then why do you need your own lounge and deck?)

 

Well back to a few other issues. The carpet in the entry to the casino was so worn there with holes, tares and just plain filthy. The appearance of an area accessed by a majority of passengers, even if only passing through, should be maintained better. It would take a few hours to replace and would give a much better impression to all passengers. The Windjammer, oh dear. for such a large ship, this public eating area is smaller than any other ship I have cruised. I know there are plenty of places to eat. Park Cafe is packed as is Sorrentos and Cafe Promenade. The Windjammer has minimal seating. Food isn't why I cruise so for this to give such a negative impression makes me think many people must be disappointed with the experience. It also seemed the variety of food was minimal. There were pots of rice, two or three styles, pans of cheesy pasta and chunks of meat or fish. There may have been a difference in seasoning but it all seemed like either curry or jerk in different forms. The standard station with salad fixings and grill items were also daily offerings. The quality was poor as was the variety. This is coming from someone who doesn't really care about the food. I can't imagine how people who go on a cruise anticipating all the wonderful food feel. Yes the specialty restaurants have excellent food. That is where I eat but I feel bad for those who don't plan on having to pay for decent food when cruising has been portrayed as an all inclusive type of experience.

 

The quality of RCCL cruises has declined. Apparently the new decision makers are so focused on short term financial gains they are losing the foresight to see "loyalty" driven cruisers are going elsewhere. This will lead to an overall decline in passengers. Sure, they will sell more suites (maybe) but you have a ship with a capacity that won't match the experience people in suites look for. It is an incredible waste of space. This is just my opinion and I'm fairly certain I will get hateful responses. However, the people I spoke to on board (who were all very nice) have also noticed changes not for the better.

[MrCruzdoggie]

All I see on these boards is the Allure is great and almighty. Thanks for your review..........................

[cb at sea]

I've been saying that pretty soon, ALL meals will be an "extra charge"...and that's what they're aiming for. Reduce the "included" food options to the bare minimum, and 80% of the passengers will pay for "better fare"....

 

Pretty soon, only the buffet will be included...and it will be total swill....count on it!

[MrCruzdoggie]

like

[PompeySailor]

Carpet with holes in it at casino entrance:eek:

Must of been looking for that, as I never noticed it and I was in and out of that place quite a lot.:)

 

I did notice a piece of wallpaper slightly torn on one of the hallway walls on deck 7, that did it for me, I will never sail Allure again, how dare they not have the decorators miss such a ghastly sight.

 

;) hope they don't try and find that piece of wallpaper:rolleyes:

 

Observation: for someone who really does not care about food, sure made plenty of references to poor offerings and quality, just sayin

Edited June 7, 2016 by PompeySailor

[Norway2]

I only ate in the Windjammer twice for lunch on my cruise. I had no problem finding a table. I did not go at 12pm or 1pm though, which seems to be a peak times. I went about 1:30 and it was fine. Food was good for a quick bite. Sorry but I stayed in Star Class and really enjoyed the perks for suite guests. I didn't notice the rug in the casino either and I was there every night. Just my opinion but I thought the ship was magnificent.

[constable145]

I am just back from my eighth cruise on Allure. It had been about a year since I sailed and must say, I was disappointed. The crew is great and, of course, all the activities such as flow rider, rock climbing and skating rink, make it easy to find things to do especially if you are into outdoor activity while on a ship. Cruising on these mega-liners has changed the experience. Call me old fashion but I don't feel it is a plus when you never see the water unless you are on your balcony or on the top deck. This cruise reinforced the feeling that it is just a big floating resort trying hard (unsuccessfully) to be Disney.

 

The ship went through a dry dock about a year ago. It seems all RCCL executives were concerned with was cramming more cabins into any available space. This is accomplished by reducing public areas. Why in the world would RCCL restrict access to the Viking Crown lounge? Now only suite guests or certain classes of travelers are able to experience what once was their signature lounge. RCCL has already reduced public access to an entire deck to certain passengers and now the Viking Crown Lounge. I understand people willing to pay 500% more for a suite should be entitled to perks. The logic escapes me however. You pay that much for a stateroom and you need your own lounge too? It seems unwise to cater to such a small group. The Allure will never be a luxury cruise ship. 6552 passengers on one sailing does not lend itself to pulling off a luxury vacation experience (unless you spend all your time in your stateroom and then why do you need your own lounge and deck?)

 

Well back to a few other issues. The carpet in the entry to the casino was so worn there with holes, tares and just plain filthy. The appearance of an area accessed by a majority of passengers, even if only passing through, should be maintained better. It would take a few hours to replace and would give a much better impression to all passengers. The Windjammer, oh dear. for such a large ship, this public eating area is smaller than any other ship I have cruised. I know there are plenty of places to eat. Park Cafe is packed as is Sorrentos and Cafe Promenade. The Windjammer has minimal seating. Food isn't why I cruise so for this to give such a negative impression makes me think many people must be disappointed with the experience. It also seemed the variety of food was minimal. There were pots of rice, two or three styles, pans of cheesy pasta and chunks of meat or fish. There may have been a difference in seasoning but it all seemed like either curry or jerk in different forms. The standard station with salad fixings and grill items were also daily offerings. The quality was poor as was the variety. This is coming from someone who doesn't really care about the food. I can't imagine how people who go on a cruise anticipating all the wonderful food feel. Yes the specialty restaurants have excellent food. That is where I eat but I feel bad for those who don't plan on having to pay for decent food when cruising has been portrayed as an all inclusive type of experience.

 

The quality of RCCL cruises has declined. Apparently the new decision makers are so focused on short term financial gains they are losing the foresight to see "loyalty" driven cruisers are going elsewhere. This will lead to an overall decline in passengers. Sure, they will sell more suites (maybe) but you have a ship with a capacity that won't match the experience people in suites look for. It is an incredible waste of space. This is just my opinion and I'm fairly certain I will get hateful responses. However, the people I spoke to on board (who were all very nice) have also noticed changes not for the better.

 

I'm told RCI research showed this area was under-utilized. When an area goes unused, it gets removed.

 

When I think about it, I've never seen a busy Viking Crown Lounge.

Edited June 8, 2016 by constable145

[LMaxwell]

It seems all RCCL executives were concerned with was cramming more cabins into any available space. This is accomplished by reducing public areas. Why in the world would RCCL restrict access to the Viking Crown lounge? Now only suite guests or certain classes of travelers are able to experience what once was their signature lounge..

 

I agree with this and I was one of the first here to lament restrictions to the VCL, THE signature aspect of RCI ships.

[LMaxwell]

I'm told RCI researched showed this area was under-utilized. When an area goes unused, it gets removed.

 

When I think about it, I've never seen a busy Viking Crown Lounge.

 

Cruise Directors should be offering more activities in the VCL and it would not be underutilized. It seems on some of the smaller ships that activities crammed into the Centrum would be ideally suited for the VCL. Just my opinion, but it is under-utilized by thoughtless CD's....

[pharaoh]

I love the Allure.

 

I do agree the windjammer selections are not very good. I noticed a big difference in the variety between my cruise last November and my cruise last month. But there are seemingly a hundred different food choices on the ship. If I didn't like what was in the windjammer, I went someplace else.

 

I agree that I do miss the VCL, but to be honest, the view from up there isn't as awesome on the behemoth Oasis class ships as it was on some of the smaller ships, where you see a lot more ocean and a lot less ship.

 

The only maintenance issue I noticed was a door at the solarium bistro which seemed to just hit people as they approached.

 

I have no concern about private areas for suite guests. They paid for those areas so it doesn't bother me.

 

Allure is a beautiful ship and I had lots of fun on my two cruises on her. Really looking forward to sailing her again. :)

[constable145]

Cruise Directors should be offering more activities in the VCL and it would not be underutilized. It seems on some of the smaller ships that activities crammed into the Centrum would be ideally suited for the VCL. Just my opinion, but it is under-utilized by thoughtless CD's....

 

 

I went to dance parties on both the Liberty and the Radiance. I had the place to myself.

 

Plus, if Royal wants to add a suite perk to those guests than all the power to them.

[MattInFLL]

I just did Star Class on Allure, and I guess same sailing. I will hardly be a regular up there - it was just something that really worked out for me this time. But I think I would have been happy in a regular cabin, too (which is what I usually cruise in).

 

That said, having deck 17 was a great perk. I don't think people booking "up there" mind being on a ship with over 6,000 people. People spend a fortune to live in luxury in NYC and still live among all the other residents. I would be bored out of my mind on a small luxury ship where everyone is in bed at 9. But that's just me.

 

I was in or through the casino several times a night and walked through both entrances and also did not see the rug thing. Not saying it doesn't exist - I am sure it does - just never noticed it.

 

As to WJ - we went in at high noon one sea day and found one half of it almost completely empty with scores of empty seats and plenty of food. But sure, there are times when timing is off and it seems "everybody" wants to be in there.

 

I am sorry it was not a great week for you.

[sross6019]

Recently got off Allure for the first time and felt your review was spot on. Our 20 something sons were bored. Venues smaller, didn't like reservations, and felt staff was more impersonal. Husband described it as an "east coast big city" type of ship (translations hurry up and wait). Went to the pasta class for $15 and watched chef make some dough for 45 minutes. No recipes given out, no tasting, or anything. In September on Navigator we got to make, cook, and eat for the same price. Too crowded for us. Seemed to cater for Diamond+ or higher suites. We did enjoy ports and dining staff was quite if not the best we ever had. Still enjoy Royal just decided the bigger and newer ships are not go us.

[Spurschick]

Sorry you did not enjoy, as we were pleasantly surprised how much we enjoyed the ship - we were hesitant to try a larger ship for a while.

 

Please explain how you felt like it was trying to be like Disney? There was nothing that struck me as trying to "be like Disney"

 

We did not utilize WJ that much, but didn't have an issue with seating. We were on Spring Break cruise, so it wasn't as though it was a quiet cruise, and were surprised to find we rarely had a queue anywhere all week.

 

I am another that spent some considerable time in the casino and didn't notice any obvious issues with the carpet.

[gatour]

I find this comment quite amusing...

 

"I am just back from my eighth cruise on Allure."

 

and then you said this...

 

"Cruising on these mega-liners has changed the experience. Call me old fashion but I don't feel it is a plus when you never see the water unless you are on your balcony or on the top deck."

 

Since the ship has only been in service for about 5 years, and it took you 8 cruises to realize this limitation?????

 

I just did a B2B on the Allure after doing a cruise on the Oasis last year.

 

After our Oasis cruise (we had a Central Park balcony) I definitely lamented the lack of views of the seas from inside public rooms. I debated within myself about booking another CP cabin verses a Ocean Balcony cabin. After talking it over with my wife, we booked a CP cabin.

 

She enjoyed it (she doesn't normally go out on the balconies due to her being afraid of heights)

 

After this last cruise, when we go on an Oasis class cruise, we will be doing a ocean balcony. On Freedom class we can go either inside cabin or balcony cabin.

 

It only took me two cruises on each class of ship to figure out what I liked and don't like.

 

In regards the table availability at the Windjammer, it can be problematic on most RCCL ships, but it also can be problematic on like cruise lines.

 

Variety of food at the free restaurants. I found them decent. Most of the Asian, Indian dishes were quite good.

 

Also as a point of reference. I have been sailing on RCCL since Sovereign of the Seas was brand new, and sailing on other cruise lines since 1981. The value is still there in my eyes.

[kalliekae]

I agree with gatour. After 3 cruises on Oasis and Allure, we love the big ships and still find cruising a good value. Yes, some things have been scaled back or don't exist since we started cruising in the mid-90's, but many things in life have changed. Why do people think cruising is any different? Companies have a bottom line and are there to make money. People don't have to cruise, but if you do, it's up to you to find a cruise fare that fits your budget and makes you happy. IMO, that is the value for your buck.

 

As for the Allure, we thought the ship was in perfect condition and we didn't notice the casino carpet although I am sure the op saw it. We never had a problem finding a seat in the WJ even when it was a peak time. We had to walk through both sides once at breakfast, but there were plenty of seats in the back.

 

In what way did you think the ship was trying to be Disney? I must admit that thought never crossed my mind, but I've never sailed on Disney so can't compare. I'm sorry the op did not think the Allure offered a good value. Everyone has different expectations.

[chamelean75]

Sorry you did not enjoy, as we were pleasantly surprised how much we enjoyed the ship - we were hesitant to try a larger ship for a while.

 

Please explain how you felt like it was trying to be like Disney? There was nothing that struck me as trying to "be like Disney"

 

We did not utilize WJ that much, but didn't have an issue with seating. We were on Spring Break cruise, so it wasn't as though it was a quiet cruise, and were surprised to find we rarely had a queue anywhere all week.

 

I am another that spent some considerable time in the casino and didn't notice any obvious issues with the carpet.

 

Which post are you referring to as "Disney"?

[pharaoh]

Which post are you referring to as "Disney"?

 

 

 

OP said in the first post that the ship is a floating resort that is trying to be like Disney.

[molsonschooner]

Which post are you referring to as "Disney"?

 

the Op mentioned Disney

[riclop]

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Spurschick]

Which post are you referring to as "Disney"?

 

As others mentioned, post 1:D

[KansasK]

We were on the Allure two weeks ago and never went into the Windjammer that it wasn't overly crowded. We ate there 3 times, not counting the last day when it was the only place open with food. We have always eaten in the Windjammer when on the Oasis or Allure, except for this week. There were 6440 people on the Allure, which is about capacity, I think.

 

We ate at the Park Café and were able to get a table when we were there, except for one day. We also ate at the Wipeout Café. There are a good number of tables and the side tables have a view of the ocean. There was a better variety of food than I expected, but nothing like the Windjammer. We also had breakfast and lunch at the Solarium Bistro, which has healthier choices, I think.

 

The Viking Crown was the only inside bar with a view of the ocean. I always went to the Viking Crown until it was taken away from most passengers. I go to inside bars without windows and still enjoy myself. I wish the remodel had provided a public inside bar with a view of the ocean.

[cruzin76]

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

LOL I would be blessed to do the Allure eight times.

[CruisenDad]

Me, my wife, 21 year old daughter and 19 year old son got off the Allure 3 weeks ago and we had, what seems like, a 180 degree different experience from you. Thought the condition of the ship, the entertainment and activities, and especially the food to be top notch. I don't have a ton of cruises under my belt (3 on RCL and 1 on Princess) but I know what's good and what isn't good. A cruise on the Allure is good!

[atnolan94]

If you are complaining about the Oasis class ships because of their condition, your expectations are unrealistic. These are the most up-to-date, most unique ships. Hard to complain. I'm getting a good laugh out of some of you jokesters :p

 

 

 

.....But I do appreciate your thoughts OP.