Middle Aged Drama Queen Goes BIG: Solo & Last Minute on the ALLURE!!!

[Gingersuzie]

This is a wonderful thread! You are so sweet to give such an awesome breakdown of your trip and the ship! I have only been a member of CC for a month or so and this is the first thread I have "subscribed to"!! YAY! :) My husband, 16 year old son and I are going on our first cruise July 27th. We have chosen the Oasis and are so excited. The more I read about your journey, the more excited I become about our trip. Thank you for this great play by play! You are such a talented writer and a have a great personality.

[KansCocoa]

Can someone confirm I'm seeing this right? A 50 minute Swedish Massage is $119. But a 50 minute COUPLE Swedish Massage is $269. Huh? The 75 minute couple massage is ~ double the single massage, but the 50 minute couple costs more than two singles? Yes, only $30, but that's pays for a specialty restaurant.

 

 

That's what I'm seeing, too...huh. It sounds like the same guy/gal who is the "Naming" person on RCI also does the math.

 

 

This is a wonderful thread! You are so sweet to give such an awesome breakdown of your trip and the ship! I have only been a member of CC for a month or so and this is the first thread I have "subscribed to"!! YAY! :) My husband, 16 year old son and I are going on our first cruise July 27th. We have chosen the Oasis and are so excited. The more I read about your journey, the more excited I become about our trip. Thank you for this great play by play! You are such a talented writer and a have a great personality.

 

Aw, thank you! Welcome to CC! There are some other fabulous reviews out there, as well, and I hope you discover them...! You are going to have a FABULOUS time on the Oasis! :)

[KansCocoa]

We’ll do a somewhat clockwise-tour of the Boardwalk, beginning with the starboard side, where we find:

 

Boardwalk Dog House

 

 

 

Seven different kinds of wieners…and it’s FREE! Choose from pig, cow or chicken sausage…and top it with sauerkraut, onions, peppers, or pickles – squirt on the mustard or ketchup, and then enjoy!

 

Drat...it's blurry. I blame the iPhone...it certainly can't be the operator.

 

 

Hours are from 11:30 am until 6:00 pm.

 

Did I mention that it’s FREE??!!

 

 

--------------------

 

 

Pinwheels

 

 

This little shop offers toys, games and clothing geared towards children…however, I did find a deck of cards for sale by the cash register that were decorated with “Drink Recipes of the Caribbean” – definitely NOT geared towards children...unless you want little Sally whipping you up a Coco Loco at the next family gathering. I SOOOO wanted to take a photo, but the sales lady was already looking at me suspiciously...maybe the word was out that I was the scalawag who'd taken a photo at the Britto Gallery!

 

 

I don't get the whole "Hello Kitty" craze...but if you're a Hello Kitty-aholic, now you know where to get your fix....

 

 

Oh, look...a stuffed monkey drinking a coconut with a straw...call it a "Coco Loco" and your child will never be the wiser....!

 

[KansCocoa]

The Candy Beach

 

 

 

Well, it’s name somewhat gives it away – it’s a candy store, duh…featuring tons of candy that you can buy by the pound…or the ounce, as we discovered the price is a staggering 75 cents an OUNCE.

 

 

There’s some cool candy in here, though – stuff from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. There’s supposed to be 40 varieties…I didn’t count. Guess I have to take them at their word. Even if you don’t want to purchase any – check it out, because there’s like a little miniature candy museum inside.

 

Okay...be honest. Who knew about this little secret treasure inside the candy shop? The little "candy museum"??? I didn't. I discovered it quite by accident - and then had to share it with Steve & Amy, cuz I thought it was way cool!

 

When you go inside the candy shop, turn to the right – and up on the wall, there’s a little display that will give the history behind a lot of the candy beginning back in the 1920’s…it’s pretty interesting to stop and read some of the stories.

 

And after you read about it...you can buy it!!

 

 

 

Star Pier

 

 

 

So that your older kids (tweens and teens) don’t feel left out, RCI has developed Star Pier – where clothing, games and accessories can be found. I think there’s a Wii game area here, but feeling a bit out of place here – especially with no Klingons to accompany me – I didn’t stick around long enough to find out. This is a store where I felt a bit...old. Go figure!

 

[emilygrace]

Sherri, I enjoyed your two previous reviews immensely, and this one is no different. But I am convinced that you have more hours, minutes and seconds in your day than the rest of us mere mortals! You cram SO much into one day.....it's exhausting!

 

But keep it coming....I'm loving it.

[Iamthesea]

Ah, good catch! Actually, I've been a grandmother for quite awhile...Hubby and I blended a family of 7 kids...he had four...I had two...and we had one together. We now have 8 grandchildren...ranging in age from 15 to 3...and because we have such a huge family, and our youngest is only 13 herself, I have a feeling I'm going to be having grandkids for many years to come!

 

You could call them "step-grandkids" - but we don't use the word "step" in our family - they're my kids and grandkids as if they were my own, and I get to love them, discipline them, and worry about them just as a bio-parent would! :)

 

WOW!!! That's really great! Thank you for the explanation. Makes me feel better to know that neither Brainiac Brad or Too Tall Taylor got into any trouble over the summer. :D Neither you or your husband look old enough to be grandparents. ;)

 

BTW- One piece of advice that you gave me from your other thread is to book The Taste of Barcelona with Jo and Joe. Their (we had both as guides, along with 6 Norwegian ladies) tour was the HIGHLIGHT of our entire trip! In fact, we liked it so much that we have booked tasting/tours in Venice and in Rome for our upcoming cruise in May. Looking into one in Paris, as well.:) Thank you, again.

[mrsfecura]

WOW!!! That's really great! Thank you for the explanation. Makes me feel better to know that neither Brainiac Brad or Too Tall Taylor got into any trouble over the summer. :D Neither you or your husband look old enough to be grandparents. ;)

 

BTW- One piece of advice that you gave me from your other thread is to book The Taste of Barcelona with Jo and Joe. Their (we had both as guides, along with 6 Norwegian ladies) tour was the HIGHLIGHT of our entire trip! In fact, we liked it so much that we have booked tasting/tours in Venice and in Rome for our upcoming cruise in May. Looking into one in Paris, as well.:) Thank you, again.

 

Oooh we are going to book The Barcelona Taste for our October Med Cruise based on Sherri's recommendation too!!

[PCWalton1]

Sherri,

I am keeping a record of the great tips you are giving so I can put them to use in May. But I have a SERIOUSLY IMPORTANT question. When you are on the secret balcony at the end of Deck 11, where is the closest place to get drink refills at sail away (and I don't mean soda pop)? Waving at all those people on the beach at Ft Lauderdale can be very parching work. :p

 

Bill

[Beth C]

Sherri,

I am keeping a record of the great tips you are giving so I can put them to use in May. But I have a SERIOUSLY IMPORTANT question. When you are on the secret balcony at the end of Deck 11, where is the closest place to get drink refills at sail away (and I don't mean soda pop)? Waving at all those people on the beach at Ft Lauderdale can be very parching work. :p

 

Bill

 

It would be a long jaunt back anywhere to get a refill so I would suggest bringing your bottles of wine back with you!

 

You would have to go back up the long long hallway to elevator banks and i would say either up to the pool deck or down to Central Park on 8 or the schooner bar on 6...

 

 

Sent from my Speak & Spell using Tapatalk

[Steppy08]

Sherri,

I am keeping a record of the great tips you are giving so I can put them to use in May. But I have a SERIOUSLY IMPORTANT question. When you are on the secret balcony at the end of Deck 11, where is the closest place to get drink refills at sail away (and I don't mean soda pop)? Waving at all those people on the beach at Ft Lauderdale can be very parching work. :p

 

Bill

 

Your friends in cabin 11329 with two bottles of champagne! :D

[PCWalton1]

Your friends in cabin 11329 with two bottles of champagne! :D

 

Aah, now there is a wise person. :D

[JAYRAY1259]

I have gone through just about your whole review and it brought back a lot of memories of our cruise on the Allure, My wife Libby and I thank you for the entertainmment. By the way, You really need to apply for a job with the "Travel Channel" Your about as entertaining and informative as anyone on there. They could make you their cruise specialist. If you need someone to follow you around photographing your experiences I'm your guy. I have to bring wifey, or I can't go though, LOL We are a package deal.

[alohayall]

Thanks for all the info Sherri!

 

Someone referenced your review on our cruises' thread - when I saw you as OP, I thought, "I've seen that woman before - I wonder if she has been on one of my cruises." Nope - I had read about your European adventure. The references to Helen Hunt, the broken nose and Too Tall Taylor is like finding mention of classic literature in a modern story.

 

After cruising Disney and Princess the last few years, I closed my eyes and made the jump over to Royal Caribbean and the Allure. It is a bit intimidating moving into a different line - and I go and pick the biggest cruise ship in the world to make the transition smooth.

 

I read Gambee's review (BIG thanks for that - it helped with the initial nerves) and am now hoping we'll see the end of this one by March 10 around 11:30 am (when we are heading to the port). I only realized at page 14 that I had started reading a magazine serial, not a finished novel. February is historically a slow month for natural disasters, I'm hoping.

 

However, I DID manage to snag an INCREDIBLE photo of the amazing carpet in the Lounge (don't laugh; I thought it was cool. For some reason, it evoked memories of Van Gogh's "Starry Night"...anyone else get that vibe? Or is it just me??!!)

 

 

On my Facebook page, on January 8, I posted a photo of that carpet for my nieces with this "Allure of the Seas - carpet - did they watch the Van Gogh episode of Doctor Who -" The carpet was not created by the folks naming the Pool Bar - although they weren't exactly original, were they? just a fun sense of taste.

 

... Now for 2 questions

 

The first is probably better answered by Amy - what time did you board (since she's Gold v your Diamond)

 

and

 

On the "private public balconies" - is smoking allowed?

 

I'll try to wait patiently and get the popcorn ready for further installments :)

 

PS: Love the caption under one of the photos - "Anyone, anyone, Buehler?"

Edited February 8, 2013 by alohayall

[topanga49er]

Up at 3:00 am at work, and hoping to pass time reading your review. But you let me down by not doing the review 24/7:cool:!

[Steppy08]

Thanks for all the info Sherri!

 

... Now for 2 questions

 

The first is probably better answered by Amy - what time did you board (since she's Gold v your Diamond)

 

and

 

On the "private public balconies" - is smoking allowed?

 

After consulting our texts from boarding, Sherri and the Diamonds (that would be an awesome name for a band!) boarded at 11:20.

 

We were in one of the first rows of Gold seats and I want to say we were on board by 11:35. They really do have it down to a science.

 

As for the smoking, no on the private public balcony. There is a very large smoking area on the port side of Deck 15 behind the pool.

[sjacobs146]

Thanks for the warning! I'm cruising Allure on Feb. 17th with my DH and two teenage boys. My youngest is quite the gambling addict when it comes to arcades. Limits will have to be set.

[Just The 3 Of Us]

Seriously, Sherri, Royal Caribbean should be paying you a salary!!! Your reviews are just amazing (I've read them all ;))!!! Thanks so much for all your hard work.

 

Just can't wait for our upcoming cruise, especially today - we are expecting a blizzard here later today in the northeast (work has told us to stay home) - heavy snow expected at about 2 feet or so, snowing up to 3 inches an hour - heavy winds at about 60 miles an hour :eek:!!!! GOOD TIMES - NOT!!!

Barb

[pabrett46]

Thanks for all the info Sherri!

 

Someone referenced your review on our cruises' thread - when I saw you as OP, I thought, "I've seen that woman before - I wonder if she has been on one of my cruises." Nope - I had read about your European adventure. The references to Helen Hunt, the broken nose and Too Tall Taylor is like finding mention of classic literature in a modern story.

 

After cruising Disney and Princess the last few years, I closed my eyes and made the jump over to Royal Caribbean and the Allure. It is a bit intimidating moving into a different line - and I go and pick the biggest cruise ship in the world to make the transition smooth.

 

I read Gambee's review (BIG thanks for that - it helped with the initial nerves) and am now hoping we'll see the end of this one by March 10 around 11:30 am (when we are heading to the port). I only realized at page 14 that I had started reading a magazine serial, not a finished novel. February is historically a slow month for natural disasters, I'm hoping.

 

 

 

On my Facebook page, on January 8, I posted a photo of that carpet for my nieces with this "Allure of the Seas - carpet - did they watch the Van Gogh episode of Doctor Who -" The carpet was not created by the folks naming the Pool Bar - although they weren't exactly original, were they? just a fun sense of taste.

 

... Now for 2 questions

 

The first is probably better answered by Amy - what time did you board (since she's Gold v your Diamond)

 

and

 

On the "private public balconies" - is smoking allowed?

 

I'll try to wait patiently and get the popcorn ready for further installments :)

 

PS: Love the caption under one of the photos - "Anyone, anyone, Buehler?"

 

Hello... sorry to hijack the thread.. just thought I'd mention you should come and join the roll call.

[KansCocoa]

Good morning, everyone!

 

Thanks to all who are reading and following and commenting...some of you are new to my reviews, so, welcome...

 

...and a special welcome to my "followers" who followed us on our adventures in Europe this past summer. I enjoyed writing about them, so I'm glad you enjoyed reading! :)

 

I *hope* everyone's questions have been answered - I appreciate other readers jumping in to help with the questions...I was at a City Council meeting last night that I thought would be short and sweet....FIVE hours later, I was finally on my way home. :eek: Wow. I hadn't even had dinner, so eating a sandwich at midnight was NOT enjoyable.

 

Sherri and the Diamonds...I like that....

 

That was a good idea...to have a pen & notebook handy to write down the tips as you find them as we go along through the review/travel narrative. I hope to summarize at the end, but who knows when THAT will be! ;)

 

And...prayers to everyone in the northeast...I have one eye on the storm, but I'm hoping that I don't get deployed. I have a review to write!!!

[KansCocoa]

I'm going to go pour some delicious caffeinated Diet Dr. Pepper and get this baby started this morning! :)

 

I'll only have about a half day for writing today - what with an appointment this afternoon, and then Hubby and I are seeing "Hair" tonight at a local theater. Let the sun shine in! :)

[srvdmy4usn]

I was thinking about writing a review for the trip I have coming up in September, but at this point it will just be a single post with a link to yours!!! How can someone get more thorough than this!

[Familygoboston]

Finishing up our tour of Deck 8:

 

The "secret" balconies on Decks 11, 12 and 14 will offer incredible views of the climbers coming up the wall....

 

 

Thanks for the hours for the walls...helps with planning, my 16 YO "klingon" is in the rock climbing club at her school, Now I know where I will be able to find her; plastered to either the port or starboard wall.;)

[KansCocoa]

Okay…before I left to go sit through the World’s Longest City Council meeting (and man, I just have to say…some of those city council folks just LOVE the sound of their own voice…yadda yadda yadda…for FIVE hours!!!)…we were touring the Boardwalk – on Deck 6 – at the back, or aft, of the ship.

 

Johnny Rockets

 

If you don’t know what a JR is by this point, you’ve apparently been living under a rock (and don’t worry – sometimes I feel like I’m living under that rock right along with you!). It's a hamburger chain, for sure, but when they throw in a bit of FUN – with the singing and dancing wait staff – it becomes a great place to enjoy a casual lunch or dinner. Keep in mind that there is a cover charge of $4.95 – which includes all the FOOD you eat – but they will charge for all the drinks!

 

 

 

See where it says: "All beverages are available at current bar pricing."

 

Some tips:

1. There are usually 2 for 1 coupons in your C&A Loyalty books for the milkshakes. The milkshakes are DELICIOUS - so USE this coupon!

2. A lot of people don’t realize that Johnny Rockets serves breakfast – and that the breakfast is FREE. Breakfast is served 8:00 am – 10:00 am, so if you’re in a mood for a change from the usual Windjammer Buffet – or even the Main Dining Room – head out to the Boardwalk for some eggs & bacon. On a beautiful morning, sitting outside, enjoying breakfast, is a treat!

3. Johnny Rockets will close from about 10:00 am until 11:00 am each day, but will then be serving their “usual” menu until 11:00 pm each night.

 

[KansCocoa]

 

Boardwalk Bar

 

The Boardwalk has all sorts of family-friendly events…besides offering face painting & balloon artistry during the week, as well as Dreamworks character meet ‘n greets, there are three family festivals on the three sea days:

 

Day 3: Family Festival: Super Heros 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Day 6: Family Festival: Circus 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Day 7: Family Festival: Pirates 3:30 – 4:30 pm

 

There are also some games & such for the little Klingons, including:

 

…Pretend Drive-In Movie:

 

That screen never moves...it they'd asked ME, I would have been showing REAL Dreamworks movies 24/7 here...that would have been WAY cool....

 

...and Pretend Evel Knievel:

 

Okay...You don't REALLY get to take this for a ride...it's just for photo ops. But wouldn't it be WAY COOL to soar across the Central Park Canyon onboard??!!

 

...and REAL BeanBag Toss:

 

Unfortunately, after seeing a lot of "pretend" props on the Boardwalk...a lot of kids never realized there are REAL bean bags here that you can play with....

 

So…while the little Klingons are running around, getting their faces covered with grease paint, playing with pirates and superheros and Shrek, there is a little adult oasis right in the middle of it all:

 

The Boardwalk Bar

And don't worry. It's real.

 

Not only can you watch your precious Klingons as they romp and cavort, you can also watch the climbers going up the wall, or the zip-liners “Woo-hoo!”-ing as they fly across you up above…it’s the perfect spot to sit and relax.

 

Just don't drink so much that you end up trying to engage THIS guy in conversation:

 

 

He's not real.

 

[KansCocoa]

We’ve now moved over to the port side of the Boardwalk, where we find a little south-of-the-border oasis, Rita’s Cantina.

 

 

 

If you like Mexican food, here’s your place. It serves lunch and dinner every day, usually beginning around 11:30 am. There is a $3 cover charge, and a la carte menu pricing. The menu lists the prices:

 

 

 

Oh, whoopsie. I posted the drink menu...imagine that. Couldn't help it, though, because Rita's Cantina has some AWESOME drinks. And notice they DON'T list the drink prices...as those will be at "current bar pricing." Which is Royal Caribbean speak for "they're expensive and liable to get MORE expensive before YOUR cruise!" Hee hee.

 

 

Let's pull up the food menu, shall we?

 

 

 

 

There we go. Ahem.

 

There are two ways of enjoying Rita's Cantina...you can dine just like it's any other Mexican restaurant, where you go in and pick and choose off the menu, and ho-hum, enjoy your meal....OR....

 

...You can PAR-TAY like it's 1999 by indulging in Rita's Fiesta!!!!

 

The Rita’s Fiesta celebration is offered during the week at various times (I've listed the times for my cruise below). For $20 per person, you can indulge in THREE delicious Margaritas, along with endless platters of Mexican delights (I’ll be doing a review later of this.) The non-alcoholic package costs $10 per person, and you can have the virgin-specialities, such as coladas, margaritas, etc. They pass out sombreros (which are yours to keep – imagine how fun THAT will be to fly home with on a plane!) as well as light-up gizmo necklaces...and there's music. And dancing. And more music. And more dancing. And eating. And more eating. And then more dancing. Oh, and some drinking mixed in there, too.

 

Ole!

 

It is truly a CELEBRATION that is great fun for everyone - families included!

 

The fiesta was only offered three times during the week, and reservations were required:

 

Day 1 Rita’s Fiesta 6:00 – 8:30 pm

Day 4 Rita’s Fiesta 8:30 – 10:30 pm

Day 5 Rita’s Fiesta 8:30 – 10:30 pm

 

If you have small Klingons, and want to do this, my best tip would be to do it on the first evening, due to the later hours of the other two fiestas.

 

As I said, I’ll be doing a more extensive review of Rita’s Fiesta later during this review, including photos.

 

More of the restaurant...

Edited February 8, 2013 by KansCocoa