Suite Life Allure and Breakaway!!

[megacruisa]

Cruise Critic Review.docx

[McCutie]

Thanks for the comparison of the Allure and Breakaway. We were just looking at the Quantum loft for next year and we are booked on the Breakaway for Feb.

 

The loft is not cheap and the max is 4, correct? We are a family of 5 so perhaps there is a connecting cabin? I have to look into that.

 

I am surprised about the treatment in the restaurant on A....but it has been a long time since we cruised any way but freestyle so maybe I am just used to the more laid back approach.

 

Btw: We had Adrian when we were in the GV on the Jewel and he was the best we ever had! So we are thrilled we get to have him again!

[megacruisa]

Not sure what the maximum occupancy on the Quantum is. Hopefully you do have Adrian again in Feb.

[sonntags]

Excellent comparison, thanks for the review!

[Gig103]

I'm really curious about your review, any chance of posting it directly in the thread??

[Medtech2]

Thanks for your review. While I have not sailed RCI I can attest to the level of service on NCL, even for nonsuite guests. Even in the MDR when I asked for something not available it was brought with a smile...

 

As a former waitress I could possibly understand the kitchen is closed if you requested something hot after hours but a bun and soda require no prep! Even at IHOP where I worked if you arrived before the closing time you were accomodated with a smile, even if we then went to the back to groan ;)

 

We might start cleaning around you if you dallied but we still would have been attending to your needs! No excuse for that.

 

What exactly was the response when you complained?

 

And one of my pet peeves is being called "Sweetie"! That is a lazy way to be ingratiating. They do it in hospitals all the time, and when it concerns my elderly mother I always point out her name.

 

What did you think of the Park Avenue concept vs NCL's waterfront and interior spaces?

[SMerritt]

The Loft suite on the Oasis was amazing......

 

Service, entertainment, etc.on the Oasis was abismal - Back to NCL

[RollTideGuy]

Thank you for this review!

 

We are trying to decide between the RCI Oasis and the NCL Getaway for our honeymoon in May. This review of both sister ships is very helpful.

[megacruisa]

Happy New Year to All.

Recently sailed both Allure (A) Dec 1, and Breakaway (B) Dec 15.

Would definitely recommend both ships. They are different in decor, and offerings and that is how it should be.

Some of the complaints regarding B are a little exaggerated. The casino for example is not as large as reported and can be easily avoided. Unlike the Allure that has its casino in a large contained space, the B has adopted a more open concept.

Loved the family friendly continuous entertainment in the Atrium.

Production shows on both ships were good to excellent and well attended (could not stay awake !!) The main theater on B has no obstructions.

The Jazz club on both were excellent. A has better seats, however B has more of a following for Slam Allen.

Glow party on both was great, have to give the edge to B which was held on the upper outer deck and the glow accessories were complimentary.

Comedy club on both were excellent. First time experiencing "Second City"

Food:

Buffet on B was very good. Burgers were grilled fresh and not sitting in a foreign liquid like on A. Although the cafeteria style on B took some getting used to. A has a better setup including being seated for all meals.

The freestyle concept on B really works. Liked having the option to dine in multiple main dining rooms offering different menus each night.

Ladies; B is much kinder to our feet. Most of the public areas are carpeted.

Water-front on B was never crowded. You can actually sit out there and listen to music from the Jazz Club and other venues. We watched the "Fireworks" from there.

Guest Service Representatives on both were friendly and efficient. The setup on B is better, there is more room between agents and having the continuous entertainment in the Atrium afforded privacy when speaking at the counter.

L2 vs S6

Cannot go wrong with either suite. My husband preferred the Loft, probably because I gave him the larger upstairs bathroom.

I have to give another edge to B. The main bathroom is huge with more counter-space and storage drawers. The second bathroom was small but efficient.

The shower door in the downstairs bathroom on A kept coming off the hinges, and the upstairs bathroom also required maintenance.

Balconies:

On A, we overlooked the sports deck, boardwalk and the ocean. We chose this location deliberately and were not disappointed.

B has a much larger balcony with more furniture, however both were perfect for our needs.

Did not find the Loft to be narrow.

Concierge Lounge vs. Haven Restaurant

The Concierge on A called to urge us to have lunch between the hours of 12noon and 2pm.

We arrived at 1:40pm and was treated as if we were an inconvenience. Asked for a burger bun at 2pm and was told the kitchen was closed. I insisted. Asked for a refill of diet soda at 2:15 and my request was denied. Was not offered a dessert option.

I reported our experience to the Concierge. Told him we were severely disappointed with our experience. If the hours are until 2pm, then we expect to be reasonably accommodated as long as we arrive by that time. The food was hot, well prepared and delicious. However due to the service received we did return.

The Haven Restaurant on B was fantastic on all the occasions we visited, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Concierge Adrian and his assistants were all "top-notch"

Stateroom Attendants.

Our female attendant on A repeatedly called me "Sweetie". Still not sure if I should be flattered or offended. Did not want to keep complaining.

Our attendant on B addressed us as Ms. & Mr. First Name which is appropriate.

Both ships have their own appeal. A has it's wide open spaces and B has it's chic interior.

Will most likely repeat B, because it is within driving distance.

Cannot wait for Quantum to see how she compares!!!

Invite questions and comments.

Thank you for reading.

[megacruisa]

The Waterfront on Breakaway and Central Park on Allure are both great but underused areas. I had previously sailed on Oasis so was familiar with the layout. Only walked through Central Park on my way to Giovanni'. If there is a next time, I have to at least ride on the Rising Tide Bar, and do the Central Park Tour

Next time on Breakaway I will get a blanket and listen to Slam Allen from the more comfortable Waterfront Sofas.

With regard to service on Allure: the only place I personally received less than stellar service was in the Concierge lounge. No complaints anywhere else. Our dining room staff were attentive and bent over backwards to please us. Likewise in the buffet, from the moment you are seated to the time you leave there are attendants to assist. There were also senior staff stopping by tables to make sure all is as it should be.

[megacruisa]

Correction: Due to the service received we did "not" return to the Concierge Lounge on the Allure.