If I didn't like Indy, will I like Allure?

[mcatmcat]

I forgot to mention

 

Even if you have reservation for the show don't you dare to show just 15 mins before show time. You won't find a seat. I went 40 mins before show time to "Chicago" and it was 75% full.

 

 

 

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[kruzerci]

The explanation I have heard for the unfortunate check-in that weekend was that Royal Caribbean had just changed over the computer program used for checking in arriving passengers. As luck would have it, the computers crashed and the result was a very frustrating and lengthy boarding delay with passengers growing more impatient and exasperated by the minute.

 

I can fully understand why those who experienced that calamitous boarding process might not want to repeat the experience. I don't believe I've ever read about another boarding mess up like that on any other Oasis cruise. We were delayed once for about an hour because some passengers from the previous cruise had never left the ship and had to be rounded up before the new passengers could board.

 

If you are referring to the 5/4/14 sailing, from what we heard, it was just an unfortunate computer glitch that delayed the boarding. Even with the delayed boarding, we were onboard by 11:45, which I consider pretty decent... Granted we were in a suite and the first group to board. D+ and D followed shortly thereafter. Even with the computer mishap, I felt boarding was easier than some other ships. The Oasis/Allure terminal in Fort Lauderdale is just a breeze.

[mcatmcat]

Wow, that is so hard to believe. I've done 3 Oasis class cruises and boarding them were the smoothest and fastest of any cruises I have ever been on.

 

 

I was in the Oasis no problem

But i was in the Allure this month and. it was crazy. Boarding was fast because I got late 11am and most people were in already ( that's late for me. Lol ) and I was the last one off the ship But I still had to way about 20 mins to be out the terminal.

 

 

 

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[Adayatatime]

I love the Indy. I'm in the UK and last year went middle of the school hols too. In my opinion, at peak times places look crowded, but queues are dealt with quickly. We just bided our time.

 

It was good weather though, I always found a sunbed but were not too bothered about sunbathing in a line, and I never did want a sunbed at the pool, so maybe I just like doing it differently.

 

One thing I did try to do though was do things the opposite from everyone else, eg, eat late or early, go to one of the other cafes for lunch, sit and have a drink in theatre seats instead of in a bar.

 

I've booked back on Indy middle of Brit school hols again.

 

For us two adults, we were thinking of jade - would love to hear your opinion - did you do stopover in Venice? X

[londongal796]

Our biggest issue was the ship feeling crowded. Whenever we went to Café Promenade we couldn't get a seat (there were 5 of us) & had to take our food back to our rooms.

 

When the weather was good we couldn't find sunbeds by the pool, didn't even try to find sunbeds together. I found 1 sunbed & the others in my group just went back to their cabin.

 

So two things. First, I think you (or someone) has already mentioned this, but just to reiterate:

It was school holidays, it will have been at absolute capacity with guest numbers for sure, with staterooms at capacity with children (as opposed to some cruises which will have every room sold but maybe only 2 adults in each room as opposed to 2 adults + 2 children etc). So that will explain the overwhelming crowded feeling.

 

From what I have read and asked on this forum, Oasis and Allure are actually two of the only ships where getting pool chairs are apparently quite easy.

 

Just maybe try not to travel during school holidays :)

[CRUISEFAN0001]

I have the option of Independence or Allure for 2015 and I booked Independence.

 

I was jn the Allure last week and I don't think I'm coming back I will definitely sail in the Oasis but not the Allure. I have need been in a ship in which you make a line for breakfast and lunch ( just to give you an idea of how crowed the ship was). I felt the whole week as embarkation day in the Windjammer. I always find a table by the window to look at the sea ( not this time in the whole week )

 

I love royal Caribbean but unfortunately can't recommend Allure , and by the way the ship is warmer compared to the Oasis.

I forgot to mention

 

Even if you have reservation for the show don't you dare to show just 15 mins before show time. You won't find a seat. I went 40 mins before show time to "Chicago" and it was 75% full.

Having read all the posts in this thread...it is clear that most of the posts so far in this thread do not share those perspectives.

 

We were recently on INDY and on OASIS 2 years ago. Based on our fantastic experiences on both, we chose ALLURE next year.

 

Since Oasis and Allure are virtual twins...any comparison of the ships themselves is subjective at best. The only differences are the crew, port services, and passengers. So focusing on these realities:

 

1) The crew on nearly all ships are not all that much different, although levels of service can even vary with the same crew on different cruises themselves. You can get great service or poor service depending on individual crew personnel you interact with, as well as those who handle your direct activities. It's a people business, and assuming you get everyone's "A" game of service on every cruise doesn't account for the human factor.

 

2) The Ft. Lauderdale Port is simply amazing for both ships - the ability to board and disembark 6,000+ passengers so incredibly quick could be a model for all other cruises. That said, all it takes is a computer glitch or group of selfish passengers who hold up everything, and all the passengers suffer in one form or another.

 

3) On our recent Radiance cruise, there were 2 passengers who apparently had issues with their customs documentation that delayed departure nearly an hour. On another cruise 2 years ago, we observed near-chaos from a group of passengers disembarking who clearly had only themselves in mind and ignored the fact that they were holding up literally thousands of others because they insisted on blocking the ramps, escalator, and baggage area - this was a group of 9 passengers holding up everything. The passenger population (behavior, courtesy, and attitude toward others) on your cruise is often the #1 factor impacting your cruise experience.

 

As for the whole "crowded" issue...we couldn't disagree more regarding both Oasis and Allure being unusually crowded. In fact, the opposite is a more plausible explanation of the onboard experience of these mega-ships.

 

Yes, one has to be aware that there are many others aboard, but the ship is so large and spacious that this rarely comes into play...the passengers are disbursed in numerous locations onboard. The only candidates for crowding of note are for shows (getting early is common sense for any large venue - even off a ship - and Chicago draws better attendance than many of the other ships on RCI ships), AquaTheater shows (come early for a good seat) as well as dining in Windjammer during limited time windows...and that is not necessarily common. We've never had to wait more than 5 minutes for a table and typically had no wait at all. It comes down to timing.

 

Enjoy!

[Paulette3028]

We went on the Allure last May. I found the ship very over crowded. Getting on the ship was a nightmare. It seemed all 6,000 people were packed into this one huge hanger waiting for embarkation. The lines were terrible ending in the Promenade. You couldn't move. That was the first and last time we will go on a Oasis class ship.

 

I have been on 14 Royal Caribbean cruises, even though not yet on Allure, and what you are describing has never happened to me. From all that I have read about Allure's boarding process, when I do cruise on Allure (as I am planning on doing) later this month, I expect to have a wonderful boarding experience -- since yours is the only one I have read that had been bad.

 

Is it possible that some problem was occurring in the terminal that affected the boarding process when you were getting onboard? Things happen that are uncontrollable.

 

From all of the reading I have done and the experiences I have had....I will put yours in the category of 'rare and unusual'. I realize since it was your experience you were disappointed and unhappy.

[Paulette3028]

Hi,

 

Just off the Indy today & had a pretty disappointing experience.

 

We have 2 inside cabins booked on the Allure August 2015 which I'm now thinking of cancelling & would really appreciate your advice.

 

This was our first cruise on RCCL, we have cruised on Carnival Legend (Aug 2013) & Norwegian Jade (April 2014) before & loved them both.

 

Our biggest issue was the ship feeling crowded. Whenever we went to Café Promenade we couldn't get a seat (there were 5 of us) & had to take our food back to our rooms.

 

When the weather was good we couldn't find sunbeds by the pool, didn't even try to find sunbeds together. I found 1 sunbed & the others in my group just went back to their cabin.

 

Lunch in the Windjammer we had to walk around for 5-10 minutes looking for a table many times. Getting the food was pretty chaotic & crowded.

 

The staff on our previous cruises seemed so happy & would greet us with a smile every day. They were not miserable on the Indy but not very happy either.

 

We were upgraded to a junior suite from a large ocean view on the Indy so I was over the moon to be going on this cruise. I never thought I'd come back having preferred a cruise in an inside cabin on the NCL Jade.

 

What I don't really understand, being new to cruising was that the Jade was full too, as the cruise sold out, but never felt crowded.

 

Does the Allure feel as crowded as the Indy was. Are there the same issues as I've described?

 

Opinions please:)

 

Part of your problem in getting a seat in WJ/Promenade Cafe may have been that you were a party of 5. Even in a landbased restaurant seating a group of 5 can be tricky. A table that fits 4 doesn't accommodate your group; and there are not as many tables that fit 6 or 8 (round usually) as their are tables for 2 or 4; sure you can but 2 square tables together, for a group your size but that means those tables need to be 'available next to each other' and that also can be difficult.

[Carpgirl]

When we got off the ship in Bilbao we got off on deck 2. There was a queue to get off & it took about 15 minutes. As we had left it until the rain had stopped it was about 13.30 & some people were already getting back on. There was a huge crush in a small hallway of people getting on & off at the same time. Is this normal on other ships?

 

Our last port of call was Gijon. On returning to the ship we waited in a queue for 30 minutes in the rain before our bags were scanned on the pier. About 20 seconds later we were on the ship, joining a queue to have our bag scanned again. Is this normal for RCCL to scan bags on the ship when you've just had them scanned at the pier?

 

These are the types of things we've never experienced before, which added to other minor things add up to a general feeling of frustration.

[Carpgirl]

Part of your problem in getting a seat in WJ/Promenade Cafe may have been that you were a party of 5. Even in a landbased restaurant seating a group of 5 can be tricky. A table that fits 4 doesn't accommodate your group; and there are not as many tables that fit 6 or 8 (round usually) as their are tables for 2 or 4; sure you can but 2 square tables together, for a group your size but that means those tables need to be 'available next to each other' and that also can be difficult.

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

The problem with the Windjammer was less to do with finding a table & more about the scrum involved in getting the food. Being bashed in to, queuing for food & having other people cut in line, it felt like a zoo. People grabbing things with their hands & not using the tongs. I actually witnessed a mum tell her young daughter who was deciding whether to have gravy with her meat or not to dip her finger in it to see if she liked it, which she did.

[Royal2464]

CarpGirl, Don't fight it, go with your gut feelings. If you hated Royal, go elsewhere. There are too many choices to settle for something that will not fulfill your needs and desires. If you like Carnival and NCL, go there - be happy. Cruising is the greatest pastime in the world. ENJOY! There are many of us who love Royal, and nobody likes to cruise with someone who is miserable and hates everything they encounter.

[setsail]

Given post 1, I am not sure cruising is for you. All ships sail pretty much full at all times of the year

 

There are lots of threads on cc worrying about cruises that have not taken place. Take your cruise and make up your own mind

Edited June 1, 2014 by setsail

[akcruz]

When we got off the ship in Bilbao we got off on deck 2. There was a queue to get off & it took about 15 minutes. As we had left it until the rain had stopped it was about 13.30 & some people were already getting back on. There was a huge crush in a small hallway of people getting on & off at the same time. Is this normal on other ships?

 

Our last port of call was Gijon. On returning to the ship we waited in a queue for 30 minutes in the rain before our bags were scanned on the pier. About 20 seconds later we were on the ship, joining a queue to have our bag scanned again. Is this normal for RCCL to scan bags on the ship when you've just had them scanned at the pier?

 

These are the types of things we've never experienced before, which added to other minor things add up to a general feeling of frustration.

 

With this in mind it definitely sounds like the weather impacted your cruise.

 

As for scanning bags on the pier and then again on the ship, this is port dependent not cruise line dependent. The port scan is making sure you are not taking things out of the port you should not be, while the one on the ship is ensuring you are nit bringing items onboard you should not be. At least that is my understanding.

 

It sounds like you have enjoyed cruising in the past but just had a bit of bad luck on this one with the weather and other guests. I would give Royal another chance, but that is a call only you can make.

[Carpgirl]

You are absolutely right. Until now I have loved cruising & get bored on land based holidays now.

 

Thinking about it the weather was a huge factor, yes. Waking up every day & not being able to use the balcony was annoying. Then, trying to find alternative things to do & finding that's what everyone else was doing I just spent a lot of time in my cabin reading.

 

I've decided to stick with the Allure & hope this was just a one off.

 

Thanks:)

[American Bear]

I forgot to mention

 

Even if you have reservation for the show don't you dare to show just 15 mins before show time. You won't find a seat. I went 40 mins before show time to "Chicago" and it was 75% full.

 

 

 

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Same experience here on Allure, there was a line of 100+ waiting to get in the theater/also Chicago, and they weren't allowed to enter until a couple mins. before showtime because the show was pre-booked full! As Diamond + we walked in, but have to admit feeling sad for those who were waiting, some for over an hour, but at least they all got in!:)

 

Our experience was totally opposite of the poster who stated where did everyone go, there were lines for everything, the water show, the ice show, the theater, and even when we had reservations in extra pay restaurants!

We were lucky as I said because of our Diamond+/casino club status which kept our waiting to a minimum, and we must add the entertainment was great, Chicago, Blue, the Water Show, the ice show, and our fav. rest.Samba:eek:, all made the cruise special !:D

 

Embarkation, and disembarkation never a problem with RCL!

Edited June 1, 2014 by American Bear

[temple1]

A question I've not seen yet - how many were in your party on previous cruises? I've been on Indy twice and never felt it to be overly crowded, but I was only traveling with one other person.

 

Good for you for staying by the pool, too bad the others in your group did not want to strike out and find their own lounge chairs.

 

On our first cruise on Indy when leaving Costa Maya an awful storm came in that followed us all evening and the next day as we headed for port. It was pretty miserable outside - cold, wet and windy. So most indoor places were busier but that could not be helped.

 

There are so many places to sit and relax on the ship it seems a shame everyone felt the only other place to go was to the cabin. I like the little areas between the elevator bays that have a great view of the Promenade.

[Merion_Mom]

You are absolutely right. Until now I have loved cruising & get bored on land based holidays now.

 

Thinking about it the weather was a huge factor, yes. Waking up every day & not being able to use the balcony was annoying. Then, trying to find alternative things to do & finding that's what everyone else was doing I just spent a lot of time in my cabin reading.

 

I've decided to stick with the Allure & hope this was just a one off.

 

Thanks:)

 

Good on you! :)

[Carpgirl]

A question I've not seen yet - how many were in your party on previous cruises? I've been on Indy twice and never felt it to be overly crowded, but I was only traveling with one other person.

 

Good for you for staying by the pool, too bad the others in your group did not want to strike out and find their own lounge chairs.

 

On our first cruise on Indy when leaving Costa Maya an awful storm came in that followed us all evening and the next day as we headed for port. It was pretty miserable outside - cold, wet and windy. So most indoor places were busier but that could not be helped.

 

There are so many places to sit and relax on the ship it seems a shame everyone felt the only other place to go was to the cabin. I like the little areas between the elevator bays that have a great view of the Promenade.

 

Hi,

 

It's always been the 5 of us. Me, my kids (9 & 12) & my parents. My husband has never wanted to cruise with us as he thinks he'll hate it. The kids persuaded him to come with us on the Allure, just he 4 of us, no grandparents. Hence all the questions, having persuaded a cruise hater to come on the Allure I'm praying it won't be like the Indy.

[Merion_Mom]

Hi,

 

It's always been the 5 of us. Me, my kids (9 & 12) & my parents. My husband has never wanted to cruise with us as he thinks he'll hate it. The kids persuaded him to come with us on the Allure, just he 4 of us, no grandparents. Hence all the questions, having persuaded a cruise hater to come on the Allure I'm praying it won't be like the Indy.

 

I predict that the Allure will convert him! ;)

[Cruisegirl6]

First I want to tell you the Allure three weeks ago was my 53rd cruise, keep this in mind when I tell you THE ALLURE WAS OUR FAVORITE SHIP, all 7 of is adults (family) agree totally, All 7 of us also felt we never ever felt crowded it was very shocking to us and also was very pleasing and we would go again in a heartbeat on her or the Oasis, the only reason why I am hesitating is that my cabin even set at the lowest setting (coolest) seemed to get warm during the middle of the night. Everybody needs to experience her sometime, so please, keep in mind my experience cruising and the fact I am telling you that you will not have that crowded feeling.

 

Embarkation was a breeze for us and debarkation pretty much was all painless. We were impressed by the time we actually got through customs considering 6k passengers on that ship.

 

Regarding the "line" in the windjammer, honestly, the first morning we went up there for breakfast I saw the line at both port and starboard side, was going to leave but figured let me give it a few minutes, we were inside in 5 minutes even with long lines it was painless, in fact, the reason for that line is because 1- they have an employee handing out purell and making sure everybody that enters the windjammer uses it 2- they not seat you at a table so its no longer walking around trying to find a table never less waiting for that table to get cleaned 3- they also bring you to your table and bring your silverware/napkins to so you don't have to do this yourself any longer (yes they still have the napkins/silverware with the dishes). Trust me I have no patience and I am telling you don't let these issues bother you its nothing.

[KPLIONMA]

We have gone on 17 cruises...Carnival, Royal and Princess...just saying that the Allure embarkation was the longest wait..over an hour...with lots of pushing and shoving. At the time, we were not above Gold status...hence the wait..Now that we're Platinum do you think the wait will be shorter? LOL

[Paulette3028]

Thanks for your reply.

 

The problem with the Windjammer was less to do with finding a table & more about the scrum involved in getting the food. Being bashed in to, queuing for food & having other people cut in line, it felt like a zoo. People grabbing things with their hands & not using the tongs. I actually witnessed a mum tell her young daughter who was deciding whether to have gravy with her meat or not to dip her finger in it to see if she liked it, which she did.

 

What you are now describing is the poor manners of people, that isn't Royal's fault and on embarkation day, with all the work that is involved in turning around the ship to leave port on the same day it arrives, there probably aren't enough staff to function as 'policemen in the WJ'.

[Paulette3028]

We have gone on 17 cruises...Carnival, Royal and Princess...just saying that the Allure embarkation was the longest wait..over an hour...with lots of pushing and shoving. At the time, we were not above Gold status...hence the wait..Now that we're Platinum do you think the wait will be shorter? LOL

 

Yes, it will be....there is a 'priority boarding' line for Platinum and above.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

You are absolutely right. Until now I have loved cruising & get bored on land based holidays now.

 

Thinking about it the weather was a huge factor, yes. Waking up every day & not being able to use the balcony was annoying. Then, trying to find alternative things to do & finding that's what everyone else was doing I just spent a lot of time in my cabin reading.

 

I've decided to stick with the Allure & hope this was just a one off.

 

Thanks:)

 

I'm really happy you chose Allure and hope you will like it as much Hubby and I do. Our daughter-in-law and son like Allure so much that our DIL asked to go on Allure's WEstern itinerary for her college graduation gift. We said OK.

[Wilda]

Glad to hear you decided to go with the Allure. As far as crowding goes we felt the same way about the Freedom class ships, especially after shows. You won't find that on Allure, they do a great job of dispersing the crowds and more often than not you will wonder where every one is:D