Another Allure Review ~ 9/22/2013

[flyawayca]

That's it for Chankanaab! Let me know if you have any questions :D

 

 

Hi there,

 

I'm from the northern part of California and my family and I are doing the western caribbean on FOS later this month and will be going on Allure in the spring. The airfare on Southwest to MCO and FLL is quite pricey right now for our spring vacation. It's costing us $339 pp for just our outgoing flight and that's the "sale" price.

 

A question about Chankanaab......

 

There are 3 other ships scheduled in Cozumel with FOS. I'd like the activity offered at Chankanaab, but I'm afraid it'll be packed. Were there other ships in port when you visited? If so, did you find it terribly crowded or did the admission fee dissuade people from visiting?

 

Your review has been awesome. Thanks for the reviews and pictures!

 

Wow! That's really expensive for a one way flight. If you haven't bought the tickets yet hopefully there is a better sale soon!

 

There were other ships in port when we were at Chankanaab. We were in port with the Carnival Magic and the Carnival Conquest. The Magic isn't a small ship either. I thought the park was pretty empty when we were there. The people you see in the background of the pictures is all there was. I'll see if I have any more pictures showing the crowds better.

 

I do think the admission fee dissuades people from coming. Especially those who just want to lay on the beach. I think those people mostly go to Carlos & Charlie's and those types of places. I still think the entrance fee is worth having access to everything available even if you don't do an encounter. :)

 

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[flyawayca]

Wonderful review!

Making me really excited to get back on the Allure in January.

 

Just wondering if anyone knows if Starbucks accepts CANADIAN gift cards?

 

Thanks so much

Brenna

 

Good question!

 

I don't know the answer for sure but I bet it does. You pay at Starbucks on a debit/credit machine you find at regular stores.

 

Hopefully someone can answer who has actually tried.

 

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[EuroDate20]

 

Wow! That's really expensive for a one way flight. If you haven't bought the tickets yet hopefully there is a better sale soon!

 

There were other ships in port when we were at Chankanaab. We were in port with the Carnival Magic and the Carnival Conquest. The Magic isn't a small ship either. I thought the park was pretty empty when we were there. The people you see in the background of the pictures is all there was. I'll see if I have any more pictures showing the crowds better.

 

I do think the admission fee dissuades people from coming. Especially those who just want to lay on the beach. I think those people mostly go to Carlos & Charlie's and those types of places. I still think the entrance fee is worth having access to everything available even if you don't do an encounter. :)

 

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I'm definitely putting Chankanaab at the top of my list for Cozumel.

 

I fly out of Sacramento and there's not alot of choices for air carriers. I think the least expensive air fare that I've seen going to MCO or FLL has been about $200 on Southwest, but that's a rarity.

 

Did you do any shopping for jewelry in Grand Cayman?

 

Thanks again for the awesome review. Loved your pictures!

[flyawayca]

 

I'm definitely putting Chankanaab at the top of my list for Cozumel.

 

I fly out of Sacramento and there's not alot of choices for air carriers. I think the least expensive air fare that I've seen going to MCO or FLL has been about $200 on Southwest, but that's a rarity.

 

Did you do any shopping for jewelry in Grand Cayman?

 

Thanks again for the awesome review. Loved your pictures!

 

I fly out of Sacramento as well. But now that I think about it... All my flights to the East coast have been in September. I always buy those flights during Southwest's annual $39, $69, $129 (I think last year it was $49, $79, $129) sale they have in June. Those are the best prices they give but I only see them do it in June for August - October flights. I think the sales are not as good in the spring. We cruised out of NOLA and Seattle in the spring but those flights are always cheaper than FL or NY anyway. US Airways is usually the next cheapest into/from SMF when I look. But you have to pay for bags so that factors in as well. :(

 

I didn't go to Grand Cayman on the Allure, but I have been there on another cruise. I didn't do much shopping in Grand Cayman, but I did wander around some. There are a lot of places to chose from. But I remember most of the stores being very expensive. It is very Americanized there. I think all the rich Americans go there to do their shopping. Very nice place though. Were you looking for anything in particular? I can go through my photos to Grand Cayman and see if I see anything.

[EuroDate20]

 

I fly out of Sacramento as well. But now that I think about it... All my flights to the East coast have been in September. I always buy those flights during Southwest's annual $39, $69, $129 (I think last year it was $49, $79, $129) sale they have in June. Those are the best prices they give but I only see them do it in June for August - October flights. I think the sales are not as good in the spring. We cruised out of NOLA and Seattle in the spring but those flights are always cheaper than FL or NY anyway. US Airways is usually the next cheapest into/from SMF when I look. But you have to pay for bags so that factors in as well. :(

 

I didn't go to Grand Cayman on the Allure, but I have been there on another cruise. I didn't do much shopping in Grand Cayman, but I did wander around some. There are a lot of places to chose from. But I remember most of the stores being very expensive. It is very Americanized there. I think all the rich Americans go there to do their shopping. Very nice place though. Were you looking for anything in particular? I can go through my photos to Grand Cayman and see if I see anything.

 

Oops! I forgot there's one less stop on the Allure/Oasis. I'm a bit of a watch snob and I may do some shopping if I can find a reputable store.

 

We're also going to book the Swamp Safari on Jamaica. Live and Let Die is one of our favorite James Bond movies and my DH and DS will get a kick out of the excursion.

 

That's good to know about the Southwest sales. I'll be sure to keep the June sale in mind for future vacations. I live in the South Placer area. We may be neighbors!

 

Thanks so very, very much!:)

[isabela]

Thanks for the nice review. I have a question: Did you ever see a bartender who's name is Ariel from VietNam (I think) and his wife works there, too. We meet them few years ago and the last time we saw them in Allure, but not sure if they're still there. Any help from you or anybody else that knows them?? Thanks

[flyawayca]

 

Oops! I forgot there's one less stop on the Allure/Oasis. I'm a bit of a watch snob and I may do some shopping if I can find a reputable store.

 

We're also going to book the Swamp Safari on Jamaica. Live and Let Die is one of our favorite James Bond movies and my DH and DS will get a kick out of the excursion.

 

That's good to know about the Southwest sales. I'll be sure to keep the June sale in mind for future vacations. I live in the South Placer area. We may be neighbors!

 

Thanks so very, very much!:)

 

We probably are neighbors! I'm in Placer County as well, currently living in Roseville. I love this area. My husband and I moved out for a bit because house prices were so high, but came back when the economy dropped and we were able to buy :D.

 

I ended up buying a watch on the Allure. I may have gotten a better price somewhere else but I didn't see anything great in Cozumel or Jamaica. I am positive you will have way more choices in Grand Cayman. They had jewlery stores everywhere.

 

You will like the Swamp Safari. Are you going to go on your own or through the cruise ship? I'm not even sure if RCI is offering it anymore. But it so close to the pier it shouldn't be hard to get a taxi or something. Tons of animals, perfect for kids. I had never seen Live and Let Die before myself but my uncle had. I liked that they showed you the clip of the movie. You also get to go into the building that was in the movie. That's actually where you stop to watch the clip from the movie.

 

The June sale only lasts for 72 hours and only for a limited number of seats on each plane so watch daily in June for it and book as soon as you see it. But it really happens! I've flown to the east coast on more than one occasion for less than $300 roundtrip per person. :D

[flyawayca]

Thanks for the nice review. I have a question: Did you ever see a bartender who's name is Ariel from VietNam (I think) and his wife works there, too. We meet them few years ago and the last time we saw them in Allure, but not sure if they're still there. Any help from you or anybody else that knows them?? Thanks

 

Sorry, I never saw him. :( We always got our drinks from the same place and I remember our bartender was from Jamaica.

 

Hopefully someone else can help!

[EuroDate20]

 

We probably are neighbors! I'm in Placer County as well, currently living in Roseville. I love this area. My husband and I moved out for a bit because house prices were so high, but came back when the economy dropped and we were able to buy :D.

 

I ended up buying a watch on the Allure. I may have gotten a better price somewhere else but I didn't see anything great in Cozumel or Jamaica. I am positive you will have way more choices in Grand Cayman. They had jewlery stores everywhere.

 

You will like the Swamp Safari. Are you going to go on your own or through the cruise ship? I'm not even sure if RCI is offering it anymore. But it so close to the pier it shouldn't be hard to get a taxi or something. Tons of animals, perfect for kids. I had never seen Live and Let Die before myself but my uncle had. I liked that they showed you the clip of the movie. You also get to go into the building that was in the movie. That's actually where you stop to watch the clip from the movie.

 

The June sale only lasts for 72 hours and only for a limited number of seats on each plane so watch daily in June for it and book as soon as you see it. But it really happens! I've flown to the east coast on more than one occasion for less than $300 roundtrip per person. :D

 

It's certainly a small world! What a coincidence! We really enjoy it here as well.

 

RCCL isn't offering the Swamp Safari right now, so I'll have to look for it when we get into port. Of course, they might offer it again in the next 3 weeks.

 

Glad you enjoyed Allure. We were on Oasis a couple of years ago and there was so much to do on the ship! Thanks again for a very nice review!

[flyawayca]

 

It's certainly a small world! What a coincidence! We really enjoy it here as well.

 

RCCL isn't offering the Swamp Safari right now, so I'll have to look for it when we get into port. Of course, they might offer it again in the next 3 weeks.

 

Glad you enjoyed Allure. We were on Oasis a couple of years ago and there was so much to do on the ship! Thanks again for a very nice review!

 

Hopefully RCI gets their stuff figured out and they offer it again. I tried checking the Swamp Safari website to see if they had any other recommendations for booking but since the cancellations just happened doesn't look like anything new is up yet.

 

Enjoy your cruise! :)

[Traci1960]

Oh okay thanks. Getting the soda package was a last minute decision we made on the ship. But I was wondering because I heard rumors about having to wait to get them so I wasn't sure what I would do on a future cruise. Buying in advance seems like a good idea, I don't mind waiting until I get in my cabin :)

 

If your seapass is imprited witht he Coke pkg from pre=purchasing the beverage package, I would assume you can get a coke from any bar once onboard and waiting for the all clear on your cabin to get the special cup?

[Clarea]

If your seapass is imprited witht he Coke pkg from pre=purchasing the beverage package, I would assume you can get a coke from any bar once onboard and waiting for the all clear on your cabin to get the special cup?

Correct. Your choices will be limited to about 6 different flavors, but you can get soda as soon as you board.

[Traci1960]

The Comedy Club is located on deck 4. It's between Jazz on 4 and Studio B... near the casino.

 

I cannot believe how small the comedy club is. Such a large ship and such a small comedy club. I love going to the comedy clubs on cruise ships and was disappointed with the size of this one.

 

Make sure if you want to see a comedy show to make reservations. Everyone got turned away from the show without reservations because there just wasn't enough space.

 

This is one place where Carnival truly excels.

 

The comedians themselves were really good. Very funny. I liked how they played off one another and used current things specific to our cruise to play off of as well.

 

 

My last 3 cruises were on Carnival, and I too love the comedy clubs. But, Carnival does not make reservations, and I was not able to attend even one comedy show last cruise. The lines started an hour before each show.. Boo

I made reservations for a comedy show on my upcoming Allure cruise!

[Traci1960]

Nice review. A buddy of mine told me that he used the refillable soda mug for ice cream sodas. He filled it half way with ice cream then topped it off with soda. He started a trend on the ship after that.

 

One question. Your photos are fantastic. What camera/lens did you use??

 

OHHH Ice cream floats. I MUST try that!!

[Traci1960]

Good question!

 

I don't know the answer for sure but I bet it does. You pay at Starbucks on a debit/credit machine you find at regular stores.

 

Hopefully someone can answer who has actually tried.

 

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Can you use your SeaPass card at Starbucks?

[Clarea]

Can you use your SeaPass card at Starbucks?

Yes.

[April29]

Thanks...this was a very informative review covering all aspects of the cruise.

[theoverlorduk]

Many thanks we have booked one of these for our next cruise

 

My husband and I were in an Aft Ocean View balcony room number 12726.

 

My aunt and uncle were in an aft standard interior room number 12277.

 

The interior room was closer to the elevators. I did not hear any complaints about noise from them. The room is small, but really on this ship there is so much to do they were rarely using their room unless they were sleeping.

 

A picture of the interior room:

 

My aunt and uncle are both Emerald cruisers so they also had this waiting for them:

 

 

 

The Ocean View balcony rooms are larger than the interior rooms:

 

 

 

 

What was the worst thing about the room you may ask? They don't leave you any pens or paper!! How can you not have pens and a note pad in a room?

 

I went to fill out my room service breakfast form and discovered I had no pen to complete it with. It took way too long to complete it with the TV. I ended up using an eyeliner pen I had...

 

It also would have been nice to have a note pad to leave notes for my stateroom attendant.

 

So, make sure you remember a pen when you pack! I usually have one in my purse but switched purses for the cruise and left mine at home.

[JC White]

Hi! I am late comer to this thread and hopefully you get the message and able to respond. I am in the final planning for my family of 5 traveling to Cozumel in 59 days:D!!! After overloading my mind with reviews, I settled on Manatee Encounter ant Chankanaab but i have a few questions about the Park. Related to the additional tours, tequila, walk around the dolphins, and the Sea Lion Show, and self snorkeling are these included in the price of admission? I know the other activities, such as, encounters, zip-line, etc... are at a cost. Also, I know you mentioned the times for events are posted but did you happen to get a photo of the times? I may be planning too detailed. :rolleyes:

[flyawayca]

Hi! I am late comer to this thread and hopefully you get the message and able to respond. I am in the final planning for my family of 5 traveling to Cozumel in 59 days:D!!! After overloading my mind with reviews, I settled on Manatee Encounter ant Chankanaab but i have a few questions about the Park. Related to the additional tours, tequila, walk around the dolphins, and the Sea Lion Show, and self snorkeling are these included in the price of admission? I know the other activities, such as, encounters, zip-line, etc... are at a cost. Also, I know you mentioned the times for events are posted but did you happen to get a photo of the times? I may be planning too detailed. :rolleyes:

 

The sea lion show, crocodiles, viewing the dolphins, snorkeling/swimming, lagoon are all included with admission.

 

The website actually has a good break down of fee/free activities and a map: http://www.cozumelparks.com/eng/chankanaab.cfm

 

Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the times. Next time I go I will. But I do remember them being frequent like every hour or so for the sea lion show. The walk around the dolphins is about every 15-30 minutes. Basically that is just you standing there and a staff member asks if you'd like the tour around the dolphin pens.

 

You're going to have a blast! Enjoy!!

[JC White]

Thanks so much for the quick reply flyawayca! We are super excited, actually cruising for 7 days and Coz is one of our stops. This is a first for the kiddos so the excitement is building.