Tips for 1st Time RCC Cruiser

Here are the notes I've compiled from the generous posters on these CC Boards. Thank you to all the original authors who deserve the credit. I hope these help you too!

 

Main Dining Room Menu

 

Day ONE

 

STARTERS

Smoke Fish Tapenade – Sweet onions, tangy capers and fresh herbs compliment this fish dish; served with a golden brown crostini

Vidalia Onion Tart – sweet Vidalia onions combined with nutty Gruyere cheese, then baked in a buttery crust, served with leek fondue and sautéed red peppers

Sopa de Tortilla – Robust Mexican tomato soup garnished with dried julienne tortilla

Hot and Sour Shrimp soup - Spicy, pungent lemongrass-scented seafood broth with cilantro and vegetables

Child Watermelon Gazpacho – A variety of flavors and textures play off beautifully in this soup; garnished with chopped celery and cucumber

Caesar Salad or Spinach Salad

 

MAIN COURSE

Pan-Fried Pork Medallions 0 Meaty medallions served with buttery mashed potatoes, broccoli and a savory forest mushroom ragout

Truffled wild mushroom linguini alfredo – White truffle oil enhances the earthiness of the wild mushrooms in this creamy pasta dish.

Slow-Roasted Prime Rib

Grilled Mediterranean Quesadilla – Melted Monterey Jack cheese and vegetables sandwiched in a warm flour tortilla; served with a tomato-cilantro salsa

Pan-seared golden sea bass – Served atop green lentils, green beans, snow peas and verjus beurre blanc

Aloo Gobi Methi ) – Fenugreek-flavored potato and cauliflower curry served with fragrant basmati rice, pappadams, and tangy riata

 

DESSERTS

Strawberry Pavlova – Crispy Meringue coated with fresh cream and topped with strawberry compote

Chocolate Cherry Cake – Classic flavor combination in cake; served with a dollop of kirsch cream

Low-fat blueberry and peach cobbler – Spiced with cinnamon and dusted with powder sugar

Sugar-Free chocolate pot de Crème – Rich chocolate cream perfumed with a hint of coffee

 

Day TWO

 

STARTERS

Shrimp Cocktail

Escargot Bourguignonne

Lobster Bisque

Oxtail Broth

 

MAIN COURSE

Shrimp Ravioli – Bits of shrimp in pasta pillow, served in a creamy coconut-lim lobster sauce, atop wilted spinach and garnished with fried leeks

Grilled Seafood Brochett - A monkfish, scallops, and shrimp kebab, served with potato and cauliflower hash, and a black olive and red bell pepper pesto beurre blanc.

Roasted Duck – A black currant sauce and sweet red cabbage complement the richness of the duck, while golden brown potato croquettes add texture

Sauteed Seasonal Mushrooms – In a blue cheese cream sauce and bohemian dumpling

Potato Curry – Potatoes, onion and rich, spicy tomato curry served with fragrant basmati rice, pappadams and tangy raita.

 

DESSERTS

Bittersweet Chocolate Souffle – With each bite, this warm delicacy melts on the tongue to release a hint of lightly bittersweet chocolate served with espresso custard

Double Strawberry Cheesecake – Creamy cheesecake laced with a strawberry swirl; add a dollop of whipped cream, a spoonful of strawberry compote and enjoy

Marinated Cherry Bake – Marinated cherries baked in a light cake served with vanilla sauce

Low-fat Berry Mouse-Light strawberry and blueberry yogurt mousse accompanied by a rich-tasting, low fat vanilla sauce

Sugar-free coconut vanilla layer cake – a Tahitian vanilla mousse rests between layers of moist cake; toasted coconut adds a bit of crunch.

 

Day THREE

 

STARTERS

Antipasti – cured Italian ham, seasonal melon, grilled vegetables, marinated portabella mushrooms and baked caramelized garlic

Scallop Risotto – Delicate sea scallops enhanced by the charred sweetness of corn, served over a creamy mascarpone risotto

Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup – Mild and fragrant; garnished with rye bread croutons

Strawberry bisque – perfectly chilled soup garnished with a sprig of fragrant mint

Caesar Salad

Insalata Mista – mixed greens, crisp zucchini, sweet red bell peppers and black olives

 

MAIN COURSE

Rigatoni Pasta – Spicy chorizo , flavorful bell peppers, grilled corn, olive oil basil lend a southwestern twist to this dish

Garlic Tiger Shrimp – reminiscent of classic shrimp scampu, sauted in garlic-herb butter and accompanied by seasonal vegetables

Chicken Marsala – sautéed chicken scallopine nestled in Marsala mushroom sauce; served with buttery mashed potatoes and fresh veggies

Eggplant and Roma Tomato Bake – Smothered in mozzarella cheese with basil-balsamic syrup drizzle

Kaju Paneer Dhansak – Paneer, fenugreek, tarka dal and pineapple curry served with fragrant basmati rice, pappadams and tangy ratia

 

DESSERTS

Warm Chocolate Cake – warm chocolate cake complemented by mil chocolate sauce and sweet roasted pears

Raspberry Panna Cotta – full of raspberry flavor, this light Italian dessert is served on a crunchy almond butter cookie.

Tiramisu

Low-Fat angel food cake w/ grand marnier marinated strawberries

Sugar-Free Chocolate mint cake

 

Day FOUR

 

STARTERS

Exotic Fruits w/ mojito jelly

Crab and Shrimp Salad – sweet crab meat, surimi and shrimp are served atop mixed lettuce, mango and papaya, and dressed with lime cilantro dressing.

Beef and Veal Tortellaci – Tender pasta filled with Combination of beef and veal, enveloped in a zuchinni and garlic cream

Jalapeno potato soup – this creamy potati soup has a twist of heat and a hint of sour cream for richness

Chicken Consomme – flavorful broth with strips of crepe fettuccine, liberally garnished with chives

Caesar Salad

Seasonal Salad – with cool crisp cucumber and sweet red bell peppers

 

MAIN COURSE

Parmesan-Crusted Turkey Tenderloin – a savory mustard sage sauce is the perfect foil for the tender parmesan-crusted turkey

Cornmeal-Dusted Tilapia – Slightly crispu fish filet served with a healthy portion of Japanese ratatouille and a wasabi aioli

Slow-Roasted Beef Shoulder Filet – served with decadent mascarpone mashed potatoes and a shiraz reduction

Asparagus and Brie Tart – fresh asparagus and nutty Brie are nestled in a buttery crust – topped with grilled plum tomatoes and arugula salad; red pepper essence and chive oil add a bright touch

Penne Tarantina – a chunky tomato and garlic sauce loaded with plump mussels, shrimp and sweet bay scallops all tossed with al dente pasta

Gobi Ki Sabzi – cauliflower curry with cumin seeds, ginger, peppers and tomatoes served with fragrant basmati rice, pappadams and tangy raita.

 

DESSERTS

Choca-Chino Trilogy – A Delightful chocolate trio: Sweet Grand Marnier white chocolate mousse, creamy mile chocolate kahlua cheesecake and a slice of dense dark chocolate mud cake

BBB – Banana and Baileys Irish Cream brulee custard baked under a caramel crust

Magic Mango Parfait – light, creamy frozen mango custard layered with Caribbean mango salsa

Low-Fat Exotic pineapple and coconut cake – A Pina Colada in a flourless cake – with a healthy scoop of pineapple sorbet for good measure

Steamed Sugar Free vanilla and berry custard w/ fresh berries

 

Day FIVE

 

STARTERS

Papaya, lychee & water chestnut salad – crunchy and slightly sweet, this salad is dressed with a kaffir lime syrup

Smoked Salmon Carpaccio – thinly sliced smoked atlantic salmon served with red oinion, capers and lime.

Bread Mushrooms – fresh mushrooms are lightly breaded and fried until golden brown, served with tartar sauce

Mulligatawny Soup – Spicy Indian soup with curried chicken, vegetables and rice

Shellfish Saffron Consomme – Delicate broth with baby shrimp and leeks

Chilled orange and banana Soup – sweet citrus and creamy banana complement each other garnished with julienne basil

Caesar Salad

Tomato Salad – Vine ripe tomatoes with sweet red onion and tangy crumbled blue cheese

 

MAIN COURSE

Asian Duck – Ginger marinated duck glazed with orange hoisin sauce, roasted and served with stir –fried Chinese cabbage and steamed rice

Baked Cheese Cannelloni 0 Tender ricotta filled pasta in Gruyere-parmesan sauce atop a beef and forest mushroom ragou

Pan-Seared Tilapia – Tender fish served on a potato-leek gratin with corn niblets, snow peas and saffron beurre blanc

Pan-Fried pork medallions – Served with tangy sour cream mashed potatoes, carmelized shallots and a savory port reduction

Wild Mishroom and Goat cheese pizza – Earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese and crispy crust with a balsamic drizzle

Bglai Cauliflower – Cauliflower, potatoes and green pea curry served with fragment basmati rice, pappadams and tangy raita

 

DESSERTS

Pear Tart Bourdalou – Rich almond custard, topped with sliced pears and baked in a flaky crust

Chocolate Banan Strudel – Bananas and dark chocolate wrapped in thin layers of strudel pasty, then baked until golden brown

White chocolate cheesecake – Creamy and delectable, with a hint of lemon

Low-Fat Mango Mousse – Silky dessert with the sweet subtle taste of fresh mango

Sugar-Free Orange Yogurt Pudding – tangy citrus pudding with bittersweet orange reduction

 

Day SIX

 

STARTERS

Eggplant and Kalamata Olive Tartare – Tomato Coulis and Garlic crostini

Seafood Salad – Shrimp, scallops and smoked salmon in a brandy cocktail sauce

Creamed wild mushroom in Puff Pastry – A hearty blend of wild mushrooms, cream and herbs all encased in delicate puff pastry

Cream of Asparagus – Pale green and creamy, this delicious classic soup is garnished with crunchy almonds

Double Duck Consomme – Aged port gives this rich broth a depth of flavor and is garnished with a melange of julienne vegetables

Roasted Peach Soup 0 roasting brings out the sweetness of this stone fruit; strawberries serve as a colorful garnish

Caesar Salad

House Salad – Boston and Oak leaf lettuce, vine ripe tomatoes and sunflower seeds

 

MAIN COURSE

Thai BBQ Chicken Breasts – The delicate perfume of jasmine rice is enhanced by coconut and lemongrass

New England Bay Scallops and Ziti – Sweet bay scallops, grilled portabella mushrooms and fire-roasted red pepper pesto swirl around the pasta

Fisherman’s Plate - A broiled lobster tail and garlicky shrimp served with broccoli florets

Slow-Roasted Aged Prime Rib – Served with natural au jus, a fluffy baked potato and lightly glazed root vegetables

Greek-Style Vegetarian Moussaka – On a chunky and tomato and oregano sauce

Kabuli Chana – Chickpea curry served with fragrant basmati rice.

 

DESSERTS

Dessert Sampler – A trio of exquisite and textures on one plate - ie. Chocolate Cake, Cheesecake, and Pana cotta

Cherries Jubilee – Warmed, dark red cherries laced with Kirsch; generously ladled over vanilla ice cream

Low Fat Double Passion Fruit Cheesecake – Low fat cheesecake laced with a passion fruit swirl, served on a bed of mango sauce.

Sugar Free Red Berry Tart – Delicate, flaky pie crust filled with sugar free vanilla pastry cream and fresh red berries

 

Day SEVEN

 

STARTERS

Fresh Seasonal Fruits – Laced with passion fruit coulis

House Terrine - The Sweetness of port wine enhances this rich duck pate, waldorf salad is a nice complement

Crab Cake – Meaty crab meat cake atop corn salsa, with tequila-lime sour cream

New England Clam Chowder – More like a rich, creamy stew than a soup, filled with chinke of vegetables, potatoes and clams

Asian-Style Chicken Soup – Full-Flavored Chicken broth with wontons, oyster mushrooms, bok choy and scallions

Chilled Golden Delicious Apple Soup – A hint of cinnamon perfectly enhances the apple flavor

Caesar Salad

Focaccia and Tomato Salad - Crusty focaccia , bocconcini and ripe tomato slices tossed with fresh basil served family style

 

MAIN COURSE

Panko-Cilantro Crusted Catch of the Day – Fresh fish filet sautéed golden and served with basmati rice, cauliflower, spinach and a Cognac-curry sauce

Cheese Tortelloni - Delicate cheese-filled pasta nestled in a light suace of blue cheese and bits of rich-tasting sun-dried tomatoes

Roasted Garlic and herb Rack of Lamb – Sautéed vegetables, mashed potatoes and a rich Cabernet wine sauce

Pan-fried cauliflower cakes – Fried to a crispy, golden brown and served with sautéed pimentos, asparagus and cumin-cilantro sour cream.

Slow-Roasted Double-Cut Prok Loin Steak – Savory pork loin, served atop a bed of braised lentils with crisp green beans, potato gratin and onion jus

Vegetable Vindaloo – Cauliflower, broccoli, beans, peas, carrots, tomatoes and sweet corn curry served with fragrant basmati rice, papadams, and tangy raita.

 

DESSERTS

Ivory Chocolate Fondue – Sweet berries in a white chocolate mousse; a crunchy biscuit is served to add a nice texture.

Apple Pie a la Mode – Slices of spiced Golden Delicious apples baked in a flaky double crust, topped with creamy vanilla ice cream

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake – Sweet cheesecake with swirls of caramel and a hint of coffee

Low-Fat Caramelized pina colada tart – Pinneapple and coconut flavored filling double-baked in a flaky crust

Sugar-Free Fruit Pillow – Fluffy puff pastry filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with zesty fruit compote

 

Day EIGHT

 

STARTERS

Morocccan-Spiced Chicken Salad – Slices of grilled Moroccan spiced chicken breast with eggplant, arugula, shredded carrots, green beans and raisins

Shrimp Cocktail

Spinach Dip – Warm and creamy, this spinach dip is classic comfort food at its best; served with crispy tortilla chips

Cream of Pumpkin – Finished with candied walnuts and a dash of sour cream

Onion Soup – Caramelized onions are simmered in rich beef broth, full of flavor, each serving is finished with a Gruyere toast

Chilled Raspberry and Pineapple Soup - A unique combination of seet, fresh berries blended with pineapple

Caesar Salad

 

MAIN COURSE

Shrimp and Mahi Mahi Tempura - Lightly coated in tempura, fried golden and served with stir fried vegetables and clili-lime plum sauce

Grilled NY Strip Steak – With a tomato confit stuffed portabella mushroom, fresh green beans, mashed potato and your choice of béarnaise sauce or Gorgonzola butter

Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Calzone –Baked golden and served with a cherry tomoato and garlic confit salsa

Rice Biryani – Delicately flavored with saffron and spices, served with pappadams and tangy raita

Roasted Turkey – Served with apple bread stuffing, rich cider gravy, creamy rutabaga mash, Brussels sprouts, carrot sticks and tart cranberry sauce

Potato Gnocchi – Tossed with ham and garden peas in a cream reduction

 

DESSERTS

Chocolate Brownie Sandwich – A dark bittersweet chocolate wedged between layers of rich chocolate brownie

Key Lime Pie – tangy, creamy custard with the distinctive flavor of key lime nestled in a flaky pie crust

Banana and Crunchy Nut Partfait – Creamy, frozen banana custard in layers of luscious whipped cream finished with caramel-fudge sauce, almonds and macadamia nuts

Low-Fat Apple Cake – This wheat caje is topped with apples and served on an almond biscuit

Sugar-Free key Lime Pie – tangy, sugar free key lime custard in a flaky pie crust, served with marinated berries

 

OPERATING COSTS

According to RCCL, in the 2010 financial report, the "gross yield" per passenger-day is $218.45. Assuming that we're talking about a 7-day cruise for this example, that means that an average passenger has paid $1,111.60 for their cruise fare and spent an additional $417.55 onboard.

For that week-long cruise, Royal Caribbean has paid $146.80 (9.6%) (per passenger) for fuel, $145.27 (9.5%) for the cost of the ships themselves, and just $87.16 (5.7%) for food.

 

STATISTICS ABOUT THE SHIP

The Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) has constructed the largest cruise ship afloat (even 5 cm longer than Oasis, her sister ship), which is a destination in itself. Its home, Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale had to increase its Pier #18 in order to accommodate Oasis and Allure, as did each of their destination ports.

The statistics of the Allure are stunning: her 225,283 gross tonnes, is an increase of more than 65,000 tonnes over the RCI Freedom Class, the previous record holders. She’s 216 ft. wide, 1,187 ft. long (almost four football fields), 236 ft. high above the waterline, with a draft of only 30 ft. With all her size, her cruising speed is 22.6 knots. There are 15 passenger decks, 24 passenger elevators placed both forward and aft, so they are less than a quarter of the ship's length from anywhere on board. Guest capacity is 5,400 (double occupancy) of its 2,706 guest staterooms, but she can accommodate 6,296 total guests maximum. Her international crew of more than 2,400 is all eager to please. Although bigger than any other cruise ship, Allure is not actually much longer than the Freedom Class. She is much wider and taller than the Freedom class which creates a lot more space. The Allure also has far more outdoor space than any other cruise ship. Her seven neighborhoods concept makes for a wonder of a cruise --- a vacation like no other.

 

BOARDING THE SHIP

Arriving at terminal 18 at 10:30 you can board the ship at 11:00. Went straight up the elevators and straight to our designated Deck area, got our SeaPass card. SeaPass cards included our names, some code numbers, our muster station code, and our photo binder location. Also, those who pre-purchased the Coke package included a Coca Cola logo on your SeaPass card. You are not allowed into cabins until 1:00pm. Each Deck has a special check-in line at the terminal, thus, cutting down on any waiting.

 

Upon check-in, you are given an overview of the week’s activities, known as “The Planner”, as well as a map and an information brochure discussing dining and entertainment options. This is quite informative, and a nice primer to this week’s activities.

 

No matter how many times you have cruised, take the boarding pictures, even if you have absolutely no intention of buying them. The Allure has a face recognition system for all of the pictures. If you don't take this boarding picture you will not have all of your pictures together for the remainder of the cruise. They record your Sea Pass number, and the pictures go with your room number, and every time a picture is taken, it goes in your "folder".

 

As for embarkation lunch, the Solarium is open to grab a bite to eat (complimentary breakfast and lunch), Park Café (complimentary) on Central Park, Deck 8...beats the hassle of the Windjammer...easy to get lunch, nice outside table on the park. Also open in addition to the Windjammer buffet (complimentary). There are other venues open too, like Sorrento’s Pizzeria (complementary), Boardwalk Dog house (complimentary), and Johnny Rockets ($4.95). Johnny Rockets is "all-you-can-eat". You could sit there as long as you'd like eating whatever you want from the menu. They bring out fries and onion rings at the start and keep refilling them. The onion rings are awesome! Soft drinks (without the soda card) and milk shakes cost extra, but they do have some desserts that are included. You can also eat at Johnny Rockets for (complimentary) breakfast with freshly cooked bacon, sausage, eggs, country potatoes, pancakes waffles, toast, cereal, coffee, and juice. They have a nice egg and bacon sandwich.

 

There are many different choices for Sail away on this ship. Most people chose the pool decks or Boardwalk; there is also a site over the bridge. This area was originally going to be for the Adventure Ocean guests, but apparently RCI has decided to use it for adult guests instead. It is easily accessed by going all the way forward, port side, on deck 14. There are great views, and you can move out on the wings to get an even better vantage point. The helipad area at the bow (king of the world) is reserved for multiple repeat cruisers and suite guests for sail away. Aft public areas on Decks 11, 12, and 14 overlooking the Aqua Theater are another excellent choice. Also, Deck 7 rear above the boardwalk by rock climbing wall.

 

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND SOFT DRINKS

Coffee, tea, milk (plain and chocolate), juices, lemonade and punch will are complimentary but you must pay for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages and they will add a 15 percent gratuity to each alcoholic drink. They add an emblem on your SeaPass Card that allows you unlimited soft drinks for the duration of your cruise. If purchased on-board, the cost of the soft drink card also goes on your on-board account. A refillable cup will be in your cabin the first day if bought ahead of time, but not required as your SeaPass card (with emblem) can be used anywhere.

The soda card is $4.60 ($5 * %1.15) pppd for kids, and $6.90 ($6 * %1.15) pppd for adults (past 18th birthday) - so on the 7 night cruise the adult cost is $48.30 and $32.20 for kids. Sodas are $2.25 by glass (or can) onboard (including the service charge). If you drink 4 glasses/cans daily it´s worth the price. If you drink 3 cans (2 cans for kids) or less each day, it´s cheaper to buy it by glass/can. BTW you save money booking the soda package online before the cruise. But when you buy onboard or in the terminal a %6.5 Florida sales tax will be added next to the 15% service charge. The sales tax is skipped as soon as the ship has reached international waters.

 

The soda cup (an insulated mug with a nice lid) which comes with the soda package has a computer chip embedded in bottom. When you hold it just so under the soda dispensing nozzle, soda will come out.

 

DRINK SMUGGLING

Bring a case of bottled water or your favorite bottled drink as checked baggage. Pick it up dirt cheap at grocery store in your embarkation city. Throw a luggage tag on it, drop it off at the curb and it will show up in your cabin. Just don't sneak anything else in one of the inside bottles.

 

MAY I HAVE SECONDS?

Still hungry after your main course in the MDR? Ask for another! They're happy to do it. If they have steaks or lobster in the MDR, ask for 2 steaks (or lobsters) on one plate instead of 2 total plates full of extras. All specialty restaurants on Allure are all you care to eat.

 

PHOTOGRAPHS

Cruise ship employees will take plenty of photographs of you all over the ship, in the dining room, and as you exit the ship in ports. These will cost a lot, between $15 to $25 and the cost of them goes on your on-board tab. You can save yourself a lot of money by taking your own photos and asking other passengers to take photos of you; they generally always will. More about photographs later.

 

SPA SERVICES

If you want/need to have your hair done, get a massage or wrap, or any services from the spa, you will have to pay for them. Spa fees start at about $70 to $80 and they go on your on-board tab if you use the spa services. You can use the gym free but the spa stuff cost big bucks.

 

INTERNET SERVICES

RCI ships now have an internet cafe and Wi-Fi ship wide but the there is a fee for internet access and it is very expensive ($50 an hour, a little less if you buy a plan). I always recommend that you skip the high priced internet on ship and wait for port stops where you can usually find an internet cafe where the charges are about $2 to $5 an hour. Just ask the cabin steward and/or your wait staff where the internet is at the port. They know because they use them when they can get off the ship.

 

GRATUITIES

The Process: With one key exception, Royal Caribbean continues the traditional process of handing out gratuities to crewmembers on the last night of the cruise. The line recommends $3.50 per person, per day to the dining room waiter and to the cabin steward ($5.75 for suite attendant); $2 per person, per day to the assistant waiter; and $0.75 per person, per day to the head waiter. Guidelines are the same for all passengers regardless of age.

 

Stateroom attendant ($3.50 ppd) $122.50

Dining Room Waiter: ($3.50 ppd) $122.50

Assistant Waiter: ($2.00 ppd) $70.00

Headwaiter: ($.75 ppd) $26.25 Total: $341.25 (for 5 passemgers)

 

Alternatives: Passengers who opt for Royal Caribbean's My Time Dining (flexible dining) rather than set-seating dining must pre-pay gratuities. Those who haven't selected My Time Dining but otherwise wish to pre-pay gratuities can also do so, either before or at the conclusion when you settle your sea pass account.

 

Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion. A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to your bar bill or wine check when you are served.

 

Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Gratuities may be paid in the following ways:

• Pre paid by having them added to your reservation by your booking agent.

• Added to your onboard SeaPass account.

• Paid in cash at the end of the cruise.

 

INFORMATION ABOUT CABINS

The doors opened outwards (toward the hallway), the door is set back so that it does not open directly into the hallway.

 

Another thing they finally got right is the bar in the shower; which allows one to shave the legs in an easy fashion. No clothesline in the shower, but there are 2 hooks in there and 2 hooks in the bathroom wall and also more hooks on the bathroom door. Shower head is fixed and is very high. The bathroom in the stateroom seems bigger than on previous RCI ships; although counter space is more narrow. They supply you with various bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soap. The shower door is the revolving phone booth type.

 

Plenty of storage space in the closet, 6 shelves, tons of hangers, and a safe (too small to fit a full sized 17-inch screen laptop though) and other shelving near the vanity. Put the small coffee table in the closet to help open up the room. The beds were comfortable and balcony furniture another step up. The bedding is the best I've had on a cruise (any line). The mattresses have great support but have a thick layer of memory foam on top. There are two extra pillows in the closet for a total of six.

The fridge actually keeps things cool! Many cabins will likely have a minibar with soft drinks and munchies; you have to pay for anything you take out of the mini-bar. Ask the room steward to empty the fridge on the first day so you do not get charged (or tempted).

 

Life jackets are not kept in your cabin you will be given one at your life muster station if required. The cabins had hair dryers, outlets located under the desk limited drawer space (3 drawers), many cabinets, 2 night stands and sofa table. There is standard under the bed storage, a queen sized fold-out sofa which slept 2, under the sink storage. The bathroom had a dim and full light setting. No more stumbling in the dark to find and use the bathroom.

 

There is a master switch at the front door which is great when you are leaving and want to cut all the lights easily. There are two switches by the bed, one that controls the room lights and the other that controls subdued lighting over the artwork which can act as a nightlight and is great at night for two people sharing a room. The balcony door needs to be latched for the heat/air to come on. If out on the balcony, be careful not to close the sliding door too enthusiastically, as it could lock you out. Only have to partially close the closet doors in the cabin, then the actuator takes control and closes them the rest of the way.

 

On Screen Interactive capabilities (there is a keyboard which comes with the flat screen TV so you can sign up for wireless internet or use the TV itself to surf the web) , the TV also allows you to sign up for activities and reserve a table at any one of the several specialty restaurants on board, view your account, etc.. There is also a built in calendar feature which shows you the customized itinerary for your trip and you can add to it at any time, anything you want. It shows bookings you have made, both shore-excursions and dinner reservations. All cabins on Allure of the Seas feature iPod docking stations. The toilets do not have the floor soils vents found on some other ships, so no sewer gas odor coming from the plumbing .

 

THE NEIGHBORHOODS

Solarium/ Sports Deck: There is a huge partially domed, adults only (age 16+) Solarium in the front of the ship. This area has multiple levels, is beautifully laid out, and has palm trees and tropical plants. There is a small pool (4-ft. deep) that is warm, plus two hot tubs. Covered verandas are furnished with large, beautiful “Tommy Bahama” style chairs with thick cushions and matching ottomans--perfect for reading a book or taking a nap. There are 10 cabanas along the very front of the Solarium that have giant “Papasan” chairs with convertible tops. Also in the Solarium is the Solarium Bistro, which serves complimentary breakfast and lunch buffet of “healthy” fare, but turns into a table-served Brazillian "all you can eat meatfest" Grill at night for a surcharge. Adjacent to the Solarium on both sides of the ship, in a part of the ship that cantilevers out over the water, (inside the glass area) are two huge “infinity” style hot tubs with big-screen televisions. You can sit in the hot tub and look at the ship as though you were alongside it.

 

Located in the Sports Deck area is Izumi, the Japanese specialty restaurant available with A la Carte pricing. Dishes include sushi, hot pot and something called hot rock cooking (food is cooked using 575 degree volcanic rocks). The menu is a la carte -- you'll pay by sushi roll or dish. For example, rolls start from $1 during lunch. Prices are higher during dinner. Also on the sports deck are several other pools, including a cute kiddie aqua park that features fun slides, water guns and fun things to entertain them for hours and a gradual entry “beach” pool plus sun decks and plenty of beach chairs. Beach towels are large and thick and have the Royal Caribbean name on them. You have to “check out” the towels and return them to the towel kiosk when finished (not back to your cabin ).

 

The rest of the sports deck contains many amenities such as a full-size basketball court (also used for volley ball and soccer) with a cold water drinking fountain nearby, mini golf with real turf with unique bronze statues of golfers and a caddy and brightly colored animals for the children. There are ping pong tables; shuffleboard; two rock-climbing walls; zip-line over the ship’s Boardwalk (you must have shoes and socks to ride); two flow-rider wave machines for surfing or using the boogie board. Everything is well laid out and spacious. Also on the sports deck is a self-service buffet (complimentary) venue called Wipeout Café and serves regular grill offerings -- burgers, dogs, chicken fingers, fries, frozen yogurt and nacho chips with fresh guacamole and salsa. There is also a small beach shop that sells beach wear, suntan lotion, and other things. Adjacent to the Wipeout Café are complementary soft-serve ice cream/yogurt machines with cones. Similar machines are at the aqua pool. Even for a ship this size, there were always lounge chairs available.

 

The zip line is fun, but it is over quickly (only about 100’ long). The two Flow riders were very fun, and they generally have them separated for stand up surfing on starboard side and boogie boarding on port side. The Flow riders can be also be reserved, at designated times, for stand up surfing private lessons at $60 per hour. The wait was never longer than 15 minutes for the flow riders on busier sea days. Your turn ends when you fall off if stand-up surfing. Another piece of advice is to do the online waivers for activities before you leave. This saves a time in line. The aft area is also nice for ocean views and relaxing, and there are loungers available back here, very un-crowded and accessible.

 

Vitality Spa and Fitness Center: The spa is huge and takes up 2 floors. There are the usual offerings plus additional 29 special treatment rooms. The relaxation room could comfortably seat 16 people but was never that crowded. There is also a nice salon. Located within the spa and fitness area is the Vitality Café where you can get a healthy snack: fruit, juices, salads, wraps, energy drinks, smoothies, specialty teas, and specialty coffee drinks. Some of the items in the café are complimentary and some cost extra. The café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The fitness center was huge. There are plenty of classes and lectures to attend, or you can do your own routine. There are some bikes available that have simulated interactive biking courses. The fitness center has a stairwell that takes you down to the promenade deck, which is essentially a jogging track. Along the way are motivational signs and reminders to stop and stretch, and informational markers to let you track your distance. Vitality at Sea Fitness Center is forward on Deck 6. There is a “Thermal Suite,” massage center and gym with over 100 cardio & resistance machines (weight machines, free weights, stationary spin bikes, stair steppers, treadmills), the longest jogging track at sea (2.4 laps = 1mile). There are classes in yoga and kick boxing.

 

Boardwalk: The open air Boardwalk is on Deck 6 aft is an outdoor venue inspired by Coney Island, and features several dining options (alongside the fake tattoo parlor, wooden carousel, a fortune teller and carnie games). It truly evokes a festive and laid-back feeling and features a Carousel with 18 hand-carved animals; which offers complimentary rides. Before you get to the carousel, you walk down a hall of fun house mirrors and get to see each stage of the carving process for the beautiful carousel menagerie. In its entrance are several horses in various stages of carving and painting, both informative and beautiful art.

 

There is also a fun photo shop called Smile, a costume style portrait place. There were many costumes to dress up in for your pictures. The cheapest package was about $100 and the individual photos were about $35. There is a Pets at Sea store which looks is like a build-a-bear shop, an old-fashioned candy store with many nostalgic candies for a whopping $11.69 per 1b. An Ice Cream Parlor- (A la Carte pricing) sells hand-packed ice cream, banana splits etc. Pinwheels is a clothing/toy store for kids. Star Pier sells hats, sunglasses etc.

 

Along the Boardwalk are decorative items you would find in a real boardwalk, such as pop-corn machines, ‘funhouse” mirrors, and so forth.

Even “Voltar” is available to tell your fortune. They also have a photo booth. Restaurants include Johnny Rockets (4.95 fee pp – but complimentary for breakfast), Royal Caribbean's staple old-timey burger joint in an expanded form with more outdoor seating. Across from Johnny Rockets is a casual Mexican restaurant, Rita’s Cantina, ($7.95 fee pp) featuring a combination So-Cal taqueria and Mexican beach bar. The menu consists of options like taco salad, chile relleno, shrimp ceviche tostadas, fajitas, chips and guacamole, and a wide selection of tequilas and margaritas. New to the Allure is the (complimentary) Boardwalk Doghouse, which features different sausages, wieners, and brats with your choice of toppings from around the world (Coney Island, German Bratwurst, Austrian Wunderdog, Italian Sausage, etc.). Also there is a complimentary Boardwalk Donuts featuring a rotating selection 15 donut varieties, coffee, and pastries.

 

The Boardwalk has about 5-6 stories of “inside” cabins that overlook it.

At the end of the Boardwalk is the Aqua Theater. This is the home for fantastic diving and synchronized swimming shows, and is not to be missed. This area was also used for the Sexy Legs contest, and they also showed some football games and a movie as well.

 

The 600 seat Aqua Theater has two shows, one of Dancing Waters (fountains timed to music --- reminiscent of the famous fountains of Lugano, Switzerland). The other show, “OceanAria,” is a show about an ancient race of sea people who tell their story through high-diving, gymnastics and displays of strength. This water extravaganza includes Olympic class high diving, synchronized swimming, and incredible acrobatic routines. This theatre has stadium seating (comfy) and a stage with a 17 foot deep pool --- various diving boards and platforms, lighting, and 2 big-screens for movies and other special effects. The evening performance put on by former Olympic swimmers and acrobats was spectacular. Keep your eyes open because you never know where the action will occur. The show incorporates the large TV screens that flank the stage, and they serve to further the story as well as showing the action from different angles.

 

The Aqua Theatre was flanked on either side by the Aqua Suites. The suites are stepped such that the lowest one had the largest balcony and the balconies decreased in size as you went higher. The balcony for each suite was a large wrap-around style balcony that appeared to have built-in outdoor bars. I would guess that the view of the Aqua Theatre, as well as the ocean view on the other side, was stunning; however, noise would definitely be an issue. There is also a 30 minute evening water show set to music that was very dramatic and well done. Those in the Aqua Suites were on their balconies viewing the water show and appeared to enjoy it.

 

On either side of the ship are the two rock climbing walls, both of which are higher and wider than anything RCCL has had on previous ships. Waits for climbing were only 15 minutes or so.

 

Central Park: Central Park is an open air area is based on Deck 8 with five decks of balcony staterooms opening on to it. It certainly lives up to its name with 12,000 plants, trees, vines and flowering plants, beautifully arranged among winding paths and is absolutely elegant at night. In the evening there are moonlight serenades with the “Black Pearl Strings” and guitar melodies. There are many plants and park benches with a winding path that allows you to meander along and take it all in. There are several seating areas – some covered for when it rains (it is open to the sky like a park). There are delightful pergolas covered with blooming bougainvilleas and poles wound with night blooming jasmine. Each type of plant is identified with tags. There is also an occasional Strolling Scot bagpiper playing.

 

There are also fine shops featuring designer handbags (Coach Purse store), sportswear, as well as an extensive Britto art gallery and shop. They offer twice-daily art tours from here, which is informative and interesting.

 

Restaurants in Central Park include: Chops Grille ($25), Park Café (complimentary casual dining), 150 Central Park ($35) the signature restaurant featuring Chef Molly Brandt, and casual dining at Giovanni’s Table ($10 lunch, $15 dinner) for excellent Italian cuisine Tuscan style. At Giovanni’s Table the service was outstanding. They offered an appetizer, soup, pasta dish, main dish and dessert.

 

At the 76-seat 150 Central Park there are two eight course sampling menus that alternate depending upon the day of the week. The ambiance is very elegant, the service is outstanding. Enjoy a bottle of wine, or select the wine-parings. The prix fixe menu was unique; be ready to have your palate stretched.

 

The Park Café was open for breakfast too, and was busy all the time. The cafe serves excellent fresh made-to-order salads, soups, delicious Panini’s, wraps, as well as sandwiches and desserts. The Park Café has the roast beef sandwiches everyone raves about. The grilled cheese Panini was also very good. The Cuban style Panini had no pickles. There were also good soups here with a make your own salad bar. For breakfast, the English muffin/egg sandwiches were good, also a bagel bar with lots of toppings. This café also offered other sandwich offerings, two different daily soup offerings, a salad bar that you could have created with different offerings daily and of course a selection of yummy looking desserts.

 

Chops, Park Café, and Giovanni’s Table have both indoor and outdoor seating. Also there is a high end wine and tapas bar called Vintages.

There is also the very fine dining option at Chef’s Table ($75), a private dining experience hosted by the chef and includes the wines in the price. Chef’s Table includes a wine pairing extravaganza. The food is superb and the wine presentation is off the charts. The dinner is limited to 14 people per night. The $75 includes dinner, wine, (a lot of wine) an apron and an autographed cook book from one of the chefs. The cook book is awesome.

Rising above Central Park are several floors of “inside” cabins that have windows overlooking the park.

 

The Royal Promenade on Deck 5 is retained from the Voyager and Freedom classes of ships and features a village center with coffee shops (including the only Starbucks at sea), Café Promenade (complimentary casual dining) serving Seattle's Best coffee as well as complimentary pastries and snacks. Specialty coffee drinks (espresso, lattes, etc.) are available at an additional cost. The Allure Promenade is wider and longer, and is broken up in the middle with different kiosks, as well as the excellent Starbucks coffee shop, which serves (for a fee - same prices as on land).

 

Sorrento’s Pizza (complimentary) with made-to-order pizza (pick your toppings) as well as pizza-by-the-slice. You can also order a pizza for takeout and take a slice or a whole pie back to your room with you.

 

The on board shops located here has the logo wear, perfumes, jewelry, etc. The biggest attraction is the “Rising Tide Bar” an oval shaped spacious glass enclosed elevator which will lift you up three decks to

 

Central Park.

The Main Dining Room is Allure of the Seas' massive, three-level dining room done in 1920's French Art Deco style, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Passengers can choose a traditional set-seating (main and late) dining experience or Royal Caribbean's new My Time Dining program. With

 

My Time, passengers can make reservations in advance of their meal or simply walk in any time. There were tables of all sizes. Quite a few tables for 2 and there were many 6 and 8 person tables. In the MDR, there is 1 galley for each floor of the dining room. You can get real ice cream at dinner and in the Windjammer Marketplace (WM) at dinner. In the WM, there's a station where they'll scoop you vanilla ice cream, and you can customize with toppings (choc sauce, strawberry sauce, sprinkles, etc).

 

The Windjammer Marketplace is the ship's main buffet venue, open for all three squares. Folks familiar with Royal Caribbean's buffet options will find no surprises here. Passengers can choose from a rotating menu of over 120 different choices.

 

Room service: Most items, like sandwiches and salads, are complimentary, but there are a few specialty items, such as Ben & Jerry's ice cream bars and cheesecake, that carry an extra cost. Also, there is a $4.95 surcharge for food items ordered between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. The Main didning room menu is also available as room service - ask!

 

The Youth Zone is completely dedicated to children and teens with Adventure Ocean Theater, Science Lab, Video Games and even a nursery at sea. Teens are treated to their own areas with an outdoor deck, nightclub, video arcade and even a Hangout spot. Fuel is the teen nightclub where dance parties are held. The Living Room is the lounge where teens can hang out and play video games, music, go online, etc.

 

Internet is cheaper in teen facilities (30 cents per minute).

The casino is absolutely huge. There are a multitude of slots, table games, and interactive electronic poker, blackjack, and roulette machines. They have a smoking and non-smoking side, and as long as you stay away from the middle section, it is usually pretty good smoke control. The casino has their own version of Lotto, and for $2 you pick 5 numbers…if you get all 5 in the nightly drawing, you get $10,000.

 

The Rising Tide Bar. This is a moveable bar that moves between decks 5 (Promenade) and 8 (Central Park). It holds about 30 people and is a wonderful place to relax and have a drink, or just people watch it's not crowded most the time. The bar itself is located right in the middle of the action at the aft end of the Boardwalk. Not only does it transport you from the festive atmosphere of the Promenade to the serene atmosphere of Central Park under a glass domed ceiling shaped like a wave and reminiscent of Tavern on the Green in NYC, but it also serves as part of the decoration and ambience. When moving, there are multiple color effects and a water fountain show underneath the bar, and it is quite magical. There is a12-minute cycle between each running.

 

Solarium offers soft music, while Central Park offers nature sounds. It appears however that most of the “live” plants can only be found in Central Park.

 

ACTIVITIES – THINGS TO DO ON THE SHIP

If you don’t pre-book your entertainment, you will have the opportunity to book once you board, either through the Box Office, Allure 360, or your interactive stateroom TV. You may not get your first choice. You can just show up at the desired show 10-15 minutes before show time. There will probably be seats available, albeit not in the best locations.

 

The Sea Trek crew offer Dive Lessons, which are held in the Aqua Theater Pool. SCUBA class, there is a full PADI certification course onboard, utilizing 3 days on-ship classes and for the 4th day dive. Since the Aqua Theater pool is over 17 feet deep, it meets the needs of the SCUBA class. It is best to sign up early, preferably by Sunday morning.

 

They had Stargazing up on the Helipad. Accessed the area by going to Deck 7 and entering through the Vitality Spa, or went all the way forward through a Crew Only door, which led us through a crew hallway between a game/ arcade room and the Crew Bar/Disco. The Activity Staff member is an expert in astronomy, and pointed out many of the constellations, and an explanation of each one that we could see. A great area is just above the Bridge. It is completely dark, and perfect for stargazing. The entrance to the area is deck 14 (fwd Portside)

 

You can Pre Book Chicago, Blue Planet, OceanAria, the Comedy Show(s), Ice Games (Ice Show) and Headliner Shows. This can be done about 90 days before your sailing. If you are unable to pre book online, you can do so onboard at the Box Office. The only show that was always at capacity was the Aqua Show. All the other shows had plenty of empty seats for any last minute people.

 

The ship has so much to offer. You can stroll the Promenade or just walk around and look at over 7500 pieces of art. Take an art tour where one of the artists talks about their work and then a private viewing all works in the art gallery. The art tours are well worth it and I think every week they invite other artists to join in and give private showings. There is so much great art on board; it’s nice to hear about it. The tours are fun and informative, take about an hour and they don’t try to sell you anything.

 

Work out facility is lovely, large with treadmills in front of a window watching the sea. Bring your earphones as each machine has a TV/stereo.

 

The track is on level 5. Be sure to stop at the aft/rear of ship and look down at the prop wash/wake.

 

Wi-Fi - make sure your phone has data roaming OFF. Purchase 60 minutes of internet access for about $30. Same for Wi-Fi signal. Do not waste your internet minutes in your stateroom -- the TV functionality is slow for internet. Use the PC's in the card room on deck 14.

 

The one place that does have the standard "out on deck" feel is a little hidden (and not on any of the ship's maps). If you go to the port side (left looking forward) hallway on deck 14 forward, there is a button that you push which opens a door that lets you access the deck that is found on top of the bridge. This is the best place to see the bow of the ship (with the helicopter pad) as well as both sides front and back. The best place to view the sea behind the ship is on deck 5 (home of the running track with its professional cushioned surface).

 

SHOWS

Entertainment Place has something for everyone: This cruise there were three terrific shows in the Amber Theater --- the Broadway production of “Chicago”, and the acrobatic show called "Blue Planet” and a “headliner” show. The Amber Theater seats 1,380. Live entertainment is all over the ship including jazz, comedy and string music in the dining rooms.

 

Chicago: This show takes place in the Amber Theater, and is the Broadway show of the same name. The energy level of the cast is fantastic, and the singing and choreography is top notch, professional quality of the sets and scenery, and the orchestra does a great job with the music. Recommend sitting a few rows back in order to see all of the action on stage.

 

Ice Games: This is the ice show that takes place in Studio B, the Allure has an ice skating rink and an Olympic quality ice show set to a soundtrack with superb skating. The skaters were quite energetic, and there were multiple jumps, spins, and moves. The sets were very colorful, the choreography was flawless, and the degree of execution top notch. Within this show there is also a lady who does sand painting or sculpting to tell stories, with a wave of her hand or touch of her finger, she created scenes with characters and animals, etc.

 

How to Train Your Dragon: Dreamworks characters in an ice show.

Blue Planet: This Cirque-like show takes place in the Amber Theater, it shows off the stage’s capability, and involves a lot of gymnastics and aerial activity taking place overhead. The use of trampolines in this show is unique to experience the best of this show, sit in the middle of the theater about 5-6 rows back from the stage. The stage sets are amazing! As with the Aqua Theater show, keep eyes out all around you for different things happening.

 

Parades -There were 2 parades and they are held on the Royal Promenade. Both parades were high energy, frenetic, and visually stimulating. The best place to watch is in front of Sorrento’s, the pub, or the piano bar lounge which is where most of the action takes place. The globe above the pub “cracks open” and a walkway emerges with performers.

 

There are family festivals on the boardwalk with a band, steel drums that the kids could play with and tons of games like ring tosses, face painting etc. There was also a wooden boat, car and bus that the kids could climb in and pretend to drive.

 

Movies – Outdoor movies are shown on the two big screens at the Aqua Theatre. First run movies are also shown in the Amber Theater. Several 3D Dreamworks movies are also shown.

 

ODD’S AND ENDS

The Solarium area has a complimentary upper body chair massage.

 

Enjoy the “wing walk” an evening or two for sunsets. You can find the entrance to the deck on top of the bridge wings on Deck 14 port side all the way to the front.

 

For a huge ship with a lot of shopping, there is very little in the way of sundries. Make sure that you have all the drugs, sun screen and toiletries you want before boarding the ship.

 

Finally, there are currently 39 "Small Wonders" art installations around the ship. These are 3D pictures in View masters, objects in magnifying telescopes, and objects mounted on the walls. Try and find all of them on your own (some of the locations are quite obscure), but if you can't, a list of their locations is available on request from the Park side

 

If you are part of a group, make sure you take your embarkation picture together as a group. That way you should have pictures from all members of the group in your photo folder at the end of the week.

 

Wonderful swivel chairs in the adult solarium

 

Getting off for excursions was so easy! Get into the elevator and push the yellow button. When the doors open, you turn and go off the ship!

 

Wet suits rent for only $10 a day which is great if it’s cold and you want to ride the flow rider late.

 

When leaving the ship, the elevator actually has a button for the gangway. You don't have to worry which deck to disembark, you just push the "gangway" button and it automatically stops and a voice tells you to exit. There is also an escalator that takes you down the last floor-no steps! Also one for coming back up. Great when you are tired from walking all over town.

 

Most pools and hot tubs stay open 24-hours and there are late comedy shows and other venues like the casino, Dazzles, Bolero, and bars all stay open late

 

The elevators are so plentiful, and have a different ring for up (ding) and down (ding-dong). They are fast to open and shut quickly. The days of the week are back!

 

You must plan your cruise schedule in advance. Sign the waivers of liability and book all your shows in advance on-line. Book the zip line as soon as you get onboard - go to Studio B to make your reservations.

 

The "hidden" deck under the Solarium is on Deck 14 at the very front- we found it the first day before anyone else did. Get there early because once you're down there, other people see you and figure it out! We laid out on one of the overhangs above the bridge, awesome view!!! It was like being in the hot tubs that hang off the side only- not in a hot tub!

 

All the pools and spas on Allure are heated - fresh water (Beach pool may be salt water?)

 

Allure normally docks on the Starboard side. The Allure was built with 2 escalators just for port debarkation. The escalators are designed to keep passengers from crossing in the (I-95) main corridor (crew) section of the ship. Captain Zini said that they would dock about 1 cruise per month on the port side; just so they can have the lifeboat drill (each lifeboat must be tested and lowered monthly).

 

The Portside of Deck 15(Pool Deck) is for smoking. There is an area up on Deck 16 (Suites Outdoor Bar) that is for smokers too (in one area).

 

Smokers also have the Port side of the Casino. The Starboard side of the ship is reserved for non-smokers. No smoking in other public areas or cabins.

 

The Allure has two outdoor movie screens, which are located on each side of the dive platform. The large screens are mainly used for the water and fountain shows. They did show a few movies during the week.

 

The Red & Green STOP Lights on the Rockwall let the divers know if it’s OK for Diving

 

24 very large elevators and they are very quick. The only time you will see crowds are when the shows let out or people using the aft lifts going down to the dining rooms.

 

Every night while you dined some entertainer would serenade the main dining room with soothing sounds. Very nice touch, and some very good performers.

 

An on-board phone (Royal Connect) is available which will allow you to stay in touch with your group no matter where they are on the ship. This is a wireless smart phone that includes text messaging, schedule information, and so on. There were limited phones on board, bottom line, as a phone and text device, they stink. Bad reception, usually couldn’t hear them ring, and sometimes they didn’t work at all. We loved them as a locater for our kids but they didn’t work half the time. Bottom line; get a good set of walkie-talkies.

 

The interactive touch screens in the hall right next to the elevators gave great directions to your room and other venues of interest. Just touch and read.

 

Once you signed up for a reservation to a show, you were put into a computer. You had no ticket to hold. Your Sea Pass card was scanned to admit you into the venue.

 

There are public computers onboard in the card room. There were only a few though. This is probably because there are keyboards in all of the staterooms. You can have internet access directly in your cabin regardless of whether you bring your own laptop.

 

Red carpets indicate starboard and green carpets indicate port.

 

Go to deck 5 (Royal Promenade) or deck 8 (Central Park) if you need to get from one end of the ship to the other. It is a much more pleasant and scenic way to traverse the ship, instead of trekking down the LONG hallways.

 

There is a concerted effort to make better use of the Sea Pass. Along with its traditional uses, it is also scanned at the Muster Drill, at each show you've reserved, and it can even be scanned in the photo gallery and you can see all your pictures on a computer monitor.

 

Even if you sign waivers on line, you still have to get the bracelet

Dodge ball tournament and zip line you need tennis shoes. Long pants are required for ice skating.

 

Hidden Tip on deck 7, the port side, kind of behind that rock climbing wall there is deck space with a couple chairs, and there is NEVER anyone there. If you really want to get away from other people and you don't have your own balcony, this is it.

 

Things to do when you first get on the ship

 

- Flow Rider sign ups start at 2:30. Go to the Wipe Out Bar right at the FR to sign the waiver for the entire week. Your child wears this black band all week. This indicates you have signed the waiver releasing RCI of all responsibilities for the normal stuff. Each day, the child goes to the Wipe Out Bar to get another band put on--a colored band. Colors change daily and the kids have fun collecting them all.

 

- After you sign up for the FR, you get the black wrist band. You can then go over to the Rock Wall and Ice Rink and sign the waiver for those--they are all required if you want to use them. On the black wrist band, there is a picture of the wall, the ice, and the FR. Once you sign the waiver for each of them, they use a hole punch to indicate you have signed the waivers. This only needs to be done once for the entire week, unless you rip the wrist band off.

 

- Be sure and get the honey stung chicken for lunch off the buffet (it's only available embarkation day)

 

- go to the dining room and make sure you're ok with your seating assignment. If you're not, the headwaiters will be there to try and accommodate your request.

 

- If your mattress is not comfortable for you, ask your room steward for a foam egg crate. Be warned that they can go fast and supply is limited.

Medical

 

- If you need any basic meds, like antihistermines, stomach meds etc, there is a small machine just outside the medical center (available 24 hours a day), $0.50 (2 x $0.25)gets you a couple of doses.

 

- Bonine is handed out at guest relations at no charge.

 

- No charge at the Dr. if the visit is for noro. But you will be quarantined to your cabin for 48 hours, not that you WANT To go anywhere.....

 

Food

 

Breakfast

 

- The omelet station in the Windjammer will also make other kinds of eggs to order.

 

- Back to the omelet station. If you want Swiss or other different cheese, just bring it with you from the cheese tray. They mostly use mozzarella at the station.

 

Lunch

 

- Don't miss the salad bar in the MDR at lunch time. It is awesome!

Dinner

 

- Ask the wait staff to bring several fruit and cheese trays to your table every evening before you even order.

 

- If you eat dinner in the main dining room, do not be shy about ordering several appetizers or main dishes. Just put in the entire order when the waiter/waitress asks for your initial order. It is not easy for them to go back for more after each course is served.

 

- You can have as much of whatever you want on the menu. If several things are tempting, play "taste and waste" Your mother isn't there to tell you "children in China are starving"

 

- The waiters will bring you anything you want (even off the current menu) I got a bowl of fresh berries for dessert one night as I didn’t fancy the desserts on menu - also they will bring extra lobster on that night - just ask.

 

- If you like a lot of water or other beverage with your dinner, ask the assistant waiter to have several glasses at your plate every night. You won't have to worry where they are when you are thirsty. I have them line up 3 glasses of Diet Coke for me just for starters.

 

- There will be a dinner menu posted outside the upper level entrances of the MDR. You can decide earlier in the day if you want to do a specialty restaurant. The lowest level in the MDR is where they serve breakfast and lunch so the dinner menu is displayed later.

 

Snacks / Tea Time

 

- Afternoon Snacks" in the Windjammer from 3-5 PM, usually the time you are returning from port, had the BEST hot scones each day, they also had hot bread pudding, and all sorts of other goodies! All complimentary, and never crowded!

 

- Grab a cookie or ham and cheese croissant before you crash at the Cafe.

 

- The long sit down bar in front of the Royal Promenade Cafe is a good place to people watch with free coffee & pastries!

 

- There is a soft serve ice cream machine on the pool deck.

 

Room Service

 

- Order chili chorizo dip from room service is excellent Ask for extra chips though weren't enough chips for the big bowl of dip they brought us

 

-if you order room service for breakfast, order whatever you want (i.e. it doesn't have to be just what is on the printed menu). I usually get an omelet, fruit plate, bagels/Danish, pot of coffee, etc. for my family. Don't forget to tip the delivery man!

 

-On room service, during dinner hours, you can also order dinner menu items.

 

Drinks / Soda / bars

 

- For soft drinks, Royal Caribbean only serves Coca Cola products.

 

- When you're in any bar or lounge, you can ask for trail mix and you'll get a DELICIOUS jar of nuts, seeds, raisins and yogurt-covered things. Complimentary!

 

- Go to a store and pickup your favorite soda. Roll it onto the ship in a rolling cooler. Once in our room, we ask our steward to ice up some of the soda for us. You can keep the cooler out on the balcony if you have one, or in your room. Or use the fridge. Just remember to put a luggage tag on your soda's...

 

- If you have a soda pass, go to one of the smaller bars and nicely ask for canned soda. If you get it, tip the bar tender $10. You now know where to get the better soda in a can throughout the cruise.

 

Cabins

 

- Bring a small ziplok baggie of Clorox wipes and wipe all the doorknobs, phone, remote, light switches, etc

 

- Spray EVERTYHING with Lysol as soon as we got in the cabin.

 

- Take bags of small chocolates - and leave a few on a tissue on the bed each day for the Room Steward or give a few to the Room Service Waiter with their tip. It makes the staff smile & great service gets even better!

 

- Ask the steward to clear the fridge, that way you are not tempted to buy those overpriced items on a whim

 

- a nightlight, especially if you have an inside cabin. It's really dark in any cabin at night!!!

 

- get a few packages of those suction cup hooks--they will stick on the walls, the windows (balcony) and the mirrors, I've used them for hanging wet suits, makeup/toiletry bags, inexpensive necklaces, and curling irons / blow-dryers.

 

- In reference to the alarm clock, instead of a usual wakeup call in the morning, I have coffee sent to my room at the time I want to get up! It's so nice to wake up to someone delivering fresh coffee while you're just waking up!!

 

- If you are in an inside cabin, put on the TV before you go to sleep to the channel that has the live camera shot of the front (aft) of the ship. Twist the TV slightly so it is not staring at you while you sleep, but whenever you wake up you can take a peek at the screen to see if it is daytime yet!

 

- If you ask, there's a good chance your steward will bring you robes - even when you're not in a suite.

 

Camera Tips

 

- Make the VERY FIRST pix on your digital camera a paper with your name, cabin number, and phone number written out neatly on a piece of paper. If you lose it (and an honest person finds it), he will be able to return it to you

 

- Wear a different color shirt each day that you are in a port so it will be easy to figure out which photos belong to which port when you get home.

 

- Start each day with a picture of the elevator floor....they mark the day of the week on the floor...great way to keep all of those pictures organized

 

General Tips

 

- Notify your credit card company or bank if using a debit card that you are going to be using your card out of the country. It could save you some headaches.

 

- At the pursers desk you can get a small fold out map of the ship.

 

- The helipad is a great spot to go out onto. It is beautiful at night and great for star gazing (Suite guests only)

 

- look at the art work, where there are ships, or fishes on the carpet, the head will be facing the front of the ship, it helps to give you a sense of direction.

 

- Kids spend a lot of time on the sports deck. Pack the sneakers!!!

 

- Don’t miss the ever popular adult only “QWEST”. It takes place in Studio B. The time and day will be advertised in the Cruise Compass.

 

- There are three distinct types of evenings onboard: casual, smart casual and formal. Suggested guidelines for these nights are:

Casual: Sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for women

Smart Casual: Jackets and ties for men, dresses or pantsuits for women

Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women

7 to 9 - night cruises include two formal nights, one smart casual night and the remainder nights casual.

 

- Take a big towel from the dressing room in the spa. No seapass required and no worries about getting charged for a towel if yours disappears.

 

- Towels, You really do have to return them. You will be charged $20 for every one you don’t return (or just steal one from a chair hog).

 

- Bring a sweater for nights in the dining room and theater. It can get chilly.

 

- Got a $1 over-the-door shoe rack for the bathroom door. Great for putting all kinds of stuff in.

 

- Post-it notes. Great for leaving note to room steward, others traveling with you, etc.

 

- Backpack for ports

 

- Notebook journal - you'll otherwise forget what you did day to day if you're like me!

 

- OFF bug spray - still itching from some beach days

 

- PLENTY of dollar bills in SMALL denominations. Tough to bargain down to a great deal - then hand them a large bill.

 

- Pack shirts, pants, anything susceptible to wrinkles in dry cleaner bags. Sometimes they wrinkle very little, if at all. If you KNOW something is going to be wrinkled, don't bother having it pressed before you leave and send a bag to the ship's laundry the first day. Prices are very reasonable and you can pack those items as small as possible, because it won't matter how wrinkled they get.

 

- Buy your water shoes at home. If you are doing water based excursions, you will need them.

 

- Take small boxes of cereal if you plan on going doing some close to shore snorkeling to feed the fish!

 

- Get highlighters in different colors if you are traveling with teens! This way you can give each teenager a color and have them highlight what they'd like to do during the day on the Compass -- you know where they'll be and for how long!

 

whew...:eek:

WOW> This may be the best thing I have ever read on CC. Well done!!!

It was so good I forgot what my original search was for :)

WOW> This may be the best thing I have ever read on CC. Well done!!!

Indeed, but I beg you and others, please do not quote the entire post especially since this is quite possibly the longest post ever on these boards. :) I, and others, thank you.

Oh, and not to mention, a lot of it is actually now out of date, given the new menus fleetwide, and the change in the alcohol policy. ;):D Just a heads up.

.

Indeed, but I beg you and others, please do not quote the entire post especially since this is quite possibly the longest post ever on these boards. :) I, and others, thank you.

 

Oh, and not to mention, a lot of it is actually now out of date, given the new menus fleetwide, and the change in the alcohol policy. ;):D Just a heads up.

 

.

I agree but I quoted it intentionally to bring it back up so hopefully it would get reread and edited, like you just did (sort of), so thanks!

Awesome info...we are big Princess cruisers, but leaving tomorrow on Oasis....thanks very much for your hints....:o

No wine or other alcohol is permitted to be carried on board.

You can bring two bottles of wine per stateroom. If you enjoy your wine in your room, you do not have to pay corkage.

This is from the Royal Caribbean website (might be a recent change in policy, since there seems to be a lot of misconceptions about the alcohol policy):

Onboard Policies

Q: Can I bring liquor or non-alcoholic beverages (from home or from a port) onboard? A: Guests are not allowed to bring beer, hard liquor or non-alcoholic beverages onboard for consumption or any other use. Guests may bring personal wine and champagne onboard only on boarding day, limited to two (2) 750 ml bottles per stateroom. When consumed in any public area, each bottle shall be subject to a corkage fee of $25.00. Additional bottles of wine beyond two (2) bottles that are brought onboard or any alcoholic beverages purchased in ports-of-call or from Shops On Board will be stored by the ship and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned.

Security may inspect containers (water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, luggage etc.) and will dispose of containers holding alcohol. Guests who violate any alcohol policies, (over consume, provide alcohol to people under age 21, demonstrate irresponsible behavior, or attempt to conceal alcoholic items at security and or luggage check points or any other time), may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense, in accordance with our Guest Conduct Policy. Guests who are under the permitted drinking age will not have alcohol returned to them.

Please Note: All guests must comply with TSA guidelines for transporting liquids.

you ask for ideas.

first join the MEET and Mingle group for a party and gifts.

Take two bottles of wine for your cabin.

Join the Crown and Anchor club.

Do not be afraid to ask for extras ie cooked eggs room service, bathrobes, eat as many courses as you like off the new MTD menu.

Snails, cesars salad and prawn cocktail. creme brulla and Chocolate sensation are available every night.

Take food and milk back to your cabin for late night snacks and tours etc

Check the daily Compass for any drinks offer etc

allow $12 a day PP for auto grats unless you have prepaid

remenber sea air shrinks clothes.

breakfast room service is a great wake up call.

take coffee if your cabin grade only has a kettle.

AS mentioned the salad bar in the MDR at lunch, usually only on sea days, is worth a visit

Ask the staff about ports of call as it can be cheaper not to use the Shuttle service.

Remember just ask, they can only say no.

If you are visiting europe make sure the ship is visiting one non EU port to avoid an additional tax

enjoy g

I agree but I quoted it intentionally to bring it back up so hopefully it would get reread and edited, like you just did (sort of), so thanks!

Just replying to thank the poster would have brought the thread back to the top of the list. Please everyone, stop quoting long posts and quoting 6 photographs just to ask a question, it's a waste of everyone's time - Thanks!!

Very informative posts, thank you everyone!

Can you still take a case of water on board by putting a luggage tag on it?

Can you still take a case of water on board by putting a luggage tag on it?

Technically against the rules, but frequently works.

you ask for ideas.

 

remenber sea air shrinks clothes.

 

enjoy g

:D:D this! Bwahahaha! :D:D

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WOW! Amazing! I need you to do one on my cruise Serenade of the seas :)! What is CC

Sorry didn't notice date of post I was responding to.

I can give u tips

First go to all of the shows

Second go to the floating bar it is awesome

Third don't go see Chicago it was too long and boring

Forth go out and have fun

Fifth go sigh up at crown and anchor it's on the 6th deck because u can become a gold member and if u keep cruising with royal Caribbean u will become a diamond member I'm a diamond plus and I got to say royal Caribbean allure of the seas is awesome if u have kids the best thing is the flow rider and the adventure ocean it's was fun when I was little I was always in there it's so much fun and don't do carnival I heard they SUCK and go have fun and gave a good time and have a good time on the islands the islands are awesome and pretty don't go on tour when ur on the islands because u won't have time to go shopping or go to the beach and be back on the ship early before every one is that u won't miss the ship but good luck and have a great time and I hope u read my reviews

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One more thing go see the comdey they are so so funny and go see the quest and battle of the sexes it's great for any age every one can go even little kids

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Were doing the New England on the Grandeur on Oct 16th. I see on this site and the RCCL website you can bring two bottles per stateroom. My question is how many can I get away with? can I sneak an extra on to drink in my cabin? Any experience out there will be appreciated.

Thanks

To answer a question from a few posts back - CC is Cruise Critic

Red carpets indicate starboard and green carpets indicate port.

Is this correct?

Usually in ships the PORTboard side (left) is related to the RED navigation light, and the STARboard side (right) to the GREEN light. Shouldn't the carpets follow this?

Is this correct?

 

Usually in ships the PORTboard side (left) is related to the RED navigation light, and the STARboard side (right) to the GREEN light. Shouldn't the carpets follow this?

They used to have different colored carpets on each side of the ship, but they seem to be abandoning that convention when the ships go through dry dock.

As I understand, you are allowed to bring two bottles of wine onboard per cabin on boarding day. Should be carried onboard in your carry on and they have done away with the corkage fee.

So still unsure, after reading RCL's website. Can we bring a couple of 12-packs of soda in our luggage?

So still unsure, after reading RCL's website. Can we bring a couple of 12-packs of soda in our luggage?

Technically against the rules, but usually allowed.

A tip: Don't read this thread because most of the "tips" are wrong and outdated and will just confuse you more.

Don't pack things that's our not suppose too

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I am a huge fan of the fountains at Bellagio and, although I know there is no comparison, definitely want to see the Dancing Waters while on the Oasis. How often can you see this? Every night? A few times a night? Is there a schedule?