Kinda Live Review of Allure June 11-18

[brklyn78]

I hope you are having an amazing trip! When you get a chance, could you post the day 3 compass? I think that one got skipped. :D

 

Your review is amazingly helpful. Thank you! <3 :ship:

[BearClaw28]

 

 

Woke up a little late and grabbed something quick at windjammer. Most of my family didn't do an excursion and just wanted to disembark and walk around the port which has a bunch of stores. When today was the worst weather of the trip. There must have been 30-40 mph winds for a brief period when I started walking around, with really dark storm clouds. Was able to meet up with family members and shop around for an hour before we heard loud thunder claps. When you leave the ship don't forget to bring a photo ID. It's easy to walk off with just your seapass card. Needless to say I forgot mine but the nice lady saw me with my cousins and let me they anyway. But don't be stupid like me.

 

Went back to work out at gym and then grabbed something to eat before going back out with my parents so they could check it out. Stores are pretty much right there when you get off ship.

 

Got back for our early 5:30 dinner.

 

 

 

I had the Summer Fruit Medley which was good. I'd have preferred it without the yogurt sauce but fruit was fresh.

 

 

Crab cake

 

Solid lump meat crab cake. Surprising for a mass produced item.

 

 

 

 

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[BearClaw28]

For my entree I had the braised beef duo.

 

 

I normally had high expectations for braised short ribs and this dish fell so far short of even the lowest acceptable expectations. It was honestly terrible. The worst thing I ate on the boat. Short ribs weren't cooked enough and were tough and dry. You should be able to cut thru them with a fork. I almost bent the fork. Terrible.

 

But the kitchen staff was nice enough to bring out to us some traditional Filipino dishes since they found out that some of our party came from the Philippines. As most cruisers know, there are a lot of Filipinos who work on cruise ships. Well they love to see fellow countrymen on board as guests and take, let's say extra good care or us. So I ate that food and was very happy and satisfied.

 

 

For dessert I had simply a scoop of vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Nothing to complain about.

 

I took pics of the Jaffa Cake and Cherries Jubilee.

 

 

 

 

 

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[BearClaw28]

Some random thoughts:

 

You have to stay on ship time when leaving the ship but you change time zones when you get to Jamaica. I have an Apple Watch and my iPhone as my only time sources and they adjust automatically to what time zone you're in. So I had to figure out how to adjust my Apple Watch to move up an hour to stay on ship time. Just a heads up to maybe bring a normal watch that you set the time on so you're always on ship time.

 

Also for some reason in Cozumel the time changed again where my devices were back on ships time. It was really confusing. I really had no idea what time it was at one point. I had to ask at guest services and they thought I was crazy. Just set your watch to the clock in your room under your tv. That's always on ship time.

 

Here are pics of the room service menus (service charge is real) and mini bar options:

 

 

 

 

 

FYI The last full day there are long lines at the flow riders, guest services and especially the zip line.

 

 

 

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[rukkian]

I am loving your review, but I do have one question - did you ever try the creme brulee? When we were on jots in february, it was called bbb creme brulee and had bananas and bailies, but on the menus you have posted, it seems more normal, which would be much better imo, so just wondering.

[BearClaw28]

I hope you are having an amazing trip! When you get a chance, could you post the day 3 compass? I think that one got skipped. :D

 

 

 

Your review is amazingly helpful. Thank you! <3 :ship:

 

 

 

We really are having a great time thank you.

 

I though I missed one of those compasses. Here ya go:

 

 

 

 

 

If I've missed any others or anything in general please let me know and I'll post it.

 

I know I'm taking pics of compasses for my review but I've found it very helpful to have the pics on my phone to refer to around the ship instead of carrying them around. I've found it really helpful.

 

 

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[BearClaw28]

 

 

 

 

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[BearClaw28]

I am loving your review, but I do have one question - did you ever try the creme brulee? When we were on jots in february, it was called bbb creme brulee and had bananas and bailies, but on the menus you have posted, it seems more normal, which would be much better imo, so just wondering.

 

 

 

 

I didn't order it but took a pic of my cousin's and tried a bite. It was good. Just regular creme brûlée though in classic menu every night. Your version sounds great.

 

 

 

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[brklyn78]

If I've missed any others or anything in general please let me know and I'll post it.

 

Well, since you are offering, Days 1 and 2 didn't have the evening part (with the dinner info). If you wouldn't mind posting those, that would be great! But what you have posted has been really helpful, so thank you!

 

I know I'm taking pics of compasses for my review but I've found it very helpful to have the pics on my phone to refer to around the ship instead of carrying them around. I've found it really helpful.

 

I've taken photos pieces of the compas during my trip but never thought to take pics of the whole thing and REALLY never thought to post them. I'll have to do that next time. Thanks for the tip!

 

I have an Apple Watch and my iPhone as my only time sources and they adjust automatically to what time zone you're in. So I had to figure out how to adjust my Apple Watch to move up an hour to stay on ship time.

 

I realize this is too late to help you, but for your next cruise, go into the settings on your iPhone (General -> Date & Time) and swich "Set Automatically" to off before you leave the original port on day 1. This will leave your phone, and by extension your watch, on whatever time zone you were on when you left - which is usually the same as "ship time" I think.

 

I am really, really enjoying your review. Thank you!

[Survivor 5th Year]

That is some really expensive bottled water! Did you take any on with you, or do you know if they allow it by chance? Thanks so much...loving your reviews!

[rukkian]

That is some really expensive bottled water! Did you take any on with you, or do you know if they allow it by chance? Thanks so much...loving your reviews!

The official stance is they don't allow it. There are numerous threads about sneaking things on the ship if you are interested.

 

As for the creme brulee, I was hoping they had changed it, because it just wasn't that good before, sounds like it might be better now.

 

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[BearClaw28]

Well, since you are offering, Days 1 and 2 didn't have the evening part (with the dinner info). If you wouldn't mind posting those, that would be great! But what you have posted has been really helpful, so thank you!

 

 

 

I've taken photos pieces of the compas during my trip but never thought to take pics of the whole thing and REALLY never thought to post them. I'll have to do that next time. Thanks for the tip!

 

 

 

I realize this is too late to help you, but for your next cruise, go into the settings on your iPhone (General -> Date & Time) and swich "Set Automatically" to off before you leave the original port on day 1. This will leave your phone, and by extension your watch, on whatever time zone you were on when you left - which is usually the same as "ship time" I think.

 

I am really, really enjoying your review. Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Geez I feel stupid now. I know about that Set Automatically feature but didn't put 2 and 2 together. Thanks so much for pointing that out. Next time will be so much easier.

 

 

 

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[BearClaw28]

The official stance is they don't allow it. There are numerous threads about sneaking things on the ship if you are interested.

 

As for the creme brulee, I was hoping they had changed it, because it just wasn't that good before, sounds like it might be better now.

 

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I brought some small bottles of water from the ports. Nothing was said when I came back aboard. I have two large water bottles that I fill with ice water every day. Didn't touch the 2 Evian bottles in the room.

 

My mom ordered the creme brûlée every night I think. And from what I tasted it was good. Not really a creme brûlée person though.

 

 

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[BearClaw28]

Day 4 continued

 

After dinner I went to the Michael Kors store to buy my niece a watch for her birthday. Now they say that the prices were 10-15% off but when I found the Watch she wanted I looked it up on my phone and the "discounted" price was pretty much the normal price. But I didn't pay tax so I guess I saved something.

 

This was the first night that we didn't have a show reservation. There was a Neil Diamond thing going on at Dazzles on the 8th floor so we decided to check it out. It lasted about 30 minutes and we got Sweet Caroline so everybody was happy. Here's a pic.

 

 

Dazzles is a cute venue. It's like an old time lounge with a live band playing. The singer played other venues including the pub on the Royal Promenade. He's very good.

 

After walking around a little we found ourselves on the 4th floor which is the entertainment floor. At Comedy Live the show was starting in half an hour and there was a bench for my parents to sit so we just started waiting. The standby line formed behind us and soon they were letting reservation holders in. A guy would come out every 5 minutes to let the standby line know how many seats they had left. According to them they usually have 25-40 seats available for standby on any given show. 15 minutes prior to the show they start letting standby people in. Maybe 15-20 made it including my party.

 

There were 2 comedians. The first was ok. The second, Jim David, was absolutely hysterical. His act wasn't clean but what you'd expect in a comedy club. It was really a great time.

 

After that we grabbed some pizza and everyone but me went to bed while I went to casino.

 

This guy was waiting for me in my cabin.

 

 

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[BearClaw28]

Day 5 - Sea Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Pittsburgh Mike]

Well, since you are offering, Days 1 and 2 didn't have the evening part (with the dinner info). If you wouldn't mind posting those, that would be great! But what you have posted has been really helpful, so thank you!

 

 

 

I've taken photos pieces of the compas during my trip but never thought to take pics of the whole thing and REALLY never thought to post them. I'll have to do that next time. Thanks for the tip!

 

 

 

I realize this is too late to help you, but for your next cruise, go into the settings on your iPhone (General -> Date & Time) and swich "Set Automatically" to off before you leave the original port on day 1. This will leave your phone, and by extension your watch, on whatever time zone you were on when you left - which is usually the same as "ship time" I think.

 

I am really, really enjoying your review. Thank you!

 

Great advice for iPhone/watch users to stay on Ship's Time!

[BearClaw28]

Ok, got off the Allure this morning and I'm back in NY. Been a busy day. Just need to unpack a bit and then try to knock out the rest of this review.

[bntlyclg89]

This has been a very informative review! Love the menu postings! Looking forward to October even more.

 

 

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[queenL]

Hi,

 

Did they have the 'Escape Room" on this sailing? If so, what day was it offered? Also was there a parade/marching band on the Boardwalk? Years ago when I sailed Oasis they had carnival games and a band etc at certain times on the Boardwalk.

[rukkian]

Hi,

 

Did they have the 'Escape Room" on this sailing? If so, what day was it offered? Also was there a parade/marching band on the Boardwalk? Years ago when I sailed Oasis they had carnival games and a band etc at certain times on the Boardwalk.

 

AFAIK there is no escape room on allure.

[cruisinCLT]

Great review!! THANKS!!!

[BearClaw28]

Hi,

 

Did they have the 'Escape Room" on this sailing? If so, what day was it offered? Also was there a parade/marching band on the Boardwalk? Years ago when I sailed Oasis they had carnival games and a band etc at certain times on the Boardwalk.

 

 

No Escape Room. Other than the Art Auction when you're trying to get out of there without them trying to get you to bid on something.

 

It really would be a good place for one though. I was thinking that on the ship.

[BearClaw28]

Ok back to day 5.

 

Got up late and got breakfast at windjammer. They have fried eggs (2 to an order), scrambled (with or without ham), premade omelettes, bacon and sausage (pork and turkey), oatmeal, grits, lots of fruit, cheese, small boxed cereals and baked goods. I don't think I saw an omelette station but I bet they'd make one for you if you asked. Probably by where they were making the fried eggs.

 

They also have small school sized containers of whole, skim and chocolate milk. I always grabbed a couple to keep in my cabin fridge. Breakfast is the only time I saw milk in boxes. Other complimentary drinks served in windjammer were lemonade, unsweetened ice tea and of course water. That was fine for me as I didn't have a beverage package.

 

After that I caught up with family doing the flow rider and zip line. Lines were longer as we were at sea but not too bad. Weather was good and would be for rest of trip. We really lucked out. Don't freak out if you're going to Caribbean the next few months and see a lot of thunderstorm symbols. I did too and for the most part we had great, but hot, weather. Mini golf was next to the zip line and flow rider so a few of us played a round.

 

Went to windjammer for lunch. By now you're starting to see the same foods but it's quick, plentiful and easy to sit a large group. But most importantly it's a great place to sit and watch the water without being in the sun and heat. For those without an oceanside balcony that's no small thing. You really do forget sometimes that you're on a boat. Few windows and little motion on such a large boat will do that.

 

As for food my go to quick lunch was scooping out a long dinner roll and sticking a hotdog inside of it. Basically a full sized pig in a blanket.

 

Pretty much just chilled in the Solarium the rest of the afternoon until it was time to shower up and get dressed for the second formal night.

 

 

 

I had the Roasted Poblano Pepper and Corn Soup. It was very good. Just the right amount of spice.

 

 

The Royal Seafood Salad. It was good but a small portion. Nothing special though.

 

 

For my entree I had the Prime Rib medium rare and the Fisherman's Plate. I was hungry, sue me. Prime rib was well cooked. No complaints. I was surprised at how well the lobster tail was cooked. Normally previously frozen and mass produced lobster tail gets a little dry. This was fairly moist and tasty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[BearClaw28]

 

I had the Royal Chocolate Cake and coffee. It was good but I was pretty full and just had a bite.

 

 

I took pics of the creme brûlée and the baked Alaska. I didn't try either on this night but the people who did enjoyed them.

 

 

 

As I said it was the second formal night. They have 2 photographers set up with backdrops as soon you enter the hallway leading to the dining room. This was one of rare times we used their services. They also have photographer set ups by the staircase on the aft side of the Royal Promenade and by car near rising tide.

 

After dinner and pictures most of us changed clothes before the Headliner Show in Amber Theater.

 

The Headliner on this cruise was an act called Impact. They were finalists on the show America's Got Talent. I'm not really sure how to describe their act. They're musicians (drums, guitars, piano) but there are also whips involved. It's basically 3 guys running around playing music, dancing and performing. It was an interesting show and they definitely put the effort in as evidenced by the sweat they were producing (beware if you sit in the first few rows). But we all kind of had the same reaction that it was missing something. It missed a flow to the show. I'm assuming on AGT they had a 5 minute segment every show. I think the problem was extending their act to run for a continuous 45 minutes while also integrating an audience. Definitely talented performers but the show is a work in progress.

 

Here's a pic of the 3 main guys drumming:

 

 

I forgot to mention in the previous nights that they had decade musical reviews on the Royal Promenade. There's a stage overlooking the middle of the Promenade and they had performers (mainly from Mamma Mia cast) come out to sing and dance to songs from the 80's, 70's and 50&60's each night. It gets very crowded and loud. 70's disco night was a little rowdy.

 

After the Headliner show my group went down to the Promenade and walked around, got some pizza and people watched until they turned in early because most of us were going on an excursion in Cozumel the next morning. I went to casino until 2am then straight to bed.

 

 

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[SeeingTheWorldBySea]

This is probably a really stupid question, but when it rains does central park area get wet because the top is open? I'm just wondering if the carousel area and the floors get slippery.