Simply the Best! Allure of the Seas E. Caribbean March 3rd-10th with pics!!

[cruisin_cutie216]

well I messed up and managed to delete what I just posted ><. repost coming soon!

Edited March 13, 2013 by cruisin_cutie216

[Rated]

Awesome!!!

[cruisin_cutie216]

so for whatever reason I went back to edit my post because my tags didn't go all the way through and I managed to delete everything I just wrote!! *head desk* Oy veigh! Well, here it goes again!

 

Chapter 5: "Well ya did say there was alot of food"

 

Once the luggage fiasco was finally over, we went back to change into bathing suits for much needed relaxation in the adults only pool, the Solarium. Since Rob isn't a huge party animal and I was really needing to relax after the excitement of traveling, we decided to skip the sail away party near the pool at the top deck.

 

For those of you who have experienced the Solarium, it is wonderful! Its a very calming and tranquil setting and it makes for a spectacular view of the sunset at night!

 

We find a few chairs to set our shoes, towels, and room keys on and we find a not too crowded hot tub with a perfectly picturesque view of the setting oceanic sun. I think we had the best seat in the house! The Solarium would become our best friend later on in the week. Suprisingly, the hot tub was oddly lukewarm for whirlpool but the massaging sensation was nice after hauling around heavy luggage for half the morning.

 

Upon reaching wrinkled raisin status, we decided to towel off and head back to our staterooms to prepare for dinner.

 

Now picture if you will, how 4 women managed to cram in front of ONE (that's right, ONE) vanity mirror and how we all managed to curl hair, spray hair, straighten hair, put on makeup, put on jewelry, get dressed, and readjust all in time to make it to our 8:30 seating. It was pretty tight!

 

Holly, Rob's middle sister, was ready early and already out and about with boyfriend Zac. They made it a habit each night to meet up with one another to take photos before dinner. Sara (Rob's younger sister), Sandy (Rob's mom) and myself all took turns getting ready in front of the vanity and managed to pace ourselves pretty nicely. I chose my favorite blue sundress that was perfectly island-y/cruise-y. I've had it since I was 13 years old and this proved to be my favorite dress during the cruise.

 

Once we were all perfectly ready, we headed down to the Main Dining Room (MDR) for dinner. We would be in the Adagio Dining Room, Level 3 with the 8:30 seating time. We all congregated together in the lobby while we waited for the doors to open (Myself, Rob, Zac, Brian [bf to Sara], Rob's dad Paul,Sandy, Sara, Holly, Aunt Nan, Chelsea and Adam [cousins to Rob], Uncle Brad, Uncle Tom, and Rob's grandpa). Right at 8:30 sharp, the doors were opened and I walked into the dining room.

 

It was everything I thought it would be.

 

Picturesque room that looked like it was straight out of a movie. A grand piano was set on the main stage which was later used during the cruise for the string quartet that played during our meal. We made our way to table 236 and I proceeded to admire the beautifully set place settings. Charming plates and neatly arrange flatware adorned the table along with wine glasses and water goblets. There was a wine menu at the center of the table but no one ordered wine at this seating. We were then greeted by our waitress and waiter, Krista and Ricardo. They paid close attention to our needs and served us promptly and acceptionally. The dining room was now filled with the chatter of other guests at tables and clank of silverware and glasses. Our waitress proceeded to take our orders for dinner. Each night, the menu was a different theme. Tonights theme was the Mojo Menu. We placed orders for main course and appetizers. Being a first time cruiser, I later learned you could order as many things as you wanted as far as appetizer, main course, and desert (gosh those sweat pants would have been handy during the formal dinner nights!)

 

I ordered the Royal Shrimp Cocktail for an appetizer and the Mojo Chicken for my main dish. The shrimp cocktail was very tasty and came out perfectly chilled on a bed of lettuce with an olive garnish. The serves poured cocktail sauce on the top if you desired.

 

The Mojo Chicken was VERY tasty! It was served with an orange garnish and an orange/ginger flavored sauce accompanied by steamed vegetables.

 

 

For desert, I ordered the BBB Creme Brulee. Wasn't to impressed by it and it ended up being one of my least favorite deserts on the cruise [and probably the first and last I had the option of choosing for myself but more on that later]. The taste of the dish was a bit, odd, compared to other creme brulees I had had in the past.

 

 

Our first dinner together!!

 

Once dinner had concluded, Rob and I headed to Central Park so that I could get some shots of myself with the Central Park sign at night.

 

Side story: Here in my state I'm a beauty queen and part of my duties as a titleholder are to visit various places representing my title. The queens take pictures at the various places they go during their reign and then at the end of the year the pageant director compiles them into a newsletter that goes out in the pageant system and sometimes get posted on Facebook. I had to get some shots of me in my "pageant gear". On our way up to Central Park from dinner, Rob decided to get a picture of me on one of the many staircases on the ship.

 

 

Behold! The dress I wore to dinner [sans sweater]!! Its my favorite sundress!

 

We then ventured into Central Park. The scene was breathtaking. Perfectly lit trees and plants with the gentle sound of crickets in the background. It felt like a fairy tale. Plus, every single plant and tree in the park....is LIVE! I could hardly believe it! They are cared for by 1 horticulturalist and 2 gardeners. Its so amazing to me that a team of three can care for all of those trees! The Park was far too picturesque for me to pass up the photo opportunity so thanks to Rob's awesome camera work, he got a few shots of me in the park.

 

 

I'm the Vana White of Central Park! (just kidding, I wish!)

 

 

My mom LOVED this picture! One of her favorites!

 

After my impromptu photo session, we decided to settle on a bench and take in the atmosphere. It was so romantic and comforting to sit in each others arms in one of the most beautiful parts of the ship. It felt like a dream and I never wanted to wake up.

 

All too soon, the sandman came knocking and Rob escorted his sleeping beauty back her stateroom for some much needed rest. After all, we had a huge day tomorrow.

 

Day 2

Port of Call: Nassau Bahamas.

 

And so concludes...

 

 

<3 Missy <3

[joand452]

Tell Rob he's not alone in having to go to the "naughty room." We had to on Allure, too, for mouthwash of all things!! I understand they're more vigilant during the spring and spring breakers on board.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

Cruising Cutie 216, please, do me a big favor. Each and every time you cruise, regardless of what ship, submit a review like this one. I have enjoyed it tremendously.

 

You seem like such a fun person. Your look at cruising as a first timer is so refreshing. Thank you for the time and effort you have dedicated to this.

 

I wish for you many more years of wonderful cruises and look forward to your next review.

[jakesmom04]

cruising cutie216: Please express our thanks to Rob for all his sevice from our large military family. Love the shots of you in Central Park.

[cruisin_cutie216]

Cruising Cutie 216, please, do me a big favor. Each and every time you cruise, regardless of what ship, submit a review like this one. I have enjoyed it tremendously.

 

You seem like such a fun person. Your look at cruising as a first timer is so refreshing. Thank you for the time and effort you have dedicated to this.

 

I wish for you many more years of wonderful cruises and look forward to your next review.

 

Will do! thank you for the wonderful words! I was a bit nervous as this is my first review but I'm really happy with it so far and its turned out amazing! I cannot wait to cruise again! So glad you've enjoyed :)

 

cruising cutie216: Please express our thanks to Rob for all his sevice from our large military family. Love the shots of you in Central Park.

 

Thank you! And of course, I'll thank him for you! Thank you to those in your family who've served as well.

 

OT Post: So back in February Rob and I attended our first military ball and I thought I would share some photos with you all [**this dress was SUPPOSED to be one of my formal night dresses but alas we couldn't find any ways to make it fit with the luggage. Next cruise though...]

 

 

In my parents living room. Taken by Rob's mom! She was so proud!

 

 

In the ballroom after dinner.

 

Enjoy!

[mchin]

What a great review! Your enthusiasm is contagious! I will be on Allure for the first time next month. I look forward to hearing more about your vacation so I can live vicariously through your adventure while I wait my turn. :D.

 

P.S. congratulations on your pageant win!

[narrow56]

I think I'd be super jealous if I was sailing out of a port at the same time as the Allure and not on it! Also, I have to ask why you are staying in a separate room from your boyfriend?

[cruisin_cutie216]

I think I'd be super jealous if I was sailing out of a port at the same time as the Allure and not on it! Also, I have to ask why you are staying in a separate room from your boyfriend?

 

Very good question! Being that the reservations were booked by Rob's grandpa and mom, they kept girls with girls and guys with guys. If we waned to get a stateroom on our own it was going to be at lease one grand for the both of us and we just didn't have the money. Not to mention the ressies were booked months in advance. We wanted to be on our own but couldn't this time.

[Winnigirl]

Missy - I am enjoying your report so much! It's just making me smile - your enthusiasm and excitement of your first cruise is contagious! Never lose that excitement and joy in new things - it makes life so much nicer! (I like Ziggy very much. A million years ago when I was young my boyfriend (now husband) and I had an intrepid stuffed traveller too - Zachariah the Raccoon; oh the adventures that Zachariah had!) Anxiously awaiting more!

[BecciBoo]

Missy, your posts are just as cute as you are....it never gets old does it Emmy???? I love seeing it through your eyes though. I'm sure they were as round as saucers!!! Loving your review....we have to wait until 2014 for Allure:(

[bluecruisin]

I hve read ALOT of reviews and this one is the most enjoyable!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to post it. I'm glad you had a wonderful cruise and please thank your boyfreind for his service to our country.

[IrishLassie]

Loving your review & LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pictures of you at the "Ball". Thank your boyfriend for his service. :)

[cruisin_cutie216]

I hve read ALOT of reviews and this one is the most enjoyable!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to post it. I'm glad you had a wonderful cruise and please thank your boyfreind for his service to our country.

 

You are very welcome! This will not be my last review as this is not my last cruise! In the process of planning a cruise for my mom for her birthday.

 

Loving your review & LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pictures of you at the "Ball". Thank your boyfriend for his service. :)

 

Thanks for joining in. Always good to see some new faces that are enjoying the readings.

 

Robert says thank you for the wonderful words. He's the modest one out of the two of us. I can't help it, I'm one proud girlfriend.

[Sunny AZ Girl]

I think I'd be super jealous if I was sailing out of a port at the same time as the Allure and not on it! Also, I have to ask why you are staying in a separate room from your boyfriend?

I am old fashioned and am smiling from ear-to-ear. Love the way his parents think!:D

 

It reminds me of the time when my BF (now my DH of 40 years) and I went on our houseboat on a week long trip down the Mississippi with my Dad & brother. My Dad was strict on the sleeping arrangements. My DB and BF had to sleep in the double bed at the back of the boat. My BF had to climb over my brother to get out of the bed. I slept in the top bunk as far forward in the boat as I could get, and my Dad slept on the sofa bed below me. I would have had to step on him to get up during the night. We pulled up to shore at night and tied off there. But, we were unable to leave the boat without my Dad knowing about it.:rolleyes:

Edited March 13, 2013 by Sunny AZ Girl

[narrow56]

I keep refreshing the page hoping for more...I think I'll be using this review as a model for mine after my upcoming cruise on the Explorer!

[seaotter15]

Thank you for writing all this! Just found thread today. I will be on the Allure in April with my husband and 8 year old son. This will be our first cruise ever, and reading this is getting me even more excited - if that is even possible! :)

[WisconsinFan]

This is so much fun to read. Keep up the great work. I like the old fashioned boys with boys and girls with girls. I think it is sweet and you get to be able to be on a "date" every time you get ready for dinner.

[MJonTravel]

Best. Review. Ever.

 

Hands down!!! Love it when people discover cruising and share the details.

[cruisin_cutie216]

Chapter 6: "we were in Florida last I checked!"

 

I never realized how cozy the beds are in the staterooms and I gotta say, I slept like a rock my first night onboard. The gentle rocking of the ship lulled and kept me to sleep throughout the night.

 

Its almost surreal waking up and you look over the top deck and realize you're in a completely different city in a completely different country/island. This morning we had docked in our first port of call, Nassau Bahamas. My mom had told me alot about Nassau as she had visited the island on her Royal Caribbean cruise.

 

I was much too excited to venture to the Windjammer for breakfast so I settled for some Disney Fairies fruit snacks that I had packed in my bag and a Chewy chocolate chip granola bar. I packed my tote bag with sunscreen, the camera, spending money and a wallet, seapass, and of course Ziggy came along as well.

 

Rob met me at my stateroom at 7:30 sharp and we proceeded to level 2 to the gangway. Getting off the ship was a swift process. When you get to the gangway entrance you present your sea pass to the kiosk and it is scanned. Remember that boarding photo that they snapped when we got checked in?That picture is in the sea pass and shows up on the screen when you leave the ship going into port and it appears again when you re-board the ship coming in from port. I thought this was a very good way of keeping track of passengers and also a very good measure of security.

 

Once we had made it off the ship, I found myself in beautiful Nassau. The weather was comfortably cool but it made it just warm enough to where I could either go with or without my hoodie. We decided to snap some photos as their were great opportunities to do so.

 

 

Ziggy and I happy as clams to be in Nassau!

 

 

Caught this amazing photo of the Allure as she sat in the dock.

 

Rob and I began to explore Nassau and we were puzzled as of to why many of the shops were still closed. Well of course, it was 8:00 in the morning and most , if not all, of the shops didn't open up until 10:30. Well nuts. Looks like we'd be spending a good chunk of our morning wandering the island until the shops opened. I used this opportunity to snap some photos. As soon as I began to do so, I saw a very familiar ship pulling into port.

 

The Disney Dream. She looked very majestic and regal pulling into port. I couldn't help but be a smidge jealous of the aqua coaster she had onboard. Rob could only remark that it went too slow :rolleyes:.

 

As I drooled over the Disney Dream, Rob persuaded me to head over to the pier and get more pictures of the Dream once it had docked. I managed to snag this picturesque shot of all three ships in the port.

 

 

Frontmost: Carnival Ecstasy. Middle: Disney Dream. Last: Allure of the Seas.

 

I got a bit of a chuckle at how much the Allure towered over the other ships in the port with her. It made it easy for me to find her!

 

By the time I had my pictures all done, the shops were starting to open up. We went by the MAC makeup store and I WAS IN HEAVEN! Being a dancer and a competitive figure skater, all I have is makeup! Being budget conscious, I didn't purchase anything here (ended up being the same price as in the states minus the tax of course).

 

We then saw a shop stall that had vendors selling these really pretty flower clips. I wanted to get something to wear with two of the dresses I had brought on board and what better accessory than a flower for my hair. I picked out a rather pretty faux orchid with a stone in the middle and then a trio of black faux lillies with stones as well. Altogether costing me $5. Not bad!

 

After the flower stall, we ventured over to Del Sol, the store that sells shirts and accessories that change color in the sun. I saw lots of cute things but settled on some rather adorable hair flowers that changed color in the sun. Total cost: $10.

 

At this point, my foot had started to bother me so we began to head back to the ship. On our way back we had to make our way through an open air mall where there were other vendors and a stage set up. On the stage was a caribbean drum band where you could get on stage with them and wear funny hats. Rob protested blatantly but I never pass up a photo op!

 

 

(I had them give him the feather hat tee hee hee!)

 

He was not too pleased with me but it was all in good fun!

 

On our way back to the ship we encountered this awesome sign and Ziggy decided that he wanted his special picture all by himself.

 

 

(he was a smidge tired...sheesh! and he worked SO hard....((sarcasm)))

 

Thought it was cool that the sign said 'welcome allure of the seas', seems very fitting.

 

None the less, we headed to the security shack and then back onto the ship. We timed it very well cause as soon as we were getting back on the ship, everyone was getting OFF. It made for re-emarkation a breeze.

 

Since we still weren't very hungry, we stopped at Cafe Promenade for a small bite to eat. I had a ham and cheese croissant, chocolate chip cookie, and a brownie. All three were very tasty and a delightful lunch. Rob opted for a peanut butter cookie and a mellow yellow from the Coke Freestyle machine.

 

At this point my foot was rather swollen so we headed to my stateroom for me to nap. We would only be in port til about 3:30 so I used this time to rest.

 

Up next: Starbucks, set backs, and dinner debacle.

[Jax129]

I'm loving your review, I can't wait for the rest!!

[jakesmom04]

Thank you for writing all this! Just found thread today. I will be on the Allure in April with my husband and 8 year old son. This will be our first cruise ever, and reading this is getting me even more excited - if that is even possible! :)

 

Seaotter: There is a roll call for your sailing. Come over an join us. See you on aboard.http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1500777

(sorry cruising cutie216 for hijacking this)

[cruisin_cutie216]

Seaotter: There is a roll call for your sailing. Come over an join us. See you on aboard.http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1500777

(sorry cruising cutie216 for hijacking this)

 

no worries! Not a problem at all! I honestly did forget to post a link to the meet and mingles/roll calls in the previous post. Glad someone was able to do it!

[akcruz]

Let me add my appreciation for this thread. You are doing a great job.

 

We did the Eastern on Allure last June and my son loved it so much he asked to go back for his graduation cruise, although doing Western this time around. Love reading these review, I always find something we missed last time to add to my list for the upcoming cruise.