Allure B2B **Double** Trip Review 5/4/14 - 5/18/14 (lots o' pics)!!!

[celly]

Thank you for your excellent detailed review and photo's which we enjoyed very much! You made us relive our b2b on the Allure two years ago.....

When is your next cruise? We are already looking forward to another review.

Have a great weekend everyone!

[Zhane's mum]

Thank you for such a Wonderful Review! I found myself waking up and checking CC for the next days events.

 

 

Ditto....I know all reviews have to come to an end, but I will miss reading this one, it's been an excellent read from the start. You guys really know how to have a fantastic holiday (vacation)

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the report!

[AZAficionado]

Thank you for such a Wonderful Review! I found myself waking up and checking CC for the next days events.

You are very welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed reading it.

Thanks for your daily reports and photos, great job.

Thanks for the kind words. It was my pleasure to do it.

Thank you for your excellent detailed review and photo's which we enjoyed very much! You made us relive our b2b on the Allure two years ago.....

When is your next cruise? We are already looking forward to another review.

Have a great weekend everyone!

You are most welcome and I appreciate the support. Glad I could get you to relive a cruise (and a B2B at that)!

Ditto....I know all reviews have to come to an end' date=' but I will miss reading this one, it's been an excellent read from the start. You guys really know how to have a fantastic holiday (vacation)[/quote']

Thank you so much for the support and kind words. I'll miss it too, in a way. Although they never really end. My last one was still kicking around just a few weeks ago...

Thanks for the report!

You are most welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[AZAficionado]

Top 10 Memories

 

Here they are. My top ten memories from this cruise...

 

#10 - Quiet Nights at Sea

 

 

I really love calm nights at sea like these. The reflection of the moon on still waters. Seeing the stars with nothing else around. Simply beautiful and relaxing.

 

#9 - All Access Tour

 

 

A chance to see how they do all the things they do? Yes, please. I love this kind of stuff, especially getting to see the engineering area and bridge.

 

#8 - Snorkeling in Cozumel

 

 

I know it wasn't the best spot, or even one of the good spots. But swimming with the fish was pretty cool.

 

#7 - Cabana at Labadee

 

 

Having a nice spot to lay out, shade on demand, and the ceiling fan was just too good. I'll probably do this again every time I go to Labadee.

[AZAficionado]

#6 - Ritz-Carlton, Ft. Lauderdale

 

 

I know it was technically part of the cruise, but this place was awesome.

 

#5 - Central Park

 

 

This is probably the coolest aspect of the Oasis class ships. I think I like it better at night than during the day.

 

#4 - Chef's Table

 

 

One of the best food and wine experiences I've had. I have to admit that Rudi, the sommelier really added to the enjoyment of the evening.

 

#3 - Cigars Under the Stars with Henry

 

 

I don't know what it is, but every cigar bar or lounge I've been to resulted in great conversations with awesome people. The same was true on Allure. The bartender during the first week, Henry (who did the origami) was simply fantastic because of his personality and humor. What a joy to spend time with him.

[AZAficionado]

#2 - Dawn Beach

 

 

A beach is a beach, right? Not exactly. This one was just the right combination of water temperature, waves, number of people, and sand consistency to be just right. Maybe that's the $1 beers talking, but I don't think so.

 

Drum roll, please....

 

#1 - Champagne Bar with Michele, Lucy, and Christophe®

 

 

I've long been a fan of the Champagne Bar and have always experienced great service there. So, it's no surprise to me that this ends up being #1. However, the crew here was really something special (perhaps in more ways than one, just kidding). That second picture is for Lucy (you had to be there).

[AZAficionado]

Review Process

 

This is my second review, but I'm not really the type of person that writes reviews of stuff. Doing my cruise review last year was probably the thing that prepared me most for doing this one. Looking at lots of other reviews on Cruise Critic and picking out what I thought was good and not so good was also absolutely necessary.

 

There is no way around it, these things are a ton of work. I've found that preparation really helps in not getting overwhelmed by writing a review. So, here's what I did (much of it is the same as my last review):

 

Several weeks before going on the trip, I started organizing Part 1. The areas of the ship are not a secret and their function isn't either. By the time my bags were packed, Part 1 was fully written and just waiting for photos. I also had a list of photos to take, so that I could keep track of what areas I still needed to photograph.

 

This review was a little different, because Solstice wanted to participate. Unlike me, she doesn't have a lot of free time outside of work. So, I suggested she write her review during the cruise, almost like a live review, to save from having to do it once we returned. I ended up doing the same and will use that method for every review I do going forward. As I had free time on the cruise, I'd look through the photos and write about what happened.

 

By the time I had returned home, almost the entire review was written. All that was left was to scan in all the papers and resize/clean up the photos. About photos: Beware, as all your photos can suck you into a bottomless time vortex. I learned the first time to dump all but the best photos before I got home. Even better, I try to walk away from a spot with only the photos I plan to use. Sorting through hundreds of essentially duplicate photos when you get home can eat up your day with really not much to show for it.

 

From the feedback, everyone seems to like our (mine and Solstice's) photos. Neither of us is particularly skilled, but here is what I did photo-wise. First, I set up my phone to take the largest pictures possible (largest resolution/file size). They'll be stupidly huge and take up a ton of space on your phone/camera/whatever. I use Paint Shop Pro, but just about any image processing software will allow you to resize the pictures. Before the resize, I hit the "One Step Photo Fix" button and see if the photo is better or worse (usually, it's better). Then I reduce the size - in the case of this review the photos are 25% of the original and I think that is what makes them look so good. The photos end up very sharp with vibrant colors, or at least mine do.

 

A new trick I learned with this review is how to format each post in a Notepad document so that it is just a single copy and paste and everything looks perfect. Last time, I used the photo button in the post window on Cruise Critic for each photo, because I hadn't figured out how to code them in. I was also formatting the text in the post window, another amatuer move. Learn the BB codes and you'll be able to just copy, paste, and hit Submit. And then wait 1 minute for the next post (there is a 1 minute limit between posts). Here are a few of the BB codes I used:

[noparse]

- Bold

- Underline

- Italics

- Make text red

- Make text two sizes larger

[/noparse]

You can find a full list of bb codes here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/misc.php?do=bbcode

 

I suppose the other important part of doing a review like this is you have to always be prepared and mindful. That directly opposes the mindset of someone on vacation, but it helps to be thinking about the fact that later you're going to have to choose what to talk about and then what to say about it. I carried my phone (camera) everywhere and always had in my mind that I'm reviewing all this, not just enjoying it. Probably the hardest habit to form is to snap a photo before you eat or drink anything, if you plan on putting "food porn" in your review. It helps to have everyone you're with thinking about it too. There were quite a few times I'd hear "photo" from Solstice as I was reaching for a fork.

 

That's about all of the tricks and bits of wisdom I can think of to share with you guys on how to do one of these. They are a fair amount of work and without a "firm hand", they can take over your life. However, all I did was put a bunch of words and photos up. It was your feedback, questions, and interactions that really turned this into something more than a "book report". So, thank you to everyone who responded or even just viewed this review!!

 

I'll keep watching this thread and continue to respond for as long as people keep posting something. Thanks for taking the time to share in my experiences on the lovely Allure of the Seas!

[Minitigra driver]

You do a much better job than the actual Royal Caribbean official brochure :D

I was in the process of considering a voyage on this ship next May from Barcelona, having never sailed with Royal Caribbean you have certainly made my mind up....just got to consider cabin options now :eek:

[AZAficionado]

You do a much better job than the actual Royal Caribbean official brochure :D

I was in the process of considering a voyage on this ship next May from Barcelona, having never sailed with Royal Caribbean you have certainly made my mind up....just got to consider cabin options now :eek:

Thanks for the very kind words.

 

As for cabin, on this cruise we met a young woman - her first cruise ever. She was with her boyfriend and his extended family (annual vacation). In the Presidential Suite on Allure of the Seas!! I told her there was no where to go but down with all her future cruise experiences. You can always go that route.;)

[Lionesss]

Very very well done.

 

I can only dream to be so talented and organized like the both of you.

 

You really did an awesome job detailing this cruise.

 

Cannot wait till ours...........7 weeks and counting.

 

Thanks again.

 

Sea Ya

[SolsticeAZ]

Thank you for such a Wonderful Review! I found myself waking up and checking CC for the next days events.

Thank you so much!

 

Thanks for your daily reports and photos, great job.

Thanks!!

 

Thank you for your excellent detailed review and photo's which we enjoyed very much! You made us relive our b2b on the Allure two years ago.....

When is your next cruise? We are already looking forward to another review.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Thank you; glad you enjoyed. Our next cruise is the Panama Canal, nearly a year from now...I can't wait.

 

Ditto....I know all reviews have to come to an end' date=' but I will miss reading this one, it's been an excellent read from the start. You guys really know how to have a fantastic holiday (vacation)[/quote']

Thanks so much! And aren't all holidays/vacations (depending on what side of the pond you are from) fantastic??:D

 

Thanks for the report!

My pleasure!

 

You do a much better job than the actual Royal Caribbean official brochure

I was in the process of considering a voyage on this ship next May from Barcelona, having never sailed with Royal Caribbean you have certainly made my mind up....just got to consider cabin options now

Glad to be of help! p.s. RCI, you may send my kickback check immediately.:p

 

Very very well done.

 

I can only dream to be so talented and organized like the both of you.

 

You really did an awesome job detailing this cruise.

 

Cannot wait till ours...........7 weeks and counting.

 

Thanks again.

 

Sea Ya

Thanks for the very kind words, but I must confess that the vast majority of talent and organization comes from my better half! Enjoy your cruise!

[SolsticeAZ]

Solstice's Top 5 Memories That Aren't the Same as AZAficionado's Top 10 Memories

 

My top five memories from this cruise...this was a challenge for me, since I didn't want to overlap with AZAfcionado:

 

Sail Away, Second Week: This is always one of my favorite parts of a B2B, since it's when I realize that I get to do it all over again and spend another beautiful week at sea.

 

 

Oceanaria: Everyone always says RCI has some of the best entertainment at sea, and this show made me a true believer.

 

 

Lazy Afternoons on the Balcony: I'm not very good at relaxing. But sitting on the balcony, looking out at the vastness of the ocean while listening to the waves (and maybe some good music), sipping a glass of wine...that's when I finally relax.

 

 

Exploring Cozumel: My favorite part of any cruise is exploring the ports of call, and I am a big fan of the DIY port experience, rather than a structured excursion. This year, I loved wandering through the streets of Cozumel (just go one block off the "main drag" and you get to see the "real" town) and then grabbing lunch at a restaurant the taxi driver had recommended.

 

 

Exploring the Ship: I really enjoyed "getting to know" Allure -- getting to see both the spectacular sights and the "hidden gems."

 

 

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and great questions, and for following along as I got to revisit an amazing vacation. I'll be checking in and answering questions as long as there's anyone left out there reading...so keep asking, because otherwise I have to get back to doing real work!!

[jhnsnfamily]

Thank you so much for this perfectly timed review! We flew in to Ft. Lauderdale this afternoon and are boarding the Allure tomorrow! Our group of 18 is so excited!!! I have read every word ... :)

[JXS]

#2 - Dawn Beach

 

 

A beach is a beach, right? Not exactly. This one was just the right combination of water temperature, waves, number of people, and sand consistency to be just right. Maybe that's the $1 beers talking, but I don't think so.

 

Drum roll, please....

 

#1 - Champagne Bar with Michele, Lucy, and Christophe®

 

 

I've long been a fan of the Champagne Bar and have always experienced great service there. So, it's no surprise to me that this ends up being #1. However, the crew here was really something special (perhaps in more ways than one, just kidding). That second picture is for Lucy (you had to be there).

 

 

Is this the Christopher you spoke of...

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[lovesthebeach2]

Review Process

 

This is my second review, but I'm not really the type of person that writes reviews of stuff. Doing my cruise review last year was probably the thing that prepared me most for doing this one. Looking at lots of other reviews on Cruise Critic and picking out what I thought was good and not so good was also absolutely necessary.

 

There is no way around it, these things are a ton of work. I've found that preparation really helps in not getting overwhelmed by writing a review. So, here's what I did (much of it is the same as my last review):

 

Several weeks before going on the trip, I started organizing Part 1. The areas of the ship are not a secret and their function isn't either. By the time my bags were packed, Part 1 was fully written and just waiting for photos. I also had a list of photos to take, so that I could keep track of what areas I still needed to photograph.

 

This review was a little different, because Solstice wanted to participate. Unlike me, she doesn't have a lot of free time outside of work. So, I suggested she write her review during the cruise, almost like a live review, to save from having to do it once we returned. I ended up doing the same and will use that method for every review I do going forward. As I had free time on the cruise, I'd look through the photos and write about what happened.

 

By the time I had returned home, almost the entire review was written. All that was left was to scan in all the papers and resize/clean up the photos. About photos: Beware, as all your photos can suck you into a bottomless time vortex. I learned the first time to dump all but the best photos before I got home. Even better, I try to walk away from a spot with only the photos I plan to use. Sorting through hundreds of essentially duplicate photos when you get home can eat up your day with really not much to show for it.

 

From the feedback, everyone seems to like our (mine and Solstice's) photos. Neither of us is particularly skilled, but here is what I did photo-wise. First, I set up my phone to take the largest pictures possible (largest resolution/file size). They'll be stupidly huge and take up a ton of space on your phone/camera/whatever. I use Paint Shop Pro, but just about any image processing software will allow you to resize the pictures. Before the resize, I hit the "One Step Photo Fix" button and see if the photo is better or worse (usually, it's better). Then I reduce the size - in the case of this review the photos are 25% of the original and I think that is what makes them look so good. The photos end up very sharp with vibrant colors, or at least mine do.

 

A new trick I learned with this review is how to format each post in a Notepad document so that it is just a single copy and paste and everything looks perfect. Last time, I used the photo button in the post window on Cruise Critic for each photo, because I hadn't figured out how to code them in. I was also formatting the text in the post window, another amatuer move. Learn the BB codes and you'll be able to just copy, paste, and hit Submit. And then wait 1 minute for the next post (there is a 1 minute limit between posts). Here are a few of the BB codes I used:

[noparse]

- Bold

- Underline

- Italics

- Make text red

- Make text two sizes larger

[/noparse]

You can find a full list of bb codes here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/misc.php?do=bbcode

 

I suppose the other important part of doing a review like this is you have to always be prepared and mindful. That directly opposes the mindset of someone on vacation, but it helps to be thinking about the fact that later you're going to have to choose what to talk about and then what to say about it. I carried my phone (camera) everywhere and always had in my mind that I'm reviewing all this, not just enjoying it. Probably the hardest habit to form is to snap a photo before you eat or drink anything, if you plan on putting "food porn" in your review. It helps to have everyone you're with thinking about it too. There were quite a few times I'd hear "photo" from Solstice as I was reaching for a fork.

 

That's about all of the tricks and bits of wisdom I can think of to share with you guys on how to do one of these. They are a fair amount of work and without a "firm hand", they can take over your life. However, all I did was put a bunch of words and photos up. It was your feedback, questions, and interactions that really turned this into something more than a "book report". So, thank you to everyone who responded or even just viewed this review!!

 

I'll keep watching this thread and continue to respond for as long as people keep posting something. Thanks for taking the time to share in my experiences on the lovely Allure of the Seas!

 

You both really put a lot of effort into your review! My only regret is that I was already on Allure before you finished or I would have tried a few more things. Oh well, I guess I'll need to go again ;-)

And thanks for the list of codes! I never knew anything like that existed. You can tell I'm a novice! Thanks again to you both!

[AZAficionado]

Very very well done.

 

I can only dream to be so talented and organized like the both of you.

Thank you so much for the very kind words. Us, organized? Mostly (depends on the day - we did manage to go on vacation with no dress shirts and locked ourselves out of the safe). Talented? Let's not get crazy here. But I appreciate your sentiment.:)

Thank you so much for this perfectly timed review! We flew in to Ft. Lauderdale this afternoon and are boarding the Allure tomorrow! Our group of 18 is so excited!!! I have read every word ...

We planned it that way just for you (kidding). Enjoy!

Is this the Christopher you spoke of...

I don't think so. That doesn't look like him.

You both really put a lot of effort into your review!

It is lots of work, but manageable if you get your stuff together.

My only regret is that I was already on Allure before you finished or I would have tried a few more things. Oh well, I guess I'll need to go again ;-)

That's RCI's plan. There is so much to do, you have to cruise at least twice. They got the idea from the Mouse (Disney world/land).:eek:

And thanks for the list of codes! I never knew anything like that existed. You can tell I'm a novice! Thanks again to you both!

My pleasure. Don't count yourself as that much of a novice. I'm a computer software guy and did an entire review last year not using those codes. D'oh!

[SolsticeAZ]

Thank you so much for this perfectly timed review! We flew in to Ft. Lauderdale this afternoon and are boarding the Allure tomorrow! Our group of 18 is so excited!!! I have read every word ... :)

Thank you! And if you are still reading...what's wrong with you?! Get on the ship and have an awesome vacation! :D

 

Is this the Christopher you spoke of...

Nope. Christopher is quite human, I assure you. That's a shot of my hubby's other BFF from the cruise. You can call him Louis. But he probably won't answer.

 

You both really put a lot of effort into your review! My only regret is that I was already on Allure before you finished or I would have tried a few more things. Oh well, I guess I'll need to go again ;-)

And thanks for the list of codes! I never knew anything like that existed. You can tell I'm a novice! Thanks again to you both!

You are more than welcome, and I'm happy to know that I'm furthering someone else's cruise addiction. Just call me an enabler!

[SolsticeAZ]

Nope. Christopher is quite human, I assure you. That's a shot of my hubby's other BFF from the cruise. You can call him Louis. But he probably won't answer.

Ooops! Missed the photo you attached! But no, that's still not "our" Christopher.

[Flounder8]

Thank you for taking the time to put together such a thorough review. We were thinking about booking a BOGO deal on Allure in 2016 and your review helped us solidify our decision to book.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[agentcorona]

VERY well done! I am the type of person who likes to know what I am getting myself into in all things. This review has immensely helped. As I was reading your review late last night (and this morning), I kept telling my husband how much of an amazing cruise we are going to have. We set sail in March, so this post definitely helps me visualize my time there.

 

Question about Nassau. Would you recommend a beach day excursion for this port? I do want to spend one day at the beach but don't want to spend it at an island where I should be doing something more fun. If Nassau itself isn't that great for sightseeing and whatnot, then I would rather do the beach thing here than anywhere else (unless you can recommend otherwise?)

 

Again, great review! I appreciate the time you took in uploading and commenting on all.

 

Amber

[Sinduf]

What a great review one of the best I've seen on here. Came here looking for info on Allure as we're thinking of booking her for a Med cruise in Aug'15anf to finally break away from Liberty (we've some how always ended up on Liberty). You've covered any questions I had and more. Thanks for a great read.

[AZAficionado]

Thank you for taking the time to put together such a thorough review. We were thinking about booking a BOGO deal on Allure in 2016 and your review helped us solidify our decision to book.

I'm really glad it helped. BOGO is one of the best ways to sail Allure!

VERY well done! I am the type of person who likes to know what I am getting myself into in all things. This review has immensely helped. As I was reading your review late last night (and this morning), I kept telling my husband how much of an amazing cruise we are going to have. We set sail in March, so this post definitely helps me visualize my time there.

Glad it helped. I agree. Knowing what to expect, especially with something like Allure which just has so much stuff is really important.

Question about Nassau. Would you recommend a beach day excursion for this port? I do want to spend one day at the beach but don't want to spend it at an island where I should be doing something more fun. If Nassau itself isn't that great for sightseeing and whatnot, then I would rather do the beach thing here than anywhere else (unless you can recommend otherwise?)

 

Again, great review! I appreciate the time you took in uploading and commenting on all.

 

Amber

That is a tough question. As a beach port on the Eastern itinerary, I'd rate Nassau last. The beaches at St. Thomas and St. Maarten are much better. I'm really at a loss for what else. I think next time I'm there, I'll be doing a day pass at Atlantis.

 

Thanks for the kind words and sorry I can't give a better answer.

What a great review one of the best I've seen on here. Came here looking for info on Allure as we're thinking of booking her for a Med cruise in Aug'15anf to finally break away from Liberty (we've some how always ended up on Liberty). You've covered any questions I had and more. Thanks for a great read.[/QUOTe]

You are most welcome and I' so glad it helped.

[SolsticeAZ]

Thank you for taking the time to put together such a thorough review. We were thinking about booking a BOGO deal on Allure in 2016 and your review helped us solidify our decision to book.

I'm glad we could be of help, and I'm sure you will have a great time on the Allure!

 

VERY well done! I am the type of person who likes to know what I am getting myself into in all things. This review has immensely helped. As I was reading your review late last night (and this morning), I kept telling my husband how much of an amazing cruise we are going to have. We set sail in March, so this post definitely helps me visualize my time there.

Thanks! I'm very happy you found the review to be useful. That's what I hoped to achieve, so: success!

 

Question about Nassau. Would you recommend a beach day excursion for this port? I do want to spend one day at the beach but don't want to spend it at an island where I should be doing something more fun. If Nassau itself isn't that great for sightseeing and whatnot, then I would rather do the beach thing here than anywhere else (unless you can recommend otherwise?)

I don't know what sorts of excursions RCI offers in Nassau, since I tend to avoid excursions and do the DIY route. Plus, I don't know if Nassau has too many decent beaches. However, if there's a decent-looking beach excursion in Nassau, that might be a really great choice, since (in my opinion) you won't be missing out on anything else. My only concern, and there's just no way around this, is the fact that morning rain is awfully common in the Caribbean. Since the Allure gets in so early, you may find any beach excursion to include some "liquid sunshine."

 

What a great review one of the best I've seen on here. Came here looking for info on Allure as we're thinking of booking her for a Med cruise in Aug'15anf to finally break away from Liberty (we've some how always ended up on Liberty). You've covered any questions I had and more. Thanks for a great read.

Thank you very much! I think an Allure Med cruise would be awesome!

[oracer]

Do you remember how much they charged you for the Caymus Vineyards Cabernet that you ordered in Chops? Trying to see whether it is within reason or not. Thanks,