Allure “LIVE” 3/5-3/13 - The allure of the Allure

[h20skibum]

I was debating doing a live review for Allure this week, because everyone’s attention will be on the shiny new toy (Wonder), that sails the day before Allure. It may give some a good way to compare and contrast the old and the new.

 

 

So here goes…..

 

We last sailed on Allure in March, 2018,, so it will be good to be back on her again.

 

Look, a dock line photo from our sailing in 2013.  I guess I was even doing these back then.

 

Edited March 5, 2022 by h20skibum

[h20skibum]

 

This will be our fourth sailing since the restart. We sailed Odyssey in October, and had a back to back on Oasis in January during the height of Omicron.

 

This cruise, like our Odyssey cruise was a last minute booking.  Last month, my wife asked what I wanted for my birthday, and she answered her own question with…”A cruise, you want a cruise, don’t you?”  I think the fact that we endured relentless cold and snow for a month had something to do with it.

 

So we booked and checked in on February 8th, and started flight and hotel arrangements.  Now would be a good time to say where we are going.

[h20skibum]

We flew from Pittsburgh to Ft. Lauderdale on Thursday, March 3rd.  Our pre-cruise hotel is the Fairfield Inn and Suites on Griffin Road.  It doesn’t have much to offer in amenities, but there are a couple places near that are good to eat.   More on that later.

 

I won’t even talk about the number of issues we encountered on flight day, because some already know the story.  Suffice it to say, that we did get a couple of negative tests out of the way, and that is the most important thing.

[h20skibum]

Anyone who knows me, knows that we like to walk….a lot.  So staying at this hotel requires a lot of walking if you don’t have a car.  

 

On our first day here, we walked down to Sterling Road, where there are a few more places for shopping and dining.  We ate at the Paradise Tiki Bar which had overpriced burgers and watered down drinks.  

 

A Dark and Stormy

 

 

Burger

 

 

It did have some tiki decorations, and had a good crowd for an out of the way place, but I can’t recommend it. 
 

[h20skibum]

Friday was a beautiful, sunny day, so after we made our shuttle to the port arrangements, we headed out for a long morning walk.  From the hotel, it takes about one hour to walk to the Hard Rock Casino, and that was our destination. 

 

It was absolutely beautiful inside, and I liked the guitar door handles. 

 

 

A wiseman (I think it was  @bobmacliberty) once said “You can’t be a day drinker if you don’t start in the morning.”  So I had to oblige. 

 

 

[h20skibum]

If you want someplace that can take you money faster than Royal, this is the place.  It should have been a hint when I didn’t hear any bells or see any lights going off.  So with my huge payout, Off we go to check out the inside. 
 

 

Look, spaces between photos…..

 

 

 

We found Neil Diamond’s T-Bird

 

 

And we looked at some formal night wear.  I tried to talk Susan in to the little black outfit. 

 

 

They did have some outfits if you wanted to stand out. 

 

Edited March 5, 2022 by h20skibum

[h20skibum]

If you are staying at this hotel, there are a couple of great restaurants near by.  

 

The Field Irish Pub is about a 20 minute walk. We ate there on NYE, but didn’t stop in this stay. Instead, we found The Rustic Inn which is a five minute walk.  I highly recommend. 

 

We stopped for a late lunch on our way back from Hard Rock.  It is on the flight path to the airport.  Who says you need to go to Maho to experience the planes?

 

 

Located on a canal, it has a nice water view. 

 

 

Their Friday special was shrimp, shrimp, and more shrimp.  For $13.95, you got about two dozen shrimp plus sides and a drink.  

 

 

Shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp. 
 

 

 

[h20skibum]

You won’t see anything about the UDP on this thread.  I can never figure out how people can put that much food away.  That is why yesterday’s leftovers became this morning’s breakfast.  
 

 

There were a lot of jealous people standing around the microwave while I heated this up.  So much better than their breakfast. 

 

Well, I guess if the countdown is at zero days, I will have to think about packing up. 
 

 

[Lionesss]

You must be sooooo excited to soon be boarding.

 

Just think, you can decide where we meet for out first meeting???  (dah, that was bad).

 

Anyway, of course I am following along.

 

Sea ya in May!!!

 

Safe travels.

[Ocean Boy]

Maybe everyone is reading about the shiny Wonder (includung me) but I'm very happy to come along on Allure this week. I'll be back aboard in 7 weeks.

[ocean sounds]

Thanks for doing this!

[Sunshine3601]

I, too, am following along on your cruise and enjoying your wonderful photos🍹🧜‍♀️

[mo&fran]

42 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Maybe everyone is reading about the shiny Wonder (includung me) but I'm very happy to come along on Allure this week. I'll be back aboard in 7 weeks.

I am leaving for the port in 2 hours.

[Ocean Boy]

3 minutes ago, mo&fran said:

I am leaving for the port in 2 hours.

Have a great week!

[George C]

We passed hard rock hotel last week after our cruise, definitely need to stay there before next cruise, either that or margaritavile , great pictures.

[Sles23]

Great post. Will be following along. If you get a chance, can you post the entertainment schedule?  Going in 2 weeks with similar itinerary and want to get an idea of what it looks like. Thanks in advance. 

[h20skibum]

6 minutes ago, Sles23 said:

Great post. Will be following along. If you get a chance, can you post the entertainment schedule?  Going in 2 weeks with similar itinerary and want to get an idea of what it looks like. Thanks in advance. 

Will do.  I copied shows and show times from a prior cruise, so we have a game plan when we connect to ship WiFi. 

[Tom47]

Thanks for your review.

[h20skibum]

Yesterday, there were people waiting in the lobby at 7:00am for the 10:30 shuttle to the port for Wonder.   They must have been excited.  

 

 

We went to the lobby at 10:15 today.  Obligatory luggage photos.  

 

 

 

We ended up with an extra carry on bag, because both big bags were right at the 50 pound limit.  

 

I always travel with a travel scale, so I don’t have any surprises at the airport.  

 

 

 

Usually, we pack lighter, but we are here and on the ship for 14 days with the pre and post cruise stays. 
 

On the bus and ready to roll. 

[Sea Dog]

Great start to your review! I hope you and Susan have a blast. I will be following along. Cheers to you!

[DaniDanielle]

Enjoy!

[jagsfan]

I’m adding The Rustic Inn to my Ft Lauderdale restaurants. 

[FionaMG]

Happy to follow along with your live review too. I have 63 days still to wait for my next cruise, so you're all helping to keep me entertained in the meantime. 

Have a great time. 😊

[Mrs.Dukes]

Looking forward to reading about your cruise. Have a great time! 

[joand452]

Haven't been on Allure (a B2B) in almost 11 years (this month), so anxious to see her again

 

We stayed at that Hard Rock Hotel before our first cruise in 2004, I think.  I do know we've stayed there, just not sure when.

 

We'll be in FLL for a couple of days before out next cruise in April, so have suggested The Rustic Inn to hubby!

 

Happy Sailing!