Not So "LIVE" Allure of the Seas: TAKE 2

[bionicman97]

Great pictures from the wedding :)

[joand452]

I love your sister's wedding dress! I admit I watch all the wedding shows on TLC on Friday nights. :o Someday I'll have the wedding experience with at least one of our daughters (we have three, so I hope).

 

Anyway, I love that lace cut-out back. Very different.

[sprout76]

Michele...glad to hear that your sister's wedding went well. Love the pics. We got married on a cruise 4 years ago...and it was funny becasue so many Asian couples came up to me in my dress and asked to have their pictures taken with me. So I know exactly how your sister felt!

 

People kept recognizing us throughout the cruise and buying us drinks. It was a lot of fun...felt 'almost' famous :D

 

Thanks for the review...its great.

[QTMichele]

Not sure how run down the buildings were but the beach looks spectacular. Almost as beautiful as the bride. I know you don't feel well and I know you have a family to take care of and I know how time consuming it is to post pictures but.. but... more pictures please?? I think I'm addicted :p

 

The buildings weren't terribly run down, but it wasn't the "picture perfect" environment most people would want for their wedding. Fortunately, our view OUT was great. :)

 

I'm trying to get moving... I feel really guilty that it's taking me so long. :( I like to get things done, but I've been exhausted after a full day of taking care of the husband, kids, and house. Not complaining! Just trying to fit it all in.

 

Great pictures from the wedding :)

 

Thanks!

 

I love your sister's wedding dress! I admit I watch all the wedding shows on TLC on Friday nights. :o Someday I'll have the wedding experience with at least one of our daughters (we have three, so I hope).

 

Anyway, I love that lace cut-out back. Very different.

 

Thanks! I used to love the wedding shows - couldn't get enough! I rarely watch TV anymore, well, outside of a few favorite shows.

 

Funny (and true) story about those wedding shows... I have an uncle who is a priest. Several years ago one of his parishioners told him that they saw him on TV! Apparently, my uncle was on Bridezilla!!! LOL He lives in an affluent community in the NYC "suburbs" and had a bride and groom who had dreamed of getting married in his church. Well, he allowed them, then regretted it. He said they were just awful to work with!

 

I hope you're saving some of your cruise/retirement funds for those weddings! LOL

[QTMichele]

Michele...glad to hear that your sister's wedding went well. Love the pics. We got married on a cruise 4 years ago...and it was funny becasue so many Asian couples came up to me in my dress and asked to have their pictures taken with me. So I know exactly how your sister felt!

 

People kept recognizing us throughout the cruise and buying us drinks. It was a lot of fun...felt 'almost' famous :D

 

Thanks for the review...its great.

 

So you know exactly what that was like! LOL It was really sweet. :)

[QTMichele]

The wedding was very nice, and my sister and BIL were very happy with how everything went.

 

 

We had cake and a champagne toast, then the bride and groom took their sweet time looking at the photos from the photographer. Someone finally got smart and decided to buy all the images. Thank goodness! There was nothing to do at our destination, and we were all getting restless (and hungry). We hopped back on the bus and went back to the ship.

 

 

We didn't spend much time walking through the new port area - we were just too hungry (who gets hungry during a cruise?!). We did manage to snap a few pictures on our walk back to the ship.

 

 

 

Look how massive the Allure is compared to the street scene and buildings. My awe continues.

 

 

(I love butt shots - as long as it's not of mine!)

 

Once onboard, the Windjammer won out for our lunch destination. Even though I didn't find the Windjammer the most desirable place to eat, it was great for our group - we always found seats together.

 

We spent the rest of the day at the H2O Zone with the kids. This is such a great place for the kids and the kids-at-heart! Unfortunately, we couldn't stay too long as we were meeting everyone for dinner at the main dining room before 6.

[pkt1976]

I love this review. I'm looking at doing a TA on RCCL and this thread has been great. Congrats to your sister!!!

[QTMichele]

Bellies full from lunch, we made it to dinner in the dining room to celebrate my sister's marriage. My Time Dining worked well tonight and we were able to snag 3 tables next to each other. This was nice, and I wish it would've worked this way throughout our trip.

 

My son was incredibly fascinated by the dining room chairs. He's getting a closer look here:

 

I'm going to toot my own horn here. I was so proud of my kids and their behavior on board. They are normally great kids with good manners, but I'm always cognizant of how their behavior will affect others (especially after reading all the anti-kid comments on Cruise Critic LOL). Anyway, my sister and brother had taken them to eat in the dining room the previous day. During dinner, a stranger walked up to my sister and told her she didn't even realize there were kids at the table until she got up to leave. She thanked my sister for being such a good mom with such well behaved children! (I'm not sure that my sister corrected her, but I appreciate the compliment!) Just had to share because I am one proud mama!

 

After dinner, the kids wanted to go back to the room and rent another movie. Since my DS was snoozing, this was a great plan for us. I stayed with them and took a nap because tonight was... The Quest!

 

On Allure, the Quest is LATE! It starts at 11:45pm. Now, I was a night owl this cruise, but it was a long day. Thankfully the nap helped. I made it to the Quest with the majority of my family. I ordered 2 pina coladas, but should've ordered 4. Before I knew it, DH and I were Team 4 leaders!

 

How in the heck did I get volunteered for this? There was not enough alcohol in my body, but I was a good sport. My DH was a bigger sport, and fit right in to all the antics.

 

I have video to prove this, but, due to Cruise Critic "rules," I cannot relay any Quest information to the public. Sorry. I will tell you that our team did not win, but should've gotten at least third place. Just my opinion. ;)

 

One or two notes about the Quest... it was the worst one I've been to. It just didn't "flow" like the others. My first-time-cruiser family members did enjoy it and had a lot of laughs. Gotta think positive!

 

After Quest, there was a party in the Solarium. We went. Oh. My. Gosh. I feel so old next to all the 20'somethings there, but I still had a great time. Lots of dancing, LOUD music, and "free" flowing drinks. A pretty fun combination.

 

 

All that dancing, music, and dancing made us crave the casino where I quickly lost $60, but turned around and won $59. Big spender, I know, but I was excited that my entertainment money was lasting.

 

Now, I'm not normally a jealous person, but I was a little envious and a lot excited for my BIL's brother. He kept winning. And winning. And winning! His first hit was $10,000 at the Keno machine. Then another $2000. And another $2000. And another $2000! Seriously?! I WAS excited about winning $127 on the slots until BIL's brother hit $16,000. All in a day's work. (Actually, he won over a few days, but still!)

 

We finally made it back to our room by 3:30am to get our beauty sleep. Well, I was going to get mine because DH was going to get up with the KIDS! Tomorrow is a sea day, and I'm going to take advantage of it.

[QTMichele]

I love this review. I'm looking at doing a TA on RCCL and this thread has been great. Congrats to your sister!!!

 

I'm LOL at your post! My entire family had such a great time on this cruise. In fact, one uncle has been searching for HOURS for different cruise options, including a TA! Cruising is addictive! :)

 

Thank you for your well wishes, and for taking the time to 'cruise' with us.

[BrianAlt]

Review is great! Pics are great!

 

And Falmouth looks great! Which is good to see.

 

Thanks! :D

[kleo30]

Wow! Those are some great winnings. I'd have been down booking a few more cruises with that.

 

Your son is adorable sleeping through dinner.

[QTMichele]

Review is great! Pics are great!

 

And Falmouth looks great! Which is good to see.

 

Thanks! :D

 

Thanks, Brian. I didn't spend a lot of time taking pictures of the ship this time (I figured the several hundred I already have should be enough for my collection LOL). The is definitely a different review for me.

 

The only time I spent in Falmouth was walking to and from the ship. I would've liked to spend more time, but it didn't happen this time. I'll be back in November. :)

[QTMichele]

Wow! Those are some great winnings. I'd have been down booking a few more cruises with that.

 

Your son is adorable sleeping through dinner.

 

I agree with you!

 

Thanks!

[Mande30]

I'm going to toot my own horn here. I was so proud of my kids and their behavior on board. They are normally great kids with good manners, but I'm always cognizant of how their behavior will affect others (especially after reading all the anti-kid comments on Cruise Critic LOL). Anyway, my sister and brother had taken them to eat in the dining room the previous day. During dinner, a stranger walked up to my sister and told her she didn't even realize there were kids at the table until she got up to leave. She thanked my sister for being such a good mom with such well behaved children! (I'm not sure that my sister corrected her, but I appreciate the compliment!) Just had to share because I am one proud mama!

 

Oh, I just LOVE this. My husband and I took our then 3 year old son to Disney. We were eating at the Mexican place in Epcot. This couple came up to us and couldn't believe that our child was sitting and eating his meal quietly. I did not really understand all of that at the time. But now that I have been exposed to not-so -well behaved children, I understand where they were coming from. My husband and I always say that there are two things that you must do for your children concerning their behavior: 1. Make them behave at home so when they go out it is only second nature. and 2. EXPOSE them. If they are exposed to travelling and restaurants and such at an early age they will get used to knowing how to behave and conduct themselves. Our 4 year old son goes EVERYWHERE with us. We will be going on the Allure in June. This will be my very first cruise. Your reviews have done wonders for my planning. Thank you and congrats to your family!!!

[Mande30]

Oh, I forgot to ask if you tried the Adventure Club and if so what did you think of it?

[QTMichele]

As promised, I slept in and let the hubby and kids do their thing until lunchtime. I skipped breakfast, but had a craving for Johnny Rockets. I don't know what it is, but I have a need to eat there once per cruise. We don't have JR in our area, so I think I associate it with my beloved cruise ships. Whatever the reason, we went for lunch.

 

We sat outside so we could watch the action on the Boardwalk. You'll see my DD with her balloon flower - included in the price of the cruise.

 

We were treated to the Johnny Rocket's Dancers singing and dancing to Stayin' Alive - made me want to get up and dance with them.

 

Right after they completed their number, the Rita's Cantina staff did their thing. Fun to watch, and it amuses me that some of the staff appear to enjoy participating while others seem as if an enema would be more enjoyable.

 

Our lunch was good - typical JR food. And, for the first time ever, I didn't order a burger - I had a BLT. I only had a few onion rings and half of my BLT, so I knew I could order dessert - have to save room, ya know. I ordered the apple pie. It was fine, but the Oreo sundae looked even better.

 

 

We stayed on the Boardwalk after lunch, and slowly made our way to the Aqua Theater for the Belly Flop contest.

 

 

This was my first Belly Flop contest - as a viewer, not a participant. Yes, there are some laughs, but I won't necessarily feel the need to go again. I'd rather be at the pool or on deck watching the ocean. So, that's what we did for the remainder of the day. H2O Zone, here we come!

 

 

The kids (and adults?!) made their way to the ice cream machine several times. They needed help cooling off and ice cream does that oh so well! My BIL didn't think the kids had enough sugar in their system, so he made a trip to the candy store and brought back suckers for the kids. I *think* they enjoyed them.

 

[QTMichele]

Oh, I just LOVE this. My husband and I took our then 3 year old son to Disney. We were eating at the Mexican place in Epcot. This couple came up to us and couldn't believe that our child was sitting and eating his meal quietly. I did not really understand all of that at the time. But now that I have been exposed to not-so -well behaved children, I understand where they were coming from. My husband and I always say that there are two things that you must do for your children concerning their behavior: 1. Make them behave at home so when they go out it is only second nature. and 2. EXPOSE them. If they are exposed to travelling and restaurants and such at an early age they will get used to knowing how to behave and conduct themselves. Our 4 year old son goes EVERYWHERE with us. We will be going on the Allure in June. This will be my very first cruise. Your reviews have done wonders for my planning. Thank you and congrats to your family!!!

 

I agree! And thank you for your compliments!

 

Oh, I forgot to ask if you tried the Adventure Club and if so what did you think of it?

 

Yes we did, and I will elaborate more at the end of my review. ;) In a nutshell, it didn't get used a lot, but that's not because it wasn't good.

[bionicman97]

Holy cow, does your BIL's Brother know the winning lotto numbers this week? :D

 

Love the Oreo Sundae at JR's :)

 

Great pics from Foulmouth :)

[QTMichele]

***While we were at the pool, we learned that my uncle's mother-in-law died that morning. My aunt didn't want to tell anyone and ruin our vacation. We were so sad for her, especially since she had carried that grief with her all day without saying anything to us. Thankfully, Guest Services was very good to her by allowing her to use their phone free of charge to call her family when her cell phone wouldn't connect. Thank you, Royal Caribbean, for having compassion for my family during a sad time. Rest in peace, Edmae.***

 

Tonight is formal night, and we decided to eat in the main dining room since we skipped the last one. We made it to the dining room, checked in for dinner, and were seated in different areas of the dining room. Again.

 

I really like the concept of MTD, but it just wasn't great for our group. We knew before our cruise that we may not sit together, and we knew we wouldn't be at the same table, but it seemed like there was no effort to keep us together, even after we linked our reservations, made reservations for the same time each evening, and requested it each time we checked in. This didn't ruin our time, but I want to share our experience with you in case you're in this situation.

 

Back to formal night, I'm so disappointed - I didn't get a picture of my family all gussied up! I did manage to take a quick picture of my kids though.

 

 

Dinner was good, and kudos to my waiter who managed to get not one, but TWO shrimp cocktails for me. They weren't on the menu that evening, but I was hoping they'd be able to accommodate my request since they had shrimp on the menu. Not a problem! (I love cruising.) The headwaiter even came up to me later and asked if I was satisfied with my shrimp. Um, YES! As always, dinner was satisfying and dessert was just okay.

 

We had reservations for the Headliner Show, Mosaic, this evening. (http://www.mo5aic.com). My parents had seen them on the Navigator a few years ago, and couldn't wait to see them again. They really are fantastic, and well worth the time to see them.

 

 

We also scheduled our comedy show for this evening.

 

 

We had two very different, but very funny comedians. The first had a great voice, and used it in his act. He was a little (a lot?) raunchy, so not for the faint of heart.

 

 

The second comedian was much cleaner, used a lot of "cruise ship jokes," and still managed to make the audience laugh. We had a great time!

 

We called it a night after the Comedy Club. Tomorrow brings Cozumel, and we needed our rest.

[QTMichele]

Holy cow, does your BIL's Brother know the winning lotto numbers this week? :D

 

Love the Oreo Sundae at JR's :)

 

Great pics from Foulmouth :)

 

LOL - No kidding!

 

I missed seeing the $10,000 win, but I was there for one of the $2000 wins. When winnings are over a certain amount, the machine can't disburse the money. A manager comes over with his notebook and has the winner sign before getting their money, in CASH. We joked around with the manager about all the money that Eric had won. I'm not so sure they were as amused as we were. LOL

 

I want an Oreo sundae now. And I think I said there wouldn't be any more food pictures.... oops!

[mivama]

OMG! That picture of your son diving into the Oreo sundae might be my favorite picture I have ever seen on cruise critic! What a fantastic expression! I think he's outwardly showing what we all feel inside when presented with such a glorious treat!

Loving the review and getting so excited for our August Allure trip. Can't wait to hear more about Adventure Ocean since it will be our first trip with our kids (ages 6 and 8). Thanks for such a great review!!

[BrianAlt]

I've seen your pics elsewhere (the site that shall not be named!), but I still love seeing them. Plus the narrative really brings them to life. So...

 

GREAT PICS!!! :D

[CruisingCaraCat]

Great Review with some terrific pictures!! I especially appreciate the pictures because I have valiantly attempted to take good pictures when I cruise and have continuously failed miserably.

 

We are doing our second Allure cruise this April 22nd and reading your review just increases the excitement.

 

I didn't see anyone at the dog house though:confused:. Since I love sausages that is one of my favorite spots.

[plazamom]

I have a similar story. We were in New Orleans for my cousin's wedding several years ago. My girls were 1 and 3 (now 13 and 15). Since it was our first and only time in New Orleans (so far), we wanted to experience all of the fabulous restaurants. One night we went to Commander's Palace and 2 nights later to Antoine's. At Antoine's a couple came over to us to comment that we had the most well behaved children they had ever seen. They had been at Commander's palace the same night we were, and when we came in with the girls they thought- oh no- we're spending all this money on a beautiful dinner and now it will be ruined. They were pleasantly surprised when they didn't hear a peep from our table. After seeing us at dinner at Antoine's they felt the need to come over and compliment us- it was one of my proudest moments as a Mom. And Mande30- I agree- you must expect them to behave at home and out and expose them to different experiences.

 

And QTMichele- we had another experience similar to yours only opposite. We took our girls on a cruise to Asia (China, Japan and Korea) when they were 3 and 5. When we were in Tiannamen Square dozens of Chinese women asked to have their picture taken with our girls. They were fascinated by their curly hair!! It was so adorable.:D

[Mande30]

I have a similar story. We were in New Orleans for my cousin's wedding several years ago. My girls were 1 and 3 (now 13 and 15). Since it was our first and only time in New Orleans (so far), we wanted to experience all of the fabulous restaurants. One night we went to Commander's Palace and 2 nights later to Antoine's. At Antoine's a couple came over to us to comment that we had the most well behaved children they had ever seen. They had been at Commander's palace the same night we were, and when we came in with the girls they thought- oh no- we're spending all this money on a beautiful dinner and now it will be ruined. They were pleasantly surprised when they didn't hear a peep from our table. After seeing us at dinner at Antoine's they felt the need to come over and compliment us- it was one of my proudest moments as a Mom. And Mande30- I agree- you must expect them to behave at home and out and expose them to different experiences.

 

And QTMichele- we had another experience similar to yours only opposite. We took our girls on a cruise to Asia (China, Japan and Korea) when they were 3 and 5. When we were in Tiannamen Square dozens of Chinese women asked to have their picture taken with our girls. They were fascinated by their curly hair!! It was so adorable.:D

 

Yes, it is a wonderful feeling to know that all of your effort to teach your little ones is appreciated. Your girls must have had a nice time in Asia. I love to here stories like this!!!!! :)