Allure 4/1-4/8/18--A few observations of first day/night

[nelblu]

Below are a few observations;

 

- Approximately 2,000 kids/teenagers.

 

- Kids allowed in D lounge. Asked for clarification if kids are allowed in D Lounge. Yes, a current change as long as these individuals are in the same cabin as the parents.

 

- Happy hours and D Lounge hours are from 4:30-8:00 PM.

 

- Dined at Chops last night (first nite) using D+ BOGO. Waiter, without being asked, offered if we want to use any of the 3 drinks allowed in Chops. Of course we accepted. Will try tonight in MDR.

 

- Chops price on board was $45 while it was $49 in the cruise planner. Charged 18% grats.

 

- Upon boarding, went to one of the kiosks in the Promenade and asked if there was any specials deals for Specialty Dining (interested in Chops). Was told yes, 30% discount but only applicable to MTD and not to traditional dining times. The explanations was that MTD on 1st night did not have a set time. I objected as it was discriminatory--guess what -- tough.:D

 

I'm so glad I'm not in New Jersey today as they are having some 3-5 inches of snow.:D:D Rest of week, not too warm.

[SharkCruiser24]

Sounds like your vacation is off to a great start!! Enjoy Allure we’ll be sailing her in September

 

 

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[taglovestocruise]

Below are a few observations;

 

- Approximately 2,000 kids/teenagers.

 

-Another reason we love Allure, Oasis and up coming Symphony transatlantics, almost 1900 fewer kids and lots of single travelers.

[nelblu]

Below are a few observations;

 

- Approximately 2,000 kids/teenagers.

 

-Another reason we love Allure, Oasis and up coming Symphony transatlantics, almost 1900 fewer kids and lots of single travelers.

 

 

It expected as we have 3 Grandkids & parents with us. It's a great experience for them and us.

[ptf2009]

Hmmm...We have reservations for MTD on the first night when we cruise on Allure next month.

 

Ugh...2000 kids...that’s why we cruise when the kids are supposed to be in school.

 

So if we purchased a 4 night specialty dining package, we will be charged 18% each night, plus our (13.50pp/day) tip rate? In the dining package the tip was always included in the past and we had the option to add a tip.

 

Also, do Diamonds still get 24 hours of free internet?

 

Unfortunate that children are allowed in Diamond lounge...it’s usually crowded enough without children.

 

Have a wonderful cruise:)

[Merion_Mom]

Hmmm...We have reservations for MTD on the first night when we cruise on Allure next month.

 

Ugh...2000 kids...that’s why we cruise when the kids are supposed to be in school.

 

So if we purchased a 4 night specialty dining package, we will be charged 18% each night, plus our (13.50pp/day) tip rate? In the dining package the tip was always included in the past and we had the option to add a tip.

 

Also, do Diamonds still get 24 hours of free internet?

 

Unfortunate that children are allowed in Diamond lounge...it’s usually crowded enough without children.

 

Have a wonderful cruise:)

 

Daily gratuities are now $14.50 per person per day.

[nelblu]

Hmmm...We have reservations for MTD on the first night when we cruise on Allure next month.

 

Ugh...2000 kids...that’s why we cruise when the kids are supposed to be in school.

 

So if we purchased a 4 night specialty dining package, we will be charged 18% each night, plus our (13.50pp/day) tip rate? In the dining package the tip was always included in the past and we had the option to add a tip.

 

Also, do Diamonds still get 24 hours of free internet?

 

Unfortunate that children are allowed in Diamond lounge...it’s usually crowded enough without children.

 

Have a wonderful cruise:)[/quo

 

If dining package is booked on line no grats is charged. However, if you read the fine line of the package, service charge (grats) are included.

 

So far, each D member get one day of free internet or $19.99 towards a package. However, there's a current thread that changes are forthcoming April 5 that only allows 20% off an internet package only. Don't know if it ahs been confirmed by RCL.

 

Daily grats are $14.50 per day/person.

[nelblu]

Spoke to our headwaiter last night and he confirmed that the happy hour of 3 drinks can be used in the MDR. He said that it's only applicable to Oasis class only. If true, another policy that is not consistent across the fleet.

[nelblu]

On board specialty dining packages:

 

3 dine package @ $ 80 per

4 dine package @ $ 95 per

5 dine package @ $110 per

 

Cheaper than cruise planner, but they add 18% gratuities.

Edited April 3, 2018 by nelblu
grammar

[mtu_huskies]

Spoke to our headwaiter last night and he confirmed that the happy hour of 3 drinks can be used in the MDR. He said that it's only applicable to Oasis class only. If true, another policy that is not consistent across the fleet.

 

 

Good to know, thank you! Will be on Allure in 2 weeks.

[mafig]

Can it be used in the theater, or any of the show venues?

[Clarea]

Can it be used in the theater, or any of the show venues?

Main Theater yes, not sure of any other show venues.

[JaniceB]

Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.

[ondeegoh]

Thank you! Looking forward to reading more of your "live" review - we board the Allure upon your return on 8 April :D

[ptf2009]

On board specialty dining packages:

 

3 dine package @ $ 80 per

4 dine package @ $ 95 per

5 dine package @ $110 per

 

Cheaper than cruise planner, but they add 18% gratuities.

Si if we purchase precruise via cruise planner will there still be an 18% gratuity added?

[ptf2009]

Oops..just reread your post that answered my questions. Thank you

And have a wonderful time! Looking forward to hearing more about your cruise with your family.

[Clarea]

Si if we purchase precruise via cruise planner will there still be an 18% gratuity added?

No gratuity added (so far) to dining packages if purchased pre-cruise.

[nelblu]

Main Theater yes, not sure of any other show venues.

 

 

Was good at the Aqua Theatre last night.

[nelblu]

Saw Mamma Mia yesterday and it's a no miss show/performance. As good as the Broadway production, but much closer to the action. Just have reserves and get there half hour earlier for any good seats. We had seats center 3 row, and noticed some reserved seats in the first 2 rows for pay. Not sure, but many were empty and the reserve sign were removed 15 minutes prior to the start of the performance.

[nelblu]

Si if we purchase precruise via cruise planner will there still be an 18% gratuity added?

 

If purchased via cruise planner, no grats added. If purchased on board, the grats will be added. If you read the fine print in the cruise planner, it reads that service charge is included.

[nelblu]

So far things have gone pretty smooth. MDR has been from good to pretty good. A bit slow for my liking, but we have a party of 9 with 3 children and waiters at both the MDR and Chops have been doting on the children, going as far as cutting their beef/steaks.:D Chops was excellent--only disappointment is the removal of French Onion Soup from the menu.

 

Weather has been fantastic, compared with the current weather in New Jersey. Lots of folks, adults & children, at the pool deck on the 1st sea day.

 

The only problem that we have encountered is getting the D+ internet credit. They've changed the purchase screen and it resembles the new log-in, but it does not provide for the 2 day of free internet. Had to got to Guest Services twice to get the $22.99 charge reversed. I guess it has the same bug just like the new log-in screen.

[ptf2009]

If purchased via cruise planner, no grats added. If purchased on board, the grats will be added. If you read the fine print in the cruise planner, it reads that service charge is included.

Yeah! That saves us $36...or should I say we now have the option to tip as much as we want depending on the service.

 

Also I’m excited to see Mamma Mia! We loved Grease on Harmony. Six and a half weeks to go!!!:cool::cool::cool:

 

Have fun in the sun....we woke up to snow on the ground on the NorthShore of Chicago:o:(:')

[konkordkruisers]

We sail in August....how soon does RC allow us to make reservations for the shows?

I've already booked Chops, the Deluxe Bev package and Nachi Cocom in Cozumel. I like to be on top of things so we don't miss out.

Sounds like Mama Mia is a sure thing and the Aqua show too?

[Clarea]

We sail in August....how soon does RC allow us to make reservations for the shows? ...

No set time for show (or any other type of) reservations to become available. Keep checking.

[toyman55]

Sounds like your vacation is off to a great start!! Enjoy Allure we’ll be sailing her in September

 

 

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As are we on 09/02/2018. It is in the middle of hurricane season and it is expected to be worse than normal but not expected to be as severe as last year.