Allure Sept 30, 2012 - The Most Disorganized Review Ever

[swwake]

[quote name='suzyluvs2cruise']We didn't make it to the M&M for the 9/30 cruise. Didn't know about the time change. :confused: We were on the 9/23 cruise and your prizes were soooo much better than the ones we had. Glad you got the book you wanted. No books at our M&M....I would have liked to see one. Maybe next time.........[/quote]I have been looking for the book on Amazon, Ebay, etc, and can't find it. Keep your eyes open. It's a great keepsake! Oh, you might be able to write RCCL a nice email about your experience and ask for the book. I fully intended to ask Zac for one if I hadn't won it.

[quote name='Kenlorz']I'm loving your review & how laid back your cruise experience was! Our upcoming cruise is planned to the max as it's our first (and I'm an uber planner:p), but if we ever get to go back I'd like to roll like you two do. BTW, thanks for all the help to my many questions you've answered the past few days on the boards. It's been super helpful![/quote]Thank you. I am a huge overplanner. In 1997 when I took my daughter to Disney at age 5, I overplanned and, between all the travelers and a 5-year-old meltdown, all the plans went out the window, which completely stressed me out. What I have since learned is to plan well, but be flexible when things don't go as planned. And they never go EXACTLY as planned. On this cruise, I made reservations for dinner every night and every show available. I also had a wish list of other things to do and see. I knew from the start it wouldn't happen, and I was ok with that. You can't see Allure in 1 week, so be prepared, and make sure you have 5-6 priorities you'll be happy to have seen and done.

[swwake]

[quote name='elvismeggi']Your review is great,
we was on the Allure on Sept 16.... :eek:
and we will come back next year, can't wait!!:D

Question: can please anybody advise me how I can include picture in my post's? I'm not allowed to include pics greater than 19,5 KB... but I have a really good pic of the coast guard I would share with you :rolleyes:[/quote]I use Photobucket mostly. Just set up an account there, upload the photo, and click the "img" link. It will automatically copy and you can paste into your post on Cruise Critic.

I heard about that 9/16 cruise. The poor lady and her mom were from a town outside of my hometown of Memphis :(

I also can't wait to go back! We are already planning for 2013!

[quote name='BillOh']There are some minor exceptions. On our cruise their were 2 comics. One bombed badly the first night, so on night 2 (our night) his part was shortened and the 2nd comedian took up the slack. Night 3 the first comedian had new material that was better received. People in our excursion compared notes as we each had gone on consecutive nights.[/quote]That's interesting Bill, and good info! It's nice to know that the programs are flexible to please the crowd.

[swwake]

[quote name='Coolcruise02']Great review, can't wait for more![/quote]Thanks for the comment! I like to know that people are reading - keeps me motivated! :)

[CP3o]

[quote name='swwake']
Also, the last comedy show of the week is moved to a different venue (I can't remember if it is Amber Theater or Studio B) and is for all ages. This means the humor may not be as "dirty".

[/quote]

Thanks for your review!

Does anyone know if this is always the case and does this mean you don't need reservations for the last comedy show of the cruise? (8pm day 7 on our cruise). You can't make reservations for kids as far as I can see but I don't think I tried to book the last night.

Is it a big enough venue to walk in late and still find seats? I think we would be done with Samba Grill by 8pm with 6:30 reservations (teens don't like long dinners) but RCCL allows 2 hrs for it so wouldn't be able to book 8pm show even if could make reservations for the kids. (over 12 but under 17) Edited October 17, 2012 by CP3o
adding question; spelling

[swwake]

[quote name='gambee']Love your review, I am not sure why you call it disorganized. I noticed that you guys really enjoy the flow rider, I think i'd like to try it but I am a little intimidated by the masses. Used to snowboard and wakeboard, so I think I might be able to stand here, but not sure, never tried it before.[/quote]Well, it will get more disorganized as I continue, as I didn't take any notes and my memory is getting foggier farther away from the cruise. Don't worry!

As for the flowrider, please give it a shot. We are big wakeboarders (hubby since the skurfer in the early 90s and myself since 1995). Unfortunately, we found that our wakeboarding skill set helped zilch on the flowrider. As for snow, we are also decent snowboarders. Once you get a feel for the "wave" and start to carve, it is exactly the same movement as snowboarding. Use your edges. The big difference is: with snowboarding, your weight is usually on your front foot. With flowrider, you have to exaggerate your weight to the back foot.

And the best tip I can give is: just relax. If you're stiff, your board will wobble all over the place. If you can relax, the board will become part of you (like wake and snow).

Now, as to being embarrassed, don't. Everyone has a first try. We tried out the boogie board once before even trying stand-up. That gave us a good feel for how the wave moves, how fast it is, and how to fall. If you are super self-conscious, you could go for a private lesson, where there would only be a max of 7 others with you, but personally, if you're going to spend money on the private, I'd wait until you've got the basics, can stand up on the board, and probably until you can load yourself. It doesn't take long to learn those. Then in your lesson, they will take you to the next level and you'll really feel great about your improvement. Soon, you'll be riding the Best of the Best contest at the end of the cruise!

[swwake]

[quote name='CP3o']Thanks for your review!

Does anyone know if this is always the case and does this mean you don't need reservations for the last comedy show of the cruise? (8pm day 7 on our cruise). You can't make reservations for kids as far as I can see but I don't think I tried to book the last night.

Is it a big enough venue to walk in late and still find seats? I think we would be done with Samba Grill by 8pm with 6:30 reservations (teens don't like long dinners) but RCCL allows 2 hrs for it so wouldn't be able to book 8pm show even if could make reservations for the kids. (over 12 but under 17)[/quote]You are welcome!

I can't guarantee that this is always the case, but people who told us about it seemed to know, so it must be common. Whether in Amber Theater or Studio B, it's big enough to walk in without reservations. And I don't think they take reservations for the last night's comedy show. At least Allan Brooks said on his daily show that reservations aren't required for that show.

[rakes5]

On our recent Allure cruise, the comedy event you may be refering to was more of an improv, which also included some other entertainers and crew members as well. It was in the ice rink. Edited October 17, 2012 by rakes5

[swwake]

[quote name='rakes5']On our recent Allure cruise, the comedy event you may be refering to was more of an improv, which also included some other entertainers and crew members as well. It was in the ice rink.[/quote]Just checked my Compass. This one was on Day 7 (Saturday) at 10:30pm in the Amber Theater. It just says "Comedy Show with Stephen Thomas & Mike Wilson (open to all ages)". I guess they switch it up sometimes?

[gambee]

[quote name='swwake']Well, it will get more disorganized as I continue, as I didn't take any notes and my memory is getting foggier farther away from the cruise. Don't worry!

As for the flowrider, please give it a shot. We are big wakeboarders (hubby since the skurfer in the early 90s and myself since 1995). Unfortunately, we found that our wakeboarding skill set helped zilch on the flowrider. As for snow, we are also decent snowboarders. Once you get a feel for the "wave" and start to carve, it is exactly the same movement as snowboarding. Use your edges. The big difference is: with snowboarding, your weight is usually on your front foot. With flowrider, you have to exaggerate your weight to the back foot.

And the best tip I can give is: just relax. If you're stiff, your board will wobble all over the place. If you can relax, the board will become part of you (like wake and snow).

Now, as to being embarrassed, don't. Everyone has a first try. We tried out the boogie board once before even trying stand-up. That gave us a good feel for how the wave moves, how fast it is, and how to fall. If you are super self-conscious, you could go for a private lesson, where there would only be a max of 7 others with you, but personally, if you're going to spend money on the private, I'd wait until you've got the basics, can stand up on the board, and probably until you can load yourself. It doesn't take long to learn those. Then in your lesson, they will take you to the next level and you'll really feel great about your improvement. Soon, you'll be riding the Best of the Best contest at the end of the cruise![/QUOTE]

thanks for info, that's awesome. I will definitely give it a try =)

[swwake]

[quote name='gambee']thanks for info, that's awesome. I will definitely give it a try =)[/quote]You will find the flowrider fanatics (much like wakeboard fanatics) to be a super supportive group. They will cheer for you the very first time you try, and every time you do something cool after (even just standing up for a minute).

[ALSEAU]

[quote name='swwake']Just checked my Compass. This one was on Day 7 (Saturday) at 10:30pm in the Amber Theater. It just says "Comedy Show with Stephen Thomas & Mike Wilson (open to all ages)". I guess they switch it up sometimes?[/quote]

Hi Susan.

Really enjoying your review. Still waiting for Harold to step up and write his.

As far as the late Saturday night Comedy Show is concern this is what was my experience was. On the week of 9/23 I made reservations prior to the cruise for the 10:30 Saturday night show because that was the time that fit my schedule for the week. At the time I was not aware that it would be a family version and not the adult version of comedy. It was held in Studio B and no one was there to scan or monitor who entered. Bottom line reservations were not required and plenty of seats were available.

The week of 9/30 I did not make reservations for the Saturday night family comedy show. This week it was held in the Amber Theater and again reservations were not required. BTW the comedians on board 9/30 were different than the ones on the 9/23 sailing. I thought the ones on 9/23 were pretty funny but the ones on 9/30 were funnier. Also I spoke to several people who said most of the family routine was the same as the adult version except the language was cleaned up. Edited October 18, 2012 by ALSEAU

[swwake]

[quote name='ALSEAU']Hi Susan.

Really enjoying your review. Still waiting for Harold to step up and write his.

As far as the late Saturday night Comedy Show is concern this is what was my experience was. On the week of 9/23 I made reservations prior to the cruise for the 10:30 Saturday night show because that was the time that fit my schedule for the week. At the time I was not aware that it would be a family version and not the adult version of comedy. It was held in Studio B and no one was there to scan or monitor who entered. Bottom line reservations were not required and plenty of seats were available.

The week of 9/30 I did not make reservations for the Saturday night family comedy show. This week it was held in the Amber Theater and again reservations were not required. BTW the comedians on board 9/30 were different than the ones on the 9/23 sailing. I thought the ones on 9/23 were pretty funny but the ones on 9/30 were funnier. Also I spoke to several people who said most of the family routine was the same as the adult version except the language was cleaned up.[/quote]Good info Al, thanks! Where is that Engine 23? He is missing in action! Maybe he's hanging out over on the Carnival boards. I think that's his next cruise.

How is Jan?

Also, I hate to spoil my review before the end, but we are strongly considering an Oasis Class B2B next year. Any tips? Edited October 18, 2012 by swwake

[out2sea]

I've done the Oasis once and this was my third time on the Allure. Still not sure I've seen and done everything. Always book every show possible but do not always make it. At least you are guaranteed a seat if you decide it works in your schedule. Still haven't tried all the restaurants. Think I still need a repeat :) lol
The adult comedy is the same during the week but last night you don't need reservations it's open to all and the "act" is cleaned up if you will. Surprisingly I did not know about the book. Think on the first cruise it was mentioned on the Rising Tide but don't know if I ever saw it. I was at Platinum and higher trivia one sea day and it was never mentioned.
Thanks for the tip as well about pix.
(Just made it upstairs yesterday first time so still loading and organizing) I took about 1/3 of what I normally take since I was limited last few days. Lucky I have some from prior cruises.
Love the review and comments :)

[swwake]

[quote name='out2sea']I've done the Oasis once and this was my third time on the Allure. Still not sure I've seen and done everything. Always book every show possible but do not always make it. At least you are guaranteed a seat if you decide it works in your schedule. Still haven't tried all the restaurants. Think I still need a repeat :) lol
The adult comedy is the same during the week but last night you don't need reservations it's open to all and the "act" is cleaned up if you will. Surprisingly I did not know about the book. Think on the first cruise it was mentioned on the Rising Tide but don't know if I ever saw it. I was at Platinum and higher trivia one sea day and it was never mentioned.
Thanks for the tip as well about pix.
(Just made it upstairs yesterday first time so still loading and organizing) I took about 1/3 of what I normally take since I was limited last few days. Lucky I have some from prior cruises.
Love the review and comments :)[/quote]We got invitations and TV mail messages about the C&A trivia, but didn't attend (conflict). Thanks for the compliments. Can't wait to see your pics!

[noshoobie]

[quote name='CP3o']Thanks for your review!

Does anyone know if this is always the case and does this mean you don't need reservations for the last comedy show of the cruise? (8pm day 7 on our cruise). You can't make reservations for kids as far as I can see but I don't think I tried to book the last night.

Is it a big enough venue to walk in late and still find seats? I think we would be done with Samba Grill by 8pm with 6:30 reservations (teens don't like long dinners) but RCCL allows 2 hrs for it so wouldn't be able to book 8pm show even if could make reservations for the kids. (over 12 but under 17)[/quote]

Loving your review, Susan. I'm going to attempt one sometime soon. For now I get to relive the cruise through you. :D As for the comedy shows, you did not need reservations for the Saturday night show in the Amber Theater. We saw the show on Thursday night and both comedians were very funny. On Saturday's show, the whole family went including my 12 year old DS. They basically did a lot of the same material minus the bad language and sex jokes. DS loved it - he was laughing more then DH especially at any joke having to do with a toilet or farting. He also loved Mike Wilson's spot on impressions of Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock.

[swwake]

[quote name='noshoobie']Loving your review, Susan. I'm going to attempt one sometime soon. For now I get to relive the cruise through you. :D As for the comedy shows, you did not need reservations for the Saturday night show in the Amber Theater. We saw the show on Thursday night and both comedians were very funny. On Saturday's show, the whole family went including my 12 year old DS. They basically did a lot of the same material minus the bad language and sex jokes. DS loved it - he was laughing more then DH especially at any joke having to do with a toilet or farting. He also loved Mike Wilson's spot on impressions of Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock.[/quote]Thank you, and thanks for the info about the comedy show. We did make it one night (dum dum dummmmm - coming up soon!), and enjoyed the comics.

[Eng23]

[quote name='swwake']Good info Al, thanks! Where is that Engine 23? He is missing in action! Maybe he's hanging out over on the Carnival boards. I think that's his next cruise.

How is Jan?

Also, I hate to spoil my review before the end, but we are strongly considering an Oasis Class B2B next year. Any tips?[/quote]
I'm not missing in action :rolleyes:. I just could not take the colder temperatures in Va. when I got home so I headed back to Ft. Lauderdale for a few more days of warm weather. I'm back home now and working on doing the Photobucket thing in addition to going back to work :mad:. I should have my review going very soon. :)

I do appreciate your concern about me being MIA. :D

[joand452]

We've done B2Bs on both Allure (2011) and Oasis (2012). It was wonderful being on those ships for two weeks (and in the same cabin). I spread our show reservations out so that we only saw each one once -- except we did see the comedians and headliners each week, since they'd be different.

Believe it or not, I still feel we missed a lot on both ships!! Definitely need to go back! I'm determined to find every last small wonder. I'm sure I've missed plenty of them.

Thank you for the wonderful review and pictures!! Can't wait to see more! Edited October 18, 2012 by joand452

[swwake]

[quote name='Eng23']I'm not missing in action :rolleyes:. I just could not take the colder temperatures in Va. when I got home so I headed back to Ft. Lauderdale for a few more days of warm weather. I'm back home now and working on doing the Photobucket thing in addition to going back to work :mad:. I should have my review going very soon. :)

I do appreciate your concern about me being MIA. :D[/quote]There you are!!!

Hey, question for you. Have you taken advantage of the discounts for firefighters? We have a firefighter friend, and I just noticed this week that discount.

[quote name='joand452']We've done B2Bs on both Allure (2011) and Oasis (2012). It was wonderful being on those ships for two weeks (and in the same cabin). I spread our show reservations out so that we only saw each one once -- except we did see the comedians and headliners each week, since they'd be different.

Believe it or not, I still feel we missed a lot on both ships!! Definitely need to go back! I'm determined to find every last small wonder. I'm sure I've missed plenty of them.

Thank you for the wonderful review and pictures!! Can't wait to see more![/quote]Oh that's exciting. I sure hope we can pull off a B2B! Seeing every small wonder is a fun goal! I may have to try that.

You are quite welcome. Sorry the next update has no photos :(

[swwake]

(apologies in advance for the lack of ANY photos!)
[SIZE=2]
[FONT=Verdana]We went back to the room to shower and get ready for dinner. It was Casual night on the ship.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana]We had enjoyed two very heavy (albeit delicious) and formal dinners the previous nights, so we were in the mood for something lighter. We first tried the Windjammer. Sanitized our hands (I haven't mentioned that the dispensers are at every food venue entrance, as well as before boarding the ship at embarkation and in port) and toured the "pods". There seemed to be nothing that caught either of our eyes or made our mouths water, so we left the Windjammer, in search of something else.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]Izumi is right outside Windjammer (in this case, across the ship, since only the starboard side Windjammer was open at the time). Let's talk about Izumi for a minute. It's a sushi restaurant on a ship that stocks supplies once a week (the ship, and thus also the sushi restaurant). We love sushi and eat [/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][FONT=Verdana]quite often [/FONT][FONT=Verdana]at a great sushi restaurant near our home. They have their fish flown in daily and it is always fresh, so that is what we are accustomed to. Before the cruise, we contemplated an evening at Izumi. We decided that we weren't really interested in it since it's an upcharge, and since we get great sushi at home, so we didn't think it would be a very different experience from what we can do at home. We were also concerned about how they get their fish and keep it fresh. We thought, if we don't eat at Izumi on Day 1 or Day 2, we're not gonna risk it.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana]I've read mixed reviews for Izumi, so we didn't feel that we were missing anything. But at the flowrider that day, one gentleman in line told us he had eaten at Izumi the night before and it was great. Well, after seeing the WJ offerings, we decided to give it a try.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]We didn't have reservations, but it was early (maybe 6:30pm?) and not crowded. The restaurant itself is nicely laid out, with the sushi bar and chefs behind the host stand and tables to the right. There are just a handful of tables against the window that look over the ocean. We knew others probably had reservations, so we chose not to take a table and instead sat at the sushi bar.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]There were two girls already at the bar, in animated conversation, really enjoying their meal. We later noticed their name badges and realized they are crew (or entertainment staff, or something). To our left, another couple was seated shortly after us. We had some polite conversation with them during our meal. They were just having a sushi appetizer before dinner, and had reservations later in the week for Izumi.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]Edamame comes complimentary (well, part of the cover charge, which is $5 if I remember). We both got miso soup, and I ordered the tenderloin hot rock, while Chris ordered Box Yellowtail in Garlic Ponzu. We each ordered some nigiri.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][FONT=Verdana] Chris probably got a Japanese beer and I probably had the Danzante Pinot Grigio.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana]I had read reviews of the hot rock that it wasn't flavorful enough. I thought it was just fine, and it came with 2-3 sauces for dipping, which really helped. The rock was very large, compared to hot rocks I have had at other restaurants on land. It was about 6 inches by 6 inches.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]We had never had a "box roll" before. It is an interesting shape, and the roll was very good. We shared everything.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]Our review? We were impressed with Izumi. The menu had just enough variety, and it hit the spot for our tastebuds and appetites that night. We were surprised at how fresh the nigiri was, and I asked our server about it. He said it is "frozen fresh". Well, that explains it. Not 100% flown-in-daily fresh, but it was good.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]If you like sushi, but aren't necessarily a foodie who is picky about sushi being [I]excellent[/I], I would recommend Izumi. It's a great alternative to the MDR, and you can spend as much or as little extra money as you like.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]After we finished dinner, we realized that it was a little after 8pm. We had reservations for the Comedy Show that night, but they were at 10:30, which conflicted with the Love & Marriage Game Show, which Chris didn't really care about, but I wanted to see, so he obliged me.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2] [FONT=Verdana]A quick check of the touch screen near the elevators told us that the early Comedy Show was to begin at 8:30, so we decided to try to go standby. Down to Deck 4 we went.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana]We arrived about 10 after 8 and were in line, when the people in front of us turned and asked "how was your sushi?" It was the couple who sat at the sushi bar with us! They had decided (or maybe it was their plan all along) to hit the comedy show before heading to dinner.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]We were about 25 and 26 in line and had no idea whether we would get into the show or not. The venue is very small. I estimate it holds about 100 people. At 8:20 they called "last call for reservations", then let the first 10 people in line into the theater. Five minutes later, another "last call" (really?), then 10 more people. That left a couple in front of the couple in front of us, so we were 5th and 6th in line now. We all joked about whether we would get in, and then they called the next EIGHT! We were in.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]Our comedians were Stephen Thomas and Mike Wilson. They were funny enough and entertaining. At the same time, they made the same jokes we have heard before about light switches outside the bathrooms in the staterooms, small staterooms, joining the "balcony club", etc. We are glad we went, but we can check that off our list. If we are looking for entertainment on a future cruise, we'll consider it, but generally we stay busy without.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

This post is extremely long and boring without any photos, so here's a bonus pic of my dogs last night. Sandy and Harry. Yes, they are allowed on the furniture.
[IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/sgwilson/Allure%20of%20the%20Seas%202012/404606_10151284320916788_1182247981_n.jpg[/IMG]

[FONT=Verdana]The show is an hour long, so we walked around the ship for a bit afterward, then headed to the Amber Theater (site of Love & Marriage) at a little after 10. We found nice seats in the middle of the theater and watched as they finished up a Jackpot Bingo game.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]Then Zac (the activities director) did the ritual selecting-of-the-couples. They started with the couple married the shortest time. They had to be less than 2 years (I think). They did the Tarzan routine and the audience selected a couple by applause.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]The next couple selected was the one who had been married the longest. I think that was the selection process. Our couple had been married over 50 years (I can't remember - this is the Most Disorganized Review Ever!). They were great.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]The middle couple was selected some other funny acting-out way. Again, I can't remember. I think you had to be married 5 to 15 years, maybe? Ok, someone is going to have to correct me. Maybe I mis-named this review and it should have been the Short-Term Memory Review.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]So the show went on and it was great, and similar to others we have seen. It was rebroadcast several times for the rest of the week on our stateroom TVs. So, if you miss it (or it conflicts with the Comedy Show reservation you have), you can catch it on TV later.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]After the show, we went to the Solarium for the Malibu Escape Party. We had a cocktail or two there, but actually got a little bored.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]Here's where I will comment on these DJs from the Scratch DJ Academy. I am sure they are good DJs and do a great job at what they do, but things must have changed over the years. Chris and I talked about "the old days" of clubbing, when you sat on the sidelines sipping your cocktail until the DJ played [I]that song. [/I]You know, [I]that song[/I] that makes you want to dance. [I]That song[/I] that has a special meaning to you. Then you would get up and drag your partner out to the dance floor (or head out on your own in your spandex mini skirt and bra-top with black pumps - but I digress). And you would dance and dance to your heart's content for the next 3-1/2 minutes to every single beat of [I]that song[/I].[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]On Allure of the Seas with the Scratch DJ Academy DJs? Notsomuch. The minute you hear [I]that song[/I] and make your way to the dance floor, the song changes. And more often than not, it's a song that is very different from [I]that song[/I]. So we just lost interest in it at the Malibu Escape party and retired to our stateroom.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]Let's check the Cruise Plan:[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]
[FONT=Verdana]9am - 5pm open flowrider [COLOR=blue]Done.[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]
[FONT=Verdana]10:30am - Meet & Mingle [COLOR=blue]Done (at new time).[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]
[FONT=Verdana]10:30pm - Comedy Show [COLOR=blue]Done (at earlier time).[/COLOR]
Late - Escape by Malibu party [COLOR=blue]Done.[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]So, it may not have been in the planned order, but we accomplished everything planned for the day.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]

[FONT=Verdana]Tomorrow, we will be in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., where I will pick up a couple of special, meaningful souvenirs and we will meet the Big Kahuna!

Whew! If you made it this far, KUDOS to you! I never would have had the patience to read through that much TEXT without a single photo. In fact, I think I'll go back and add a photo, just for fun.[/FONT][/SIZE] Edited October 19, 2012 by swwake

[akcruz]

Susan, you make the words so entertaining the pictures are an appreciated bonus. Thanks so much for doing this review. Very much enjoying it. :D

[LROB2433]

Love the puppies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

[smashof904]

I'm counting down to my 2nd Allure cruise and I still read them all. I will add that I get something out of every review I've read so far.

 

 

I have to agree, this will be my first cruise (in 23 days on Allure) and I've read everything I can and always find something new :)

[ALSEAU]

Good info Al, thanks! Where is that Engine 23? He is missing in action! Maybe he's hanging out over on the Carnival boards. I think that's his next cruise.

 

How is Jan?

 

Also, I hate to spoil my review before the end, but we are strongly considering an Oasis Class B2B next year. Any tips?

 

Enjoying your review.

 

Harold is MIA.

 

Jan is healing excellently. Just had all her stitches removed Wednesday. Hands and nose totally healed. Still some redness on the upper lip and knee has a couple more weeks before it will be back to normal.

 

Susan you would love a B2B on either the Oasis or the Allure. Besides the shows on Oasis the only difference would be the Samba Grille and the Dog House which I don't believe interest you.

 

How does two weeks of Flowriding sound? The only good tip I can give is to book early to make sure you can select a category room and location you want for both weeks.

 

Since you posted this I have booked another B2B on the Allure. Guess what it wasn't early enough for me to get the same cabin both weeks. I would have to pay for an upgrade to get the same cabin and it wouldn't be on the deck I prefer.

[cruisinmama!]

This post is extremely long and boring without any photos, so here's a bonus pic of my dogs last night. Sandy and Harry. Yes, they are allowed on the furniture.

 

 

 

Ok... This review itself was already great, with tons of good info and very entertaining and witty commentary. But adding not only an adorable dog picture, but Goldens at that, makes it officially the BEST REVIEW EVER as far as I'm concerned :D