Allure Review, Pictures and Other Great Information: Aug 7, 2011 Sailing

[ILuvCruisin']

Here's some wonderful pics of the On Air Club where the Karaoke is held and the Video PostCard Booth where you can send a video postcard to family and friends...thx QTMichelle

 

 

 

We found the video post card booth in On Air. We sent one to our family and friends via facebook. This is what it looked like:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After dinner, I went to Chicago. I was a little apprehensive about this as I'm not a huge Chicago fan; however, it was a great show. At 90 minutes, it's long enough to tell the story, but short enough for those of us (me) who were exhausted.

 

 

The Amber Theater was about 3/4 full by the time I arrived, approximately 25 minutes before the show. A certain reminder that getting to the shows early was the right thing to do!

[ILuvCruisin']

Several in our group participated in karaoke. One brother (that would be bucket) sister team. And our three Princesses who sang a Beonce song and had the crowd on their feet. I think it is better in the On Air Club than in the lounges where it takes place on other ships. Better ambiance. Although there isn't quite as much room so get there early if you want a seat. It is held every night if I remember and there are also some sessions just for the kids.

 

BTW the Video Postcard is Free.

[2910car]

Thank you for this great review and wonderful pictures!

 

We are going on the Allure with my children and grandchildren in June. I am wondering whether the Chicago show would be okay for children aged 5-10, I asked this question before on another thread and got such mixed answers I would like to hear from someone who actually saw this show on the ship. These kids love music and dancing and it seems a shame not to let them see the biggest production on the cruise.

 

Also what is the best way to keep in touch with each other on the ship. We are five families and would like to be able to find each other sometimes. We were told walkie talkies work well but some said they are annoying to othr guests. Any advice. Thank you

[JoCruiser]

In response to 2910car, in my humble opinion I don't think Chicago is appropriate for kids 5 -10. The subject matter is very mature and not quite the message you want to convey to the kiddies.

However, the kiddies in our group were so involved in the Adventure Ocean programs, they didn't want to hang out with the adults at all! We made a rule they had to eat dinner with us. lol

Walkie Talkies are a big help...I found there was a lot of interference on ours...you could hear others conversations...maybe we didn't have the best quality. I heard the ship provide cell phones for kiddies in the Adventure Ocean. We had planned times to meet on Promenade deck.

[ILuvCruisin']

Thank you for this great review and wonderful pictures!

 

We are going on the Allure with my children and grandchildren in June. I am wondering whether the Chicago show would be okay for children aged 5-10, I asked this question before on another thread and got such mixed answers I would like to hear from someone who actually saw this show on the ship. These kids love music and dancing and it seems a shame not to let them see the biggest production on the cruise.

 

Also what is the best way to keep in touch with each other on the ship. We are five families and would like to be able to find each other sometimes. We were told walkie talkies work well but some said they are annoying to othr guests. Any advice. Thank you

 

 

thx 2910car...so glad you are enjoying the ride...

 

I agree with all of the answers that JoCruiser posted....although the singing and dancing in Chicago is great the content is definetedly not suitable for the 5 - 10 age bracket.....

[ILuvCruisin']

Thanks Bucketobeer for your wonderful Day 6, Sea Day Review :cool:

 

OKAY RUNNIN OUT OF TIME HERE!

 

DAY 6...ALSO KNOWN AS ITS ALMOST OVER DAY.

 

WOKE UP, TAKIN IT EASY... AS U MAY HAVE NOTICED..I TOOK A QUE FROM A FRIEND OF MINE AND DIDNT RUN ALL OVER THE SHIP, TRYING TO DO EVERYTHING...WELL I'M GUESS I'M AN EXTREME PERSONALITY...CAUSE I REALLY DIDNT DO NOTHING...LOL....

 

ANYWAY, HEADED UP TO THE WINDJAMMER FOR BREAKFAST...I DONT UNDERSTAND, WHY SOME PEOPLE DONT LIKE THE WINDJAMMER...YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND SOMETHING YOU LIKE...ACTUALLY THIS DAY I SPENT A LOT OF TIME THERE....

 

AFTER BREAKFAST I MADE MY WAY TO THE BELLY FLOP COMP...THEY HAVE IT IN THE AQUA THEATER, WITH CAMERAS AND EVERYTHING...UNDERWATER CAMERAS TOO...GOOD COMP., AND THE FAT GUY WON...DUH...LOL...I DONT REMEMBER EATING A DOG THO, EVENTHOUGH I WALKED RITE BY IT...THEN HEADED BACKUP TO WINDJAMMER....IT WAS LUNCHTIME BY NOW AND MADE ME A SANDWICH...SAT NEAR THE WINDOW IN MY COURTSIDE SEAT AND WAITED FOR THE DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT...I LOVE DODGEBALL, BUT DIDNT PARTICIPATE...BUT WATCHED AND SNACKED AS THE TEAMS BATTLED IT OUT IN THE HOT AIR...IT WAS A LOT OF PARTICIAPANTS...ABOUT 8 TEAMS OR SO...THE ALL MEN TEAM WON...DUH...LOL

 

THE TOURNAMENT TOOK OVER AN HOUR AND I DECIDED TO GO TO THE WIPEOUT RESTAURANT...ITS RITE BELOW THE WINDJAMMER...BASICALLY, HOT DOGS, BURGERS AND NACHOS...JUST AVERAGE FOOD...FROM THERE SADLY WALKED OVER TO THE SCHOONER BAR...KNOWING THAT I WOULDNT BE QUENCHING MY THIRST AT THIS WATER HOLE MUCH LONGER...FROM THERE I TRIED MY HAND AT POKER AGAIN...DIDNT DO TO GOOD THIS TIME...LOST $100 BACK TO THE TABLE...I HAD A PAIR OF JACKS THAT I WASNT GIVING UP...HE HAD A PAIR KINGS, THAT WERE TOO STRONG...LESSON LEARNED, WAS TAKE YOUR TIME AND LEARN THE OTHER PLAYERS...B4 YOU CALL THEIR BLUFF.

 

DINNER LATE, BLAH BLAH DOUBLE BLAH...U KNOW, THE USUAL...LOL

BACK TO THE ROOM FOR MY MEDICINE, THEN OFF TO WATCH THE BLUE PLANET SHOW...WHICH SADLY ENUFF HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BLUE MAN GROUP...OKAY, WE SITTING THERE WATCHING AND SEEIN WHERE THIS STORY GOES...THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN...(I WONT GIVE IT AWAY, YOU HAVE TO SEE 4 YOURSELF)...ANYWAY, IT KIND OF FREAKED ME OUT...LOL...AND IT REALLY WASNT HOLDING MY ATTENTION...SO I EXITED STAGE RIGHT AND WENT BACK TO THE CASINO...LOL...

 

FROM THERE, I MET EVERYONE AT THE YE OLD BLAZE...AND HAD OUR ONE HOUR HAPPY HOUR...LOL...FROM THERE WALKED ACROSS THE HALL TO THE COMEDY SHOW...MY BRO IN LAW, GOT TIX, BECAUSE HE COMPLAINED THAT THEY DIDNT LET US IN THE FIRST TIME...HE IS GOOD WITH STUFF LIKE COMPLAINING...LOL....ANYWAY, THE COMEDY CLUB LOOKS AND FEELS LIKE A REAL COMEDY CLUB...THE COMEDIANS WERE HILARIOUS... A LIL BLUE...WHICH I WAS NERVOUS ABOUT, CAUSE OF MY MOM AND MY LIL 18 YR. OLD NEICE...LOL

 

OKAY, EVENTHOUGH THEY WERE GOOD...I HAVE REALIZED THAT DAY 6 IS TOO MUCH FOR ME...I DO NOT WANT TO BE TRAPPED...I WANT TO BE FREE...I WATCHED ABOUT 90 PERCENT THEN I BOLTED BACK TO BLAZE...

 

IF IM NOT MISTAKEN, THEY HAD THE PARTY OUTSIDE AT THE SOLARIUM...NEEDLESS TO SAY, THERE IS NO AC IN THE SOLARIUM...PLUS IM FEELIN TIRED FROM A WEEK OF EATING AND DRINKING...PLUS I DONT LIKE THE CLUB MUSIC THEY PLAY...SO I MADE A GETAWAY AFTER A WHILE...NOT MY SCENE...

 

I THINK WE HUNGOUT AT THE SCHOONER...YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT WE SPENT ALMOST NO TIME IN THE VIKING CROWN LOUNGE...BUT THE ONE TIME WE WENT THERE...THEY HAD A 2 MAN BAND PLAYING 3 INSTRUMENTS...DUDE, COULD PLAY BASS AND DRUMS AT THE SAME TIME...(I HOPE SOMEONE GOT A PIC)...

 

SO ANYWAY, IM STILL FEELING THE BLUES NOW...ONE MORE DAY TO GO...BBOOOO!!!

 

DONT REMEMBER TOO MUCH AFTER THAT...JUST BAD GAMBLING, PIZZA AND BED....

 

ONE MORE DAY!

 

Ok did y'all follow that? haha...He ate..watched the Belly Flop Contest, Ate some more...missed eating at his fav DogHouse place...Ate some more..watched the Dodge Ball Competition...ate at the Wipeout Cafe...and then started with his normal evening routine..haha....My man Bucket is off the Chain!!! thx dude!!! :p

[ILuvCruisin']

I have never seen a quad (for four people)

with the beds made up before except in a suite ....

amazing how one of the beds comes out of the ceiling!!!..

....this is a great picture...thx cruiser MonkeyTHECruiser...

 

Aug 7 – 14, Allure of the Sea – Eastern Caribbean.

 

My Family:

2 Adults + 2 Kids (3 and 7 years old), D4 Ocean Balcony.

My Parents (60+ and 70+), Inside room, both on deck 9

 

Our room:

Good size. But after the sofa-bed was set, I got no space to lay down my suite case. I had to put my suite case on the bed and open it. We have Queen bed + sofa-bed + pull down bed. More than enough for our family.

 

My Parents’ Inside room is pretty standard. (Two bed joined together to form a Queen size bed)

We are Gold members only, but both room had robes, shower caps, lotions and 4 chocolates at night. (PS: there is a 2+1 shampoo dispenser in the shower room. It is 2+1 shampoo, not liquid soap or shampoo)

 

Balcony:

I couldn’t tell the size different between AOS and others. But the chairs are nicer and the round table is bigger and taller. You can really enjoy your room services there.

 

 

 

 

notice also, the towel animal hanging

near the balcony and the balloon animal sword

for one of the kiddies (I assume - haha) on the bed...Great Photo!!!

 

 

 

[ILuvCruisin']

So the last time you heard we were boarding..

and of course there were a lot of AWWWWWWS AND OHHHHHHS!!!....

my newbie sis had a lot of those haha..

if I can figure out how to post the video I will...



several food venues are open at Embarkation but

there are a few things we do (sometimes before we eat sometimes after we eat) when we board...

1. see if you can get into your cabin yet, if before 1:00 then probably no...

2. check on your dining table,

3. for Oasis and Allure book any restaurant, show, etc reservations that were not previously made Online...



Me and sisters went to check on the locaton of our cabin

and when we got off the elevator on Deck 6 this is what we saw:











BEAUTIFUL!!!!



Looking down on the Promenade Deck (Deck 5) from Deck 6,

looking through the Rising Tide Bar's fountain (which at this time is not on and the Rising

Tide Bar is in fact not open yet so it is up on Deck 8 in this picture)





 

These wonderful dresses are seen when

you ride the elevators with the windows

[ILuvCruisin']

More Promenade Pics

 



 

 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 

 

[ILuvCruisin']

This is a good thread....people have some good ideas...

 

"5 Things you Couldn't Cruise Without"

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=372057

[ILuvCruisin']

Great Pics of the Miniature Golf Course

 

More pictures...

 

 

Allure Dunes - didn't golf this trip, but the course looked cute. My girls would love it!

 

 

 

 

...and my son would love this! (he's 2)

 

If you look close you can see other ships in port on the last pic

[ILuvCruisin']

Here's a link to all the restaurants available on Embarkation:

 

Allure WelcomeAboard Restaurants Click Here: http://https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B55Y24oY4fxkNTkwNGI0ZjctNGEzZS00OTkyLWFkMDQtY2M2YmRjODA0ZTI0&hl=en_US

 

 

We chose to go to the Windjammer...we were onboad before noon so if we had went directly to the WJ to eat we would have been in good shape... instead once onboard we went to see where our cabins were located and also someone in our group didn't have the same table assignment as anyone else in our group (with 18 we had 2 tables)...there were several items group members had to take care of once we boarded (dining room assignments, reservations, Sea Pass issues, etc) so we were elected to go the dining room to check with the Maitre'D to get the table assignments straight corrected...

 

found cabin with no problem..plenty of signage and also since you board on deck 5 and end up near Guest Services we really weren't that far from our cabin which was on deck 6, saw where cabin was but of course they hadn't announced that we could proceed to cabins yet so it was just a matter of finding them, dropping the water in the closet and off to the Adagio Dining Room...

 

the Maitre'D was waiting right outside the dining room with some waiters and waitresses that could show you where your table was located if you desired......we got the group member changed to our table assignment in no time, one of the assistants showed us the location of our tables, we took a coupla of pics and then off to meet everyone in the WJ...

 

OMG!!! I couldn't believe it had gotten soooo crowded so quickly...there are two sides to the WJ...food is the same on both sides and the seating is the same...you can walk from one side to the other without actually going out the door but they only had one side open at this time and finding seats together for 18 was not gonna happen...shoot it was almost impossible to even find a table for 4.....it was very frustrating...this was a first for me and I didn't like the fact that we had to search for a table like that....I always like eating in the WJ mostly for breakfast and lunch but I had never seen it this crowded before...so we started splitting up in groups as we found tables and continued to walk thru the dining room without getting our food cause we didn't want it to be cold...

 

a member of our group found two 4 seaters near each other so me and two sisters sat together....and this is how you always have to do it when you eat in the WJ...not that it was that crowded every day but it is best to find your table first, hold it in some way and then go and get your food.....after all the frustration over the search it was good to be sitting down and with all the variety in the WJ we all enjoyed our food...

 

they have a very extensive salad bar, cold cuts, hamburger, hotdogs (and of course fries) the honey stung chick, there is an Asian food section, all kinds of hot veggies, 2 or three kinds of potatoes, soups, I mean you will always be able to find a variety in the WJ and at night they spruce it up with table cloths, dim the lights and give the place more ambiance...usually the same meals you get in the MDR at night you can find in the WJ at night as well...One of my sisters will eat with us sometimes in the MDR but she prefers the WJ so that she can get it when she wants it, take it back to the cabin and eat on the balcony...

[ILuvCruisin']

Windjammer pics...it will only look like this early morning...

 

 

 

 

Shhhh. . .It is very quiet on my last day in the Windjammer.

 

 

 

[Jayfo]

ILuvCruisin'....I'm really enjoying your thread!!

 

I'm in the OCD-early planning stage for our January cruise to escape my Chicago winter..blah!

 

I'm doing the Eastern route too so your posts have been fabulous!!!

 

Thanks for taking all the time to post :)

[ILuvCruisin']

Jayfo you are welcome and I am glad you are enjoying the ride...oh yeah a cruise in the middle of a Chitown Winter will be great!!

 

Just let me know if you have any concerns/questions...I thoroughly understand the OCD bout cruising thing...;)

 

thanks for posting...

[Jayfo]

The one thing I need to find is menus. I would like to see what is available in the MDR so I can plan specialty restaurants accordingly. Can you (or anyone) point me in the right direction?

 

TIA!

[ILuvCruisin']

Jayfo: I will see what I have and what others may have. I use to take pics of all menus but didn't do that too much this time....but I am certain there are some out there....:D

[1stTimeCruiser2008]

The one thing I need to find is menus. I would like to see what is available in the MDR so I can plan specialty restaurants accordingly. Can you (or anyone) point me in the right direction?

 

TIA!

 

Not sure if the Oasis menus are similar to Allure but the following thread has pics of all of the menus for the Western route for Oasis.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1489577

[ILuvCruisin']

Not sure if the Oasis menus are similar to Allure but the following thread has pics of all of the menus for the Western route for Oasis.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1489577

 

thank you 1stTimeCruiser2008, they are very similar...

 

Jayfo: I will still look for my Allure MDR menus but the ones on the posted link above give you a pretty good idea...

[ILuvCruisin']

Still searchng for those Main Dining Room (MDR) menus but ran across this wonderful thread about dinner in the Windjammer (WJ)....

 

Check it out:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1498357

[ILuvCruisin']

This gives another idea of MDR Menus, it comes from the "Everything Allure Thread":

 

Next are the room service menus for dinner for the suites BUT they are the same menus from the MDR so this will give you an idea of what is served each night in the main dining room. I will post them by night. This was from the eastern Caribbean itinerary.

 

Sunday

 

Monday - First Formal Night

 

Tuesday

 

Wednesday

[ILuvCruisin']

The rest of the MDR Menus:

 

Thursday

 

Friday - Second Formal night

 

Saturday

[Jayfo]

THANK YOU!

 

This is a great start! I know I want to try the Brazilian steakhouse, the Rita's fiesta and at least one uber-fancy place to celebrate the hubby's birthday and these menus will come in handy. Thanks again!

 

:D

[Jayfo]

I have a dumb question here...........:confused:

 

Is there a "Lobster Night" on Allure? I've been out of the 7 night cruise loop for a while and just had to ask. Thanks!

[ILuvCruisin']

Examples of the Small Wonders...

whenever you see a teloscopic looking thing, whether looking up or

down, check it out...some amazing things will be revealed...

 

 

here are some examples of the small wonders.

 

You look into things like this

 

and see

 

 

or this

 

 

There are also ones that look like binoculars

 

And there were ones just up on the wall like this one