Allure 12/2/12 Bigger not better(for us) - What I wish I knew!

[ksg]

Did you have reservations for MTD? If you have reservations, do you still have to wait? We'll be on Allure in Feb. All our shows are booked, and I've made reservations for three of the nights in the dining room, with the intention that we'll make it to our shows in time, and that we'll be seated when one of the early shows we've booked lets out.

 

Should I be concerned?

 

DH says we should have booked a more traditional ship - one that didn't require so much planning. Everytime I ask him his preference, he tells me he doesn't want to hear about it...

[marciab]

If you checked cruise critic before hand you could have avioded all these problems :)

 

Your absolutely right! Lesson Learned!

 

And I usually do, was just such a hectic time at my business with some employee turnover..

[marciab]

So what I read is that the most important problem was waiting. fair enough.

 

One thing that keeps coming up- a "disagreement" between good and bad MDR food.

 

It would be interesting to see if there's any correlation between good/bad and MTD, especially without reservations.

 

The reason I bring that up is how the food is designed to be prepared in the MDR galley. Since most customers are traditional dining, the dishes are all prepared to be ready at roughly the same time, so that all of the tables are served almost at the same time- ususally surrounding the seating times.

 

So if the food is "ready" for MTD, it's possible that 1) it's prepared more to be ready for early seating or 2) the preparations for individual servings are not the same as for mass servings.

 

(I know people think that dishes should be prepared to order, but that's not realistic based on the volume, unless you are willing to pay to double the kitchen staff + double the kitchen size)

 

Just thinking out loud.

 

(no point in suggesting solutions to the OP, since they sailed already- but I think we can work around the waiting issues with traditional dining + working out the schedule well in advance for later than 5pm)

 

 

Interesting thoughts- you might be on the right track. We have never had any problems with traditional dining. I didn't think the food in the MDR was 'bad' just not as good as on previous cruises, including all our RCCL cruises and no where near the quality of the specialty restaurants, which I feel used to be the norm of the MDRS..

[marciab]

Did you have reservations for MTD? If you have reservations, do you still have to wait? We'll be on Allure in Feb. All our shows are booked, and I've made reservations for three of the nights in the dining room, with the intention that we'll make it to our shows in time, and that we'll be seated when one of the early shows we've booked lets out.

 

Should I be concerned?

 

DH says we should have booked a more traditional ship - one that didn't require so much planning. Everytime I ask him his preference, he tells me he doesn't want to hear about it...

 

Some nights even those with reservations had to wait, since I couldn't get reservations, I am not sure how long they had to wait. There are 2 lines, one for those with reservations and the other for those without. The one for those with reservations is much shorter and moves faster.

[Sue Dawson]

We were also on this cruise and the original OP is correct - MTD had long waits - and if you didn't wait for your table for a long time then you waited for your meals for a very long time (and we had reservations). There were also many rude waiters and bar tenders on this cruise which I have never encountered before with 20 cruises on Royal Caribbean. I heard from another guest that some of the staff were asked (or rather told) that they had to stay on for an extra 3 weeks when they were expecting to be able to go home for Christmas - I don't know if this is true or not but it might explain a lot of the attitudes that we ran into. I believe this particular cruise was unusual in its lack of quality service - at least I hope it was unusual. The ship was beautiful.

[Big_G]

Did you have reservations for MTD? If you have reservations, do you still have to wait? We'll be on Allure in Feb. All our shows are booked, and I've made reservations for three of the nights in the dining room, with the intention that we'll make it to our shows in time, and that we'll be seated when one of the early shows we've booked lets out.

 

Should I be concerned?

 

DH says we should have booked a more traditional ship - one that didn't require so much planning. Everytime I ask him his preference, he tells me he doesn't want to hear about it...

 

Oddly enough, the night after the show, we didn't have a reservation but the line was shorter and moved faster than the reservation line. The nights we had reservations, I don't think we waited more than 30 minutes. Hence my preference for traditional 'just-walk-in' dining.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[funNsun4me]

Did you have reservations for MTD? If you have reservations, do you still have to wait? We'll be on Allure in Feb. All our shows are booked, and I've made reservations for three of the nights in the dining room, with the intention that we'll make it to our shows in time, and that we'll be seated when one of the early shows we've booked lets out.

 

Should I be concerned?

 

DH says we should have booked a more traditional ship - one that didn't require so much planning. Everytime I ask him his preference, he tells me he doesn't want to hear about it...

 

We were on in mid-November and I pre-booked all shows and MTD for 6:30 and we never had to wait. However, we did feel that the ship was really crowded, especially on the first day and sea days and the ship was loud, with the exception of Central Park in the evening. We even had hard time hearing each other at a table for 2. We tried the Windjammer but walked out numerous times and stuck to the dining room for breakfast and lunch on sea days. On port days we ate at the other free venues. We also booked Giovannis for the first night to avoid the dining room choas. This was a very different cruising experience for us and while we weren't thrilled, we agreed that we would probably give it another try sometime in the future, preferably with other friends. Yes, the shows were fantastic but DH did not like the fact that everything had to be planned ahead of time and it took the chillax out of the vacation.

[rt1092]

I think sometimes the wait staff in can get overworked in MTD if everyone starts show up at once. We went there after a show once and the waiter hardly spoke to us. She was flying from table to table. What did you mean by a 'tasting' at 150 Central Park? I've never eaten there.

They were not overworked. They were just standing there till someone got their eye. My dinner was served 15 minutes before my wife and mother in laws were served. We are very easy going and not arrogant, but the service sucked. The head waiter was there and did nothing about it.

When we ate ate 150 central park there is a set menu, you do not decide what you want to eat. They just bring it to you. My aunt does not eat red meat. This was somewhat of a problem, they gave her a mushroom instead. Not a large portabella mushroom, a small (half dollar sized) button mushroom. The portions are generally small and if you don't like them there are no substitutes (my wife doesn't like fish).

This was the first (and last) time we left a Royal Carribean table hungry.

[EV2008]

We were on the Oasis and I have to agree with you on most things. I did do some research before we went on the Cruise and made reservations for all the things we wanted to do, that helped but for the shows we still had to wait in line if we wanted a good seat, so there is a lot of wasted vacation time. We NEVER ate in the Windjammer because of all he people , we tried 1 time and when we saw that it was impossible to sit and eat we made other arrangements for lunch. We had MTD and that worked out great we had the same table every night anyway and we loved that. My DH and DS liked all the activities and the ship. I am fine with never going on that size ship again.

[flowergirl22]

I was also on this cruise, as well as the 12/9 sailing (turned diamond plus on the 12/9). Like the OP, this was also my least favorite cruise (both legs) of the 15 cruises I have taken. I did a b2b on the Oasis in 2010, so pretty much knew what to expect as far as shows and dinning, so no surprises there, however, the lines seemed much longer then on Oasis regarding shows. I didn't bother prebooking, because I never had to wait long for seats on the O. This was not the case this time. Still, this was not much of an issue, wasn't that interested in Chicago, seen several times. The aqua show was very good, but in my opinion, not as spectacular as on the Oasis. I do wish I would have seen the ice show, which I always enjoy.

 

CREW: I found the crew to be VERY friendly, always greeting me with a smile, however, after speaking with several of the staff, it appeared that many of them were brand new to working for a cruise line, and still learning, but enthusiastic and pleasant.

 

DINNING: Had traditional 8:30 seating both legs. I have always enjoyed the food in the dinning room. This time was different. I only ate in the dinning room four nights on the first leg and and twice on the second. Can not say there was anything that I really enjoyed. Ate at samba grill twice and really enjoyed both times. I wish they would offer a salad bar only option there. Loved the salad bar.

 

Like the OP said, the ship is absoluty stunning, and the passengers all appeared to be thourally enjoying the experience. Glad that I experienced oasis and allure, but I like OP, it' too big for me, in more then just size.

 

Highlight: The casino, had many lucky nights there.

 

Also, don't go by the tv reservation system, it's not accurate. Shows no res. available, when this is not the case.

[KirkNC]

Welcome back, thanks for the review!

[bonsai3s]

We were on the inaugural sailing of the Allure...and we made a number of mistakes. The second time around, (with our immediate family of 10), we avoided our mistakes.

Yes, planning was the key. We had all our shows booked, completed our waivers in advance, and agreed to do (and not do) a few things. Perhaps, it was a true advantage having sailed on her previously.

* In the buffet, we agreed not to always seat together. If we were by ourselves, be courteous and seat at the "bar" and not take a table. We ate breakfast at Johnny Rockets or at Central Park...less crowds.

* We were mindful of those who really need to use the elevators and made every effort to use the stairs. Great exercise. :) (Our parents were disabled cruisers so we are extremely respectful of others.)

* It was the same with the shows, we didn't all have to seat together. Often times we observed large family's "reserving" adjoining seats...we decided in advance that we'll enjoy the show regardless of where we were seating.

* The track (always empty) was a great way to get around (literally) the ship.

* The fitness center can get busy...but seemed to be empty after lunch...eveyone's napping. :)

* The ice skating rink venue had a large screen TV where you can watch sports...almost always empty and great stadium seating.

* The lines for the flowrider were shorter than we expected...only the few brave ones tried it. The rock climbing wall was the same...almost always empty. One place our family waited was the Zipline...but enjoyed the wait when we watched two 92 yr olds ziplined..with huge smiles.

Note: Regarding the food in the MDR. Food is subjective and taste can vary from person to person. I told the kids that if there is something they don't like...be courteous and ask for something else. And if they like something...they can have some more if they choose. Our waiter and asst. waiter were great and we enjoyed our late traditional dining together as a family. (Yes, I planned in advance to ensure that we had a table for 10 and enough room for a wheelchair.)

For those who are planning to sail the Oasis/Allure...perhaps it is a cliche, but true: "The ship is the destination". Happy sailing. :)

[JKHawaii]

I agree that the Allure will not please everyone. Unlike other ships, you do have to plan ahead to fit everything in on a 7-night cruise. If you prefer to peruse the Cruise Compass the night before to decide what to do the next evening, you'll likely be disappointed.

 

The ship is humongous, so if you have mobility issues, the ship will be challenging. (Hey, how about a tram/monorail/subway?)

 

The rear elevators are often clogged. They have 12 elevators in the rear bank, but they could use more. (Unpleasant dressing up in your finest and then sardining yourself into the elevator)

 

The promenade WAS busy during special events, but I think that's expected. (It would be a shame if only a few folks showed up for the extravagant parade they have or the high-energy 70's disco event. Other than special events, navigating the promenade was not a problem for us.

 

The design of the windjammer is not conducive to serving 6,000 people. The food islands are nice, but they replace what could have been needed seating. Plus, you have to naviage past/through people at the islands to get around the venue. On the other hand, we waited until 1:30 PM to eat lunch and the crowds had diminished by then. We didn't try breakfast there, but preferred to have a leisurely breakfast in the lovely open-air solarium.

 

You do have to do your homework and thank goodness for Cruise Critic, with a plethora of Allure/Oasis reviews and tips to facilitate your planning.

I must commend RCCL: they bombarded me with emails before my cruise to remind me to reserve shows and MTD.

 

With everying reserved, my total waiting time during the 7-night cruise was less than 30 minutes. That's on top of the what, 15 minutes it took for embarkation? Not bad for a ship that sails with 8,000 souls!

[steveru621]

Did you have reservations for MTD? If you have reservations, do you still have to wait? We'll be on Allure in Feb. All our shows are booked, and I've made reservations for three of the nights in the dining room, with the intention that we'll make it to our shows in time, and that we'll be seated when one of the early shows we've booked lets out.

 

Should I be concerned?

 

DH says we should have booked a more traditional ship - one that didn't require so much planning. Everytime I ask him his preference, he tells me he doesn't want to hear about it...

 

I was on the 12/2 cruise, but I'm not sure we were on the same ship as the OP. My endorsement, I can't wait to do it again. :D

 

1. Elevator waits - exactly the same as all RCCL ships

2. Shows - the big difference, the shows were way better and there were more showtime choices. Unlike other ships where you for the most part had a late seating and a early seating choice.

3. Windjammer - seems smaller, but the table wait was exactly the same.

4. Dining room, late seating - we had a wonderful waiter and assistant waiter. Even the head waiter (unusual) actually worked.

5. Lines - we didn't spend more than 5 minutes in any line the entire week. We often wondered where all of the 6,000 cruisers went, because of the lack of crowds.

6. Solarium - we always found a lounge chair.

7. Crowds - only on the Promenade, but not any worse than Voyager

 

MTD - Why anyone would subject themselves to that hassle I just don't understand, my opinion. Whenever we went by the MTD area on deck 4 there was a HUGE line for those with no reservations, and NO line for those that had planned ahead and made reservations. It seemed just like home, everyone wants to eat at 7:00PM and patrons are upset it's crowded.

 

I do agree RCCL could do a better job of warning people to PLAN AHEAD for most activities on the Allure. That said, if you are expecting perfection, don't travel, you will surely be disappointed.

[tack&mack]

A year ago DW and I made our first cruise on one of the BIG ships - Allure. My DW was not looking forward to the trip BECAUSE of the expected crowds. When it was all said and done, she (and I second the motion) felt it was one of the MOST enjoyable cruises on which we have ever been (and we have been on 12 on RCCL). With all the different venues on the ship, long lines and waiting times were the least of our worries. All ships have long lines to get in the MDR ... but they move quite well when the doors open. "MARCIAB" was quite correct about advance planning. We planned most of our shows before even boarding. When we arrived, the tickets were waiting in our cabin. On many of the RCCL ships one has to go to a show at least 30 - 60 minutes before before the show starts to get a half-way descent seat. On Allure we showed up 15 minutes before the show was due to start (one must be there at least 10 minutes before the show or the reservation is lost) and walked right in (with good seats available). Our experience on Allure was so positive, we have booked a B2B on Oasis for December 2013. A little planning goes a long way in making a cruise on the BIG SHIPS more enjoyable.

 

Tom

[hxhbk]

[quote name='steveru621']I was on the 12/2 cruise, but I'm not sure we were on the same ship as the OP. My endorsement, I can't wait to do it again. :D

1. Elevator waits - exactly the same as all RCCL ships
2. Shows - the big difference, the shows were way better and there were more showtime choices. Unlike other ships where you for the most part had a late seating and a early seating choice.
3. Windjammer - seems smaller, but the table wait was exactly the same.
4. Dining room, late seating - we had a wonderful waiter and assistant waiter. Even the head waiter (unusual) actually worked.
5. Lines - we didn't spend more than 5 minutes in any line the entire week. We often wondered where all of the 6,000 cruisers went, because of the lack of crowds.
6. Solarium - we always found a lounge chair.
7. Crowds - only on the Promenade, but not any worse than Voyager

MTD - Why anyone would subject themselves to that hassle I just don't understand, my opinion. Whenever we went by the MTD area on deck 4 there was a HUGE line for those with no reservations, and NO line for those that had planned ahead and made reservations. It seemed just like home, everyone wants to eat at 7:00PM and patrons are upset it's crowded.

I do agree RCCL could do a better job of warning people to PLAN AHEAD for most activities on the Allure. That said, if you are expecting perfection, don't travel, you will surely be disappointed.[/quote]

+1... I was on the same cruise and agree with your observations completely.
On the MTD, with reservations, the 2 of us never waited more than a couple of minutes. In fact we like our waiter Angelo so much that we were able to ask to be seated at his station for every night that we went to the main dining room. After the first 2 nights, it was automatic because the host can see the pattern of the previous nights of our table location.
On the Windjammer, we were also able to find table fairly easily. We also changed venues to the Solarium, the Park Cafe and Johnny Rocket for breakfast.

[Cupcrazy]

Thanks for your review and opinions. By reading reviews like yours I'm hoping my first trip on Oasis goes smoothly.

[DrD]

That's what we didn't like about NCL Epic, I felt I had to make reservations for everything including shows ahead of time. I had this whole printed daily itinerary before I boarded. It was nice the way this was generated and printed, but I didn't like having to plan ahead so much.

Granted I didn't try to wing it at all so I can't say how hard that would be, although I did see wait times well over an hour for some popular restaurants periodically (wait times were displayed on a screen.)

Next up we're going back to traditional. Something nice about knowing when and where every night.

I have to plan and make decisions all day at work, on a cruise I like to keep it to a minimum.

[KittyCat1Million]

Thank you for your review. I have not read all the responses on this thread ( I am sorry don't have the time) but thought I would mention my experience with My Time Dining on the Oasis (Allure's Sister Ship).

We ate in the Specialty restaurants five out of the seven nights. On the two nights we did the MDR we were seated within a few minutes. We had a table for four. The service was very good and the food was fine, not great. I am not a big fan of the MDR food compared to eating in the specialty restaurants. I am just wondering if you were waiting for a table for two to have to wait so long. Two tops are much more limited. Could this have been the reason for your longer wait? Again, thank you for taking the time to review your cruise.