Short and Sweet 9/8 Allure Review

[rockon391]

WOW. The first thing that came to mind was simply just wow. You walk in on deck 5 and pictures really do no justice. The Allure of the Seas is simply just astounding in every way. Beautiful ship, excellent service, and awesome food made this an amazing cruise.

 

Royal Caribbean can not be beat with this class of ships. Options, options, options. Something to do anytime until about 12am, then the ship goes dead outside of Club Blaze. The options you have on activities and food made this a very memorable cruise. Only ate at the windjammer twice; once the first morning and once on the last day. Park Cafe is excellent with different sandwich options and salads. Sorrentos pizza is great anytime, even for a meal. Dinners in the dining room are excellent as always. The value can not be beat on any Royal Caribbean Ship.

 

Also, we purchased the premium drinking pass. Was awesome not thinking about getting a bill but do not think we got our monies worth. We hit the wall come day 3 or 4 and slowed down immensely from that point forward. We are not super big drinkers but thought we could hang for 7 days...turns out we can't. Also, I don't drink wine, my new wife does, and said wines offered were disgusting. She tried one red and one white...could not tell you which ones. I was hoping to be able to save receipts to add up all, but since they show no cost I never did this.

 

I feel like everyone just raves and raves, which this ship is very deserving of, but there are definitely some issues so here they are:

 

1) Allure of the Seas is the worlds hottest ship. My wife and I are on the smaller scale, never EVER run hot...but on this ship I was sweating my ass off everywhere. Seems to me they have a major issue keeping it cool with all the open areas---not sure if this was a good trade off.

 

2) The worlds largest cruise ship has the worlds smallest night club and comedy club. Words cannot express my disbelief when I saw these two rooms. For many other reasons including these two makes me believe they made this ship for the 60+ crowd in mind.

 

3) Night Entertainment - I thought the reservation system was great prior to my cruise. I am a planner and made sure all shows were booked during my duration. BUT, after my cruise I realized that this was extremely frustrating. Missed a couple shows because of time just slipping by, and then realized that even with a reservation, good luck getting a half way descent seat unless you are at a minimum 30 minutes early. Like I said, i'm a planner, but this system was not my favorite.

 

4) Coupons - gone are the crown and anchor paper coupons. They all seemed like a waste of space with little to no value. DId use one at Johnny Rockets - buy one shake get one free ---- this was a scam. Watched them make them and it's not buy one get one....it's buy one shake get one shake split into two shakes. Royal Caribbean should just drop the coupons all together if they are going to pull stuff like this.

 

5) Love the idea of having so many bars/clubs in the ship but...there are a few problems. One - with the variety --- it seemed like they were always all dead. Was never in one bar that was a lot of fun unless there was something going on within like karaoke. Secondly, they all suffered from the environment. On deck 5 there are several bars clubs, all are open, none can view the sea. Because of this design even with live music or any music they are constantly battling the sound from the promenade itself. Even the piano bar next to the crown and anchor office suffered from the water spraying on moving bar...seemed like everyone was constantly frustrated with this.

 

6) The biggest problem - Variety was what made me book the cruise, but when everything I wanted to do was constantly closed, well then the options vanished. It seems as though with the shear amount of options this ship is understaffed. Very limited schedules for outdoor activities, and barely any bars are open past 12am. This was very frustrating as well.

 

7) Almost forgot - TV - Not that I go on a ship to watch TV, but my sail date was NFL opening weekend and not having very many games to watch was frustrating, plus channels in the room are pitiful. Have no idea why RC has not partnered with DirecTV or Dish and feature some real options?????

 

Like I said earlier, the Allure is an amazing ship, but now that I have sailed on it, it is far from my favorite ship. I have been on 7 RC cruises, and I can not wait for my next, but it will not be on any Oasis class ships.

[MelGurl]

Thanks for your review! I will be on in October and its good to know the little things.

[Starry Eyes]

4) Coupons - gone are the crown and anchor paper coupons. They all seemed like a waste of space with little to no value. DId use one at Johnny Rockets - buy one shake get one free ---- this was a scam. Watched them make them and it's not buy one get one....it's buy one shake get one shake split into two shakes. Royal Caribbean should just drop the coupons all together if they are going to pull stuff like this.

 

Other Allure cruisers reported in recent weeks that paper C&A coupon books were distributed. Are you saying that you got electronic coupons attached to your sea pass card instead? Or are you saying you did not like the coupons offered?

 

Way back when I was working my way through school, if two shakes of the same flavor were ordered, double ingredients were placed in the metal mixing cup for the sake of efficiency, then poured into two glasses. The customer got a full shake and the company made efficient use of the fountain (and staff). Maybe Johnny Rockets did the same.

[rockon391]

Other Allure cruisers reported in recent weeks that paper C&A coupon books were distributed. Are you saying that you got electronic coupons attached to your sea pass card instead? Or are you saying you did not like the coupons offered?

 

Way back when I was working my way through school, if two shakes of the same flavor were ordered, double ingredients were placed in the metal mixing cup for the sake of efficiency, then poured into two glasses. The customer got a full shake and the company made efficient use of the fountain (and staff). Maybe Johnny Rockets did the same.

 

Yes, no physical coupon books were distributed. The only way I know of that you could view coupons was through your TV. And yes, I am saying the coupons value seemed to drop substantially since my last cruise...but that is just my opinion.

 

And on the shake, like I said, they made one shake and split it into two. Only the people who used the coupons were given shakes in two smaller paper cups. Everyone else that paid full price received a shake in the full size glass. I was there when it was very busy second to last day...and this is what was done.

[Thetrail]

WOW. The first thing that came to mind was simply just wow. You walk in on deck 5 and pictures really do no justice. The Allure of the Seas is simply just astounding in every way. Beautiful ship, excellent service, and awesome food made this an amazing cruise.

 

Royal Caribbean can not be beat with this class of ships. Options, options, options. Something to do anytime until about 12am, then the ship goes dead outside of Club Blaze. The options you have on activities and food made this a very memorable cruise. Only ate at the windjammer twice; once the first morning and once on the last day. Park Cafe is excellent with different sandwich options and salads. Sorrentos pizza is great anytime, even for a meal. Dinners in the dining room are excellent as always. The value can not be beat on any Royal Caribbean Ship.

 

Also, we purchased the premium drinking pass. Was awesome not thinking about getting a bill but do not think we got our monies worth. We hit the wall come day 3 or 4 and slowed down immensely from that point forward. We are not super big drinkers but thought we could hang for 7 days...turns out we can't. Also, I don't drink wine, my new wife does, and said wines offered were disgusting. She tried one red and one white...could not tell you which ones. I was hoping to be able to save receipts to add up all, but since they show no cost I never did this.

 

I feel like everyone just raves and raves, which this ship is very deserving of, but there are definitely some issues so here they are:

 

1) Allure of the Seas is the worlds hottest ship. My wife and I are on the smaller scale, never EVER run hot...but on this ship I was sweating my ass off everywhere. Seems to me they have a major issue keeping it cool with all the open areas---not sure if this was a good trade off.

 

2) The worlds largest cruise ship has the worlds smallest night club and comedy club. Words cannot express my disbelief when I saw these two rooms. For many other reasons including these two makes me believe they made this ship for the 60+ crowd in mind.

 

3) Night Entertainment - I thought the reservation system was great prior to my cruise. I am a planner and made sure all shows were booked during my duration. BUT, after my cruise I realized that this was extremely frustrating. Missed a couple shows because of time just slipping by, and then realized that even with a reservation, good luck getting a half way descent seat unless you are at a minimum 30 minutes early. Like I said, i'm a planner, but this system was not my favorite.

 

4) Coupons - gone are the crown and anchor paper coupons. They all seemed like a waste of space with little to no value. DId use one at Johnny Rockets - buy one shake get one free ---- this was a scam. Watched them make them and it's not buy one get one....it's buy one shake get one shake split into two shakes. Royal Caribbean should just drop the coupons all together if they are going to pull stuff like this.

 

5) Love the idea of having so many bars/clubs in the ship but...there are a few problems. One - with the variety --- it seemed like they were always all dead. Was never in one bar that was a lot of fun unless there was something going on within like karaoke. Secondly, they all suffered from the environment. On deck 5 there are several bars clubs, all are open, none can view the sea. Because of this design even with live music or any music they are constantly battling the sound from the promenade itself. Even the piano bar next to the crown and anchor office suffered from the water spraying on moving bar...seemed like everyone was constantly frustrated with this.

 

6) The biggest problem - Variety was what made me book the cruise, but when everything I wanted to do was constantly closed, well then the options vanished. It seems as though with the shear amount of options this ship is understaffed. Very limited schedules for outdoor activities, and barely any bars are open past 12am. This was very frustrating as well.

 

7) Almost forgot - TV - Not that I go on a ship to watch TV, but my sail date was NFL opening weekend and not having very many games to watch was frustrating, plus channels in the room are pitiful. Have no idea why RC has not partnered with DirecTV or Dish and feature some real options?????

 

Like I said earlier, the Allure is an amazing ship, but now that I have sailed on it, it is far from my favorite ship. I have been on 7 RC cruises, and I can not wait for my next, but it will not be on any Oasis class ships.

Strange huh????...Have been on Allure 4 times, soon to be 6 and have never ever had these issues???......

 

1. Always nice and cold in my stateroom.

2.Actually there is comedy in the main theatre also.

3.Actually "letting time slip by" would be your issue not RCL'S for missing a show. And your a "planner"?

4. Depending what C and A level you are those coupons do add up.

5. Every cruise on Allure we have closed numerous bars at 2 A.M.

6. TV's in your stateroom, please with everything there is to do and see that's your gripe?:rolleyes:......

[springfire]

Thanks for your review and comments. It is good to know these thhings.

[rockon391]

Strange huh????...Have been on Allure 4 times, soon to be 6 and have never ever had these issues???......

 

1. Always nice and cold in my stateroom.

2.Actually there is comedy in the main theatre also.

3.Actually "letting time slip by" would be your issue not RCL'S for missing a show. And your a "planner"?

4. Depending what C and A level you are those coupons do add up.

5. Every cruise on Allure we have closed numerous bars at 2 A.M.

6. TV's in your stateroom, please with everything there is to do and see that's your gripe?:rolleyes:......

 

HAHA. I knew I was going to see a reply from someone like this!

 

1. Cold when we arrived back in our stateroom at late night - 2am. When we woke up at 8-9am always hotttt. I think they manually turn off AC even though I leave it all the way down every cruise.

 

2. There was only comedy in the main theatre the last night. From my understanding they only did this because the enormous amount of complaints from people who did not catch any comedy show. Plus this show was for all ages --- and it was not nearly as funny as the other show we saw in the worlds smallest comedy club.

 

3.Yes, letting time slip was my fault, but still the ability to see a different show at another time is more valuable. This ship only lets you book one like show during the entire cruise. NOT COOL!

 

4. I am gold level. Yes I should have included this.

 

5. Never saw a bar close past 1230AM. Everything electronic and on paper listed times also and none were listed to be open past 12 except for Blaze. Guess I was on a boring ship HAHA!

 

6. ROLL EYES ALL YOU WANT. Yes, when I am waiting on my wife to get ready I like to watch some TV and the channels offered are a waste...so then I just started going to the casino more...and I wish they had better TV!!!!! ROLL EYES

 

I thought I gave a fair review...but you can continue on suckling on your allure teets!

[Lionesss]

I thought I gave a fair review...but you can continue on suckling on your allure teets!

 

:eek:

WOW

Thanks for your "fair" review.

Sea Ya

[Hootymae]

I appreciate your review, according to your experience. As a 60+ myself with health issues it would be important to know the possible issues I might encounter. (heat, etc.) It's always smart to accept every review as someone

elses experience... the good, the bad, the ugly. Reviews just help others to plan accordingly to make their cruise experience a happy one. Thanks for sharing.

Barb

[Starry Eyes]

Yes, no physical coupon books were distributed. The only way I know of that you could view coupons was through your TV. And yes, I am saying the coupons value seemed to drop substantially since my last cruise...but that is just my opinion.

 

And on the shake, like I said, they made one shake and split it into two. Only the people who used the coupons were given shakes in two smaller paper cups. Everyone else that paid full price received a shake in the full size glass. I was there when it was very busy second to last day...and this is what was done.

 

it sounds like Allure just made the coupon change. Darn, I rather liked the booklets and had rather hoped for the paper coupons on my cruises this month. Oh well, time to get used to the new system. I am D+, so my coupons should be quite different from yours. I did not use many when I was gold.

 

I will not bother getting the two for one shake in a paper cup. no loss.

[Colorado Babe]

Thanks for the review. We were on the sailing before you. We never used any of our coupons and yes they were electronic. I agree it was very hard trying to attend all the shows we signed up for and you were right. Just to much to do and not enough time. I also agree with the ships warm temperature, however in usually cold so it was nice not having to wear sweaters and jackets.

[rockon391]

I thought I gave a fair review...but you can continue on suckling on your allure teets!

 

:eek:

WOW

Thanks for your "fair" review.

Sea Ya

 

OMG

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

I am a die hard Allure fan, but do agree that parts of the ship were hot including our cabin on Deck Six. I have decided to sail on Oasis and Allure only in winter months so the heat won't be as much of an issue, but, as I said, I am still a devoted fan of Allure and Oasis, especially Allure.

 

I agree that the Comedy Club is small and is further hindered by the support pipes that can block the view if you have an unfortunate seat. I sort of think the club was made small to add to the intimacy for the comedians. Some comedians will interact with the audience.

 

I don't think the club is small just to benefit those who are over 60 and can't see why a small club would benefit the over-60 crowd. I am seventy, myself. Hubby and I try to get reservations for the earliest Comedy Club shows. We are too tired to laugh by the time of the late shows.:o

 

The Jazz Club is small, but after having spent many happy hours there, I have decided it is the right size because the number of people who hang out there is quite small and most don't stay very long. They usually just stay for a song or two or one set at the most. Again, I don't think this has anything to do with age.

 

Our biggest complaint on Oasis and Allure has been the smoke in Boleros. We both really enjoy the music there, but can't sit in that acrid haze.

 

I don't think the biggest ships are for everyone. For myself, I don't like the small ships. So each person has his own taste, perceptions, objectives and own interests. Luckily there are plenty of kinds of ships to go suit most tastes.

[nimbex1970]

Agreed, OP... there is too much to do, and without planning and walking time, several times our reservations were released by their policy of a 10 minute window. We weren't able to secure our favorite times, and tried our best to fit the big venues in... but ended up missing two major show events.

 

With this ship, I had to do the opposite of what I normally do and stick to a tight schedule to fit in the "must do's"... walking in late was a disaster with no seating, so my bad.

 

I enjoyed the various eateries and bars and people watching areas when I missed a show. Central park at night, well day as well, was great.

 

It's an unforgiving reservation system for people like me who loose track of time and think they are good... others are waiting and it stunk, but is understandable. Empty seats with people waiting makes no sense.

 

It's a huge, challenging ship to navigate at times. We gave up by day 4, attended specialty dinners on time and just went flexible as is OUR norm. It's too busy a schedule for us, and we had more fun just winging it at the end.

 

I hope you enjoy your next cruise on a medium or small class ship. We're on the Enchantment next, I love that size too. Next though is the Oasis or Allure again... too much was missed and have to transverse it!

 

Thanks for the review, these huge ships are not everyones favorites.

[rockon391]

I am a die hard Allure fan, but do agree that parts of the ship were hot including our cabin on Deck Six. I have decided to sail on Oasis and Allure only in winter months so the heat won't be as much of an issue, but, as I said, I am still a devoted fan of Allure and Oasis, especially Allure.

 

I agree that the Comedy Club is small and is further hindered by the support pipes that can block the view if you have an unfortunate seat. I sort of think the club was made small to add to the intimacy for the comedians. Some comedians will interact with the audience.

 

I don't think the club is small just to benefit those who are over 60 and can't see why a small club would benefit the over-60 crowd. I am seventy, myself. Hubby and I try to get reservations for the earliest Comedy Club shows. We are too tired to laugh by the time of the late shows.:o

 

The Jazz Club is small, but after having spent many happy hours there, I have decided it is the right size because the number of people who hang out there is quite small and most don't stay very long. They usually just stay for a song or two or one set at the most. Again, I don't think this has anything to do with age.

 

Our biggest complaint on Oasis and Allure has been the smoke in Boleros. We both really enjoy the music there, but can't sit in that acrid haze.

 

I don't think the biggest ships are for everyone. For myself, I don't like the small ships. So each person has his own taste, perceptions, objectives and own interests. Luckily there are plenty of kinds of ships to go suit most tastes.

 

Yes, the support beams further hinder many views in the comedy club...and the seats against the wall in the back...well I don't even know why they installed them. So uncomfortable!

 

The Jazz club isn't that small, just only 25% of the seats can actually see anything. This was soooo oddly shaped it's just about a waste of space.