LIVE ALLURE OFTHE C’s. August 6-14, 2022 STORY TIME. Third edition.............DON'T ASK

[villager70]

Thanks for sharing your trip and making Diamond Plus. Safe travels for your party .  Nancy & Bob

[Lionesss]

Waiting at the airport for our flight to Cleveland and we are enjoying the local entertainment. The public address announcement of passengers for their flights and pronunciation of names. 
Now mind you traditional names are a dying breed. We are the modern generations of creative names. 
 

Take for example : ( First names only) 

Tessa Marissa Sara …

Starry Soon ….

Devine …..

Neon…. 

 

I kinda want to page people using the ones from the original “MAD MAGAZINE”

 

Pat Mcgroin

Johnny Walker

Your Apain

Ima Wasted 

 

Wish I can remember more. 
 

Nap time. 

 

 

[Pratique]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. It sounds like many things are just as they always have been. Except for the suite bathroom amenities. Marva is the best, glad to hear she is still around.

[wolfcathorse]

22 hours ago, Lionesss said:

We received our room charges statement today. And of course there are drink charges at venues we never drank in. 

 

Actually, if you got a drink in the theater, the charge shows up as from the venue the server works at. I've had charges from the Plaza Bar and it was for the drink I ordered in one of the specialty restaurants. My CocoCay drinks show up as Schooner or Pool Bar, etc. 

[Grambler]

On 8/12/2022 at 1:03 PM, Lionesss said:

A novel for lack of a better heading. 
 

OK 

 

Now our day in Labadee. 
 

We enjoyed the dragons breath coaster. 
I forgot how fast it goes. 
Loved it. 
 

This was the clearest and most minimal amount of rocks getting into the ocean. 
 

The new loungers are nice. 
And we did not have to lug our towels back. 
 

The buffet included 

hot dog

hamburgers

jerk chicken 

all the condiments 

corn on cob 

salads 

cookies and chocolate cake 

 

Rick had a labadoozy 

I had frozen strawberry daiquiri. 

 

Now to the interesting part. 
 

And I am trying to be professional. 
 

OK

 

I am floating away on my floaty and a dad with his son (son had no bottoms on). I mean literally butt and balls naked. But he had a swim shirt and hat. 
 

Now I realize swim diapers are not required in the ocean. But maybe in the future put shorts on him. 
 

I have seen many creative bathing suits on women. Some should not be worn by those on the “ fluffy” side. Yup. NO! 
But I guess they feel the way I feel. I’ll never see these people again. So who cares. 
 

Finally. 
 

I guess Barefoot Beach can be a topless beach. Well it should not be. 
I saw a young girl about 8-9 years old topless. She should have worn a top. She was not a young 8 year old. 

 

Of course I will never post picnic children. Even if their parents are stupid. 
 

Some pictures from the day.

Frayed rope

 

Pretty ship

 

 

prettier ship

 

 

 

 

Life guard at sea 

 

 

 

Rorschach Test, what does it say about me that when I glanced at first pic, I say a large yellow drink on top of cruise rail…😊

[jagsfan]

Sue, When I read the list of Showtimes, I was surprised that Mamma Mia, the Aqua show and the ice skating shows were all at night. 
I enjoy those shows in the daytime because I have a better chance of staying awake. 
Am I overlooking something?

[Ocean Boy]

21 minutes ago, jagsfan said:

Sue, When I read the list of Showtimes, I was surprised that Mamma Mia, the Aqua show and the ice skating shows were all at night. 
I enjoy those shows in the daytime because I have a better chance of staying awake. 
Am I overlooking something?

I think they are at night because many people want to take advantage of being ouside during the day. As far as the Aqua show, the lighting at night contributes a lot to the show.

[Lionesss]

Thank God we landed. 
One hell of a flight 

Bad turbulence for 2/3 of it 

 

Safely on tarmac 
 

 

Edited August 14, 2022 by Lionesss

[jagsfan]

1 hour ago, Ocean Boy said:

I think they are at night because many people want to take advantage of being ouside during the day. As far as the Aqua show, the lighting at night contributes a lot to the show.

But on Harmony in March we saw Grease and the Aqua show in the afternoon. 
I agree about the Aqua show being better at night, but I’m no longer a stay up late person. 

[sandebeach]

2 hours ago, Lionesss said:

Thank God we landed. 
One hell of a flight 

Bad turbulence for 2/3 of it 

 

Safely on tarmac 
 

 

Glad you made it safely!

[perfect match]

Thank you for the report, Sue. I’m glad your plane landed safely. 

[dani negreanu]

7 hours ago, perfect match said:

Thank you for the report, Sue. I’m glad your plane landed safely. 

 

+ 1, Sue, @Lionesss

[Sarah1974]

Thanks for a fab cruise blog, I have enjoyed following your trip

[Lionesss]

Good Morning and Sad to be Home, Because the Cruise is Over.

 

Brief Summary

 

I am just jotting down some random thoughts, for specific details they are shared in the live preceding posts.

 

To begin with I could not have asked for a more enjoyable cruise on one of our favorite ships.

The Allure, you are fabulous.

 

We stayed at the Embassy and enjoyed their Managers happy hour, I consumed 3 rum and cokes and had some munchies.

Then we wondered over to the Bistro, for our reservation for celebrating our anniversary dinner for some over priced Itailen food. The atmosphere was great, and they served entres that one order could have fed the both of us.  We wasted too much food.

 

In the morning we tried to call for a cab, but were told it was an hour wait, so we Uber to port.  At this point in time I cannot remember the cost.

There is a new way to drop off Uber, he drove right to the door past the taxis and dropped us off right where people lined up for taxis.  It was so organized.

The porter took our bags right to the drop off door, I think he liked our tip and kept saying thank you.

 

We showed our Negative COVID TEST and walked right in.  Check in within minutes and waiting in suite area for about 20 min.  Genies took their guests and we followed right behind them.

 

Even though we booked our shows the minute we boarded, the only one that asked to show our card was the comedy club.  Everyone else once they saw the suite color just waved us through.

 

Went to Windjammer once we boarded and waited till they opened the rope off area till 11:25am.

 

Food was as usual, and not disappointing.

 

Then we wondered around, kept drinking water, no alcohol, till dinner for us.

 

We are Diamond + and I am signature in the casino, and we never exceeded our drink allotment on the D+ .

We did get the refreshment package for bottle water and pop, but probably could have done without it.

 

We were in CLS 1746 and as I was walking down the hall the first time to our cabin Marva sees me and I see her and we scream and she immediately goes where is your daughter!!!!!!!!  We realize it is over 5 years since we last saw her and she remembered us.

 

The CLS opened late about 1:15pm because they were the last to be sprayed with a new system for controlling germs??????????????????????  We had to wait for it to ventilate.

 

Luggage was outside the door when we got their.

Champagne from out TA and our D+ gifts.

 

We unpacked.

 

 

Dining Experiences:

 

Breakfast was always good, from CK to WJ, and Room Service.

No issues there.

 

Lunch was usually WJ. Besides the crowds on sea days it was not a problem and food was the same and we rotated what we ate.

 

 

 

 

 

Now dinner we only did one pay restaurant and that was Izumi steak whatever

 

Upon arrival we were greeted by a very fun loving assistant.

He made our dining experience fun.

 

If you booked on line before you came, you were paid in full.

If you used the dining package you owed a balance.

 

Our Cook or chef for lack of a better word was, well lame, boring, no fun.

He hardly interacted with us.

Did not have the experience we had last time.

The other two tables were laughing having the time of their lives.................we didnt.

 

The food was good though.

 

 

 

Coastal Kitchen.

 

Our overall experience with service was outstanding.

Except on the first day when I asked for bottled water, you would have thought I asked for gold.

The server took his time and went to the bar and brought back one small bottle of water and poured it in my glass.  It was warm.   HMMMMMM  others were getting cold water and it was kept in the ice buckets by the window.  I looked at him and I think he could tell I was taken aback.  But I was not going to let a bottle of water ruin my cruise.  I was happy to be on the ship.

 

Now this was the first time in all our experiences that I had two bad meals.

 

The first one is the one with veal canaloni (sp) on the menu.

It did not look like or taste like the veal I had before, I kinda played with it, and wasted most of it.

 

Now heres a warning.

I enjoy eating fish, and the one day they had Cod on the menu.

I ordered it, and when it arrived it did not smell good from the get go.

I reluctantly took one small bite and eeeeewwwwwwwweeeee...........it was bad.

Now I enjoy Cod, and I hope no one got sick from this.

They replaced my meal with the daily steak option.  Which by this time I lost my appetite.

 

But over all the service and meals were good.

 

 

 

To be cont.

 

[Lionesss]

Shows

 

The entertainment was excellent from Comedians to Mama Mia.

Shows were all crowded but if you went early enough you got the seat you wanted.

 

What surprised us was the show Love and Marriage, was completely full, not an empty seat to be had.

 

All shows were a go, and My DH went to Dazzles and the band their was awesome.

 

 

 

Excursions:

 

Story time.

 

Curacao:

Swim with the turtles.

Well, this excursion had a lot of hype from the get go.

 

We enjoyed a nice bus ride to the dock.

Got on a beautiful catamaran

Got our snorkel gear

And

Then they tell us that the turtles come in to get the fishermans cleaned up guts and gills from cleaning their fish that they take to market.  The process starts at 6 am.  So by the time we get their about 10 am.  The turtles have their turtle bellies full and are sleeping at the bottom of the ocean.

Not one person swam with a turtle and Of the 2 I think I saw, I now know one was a rock.

 

Now had it not been for the guides swimming with us and pointing out neat sea life, this tour would have gotten a bad rating............................But these guides were great and I cannot compliment them enough. 

 

They even took the time to give me a life preserver ring to float with , and i was very happy.

 

But as far as swimming with the turtles..........................nada

 

 

 

 

Aruba:

 

Not a fan of this island and once again it did disappoint me and boy did it balloon to the powers that be.

 

Ok

So our excursions was to snorkel at a sunken ship.

 

Ok so we take a nice air conditioned bus 4 min. on the same pier the Allure is docked on.

We get on a nice catamaran with way too many other guest.

Over packed, not enough room for everyone or their bags.

There were two catamarans on this excursion A an B we were A.

 

So we sail off, and we get our safety drill which consisted of.

"........If you see us jump of, you better jump off......"  That was it. laughing at his funny self.

Never told us where life vests were 

Handed out gear snorkel and blow up vest.

I asked for a noodle or boogy board or life preserver to hold onto in water.

The one guide goes we do not have any.

Then the other guide goes, yes we do give her one.........Why did he lie to me.

 

I then ask I see you have 5 life preservers, can i have one to float with, he ignores me.

 

The first stop was so wavy I could not snorkel and attempted to get back on board

And

Catamaran B let guest use life preservers to swim with, but I was denied.

The ladder was flipping back and forth and moved with the waves.

My husband had to push my back forward to climb the ladder and he assisted others.

 

Now I am on board and attempt to go around the side of the catamaran to get inside, when a wave comes and I fall on the stairs on my back and look like a turtle stuck on my back when the guide just sits there and watches me, never offering help. It hurt, I'm crying and he just sits there.

 

After I regain my composure, but not my pride, I crawl on my hands and knees to get inside.

 

Now I am really pissed.

 

Others coming on board said their not going back in.

 

So now we get to the sunken ship, some stay on board, and others attempt to see the ship, viewing was bad because the water was rough.

 

I was glad when we got back to shore.

 

 

So when we were leaving for dinner..................Marva asked us about our day.

I told her it was the worst excursion I was ever on.

One thing lead to another.

Now Junior found out about it (concierge)

Then head of excursions found out about it.

Then officer found out and called us a couple times.

 

I re----stated.

Over crowded conditions

Lack of safety drill

Lying about sharing equipment

Not being offered assistance when I fell.

Not sharing life preservers to swim with.

 

 

The officer goes we filed an official report with the company and RCI, we will follow up with company to see that changes are made. and give you 25% off an excursion on Labadee.

 

They  made out we did the coaster.

 

 

To be cont.

 

 

 

 

 

[niksmom630]

Sue!

 

Thank you for sharing! This was so much fun!!!!

 

Since I am boarding (hopefully) Saturday, this was perfect timing....Looks like a great celebration for your anniversary 🥰

 

Oasis next March? MEEEE TOOO 🥳 do tell your sail date....

[Lionesss]

2 minutes ago, niksmom630 said:

Sue!

 

Thank you for sharing! This was so much fun!!!!

 

Since I am boarding (hopefully) Saturday, this was perfect timing....Looks like a great celebration for your anniversary 🥰

 

Oasis next March? MEEEE TOOO 🥳 do tell your sail date....

 

 

Oasis March 12 2023

[niksmom630]

5 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

 

 

Oasis March 12 2023

Perfect--guess we might get to meet in person!  Someone coordinating a slot pull yet?  Guess I better get on the roll call

 

Again--thanks for the report.  Makes me much more excited for Saturday

 

Chris

Edited August 15, 2022 by niksmom630
typo

[Sea Dog]

11 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

 

 

Oasis March 12 2023

 

See you there!

[Lionesss]

Drinks

 

The coffee was the best we ever had, from CK to Suite lounge to WJ

 

We were never far from a mixed drink.

Abundant bar servers.

Drinks will not disappoint you.

 

And although we never seemed to exceed our 10 (total) D+ drinks, we do not think they registered them all, during the day.

In the casino I am signature so the drinks for me are free, and I do think that some mighty kind servers also included the spouse.

 

 

Pools

Crowded on Sea days.

Abundant chair hogs, nothing done.

 

Why oh why did we wait till the last day to go to the solarium.

We had a GREAT TIME there.

 

 

 

 

Finally LEAVE!!!!!!!!.

 

Now I know this only applies to suites, pinnacle and Key but sharing anyway.

 

What a  potential disaster , but it worked out in the end

 

Being on the 17th deck on the day you leave can be a pain.

With the majority of cruisers eating breakfast in the WJ and taking the elevators up to go down, they are all filled when they reach the 17th deck.  This was a first for us, we only had to wait a few minutes to catch an elevator down and the reason we got one was a family was getting off and we quickly jumped on.

It stopped at every floor and you could see the frustration on all the cruisers waiting with their carryons to get on to get off the ship.

We then met at the champagne bar and were to be lead off at 8:15am.

This time, no numbers and we merged with all the exiting guests.

  Last time we were given numbers to wear on our shirt to take us directly to suite luggage area.One of the porters said he would take our luggage, we said no, we were fine, it was only less than 200 steps to the taxis, and he snarkly goes " first time I heard suite guest not using porters"  I go theres a first for everything.

 

   It moved quickly and we went to get our bags.  In May we then entered the suite line and went strait to customs.  No more suite line.  It changed if you  have Global, you enter right all others left.  We were regular and moved with the left line and got through quick.

 

 

Caught a taxi and at the airport in under 5 min.

 

 

Great cruise

We heard that the Allure has 95% of all positions filled with returning workers.

 

 

 

Junior our concierge started his break.

His wife is due in September

He is still deciding  if he will come back as a concierge or move up to a Genie.

 

His goal is to move up the corporate ladder and he will take whatever job necessary to refine his skills and make himself more marketable with RCI.

 

 

 

 

Thank you for traveling with me.

 

I tried to make it fun and entertaining.

 

I enjoyed doing this, and this was the first cruise that we burned the midnight oil and were bright eyed and bushy tail early birds.  Although a few days we were napsters.

 

So, until we cruise in March.

 

I wish all safe sails and good health.

 

Take care, be safe.

 

Lionesss

Sue

 

 

 

[Lionesss]

SLOT POOL

 

Yes, I was going to coordinate one.

 

Look at the roll call for that sailing.

 

I posted what I experienced on this sailing  (earlier in the thread)  and hope to model one after it, if it is ok with those sailing.

 

Take care

 

 

[jagsfan]

2 hours ago, Lionesss said:

SLOT POOL

 

Yes, I was going to coordinate one.

 

Look at the roll call for that sailing.

 

I posted what I experienced on this sailing  (earlier in the thread)  and hope to model one after it, if it is ok with those sailing.

 

Take care

 

 

Thanks for your review and for your recap. I’m looking forward to sailing this Saturday; it will be our first Allure. 

[cruisingpeople]

2 hours ago, niksmom630 said:

  Guess I better get on the roll call.

 

2 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

See you there!

 

2 hours ago, Lionesss said:

Oasis March 12 2023

 

Can't wait for this one.

 

Sue, thanks for the virtual trip and great review.

Edited August 15, 2022 by cruisingpeople

[mo&fran]

I'm surprised the concierge did not commandeer one of the elevators from 17 down with their magic card that gives them complete control of the elevator.

[NHProud]

R@Lionesss  Thank you for your very entertaining review.   It was a very fun read .  Looking forward to more of your writings.