Allure 9-4--9-11 review for our group

[kk99]

Just got home an hour ago, with our group of twenty friends and family from the Allure. We did the exact Eastern itinerary, same week last year on the Oasis. I'll be happy to answer any questions, and I should have the dailies scanned in and posted tomorrow. We are all seasoned Royal cruisers and several other lines as well, so here are some of the highs and lows from the trip.

 

Great roll call thread, we had 167 individuals sign up for the meet and mingle, and had a slot pull, sailaway, gift exchange and pub crawl. It was wonderful making some new friends who were an absolute joy to run into throughout the cruise.

 

Outstanding individual services from our cabin attendant Florian Mitchell, Danielle in the Britto shop(Happy 1st wedding anniversary today, Danielle), Chef Daniel Ledo, and my favorite person from any Royal cruise that we have taken, Richard Jacobs, the chief wine Sommelier for the Allure. He should be the face of the next Royal ad campaign for his winning smile and outstanding attitude.

 

The individuals in guest relations, and the cruise activity staff always had a pleasant word for everyone, and that was nice to see. The port and shopping guides, Karen and her assistant helped individuals with both small and large budgets equally at the various stores that I witnessed. Kudos to them for their great attitude.

 

We ate as a group at every specialty restaurant on the ship as well as the Chef's Table. By far, I enjoyed the Chef's Table once again the most.

 

All of the restaurants were more than happy to change set courses to acommodate special dietary needs, so long as they had 24 hours notice. So those people allergic to shellfish or a vegetarian or other dietary needs were treated wonderfully.

 

Rita's Fiesta is a great concept that needs serious work. The party was great, but the food in our group's opinion was the worst of any dining venue on the ship, free or otherwise. They have great chefs de cuisine from Mexico on the ship, perhaps starting the fiesta 30 minutes later and just serving a few well made appetizers would be better.

 

The spa personnel became a running joke throughout the cruise. All of our gang like to use the spa services, but the hard sells are getting ridiculous, even when requested at the beginning of the treatment to not try and sell anything. Three of the guys in our group were told after their massages that they needed detoxifying treatments, and told one of them he had scoliosis(utter fabrication)! All of the women were referred to the dr. for extra work!

 

They would get better tips if they would just do the treatment requested and leave it at that. For whatever reason, Royal did not enforce the dress code on the cruise, and we saw lots of people in jeans and worse going into the main dining room on formal nights.

There was a large contingent of children on this cruise, and all of the parades and activities planned for them by the staff seemed really cute. Three teenagers were very rowdy at the pool and started fighting and security had to escort them away as they got out of hand.

 

The ship was kept spotless, and most of the time there was not a long wait for the elevators or to get into the shows. Between the Oasis and the Allure, I think there was more for the younger kids on our sailing on Allure. The interactive tvs in the cabins worked well, the internet was spotty at best and slow.

 

We would all recommend crusing Allure, but the lack of variety of the ports is a factor for us in the future as there are other ships with different ports we may have not done overseas yet. For those of you with a future sailing on Allure, have a wonderful vacation and great memories,

Kelcie

[Babyberger]

Sounds like you had a great time!!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

 

Would you mind posting the current Chef's Table menu? We absolutely loved it on Oasis, but the last menu we saw for Allure didn't excite DH, so we have not booked it yet.

[TLC535]

Thank you for the review Kelcie :D look forward to seeing the dailies....can't wait for our turn in 9 weeks.

[skandls]

We are on the Allure in Dec also Eastern. I booked most of our shows but I really wanted an afternoon 'Chicago' and Ice show. The times on the Oasis were more convenient for us second seating diners (who also want a predinner drink or two).

 

If they had one of the 'week at a glance planners" I would really appreciate if you could post that.

[kk99]

Chef's Menu

Smoked Duck Salad- fennel orange salad, carmelized fennel chips, orange-Grand Marnier drizzle, paired with Fairview, Chenin Blanc, Darling South Africa

 

Soup Trio

Butternut squash cream, Tomato consomme, lobster-corn bisque, paired with Louis Jadot, Meursault, France

 

Serrano Ham Wrapped Diver Scallop

Pan-seared golden, with parsnip reduction and baby lettuce, paired with Devil's Lair Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia

 

Roasted Milk-fed Veal Tenderloin

Fondant potatoes, wild mushroom confit, truffle glaze, paired with Charles Krug, Merlot, Napa California

 

Flourless Roasted Hazlenut Chocolate Cake

Tahiitan vanilla ice cream and creme Chantilly , paired with Chilled Frangelico- Hazlenut liquer

 

 

Also, coffees, cheese and petit fours were also on the table. Each cabin got the Savor cookbook Volume 3 signed by the Chef, and the thin decorative aprons that said Chef's Table, and a picture of the Chef and sommelier at the Chef's Table. Wonderful experience every time.

[roe2ship]

Thanks for taking the time to post.

 

Did you use the Windjammer for breakfast? If so, how was it and was it too crowded?

 

Can you order hot breakfast items for room service??

[kk99]

I think I only brought home the dailies. Ice games was shown at 5 p.m. on day 2 and at 7:30 p.m., on day 5 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and at 3 p.m. on day 7. Chicago was at 9 p.m. on day 1, 10:30 p.m. on day 2, and 7 p.m. on day 3.

We ate at Windjammer, Park Cafe, Solarium, and room service for breakfast. No crowds if you ate early, pretty full on sea days at 9 a.m. I am already missing the lovely cut up fruits to start the day. So sad to be back to reality and my kitchen!

 

They did have hot items on room service, but I am more of a cereal type in the morning- so didn't pay that close of attention. Room service was always there within 30 minutes of ordering. Coffee was always hot and strong.

Kelcie

[ALSEAU]

Great roll call thread, we had 167 individuals sign up for the meet and mingle, and had a slot pull, sailaway, gift exchange and pub crawl. It was wonderful making some new friends who were an absolute joy to run into throughout the cruise.

 

Outstanding individual services from our cabin attendant Florian Mitchell, Danielle in the Britto shop(Happy 1st wedding anniversary today, Danielle), Chef Daniel Ledo, and my favorite person from any Royal cruise that we have taken, Richard Jacobs, the chief wine Sommelier for the Allure. He should be the face of the next Royal ad campaign for his winning smile and outstanding attitude.

 

The individuals in guest relations, and the cruise activity staff always had a pleasant word for everyone, and that was nice to see. The port and shopping guides, Karen and her assistant helped individuals with both small and large budgets equally at the various stores that I witnessed. Kudos to them for their great attitude.

 

All of the restaurants were more than happy to change set courses to acommodate special dietary needs, so long as they had 24 hours notice. So those people allergic to shellfish or a vegetarian or other dietary needs were treated wonderfully.

 

Rita's Fiesta is a great concept that needs serious work. The party was great, but the food in our group's opinion was the worst of any dining venue on the ship, free or otherwise. They have great chefs de cuisine from Mexico on the ship, perhaps starting the fiesta 30 minutes later and just serving a few well made appetizers would be better.

 

For whatever reason, Royal did not enforce the dress code on the cruise, and we saw lots of people in jeans and worse going into the main dining room on formal nights.

 

There was a large contingent of children on this cruise, and all of the parades and activities planned for them by the staff seemed really cute. Three teenagers were very rowdy at the pool and started fighting and security had to escort them away as they got out of hand.

 

The ship was kept spotless, and most of the time there was not a long wait for the elevators or to get into the shows. Between the Oasis and the Allure, I think there was more for the younger kids on our sailing on Allure. The interactive tvs in the cabins worked well, the internet was spotty at best and slow.

 

We would all recommend crusing Allure, but the lack of variety of the ports is a factor for us in the future as there are other ships with different ports we may have not done overseas yet. For those of you with a future sailing on Allure, have a wonderful vacation and great memories,

Kelcie

 

Hi Kelcie great review. Probably don't remember me but we sailed the Oasis with you last year. As you can see I have booked Allure for next September.

 

We are thinking of doing the Rita Fiesta. My questions to you are if you had to do it over again would you do the Ritia's Fiesta? How bad is the food or is it just that it could/should be better?

[kk99]

Hi Al, Yes I certainly remember you! I think Rita's Fiesta is worth the cost for either the 3 beers or the three margaritias(plain were much preferred over the strawberry type served) and the party atmosphere. The food was bad, and it made fast food places like Taco Bell look gourmet . If you have never had any type of real Mexican food or Tex Mex food, then I'm sure it would be okay. Since my gang from Texas are all very used to what inexpensive, flavorful Mexican food can taste like, it was a disappointment. Most of the diners liked the dessert which was a flan. I didn't eat it, as I usually skip desserts. When talking with the various crew members who pay to eat at the onboard venues for special meals and with their families, all skip Rita's. We had a blast there, but it wasn't because of the food, and we were snacking two hours later at another venue. If people only wanted to go to one specialty restaurant during their cruise experience, pick another.

 

We also talked with one of the Chef's from Samba Grill who is from Mexico when we had dinner there one evening. He personally asked the head Chef for Allure that the menu be retooled at Rita's. You can have lots of flavor without making dishes too spicy. For those of us who like spice, they could bring extra peppers and sauces out to complement whatever they serve. Maybe it was an off night, but even the chips were stale- and I know those come out of a bag.

 

Al, you and Jan will have a great time on Allure.There are so many options for dining, it was actually work to fit all of them in! I did think room service on Allure was even faster and better than on Oasis, and I was impressed on Oasis.

Kelcie

[kk99]

I've just posted all of the cruise compasses from our Eastern Allure sailing on my web page. Here is the direct link https://sites.google.com/site/allurecruisers/allure-cruise-compasses

 

There is other information posted that my be helpful for your future sailing. I wish everyone a great vacation,

Kelcie

[damosen]

Great review!!

 

Two questions:

What cabin do you have? Pros and Cons?

Port or starboard at what ports?

[bumpthehuge]

I've just posted all of the cruise compasses from our Eastern Allure sailing on my web page. Here is the direct link https://sites.google.com/site/allurecruisers/allure-cruise-compasses

 

There is other information posted that my be helpful for your future sailing. I wish everyone a great vacation,

Kelcie

 

 

Thanks for the link to the compasses, I'm sailing in less then 3 weeks and it was awsome getting a sneak peak at what to expect.

[Peacemkr59]

kk99, you mentioned that your whole group ate at every specialty restaurant, did you all sit together as a group at each one? How did you go about making reservations for such a large group. I have been having trouble making a reservation at 150 Park Cafe for a group of 8!!

[atlaturne]

we did the chefs table on Oasis and have reserved for Nov. Allure cruise-glad to hear it was a highlight for you as it was for us on Oasis.How many people were at the tables on your evening?Full?

[kk99]

To answer the questions,

We were in cabin 11640 owner's suite starboard size. Great cabin, midship, loads of space and loved eating on the balcony table.

 

Several of our group were also on deck 11 starboard balconies and on deck 14 starboard balconies. In Fort Lauderdale, we face the cargo docks and terminal, in Nassau we looked out onto private homes and further down Atlantis, In St. Thomas, we had a view of the dock and shops area and in the distance, the island of St. Thomas, and in St. Maarten, we had a view of part of the island.

 

I personally prefer starboard sides on ships but I am sure that the views from port were equally as nice.

 

On the Chef's Table, it holds 14 people for a seating once a night at7:30 p.m. Everyone meets at 7:15 p.m. at the library on deck 11, where you are served a glass of champagne, and then escorted next door through the concierge lounge to the upstairs dining table for the Chef's Table.

 

Our group did 14 one night and the rest did it on a different night.

 

For those of you wanting to book large groups (8 or more) it does take a little effort for the specialty restaurants. On your online reservations which open up anywhere from 60-90 days in advance, the computer loads seats for 2 and 4 tablke settings. So if you wanted to go to 150 Central Park with 8 people, you would have to do 4 people on one reservation and 4 people on a separate reservation for the same times. Then when you get onboard, go to the maitre'd of that restaurant and request that the tables be adjoining, and they are happy to do so for you.

 

With 20 people or so, I made all of our reservations directly with groups specialty dining and prepaid all of it prior to boarding the ship and then just got reimbursed from my friends. In Giovanni's and Izumi, they were able to put tables together and seat us all together. At Rita's Fiesta, we had 2 large adjoining tables. At Chops, they put us at 2 adjoining tables, CP was adjoining tables, Samba- 2 tables, Chef's Table just holds the 14 persons max.

 

The ship does hold back about 25 percent of all specialty dining reservations for those who have not made prebooking reservations except for Chef's Table. The cehf's Table was sold out every night of our cruise.

 

If you want to eat at a particular restaurant on a particular day and time, prebook as soon as the online booking times open. If you get on the ship and you get sick or don't feel like eating there, so long as the cancellation is more than 24 hours in advance, they will refund your seapass card.

 

I really think the specialty restuarants enhanced our cruise vacation, and was money well spent.

 

If snybody has any other questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

Kelcie

[julesbeara]

Chef's Menu

Smoked Duck Salad- fennel orange salad, carmelized fennel chips, orange-Grand Marnier drizzle, paired with Fairview, Chenin Blanc, Darling South Africa

 

Soup Trio

Butternut squash cream, Tomato consomme, lobster-corn bisque, paired with Louis Jadot, Meursault, France

 

Serrano Ham Wrapped Diver Scallop

Pan-seared golden, with parsnip reduction and baby lettuce, paired with Devil's Lair Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia

 

Roasted Milk-fed Veal Tenderloin

Fondant potatoes, wild mushroom confit, truffle glaze, paired with Charles Krug, Merlot, Napa California

 

Flourless Roasted Hazlenut Chocolate Cake

Tahiitan vanilla ice cream and creme Chantilly , paired with Chilled Frangelico- Hazlenut liquer

 

 

Also, coffees, cheese and petit fours were also on the table. Each cabin got the Savor cookbook Volume 3 signed by the Chef, and the thin decorative aprons that said Chef's Table, and a picture of the Chef and sommelier at the Chef's Table. Wonderful experience every time.

 

Was the cookbook free?

[neptune18]

Kelcie- we sailed Allure last month and are doing Oasis next July. We loved Allure and if not for seeing the same shows we would have booked her again. Other than the obvious (Rita's, Dog House, ipod docks, etc.), did you sense any real difference or feel beteen the two?

[lovelife]

I've just posted all of the cruise compasses from our Eastern Allure sailing on my web page. Here is the direct link https://sites.google.com/site/allurecruisers/allure-cruise-compasses

 

There is other information posted that my be helpful for your future sailing. I wish everyone a great vacation,

Kelcie

 

Thanks so much. Can't wait for my turn next month!!!

[lindalo5032]

We were also on the 9-4-2011 sailing of the Allure. Thought I would throw in my comments regarding Rita's Fiesta.

 

To me, the logistics of the serving were awkward.

 

We were at a table for 6, with two other couples. For the 3 couples at our table, they gave us 2 of everything to share: 2 plates of appetizers (which included chips and salsa and various other appetizers), 2 containers of soft tortillas for the fajitas, 2 containers of filling for the fajitas, and 2 plates of various desserts (flan, banana wrap of some kind with dipping sauce, and churros (?) (something like donuts). If you are with your own group, that would probably be okay, but with 2 other couples that we didn't know, it made it rather awkward. First of all, I think many people would not be comfortable "douple dipping", i.e, with the chips/salsa and dessert dipping sauce, with people they don't know. Also, I'm pretty sure the guy across from me didn't get his fill of the food because I had the feeling he didn't want to jump in and clean up the plate with other people sharing the same plate. I think there were only enough soft tortillas for us to have 2 fajitas each. We didn't get a chance to ask for more tortillas (or more of anything) because of the dancing & singing going on, which the waiters participated in.

 

And the appetizers--I was going to ask that they not bring me anything with fish or seafood. I just wanted beef or chicken. You don't get a chance to request anything like that because they just bring the food and set it down. She told us what the appetizers were, but because of the loud music I couldn't hear what she was saying. I did hear that the things on the bottom were quesadillas, so just I took one of those. It was really dark in there, so I couldn't tell by looking what anything was. Didn't want to take a chance on getting anything with fish/shrimp, because it would have just been wasted.

 

If I had to do it all over again, I would just go to Rita's and not do the fiesta. The food that I had (which wasn't much) was pretty decent, although not as good as what I get at home.

 

But if you are the type that really enjoys a party atmosphere, music & dancing, and like the value of the 3 drinks ($20.00 for the meal and 3 drinks), and don't care so much about the food, go for it! I'm sure a lot of folks enjoyed it.

 

Just my 2 cents worth :)

[kk99]

Hi everyone,

Julesbeara, the signed cookbook (Savor ,Part 3) and the two thowaway aprons was included for each couple(or cabin) as a part of the price of the Chef's Table, along with a picture of the Chef and Sommelier.

 

lindalo5032, I absolutely agrre with you that the food was less than impressive, and it would have been uncomfortable sharing food with people you didn't know. The party atmosphere was fun, and I would do it again, since the drinks were included. The music was very loud and they could have turned it down some while they were serving. it was like paying a cover fee for a club, since the food was not good.

 

neptune18, I actually preferrred the main shows on Oasis over Allure. I did like the Britto store on Central Park, but otherwise no major differences(well the better placement of the outlets in the room was good, but not a huge difference).

 

If we do the same itinerary again, with everything else being equal, I would probably pick Oasis due to the shows, and I believe in a year, slightly lower pricing for the same weeks. I'm glad that I have been on both ships, and the personnel really enhanced both cruises.

 

If anyone else has any questions or comments, please post up.

Kelcie

[damosen]

To answer the questions,

We were in cabin 11640 owner's suite starboard size. Great cabin, midship, loads of space and loved eating on the balcony table.

 

Several of our group were also on deck 11 starboard balconies and on deck 14 starboard balconies. In Fort Lauderdale, we face the cargo docks and terminal, in Nassau we looked out onto private homes and further down Atlantis, In St. Thomas, we had a view of the dock and shops area and in the distance, the island of St. Thomas, and in St. Maarten, we had a view of part of the island.

 

I personally prefer starboard sides on ships but I am sure that the views from port were equally as nice.

 

Thanks a lot!!!!

[neptune18]

Thanks. What's in the Britto spot on Oasis?

[kk99]

On Oasis, the Parkside Gallery with more expensive artwork is in the spot that Britto occupies on Allure. Britto has some very expensive pieces, but there are several things like luggage tags, teapot, wallets that are under 100 dollars for sale. It is just a whimsical store to stroll into.