Nov 4, Allure of the Seas, Western Caribbean - A Review and Complete Pictorial Guide!

[gambee]

Dear Gambee,

We are a family group of 20 boarding Allure on Dec 2 and your photos and reviews are the best I've ever read. Thanks so much. Now I know where to go, what to eat, what shows to see and much more. My husband and I booked a Central Park balcony on deck 10. I can't wait. You are a wonderful human being. I feel as if I know you and your mother.

God bless!

 

Thank you very much for your beautiful heart felt comment. Mom loved it. I cannot even imagine the amount of fun that you can have with 20 people. It will be a trip to remember. Thank so much for taking the time to stop by and comment here. Who knows mabe we already know each other and just don't know it ;)

 

 

Your review is one of the best I've read...actually it's #1. Your style of writing, inclusion of personal tidbits, and helpful information are equal in quality to your fantastic photos.

 

Thanks for creating this thread.

 

You're so very welcome and thank you for stopping by an expressing your option here. I was aiming for a complete guide, but knowing that it is being called #1 makes me very happy.

 

Thank you :)

 

Happy turkey day.

[gambee]

Gambee, awesome, awesome review.

 

You are the Grand Poobah of reviewers. The MacDaddy! The bomb diggity!

 

Royal Caribbean, are you watching this guy? Give him a job! Pay him to use his awesome photos to augment your (rather lame) website.

 

I think Cruise Critic needs a Gambee fan page. :D

 

Keep up the good work, Gambee!

 

This post is among my favorite ones, you have a great way of expressing with words. Thank you for putting it like that, you're awesome. :D

 

Thank you so much.

 

Happy thanksgiving day :)

 

 

Gambee, I couldn't have said it better.......totally agree with this post and all the other posts that have been made. Your review is addicting......LOL It's the best I've ever read!

 

Patty

 

Addicting you say......... :evil laugh: lol, just messing with you :D

 

Thank you for following it and posting here.

 

I am enjoying doing it as much as my followers are enjoying reading it.

[gambee]

Silly boy the song sweet home Alabama. NOT South Carolina! LOL

I know it has been said many times before but this is an AWESOME review. You should ve a blogger/writer. You have a way of writing that makes it seem like we are there with you (good thing ee are not those cabins are small :)). What do you do for work?

 

Brain fart, lol. Well actually I was relating him because of the southern style of music and the funny thing is after going trough my videos I noticed that he was from North Carolina. Lol. Funny. I am happy to know that my writing has a way of connecting with people, just need to work on my grammar. I am in the service industry and attempting to get out, we will see what life has destined for me. In any case I am grateful for what I have and everything that I have been able to accomplish in my life.

 

 

Question: Can we order room service breakfast the night before, and specify a time frame? It was so helpful to see the interactive TV. Royal Caribbean or Tavel agents need to post your review. It is the most informative piece of information I have read, since booking the cruise.

 

Yes you specify a time frame and they call to confirm before delivery. That is done the old style, you put that little menu on the door knob the night before. Or you can just wake up and place the order on the tv that morning.

 

Thanks for following along.

[gambee]

Gambee, give yourself a day off. Enjoy Thanksgiving with Mom and bf! We will all be here when you come back. :)

 

I second that. No need to rush your awesomeness. Take a few days off - we are thankful to have your wonderful review!:)

 

Mom is in Colombia. I actually rented Madagascar 3 to put me in Allure tomorrow, lol. No worries I will enjoy my thanksgiving.

 

Thanks for the nice comments. :)

[gambee]

I would give up Thanksgiving Dinner to keep reading your posts and looking at your great pictures . Could you please take one of those around the world cruises we could be with you forever on your fantastic journey one week is not enough What are we going to do when this is over?

 

I love to do one of those, I guess that would be the only way to get an endless review.

 

There will be other reviews. No worries. I have to start looking into that once I am done here.

 

 

Gambee

 

Thanks for all the time and effort for this amazing review. Like everyone else who's posted here, I love all the details and pictures you have posted! I'm taking my parents for their 40th wedding anniversary on the Oasis next March along with my brother for his graduation and this has been so much fun to look at your pictures (even though it's the sister ship) and get excited about what I'll be seeing with them and my family.

 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving and have a wonderful day!

 

Gwen

 

They are basically the same ship. You folks will have a blast. I am glad you like my review. I hope you continue to enjoy.

 

Happy thanksgiving :)

[gambee]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Enjoy the day, we will still be here waiting to read and see more when you get the chance to start back up. :)

 

Happy thanksgiving to you too :)

 

Gambee, many have said this before. I'll say it again: THIS IS THE BEST REVIEW....EVER!!!!

 

Sure, reading it made me miss hours of work, but it was (is) SO worth it!

 

I'll let you in on something... I'm booked on the Oasis for my b-day with only my little son. Seeing your pictures and reading the fun you had - I added my Mom to our cabin and am dragging her along. Thanks for the inspiration!

 

Missing work is the best part of it ;) glad you like it. That is so cool of you bringing mom with you. My mom is the best travel partner ever. I hope you guys have a blast.

 

Happy thanksgiving :)

[gambee]

Gambee, sorry you had a bad day...hope today is better.

 

It is just lack of sleep. The day is going pretty good.

 

:)

[RoamingRetirees]

gambee, I really love reading about you and your mom traveling together. It reminds me of when I took my mom to Alaska on our very first cruise. She had never even flown on a plane before. I have such fond memories of our special time together.

[Bali505]

Wow what a great review! It's so addicting, I keep telling myself one more page and then bed and then okay one more....Before you know it is 1 in the morning and I have to get up at 5:30a.m. Two mornings in a row I have been cursing you ha! Amazing review, it feels like I was on the cruise with you. I am going to the RHCP's concert tonight and already thinking about ways to catch up on your review...This damn concert is getting in the way! Yes it's THAT good!

P.S. On your next cruise make sure you get your mom a drink, a hot dog and whatever else she says no to because we all know your mom.....:) Cheers to you, your bf and your MOM!!!!

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Wow what a great review! It's so addicting, I keep telling myself one more page and then bed and then okay one more....Before you know it is 1 in the morning and I have to get up at 5:30a.m. Two mornings in a row I have been cursing you ha! Amazing review, it feels like I was on the cruise with you. I am going to the RHCP's concert tonight and already thinking about ways to catch up on your review...This damn concert is getting in the way! Yes it's THAT good!

P.S. On your next cruise make sure you get your mom a drink, a hot dog and whatever else she says no to because we all know your mom.....:) Cheers to you, your bf and your MOM!!!!

 

This is a great post :)

[MaryAnn&Don]

Great thread with all the pictures and video. You do such wonderful work with that F3. Very inspirational.

 

We will be embarking on Allure for Eastern Caribbean cruise this Sunday. You and your pictures answered all my questions except one. Has to do with Parking at the Terminal. I know you chose to park elsewhere and ride a shuttle in but was wondering if you know if the parking in front of the terminal is usually filled and do I need a reservation, or is it early bird gets the space, late arrivals don't? I could not find details on the Parking lot at the terminal.

 

I started reading your thread review a week ago and your pictures inspired me to order a new zoom lens for my Sony NEX5n. I also have the 16mm with a fisheye adapter, plus the 18-55mm that came with it. I'm more of a video guy anyway and I will be doing lots of video on this trip. Thanks again for the inspiration.

 

Keep up posting, the more the better!

 

BTW- This will be our 4th cruise with RCI but first on the Allure class ship.

Edited November 22, 2012 by MaryAnn&Don

[PhilNDebbieAtSea]

Awesome review! Unbelievable pictures! I don't think I will need to bring my own camera next year on our Allure cruise... Thank you so much!

[VirtualRain]

:eek: To think that my GF says I'm one of those crazy tourists that has to take pictures of everything (even the most mundane things)... I've got nothing on you. :p (Be glad we still don't rely on film!) :D

 

Seriously, I Love your passion and enthusiasm for your vacation... it makes me realize I take a bit of my vacation travel for granted some times. :)

 

BTW, Please give me some advance notice when you take a 12-14 day cruise... I will need to plan some time off to read the review! :D

Edited November 22, 2012 by VirtualRain

[reallyhooked]

To all my CC family,

 

 

Thank you so much for all the words of encouragement, they are all very touching. I had a rough night last night and that prevented me from doing more work. I will answer to all my comments one by one later on today.

 

Today I work all day, but I will try to at least select the images at work. Cozumel was our favorite day for many reason and I know I will post around 400 pictures.

 

I am not sure, but I will try to at least get Cozumel started tomorrow, although I am not sure that it will be too crucial since most people will be busy sharing with their families. Well at least my USA followers.

 

Once again Thank you very much to every single one of you :)

 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone :)

 

And a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your mom. Enjoy the day.:o

 

Joyce

[swwake]

gambee - somehow I have gotten way behind and even missed the flowrider post. I have to go back and catch up!

[gambee]

gambee, I really love reading about you and your mom traveling together. It reminds me of when I took my mom to Alaska on our very first cruise. She had never even flown on a plane before. I have such fond memories of our special time together.

 

My first cruise was with my mom too, most likely one of the best memories I have. I bet you guys had a blast on that cruise.

 

I am really happy you enjoy reading my review that much, thank you.

 

Wow what a great review! It's so addicting, I keep telling myself one more page and then bed and then okay one more....Before you know it is 1 in the morning and I have to get up at 5:30a.m. Two mornings in a row I have been cursing you ha! Amazing review, it feels like I was on the cruise with you. I am going to the RHCP's concert tonight and already thinking about ways to catch up on your review...This damn concert is getting in the way! Yes it's THAT good!

P.S. On your next cruise make sure you get your mom a drink, a hot dog and whatever else she says no to because we all know your mom.....:) Cheers to you, your bf and your MOM!!!!

 

I LOVE your post, it was sooo funny, thank you for taking the time to post. You know the sharing thing actually works for us, she kind of keeps off the carbs, lol.

 

Have a happy thanks giving. :)

[gambee]

Great thread with all the pictures and video. You do such wonderful work with that F3. Very inspirational.

 

We will be embarking on Allure for Eastern Caribbean cruise this Sunday. You and your pictures answered all my questions except one. Has to do with Parking at the Terminal. I know you chose to park elsewhere and ride a shuttle in but was wondering if you know if the parking in front of the terminal is usually filled and do I need a reservation, or is it early bird gets the space, late arrivals don't? I could not find details on the Parking lot at the terminal.

 

I started reading your thread review a week ago and your pictures inspired me to order a new zoom lens for my Sony NEX5n. I also have the 16mm with a fisheye adapter, plus the 18-55mm that came with it. I'm more of a video guy anyway and I will be doing lots of video on this trip. Thanks again for the inspiration.

 

Keep up posting, the more the better!

 

BTW- This will be our 4th cruise with RCI but first on the Allure class ship.

 

The 5N is a monster of a camera, the zoom lens is a must for me. I actually use it more than most people. I was going to get the 16mm up until the new 10-18mm was announced. Now I really want that 10-18 lens, but the price is holding me back, but I think I will be able to buy it by the end of this year.

 

Well actually when I was at work my mom did some research to your, answer. It appears to be first come, first serve. They are currently expanding, but at the moment is somewhat limited. You could always call and see how many vehicles they are expecting that day. Once again this is all mom's work, so you have to thank her and not me ;). Her idea of calling is not bad.

 

 

Awesome review! Unbelievable pictures! I don't think I will need to bring my own camera next year on our Allure cruise... Thank you so much!

 

lol, glad you're enjoying, its my pleasure. Thanks for following. :)

Edited November 22, 2012 by gambee

[gambee]

To think that my GF says I'm one of those crazy tourists that has to take pictures of everything (even the most mundane things)... I've got nothing on you. (Be glad we still don't rely on film!)

 

Seriously, I Love your passion and enthusiasm for your vacation... it makes me realize I take a bit of my vacation travel for granted some times. :)

 

BTW, Please give me some advance notice when you take a 12-14 day cruise... I will need to plan some time off to read the review!

 

Lol, yeah, pictures... I can usually find people around me annoyed by my camera, but I try my best not to bother them. Unfortunately that is a little hard to do, pictures are a great way of documenting everything and I for one wont allow anything to get in the way of a good picture.

 

I think you're right, I used to take my vacations for granted. But in the process of sharing them with other people, made me realize how much they actually take part in my life and in my happiness. We need to learn to appreciate everything that we have and the people that surround us. Life is short and we only get one, just try to make the most out of it.

 

 

My gratitude goes out to you for following my trip and I am glad I could make a positive impact in your day :)

 

 

And a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your mom. Enjoy the day.:o

 

Joyce

 

 

Thank you :) Mom's also says thank you, she is a little keyboard shy ;)

[gambee]

gambee - somehow I have gotten way behind and even missed the flowrider post. I have to go back and catch up!

 

OMG you have to go back and see it, it was a day to remember. Very Very funny and I am not just talking about the flow rider ;)

[nursewurmy]

Go see 'Flight' it will make you forget everything...even to breath some of the time.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, bf and Mom!

Becky

[floatel_lvr]

Gambee,

Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the effort you have put in here. I (like many others who have commented) am sailing on the Allure on Dec. 2nd. This will be my second trip on her. Your review is doing so many things for me, feeding my cruise junkie habit, bringing back memories from last year, getting me even more psyched for this year... well you get the idea.

 

Anyway, great review. Really appreciated!!!

 

Rich

[sunrise4]

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING with all your families.

 

Today is a good day to say one more time: THANKS to all of you for the wonderful comments.

[beachbuddy]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Gambee, hope you have a wonderful day today! Rest and enjoy and looking forward to Cozumel tomorrow.

 

Patty

[MaryAnn&Don]

Thank you- Gambee's mom for the additional info on the parking. We will try to get an earlier start Sunday AM ( 5 hr drive ) and then spend the time taking pictures as we wait for boarding. We have starboard ocean view JS cabin.

 

Gambee- That new 10-18 lens is great. But the 16 makes the NEX package very small. So, it's kind of an ergonomics thing too. I also carry a monopod which is also great for getting the camera up in the air over crowds. (TIP)

 

Enough photo speak: Now back to cruise critique speak... ;)

[gambee]

Thank you- Gambee's mom for the additional info on the parking. We will try to get an earlier start Sunday AM ( 5 hr drive ) and then spend the time taking pictures as we wait for boarding. We have starboard ocean view JS cabin.

 

Gambee- That new 10-18 lens is great. But the 16 makes the NEX package very small. So, it's kind of an ergonomics thing too. I also carry a monopod which is also great for getting the camera up in the air over crowds. (TIP)

 

Enough photo speak: Now back to cruise critique speak... ;)

 

Just a little more about camera, lol.

 

I know, that is why I was thinking about the 16, it is soooooo thin and I bet light. The 10-18 looks like a fatty, lol, I also expect him to be heavy. We will see, in my case I love scenery pictures, it is one of my favorite things to do, that is why I am looking forward for 10mm with such enthusiasm. It can also be a very artistic lens.

 

Monopods are great, specially for video, I was also thinking in getting one of those cheap table tripods, there were several times that I wished I had one.

 

Mom says you're very welcome, that is a long drive, be safe.

 

Those junior suits have a lot more space than my cave, I hope you enjoy your trip a lot and think of me while your there, I will try to grasp on the positive energy :)

 

happy goble goble day :D