Allure of the Seas Nov 6 trip report with pictures

[CruisinCrow]

We were Allure for the November 6, 4-night sailing. I took so many pictures that I had a hard time narrowing them down for my review. Here is the link: https://susancrow.blogspot.com/2023/11/allure-of-seas-our-first-cruise-on.html  I hope you enjoy it!

 

It was our first megaship and I wasn't sure what to expect but I think it turned out very well.  It was not as crowded as I was afraid it would be, and the ship was in good shape considering it's overdue for an update.  I did kind of miss having an atrium but the neighborhoods were fun.

 

We had My Time Dining and I made reservations before the cruise for 7:30 each night, the earliest I could get.  We loved our wait team the first night and asked to be seated in their section again but ended up in different parts of the dining room each night. I don't think I'll bother with reservations again.  

 

Loved our cabin on Deck 8.  It was on the opposite side of Central Park from Dazzles so it was convenient to everything but quiet and the elevators were always empty.  It was really nice to be able to walk through Central Park whenever we left the cabin.

 

We did not get the drink package because the prices were crazy.  We just paid as we went along and came out over $300 ahead.  If we'd had the package, we probably would have had more drinks or water and coffee, but not $300 worth.

 

If anyone has any questions about the cruise, I'll be glad to try to answer.

Bon Voyage!

[KLMB]

You have some wonderful pics of the ship.  Thanks for sharing.

[molly361]

Thanks for the pics  I was also on that sailing

[ch175]

Thanks for the pictures! We were on Allure what feels like a long time ago (maybe 2018?)

 

I remember being worried about crowds since it is so large. But we all had a great time. The kids chose it, and I would be ok going again without the kids.

[baldilocks]

Your pictures are professional quality. It is rare that pictures are taken with such composure. Thank you for the tour.

[perfect match]

• Thank you for your review! We will be on Allure again in April and are looking forward to it. We are not fans of the short itineraries, though, so we’re doing a B2B to get 7 days on the ship. There is so much we want to see and do on the mega ships that there simply is not enough time to see and do everything on our “must do” list, never mind our “ I’d kind of like to do” list. We don’t ever manage to complete our wish lists on the longer cruises either, but at least it doesn’t feel quite as hectic and we’re ok with slowing down a little bit and enjoy the journey. 
   
• I also read about the dolphin trail in Clearwater. I knew there were some dolphin sculptures, but I had no idea that there were so many! I need to plan some day trips to the Clearwater area to do some exploring. 😎 🐬

Edited November 22, 2023 by perfect match

[loman]

You captured the ship beautifully through your photography . Well done ! 

[CruisinCrow]

13 hours ago, baldilocks said:

Your pictures are professional quality. It is rare that pictures are taken with such composure. Thank you for the tour.

 

Thank you so much!  That's a really nice thing to say.

[CruisinCrow]

8 hours ago, perfect match said:

• I also read about the dolphin trail in Clearwater. I knew there were some dolphin sculptures, but I had no idea that there were so many! I need to plan some day trips to the Clearwater area to do some exploring. 😎 🐬

 

I didn't know there were so many either until I starting looking into it.  I think I've found 65 dolphins  now.  I know there are a few more around but haven't been able to visit them yet.  It's been a fun challenge. 🙂

[CruisinCrow]

Here are a couple of pictures of our cabin - 8172, ocean view balcony.  I highly recommend the location.  We did have a problem with our air conditioning one night when it stopped blowing cold air.  We notified maintenance and they came out quickly and reset a switch or something.  Everything was fine after that.

 

 

[silversneakers]

3 hours ago, CruisinCrow said:

Here are a couple of pictures of our cabin - 8172, ocean view balcony.  I highly recommend the location.  We did have a problem with our air conditioning one night when it stopped blowing cold air.  We notified maintenance and they came out quickly and reset a switch or something.  Everything was fine after that.

 

 

We actually have that cabin booked for our January cruise!!

 

[njdealguy]

I was on this cruise and just found myself on the carousel photo standing on side of child 🙂

Edited November 23, 2023 by njdealguy

[FishOn55]

On 11/21/2023 at 11:03 AM, CruisinCrow said:

We were Allure for the November 6, 4-night sailing. I took so many pictures that I had a hard time narrowing them down for my review. Here is the link: https://susancrow.blogspot.com/2023/11/allure-of-seas-our-first-cruise-on.html  I hope you enjoy it!

 

 

Thanks so much for the info on how to get to the Fish Fry. We'll be sailing in 2 1/2 weeks and my husband must have some conch fritters. I think we have taken the bus from George Street in the past. How far away is Frederick Street? You mentioned that you walked back from Oh Andros to the pier. If we wanted to walk there when we get off the ship rather than taking the bus, how would we find our way there? 

[MD_Dan]

12 hours ago, CruisinCrow said:

Here are a couple of pictures of our cabin - 8172, ocean view balcony.  I highly recommend the location...

 

 

 

We also had a Deck 8 balcony (8556) on that cruise.  Our bed was near the balcony window.  Both had that same blue thing above the bed.  But we didn't have the 3 seat couch - just a one seat without arms.  But I wouldn't trade for your room without A/C for a night!

[Norwich Cruiser]

Fabulous review and pictures.

[CruisinCrow]

9 hours ago, FishOn55 said:

Thanks so much for the info on how to get to the Fish Fry. We'll be sailing in 2 1/2 weeks and my husband must have some conch fritters. I think we have taken the bus from George Street in the past. How far away is Frederick Street? You mentioned that you walked back from Oh Andros to the pier. If we wanted to walk there when we get off the ship rather than taking the bus, how would we find our way there? 

 

The new bus stop is actually closer to the pier.  When you leave the port area, turn right and walk towards Sharkees.  To walk to the Fish Fry, keep going past Senor Frogs, British Colonial, Margaritaville and Junkanoo Beach. Keep walking along the water and you can't miss it.  It's about a mile and a half walk from the ships.  

 

If you decide to go to Oh Andros, take cash because it's cash only.

[CruisinCrow]

8 hours ago, MD_Dan said:

We also had a Deck 8 balcony (8556) on that cruise.  Our bed was near the balcony window.  Both had that same blue thing above the bed.  But we didn't have the 3 seat couch - just a one seat without arms.  But I wouldn't trade for your room without A/C for a night!

 

It wasn't bad, just felt stuffy.  They fixed it very quickly and the cabin steward even checked back a few hours later to make sure everything was working ok.  Of course, when we first reported it, they asked if we were sure we'd closed the balcony door.  Yes, we did.  🙂 The AC will shut off if the door isn't closed properly.  Also, keep your drapes closed during the day to keep the heat out.  That glass door got hot!

[CruisinCrow]

11 hours ago, njdealguy said:

I was on this cruise and just found myself on the carousel photo standing on side of child 🙂

That's awesome!

[FishOn55]

13 hours ago, CruisinCrow said:

 

The new bus stop is actually closer to the pier.  When you leave the port area, turn right and walk towards Sharkees.  To walk to the Fish Fry, keep going past Senor Frogs, British Colonial, Margaritaville and Junkanoo Beach. Keep walking along the water and you can't miss it.  It's about a mile and a half walk from the ships.  

 

If you decide to go to Oh Andros, take cash because it's cash only.

Good to know about cash only @ Oh Andros. Hubby probably won't want to walk a mile and a half so we'll probably take the bus. Do you happen to remember the # of the bus route you took? Do you think there will be a problem getting/waiting for a bus back to the ship?

[CruisinCrow]

18 hours ago, FishOn55 said:

Good to know about cash only @ Oh Andros. Hubby probably won't want to walk a mile and a half so we'll probably take the bus. Do you happen to remember the # of the bus route you took? Do you think there will be a problem getting/waiting for a bus back to the ship?

You want to take the #10 bus.  You shouldn't have any problem getting a bus back.  They come by every few minutes.  When you go to the Fish Fry, you'll need to cross the road after you get off the bus.  On the way back, the bus will be on the same side of the road as the Fish Fry.  

[FishOn55]

Thanks again for all the helpful information. I really appreciate it! So ready to board Allure on Dec. 11.