Allure 9/22/13: A Story Review w/drama, humor, Pics & Video

[VegasChic]

Allure vs. Epic Comparisons:

 

Meet & Greet: Epic has most of their ship officers including the Captain attend and speak, give out their phone numbers and ask passengers to contact them directly for any issues they encounter. Allure has better give-aways, but Epic wins this one.

 

On Board Activities: Allure Wins and Epic doesn't even come close.

 

Pools: Allure again!! no explanation needed

 

Snacks: Allure wins again!! Although the Epic has the Noodle Bar which I totally love!

 

Characters: Allure again! I cannot stand spongebob and Dora:mad:

 

Buffet: Epic Wins :p- They have more options & an omelet station!

 

Kids Club: It's a tie :rolleyes:!

 

Casino: Allure wins for layout and location, Epic wins for more action and the friendliest casino staff ever!! I will elaborate on casino on day 5

 

 

Coming up on Day 3:

Park Cafe

Labadee, beach, zip line, lunch

Pool, Excursion Desk

Chicago

MDR

 

Although this is very time consuming and a lot of work, I'm really enjoying writing this it's helping me relive our amazing week on this fabulous ship! As I write this I'm on my 2nd glass of wine :D listening to pandora - Stevie Nicks Radio, Goodnight!

 

Thank you all for the beautiful comments:)

 

Stay tuned......

Edited October 8, 2013 by VegasChic

[VegasChic]

Yup. I moved the coffee table into the closet in our Oasis cruise to make space. Like you, we didn't spend too much time in the cabin. Hung out on the public balcony at the end of our corridor on deck 11 in the morning. On the Allure, we're so close to Central park. So, we'll be having a morning coffee there.

 

I already have a note about extra hangers. I think passengers can ask the room steward for more.

 

On the subject of price, I was feeling so-so with the price of the cabin at $999 CDN back in March, but 2 price drops later - and after 2 calls to Royal Caribbean of course! - we're paying $809 for our category Q interior! (Advertised at $849 on the website, but during the call today it went down to $809!??!). :D

 

The three of us sailed for $2078 total in an inside cabin. Of course we booked 5 weeks prior to sailing. I'm an obsessive freak and check out prices EVERYDAY!

[VegasChic]

hi Vivian,

 

great review!!! thanks for sharing!! I'm a huge NCL fan ...loved the Epic and Breakaway. Curious to hear your thoughts on major differences. I travel solo mainly, although I would love to sail the Allure, don't see me having a $$$$$ better time on the Allure. Meanwhile I will continue to live through you all by way of these fabulous reviews! :)

 

How did you like the Epic?? Did you like Epic or Breakaway more? I've been on Epic twice going on the Breakaway in June (Very Excited!!) Never been to Bermuda. I'm sure you will have a great time on the Allure, you only live once just give it a try if you can you might be surprised. I cannot comment on the night life because I didn't have one. However, i'm sure there are many reviews that cover this. Thanks for following along :)

[VegasChic]

Drarill, bp traveler, bimmer 09, rclop, S.C. - Thank you for joining me on this mini adventure, hope it stays interesting!

 

janetz - Thank you, I never made it to the beach pool :(

 

donnaman43 - Thank You, I read many photography books, took some photography in college and have a small photo studio in Miami.

 

Zhane's Mum - Thank you, so sweet :)

[VegasChic]

The Wipeout Cafe serves food like hamburgers, hotdogs, chill, etc. It isn't a bad place to grab some luch instead of going to the Windjammer. But there is nowhere near the variety of food as in the WJ.

 

Oh ok thx, so I didn't miss much! I barely had lunch on this sailing. I only had lunch 3 times and all three were at the Park Cafe and once at the hotdog place.

Thanks for following :)

[VegasChic]

The 10% supplement on today and tomorrows sale is Oasis for Nov 2 and Nov 9.

 

The Allure on Nov 10 is 50% supplement.

 

Bookmark this link, it is posted every Thursday for the sale the next week.

 

http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Multi_Dest/Special_Offers/rci_sales_event.pdf

 

Hi Maureen, it was great meeting you on this sailing - hope all is well with your mom. Thanks for stopping by and sharing this link. I plan on cruising on the Liberty next month with just DH. Looking forward to having a retreat having booked yet, but will soon:)

[sleepless]

I am enjoying your review. I will be on the Allure in July. Can't wait. Your review is helping me get my pre-cruise Allure fix. Thanks.

[Ocean Boy]

Although this is very time consuming and a lot of work, I'm really enjoying writing this it's helping me relive our amazing week on this fabulous ship! As I write this I'm on my 2nd glass of wine :D listening to pandora - Stevie Nicks Radio, Goodnight!

 

Though I know that it matters to no one... I love Stevie Nicks.:):p

Edited October 8, 2013 by Ocean Boy

[swim13]

Another review of my favorite ship at sea! Can't wait to be spoiled with your professional pictures, I can't get enough! I came home with about 3,000 pictures of our trip on Allure, how many did you end up having?! I totally agree about Lightroom, best program by far.

 

Excited for more comparisons. I really want to try Breakaway next summer.

 

Awesome review so far! :D

[VegasChic]

Another review of my favorite ship at sea! Can't wait to be spoiled with your professional pictures, I can't get enough! I came home with about 3,000 pictures of our trip on Allure, how many did you end up having?! I totally agree about Lightroom, best program by far.

 

Excited for more comparisons. I really want to try Breakaway next summer.

 

Awesome review so far! :D

 

Thanks!!! I believe I read your awesome Allure review and you had very nice pics!!! Are you the one with the Sony Nex? I really want the Sony Nex-7 I cannot stomach my point and shoot.

 

I came back with approx 2100 pics as it was a mission talking pictures running from activity to activity. I took about 700 on Day 7 where I packed in all the activities I possibly could.

 

I'm doing breakaway next June!! But before that I'm doing the Liberty for a quick 4 day retreat!! (adults Only!!!)

 

Thanks for following along:)

[endobaby]

Day two of our cruise finally arrived I woke up feeling energetic and excited, I have no clue what time it was but I knew I had to be at the CC M&M. I quickly dressed and went down to the Cafe Promenade to pick up some warm milk for DD and coffee DH. On my way there, I stumbled onto this zumba group right smack in the middle of the promenade. This went on every morning, it was a challenge if you needed to get through.

 

 

Do you happen to remember the time Zumba started? I would love to get my Zumba in on the cruise.

 

thanks

[wolfganghowell]

Enjoying your review - also gamblers. Also I'm the same on the "evil smoking" - only in casinos and vacations. :D If you enjoyed The White Queen, there are about 3 other books on the same subject - Red Queen, White Princess, Kingmakers Daughter. Plus Starz is airing a miniseries based on them.

 

Ok - carry on! Don't know if we will ever do Allure or Oasis but always love a great review!

[tahoemc]

Just stumbled upon your review - read the first 5 pages. Excellent coverage, pics and personal perspective. Keep up the good work!

[cynt]

Vegas I am loving your pics. I need to use your pics to make my photobook! LOL! :D I can definitely tell between my amatuer pics and your professional pics. I look at my pic of the carousel and then yours and say to myself yeah that's what it's supposed to look like. SMH! :D

[marshabear]

lovin your review!!! we sail in less than 2 weeks!! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marsha

[cruiselife4me]

Loving, Loving, Loving Your Review!! I have about 5billion days until our Allure cruise but seeing all that you did (so far) and your thoughts (so like mine) just made me smile.

 

I get crazy on what to wear on a cruise - always mad I didn't lose weight before, etc.

 

You are awesome!

Mary

[VegasChic]

Do you happen to remember the time Zumba started? I would love to get my Zumba in on the cruise.

 

thanks

 

Hi endobaby, I think it was at 8:30 can't recall and I didn't keep the Compasses - My husband threw them out :mad But it was definitely between 8:30-9:30.

[VegasChic]

Enjoying your review - also gamblers. Also I'm the same on the "evil smoking" - only in casinos and vacations. :D If you enjoyed The White Queen, there are about 3 other books on the same subject - Red Queen, White Princess, Kingmakers Daughter. Plus Starz is airing a miniseries based on them.

 

Ok - carry on! Don't know if we will ever do Allure or Oasis but always love a great review!

 

Thank You, I saw the miniseries and I'm hooked!! Did you read them all? I can't figure out if the miniseries is a mixture of all the books but based on the different characters.

 

I realized that the Allure is the same as any other cruise just way bigger and more stuff to do but definitely think you should give it a try. Thanks for reading along!!

[VegasChic]

Just stumbled upon your review - read the first 5 pages. Excellent coverage, pics and personal perspective. Keep up the good work!

 

Thank you!! I saw you were on the Liberty do you know of any good reviews you can recommend? I'm sailing that one next month:D

[VegasChic]

Vegas I am loving your pics. I need to use your pics to make my photobook! LOL! :D I can definitely tell between my amatuer pics and your professional pics. I look at my pic of the carousel and then yours and say to myself yeah that's what it's supposed to look like. SMH! :D

 

Hey Cynt - I would love to see your carousel picture:). I had planned to take some nice pictures with my pro camera of the boardwalk but never got a chance!! Way to many things to do on this ship!!

 

Anyhow thanks for stopping by, lets get together soon!! You live in Miami right?

[VegasChic]

Loving, Loving, Loving Your Review!! I have about 5billion days until our Allure cruise but seeing all that you did (so far) and your thoughts (so like mine) just made me smile.

 

I get crazy on what to wear on a cruise - always mad I didn't lose weight before, etc.

 

You are awesome!

Mary

 

Your cruise will be here before you know it!! I came back and lost 5 pounds (major diet), my next cruise will be here before I know it.

 

Ugh, the wardrobe dilemma I always want to go out and buy a whole brand new wardrobe and my husband thinks I'm insane!! I don't care I like to look and feel good!

 

I'm glad I made you smile - I very honest and usually speak my mind, my friends say "if you want the truth go talk to Vivian" anyway it get's better stay tuned!

[wolfganghowell]

Did you read them all? I can't figure out if the miniseries is a mixture of all the books but based on the different characters.

 

Read 2 out of 4 - have the others just haven't gotten to them yet. The miniseries is based on 3 of the books (Red, White and Kingmaker)

 

Sorry Non Readers - back to the great review! :)

[Nyrina4life]

Awesome review so far! Your photos are fantastic, and I am in total agreement on some of those fees. Can't wait to read the rest of your review and see the gorgeous photos. :D

[#55worktoplay]

Thank you!! I saw you were on the Liberty do you know of any good reviews you can recommend? I'm sailing that one next month:D

 

HOSTFAITH did a very good review on the Liberty of the Seas 4 day sailing to Cozumel. If I knew how to post a link I would but do a search on Host Faith and you should find it.

 

I have done the Liberty of the Seas twice now and absolutely love the ship, I too am also going with the girls (no hubbys) in November but on the 5 day sailing. I cannot compare it to the Allure or Oasis as I have not sailed them but I don't think it will be a huge let down, great ship for a short sailing.

 

I am truly enjoying your review and can't wait for more.

[mrlddst]

Loving your review! Can't wait to read more.