Allure of the Seas June 4-11, 2023

[TX.Mameow&Papeow]

Just a little FYI, we are very close friends with some of the current cast of "Mamma Mia" and the current cast came onboard March 19, 2023, and there first performance was the following week March 26, 2023. Their contract ends in December. Currently on Allure out of Galveston they do 3 performances of "Mamma Mia" and 3 Performances of "Blue Planet" which began during our cruise April 30 - May 7. Their schedule changes and some weeks they have done 2 Mamma Mia's in the same day, and also 2 Blue Planet's in one day. Mamma Mia is usually near the beginning of the week and sometimes a matinee on Saturday. Blue Planet is usually during the end of the week. Not sure about the scheduling for the shows from Cape Canaveral, but the cast should still be on the ship so I would assume the shows will continue. We booked a b2b, 5 nights on Oct.25, and 4 nights on Oct.30. Hope this is helpful to those with questions.

[PompeySailor]

13 hours ago, Lionesss said:

Our fantastic towel animal maker and greatest suite attendant. 
 

 

 

Sea ya. 

She sure is a star ⭐️ 

Say high to Mary J Ana from us 

We have been fortunate twice on Harmony to have her SLS AND CLS 

 

 

Edited June 10, 2023 by PompeySailor

[FL-momma]

43 minutes ago, TX.Mameow&Papeow said:

Just a little FYI, we are very close friends with some of the current cast of "Mamma Mia" and the current cast came onboard March 19, 2023, and there first performance was the following week March 26, 2023. Their contract ends in December. Currently on Allure out of Galveston they do 3 performances of "Mamma Mia" and 3 Performances of "Blue Planet" which began during our cruise April 30 - May 7. Their schedule changes and some weeks they have done 2 Mamma Mia's in the same day, and also 2 Blue Planet's in one day. Mamma Mia is usually near the beginning of the week and sometimes a matinee on Saturday. Blue Planet is usually during the end of the week. Not sure about the scheduling for the shows from Cape Canaveral, but the cast should still be on the ship so I would assume the shows will continue. We booked a b2b, 5 nights on Oct.25, and 4 nights on Oct.30. Hope this is helpful to those with questions.

Glad to hear it.  I really hope they keep it on the shorter cruises.  And, it sounds like I'll be following you a couple of weeks later on Allure.  Happy sailing!

[Lionesss]

A few closing thoughts. 
 

We were apprehensive about cruising out of Texas but everything fell into place. 
 

A few small bumps in the road but not to painful. 
 

Food was good. 
Sun was hot. 
No sun was very hot. 
Entertainment up to par except for modified version of Aqua theatre. 
Comedians were the funniest we saw in years. 
Tons of bartenders 

Pool chair hogs present but enough spots to enjoy the sun. 
 

Slots hot and cold. 
Did not observe the ship being over run by kids. 
Never saw one duck!!!

 

More to come. 
Tomorrow our last sea day. 
 

And you did not have to ask people you met where they were from. 
Their boots gave them away. 
 

Good night. 

[h20skibum]

You know, it seems like you just left home.  Soak up the sun.  It is supposed to be cooler with rain when you get back to Ohio. 

[irishgal432]

5 hours ago, Lionesss said:

A few closing thoughts. 
 

We were apprehensive about cruising out of Texas but everything fell into place. 
 

A few small bumps in the road but not to painful. 
 

Food was good. 
Sun was hot. 
No sun was very hot. 
Entertainment up to par except for modified version of Aqua theatre. 
Comedians were the funniest we saw in years. 
Tons of bartenders 

Pool chair hogs present but enough spots to enjoy the sun. 
 

Slots hot and cold. 
Did not observe the ship being over run by kids. 
Never saw one duck!!!

 

More to come. 
Tomorrow our last sea day. 
 

And you did not have to ask people you met where they were from. 
Their boots gave them away. 
 

Good night. 

I agree about sailing fromGalveston. I would not hesitate to sail from there again.  The only downfall is the same ports for the 7 days.

[c-leg5]

1 hour ago, irishgal432 said:

I agree about sailing fromGalveston. I would not hesitate to sail from there again.  The only downfall is the same ports for the 7 days.

Yes it is a problem with the bigger ship. 
 

looking forward to the introduction of some longer itineraries on a smaller ship again next year for some variety. 

[firefly333]

23 minutes ago, c-leg5 said:

Yes it is a problem with the bigger ship. 
 

looking forward to the introduction of some longer itineraries on a smaller ship again next year for some variety. 

I'm booked for one of the 8 day harmony in 2024. Once a month for 6 months harmony will do 8/6 then 7/7. Perfect day to coco cay. 

 

I had to laugh at sue about the cowboy boots. 10 years instead of ball caps men still wore cowboy hats in the dining room. I'm old enough I still have ingrained in me take off your hat to eat. 

 

Sorry I missed a lot. Drove to ohio this week and had some time this morning to catch up a little. Sue I hope you go home with cash in your pocket and another free cruise. 

[Lionesss]

 

 

It is morning. 
 

CK totally packed for breakfast. 

 

Last day. 
 

Our plans for day. 
 

No plans. 
 

Enjoying cruising is what we will do. 
 

Sea ya. 
 

 

[Ocean Boy]

25 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

 I'm old enough I still have ingrained in me take off your hat to eat. 

 

Ok, I get. The question though is why? What does a hat on your head have to do with eating? It is just some social norm that evolved sort of like neck ties. What is the point of taking a piece of useless cloth and tying it around one's neck?

 

I find it hard to get worked up over things people do that are harmless to anyone else.

[Lionesss]

A new sign of the times 

 

 

 

IN OTHER WORDS. 

 

Towels un supervised by humans for extended periods will not be tolerated. 

Edited June 10, 2023 by Lionesss

[Vera/Lee]

11 hours ago, TX.Mameow&Papeow said:

We booked a b2b, 5 nights on Oct.25, and 4 nights on Oct.30.

Yeah!!! I'm glad to hear I will get to see Mama Mia three more times this year;)

We're on the same b2b. Look forward to meeting you.

[Lionesss]

Reality Check. 
 

In 15 hours we have to go back to the real world. 
- No vacuum toilets 

- No cabin attendants 

- No one to make your beds

- No delivery of drinks

- No casino games 

- No concierge 

- No napkins placed on your lap

- No afternoon watching the news. 
- No sorentos pizza.
 

But. I miss our granddaughter Zoey and Lizzy the cat. 
 

 

 

Overwhelmed right now with things to do and places to see. 
 

Sea ya. 

Edited June 10, 2023 by Lionesss

[#55worktoplay]

4 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

Reality Check. 
 

In 15 hours we have to go back to the real world. 
- No vacuum toilets 

- No cabin attendants 

- No one to make your beds

- No delivery of drinks

- No casino games 

- No concierge 

- No napkins placed on your lap

- No afternoon watching the news. 
- No sorentos pizza.
 

But. I miss our granddaughter Zoey and Lizzy the cat. 
 

 

 

Overwhelmed right now with things to do and places to see. 
 

Sea ya. 

She is adorable!

[Lionesss]

Awe Schucks!

 

The cruise director just announced there will be a country “HoeDown” on the promenade tonight. Bring your boots. 
 

Next thing you know we will have a polka Party. 

Sea you

 

[Engineroom Snipe]

17 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

Awe Schucks!

 

The cruise director just announced there will be a country “HoeDown” on the promenade tonight. Bring your boots. 
 

Next thing you know we will have a polka Party. 

Sea you

 

They charge extra when I pack my accordion for a Polka Party. "Roll Out the Barrels, (Beer Polka songs)" 

 

😆

[Lionesss]

Pool day in OHIO for baby Zoey. It’s tough being a baby. 
 

[firefly333]

36 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

Awe Schucks!

 

The cruise director just announced there will be a country “HoeDown” on the promenade tonight. Bring your boots. 
 

Next thing you know we will have a polka Party. 

Sea you

 

Not a polka party. Maybe  2 step line dance.  .. polka is not Texan lol. 

[kruzerci]

How are you picking a machine and what are you betting betting for all these jackpots?! Do you stick with a machine or move around?

[Lionesss]

24 minutes ago, kruzerci said:

How are you picking a machine and what are you betting betting for all these jackpots?! Do you stick with a machine or move around?

SPIT FIRE MACHINES. 
 

.25, $1, $2, $5 increments. 
 

Rotated all amounts except $5. That would be $25 a pull 😳

 

Only play in evenings when casino crowded. When crowds leave so do I. 
 

I won all of my 5 jackpots between 7-10 pm. 
 

Total winnings just shy of $14,000

And yes taking money home. 
 

Ok I was able to meet with all the casino host. 
But Mark and Jasmin are the best. 
 

By talking with them and winning Jackpots, I got to learn about them. 
 

Now I think those that know me know I go with the flow. I do not feel entitled nor expect the world to revolve around me. 
I am thankful for all life had in store for me. And if someone is mean to me I just let it go.  I think good Karma came my way. 
 

So talking about casino hosts 

 

1.  I was given 2 t - shirts with my one jackpot 

2.  Came back to room and had bottle red wine

3.  Another day had cookies 

4.  Next day champagne 

5.  Yet another bottle of champagne. 
6.  Just gave hostess their tips and I was presented with $1000 to be used on board in shops. Could not use in booze or cigs. Not a problem. We are leaving wine, champagne as well as left over D+ cans of pop for them,  and gift  $ envelopes for cabin attendants. 
7 From onboard credit we purchased 2 watches, makeup, hoodies, t shirts, as well as coffee mugs and lounger clips. 
8. Earned a free cruise 8 days on Symphony next year. $2000  on board credit. 
 

 

Now tomorrow I am prepared if I have to meet with customs. The casino host as well as concierge helped me with paper trail. 
 

They do not think I have to claim because I hit individual jackpots. 
And I am bringing less than $10,000.00 back to the states. 
But I did prepare the forms. 
 

Phew. 
That was a lot to share. 
 

Sea ya. 

[The sea calls my name]

1 hour ago, Lionesss said:

Pool day in OHIO for baby Zoey. It’s tough being a baby. 
 

That would be enough to get me on the earliest flight home I could find. Definitely worth making my own bed ( at least for a little while)

[Lionesss]

Cankle -less   Day 7. 
 

So far so good. 
 

We shall see what tomorrow will bring. 
 

later. 

 

[Vera/Lee]

50 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

6.  Just gave hostess their tips

What is the appropriate tip for the casino hosts?

[Lionesss]

12 minutes ago, Vera/Lee said:

What is the appropriate tip for the casino hosts?

It  varies on the interaction and how they 

share small gestures of appreciation. 
 

Allure has 4 host of different ranks. 
One, well no comment 

Another just flew by and said high. 
Two checked up on me. Gave the small gestures of items sent to cabin, and help answer my multiple questions. 
 

Assisted me with planning next cruise, 

 

Tipping is purely what you can share and varies for all of us. 
Except for our key people that take Care of us daily. ( cabin, wait staff). Those that we met in a minor role we usually give tip at end of cruise $10/ day. 
 

Sea you. 

[firefly333]

11 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

Ok, I get. The question though is why? What does a hat on your head have to do with eating? It is just some social norm that evolved sort of like neck ties. What is the point of taking a piece of useless cloth and tying it around one's neck?

 

I find it hard to get worked up over things people do that are harmless to anyone else.

Quite a exaggeration.. I mentioned it, not worked up over it in the least. I said I found it odd to sit in the dining room with a guy wearing a cowboy hat, though I admired it. It was a really nice one. 

 

I guess the useless cloth around ones neck is a tie. .. not my thing. I dont care a bit.