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LIVE ON ALLURE - Rocking our way to St Thomas and MTD round 2!

Dinkachu

By Dinkachu,
in Royal Caribbean International

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Dinkachu

Dinkachu

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THE WINDS ARE WICKED STRONG and the ship is rocking and rolling. We are enjoying the motion as we cruise toward St Thomas. The dive shows and ice skating and zip line were all cancelled. Isn't it marvelous that on a ship this size there is so much to do that bad weather cancellations just give us a chance to find other things to do that we might have missed otherwise?

 

MY TIME DINING DISASTER TAKE 2: If you read my Sunday post, you know that we left the MDR after a 2 hour wait with only bread and a couple of appetizers being served because we wanted to see Mama Mia. We had a reservation for 5:30 (booked 8 weeks ahead of time). We notified waiters we had a show to get to - but to no avail. We figured it was a first night issue.

 

MONDAY NIGHT DINING was at CHOPS - and we were so glad we did NOT pay attention to the many negative reviews of CHOPS. We had marvelous service, fork-tender steaks that were cooked perfectly, and while the sides were heavy on potato choices, we were happy with them. The new Red Velvet cake is a disappointment if you can remember the heavenly 7-layer version from cruises past - but not enough of an issue to make us unhappy. CHOPS was a success.

 

TUESDAY NIGHT MTD ROUND 2: We arrived at 5:15 for a 5:30 reservation. We were told we had no reservation and had to get in the 'walk up' line. Sent son back to the cabin to get my paperwork (yes, I carry paper copies of all reservations and confirmations). Son returns (we are still in line). We show proof to the head waiter. He leaves and returns to say that since we did not 'show up' Sunday, our reservations were cancelled and we are not in the system - we must wait in the 'walk up line'. My friend - who had been bored on Sunday - showed him photos she took of other tables eating Sunday - clearly eating from the 1st night menu - and pictures of us sitting with bread. We explained we had spoken to HIM about having no entrees after 2 hours. He shook his head and said he was sorry - no reservations.

 

Off we went to guest services - after hearing our story - they gifted us - all 6 of us with a meal at Giovanni's for tonight and said to come back in the Morning to give them a chance to contact the head waiter and work out the issues. Guest services called ahead and Giovanni's greeted and seated us immediately. Nice save, RCI!!!!

 

Stay tuned for MTD round 3.

 

We made it to the stand up comedy show tonight. They comics were each very funny for the first 15 minutes of their set. The first one kind of ran out of steam and jokes at about minute 16, but the 2nd comic kept us laughing right up until the end.

 

Midnight means bedtime - St. Thomas tomorrow.

Edited by Dinkachu
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SF

SF

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Thanks for taking the time to post live from Allure. Hope the winds have settled down and you have smooth sailing the rest of the cruise.

Keep posting as I look forward to hearing more about your trip as we are planning on booking another cruise on Allure.:)

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goodycruising

goodycruising

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Well done on pushing the issue. They must have a lot of people lying to them, because they certainly seem to act like anything you bring up is an outright lie!

 

We did a B2B recently on Voyager, and we had MTD the first leg, and has asked for wait-list for the second leg of the cruise, as it was a later booking and MTD was full.

 

A couple of nights before the end of the first cruise we get a phone call that we have been moved to be on MTD. We never do reservations for MTD, so we rock up for a feed and the man says, no, you are on Deck 4, 8pm, and we say, no, your department rang us. We waited to the side for a while and he rang, and then after a bit he gave a slip to the fellow that takes you in. Radiated attitude. No apology, or even just a "it is sorted now".

 

You just wonder what they get taught for customer service sometimes. Once we were confirmed, he could have just been a little polite. I am sure it is not an easy job, but once you know where we all stand, just smile and get over it.

 

Will look forward to episode 3 of MDR!

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playingpossum Great Review Rare

playingpossum

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It sounds like you are having the same problems we did a couple weeks ago on the Allure. I too had a printout of my complete weeks schedule which was disregarded. It is hard to reward Royal with booking other dining venues just because their MTD is so hard to work with.

 

I'm also looking forward to your follow up for the next few days:).

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BillOh Holiday Sharing Rare

BillOh

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Well done on pushing the issue. They must have a lot of people lying to them, because they certainly seem to act like anything you bring up is an outright lie!

 

Well said, while my cruise experiences are overwhelmingly positive, I have seen that attitude on a few occasions. I too say congrats to the OP for pushing the issue, you shouldn't have to document things on vacation, but well done. I still haven't crossed over to the dark side of MTD yet ;)

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BillOh Holiday Sharing Rare

BillOh

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Good job with the review and working out the MTD issues. I was completely disappointed with MTD on Allure. Three hours for dinner just doesn't work when you have plans to see a show.

 

Agreed, while I won't criticize the OP for trying to do a show 2 hours after their seating, I would be prepared to leave before getting my dessert. I've had good luck in the past telling my waiter we were going to or coming from a show. 2 hours should be enough time.

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countess5 "Live from...." Rare

countess5

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What do we need to bring to charge cell phones, etc. Sorry, I'm terrible at the lingo, but is there something that we can put the charger straight into, or do we need to bring a plug that has one? Yeah, sorry, I know I'm not using the right terms..

 

We have cruised on the Allure before and will again in January. There is a plug by the desk, I would suggest a power strip if you have multiple devices to plub in. We always bring one and it is very useful. Not a lot of plugs in the cabins.

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caseymorgan

caseymorgan

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I don't understand the fascination with MTD. It seems strange that peoople make reservations for a specific time with "My Time Dining." I get that occasionally you might want to eat at an odd time and just show up, but reservations to then stand in line seems like a lot of hassle. I'll just stick to MDR.

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sammyreddog

sammyreddog

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We tried MTD for the first time on our recent Allure cruise....actually we originally had early seating, but due a lousy table assignment, our itinerary, and shows we asked the suite concierge to change us to MTD. First night we ate in CK...was good. Second night MTD...a zoo. Third night Giovannis...dinner over and done in 60 minutes...good. Night 4, MTD....large table, good company....2.5 hours for dinner....a dinner, mind you, that is not prepared to order. Complete circus. After that, CK and 150 Park for the remainder of the trip. We will not be trying MTD on a large ship again!

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Dinkachu

Dinkachu

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What do we need to bring to charge cell phones, etc. Sorry, I'm terrible at the lingo, but is there something that we can put the charger straight into, or do we need to bring a plug that has one? Yeah, sorry, I know I'm not using the right terms..

 

There are little slots on the outlet near the television that you can plug your cell phone charger right into. No adapter needed.

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Cruise a holic

Cruise a holic

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We will be boarding the Allure on Sunday morning- have been on this ship a couple of times and also the Oasis. I would like to know on boarding day, which restaurants will be open-free and pay. Is the MDR open boarding day? Looking foward to sharing this adventure with my DH, my son, dtr in law and three grandchildren. Love seeing this ship throught the eyes of the kids.

 

Thanks

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Koohiichan Great Review Rare

Koohiichan

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I've done MTD on Majesty, Adventure (2x) and Oasis (Allure's sister ship.) In general, we love MTD. The first night is generally a bit disorganized, but, after that, it goes smoothly. For the most part they seem to keep you with the same table and wait staff, especially if you have a standing reservation.

 

We tend to make reservations ahead of time. When you make a reservation for MTD, there should be no waiting. Again, the 1st night may be an exception to this rule. However, the only time we had to wait was on Oasis and it was only for a few minutes. In that instance, they escorted us to a different dining room, only for that night.

 

For our next cruise in January on Allure, we have elected to do MTD, however, we are eating at Samba the first night. From experience I know that MTD is crazy the first night so I want to avoid that scene. We are doing 3 specialty restaurants this trip. I'll be sure to report back on our trip and experience with MTD.

 

Cheers,

 

Koohiichan

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Dinkachu

Dinkachu

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We will be boarding the Allure on Sunday morning- have been on this ship a couple of times and also the Oasis. I would like to know on boarding day, which restaurants will be open-free and pay. Is the MDR open boarding day? Looking foward to sharing this adventure with my DH, my son, dtr in law and three grandchildren. Love seeing this ship throught the eyes of the kids.

 

Thanks

 

The MDR is not open until dinner time. Lunch selections included: Park Cafe, Windjammer, Wipe Out Cafe, Boardwalk Hot dogs and Cafe Promenade for free. We paid to eat at Johnny Rockets for lunch on boarding day and it was practically deserted. Everything is open for supper. Enjoy! The ship is magnificent.

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