Photo Review: Allure Eastern 4/14/2013 The Good Karma Cruise

[anne13]

Hi Family Go Boston!

 

I am not sure how to send a message just to you on this site. I read to just email you and then you could hopefully email me back, unless I could privately send a message to you in the future?

 

Our family enjoyed reading your informative review. Many years ago we lived in the Boston area for four years and loved it!! Still have several friends in the area, so our hearts were also heavy with news about the marathon. Our continued prayers to you all.

 

I truly appreciate all of your hard work writing everything so we could glean some wonderful info. We have sailed on Holland in years past and although we are a younger family (husband and I are in our 50s, daughter 20s) we had excellent food and service. RCCL was great too many years ago to the Panama Canal. Having not cruised in about 8 years, we are looking to sail Allure in early March.

 

I have a few questions which I'm sure you answered, but I can't seem to find in your excellent report -- sorry -- and I need your help.

 

1. My husband and I would like some (relatively) quiet places to go on the Allure that are quiet to just look at the water on a deck chair and read a book. No smoking, just quiet without a lot of foot traffic. Our cabins are on deck 10.

 

2. My daughter is a vegetarian - eats fish, eggs, and of course sweets:) but likes salads, pasta, fruit, etc. No meat. No poultry. We all tend to eat pretty healthy/ Mediterranean diet but she is a vegetarian - not vegan.

 

I think you liked the Solarium for brkfast - I'm assuming no charge?

I believe you liked the Park Café for lunch - is that free as well?

 

Would they be good for her/us? Anywhere else you would recommend? She likes to eat a snack after dinner and we are in the early seating for dinner in Main Dining Room. Where can you go if not pizza around 10-11pm for something vegetarian or fresh? I know it won't be anything like the North End:) but any suggestions for what is opened late at night which she might like?

 

3. I am confused. At Port Everglades, we arrive with our luggage.

Ship sails at 5pm. What time did you get there/ recommend?

I am confused about the porter/ RCCL guide. Do you give your luggage now to the RCCL porter or do I bring it inside? What's the difference between the Port Everglades Porters and the RCCL porters? Years ago, we just gave things to the RCCL porters and that was it. I guess I'm confused and need your advice please about luggage and on-board checkin. Also, since we are past passengers, is there really a preferred line for us?

 

4. There is a pic of your underwater orange camera - but I don't know what the initials stand for - where did your husband purchase that and how expensive?

 

Hoping for a healthy cruise with non-rocky seas -- a "karma" cruise:) The ship will be in Dry-dock supposedly the week before.

 

Thank you for all of your help and again all of your excellent reporting - it helps us to plan. What is the best way to ask questions - sorry for the inconvenience.

[Familygoboston]

Hi Family Go Boston!

 

I am not sure how to send a message just to you on this site. I read to just email you and then you could hopefully email me back, unless I could privately send a message to you in the future?

 

Our family enjoyed reading your informative review. Many years ago we lived in the Boston area for four years and loved it!! Still have several friends in the area, so our hearts were also heavy with news about the marathon. Our continued prayers to you all.

 

I truly appreciate all of your hard work writing everything so we could glean some wonderful info. We have sailed on Holland in years past and although we are a younger family (husband and I are in our 50s, daughter 20s) we had excellent food and service. RCCL was great too many years ago to the Panama Canal. Having not cruised in about 8 years, we are looking to sail Allure in early March.

 

I have a few questions which I'm sure you answered, but I can't seem to find in your excellent report -- sorry -- and I need your help.

 

1. My husband and I would like some (relatively) quiet places to go on the Allure that are quiet to just look at the water on a deck chair and read a book. No smoking, just quiet without a lot of foot traffic. Our cabins are on deck 10.

 

2. My daughter is a vegetarian - eats fish, eggs, and of course sweets:) but likes salads, pasta, fruit, etc. No meat. No poultry. We all tend to eat pretty healthy/ Mediterranean diet but she is a vegetarian - not vegan.

 

I think you liked the Solarium for brkfast - I'm assuming no charge?

I believe you liked the Park Café for lunch - is that free as well?

 

Would they be good for her/us? Anywhere else you would recommend? She likes to eat a snack after dinner and we are in the early seating for dinner in Main Dining Room. Where can you go if not pizza around 10-11pm for something vegetarian or fresh? I know it won't be anything like the North End:) but any suggestions for what is opened late at night which she might like?

 

3. I am confused. At Port Everglades, we arrive with our luggage.

Ship sails at 5pm. What time did you get there/ recommend?

I am confused about the porter/ RCCL guide. Do you give your luggage now to the RCCL porter or do I bring it inside? What's the difference between the Port Everglades Porters and the RCCL porters? Years ago, we just gave things to the RCCL porters and that was it. I guess I'm confused and need your advice please about luggage and on-board checkin. Also, since we are past passengers, is there really a preferred line for us?

 

4. There is a pic of your underwater orange camera - but I don't know what the initials stand for - where did your husband purchase that and how expensive?

 

Hoping for a healthy cruise with non-rocky seas -- a "karma" cruise:) The ship will be in Dry-dock supposedly the week before.

 

Thank you for all of your help and again all of your excellent reporting - it helps us to plan. What is the best way to ask questions - sorry for the inconvenience.

 

Sorry, I'm not able to respond more fully- am in FL awaiting boarding Enchantment tomorrow with only my phone! I just spent 1/2 hour on a long index finger tapped out response and the phone derped and I lost it all! Ugh! When I get back to my computer next week, I'll try again!

The one thing to do know- the camera Nikon coolpix AW110; check amazon and B&H photo to find the best price.

[anne13]

Hi Boston Family,

Thank you for your response about the camera. We wish you safe travels on your Enchantment Cruise!

 

If your finger isn't too tired:) we are trying to book a shore excursion for Nassau tomorrow. We are not doing the dolphin encounter at Blue Lagoon, and we want to do a beach day, our choices are as follows:

 

1. Atlantis Beach day with the ship at $85 a piece x 3 adults (!) Some say that it is overpriced and not worth it?

 

2. CCritic is saying to try to get an Atlantis Beach pass - but there are 5 ships in port that day. Can that be done in advance? How to do that? Price?

 

3. Take a cab or jitney bus to the Sheraton Beach near Cable Beach with beach pass for $30 a piece.

 

What would you recommend based on your experience?

 

We tried to get the sailboat you used out of St. Thomas, but it was booked - we might try someone else.

 

You have been so thoughtful and helpful. THank you again for your work and enjoy your trip.

[Familygoboston]

Hi Annie,

Yes, Enchantment was great, but DD preferred Allure :D and was a tad bored in the evenings!! But the service was top notch, we had perfect weather and really enjoyed the ship! So onto your questions...I had answered them all with my tiny phone keyboard and then "lost" it all, I was so frustrated! Luckily, back at my computer now :D

 

First, Thanks for your kind words!

 

Hi Family Go Boston!

 

I am not sure how to send a message just to you on this site. I read to just email you and then you could hopefully email me back, unless I could privately send a message to you in the future?

 

Our family enjoyed reading your informative review. Many years ago we lived in the Boston area for four years and loved it!! Still have several friends in the area, so our hearts were also heavy with news about the marathon. Our continued prayers to you all.

 

I truly appreciate all of your hard work writing everything so we could glean some wonderful info. We have sailed on Holland in years past and although we are a younger family (husband and I are in our 50s, daughter 20s) we had excellent food and service. RCCL was great too many years ago to the Panama Canal. Having not cruised in about 8 years, we are looking to sail Allure in early March.

 

I have a few questions which I'm sure you answered, but I can't seem to find in your excellent report -- sorry -- and I need your help.

 

1. My husband and I would like some (relatively) quiet places to go on the Allure that are quiet to just look at the water on a deck chair and read a book. No smoking, just quiet without a lot of foot traffic. Our cabins are on deck 10.A few of our favorites; The public decks above the Aquatheater on decks 11 and 12 so long as there is not a show or activity going on. Another spot are the chairs located in certain spots along the jogging track on deck 5, you can access these from the stairs next to the AT that go down to deck 5 from the outside.

 

2. My daughter is a vegetarian - eats fish, eggs, and of course sweets:) but likes salads, pasta, fruit, etc. No meat. No poultry. We all tend to eat pretty healthy/ Mediterranean diet but she is a vegetarian - not vegan.Sounds like my diet...LOL!! I haven't eaten red meat for over 30 years and the ship offers far better options that 15 or more years ago!! Your should find at least 1-2 fish options each evening, often the pasta option doesn't include chicken or meat (or can be presented that way) as well as a true vegetarian option with no meat or seafood. The veggie option always used to be an Indian dish, a curry, but now there is a good mix! That should give her 3 or 4 options per night, and of course I have skipped entrees and just had 3-4 appetizers, salads and soups instead of my "entree". The soups are excellent, and my DD and I really love the cold fruit soups. There are wonderful options in the DR. As for the WJ and Solarium Cafe, I also found plenty of veg options, including bean dishes that you can pair with veggies or fruits. At Park Cafe- everyone goes for the roast beef, but I like the veggie panini, or cheese Quesadillas and of course the soups and amazing salads where you designate what you want on it

 

I think you liked the Solarium for brkfast - I'm assuming no charge?

I believe you liked the Park Café for lunch - is that free as well?Both are free and we enjoyed them over the WJ, especially for breakfast. The SC is billed as "healthy" but its not...it's just not as dripping with grease and sugar as the WJ is, and closer to how I really eat. Although unlike home where I would eat ONLY non fat dairy; low fat and even full fat is offered, as well as unhealthy options, but "healthier" than the full fat alternatives like turkey bacon and sausage, and plenty of nutritionally empty carbs (bagels etc) Some of those carbs are "brownish" to mimic whole grain, even though it's pretty clear that not all of them are entirely "whole grain"

 

Would they be good for her/us? Anywhere else you would recommend? She likes to eat a snack after dinner and we are in the early seating for dinner in Main Dining Room. Where can you go if not pizza around 10-11pm for something vegetarian or fresh? I know it won't be anything like the North End:) but any suggestions for what is opened late at night which she might like?

The pizza at Sorrentos is good in my opinion...the dough is fresh and there is a station where you "design" your own and the topping options vary day to day, but there is usually a good variety. There are also 2-3 pre made "pizzas of the day" at least one or two of which I found perfectly acceptable, and we never had bad pizza there!

 

3. I am confused. At Port Everglades, we arrive with our luggage.

Ship sails at 5pm. What time did you get there/ recommend?

I am confused about the porter/ RCCL guide. Do you give your luggage now to the RCCL porter or do I bring it inside? What's the difference between the Port Everglades Porters and the RCCL porters? Years ago, we just gave things to the RCCL porters and that was it. I guess I'm confused and need your advice please about luggage and on-board checkin. Also, since we are past passengers, is there really a preferred line for us?

When you arrive you will have to drop your bags, there are porters everywhere to do that, and you will likely not wait or need any special line. Once you go through port security (metal detector) you will be directed to the check in lanes...they are divided by C&A status, and by deck level...really, you can choose wither the GOLD lines or the deck level, whichever is shorter, and since they are all generally very short, it's unlikely it will matter...we felt like we were literally running along because the process is so fast!

 

4. There is a pic of your underwater orange camera - but I don't know what the initials stand for - where did your husband purchase that and how expensive?

 

Hoping for a healthy cruise with non-rocky seas -- a "karma" cruise:) The ship will be in Dry-dock supposedly the week before.

 

Thank you for all of your help and again all of your excellent reporting - it helps us to plan. What is the best way to ask questions - sorry for the inconvenience.

 

Hi Boston Family,

Thank you for your response about the camera. We wish you safe travels on your Enchantment Cruise!

 

If your finger isn't too tired:) we are trying to book a shore excursion for Nassau tomorrow. We are not doing the dolphin encounter at Blue Lagoon, and we want to do a beach day, our choices are as follows:

 

1. Atlantis Beach day with the ship at $85 a piece x 3 adults (!) Some say that it is overpriced and not worth it?I feel that NO it is not worth it for Allure...the slides won't open till 10 (ish) and you have to leave Atlantis at 1 to make the 1:30 all aboard time. It's just too short for that kind of money IMO. A better and cheaper option is to do the Blue Lagoon Beach day. It's cheaper (around 60, if I recall correctly) and while there are no slides, you take a ferry over there, which is relaxing and lovely. There is a lovely beach and you can have loungers, and included buffet lunch and even walk the docks and view the dolphins. At Atlantis the dolphins are entirely cut off from the other areas, I'm not sure lunch is included and getting there is less pleasant (they march you through their shops and smokey casino). Also, right now the shark tank is under construction and you can't really go through the tube (I doubt that will be done in a week or so) We just paid 59 for the aquarium tour and I would not repeat or recommend it.And we had all afternoon to enjoy there, I especially would not pay and have to leave by 1 PM

 

2. CCritic is saying to try to get an Atlantis Beach pass - but there are 5 ships in port that day. Can that be done in advance? How to do that? Price? Again, would not do it...find another beach or go to Blue Lagoon

 

3. Take a cab or jitney bus to the Sheraton Beach near Cable Beach with beach pass for $30 a piece.

Have never been, I think this is ST Thomas, I generally book a water excursion in ST Thomas so I can't speak to beaches on ST T

What would you recommend based on your experience?

 

We tried to get the sailboat you used out of St. Thomas, but it was booked - we might try someone else. Yeah, if what Im reading in your post, you leave in a couple of weeks, not so many choices left. I generally book no less than 6 mos ahead for private, independent tours.

 

You have been so thoughtful and helpful. THank you again for your work and enjoy your trip.

 

Happy to help!! Enjoy your trip!!

Edited February 25, 2014 by Familygoboston

[anne13]

Dear Boston Family,

Thank you so very much once again for your detailed responses to our questions. I, too, am a planner and it is soooo helpful to receive honest advice. You were so kind after your trip (I'm sure you barely unpacked) to answer our questions. I love all your special tips. Here's one for you that I thought I'd share but you are so organized you might do it already. I have been using for almost 25 years...I bring what used to be called a Chinese jump rope (kid's toy) and some plastic clothespins. It works well if you have a balcony. I take two chairs and loop the jump rope around the backs of the chairs separating the chairs and voila! instant clothes line for wet bathing suits. They never seem to dry very well in the bathrooms on the ships we have been on -- even with the line above the tub/shower - too humid. (Don't know if Allure has that or not). The only thing you have to be careful about is if it's too windy -- then, it's not a good thing.

Happy sailing and thank you once again,

Anne

[Familygoboston]

Dear Boston Family,

Thank you so very much once again for your detailed responses to our questions. I, too, am a planner and it is soooo helpful to receive honest advice. You were so kind after your trip (I'm sure you barely unpacked) to answer our questions. I love all your special tips. Here's one for you that I thought I'd share but you are so organized you might do it already. I have been using for almost 25 years...I bring what used to be called a Chinese jump rope (kid's toy) and some plastic clothespins. It works well if you have a balcony. I take two chairs and loop the jump rope around the backs of the chairs separating the chairs and voila! instant clothes line for wet bathing suits. They never seem to dry very well in the bathrooms on the ships we have been on -- even with the line above the tub/shower - too humid. (Don't know if Allure has that or not). The only thing you have to be careful about is if it's too windy -- then, it's not a good thing.

Happy sailing and thank you once again,

Anne

 

Excellent tip Ann! I already have the "clips" but really lacked and easy way to use them so I haven't been packing them. We've got a 2 week cruise in Eastern and Central Europe next fall and I love this idea...I bet I can get a jump rope for a buck at the dollar store :D I usually pay for laundry (like to do my discounted bag of laundry on Royal on day 5;)) but this trip won't have dry cleaning on board the small river ship, so some of my delicates will need hanging. We aren't "carrying on" that trip; we will take one larger rolling suitcase for 2 of us, and our roll aboards. No dressing up on River cruises, but fall in Europe, we will need more warm clothes and long pants, sweaters and such, as opposed to swim shorts and shorts in the Caribbean!

 

Enjoy!!

[anne13]

Hi Boston Family,

First... You might find a springy jumprope at the dollar store, but I have had better luck at Target in the summertime for $1. I am sure you can get it online too. Good luck!

We are leaving tomm for Allure. Plz pray for us to have good weather and calm seas. I hate to bother you..

Check in at 1230 . We only are Gold members. What time should we get there for checkin since the ship is coming out of drydock?

Also, I read about your porter problem and I am confused. Without being Nervous Nellie, do I hand over our check bags to a RCCL guy, and where do I find him vs. Regular porters?

With a grateful heart, Anne

[MisterMom]

Hey-

 

Picking this up as I'm prepping for our June Allure cruise. I'm looking forward to seeing the differences between the Oasis and the Allure. Glad you had a good time!

[Cmiles1013]

Just finished your review and very we written. Def helped my countdown while at work

21 more days till I'll be ok allure. Thanks for the review.

 

 

~Cheryl

[Familygoboston]

Just finished your review and very we written. Def helped my countdown while at work

21 more days till I'll be ok allure. Thanks for the review.

 

 

~Cheryl

 

Thanks Cheryl! Have a wonderful time, she's a great ship! :D

[Oksi70]

Hello Dear Boston Family,

I enjoyed reading your review! Thank you for pictures and detailed information. We are very excited to go on this cruise in February 2015. It will be an amazing trip for us! We went couple times on NCL ships and this ship is makes us feel " WOW " .

[cruiselife4me]

Back on Board and teen tips

 

The Geek Squad was a very nice mixed group of boys and girls, teens (under 17) and young adults (over 18), so they really couldn't participate in either the teen activities or the 18+ activities if they wanted to stick together, but they still found plenty to do each night. I was proud of this group because in addition to be being "caught" exhibiting good behavior many times a night, the older kids really looked out for the younger ones, including walking one teen girl who was on her own and whose mother wanted hourly checking ins, to find her mom before moving on to the next activity in the evenings.

 

.[/color]

 

LOVING your review! I'm happy to have many more pages to read "obsess" over. I am amazed that this girl had to have hourly check-ins. Her mom is queen and it's her rules, but how would a teen even have fun in between that hour?? Seems a bit obsessive.

 

We've cruised with DS and we had checkpoints where he needed to contact us. Morning, (what am I saying, he was sleeping!!) noon and evening. He had maybe one meal with us that cruise and that was it. He was off and running with the teen program.

 

Can't wait for more of your review!

Mary

[Familygoboston]

Hello Dear Boston Family,

I enjoyed reading your review! Thank you for pictures and detailed information. We are very excited to go on this cruise in February 2015. It will be an amazing trip for us! We went couple times on NCL ships and this ship is makes us feel " WOW " .

Thank you! Have a wonderful time in Feb!

 

LOVING your review! I'm happy to have many more pages to read "obsess" over. I am amazed that this girl had to have hourly check-ins. Her mom is queen and it's her rules, but how would a teen even have fun in between that hour?? Seems a bit obsessive.

 

We've cruised with DS and we had checkpoints where he needed to contact us. Morning, (what am I saying, he was sleeping!!) noon and evening. He had maybe one meal with us that cruise and that was it. He was off and running with the teen program.

 

Can't wait for more of your review!

Mary

 

Thanks so much! I'm glad you are enjoying it, I write long ones because I LOVE reading others reviews myself and like a good book, the best ones I don't want to end!! ;)

As far as that young lady went, she was only 14 or 15, and my oldest was 18, the guys in their gang were 19 and 20, so mom was justifiably concerned. I think it was fine that she had her check in; it established that she was paying attention and if the young men had bad intentions, they would have moved on to easier prey! Since these young men were more interested in just paling around, they were happy to go as a gang every hour or so and check in with the mom of the youngest member of their group! :D This gang was NOT ever part of the teen center because 3 of them were over 18- so they were roaming the ship on their own. I dint check in with mine that frequently; majorly because they have each other, and also, I knew our new cruise friends Randy and Amy had a pair about the same age at home and they also were keeping their eye out for our girls. Luckily, they were all good kids and respectful of everyone's rules!

[rsharp83]

We saw the Geek Squad a lot! But they were always well behaved.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[lenny45]

Loved your review! We are travelling to Fort Lauderdale from Sydney Australia next year with our 14(girl), 18(boy) and 20(girl) year old children on Oasis of the Seas. I was worried about my older two enjoying themselves but your review has eased my mind! Thank you! I also liked your rules...very fair!

[poodog]

Good review thank you

[Familygoboston]

Loved your review! We are travelling to Fort Lauderdale from Sydney Australia next year with our 14(girl), 18(boy) and 20(girl) year old children on Oasis of the Seas. I was worried about my older two enjoying themselves but your review has eased my mind! Thank you! I also liked your rules...very fair!

Thanks! I adapted them from a mom who wrote them for 7 and 10 yo, so quite a bit more freedom for young adults, my kids did fine following the rules! I hope you all have a great time!

 

Good review thank you

Thanks! It was a pretty good cruise too ;)

 

I'm traveling in one month to central and Eastern Europe, and I'll be reviewing that cruise on the AMAPrima on the RIVER CRUISE boards of CC; our first river cruise, I'm sure it will be different, but FGB and her intrepid photographer hubby will approach it with the same sense of fun, adventure and humor as all our trips.:D Hope to see you all there;)

[MLW070]

Thanks for the awesome review. We can't wait to see Allure in October!

 

Thanks!

[Familygoboston]

Thanks for the awesome review. We can't wait to see Allure in October!

 

Thanks!

 

Thank you! I think as long as you know a little about what to expect and have an idea ahead of time about how to get around, it's not so overwhelming! I think the folks who expect it to be the same as other ships and haven't really spent time thinking about what is located in the various areas and how to get around, find if they haven't picked it up by the end of the cruise, they never feel at home!

Have a wonderful cruise!

[freetraveller]

I wanted to thank you for taking the time to write your detailed review. I was so happy to find your review because our situation is almost identical to yours. We will be on the Allure in two weeks, we are traveling with our two young daughters ages 15 and 18 and we will be staying right across from each other in cabins 8710 and 8711. I know that its been two years but the pictures and the information has helped us tremendously. We are also worry about the age differences and the activities for both of the girls but thanks to your review I am more relaxed. I feel the white magnetic boards are a great idea to communicate with the girls. I still have not finished reading your complete review but wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it. Thank you again!!!!!

 

Margarita:)

[Familygoboston]

I wanted to thank you for taking the time to write your detailed review. I was so happy to find your review because our situation is almost identical to yours. We will be on the Allure in two weeks, we are traveling with our two young daughters ages 15 and 18 and we will be staying right across from each other in cabins 8710 and 8711. I know that its been two years but the pictures and the information has helped us tremendously. We are also worry about the age differences and the activities for both of the girls but thanks to your review I am more relaxed. I feel the white magnetic boards are a great idea to communicate with the girls. I still have not finished reading your complete review but wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it. Thank you again!!!!!

 

Margarita:)

Thanks! Oh I know your girls will have a great time! The older teens just do not spend time in the club, so the fact that 18 yo wasn't able to made no difference. Ot was mostly 13 yo boys remanded their by their parents (or else) any girls over 15 were so over it! The sports zone is loaded with kids of all ages!

I'm so glad I got the boardwalk balcony for the girls. Because they hardly spent anytime inthe room a reg balcony would be a waste! They loved people watching!

Have a great time!!!!!

[Familygoboston]

a little late to the party but do you happen to have pictures of the gym?

 

Ha Ha! Its never too late to party! Or as we say in Boston "pahty!"

I'm going to refer you to our website..I have "Ships Tours" which are just photos of the ship, deck by deck. My Allure tour http://www.goseeittravel.com/allure-of-the-seas/ has only one pic, but it gives you the idea of the tiny port hole windows which are a departure from the panoramic gyms in some of the older ships. We also have a ships tour of Oasis, http://www.goseeittravel.com/oasis-of-the-seas/which (shhh, don't tell anyone, BUT they are almost exactly alike!) However, in that tour I don't have ANY photos of the gym because, ahem...we may not have ever made it to the gym :o:o:o

 

Hey, FGB friends...guess what??? We are cruising RCL Rhapsody in March...could be time for another rollicking review, I've missed you all! :D