Live from the Allure of the Seas - August 21-28, 2011

[Daghis]

Here are a couple relatively random shots I took while up in the Photo area. Here's a view of the Royal Promenade...

 

 

And the Cupcake Cupboard, which I've not yet gotten a cupcake from yet... maybe today's the day!

 

[davenew]

Oh. My. God!

 

I just had a fantastic dinner tonight. We're back in the cabin after getting myself into a self-induced meat coma at Samba Grill.

 

We were encouraged to go there tonight because they told us about a special they had for My Time Dining guests. If you go to Samba Grill on either day 1 or 2, you can go for $12.50/guest (half-price). So, we went.

 

First, the service was fantastic. DH is a "pescetarian" (vegetarian + fish/seafood). We mentioned this to the staff at Samba and they noted it. When it came time to serve us the meats, they brought out a specially cooked salmon filet with roasted vegetables. And since we were doing an all-you-can eat dining experience, after he finished his fish, they even offered to bring him another!!

 

Despite the postings I've seen from others who had negative experiences, I can honestly say that Samba Grill is now one of my favorite places on the ship, but I can only go there once per cruise. It's all so filling and so rich... well, there's just no way I could do it again.

 

So that was Samba Grill. And half-price at that!

 

Earlier in the afternoon, I spent some time in the casino and won about $400. I'll probably go back there later on tonight as it's an enjoyable hangout for me.

 

We saw the ice show, Ice Games. Contrary to my opinion of Chicago yesterday, I found Ice Games to be quite entertaining and better than the ice show we saw on the Oasis of the Seas last year. I'm really glad that we went to that.

 

Oceanaria is coming up a bit later tonight. Of course, I'll let y'all know how that was as well.

 

Was this special deal just special to your cruise (maybe due to overcrowding in the dining room) or is it something that may be available on all cruises - who tipped you off? :)

[JayTee1]

Daghis.

 

I have a question regarding the casino.

 

Do they offer Poker in the casino?

 

Thanks.

[markadele]

Love reading your review cant wait for Nov.

[gandh621]

Thank you so much for doing this live review!!! I am loving it. IF you have a chance, will you find out if we are able to order eggs benedict in the main dining room? It isn't on their menu anymore that I could see and I love it! Thanks :) Have fun!!!!!

Holly

[dablondee525]

Thank you so much for doing this live review!!! I am loving it. IF you have a chance, will you find out if we are able to order eggs benedict in the main dining room? It isn't on their menu anymore that I could see and I love it! Thanks :) Have fun!!!!!

Holly

 

I second this! One of the things I look forward to on vacation....eggs benedict!

[Daghis]

Was this special deal just special to your cruise (maybe due to overcrowding in the dining room) or is it something that may be available on all cruises - who tipped you off? :)

 

I don't know whether the special is just for our cruise. Since they sent us a fancy-formatted e-mail with graphics and such, I wouldn't think it's a one-time thing. As to why they did it, I'm guessing that attendance in Samba Grill was down and they wanted to encourage people to go there early in the week (so they could tell their friends about it).

 

Daghis.

 

I have a question regarding the casino.

 

Do they offer Poker in the casino?

 

Thanks.

 

I heard announcements in the casino about Texas Hold'em, but I'm not a poker player, so I won't be able to give you much in the way of statistics. I can say that they announced that the game that had open seats was $1/$2 no-limit.

 

 

Thank you so much for doing this live review!!! I am loving it. IF you have a chance, will you find out if we are able to order eggs benedict in the main dining room? It isn't on their menu anymore that I could see and I love it! Thanks :) Have fun!!!!!

Holly

The next time I'm in the Main Dining Room, I'll try to find out.

[BillOh]

Here are a couple relatively random shots I took while up in the Photo area.

 

 

I don't know if they still do the flash mob, but this is a good place to take photos of that or parades as well as on top of the cupcake cupboard.

[BillOh]

I don't know whether the special is just for our cruise. Since they sent us a fancy-formatted e-mail with graphics and such, I wouldn't think it's a one-time thing. As to why they did it, I'm guessing that attendance in Samba Grill was down and they wanted to encourage people to go there early in the week (so they could tell their friends about it).

 

 

 

 

That was a great deal. It would have been ideal for my wife and I. We are both weight loss surgery patience and can't eat that much. I have no complaints, we enjoyed the experience and ate as much as we could, but it would been nice to get the deal. We did Chops on our Anniversary and Samba on the 2nd formal night.

[Daghis]

This morning started with another trip to the Main Dining Room for breakfast. I think that was a mistake, though. Unlike yesterday's terrific service, this morning's was quite disappointing.

 

It was a "Chocolate Breakfast" experience again, which surprised me. It was about fifteen minutes before our waiter took our orders, and then another forty-five minutes before the food arrived, and our food itself was disappointing. I wolfed down my chocolate pancakes with what water I had left to drink and left so I could get to the Meet & Mingle.

 

On a much better side, the Meet & Mingle, although relatively lightly attended considering that over 60 people had signed up for it, was very nice. I had a great time talking with Merion_Mom, rosebud1g, and bklynangel, as well as others.

 

Afterward, DH tried to spend some time using the ship's computers and Internet service to do some necessary work, but found that the system wasn't cooperating. So, off to Windjammer for a simple lunch.

 

It was about 12:30 and although I expected the Windjammer to be jam-packed, we were able to find seats at the back rather easily. The food was decent, and I'll even admit that I enjoyed a second serving of the white chocolate mousse. :)

 

At this point, we decided to try our luck at the slot tournament. Although I did well at the casino last night, Lady Luck wasn't on our side for this. I did earn enough points last night to get invited to Club Royale, though. I'm hoping that this will give me some opportunities for discounted cruises in the future.

 

After performing poorly in the tournament, we went upstairs for a quick hot dog at the Boardwalk Dog Shop. The Coney Island Dog (just relish, please) was pretty good.

 

Tonight, DH and our friend are going to Giovanni's Table for dinner. I didn't see anything on the menu that interested me, so I'm going stag somewhere else. I'm sure that I'll be able to find something to eat onboard! :D

 

By the way, if I've missed anyone's questions, please forgive me and feel free to re-ask. As you probably can imagine, it's a bit tricky trying to remember what's been posted in this thread when I'm busy having so much fun!

[Puffinater]

Chorros and ice cream gotta love it. I will probably go there just for that. Thanks for the pictures and review.

[debshomespun]

Does anyone have the menu for Samba Grill? Not sure what type of food they have. Thanks!

[LBumb]

really good pics

[skrapngal]

Hey Daghis,

 

Thanks for taking us our your cruise :D

 

Any chance you could find the 12 in by 12 in scrapbook with a picture of the Allure on it and take a picture?

 

I've been told it's on sale in the photo shop.

 

Thanks so much!

[time4me2fly]

Does anyone have the menu for Samba Grill? Not sure what type of food they have. Thanks!

 

Past posters have listed:

Buffet featuring cold cuts of salami & sausage meats

Salad bar & Soup

Cheese bread balls

Meats:

Chicken wrapped in bacon

Filet mignon

Sirloin

New York Strip

Lamb chop

Top round

Skirt steak

Pork loin

Sausage

and of course desserts

 

The server keeps bringing the various meats as long as the light on your table stays GREEN. When you had enough you change the light to RED.

[Ajrls]

They offered the same special on the Aug. 14th sailing.

[SusieV]

If it's not too much trouble, may I request photos of the menus from the dining venues? We're not planning to eat in the MDR but my husband would really like to see the other restaurants/eateries onboard so that he can figure out where he'd like to go.

 

Anything would be appreciated, pay venue or free. Thank you so much and I hope you are enjoying your cruise!

[Beachcruzer]

If you see Merion Mom, tell her I said hi! I'll be her roomie next week! I can't wait for our cruise! :D:D:D

 

Thanks for the ongoing review~ :)

[AlanAllyn]

If it's not too much trouble, may I request photos of the menus from the dining venues? We're not planning to eat in the MDR but my husband would really like to see the other restaurants/eateries onboard so that he can figure out where he'd like to go.

 

Anything would be appreciated, pay venue or free. Thank you so much and I hope you are enjoying your cruise!

Although these may not be entirely current, they are close:

www dot beyondships dot com/RCI-ALOS-Profile.html

[fdthird]

My son who works on the Allure said that the ship is rocking and rolling much more this week than usual. Hope you all make it to St Thomas tomorrow and that the folks in St Thomas are ok!

 

To quote a Facebook conversation he and I just had @ 9:10 PM "

 

Me: "Rocking and rolling there, huh?"

 

Him: "yeah...it's pretty crazy. but...it just made the show more interesting...trying to not fall over!"

 

Me: "Going to make it to St Thomas tomorrow?"

 

Him: "yeah...we are making it to St. Thomas..but the beaches are all destroyed and its supposed to be **** weather tomorrow. S, not going to be much of a da

[toothy26]

Can you please tell me about your promenade cabin.

Thanks

[GlitterGirlFL]

If you have time can you see where the tables #143 , 144, 145 are located.

Thank you will check back tommorow or next day. Have a great cruise we are 32 day away.

[burrma]

I'd be happy just to hear your comments; positives, negatives and hints rather than running around this huge ship; trying to answer all the personal questions. I don't think people have any idea what a huge job/request, some of these questions are for you. This ship is huge!

[time4me2fly]

Looking forward to hearing all about your evening.

[RaiderFaninNM]

 

After performing poorly in the tournament, we went upstairs for a quick hot dog at the Boardwalk Dog Shop. The Coney Island Dog (just relish, please) was pretty good.

 

AWESOME!!!!

 

I love the Dog House!! Try them all as they are that good!!! Glad you found the time! For me nothing better then a beer and dog on the Allure of the Seas in the afternoon.............