Live on allure ~ christmas at sea~

[Dinkachu]

 

CHRISTMAS at SEA is a tradition for our family. This is our 6th Christmas at Sea and our 2nd on Allure of the Seas.

 

We've enjoyed the festive decorations.

Being at Sea on this magnificent ship is a treat in itself. That being said,

Christmas on Allure is not nearly as festive as it was in years past.

 

The following were a part of our ALLURE CHRISTMAS in 2011, but are GONE and no longer part of RCI's Christmas on Allure in 2015:

~ NO incredible midnight buffet with butter and ice sculptures

~ NO egg nog party

~ NO caroling with special song books led by the captain

~ NO gingerbread cookies in our room on Christmas Eve

~ NO GIFT of ANY KIND FROM RCI - this is the first of our Christmas cruises with no gift. The first time we got really nice, rolling luggage bags, then backpacks, then RCI Items, and last time on ALLURE, a free dvd of the history of the ship.

~ There used to be a special Christmas ice show

~ Chocolate Candies on the bed from RCI for Crown and Anchor members on Christmas

~ A Christmas Eve religious service

 

What you still get on Christmas

~ Lovely decorations throughout the ship, including Christmas trees, poinsettias, and lights

~ Santa arrived and passed out gifts to kids 18 and under just like before

~ There was an ensemble playing Christmas carols on the promenade

~ There was a special menu in the main dining room for supper today, with roast turkey and other traditional items available.

~ Employees still wear Christmas hats.

~ Christmas day service

 

We pay A LOT more for the Christmas cruise, we kind of miss the little extras.

I know the incredible midnight buffet has been gone for many years. Deemed a waste of time and money. Other than the decorations and one special meal, it did not feel nearly as much of a Christmas celebration week.

We miss the egg nog party with the captain, caroling on the promenade, the special Christmas ice show, etc.

We still loved our cruise - just thinking we might sail the week before Christmas next year - it will be cheaper and we'll still see the decorations.

Edited December 26, 2015 by Dinkachu

[Lionesss]

Thanks for the update.

 

I guess the cutbacks thru RCI are hitting all aspects of cruising.

 

Never cruised over a big holiday such as Christmas...the cost $$$$

 

Enjoy though.

 

Safe travels.

[DonnaK]

The cutbacks all around make me sad.

[MaiseyM]

Interesting. I have a Christmas cruise booked on Harmony next year. I can't imagine their offerings are going to be too different from what you see on your cruise. Thank you.

[Big Beer Gut]

I don't know about 2011 but this years activities sound just like the last few years. All of those cut backs have been in place for a while

[Setting sail for fun]

We have never sailed during Christmas week but the list of events in 2011 sound really special! Sorry they are no longer available. We sailed during the first week of December on Indy this year so we did enjoy their Christmas decorations and turkey dinner.

 

Years ago we sailed in December (maybe on Navigator) and the Christmas tree was decorated with seashells, starfish and the like. It was so beautiful!

[springaussie]

Did they offer midnight mass this year?

[Dinkachu]

Did they offer midnight mass this year?

 

There was no midnight Mass this year on Allure - there was a 'non-denominational' service on Christmas Day.

[springaussie]

There was no midnight Mass this year on Allure - there was a 'non-denominational' service on Christmas Day.

 

 

Thanks for that info.

[JamesEM]

Thanks for your report, it is apparent the cut backs are everywhere, for our next vacation DW and I are doing an AI, and we have Diamond status.

[cruisinrealtor]

Some of the things you mentioned could have been taken away also because not everyone on the Christmas sailing celebrates Christmas. Not sure how true that is just a thought.