Review: Allure of the Seas - Oct 14-21

[elf426]

Hi everyone, long time listener, first time caller. Seeing as this forum has been a huge resource for me, I'm finally paying my dues with a review of my own. I truly had intended to start reviewing on board but the whole forum refurb really threw a wrench in that.

 

My boyfriend, Brandon, and I just got home from a 7-day sailing on Allure of the Seas. We're 30-something DINKS living in central Florida. While this is just my second cruise with Royal (and fourth overall), I'm a Diamond by association, thanks to Brandon's status. He actually had just gotten off a sailing of his own on Harmony the day before, but that's a whole other story. We stayed in Crown Loft Suite 1708, so I'll be able to provide some feedback on suite class benefits. 

 

Sadly, I didn't take too many photos and used the app while on board for most information like menus, etc. I'm going to try to flush out my review in the next couple days, but wanted to get some highlights off my mind before my brain shuts off vacation-mode:

 

- Tuxedo shorts are a thing

- Bar Harbor (say it in the accent), I thought you said Bahamas

- BYO Pepsi

- Swedish Ship Mafia

 

Here's a couple of quick pics so you can put faces to names and get a little room envy 😉 Thanks in advance for following along.

[Travelnewby]

We'll be sailing on Allure May 2019 and l'm looking forward to your review!

[Bakeman02]

I'm looking forward to your review!!

[CruisingSince1982]

11 hours ago, Travelnewby said:

We'll be sailing on Allure May 2019 and l'm looking forward to your review!

 

So are we! When is your sail date? 

[schmeed]

Sailing on Allure 3/31/19.  Subscribing to this thread to read your review.

 

Question:  Aside from the suite benefits, did you find the Loft suite worth the money?

[elf426]

Pre-embarkation Day 1

As I mentioned earlier, Brandon was sailing on Harmony of the Seas October 6-13. Now, some of you may be thinking “Hey Luci, why’d he get to go on a cruise without you” and trust me, you’re not alone. He’s a frequent solo cruiser, in part to his flexible work schedule and mountain of PTO, as well as my gracious permission…..(record scratches, every face in the bar turns and stares at me). Kidding, it usually goes something like this:

Before you feel sorry for me getting left at home, his solo cruising has selfishly benefitted me since he’s usually in a JS or above, so those 3-point-per-day trips have added up to Diamond status, which he generously shares with me. Also, getting the entire king-sized bed to yourself and watching as much Bravo as you want is a personal victory in my book some days.

We had already planned to stay in Ft Lauderdale the night of the 13^th so we weren’t waking up at zero dark thirty to drive to the terminal. He had booked us at the Conrad Ft Lauderdale Beach using Hilton points. Once he booked his earlier cruise, he contacted the hotel and they told us we could just head over when he got off the ship and we could use their facilities until a room was ready. So instead of leisurely making our way south on Saturday, I woke up bright (dark) and early to meet him when he got off Harmony at 9:00am.

We ran some errands and grabbed breakfast before getting to the hotel around 10:30. They were able to get us into a room immediately (score!), although it was only on the 9^th floor. I was pleasantly surprised, however, when from our balcony you could see a little sliver of a Carnival ship at the terminal. Here are some views from our room (910) the following morning (sorry, no ships in sight….but where then is Allure??).

We spent the rest of the day getting lunch at Skyline Chili, Brandon’s favorite and something not so easy to find here in Florida; taking a nap, and then doing my favorite thing….going to a hockey game! I am first and foremost a Pittsburgh Penguins fan. Brandon is a Tampa Bay Lightning fan. We moved to Florida from Las Vegas and were paid-in-full season ticket holders prior to the start of the Golden Knights’ first season (“were” as in, “then weren’t” and yes, we kick ourselves every time we think about how much those Finals tickets could have sold for). I also worked for two ECHL and two USHL teams for several years (and played against Lightning coach Jon Cooper on many occasions). Basically, I’ll watch hockey any way you slice it or dice it. Anywho, the Florida Panthers were playing the Vancouver Canucks and we managed to pick up Lexus Club tickets, which include lower-bowl center ice seats and AYCE/open bar lounge. The seats were great, the game was ehhhh, but we did see a penalty shot and the Panthers honored Roberto Luongo before the game and presented him with a gold goalie stick for playing in 1,000 games.

After the game we headed back to the hotel to crash knowing that we had a big day ahead of us.

[elf426]

1 hour ago, schmeed said:

Sailing on Allure 3/31/19.  Subscribing to this thread to read your review.

 

Question:  Aside from the suite benefits, did you find the Loft suite worth the money?

Hey schmeed, thanks for the question. I'm sure I'll eventually get to the point about is the whole thing worth it, but IMHO this was the coolest room I'd ever been in. The split level really made you feel like you weren't in your bedroom the whole time, which is how I feel in the rooms where the couch is next to the bed.

 

Novelty aside, the couch, which does convert to a bed, was super comfy and if you took the back pads off was deep enough for a nap that didn't make you feel like you were about to fall off the edge. The balcony was huge, with padded loungers, not chairs, and had plenty of sunlight so I didn't have to go lay out on the pool deck. Two bathrooms is a major plus, although we both asked ourselves if the double shower (with center rain shower) was a better idea than a bathtub.

[MzShae]

Following

[elf426]

Day 1

As part of Brandon’s Hilton Honors benefits we had each gotten a $20 voucher for breakfast at the Conrad, which could be used at their table service restaurant or quick service grab-and-go location. I’m thinking to myself “wow, $40 bucks sure is a lot of pancakes” then I remembered we’re at the Conrad. On the beach. Where fresh OJ is $26 an ounce. Well, almost. We got a latte, fresh OJ, a cinnamon roll and a croissant for $20 and let corporate recoup the $20.

 

We checked out of the hotel around 10:30, and it was a quick 10-15 minute drive to the terminal. Pulled in, dropped the bags, went through the gate and scored a parking space in the second row, three spots from the sidewalk. There wasn’t a wait at security via the Sky Class entrance and we had pre-printed our boarding documents, so we breezed through and headed upstairs. The attendant that walked us to our waiting zone said there was a delay in boarding, but our total waiting time between getting upstairs and boarding was less than 30 minutes. We were on board by 11:30.

 

Our first stop was the Suite Lounge, where I was able to make a standing reservation for Coastal Kitchen for the week. Not that it mattered, the nights we did eat there we went earlier than our reservation and were seated immediately. It never appeared full or crowded to me with the exception of the first night.

 

Our room was made available pretty quickly, and wow, was I impressed. Pictures can only do so much to really give you a feeling of how unique its setup is. So, of course, here are some pictures:

 

[elf426]

Day 1 con't

The remainder of the afternoon was spent unpacking and settling in, walking around for a bit and generally putting my mind in vacation mode. We had our first dinner in Coastal Kitchen and sadly a trend was set for the week. Whereas I couldn’t decide which of two appetizers I wanted (therefore settling on both), Brandon didn’t see one he liked and went without. Of course, I wasn’t thinking that that meant he would have to wait through two services before he could even eat anything! Let there be bread! While I enjoyed the starters, neither of us were very excited about our entrees. We did not have dessert night one.

 

Some time was spent down in the casino and we wrapped up the night at Blaze, the nightclub on board. The resident DJ, bless his heart, was some guy from Sweden who had been gifted one too many sound effects in his life. I know he is from Sweden because throughout his set this “wah womp ALL THE WAY FROM SWEDEN” voiceover played about every four minutes. He was immediately nicknamed “Swedish Ship Mafia” as a play on the actual DJing group Swedish House Mafia. To them, I apologize. Like every bad wedding entertainer, this pool soul had the beginners DJ set list that played like clockwork. Pitbull song, check. Cupid Shuffle, duh. Wobble, no brainer. Second Pitbull song, what took you so long? SSM’s only saving grace was the hour when “Celebrity DJ” Some-Other-Guy took over and played actual music from this decade and filled the dance floor.

 

Exhausted from a long day and running out of Pitbull songs to name, we headed to bed. Day 2 coming soon.

[elf426]

Day 2

Today we overslept, having obviously had too much fun with Swedish Ship Mafia. So with breakfast far away in the rearview, we headed to the Top Tier event at the Aqua Theater. I had been worried about the crowds in the suite lounge due to so many recent reviews about our higher status friends. I’m here to report that a) the suite lounge was never crowded when I was in it and b) there were just 39 Pinnacles on board. Well, maybe 40? They crowned/pinned/announced a new Pinnacle at the event. The top cruiser had 3099 points. I think I have 14 (thanks Brandon again for his Diamond-ness).

 

We went back up to CK for lunch, a chicken sandwich for me (great fries) and salmon for Brandon. This was the only lunch we had in CK all week. Not that it was bad, but it just didn’t get me excited to try again. Most of the remainder of the day was spent walking around the ship, my first on Oasis class. We settled back in at the casino for a while, then got ready for formal night number one.

 

Dinner was….just ok. I had a Caesar salad, whatever the fish dish was, and crème brulee. Brandon had the beef tartar (which had an off-putting flavor), the pappardelle with ragout, and apple pie. I’ll say this now: Coastal Kitchen wasn’t bad. It just left me wanting more. Everything came out hot (or chilled, when appropriate). Everything came out correct. But considering the “exclusivity” of it and the more sophisticated menus, I was underwhelmed.

 

Alas, all was not lost. Mid-meal, a dapper looking couple walks into the restaurant. The lady was wearing a fancy dress, her hair done, full look. The gentleman’s hair is slicked back, tuxedo jacket buttoned…then he walks by and I see he’s wearing SHORTS. TUXEDO SHORTS. WITH KNEE-HIGH SOCKS. (Sir, if you’re on here, you were called Tuxedo Shorts for the rest of the week. Sorry, had to.) Is this a thing? Like an accepted thing only known to the high seas? I’ve lived in six states, went to a kind of bougie college and studied abroad, this is a whole new level for me.

 

Wanting legs like Tuxedo Shorts, I hit the track later that night and put in a couple miles. Then cleaned up and went straight to Sorrentos for some pizza, as any normal person would do after working out.

 

Staring down the barrel of another sea day, we called it a night and hit the hay.

[RhinoMomIL]

I actually saw a few photos of boys doing the tuxedo shorts thing with Homecoming dances this year. But I guess not tuxedos - just regular suits. I'm not a huge fan but it does appear to be a thing. 

[ALSEAU]

following along

[ALSEAU]

13 hours ago, elf426 said:

Hey schmeed, thanks for the question. I'm sure I'll eventually get to the point about is the whole thing worth it, but IMHO this was the coolest room I'd ever been in. The split level really made you feel like you weren't in your bedroom the whole time, which is how I feel in the rooms where the couch is next to the bed.

 

Novelty aside, the couch, which does convert to a bed, was super comfy and if you took the back pads off was deep enough for a nap that didn't make you feel like you were about to fall off the edge. The balcony was huge, with padded loungers, not chairs, and had plenty of sunlight so I didn't have to go lay out on the pool deck. Two bathrooms is a major plus, although we both asked ourselves if the double shower (with center rain shower) was a better idea than a bathtub.

following

[Capt Snoopy]

10 hours ago, elf426 said:

Everything came out hot (or chilled, when appropriate). Everything came out correct. But considering the “exclusivity” of it and the more sophisticated menus, I was underwhelmed.

Great review so far! I was on the same sailing and did a live review and I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who thought this about CK. Everything came out as it should, it just wasn’t....there yet. I look forward to the rest of your review!

[LuCruise]

Loving your review so far.  We were on Allure a couple years ago and loved it (but in a measly promenade room).  Looking forward to hearing more.

[elf426]

Day 3

Still chugging along to St Maarten, but for some reason it feels like sea day 1.7 million, not sea day 2. We started with a late breakfast in CK, to the point that they were turning tables for lunch. No, we didn’t walk in at 9:59, but maybe 9:40. I had eggs and bacon, while Brandon got the French toast that he had liked on his Harmony sailing. Breakfast is, in my opinion, one of the tougher meals to screw up and this was no exception. It was, however, our only breakfast in CK.

The rest of the morning was spent exploring, reading, napping (can’t possibly sleep enough), and donating to Casino Royale. We headed to the Windjammer for lunch and I was reminded why I don’t usually eat at 11:30/noon like everyone else. Despite both sides of the WJ being open it felt like a madhouse, one of the very few times I ever felt crowded all week. It seemed like everyone trying to find a table was a large party, and being just the two of us, we were jostled around a bit. Look, I get it, finding a table for seven people that also accommodates a highchair and a wheelchair is not easy. But all seven of you standing in the middle of the walkway just staring at everyone else eating doesn’t help.

Today clearly was eating day from what my notes tell me. Next I have, not kidding: snack from suite lounge, room service (MDR) dinner, pizza during Caribbean dance party on Promenade. Oh well, it’s vacation. I do recall that we had opted to order room service after sneaking a peek at the CK dinner menu and not finding any options that got our blood pumping. Ironically, the MDR menu left out in the suite lounge was for the wrong day, so when I called to order they were super confused. In hindsight, I had the menus available on the TV and app, but had neglected to look at the time.

Looks like we went to bed early, probably from the massive carb train in my belly.

[elf426]

Day 4

Land. Finally. But guess what? I didn’t get off the ship. Brandon and I have both been to St Maarten on cruises together and separately, so it wasn’t a priority for us. Instead, we took advantage of a mostly empty ship to have some fun. For reference, the Compass had said arrival at 8:00 and gangway opening at 8:30, but the all-clear announcement was made at 8:05.

Breakfast was Boardwalk Doughnuts and lattes from Café Promenade (we had the coffee card – 15 punches for $30-ish bucks, pre-purchased). This kind of became our morning routine for the rest of the week.  

Next we set off to do something new for me, film a ship tour. Before I go much further, let me first say I’m my own worst critic. I’ve disliked the sound of my voice ever since my mom made me record our answering machine message when I was in high school. That being said, along with these forums, vlogs and other videos on YouTube have been a major source of information, tips and enjoyment for me and Brandon. So off we went on a nearly abandoned ship and used most of the day traveling deck by deck covering the majority of the guest areas.

**We also filmed a cabin tour and an overall review at the end of the trip. I’ll link all the videos toward the end of this review so you don’t have to dig too much to find them.

For lunch we went to Park Café so I could try the little beefy sandwiches that everyone talks about. I suppose in my mind I thought it’d be more like a tiny French dip, so the thick gravy threw me for a loop. It was tasty but I probably wouldn’t make it my first stop on board. They must drug the gravy though, because I went upstairs and promptly took a nap.

We made a crucial error in judgment later in the afternoon when we went in search of a snack about 30 minutes before all-aboard. The lines everywhere were out of control! I hoisted up my patient pants while Brandon held a table and eventually we noshed on some pizza. Of course, less than an hour later we’re parking our behinds in CK for dinner. I had the duck and Brandon opted for the filet, which we both enjoyed.

Post-meal gaming in the casino and a late gym trip for me rounded out the night. My last cruise was on Celebrity (Solstice if I recall correctly) and their gym is up top, whereas Allure’s is on Deck 6. Running on a treadmill through large picture windows were you can see for miles is a stark comparison to thick walls and portholes.

[CruisinUngs]

Loving the review and your sense of humor. Lee em coming! 👍🏻

[elf426]

Day 5

Today we stopped in San Juan, again a port that we’ve both been to and have seen the sights, so we opted to stay on board. For me, the ship is the main attraction of this trip. Besides, they’d probably kick me out of the forts if I randomly took a nap.

This morning while getting lattes at Café Promenade I noticed the promotion of the drinks card, 10 for $79 (plus plus plus). I can’t say for certain if it was there earlier, that’s just when I noticed it. We walked around and filmed a little more (it was REALLY windy in St Maarten), then hung out until the suite guest sail away on the helipad.

You guys remember Tuxedo Shorts from the other day? Well this poor guy completely biffed it on the helipad less than 10 minutes after we got out there and had to be taken inside with a cut on his arm. The access doors and hooks/bolts/etc are all painted the same color as the rest of the deck and I don’t think he noticed them. Gravity always wins, right? Well that didn’t stop us from having a great time, nor did the delayed departure. We heard (from the infamous “they”) that some Star Class guests’ excursion was late getting back, but who knows.

 

We went back inside for some casino time then I went to CK to check out the dinner menu. The manager was busy, but another guest and I were chatting and she goes “you know you can see the menus on the app”…well ma’am, I didn’t. I knew you could see the MDR menus on the TV, but CK’s weren’t listed. I had never thought to check the app! So I go back to the room, share the intel with Brandon, and we’re both less than enthused with both the CK and MDR menus for dinner. The WJ was advertised in the Compass as “American Barbecue” so we gave that a shot. I wish we hadn’t.

[elf426]

Day 6

Ahhhhh Labadee. Feet, meet land. Land, feet.

Ok first, casual breakfast from the suite lounge. Next, slather myself in sunscreen. I’m what most people refer to as “white”. Not like, check the racial identifier off on the survey, like the color. Or lack thereof. In the sun, white becomes red. I should be a sample at those solar t-shirt stores.

Although the captain took his leisurely time docking at the pier, and the repetitive “hey we aren’t there yet, quit hanging out by the gangway” overhead announcements, we were off the ship relatively quickly. As suite guests we did have access to Barefoot Beach, and also access to golf carts to get us there. Truthfully, it’s a 5 minute walk and solid ground felt pretty dang good.

We were the first ones to Barefoot and the guys with the wristbands weren’t even set up yet. Not that something this minuscule could ruin my day, but if you need to be the first one there, you might beat the staff. Checked in, wristbanded, towels in hand we go front row center with an umbrella and table. 10 from the French judge! When will you ever get this picture again?

Despite now living in Florida, I grew up in the Midwest and have spent my adult life in upstate New York, Colorado and Las Vegas. Not so many beaches in my proximity. Just having a few hours of sun, gently lapping waves and fresh air takes the stink of going back to work in three days away. There was a brief rain delay, but no longer than 30 minutes without sunshine. I have nothing but praises for Barefoot Beach and its staff. The beach monitors were friendly and accommodating. The lunch was tasty….BUT….I make the turn from the hot foods over to the dessert and see these treats labeled as brownies. Uh, yes please. Beach and chocolate?! Like a good girl I eat my lunch first, then rip into the brownie and take a bite. Hmmm, doesn’t really taste like chocolate. Maybe the sun is messing with my mind. Take another bite and WTH a RAISIN IS IN MY “BROWNIE”! I’m not a raisin hater, but I know where they belong (oatmeal) and where they don’t (brownies). This is going in the survey.

The thing I most appreciated about our time at Barefoot Beach was how spacious and not crowded I felt. You can see any number of pictures of folks at beaches throughout our ports of call and see them jammed in like sardines. This was so not crowded and mellow I wondered why people weren’t taking advantage of it. Less people unfortunately means that sound travels better and I swear some people have no filter when it comes to talking about personal things in public. For instance, I now know that someone is allergic to melon. Three other ladies had “Patricia” in their cabana…is that code? And one person brought a cooler of Pepsi to the beach. First, where the eff did you get Pepsi. Two, where the eff did you get Pepsi?

Here are some more beach shots to get the raisin taste out of your mouth:

 

We went back on board around 1:30, cleaned up and went wondering. To Brandon’s delight the casino was open, so we played for a while then stopped upstairs for pizza.

That night we ordered room service again from the MDR and it was the BEST meal I had all week (the beef tenderloin for reference). I washed it down with a 5-mile run on the track. Did I mention I’m running a half-marathon in two weeks and this is prime training time.

Brandon was tired and I was amped on endorphins, so while he went to bed I went down to Café Promenade for a latte and to find a place to read. I was excited that there was music playing just above in Schooner bar, 80s rock hits, ones that everyone knows the words to. I’m toe tapping along and they get in on “Don’t Stop Believin” and I realize these guys are bad. Like did they have to audition first or are they someone’s brother bad. The guy was ok, but the girl (who I thought was some well lubricated audience member at first) was brutal. If she was in fact a guest, the guy should have shut that ish down.

Being a solo in a crowded café, on formal night none the less, just off a workout and getting tired, I relinquished my table to a hovering family and headed to bed.

[elf426]

Day 7

Wahhhhhh our last day already?! I have to go back to work already?! Ok fine, well that’s not stopping me from my latte and doughnut routine. I don’t have many notes from today, just casino, filming a wrap-up video, and the sheer lack of football on television. Before anyone jumps down my throat, it didn’t ruin my vacation. I probably wouldn’t have even noticed if I hadn’t looked for it (which sounds oxy moronic). But when the one of two little ESPN channels in the room airs College Game Day but then no college football airs after it, one starts to wonder if they entered the twilight zone.

I laid out on the balcony for a while and Brandon diligently edited our videos. A pretty chill day all around. We packed up the room, made a plan for the morning and ordered room service for dinner. I had the turkey dinner and Brandon got prime rib.

I’ll say this about room service: while the food was good, the service was inconsistent. We ordered dinner in the room three times. Twice they offered to set the table, and although we declined, it wasn’t offered a third time (different delivery people each time or I would have noted his solid memory). Only once, the second time, were we brought a bread basket. I didn’t ask for it any night, so I’m not sure if the one time was a mistake, or the other way around.

I appreciated the option to order room service, especially off the MDR menus, as a change of pace from the dining room. Not that we had set in stone plans, or I’m completely opposed to dressing up, but I guess we both used this vacation as a chance to relax and just spend time together. The only thing I wish I could change (and I know the answer already) is that since everything is delivered together, your entrée is getting cold while you eat your starter. (GO TO THE DINING ROOM YOU DUMMY my brain screams at me). Yeah, well you can’t eat in the dining room barefoot with pajama pants and a messy bun.

[elf426]

Debarkation

Suite guests had been notified of three departure times in the morning to get escorted off the ship: 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. No rest for the wicked, huh? We opted for Door #1 just to get on the road and head home (and avoid longer lines as the morning went on).

We were to meet in the Suite Lounge no later than 15 minutes prior to get our little group sticker and head out. Well, being overachievers, Brandon and I beat both Dexter and Nancy, the concierges, to the lounge in the morning. By 10 past 6 only two other people were in the lounge and I started wondering if I read something wrong.

Overhead we were notified of clearance and guests could start the sad walk off the plank…er, ship. But we weren’t going anywhere. Dexter told us that suite luggage wasn’t ready yet. I silently curse how I could still be sleeping, but a few minutes later Nancy starts to take our small group (maybe 8 of us) downstairs. We stop at Champagne Bar, where we’re told we still don’t have luggage, but we keep moving along. Like obedient little hamsters we follow Nancy down the tunnel and into the terminal, where our luggage still isn’t ready. She goes downstairs to investigate, leaving us in the seating area at the top of the escalators. Our savior comes in the form of the security guard minding said escalator, who announces to the ADA folks they can head down….and oh yeah, suites too.

All bags present and accounted for, a two person wait at customs and we’re back at the car heading north. Just over three hours later we’re home and I swear I heard the pile of laundry laughing.

[MrFunInTheSun]

Great review! Love this class ship. 

 

Casino and solo cruises are the best! Casino discounts or compt cruises are even better. 😀

[elf426]

8 minutes ago, MrFunInTheSun said:

Great review! Love this class ship. 

 

Casino and solo cruises are the best! Casino discounts or compt cruises are even better. 😀

 Thanks, that's more Brandon's forte than mine, but I'm sure he agrees!