Very nervous, should we be?!

[RCI Cruisers 004]

Don't worry about crowds ! There will b times when you wonder where everybody is ! About the only time you will see crowds is when they have the tee shirt and watch sales going on.

[Jon in the ATL]

Another vote for how amazing the Allure is. No worry about a thing, cause everything gonna be alright... :)

 

Enjoy..you are on vacation!

[Ocean Boy]

We were on the Allure Valentines week of 2012 and, based on everyone else's comments, had a totally different experience on the Allure. The crowds were terrible, and we have never encountered so many rude passengers. There was more people smoking than on any cruise we have taken, and it seemed every where we went we waited in line or couldn't find room at a pool or to dance at any of the venues that had dancing. But then again, all of the dance floors on the Allure are a lot smaller than the other ships, and there doesn't seem to be as many dance venues or as many dancing opportunities. I don't recall a time when we were on a cruise where the public areas were so crowded, even late into the evenings.

 

We didn't think about it until someone told us when the cruise was almost over, but out the week we were on the Allure was during Mardi Gras and there were a very high number of folks on the ship celebrating Mardi Gras and the same thing was expected the next week. I don't know if that is the reason it was so crowded.

 

As for suggestions, if you enjoy the shows, get there early. If you have a balcony or suite and you don't want the crowds, spend more time there. that was part of what saved the trip for us. Also, we highly recommend 150 Central Park and Itzumi. The food was fabulous in both restaurants.

 

For us Allure was definitely our best cruise, and we have no desire to return to the Allure or go on the Oasis, and we are not sure about trying the Quantum.

 

If the above is how you describe your best cruise then I would hate to see what your worst was like.

[denamo]

Chiming in here to agree with all of the posts regarding crowds on Allure. Crowds experienced prior or following shows. Elevators were not a problem. We often would use stairs if only a few decks away from where we wanted to go or walk to the other end of the ship to grab an elevator. Really needed the extra walk after definitely over eating! ;) Never had a problem getting a pool chair.

 

Overall, seems like on land. Optimum times are busier. Many venues and Oasis class of ships does a good job of spreading everyone throughout the ship. If not too crazy about the crowds, can avoid the parades and 70's night event on the Promenade.

 

One thought for ship directions generally speaking...eating venues (MDR, Windjammer) are in the back (aft) of the ship and entertainment venues (Theater, Casino, Ice Rink) are in the front (forward). Exceptions: Solarium cafe is in the front and Aqua Theater is in the back.

 

Our first cruise on the Oasis, we did come home feeling like we needed a vacation from our vacation! So much fun. Loved it all. Enjoy your cruise on the Allure.

[rutgersgirl27]

Pay attention to the maps onboard; they will tell you when each restaurant is over saturated. The neat thing about these ships is there are so many tricks and ways to beat crowds. Johnny Rockets does a free breakfast, for example. Not a lot of ppl seemed to go there on Oasis. And the pools were never a problem.

 

These ships are an experience like no other.

 

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Forums mobile app

[aubreyc1988]

The Allure is amazing...the ship is SO innovative and there's always something to do no matter what kind of activities people are interested...the only time i experienced crowds were right after shows and in the windjammer...the way they set up the flow for going in and out of windjammer just doesn't make a whole lot of sense and it kind of gets a bit crowded...but other wise the allure is perfect...we are thinking about doing the Oasis if we can get a good price drop in feb!

[Sunny AZ Girl]

The only time we noticed the ship being crowded was embarkation day.

Once it was announced we could go to our cabins, no more crowds.

A good place to have lunch that day is Giovanni's ($15 pp for lunch) and avoid the crowd.

 

LuLu

~~~~

 

Agree here completely. We have never been on a ship as uncrowded as the Allure!

 

A couple of other hints to avoid the crowds:

 

*Use the electronic dining guides at the elevator banks and on your in cabin tv to determine where to eat breakfast and lunch. There are so many options, many with no extra charge. While the WJ showed red (meaning it was jammed) most of the time we wanted to eat, other venues were green. We went to the green and experienced several different venues and were totally relaxed while there. We only made it to the WJ once the entire cruise.

 

*While the elevators do tend to get busy after big events like muster drill, shows and parades most of the time you will wonder where everyone else is. We couldn't get over the difference. Elevators were fast and efficient. Only twice did we experience packed elevators. We quickly figured out at those times that the best way to get an elevator was to ride the opposite way the crowd was going. For example, when we got into port an hour late in St. Thomas everyone was in a rush to get off the ship. So, from Deck 8 we took the virtually empty elevator car all the way UP before heading back down. If you are able at these times take the stairs. Or wait a few minutes until the crowds dispense.

 

* We did not go to the parades and 70's night. I understand they are quite crowded. However, they are also crowded on any other ship with a Promenade. If those are important to you, scope out your spot for viewing in advance and go early. Relax and have a drink while waiting. Stay later if you don't want a crowded elevator.:)

 

Enjoy the Allure! My only complaint is that one week was not long enough.:cool:

Edited December 18, 2013 by Sunny AZ Girl

[klfhngr]

Update: We BOOKED!!!!!!! Thanks everyone for your feedback, it's greatly appreciated! Updating signature, lol!

[kruzerci]

Even after 17 cruises, I was apprehensive before Oasis. We needed up LOVING it. I thought it was just about the perfect cruise ship. I'm glad they are building more of them!

[Mapleleafforever]

I love the Benny Hill avatar!! Crowds won't be a problem, you'll have a blast! Enjoy!

[cjdixon4]

Making RSVP for the Allure.. Biggest we've been on is Voyager class and down... Concerned about crowds, chair hogs by pool, waiting in lines for food. Should we be, or am I overly concerned? We tend to have fun wherever we go, but this ship is HUGE!

 

Please advise and let me know what we SHOULD worry about... thanks in advance!

 

Worry about NOTHING. At no time that I was on the Oasis, did I EVER feel as though there were 5,000+ people on the ship. I often wondered where everyone was! There were no "lines" for eating, never had a problem getting a lounger on the pool deck or in the Solarium, etc. The ship is so massive with SO much activity taking place, that cruisers can really spread out without feeling smothered or overwhelmed. G and have a great time!

[LMaxwell]

No problems finding a pool chair somewhere. Saw lines at Windjammer sometimes at lunch time but moved quick; zero wait once inside for food because they are at different stations. Plenty of other places to eat as well with no lines. Park Cafe only had a long line first day, busy rest of the time but no long lines.

 

No waiting for anything really. Even elevators were NEVER an issue. It is an energetic ship but not unnecessarily crowded. There will be times you look around and wonder where the other 5350 guests are. Embark and disembark at ports of call...walk on walk off, they nailed it.

[travelplus]

Making RSVP for the Allure.. Biggest we've been on is Voyager class and down... Concerned about crowds, chair hogs by pool, waiting in lines for food. Should we be, or am I overly concerned? We tend to have fun wherever we go, but this ship is HUGE!

 

Please advise and let me know what we SHOULD worry about... thanks in advance![/quote

 

Don't be nervous go and enjoy yourself.

[BecciBoo]

RSVP=répondez s'il vous plaît:D

[trev71]

You will be fine... like some people posted the only time was after a show or the muster drill since everyone was coming from that area.. Ive been on the Oasis and Allure and loved every second.. So much so , we are going back on the Oasis :)

[AmyWrites]

I went on the Adventure back when it was the largest ship in the world.... aside from disembarkation day, all was good.

[Esmerelda]

Just being in aweee of the ship for 7 days will be your biggest worry. (and running out of energy and time to do all the great stuff on board)

 

The first time my hubby and my son stepped into the promenade of the Oasis, we all three said; Damnnnnnnnnn......

 

The ships are beautiful and you are going to have a blast.

 

:p

[MMFM3]

Making RSVP for the Allure.. Biggest we've been on is Voyager class and down... Concerned about crowds, chair hogs by pool, waiting in lines for food. Should we be, or am I overly concerned? We tend to have fun wherever we go, but this ship is HUGE!

 

Please advise and let me know what we SHOULD worry about... thanks in advance!

 

Don't be worried. My family traveled on the Allure Easter week and we couldn't believe there were that many people on this ship because we hardly waited for anything. Especially pool chairs never once had a problem.

 

You will absolutely love it. One thing I will suggest is to make dinner reservations in the specialty restaurants before boarding and definitely make reservations for the show. I don't think you will have a problem if you didn't but just so easy if you do and you want to enjoy your vacation. I found this to be totally stress free.

 

ENJOY~~~~

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Please advise and let me know what we SHOULD worry about... thanks in advance!

 

I think this thread has sufficiently answered concerns about crowds, elevators, lines, etc You need to worry only if you did not pre-schedule shows and specialty dining so you can be free to enjoy the amenities of the ship once onboard. You need to worry that you will not plan relaxation time into your week because there is always something else you want to experience. You need to worry that one week will not be enough.

[klfhngr]

I love the Benny Hill avatar!! Crowds won't be a problem, you'll have a blast! Enjoy!

 

Lol, thanks! Will do, thanks again!

[klfhngr]

RSVP=répondez s'il vous plaît:D

 

Oui!

[riclop]

Making RSVP for the Allure.. Biggest we've been on is Voyager class and down... Concerned about crowds, chair hogs by pool, waiting in lines for food. Should we be, or am I overly concerned? We tend to have fun wherever we go, but this ship is HUGE!

 

Please advise and let me know what we SHOULD worry about... thanks in advance!

You wont feel crowded at all and the experiece is not to be missed.

[dirtgirl]

You will love it! I was just on her in November. ;) Make sure you sign your waivers online ahead of time, and pre-book specialty dining and entertainment. I loved the unlimited internet package!! :)

[BillOh]

Haven't been on Allure, but just got off Independence. There are enough venues that should spread the passengers out. Also, remember room service. No lines there! We did have some interesting moments by the elevator, waiting for the elevator around meal times had us looking at a packed elevator a couple of times.

 

This is where a little planning pays off. If I am an expert at any cruise related topic its avoiding elevator crowds. One of my Allure tips is, if you come out of the show at the Aquatheater and need to go to the far end of the ship at a higher deck (and you have to use the elevator), most people will walk to the closest elevator, ride up to their floor and then walk the length of the ship. If you walk the length of the ship first, then take the elevator to your floor less crowds. On other ships there is a 2nd bank of elevators around the corner that are empty when the first ones you see are full.

[fairweather]

No need to be concerned. The neighborhood concept and show reservation system spreads crowds all across the ship instead of concentrating them. We could always find deck chairs unless you wanted to be right by a pool or lines at the buffet unless you went at a peak time. With so many recreation and restaurant alternatives, try them and you will be surprised at how enjoyable the Oasis-class concept can be. Allure is like a vibrant city instead of a one horse town.