Just off Allure 5/22- 5/28/22

[Detailedplanner]

This may be long but I found very little recent information all in one place in my research prior to departure, so here is a detailed review.

We boarded out of Fort Lauderdale and our boarding time was 11:30am, we were told that they enforced this and I understand why, it regulated the flow and reduced large public gatherings (which is quite comical based on later events while on board). The wait time is critical and I read several posts that it was “just a suggestion” and not enforced.  I saw two queue lines, 11-11:30 and noon-2:30.  We went through the 11:30am line quickly and we’re onboard at 11:50am.   They were letting people in in groups of 50-100 at a time.  If you get there before your assigned time, you might be able to go through the first stages but you will have to wait in a staging area and I would recommend just doing the right thing and book your entry as soon as possible when starting your check-in, you can start the check in process 30 days in advance and you don’t have to complete it right away but you can lock in your boarding time.  All in all, the boarding was easy and very well run by the port employees.  The process works best when people follow the processes put in place.   Yes, I recognize that it is your vacation and it is an exciting time, but it is my vacation as well as 5000+ other peoples vacation and everyone’s overall experience is impacted when a few people decide to have an “I don’t care about anyone else” attitude.  Trust me, your overall vacation will be fantastic if you recognize that everyone else is following the rules so I will do my part to do the same in fear of being labeled as “That person” by all.  That being said, let’s move on.

On the Ship @ 11:50am and in awe that they turned around the ship so quickly and the amount of attention to cleanliness was apparent at every turn.  The sterile aspects of the ship was comforting and soon my mask was removed.  I did have a mask with me at all times for situations like…large crowed areas on Deck 5 (only on day 1 was this an issue), elevators (will address elevator etiquette later) and the theater. 

We went to the Grande Dining Room to request a table for 2, we just wanted to be on our own as many past cruises we have been grouped with others and have not had good luck so this time we just wanted to be on our own.  The host was accommodating and I slipped him a $10 and thanked him for his help.  He then turned to another person and had the show me where my table was, introduced us to our waiter and said no need to wait in line at our “My Time” dining time of 5:15pm, just go to the table. This was really nice and the service was amazing.  Next we went next door to the Hibachi restaurant and scheduled our 2nd specialty dining night (our first was Chops on day 2 but we had to wait till we were onboard to make the 2nd reservation, which was 150 Park Place on day 4).  Next we went onto the app and reserved our seats for the shows we wanted to see. This was easy and all of this was done by 12:15pm on Day 1.  Next we went to Park Cafe for lunch and it was delicious.  A create your own salad and a roast beef sandwich and desert and it was so good and not crowded.   Our fear was Windjammer pandemonium and our lunch was so nice and peaceful.   The staff was pleasant and aggressively cleaning and sanitizing tables.  

After lunch we went to our room, a balcony ocean view on deck 10.  The room was great but I have to say, after experiencing Odyssey Of the Seas cabinets and drawers, I can see why these rooms are in need of a renovation.  It just was not user friendly but we managed and made it work with no problems.

We explored the ship for the rest of the afternoon and ended up on the sky deck on deck 14 for departure and this was a great “not so hidden” gem for departure.   Not very crowded but had great views. 

Dinner was @ 5:15pm and the service was great, the food delicious and deserts were tasty.   I am glad they have smaller portions so we didn’t over eat, but for those who want more, just ask and they will get it for you.   

We went to check out the spa, scheduled a facial and a massage and then went to see the Aqua show.   

So let’s talk about the shows: This show was amazing, entertaining and well produced.  Dives from 17 meters high(55.9 feet). On a moving ship into a 15 foot deep pool.   Breathtaking and well worth your time.

Mama Mia:  seen this on Broadway and can honestly say that the ensemble on this ship rivals that of Broadway.  They were spectacular and a must see.  Yes it is long (2 1/2 hours) but there is a 15 minute intermission and the show moves quickly. 

Ice show:  entertaining and worth seeing.   Unfortunately I heard several other reviews where they said the “rolling of the dice” was annoying and I tend to agree but it serves a purpose allowing the set changes and the athletes to catch their breath.   I could not help but think to myself, I am on a cruise ship in the western Caribbean in late May watching ice skating….   Go see it

Love and marriage:  a classic and funny every time we see it.

Other events we saw or participated in:  

Silent Dance Party-  this is hilarious and if you have a chance to pop in I highly recommend it. 

Jazz on 4:   Talented musicians and worth a few minutes to see and hear them perform 

Pianist in Central Park (around 6pm - 7 pm each night).  Beautiful to listen to and another gem of a place that is not over crowded and pleasant to just sit and relax for a few… suggestion would be to Go to deck 5, get on “Rising Tides Bar” and enjoy a cocktail on the way to Deck 8 Central Park.

Now to the pool area:  obviously on sea days the pool area was crowded but on port days it was very nice.

Zip-line was short but fun and fun to watch as well

Flow rider was also fun to watch

Basketball, Pickle ball, dodgeball, ping pong were all available.

One night after dinner we went up and played 9 holes of putt-putt during sunset.   It was a beautiful combination.  

The best event we saw outside of Mama Mia was the 70’s Disco Party:  this was hilarious and fun to participate in.    We did however watch from Schooner’s Bar.  The main area on deck 5 was over crowded, I had asked why this was not done on the top deck area outside as it would have been safer for everyone….but RCL had a tremendous technology light show and the production was top notch so I see why they have it there, but had 18 months to pivot.  Nevertheless, it was awesome.

Chops was delicious as always, the service was fantastic and well timed.

150 Park was a disappointment, the food was good but the experience was long and oftentimes we were ignored.  

Giovanni’s Table was surprisingly good, this was a last night addition and glad we decided to add this.  Service was impeccable. 

Main Dining:  food was hot, well timed and very good.   If we had not done the specialty dining 3 of the 6 nights we would have been very content with the Main Dining experience.  

Main Dining breakfast:   Took longer but we didn’t care as we saw such hard work by the staff to accommodate everyone.   Breakfasts were busier than past cruises and I think this was due to many people having the same concerns of Windjammers (a super-spreaders paradise because people serve themselves…in excess and it is just not a germ free experience in current times).  I highly recommend and request that RCL go back to plating peoples requests…. Think about how many people are touching the tongs, plates and each other in a rush to get that extra piece of bread.

We only did Windjammers once for lunch and once for breakfast and it was a late to avoid the crowds.  We used paper towels to grab the tongs and sanitized when we got to the table.

I know many of you may think I’m a germaphobe but I am not, I am a realistic person who has read several post trip comments on Facebook of people who have tested positive post cruise.  We were conscientious at every step and tested negative 3 hours after disembarking.

Overall the cruise was fantastic.  This was a get away and ports were not a priority so this is why there were not reviews of any of the ports.  

The crew, as many recall, were out of work for 18 months and they were all so grateful to be working again.  Each crew members was pleasant, polite and went out of their way to make our trip so memorable.  

The only con for the trip….. the arrogance and belittling attitude of a select few people on their own vacations.   

Examples:   For people that are on the elevator, allow them to get off the elevator before entering.   Several times we were on the elevator trying to get off on the floor we selected and when the doors opened, people just rushed in with no regard to people trying to exit.  When we said excuse me they would come back with a smarmy comment.  This was a daily occurrence.   Yes it is your vacation too, but that extra 2 seconds you gained by running into the elevator without regard of anyone else’s vacation only impacts every person with manors and not your 2 second gain.

Also, the people who berated the staff for things out of their control for things that are not related to the incident in the first place.  For example:  we were in 150 Park for dinner, the table next to us was so rude to the wait staff over every little thing and when desert order came, they said that they would appreciate it if the server sent someone form the kitchen to Giovanni’s for their gelato and to Chops for their cheesecake because they didn’t like the deserts at 150 Park.   The server went back and 10 minutes later came back with the cheesecake and gelato and the table said “you took too long so we don’t want it now”.  Who goes to Morton’s Steakhouse and orders the Lamb chops from Ruth Chris?

 

Disembarkation was a breeze, easy and without incident.

 

In todays world we all need to be a bit more understanding and appreciate people.  The efforts the crew put into making sure everyone was happy was so evident.   

 

Overall, I was very impressed and happy to have left Covid free 

 

 

[doppelganger2621]

Thanks for your review! I’m on Allure next month, so it was nice to see such a positive recent review.

[ocean sounds]

Great review!  Thanks for sharing.  

[mickeygirl78]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and review. The elevator issue drives me nuts too, it’s amazing how often people do that. 

[will5mom]

Great review! we're going on the Allure in Oct.

[bucfan2]

12 hours ago, mickeygirl78 said:

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and review. The elevator issue drives me nuts too, it’s amazing how often people do that. 

We’ve found passengers to be very courteous on the stairways. 

[Lionesss]

Nice review, you covered it very well!!!

 

We sailed the week before you and we too noticed the elevator issues.

 

Some people just have no clue.

 

We were on the 17th deck and the elevators seemed to go to 16 and then go back down.

We could tell because they are tracked by the deck number above the doors.

 

We reported it.

It was not uncommon to wait 15 -20 min. for one elevator.

Now mind you we only took if we were going down to deck 5 or 6 other than that we walked.

 

On the day we disembarked, I guess the WJ was a feeding frenzy at 7am.

We were to leave at 7:30 and had to gather at Champagne bar.

We new it would be busy and gathered our belongings and went to elevators at approximately 7:05am.

 

Well, elevators were packed, in fact it must have been ugly on deck 16 by WJ because people were riding up one floor to go down, and I cannot blame them. Elevator after elevator went to 16 and down.

 

Finally one of the elevators arrived with room for 4-5, but with our carryons we would fill it.

There were two elderly ladies (my age) standing by the door and did not budge.

I nicely asked, we have been waiting awhile, can you please let us in, as I held the door open with my carryon.  After one large sigh, she moved and goes, I do not think there is room.  I casually got in and did not look at her, and easily moved to the side as did my DH.  

So now we go to 16 and the elevators stop and 2 more guest get on, and now it is getting fuller, but still a little room.

The sighing lady looked at me, and I bit my tongue and just smiled.

She and her friend got off on deck 7 and I just wished them safe travels.

 

I would do the same for all.

In fact there were quite of cruisers with mobility issues and needed scooters, when we were just casually walking or just out and about, we left the elevator so they could go on with their travels.

 

The worst time to get an elevator was after a show.  So we just grabbed a spot and people watched and withing 10 15 min, we could easily get one.

 

 

In fact the one comedian made a comment, if you want a quiet place to yourself, go to the stairs, no one uses them.

 

Take care

[coaster]

We brought throwaway food service gloves for WJ on Allure on a b2b a couple of weeks ago when we served ourselves. A  little extra prep,  but it made us feel better.  Know it does nothing for Covid, but news of Noro outbreaks are still in the back of my mind. Miss when they used to serve you and it kept the buffet less sloppy also.

 

[jagsfan]

18 hours ago, mickeygirl78 said:

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and review. The elevator issue drives me nuts too, it’s amazing how often people do that. 

Not only do many rush in, but even when they don’t, they stand directly in front of the elevator doors blocking any one’s exit. 

[Oceansaway17]

16 minutes ago, jagsfan said:

Not only do many rush in, but even when they don’t, they stand directly in front of the elevator doors blocking any one’s exit. 

Ah and that is when I glare and say loudly Excxxxcusssse ME. 

[DustFSU]

Usually if I just need to go a floor or two down I would just take the stairs.  Another tip sometimes if you are in a high traffic area like the WJ during a open time, walk to midship and then take a elevator down and you might have better luck.  I know that is hard for the older crowd, but give it a shot.

[brillohead]

I really think that Royal needs to put signage up on every single elevator door that reads, "please stand to the side and allow others to exit the elevator car before you enter".  Not sure why grown adults need this pointed out to them, but it's been occurring regularly for years and years.

They need another over the elevator call buttons that say, "if the elevator car is full, please wait until the doors have closed before pressing the call button again". I had one cruise where the doofus kept pushing the button over and over again, and I finally stuck my head out into the lobby and said, "our car will NEVER LEAVE so another one can come for you if you don't let the doors close before you push the button".  

And as someone else who was on this same cruise, I wish they'd put personnel at the top of the stairs during Mamma Mia to stop latecomers.  I had people walking in front of me and the row in front of me AN HOUR AFTER THE SHOW STARTED to get to a seat.  I'm not talking about people who were there from the beginning of the show and had to make a quick bathroom trip, or just a couple of people on time, I'm talking about more than half a dozen different groups of people who didn't show up until ten minutes to an hour into the production!  How rude!!!

It's not Royal's fault that people are rude idiots, but some signage and some stair-blockers would make the experience better for the rest of the passengers.