Would I like Allure?

[SusieV]

My husband just got notified he'll be in Naples, Florida next year from September 17-23 for work so we were considering adding a cruise around those dates since we won't have to pay airfare.

 

I'm actually not sure how far Naples is from a port, but I did some looking around and X has no sailings that would work in that time frame unfortunately.

 

I haven't sailed RCCL since 1992 and I am sure things have changed a lot since then (not to mention, I was using the kids' program then!). We love the S class on X but I am not sure if we'd like Allure. On cruises, we like to relax, eat good food, drink good wine, and gamble. We don't really go to any entertainment or anything like that.

 

Or if not Allure, what would you recommend? The only lines we are completely ruling out are Carnival and NCL.

[CaptData]

You will love Allure. Do try Chops. They have zip line. Flow riders, rock walls ect. If you are an active couple this is for you. Watch Oceanairea, Chicago, and Blue planet. Also if you are elite on Celebrity you are Diamond on RCCL. You can go to Diamond lounge for free drinks and Continental breakfast. You also get money off balcony and suites. Contact C&A (Crown and Anchor) to get you equal status.

[tserface]

We've never been on the Allure, but we did go on the Oasis this year and I think it's worth doing, at least once, just for the experience of the ship. It is fantastic. You said you don't do the entertainment, but you might want to on the Allure. The shows are way more produced and the aqua shows are incredible.

 

The food was really good and there are lots of choices of places to eat. The atmosphere is more casual than X and there is a lot more noise (seems to be loud music and people talking into "systems" about this and that everywhere), but there are lots of trivia games and other things to do and we were never bored. Our kids (20's) loved it. There are a lot more kids on RCCL ships than X, but I don't mind kids (even other people's) so that doesn't bother me much.

 

The Promenade is a real plus in my opinion. The staff and service were great.

 

They have a great casino as well. We didn't spend much time in there, but passed through a few times going elsewhere.

 

If you've never done it, like I said, I'd recommend it at least once just to experience the largest ship ever (Allure is a few inches bigger than Oasis even).

 

Tom

 

My husband just got notified he'll be in Naples, Florida next year from September 17-23 for work so we were considering adding a cruise around those dates since we won't have to pay airfare.

 

I'm actually not sure how far Naples is from a port, but I did some looking around and X has no sailings that would work in that time frame unfortunately.

 

I haven't sailed RCCL since 1992 and I am sure things have changed a lot since then (not to mention, I was using the kids' program then!). We love the S class on X but I am not sure if we'd like Allure. On cruises, we like to relax, eat good food, drink good wine, and gamble. We don't really go to any entertainment or anything like that.

 

Or if not Allure, what would you recommend? The only lines we are completely ruling out are Carnival and NCL.

[Andy]

My husband just got notified he'll be in Naples, Florida next year from September 17-23 for work so we were considering adding a cruise around those dates since we won't have to pay airfare.

 

I'm actually not sure how far Naples is from a port, but I did some looking around and X has no sailings that would work in that time frame unfortunately.

 

I haven't sailed RCCL since 1992 and I am sure things have changed a lot since then (not to mention, I was using the kids' program then!). We love the S class on X but I am not sure if we'd like Allure. On cruises, we like to relax, eat good food, drink good wine, and gamble. We don't really go to any entertainment or anything like that.

 

Or if not Allure, what would you recommend? The only lines we are completely ruling out are Carnival and NCL.

 

Hi Susie !

 

I'm not sure how many options you will have. Other than Short Cruises, most of the mainstream product will not be in South Florida in September 2012. Celebrity & Princess have nothing to offer. The ships are coming back later and later each year.

 

While I have not sailed on Allure, I know many folks who have sailed on Allure & Oasis. Their feedback has been outstanding. I'm not booked yet, but it's definitely on my must-do list.

 

Hopefully, others who have sailed on the ships, will share their insights.

[SusieV]

Hi Susie !

 

I'm not sure how many options you will have. Other than Short Cruises, most of the mainstream product will not be in South Florida in September 2012. Celebrity & Princess have nothing to offer. The ships are coming back later and later each year.

 

While I have not sailed on Allure, I know many folks who have sailed on Allure & Oasis. Their feedback has been outstanding. I'm not booked yet, but it's definitely on my must-do list.

 

Hopefully, others who have sailed on the ships, will share their insights.

 

Hi Andy,

 

Yes, I realize that our choices will be limited but short is OK since this is just an "extra" and we don't want to leave our son for too long. Normally we prefer 11 nights plus but we want 7 nights or fewer this time around.

 

It's good to hear that people have been enjoying the Oasis class. We're a little unsure since there will be SO many people onboard if it will feel crowded, etc but I guess there is only one way to find out.

 

Looking forward to hearing more input from others, thanks!

 

By the way- I don't normally play the waiting game, but would it be reasonable to expect Allure to pop up on the Tuesday specials since it's hurricane season or do these ships still command a higher premium? Prices are a little more than I was expecting for a one week trip.

[tserface]

On our recent cruise there were 6200 passengers. It never felt crowded except during the parade on the Promenade. We often remarked that we wondered where everyone was and what we must be missing :)

 

There are so many places to be on the ship that everyone is seldom in the same place at once.

 

The pool does get a little crowded on sea days, but that's always the case on all ships we've ever cruised.

 

Tom

 

Hi Andy,

 

Yes, I realize that our choices will be limited but short is OK since this is just an "extra" and we don't want to leave our son for too long. Normally we prefer 11 nights plus but we want 7 nights or fewer this time around.

 

It's good to hear that people have been enjoying the Oasis class. We're a little unsure since there will be SO many people onboard if it will feel crowded, etc but I guess there is only one way to find out.

 

Looking forward to hearing more input from others, thanks!

 

By the way- I don't normally play the waiting game, but would it be reasonable to expect Allure to pop up on the Tuesday specials since it's hurricane season or do these ships still command a higher premium? Prices are a little more than I was expecting for a one week trip.

[SusieV]

That was easier than I thought- I just pulled up a list of trips fitting my time parameters on a TA site. What do you think- is Allure my best option or should I consider something else? We don't really care where we're going.

 

There's:

 

3 nights on Disney Dream out of Port Canaveral Sept 13

7 nights on Disney Fantasy out of Port Canaveral Sept 8

7 nights on RCCL Allure out of Ft Lauderdale Sept 9

7 nights on RCCL Freedom out of Ft Lauderdale Sept 9

 

Disney seems to be significantly more expensive and I don't think there's a casino onboard, right? That would nix Disney and put it between Allure and Freedom.

[Mines]

There's:

 

3 nights on Disney Dream out of Port Canaveral Sept 13

7 nights on Disney Fantasy out of Port Canaveral Sept 8

7 nights on RCCL Allure out of Ft Lauderdale Sept 9

7 nights on RCCL Freedom out of Ft Lauderdale Sept 9

 

 

Freedom sails out of Port Canaveral, if that has any influence.

 

Out of those options, I would go for Allure.

[Cruise Junky]

Our Travel Agent, whom I have tremendous faith in, and I'm pretty sure has sailed every line out there said her cruise on Allure was her absolute favourite.

[TWELVEOHONE]

Your options are

Majesty of the seas doing short cruises out of Miami

Allure and Oasis out of Fort Lauderdale 7-night sailing

Monarch (short sailing) and Freedom (7 nights) out of Port Canaveral

 

Driving time from Naples to

Miami 2 hours +/-

Fort Lauderdale 1 hr & 50 minutes

Port Canaveral 4 hrs 30 minutes

[Breezey]

We went on the Allure in May and must say is one fantastic ship and was one of our favorite cruise experiences. You can do as much or as little as you want. The food options are fantastic, the various neighborhoods (especially Central Park) are experiences in themselves. Go on the RCI forums and read all the incredible things people are saying about the ship. I would go back in a second and I was one who was a bit hesitant about going on a ship that was so big.

[YOW]

Disney seems to be significantly more expensive and I don't think there's a casino onboard, right? That would nix Disney and put it between Allure and Freedom.

 

Correct -- no casino on Disney.

[RLM77]

The Oasis class does command a premium and I honestly would not expect a bump other than up on Allure prices in September. The entertainment, both musical, stage and water is on another plain than any ever experienced on any line we've sailed previously. Quality costs.

 

Allure is an experience....the rest are ships. We couldn't recommend her more highly.

 

We are booked on her into spring of 2013!

 

Marlee

[Oville]

Susie, I went kicking and screaming on our first cruise on the Allure, too many people, ship to large, blah, blah, blah. I had such a wonderful time we returned for my birthday in May and will be on the Oasis in Oct. I can't believe you wouldn't enjoy the experience.

 

We have a home in Naples and it's about 1 1/4 hrs to get to Lauderdale. (Naples is on the west end of Alligator Alley and Fort Lauderdale on the east end.) Literally a straight shot right across.

 

I would not recommend Port Canaveral as it's easily 4 hrs w/out traffic and going thru Orlando is never easy.

 

You may want to consider taking the little guy, RCI has a great childrens program and there will be more than enough to occupy him.

[shipshape sam]

My husband just got notified he'll be in Naples, Florida next year from September 17-23 for work so we were considering adding a cruise around those dates since we won't have to pay airfare.

 

I'm actually not sure how far Naples is from a port, but I did some looking around and X has no sailings that would work in that time frame unfortunately.

 

I haven't sailed RCCL since 1992 and I am sure things have changed a lot since then (not to mention, I was using the kids' program then!). We love the S class on X but I am not sure if we'd like Allure. On cruises, we like to relax, eat good food, drink good wine, and gamble. We don't really go to any entertainment or anything like that.

 

Or if not Allure, what would you recommend? The only lines we are completely ruling out are Carnival and NCL.

 

 

We did! Sailed Allure on her second official week (Eastern Carbbbean).

 

We are very happy Celebrity cruisers and did sail Sovereign of the Seas as our first taste of cruising in 1998. :)

 

We also tried every Speciality restaurant on the ship including Chef's Table. We ate in MDR on first night only with MTD (my time dining) Tables were crowded together and we got to view wait staff butts as they had to get to person sitting on the wall bench seats. Our favorite speciality restaurant was Samba's. We liked it enough to go back a second night!

 

Other than the above issue, we loved Allure and I would sail on her again.

[FTLcruisers]

I was reluctant to go on Allure - but I loved it! The ship has so many great areas - promenade, boardwalk, central park (my favorite - trees, plants, butterflies) and it never felt crowded. They do a lot more scanning of sea pass cards - you give you card to the photographer and your pictures wind up in a box with your number on it, all ready for you to look at. Make reservations for a show and your card gets scanned so they know you are supposed to be there for that show. They had large touch screen boards around the ship so you could find out where things were, see the list of activities and more. They have a lot of great speciality restaurants and, if you like wine, they do the Chef's table. Its a little pricey at $95 pp but it's a 5 course dinner with a wine pairing - so different wine with each course. That whole experience was just awesome. We've been on about 50 cruises and I can honestly say the Allure is one of my all time favorite ships.

 

Marianne

[SusieV]

Thanks for all the advice everyone- sounds like this is something I might want to seriously consider! I'll check out the RCCL board and read up on Allure.

 

How does the Chef's Table compare to Murano, besides being much more expensive?

 

 

You may want to consider taking the little guy, RCI has a great childrens program and there will be more than enough to occupy him.

 

I'm sure they do, but he'll be a full fare plane ticket now that he's over two, and he's still too young to go to the kids' club by himself. And Mommy and Daddy need a little grownup time, too. He'll be just as happy with Nana and Papa for a week.

[Oville]

Susie, we have not done the Captain's Table but have heard nothing but raves about it. Keep in mind the charge does include wine with each course and I believe there are 5 courses.

 

On another note, I've been following your blog and congrats on your success, job well done.

[Germancruiser]

I have absolutly no desire to sail Allure or Oasis- I love ships- big ships- but those are over the top- just my opinion of course. To much indoor bars and lounges- I am sure I would miss the " being at sea" factor.

Michael

[Miss Jolly]

But you do not have to feel that way because there is so much to do where you can see and feel the sea. My DH had reservations about the same issues and also of overcrowding but he loved Allure and we have booked that long flight from Australia to experience Oasis now - can't wait! Honestly, it surpasses everything before it's time and does not feel crowded other than the parade and when the theatre is emptying out. In fact, we had a full ship but embarkation was the quickest ever. Everything is so well organized and there is so much on offer. Only trouble was that we only booked 7 days and didn't get to see/do everything so next time we have booked B2B.

[jt1120]

First of all, let me be the first to welcome you to Naples (where I live). You might actually think about doing a few days vacation here in Naples, and then catching the Majesty for a weekender to Nassau. Just a thought.

 

Do remember that September is the height of hurricane season. What are the chances of a storm? So-so. We've been lucky the last few years, but you never know. Still, I wouldn't let that be a deterent. Also, be prepared for some of the most hot and humid weather you've ever experienced. I'm one of the odd ones, I actually like the summer here. OK, so I'm used to it. Every day it gets to about 94 degrees, with heat indexes 100+, and every afternoon we get a nasty thundershower that lasts about a half hour. Then the humidity comes back with a vengeance. The best place to be is on the beach in order to catch a little breeze.

 

As for the Allure, I can't help you because we've sailed the Oasis and not the Allure, but I will say that I found the ship to be an experience. Personally, I'm not in any hurry to sail either of them again, and you can read my detailed review if you click on the link in my signature. I always say that any cruise fan should definitely sail one of the big girls, but I just felt more like I was in a mall than on a cruise ship. I'm not trying to be so negative, but it just was not my cup of tea.

 

Whatever you choose, do enjoy!

[shipshape sam]

Thanks for all the advice everyone- sounds like this is something I might want to seriously consider! I'll check out the RCCL board and read up on Allure.

 

How does the Chef's Table compare to Murano, besides being much more expensive?

 

 

 

I'm sure they do, but he'll be a full fare plane ticket now that he's over two, and he's still too young to go to the kids' club by himself. And Mommy and Daddy need a little grownup time, too. He'll be just as happy with Nana and Papa for a week.

 

 

The major differences to us were:

 

Chef's Table is like the MDR in the sense that you are sitting with a group of other dinners/passengers. The maximun is 14 at the large rectangular table. We had only 12 at our sitting. We are not quite Diamond Plus status, so we met in Library with 6 other people and then were taken to the Concierge/Diamond Plus lounge area where we met up with 4 other tablemates. We then proceeded to the upstairs area of the Concierge/Diamond Plus lounge.

 

They had name plates for us as to specific seating. We were introduced to the wait staff/our tablemates and then the chef. The chef went over what he would be preparing for us that evening. At each course the chef came out and gave a little more information specific to the course, the head waiter/assist waiter continued to pour the wine that was paired with the particular course.

 

The food was delicious, not too much, lots of wine and for us a lot of fun interacting with our tablemates. We actually did some things after dinner with 4 of them and then another night, met another 2 for dinner again. The meal for us lasted 2 1/2 hours. It was a fun experience and I will want to do again next time on Allure or ship that offers Chef's Table.

 

As to Murano's (not on Allure) the attention/level of service is much higher in Murano's as there are 3-4 wait staff during the course of your meal providing various services. On Eclipse where we enjoyed Murano's, they seemed to rush us with ordering and presentation of food. The food was delicious too, so I would not say there is a winner in quality of food. We were with another couple, so we had some nice conversation too. I think Murano's lasted about 1 1/2 hours. It is more of the traditional restaurant where you are seated by yourself/others in your party.

 

If I had to choose one, we would do Chef's Table. Obviously, they are on different ships, but that is our choice. I would have to say though if I had to choose any restaurant on Allure or Eclipse, we would choose Samba's on Allure. It is an all you can eat Brazilian style restaurant. We did not overly pig out, but the meats/soup/salad/bread/wine were all excellant and we just enjoyed the evening.

 

 

We sailed on Freedom of Seas when it first launched and thought it was too big for us, so it was with some hesitation we tried Allure. I would sail Allure again in a heartbeat.

[tserface]

Embarkation on Oasis was amazing. We were on in less than 10 minutes. I don't know about getting off... we weren't in nearly as big of a hurry :rolleyes:

 

My only issue with the ship at all was that it is very loud in many public places, but that's not because of too many people. They just play all the music and talking and *whatever* really loud. We were in one bar and could hear music from 3 different sources and it was very annoying so we asked if they could turn down the local music so we could talk and they were happy to do it since we were the only ones there. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind loud music (I grew up in the rock and roll generation), but I don't think hearing three different genre songs at the same time makes sense :eek:

 

One of our best cruises ever. The Aqua Theater is incredibly unique and wonderful.

 

Tom

 

But you do not have to feel that way because there is so much to do where you can see and feel the sea. My DH had reservations about the same issues and also of overcrowding but he loved Allure and we have booked that long flight from Australia to experience Oasis now - can't wait! Honestly, it surpasses everything before it's time and does not feel crowded other than the parade and when the theatre is emptying out. In fact, we had a full ship but embarkation was the quickest ever. Everything is so well organized and there is so much on offer. Only trouble was that we only booked 7 days and didn't get to see/do everything so next time we have booked B2B.

[skandls]

As long as you plan on the specialty restaurants the food is quite good. The food and service in the MDR are sometimes good sometimes not so good. One of my favs is the chopped salad bar in the MDR on seadays. The Chefs Table was very nice - the chef came out and explained each course and the wine steward talked about the wines. Also do not miss 150 Park - another excellent dinner.

 

We were on the Oasis in March 2011. There were not a lot of crowds - except for the 'events' in the Promenade (parades and 70s night).

 

While entertainment is not a big part of your cruising - Hairspray was excellent - we are looking forward to Chicago on the Allure this December. The late night comedy acts were quite good. If you read about the ice shows - most people really enjoy them. The Oasis had a 'sand painter' who was very good an unusual addition to an ice show. The Oasis was a fabulous ship. We did our own B2B the Oasis followed by the Solstice - both cruises were great in their own ways. The food in Blu on the Solstice was the best we have had on a cruise ship in a long time.

[Oville]

Also, be prepared for some of the most hot and humid weather you've ever experienced. I'm one of the odd ones, I actually like the summer here. OK, so I'm used to it. Every day it gets to about 94 degrees, with heat indexes 100+, and every afternoon we get a nasty thundershower that lasts about a half hour. Then the humidity comes back with a vengeance!

 

Ha, ha, we spent two wks in Sept in Naples two years ago and never again. If you are not accustomed to the heat and humidity it's brutal, this from someone who spends 7 1/2 months there.