B2B Allure Of The Seas Pictorial Review - 31st March 2013 & 7th April 2013

[milpston]

I just love reading the daily installment of your great review. :)

 

Waiting until Thursday. :D

 

I'm glad I'm still keeping your interest. I have three days off again from Thursday so I am hoping to get it all finished.

 

Great review! How did you have time to enjoy yourself with all these excellent posts? I have been glued to this post for a couple of hours today and finally got to the end. Now what am I supposed to do, lol? Congrats on your wedding. My fiancee and I booked this exact trip in February. We are getting married Oct 19 and sailing Sunday the 20th on Allure going western then eastern. We went on the Oasis in 2011 for the eastern and absolutely loved every minute of it. There were things we weren't able to do that time around that we plan to do this time for sure. Your review has been so awesome for us. We are having friends and family join us for the first week and then it's just us on the second. We look forward to the rest of your review. Enjoy!

 

-DK

 

Thank you. You will have a fantastic time. I didn't think about this review much while I was there so i just took pictures as I went and made a few notes every few days or so. There are plenty of areas that wish I took more pictures of as I missed them really. You do get the chance to do so much more on a B2B but there are still plenty of things that we missed. Both itineraries are very different and it's nice having other members of the family there. We were lucky enough to have a thrid week on our own which i think is important. Good luck with your planning. i'm sure it will all go well.

[milpston]

As we are also B2B cruisers on the Allure in September I have quick question; did you pack for a 7 night cruise and have clothes laundered or did you pack for the full 14 nights?? We have done several 14 nights round the Med before and always packed for 14 nights but with flying from the UK we are obviously restricted with weight. Thanks

 

I have the same question. Though not coming from UK, just a couple hours north of Ft. Lauderdale, we were still kind of stumped on how to pack. Are laundry services available and if so, are they crazy expensive? Did you send unders to laundry? I don't know about all that. Would love advice on this as well.

 

We really enjoyed your review and can't wait for our own journey to begin.

 

Packing was fairly difficult for this as we had 22 nights including our last week. Our luggage limit was just 23Kg with British Airways and only 20kg for our connecting flights for the last week.

We packed very light in comparison with what we usually do. We packed for somewhere in between a week and 2 weeks really. Things such as T-shirts and shorts I went very light on. I probably packed about 10 T-shirts and a few pairs of shorts as let's face it you only wear them for an hour or 2 a day. Underwear??? well I messed up on that as I forgot to put most of them in. The women have to make choices when it comes to shoes!!!! Par of trainers, day tme shoes and par or maybe two for the evenings is all you can have! :p Shirts etc for the evening we looked at it that we could wear them again the second week as there are very few other passengers that will spot you and say, "they're wearing the same clothes as last week" :D

We used the laundry on the ship once and they do deals on certain days. You can pay for items individually or they had a deal for a bag of laundry which they turned round and got back to you in a couple of days. I'm so sorry but I have not got a note of this price. The bag that the deal was for was a fairly small bag but we filled up a large one and our stateroom attendant just said something along the lines of, "Well how am I supposed to know what size bag it is?", and gave us a wink. The charge was insignificant enough that it wouldn't have worried us doing few bags across the trip. I'll try and see if I can find my receipt and post the fee if I find it. If any one else has done it recently then please chip in? If doing the back to back again I think I would buy all my suncreams and toiletries in Walgreens in Ft Lauderdale. The prices are similar to home and save you a lot of weight for the flight. I would also consider taking some travel wash and doing your own washing at the end of the first week. Not ideal but certainly not impossible.

We got hit for $50 excess baggage fee on one of our connecting flights after moving things between cases at check in to get it down from $100. On the return connecting flight we stood at check in and filled our hand luggage with clothes from the cases to escape any fee.

Driving down to the cruise you have much more flexibility. If I could do it this way I would probably end up seriously overpacking as the RCI allowance is pretty big. I think I would just take two cases each. Once emptied you'll still be able to fit the cases under the bed.

I am envious that your trips are still to come and mine is becoming a distant memory :rolleyes: You will have a great time.

[milpston]

I,too, look forward to this every day!!:D You are doing a superb job, Paul!!

 

Tara

 

Tara, you have been my most loyal reader from the start so I am glad you are still enjoying it. Thank you.

 

WHAT A GREAT REVIEW!!! Have read many but yours was the best of all the years I have read and great pictures. What a nice Guy to take your step-daughter with you on your honeymoon. Wishing you and Sally many years of happiness.

Thanks again for all your time in doing review:):):):):)

 

Thank you very much for your kind wishes. I'm very happy that you are enjoying. It was great to have Chloe enjoy t with us but also lovely to have a third week with just Sally and I. We wouldn't change a thing about our honeymoon.

[milpston]

As we are also B2B cruisers on the Allure in September I have quick question; did you pack for a 7 night cruise and have clothes laundered or did you pack for the full 14 nights?? We have done several 14 nights round the Med before and always packed for 14 nights but with flying from the UK we are obviously restricted with weight. Thanks

 

I have the same question. Though not coming from UK, just a couple hours north of Ft. Lauderdale, we were still kind of stumped on how to pack. Are laundry services available and if so, are they crazy expensive? Did you send unders to laundry? I don't know about all that. Would love advice on this as well.

 

We really enjoyed your review and can't wait for our own journey to begin.

 

If you look at page two of the cruise compass for Wednesday 10th April they show the 'wash and fold' service. It was $25 for the bag. This was the service we used and was the only laundry we had done.

[milpston]

I'm sorry that this was a really lazy day with the camera so I have no pictures from this evening.

After dinner we went back to the cabin and got changed out of our formal clothes as it was pretty warm... well I was anyway. Roy and Maureen went to the casino.

At 22:20 we took our seats at the back of the top tier of the Amber Theatre. I was still smarting a little that I had missed Earl Turner due to the guest service giving me wrong information.

Tonight was Mo5aic. I am sure many of the American readers will have heard of them as apparently they were runners up on America's got talent. They are an acapella group. Basically all the songs they do have no musical accompaniment whatsoever. All the music is done using their voices.

I have to say that when they started I was just cynically saying to Sally that of course there was music as it was impossible otherwise. They, then, did a short set where they broke down to show what each individual group member was doing. I have to say that, although this wouldn't usually be something I would choose to watch, they were INCREDIBLE. I was glued to the show from start to finish. The talent these guys have really is something. The theatre was only about a third full as it was their last showing and I actually remember thinking that the group deserved better. I know that RCI have these guys playing on a number of different ships throughout the fleet at different times. They just fly in to the ship at different stops and then get flown out again. They actually play regularly at one of the hotels in Las Vegas (Planet Hollywood I think). If they are on your ship then do not miss them!

After the show we spent the rest of the evening in Dazzles where they had a Michael Jackson tribute night. I don't recall too much about it but stumbled back to the cabin at about 01:00. Chloe stayed with Roy and Maureen again tonight. It was a very muggy night again out on the balcony.

Tomorrow I will scan my last couple of compasses and try to get Cozumel done. It is an enjoyable day and picture heavy so I will attempt to try and make up for today :)

[luvsun22]

I fell a little behind, but am all caught up now and waiting for more :D.

[DesignGrl]

If you look at page two of the cruise compass for Wednesday 10th April they show the 'wash and fold' service. It was $25 for the bag. This was the service we used and was the only laundry we had done.

 

That's wonderful. Thanks so much for the info and help with packing. You're right about only wearing some stuff for maybe a couple hours a day. I think we could get away with packing much less than 14 days worth. Except unders, I'll pack more of those. :)

[Memsy87]

How was the coffee

 

Are the donuts free ? :-D

[digitalknoll]

Except unders, I'll pack more of those. :)

 

Aren't you going on a honeymoon cruise? I see no need for unders of any amount. Packing problem solved, you're welcome. :D

 

-DK

[joand452]

On our B2Bs I also packed a small sample size bottle of laundry detergent and did my bras in the sink, since I wouldn't send those to the laundry. I'm sure the cabin steward loved seeing those hanging in the shower! :rolleyes:

 

Here's a hint we learned from other cruisers. Roll your t-shirts, shorts, socks, whatever you're putting in the special laundry bag. You can fit in more that way. The fact that it was a paper bag for us (is it still?) did not help.

 

I never asked, but I wonder if they would have given us two bags, so we could have used both our coupons ($5 off from the Emerald book).

 

DH also plans on purchasing a couple of port t-shirts to make sure he doesn't run out (it's happened!).

[229cruise]

Aren't you going on a honeymoon cruise? I see no need for unders of any amount. Packing problem solved, you're welcome. :D

 

-DK

 

Too funny. :)

[rednancy1]

When you reach D+ the laundry bag is free. I love this perk and we use it every cruise.

 

Still loving your review. I will be sorry when it's over as I look forward to it every day. :)

[DesignGrl]

On our B2Bs I also packed a small sample size bottle of laundry detergent and did my bras in the sink, since I wouldn't send those to the laundry. I'm sure the cabin steward loved seeing those hanging in the shower! :rolleyes:

 

Yes, I was thinking of doing just that. There are certain items I wouldn't want to send to laundry. I'm sure there must be travel size laundry detergent available somewhere.

 

I definitely like the idea of packing a bit lighter. I get overwhelmed with too much packing. It's supposed to be FUN.

[joand452]

Yes, I was thinking of doing just that. There are certain items I wouldn't want to send to laundry. I'm sure there must be travel size laundry detergent available somewhere.

 

I definitely like the idea of packing a bit lighter. I get overwhelmed with too much packing. It's supposed to be FUN.

 

I found little bottles of All in the travel sized section of Bed Bath and Beyond. I also wear the same pair of black capris to the dining room each night, just pack maybe 5 tops for the two weeks, change into a tee and shorts right after dinner. Very easy to make the clothes last. And even my formal wear is easy to pack. We don't "do" each formal night, either. And they've gotten very lax in the MDR about ties and such. I usually do have a sparkly top or jersey dress I wear for formal night.

 

You just have to make sure you don't spill at dinner (not always easy for me!)!!

[micmacmissy]

Just stumbled upon this review a few days ago and have read every post- great job! Love the idea of a B2B on this size ship- one of our big problems cruising is feeling compelled to keep doing, doing, doing instead of relaxing! With 2 weeks you can see/do everything AND relax.

 

Thanks for taking the time to write it- it's excellent!

[DesignGrl]

I found little bottles of All in the travel sized section of Bed Bath and Beyond. I also wear the same pair of black capris to the dining room each night, just pack maybe 5 tops for the two weeks, change into a tee and shorts right after dinner. Very easy to make the clothes last. And even my formal wear is easy to pack. We don't "do" each formal night, either. And they've gotten very lax in the MDR about ties and such. I usually do have a sparkly top or jersey dress I wear for formal night.

 

You just have to make sure you don't spill at dinner (not always easy for me!)!!

 

Great advice. Thanks so much. I'll definitely keep Tide ToGo handy. It's not easy for me not to spill either. ;)

[ccsci]

milpston, I have been enjoying your review. Looking at the pictures. I board next Sunday for my wedding aboard the Allure. So your review has been my pre-planner sort to speak since I have never been on a cruise! I can't thank you enough for such a thorough job! You also gave me some wonderful advise on photo opts. I now need your advise again! I just noticed your mentioning of Dazzles. I was just notified that my reception will be there. Do you have any pictures or can you tell me anything about it?? Have to rely on someone I have never met before ensure that it will be perfect for my reception of 40 people.

[Memsy87]

I am really really enjoying your review ! It's brilliant ! Makes me even more excited to go on Allure next April on our honeymoon !

 

No doubt I'll have some questions for you !

[milpston]

I fell a little behind, but am all caught up now and waiting for more :D.

 

Glad you are back with me. I will be getting some more posting done today now that I have the last of the compasses scanned.

 

That's wonderful. Thanks so much for the info and help with packing. You're right about only wearing some stuff for maybe a couple hours a day. I think we could get away with packing much less than 14 days worth. Except unders, I'll pack more of those. :)

 

Haha. As you probably saw I didn't too well on that score what with forgetting to put most of mine in!

[milpston]

Are the donuts free ? :-D

 

Yes they are. You just walk up and help yourself.

 

Aren't you going on a honeymoon cruise? I see no need for unders of any amount. Packing problem solved, you're welcome. :D

 

-DK

 

That must have been my plan! The tuxedo does chafe a bit though :D

[milpston]

:(

On our B2Bs I also packed a small sample size bottle of laundry detergent and did my bras in the sink, since I wouldn't send those to the laundry. I'm sure the cabin steward loved seeing those hanging in the shower! :rolleyes:

 

Here's a hint we learned from other cruisers. Roll your t-shirts, shorts, socks, whatever you're putting in the special laundry bag. You can fit in more that way. The fact that it was a paper bag for us (is it still?) did not help.

 

I never asked, but I wonder if they would have given us two bags, so we could have used both our coupons ($5 off from the Emerald book).

 

DH also plans on purchasing a couple of port t-shirts to make sure he doesn't run out (it's happened!).

 

Travel wash is a good idea. I bought a load of cheap T-shirts before I went so that I could just bin them if I bought things and din't have space. I think the bag is supposed to be the paper one but our cabin steward just took a large plastic bag and charged us the same.

 

When you reach D+ the laundry bag is free. I love this perk and we use it every cruise.

 

Still loving your review. I will be sorry when it's over as I look forward to it every day. :)

 

I didn't know that. I think D+ will be many years down the line for us. That's if we ever reach it :(

I'm glad it's bringing you some enjoyment.:D

[milpston]

On our B2Bs I also packed a small sample size bottle of laundry detergent and did my bras in the sink, since I wouldn't send those to the laundry. I'm sure the cabin steward loved seeing those hanging in the shower! :rolleyes:

 

Here's a hint we learned from other cruisers. Roll your t-shirts, shorts, socks, whatever you're putting in the special laundry bag. You can fit in more that way. The fact that it was a paper bag for us (is it still?) did not help.

 

I never asked, but I wonder if they would have given us two bags, so we could have used both our coupons ($5 off from the Emerald book).

 

DH also plans on purchasing a couple of port t-shirts to make sure he doesn't run out (it's happened!).

 

I've just noticed your quantum booking. JEALOUS!! I am sorely tempted but am resisting for now as I have other financial commitments. I like to wait for 11 months before so I can save money by booking our transatlantic flights direct with airlines. I have to try and forget about it for now... I'm trying... haha

[milpston]

Yes, I was thinking of doing just that. There are certain items I wouldn't want to send to laundry. I'm sure there must be travel size laundry detergent available somewhere.

 

I definitely like the idea of packing a bit lighter. I get overwhelmed with too much packing. It's supposed to be FUN.

 

I found little bottles of All in the travel sized section of Bed Bath and Beyond. I also wear the same pair of black capris to the dining room each night, just pack maybe 5 tops for the two weeks, change into a tee and shorts right after dinner. Very easy to make the clothes last. And even my formal wear is easy to pack. We don't "do" each formal night, either. And they've gotten very lax in the MDR about ties and such. I usually do have a sparkly top or jersey dress I wear for formal night.

 

You just have to make sure you don't spill at dinner (not always easy for me!)!!

 

This is the best ever effort I've had at packing lighter. Let's face it we all wear things more than once and end up taking home lots of clothes that we haven't worn. I'm just starting to get the hang of not packing any of those things. Travel wash is pretty easy to come by.

[milpston]

Just stumbled upon this review a few days ago and have read every post- great job! Love the idea of a B2B on this size ship- one of our big problems cruising is feeling compelled to keep doing, doing, doing instead of relaxing! With 2 weeks you can see/do everything AND relax.

 

Thanks for taking the time to write it- it's excellent!

 

B2B is definitely the way to go on these ships. My only advice is still not to worry about trying to do everything. We didn't manage everything. Gives us an excuse to do it again ;) Glad you are enjoying my first effort at a review :)

[milpston]

I am really really enjoying your review ! It's brilliant ! Makes me even more excited to go on Allure next April on our honeymoon !

 

No doubt I'll have some questions for you !

 

You will have a fantastic time! Ask away if there is anything I can help with. If I don't know the answer I'm sure there are others here that will.