"LIVE" from Allure of the Seas / May 22, 2011

[sharod]

Sharod -- it's been over 10 years since we've been on the Autotrain, but the seats were quite large and comfy. They reclined pretty well and had padded leg rests. Much better than a tour bus and/or an airplane!!

 

Looking forward to more Radio...

 

That's great to hear!!!

 

Hubby and I took a tour bus trip up to NYC, about a 4 hr ride. Well, he made it up okay, but coming back he paced the isle for about 1/2 of the trip. It bothers his legs. He drives an 18 wheeler for a living. Often works 10-12 hrs a day, no problems. Go figure:rolleyes:.

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . .I returned back to the ship from Falmouth. . . I can sum up Falmouth in one phrase. Falmouth may be the premier Port in the Caribbean. . .but not yet. The Port facility is massive, and brand new. . .There are currently about 40 vendors. They are all stationed outside of their buildings.

 

I spoke to some Contractors (From Orlando) and they suggested that the first 24 stores are scheduled to open in 2 weeks. Another 24 stores will open by mid July, and 80% of the facility will be open by September 1, 2011.

 

You may have seen them, but I will post some drawings on how Port Falmouth will look when completed. I have studied the drawing, and I can envision how it will be when completed. . .I am not an architect, engineer, or designer . . .but I want to come back here in a few months to see the results.

 

The people here are so very friendly, and they love the fact that passengers are here. There are many vendors that sell many things. I read some reviews that suggested that “every stall sells the same thing” That is not the case .There is an array of souvenirs and gift items that had passengers “lined up” to purchase. Yes, there may be a few vendors that will sell the same tshirt, and same hats. . .bu tyou will find that anywhere. RCI offer all passengers a free shuttle over to the Rose Hall shopping area. The bus leaves every 15 minutes.

 

The excursions here are plentiful. . .As you may know, I am not a fan of excursions but tend to explore on my own. . .however, there are dozens activities for passengers of all ages. There were over 40 busses here at port, and another 30 taxis. . .

 

I decided on a Falmouth City trolley. The Falmouth Trolley took us on a 30 minute tour around the city. They told us of the history, and structures of Falmouth. The trolley stopped at a church for 10 minutes so everyone could stretch their legs (and look at few vendors that happened to be in front of the church) We had a Police escort (on motorcycle) who often stopped traffic so this long articulated trolley could navigate the corners, and I think that it set the mind at ease for several passengers that he was assign to our tour.

 

After we returned, I walked around for a few hours and talked to many people. The closest (safe) beach is a 15 min ride from the port. A police officer suggested that it was entirely safe for all passengers to walk around the city. On our tour we saw police throughout the city. . .and it seemed pretty peaceful. The taxi and bus rate are posted, and are non negotiable. There are no car rental places in Falmouth. . .You must go to Ocho Rios or Montego Bay for a car rental. There will be local docks for shore excursion that are in walking distance of the pier. . .This is scheduled to open July 1.

 

This Jamaican port stop is much much better than Montego Bay, and in just a few month will be much better than Ocho Rios. . . I want to come back soon !

 

It didn’t rain again all day until I writing my post. . .The timing is on my side this week. . .

 

 

Here are a few pics from today. . . I will have more later tonight !

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Falmouth, Jamaica

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were a lot of shoppers today at the port

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were signs everywhere about where to go !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some buildings looked completely finished. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And some buildings looked like they had a ways to go. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Rose Hall shuttles on the left, and Taxis on the right

 

 

 

 

.

[Radio]

Here are a few more. . . OK. . .6 more. . .

 

 

Radio

 

 

This was my transportation for the day. . . A Falmouth “Trolley”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Trelawny Police escort was very friendly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That looks too heavy. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was our “Hop out and stretch” Area. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ice Cream ? Anyone. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Falmouth Courthouse looks like it has be rebuilt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Edited May 25, 2011 by Radio

[Radio]

Here are just a couple more. . .I took so many pics. . .

 

I will get a few more up tonight.

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

We were able to see some picturesque scenery along our Trolley Tour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were many Allure passengers who decided to explore Falmouth on foot. . . We saw 100’s of them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Falmouth IRS ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxi Service was a little pricey. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Passenger lines for this Bus were very long . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“And to your right you will see the beautiful Allure of the Seas” No, I wasn’t the Tour conductor, but our driver was able to take a quick pic of your intrepid Reporter. . . Ha Ha

 

 

 

 

.

Edited May 25, 2011 by Radio

[will773]

Great pictures of Falmouth! I also thought that this port was nice when I was there last month. Glad to hear that you think the same rather than everyone else who complains because it's not finished yet. Keep up the report! I'm loving it. :D

[mais318]

Here is our location. . .

 

 

 

 

 

.

What are you using to show your location? Is it an app for the ipad or a computer program. I have been looking for something like this. And great review, I have been loving it! :D

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Lookin' good Radio!!

[joand452]

That's great to hear!!!

 

Hubby and I took a tour bus trip up to NYC, about a 4 hr ride. Well, he made it up okay, but coming back he paced the isle for about 1/2 of the trip. It bothers his legs. He drives an 18 wheeler for a living. Often works 10-12 hrs a day, no problems. Go figure:rolleyes:.

 

Sharon,

 

I just looked at your signature and realized we were on the same cruise! Allure was awesome, wasn't it?

 

You can also get up and walk from car to car on the Auto Train, too. There's a lounge car with a bar and snacks. They used to show videos (pg-rated) in there at night.

 

If we ever move to Florida, this will be the way we do it -- pack up both cars and book a one-way trip.

 

Radio,

 

We took that same trolley tour in Falmouth. I enjoyed it and look forward to seeing the finished product next year. Were the marching band, pirates, stilt walkers and dancers out for you, too?

Edited May 25, 2011 by joand452

[TheGenie]

Where did you eat lunch? Pictures of eateries?

[sharod]

Sharon,

 

I just looked at your signature and realized we were on the same cruise! Allure was awesome, wasn't it?

 

You can also get up and walk from car to car on the Auto Train, too. There's a lounge car with a bar and snacks. They used to show videos (pg-rated) in there at night.

 

If we ever move to Florida, this will be the way we do it -- pack up both cars and book a one-way trip.

 

It sure is a small world!!!!! Awesome doesn't even begin to describe the Allure and our time on it!!!!

[beckydsl]

Hi Radio. Thanks for the info on Falmouth. How much does the trolley ride cost? how do we book it? I do not see it on the excursion page. Thanks!

[Sugar*Magnolia]

Great information on Falmouth, thanks!! Sounds like 24 shops will be open when we stop there in June.

 

You are right Mark, the prices for the JUTA Taxi cabs is high. I wish Iberostar was a short walk from Rose Hall shops, instead of paying $80 for transportation.

 

Great pics, excellent review! :);)

[TITISSA]

Radio, you look rested and you gotta a tan ;). Cruising does you good...

[megr1125]

I have many more pics of the AT Suites,(will post when I'm home) and plan to tour them before I leave Allure. . .

 

 

Radio

;);)

 

ahem..."bing bong, this is captain speaking from the bridge...Mr. Radio will you PLEASE leave the ship NOW.....we have the next group of passengers waiting to board...." LOL:D;)

 

Seriously-great pics and reporting as usual...almost makes me want to cruise on behemoth OTS 1 or 2!!!

[samoyedlover24]

Radio,

 

Sorry if this request is asking too much of you, but if you don't mind, could you take some pics of Junior Suite 10230 and Central Park Balcony 10229? They are across from each other on the port side. I believe I asked this earlier in the cruise, but it might have been to early or you missed it. Sorry if I sound demanding, don't mean to.

 

Thanks!

—samoyedlover24

[BeachChik]

Hello everyone. . .I returned back to the ship from Falmouth. . . I can sum up Falmouth in one phrase. Falmouth may be the premier Port in the Caribbean. . .but not yet. The Port facility is massive, and brand new. . .There are currently about 40 vendors. They are all stationed outside of their buildings.

 

I spoke to some Contractors (From Orlando) and they suggested that the first 24 stores are scheduled to open in 2 weeks. Another 24 stores will open by mid July, and 80% of the facility will be open by September 1, 2011.

 

 

I am happy to hear that it will be much more complete by the time we visit in October.

[bobmacliberty]

I spoke to some Contractors (From Orlando) and they suggested that the first 24 stores are scheduled to open in 2 weeks.

 

Radio - Thanks so much for the Falmouth info. Is that 2 weeks in normal time or Jamaica time? :D Sounds like our cruise in 2 weeks will either have a few shops open, or maybe still have the same arrangement that you experienced. I'm hoping for the former but can live with the later. Previous Falmouth reports had me concerned, but now you have me intrigued.

 

Anything that you can share about restaurants or local bars that you saw that might be good for tourists? Looking forward to more great pics of the rest of the cruise!

[demodawn]

Dawn, would their coffee be similar to Dominican coffee? I found that really strong too..........I bought a bunch to take home because I liked it so much. I'm a big coffee drinker and it's strange because I like the smoothness of the Blue Mountain from Jamaica and yet I love the strong Dominican coffee too. Just don't ever give me flavored coffees.........can't drink them!! LOL

 

Patty

Mike said he hasnt had much Dominican coffee but he would say the Haitian coffee is bold. And he agrees yuck to flavored coffee!

[msuspartanbigten]

Loving the review! Makes my day at work go by much quicker :D

 

We are taking this cruise over Thanksgiving. I just upgraded my room to a balcony 9222 (midship). On the deck plan, it shows no rooms across from it but some block with nothing on the deck plan. If you happen to pass by it, can you let me know what is really there? I'm worried about one of those rooms that the staff uses all the time and creates noise all night long. Thanks!

Edited May 26, 2011 by msuspartanbigten

[Radio]

Radio,

 

Sorry if this request is asking too much of you, but if you don't mind, could you take some pics of Junior Suite 10230 and Central Park Balcony 10229? They are across from each other on the port side. I believe I asked this earlier in the cruise, but it might have been to early or you missed it. Sorry if I sound demanding, don't mean to.

 

Thanks!

—samoyedlover24

 

I will try to get some pics of many cabins. . . but I will be unable to get any until debarkation. . .

 

Then I run around taking as many pics as I can before they throw me off !

 

Radio

;);)

 

.

Edited May 26, 2011 by Radio

[cr8z4cruzn]

ahem..."bing bong, this is captain speaking from the bridge...Mr. Radio will you PLEASE leave the ship NOW.....we have the next group of passengers waiting to board...." LOL:D;)

 

 

LOL. That was cute.

[donamae]

wow !!! Luvin' this, Radio, thanks so much! A big hug to you, and a kiss to your cheek. I'm so glad you are my friend. Maybe, one day, I will have the pleasure of meeting you in person. On board I hope. Thanks !!!!!!!

xxx

[sjcruiser]

Thanks for the live posts and pics!!!! Hopefully, I'll get to see her for myself early 2012!!!

[Radio]

Here are just a couple more from today. . . I will have many more to post throughout the week. . .

 

Best Quote of the week: From Captain Zini " We're getting ready to leave in just a few minutes. . .I have to find my keys"

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

The Allure of the Seas has the “Voice of Authority” while at dock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The exteriors are all complete (Buildings on the left), and each building had several workers doing electric, and drywall for each client.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the Falmouth Trolley Station. . .This is owned by the Jamaica Port Authority. The cost is a bargain at $10. For a 35 min ride. . .RCI does not offer this Tour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the Excursion Pier. . .just a short walk from the Ship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is where the higher end shops will be housed. . .Other merchants will use the vendor stalls on the south side

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have read about the famous “Scotchies” Jerk Chicken. . . I am now a fan of their cooking. It was wonderful (only $7-¼ Chicken)

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Edited May 26, 2011 by Radio

[Lisandre]

Hi Radio,

 

 

Thanks for the pictures of Falmouth, they are great.

 

 

I would like to have some informations on the trolley ride. Did you book it

 

with the ship or not? If not, how much was the ride and did you took it

 

directly at the pier?