Possibly a back-to-back...ALLURE!

[jules815]

My husband and I have had a rough year with ill elderly parents on both sides. (we're both only children) We were supposed to cruise on FOS in May, but due to our situation we had to cancel.

 

We're now thinking about rescheduling, and my husband mentioned maybe sailing on "the big one" meaning Allure. Our last cruise was, believe it or not, Carnival Dream during the week of hurricane Sandy. Our trip was rough, which wasn't a problem for us as we don't get sea sick, but I did have noro for 3 of the 7 days. Regardless of that bad situation, we're troopers, and cruising is still our preferred vacation. While on Carnival Dream, we were docked next to Allure in St. Maarten, so of course the entire time we were wishing we were on that ship instead of Dream.

 

We're 53 and 55, and have no problem sailing again during hurricane season. I will NOT cruise when schools are out of session, because we don't have to anymore. :) Been there done that.

 

And now we're thinking, maybe this might be a good time to finally do a back to back. We're into the ship, and what better way to spend a back to back than on one of the big ones.

 

Oh, this is VERY IMPORTANT...our cruise on Freedom that we had to cancel, we were going to have our first ever corner aft, deck 7. From looking at the deck plans of Allure, there doesn't seem to be anything like that.

 

We would definitely want an oceanview balcony, but not a suite. The lowest level suite (with perks) for the week I was looking at is $7488, and an ocean view balcony on deck 6 was just over $2500, making the back to back possible. The only problem I can see with the deck 6 balconies (I believe this one was forward) is I wouldn't want our view obstructed with a lifeboat.

 

So finally, my question is, if you were looking at an ocean view balcony on Allure, what would a good location be? We don't feel the need to be up super high near the pool deck. Typically on Voyager class we've been on deck 7 or 8.

 

Are there any bad locations for what would be considered a standard balcony?

 

Looking at a back to back sailing September 7 and 14, 2014.

[Clarea]

Deck 8 is a popular deck because it's the same level as Central Park.

[Eng23]

Deck 8 is a popular deck because it's the same level as Central Park.

 

 

I agree. Deck 8 is a very good deck to book on.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Mouse's Shadow]

I haven't been on Allure yet, but we are booked on forward Deck 6. From what I understand, the lifeboats are tucked under deck 6, there is no obstructed view.

[thjeepster]

We had deck 6 on Oasis and loved the location. It was towards the back of the ship. The life boats do stick out a little but you still have an awesome view! Especially if you get a balcony between two life boats.

 

Love deck 6 it's in prime location. Especially in the back very close to boardwalk and MDR.

 

Going on allure in April!!!

 

If you get the last rooms on deck 6 there are no boats below you either!

[sleepless]

I have been on Deck 6 on the Oasis. Our cabin, an ocean view balcony was aft of the aft elevator. I really liked that location. So much, that I have booked the same area for our upcoming Allure of the Seas cruise in June.

 

We are close to the elevator for the higher decks, to access the pool deck and Windjammer.

 

Deck 6 is the location of Boardwalk. Just a short walk for my early morning cup of coffee. The ocean view from the Boardwalk and Aqua Theater is breath taking first thing in the morning. Just behind the Aqua Theater, you will find a set of stairs that will take you down to Deck 5, aft. This is the location of the walking/jogging track. And a hidden surprise. Quietly tucked away are several loungers and chairs just waiting for you to sit a spell, and watch the wake of the ship. I did this with morning coffee several times while on the Oasis.

 

Deck 8 is a short walk up 2 flights of stairs from Deck 6. This is where you will find Central Park. Again, coffee, breakfast, trees and flowers all within in walking distance.

 

Deck 6 had a balcony railing overlooking Deck 5,the Royal Promenade. This is a great spot to watch the parades and other happenings that go on on the Promenade. And if you want to be closer to the action, it is just one flight below. Also, very easy to grab a late night snack and take it back to your cabin.

 

The Main Dining rooms are in the aft on Decks 3,4, and 5. The Casino and Entertainment Place are easy to walk to.

 

We were not bothered by the life boats on Deck 6, as another poster had indicated, they are tucked away below the balcony.

 

What every you decide, I am sure you will enjoy your cruise.

[Grandma Dazzles]

Did a back-to-back on the Allure last October and had a great time.

 

We had sailed the ship previously and preferred an upper deck - have done decks 10 and 12, all in cabins toward the aft.

 

It is really personal preference - everyone has given good advice regarding proximity to different locations on the ship. We were just used to upper decks on other ships and so stuck with decks 10 and 12. We did really enjoy the "secret" balconies all the way aft. These are public balconies, not used too much, with great views, especially of the aqua show and the rehersals for the show. Would not do deck 14 - too high and noiser because of the kid's center and pool/sports deck.

 

We found the B2B to be well handled by the crew. We kept the same cabin, and we were glad that we did. The stewards will move all your hanging items from the closet, but you do have to pack everything else, which to us would have been more work for us. We left the cabin and went to breakfast. We were escorted off the ship for immigration, and back on board quickly. You do have the option of leaving the port if you choose. We went back to our cabin for a while - we were truly amazed at the "turn around" crew - there were so many workers getting the cabins ready - the corridors were full of furniture, bedding, etc., that was why we were glad to have kept our cabin so that we didn't have to lug our suitcases to another cabin. It would have been difficult to navigate the corridors!

 

The ship also provided a great complimentary luncheon at Giovanni's.

 

Highly recommend the B2B.

[jules815]

Did a back-to-back on the Allure last October and had a great time.

 

We had sailed the ship previously and preferred an upper deck - have done decks 10 and 12, all in cabins toward the aft.

 

It is really personal preference - everyone has given good advice regarding proximity to different locations on the ship. We were just used to upper decks on other ships and so stuck with decks 10 and 12. We did really enjoy the "secret" balconies all the way aft. These are public balconies, not used too much, with great views, especially of the aqua show and the rehersals for the show. Would not do deck 14 - too high and noiser because of the kid's center and pool/sports deck.

 

We found the B2B to be well handled by the crew. We kept the same cabin, and we were glad that we did. The stewards will move all your hanging items from the closet, but you do have to pack everything else, which to us would have been more work for us. We left the cabin and went to breakfast. We were escorted off the ship for immigration, and back on board quickly. You do have the option of leaving the port if you choose. We went back to our cabin for a while - we were truly amazed at the "turn around" crew - there were so many workers getting the cabins ready - the corridors were full of furniture, bedding, etc., that was why we were glad to have kept our cabin so that we didn't have to lug our suitcases to another cabin. It would have been difficult to navigate the corridors!

 

The ship also provided a great complimentary luncheon at Giovanni's.

 

Highly recommend the B2B.

 

This is so good to hear!

 

Every time we've cruised in the past with RC, we've always been so envious when we hear the announcement they make for "people who are continuing to sail with us..." We've always thought "I could easily do another week." Plus, with everything we've been through this past year, it makes us want to do it now while we can.

 

From looking at photos of the ship; the size and all the dining venues, it looks there's plenty to do and see over a 2 week period.

 

Giovanni's? We haven't sailed with RC since 2009. Can't wait to be back!

[Grandma Dazzles]

Hope you decide to do the cruise and have a wonderful vacation.