Just off Allure

[jmalsa]

Sailing 12-30-22 to 1-6-23

We were a family of 5. Kids ages 20,18,15. 

Two inside cabins. 

 

Ship still in great shape

 

6333 passengers onboard and did not feel crowded except at some expected times like boarding and Windjammer after boarding and a few events in smaller venues. Even sea days at the pool were not that bad. 

 

Boarding process was a breeze. Maybe 15 minutes from time of arrival to get on ship. We dropped bags, went upstairs and they checked us in and then we were aboard. 

 

Getting off even easier. We did self assist and from room to out of terminal maybe 10 minutes. Scanned sea pass card to get off and then to a mobile face recognition station for passport passengers. They scanned our faces and done. 

 

Internet was fast enough. Kids streamed  short videos from social media and even some tv or movies and no complaints. Only complaint I have is we did a 4 device package and wife and I shared. It does not let you choose which device to switch with so when one of us would switch it would sometimes kick one of the kids devices off unless we turned our wi-fi off before getting on. 

 

They had our dinning time right as early dinning but even though both reservations were linked they had us dining in different dining rooms. Went down to the dinning room and they made the switch to get us all together no problem. All the food was excellent in our opinions. We ate main dining all but one night and a few lunches. One night we ate at Samba grill. As far as Brazilian steakhouses go it probably wasn’t as good as ones on land except for two dishes. The tenderloin was the best we have had EVER!!! Even counting some high end steak houses in Chicago. The lamb chops were also very good, 

 

Shows were all really good. Had reservations for Ice,Diving and Mama Mia. Main headliner was first come first serve. Had reservations for adult comedy but decided to try to go to the earlier show that same day. Waited in standby line for there about 30 minutes early and we got in. Not the greatest seats but still got in. 

Small venue activities for the most part had to get there early to get in unless there was an activity right before (back to back) then hard to get in. 

Quest is back and was super fun. My kids first time and it was their favorite from the whole cruise. 

 

Ports of call.

Cozumel we did ATV and Jade cavern excursion by Wildtours. We have been on two other ATV excursions before. This was the best one yet! Jade caverns were alright but the ATVing was awesome. Bring crocs or water shoes or rent crocs from Wildtours. You will get wet if it has rained a bit sometime before you go. Went through a lot of puddles and even a small pond. Guides were friendly and helpful. 

 

Costa Maya: Did our own thing. Reserved a day at Jamie’s Blue Reef. Was well worth it. Food and drinks were excellent. Kitchen a bit slow on our day maybe they were short handed. Bar service was fast and great. Servers were friendly and attentive.

 

Roatan did Sea Boss and snorkeling excursion through Royal and then our own private tour around the island with Rony’s tours. Sea boss was just okay. Snorkeling not much to see. 

Rony’s tours was good. Our driver met us at the sea boss excursion to save time. We had to sign a piece of paper for Sea Boss stating we were not taking transportation provided and going on our own back to the ship. Our driver was really friendly. We went to the chocolate shop it was okay. Then he took us to lunch at a place by the port. The shrimp were excellent and conch was good. Then to Danielle Johnson’s monkey/sloth. Got to hold a sloth for about a minute each and then all of us together maybe 10 minutes in a monkey cage which was fun. Then a quick visit in the Macaw cage which meh. Wish we had some more time. No one was even behind us waiting. It was a good experience just short. 

Then our driver took us to a nice picture spot and then to a souvenir shop then got us back to ship right when we wanted at 4pm. 

 

All in all great trip on Allure. 

[Ret MP]

4 minutes ago, jmalsa said:

Sailing 12-30-22 to 1-6-23

We were a family of 5. Kids ages 20,18,15. 

Two inside cabins. 

 

Ship still in great shape

 

6333 passengers onboard and did not feel crowded except at some expected times like boarding and Windjammer after boarding and a few events in smaller venues. Even sea days at the pool were not that bad. 

 

Boarding process was a breeze. Maybe 15 minutes from time of arrival to get on ship. We dropped bags, went upstairs and they checked us in and then we were aboard. 

 

Getting off even easier. We did self assist and from room to out of terminal maybe 10 minutes. Scanned sea pass card to get off and then to a mobile face recognition station for passport passengers. They scanned our faces and done. 

 

Internet was fast enough. Kids streamed  short videos from social media and even some tv or movies and no complaints. Only complaint I have is we did a 4 device package and wife and I shared. It does not let you choose which device to switch with so when one of us would switch it would sometimes kick one of the kids devices off unless we turned our wi-fi off before getting on. 

 

They had our dinning time right as early dinning but even though both reservations were linked they had us dining in different dining rooms. Went down to the dinning room and they made the switch to get us all together no problem. All the food was excellent in our opinions. We ate main dining all but one night and a few lunches. One night we ate at Samba grill. As far as Brazilian steakhouses go it probably wasn’t as good as ones on land except for two dishes. The tenderloin was the best we have had EVER!!! Even counting some high end steak houses in Chicago. The lamb chops were also very good, 

 

Shows were all really good. Had reservations for Ice,Diving and Mama Mia. Main headliner was first come first serve. Had reservations for adult comedy but decided to try to go to the earlier show that same day. Waited in standby line for there about 30 minutes early and we got in. Not the greatest seats but still got in. 

Small venue activities for the most part had to get there early to get in unless there was an activity right before (back to back) then hard to get in. 

Quest is back and was super fun. My kids first time and it was their favorite from the whole cruise. 

 

Ports of call.

Cozumel we did ATV and Jade cavern excursion by Wildtours. We have been on two other ATV excursions before. This was the best one yet! Jade caverns were alright but the ATVing was awesome. Bring crocs or water shoes or rent crocs from Wildtours. You will get wet if it has rained a bit sometime before you go. Went through a lot of puddles and even a small pond. Guides were friendly and helpful. 

 

Costa Maya: Did our own thing. Reserved a day at Jamie’s Blue Reef. Was well worth it. Food and drinks were excellent. Kitchen a bit slow on our day maybe they were short handed. Bar service was fast and great. Servers were friendly and attentive.

 

Roatan did Sea Boss and snorkeling excursion through Royal and then our own private tour around the island with Rony’s tours. Sea boss was just okay. Snorkeling not much to see. 

Rony’s tours was good. Our driver met us at the sea boss excursion to save time. We had to sign a piece of paper for Sea Boss stating we were not taking transportation provided and going on our own back to the ship. Our driver was really friendly. We went to the chocolate shop it was okay. Then he took us to lunch at a place by the port. The shrimp were excellent and conch was good. Then to Danielle Johnson’s monkey/sloth. Got to hold a sloth for about a minute each and then all of us together maybe 10 minutes in a monkey cage which was fun. Then a quick visit in the Macaw cage which meh. Wish we had some more time. No one was even behind us waiting. It was a good experience just short. 

Then our driver took us to a nice picture spot and then to a souvenir shop then got us back to ship right when we wanted at 4pm. 

 

All in all great trip on Allure. 

Great review.  All positive.  Good job!

[bethco]

On any future cruise, the way to avoid the internet issue you had is to go to web browser and put logoff.com so that device is removed.  You then repeat the process when you change back. 

 

[silentbob007]

Good to hear positive things about Allure. Unexpectedly planning an April trip now with family who have never cruised. My first time out of Galveston and first time cruising with a toddler … feels like I suddenly have a lot to learn again. 

[Ozark_Kid]

2 hours ago, jmalsa said:

One night we ate at Samba grill. As far as Brazilian steakhouses go it probably wasn’t as good as ones on land except for two dishes. The tenderloin was the best we have had EVER!!! Even counting some high end steak houses in Chicago. The lamb chops were also very good, 

Good to hear you enjoyed.  We tried it last October.  I agree the tenderloin was great.  I wasn't going to try the lambchop but our cruise friend liked it so I tried it.  So good I am looking forward to trying lambchops again. 

I have read that the Wipeout Cafe has been converted to El Loco  fresh.  Did you try it? 

As for sharing internet, we do it all the time.  What @bethco mentioned is the way to do it. 

[Guinness1000]

1 hour ago, silentbob007 said:

Good to hear positive things about Allure. Unexpectedly planning an April trip now with family who have never cruised. My first time out of Galveston and first time cruising with a toddler … feels like I suddenly have a lot to learn again. 

Same here, but we're going in May. Will be my first time out of Galveston.  🙂

[jmalsa]

2 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

I have read that the Wipeout Cafe has been converted to El Loco  fresh.  Did you try it? 

Yes we tried it. Is was good. Nice to make your own nachos for a snack. 

[jmalsa]

4 hours ago, bethco said:

On any future cruise, the way to avoid the internet issue you had is to go to web browser and put logoff.com so that device is removed.  You then repeat the process when you change back. 

 

Thanks for the info. 

[mistshar]

4 hours ago, silentbob007 said:

Good to hear positive things about Allure. Unexpectedly planning an April trip now with family who have never cruised. My first time out of Galveston and first time cruising with a toddler … feels like I suddenly have a lot to learn again. 

When are you going in April?  We are going April 16th.  Have never been on one of this size ships.

 

[CleverFirst]

Had the main dining room converted to the new menus for your cruise? 

[jmalsa]

1 hour ago, CleverFirst said:

Had the main dining room converted to the new menus for your cruise? 

No they had not 

[slyster]

7 hours ago, bethco said:

On any future cruise, the way to avoid the internet issue you had is to go to web browser and put logoff.com so that device is removed.  You then repeat the process when you change back. 

 

Thank you for that.  I never knew that.

[slyster]

Thanks for your review!  I am going to try Samba Grill on our Allure cruise later this year.

[silentbob007]

3 hours ago, mistshar said:

When are you going in April?  We are going April 16th.  Have never been on one of this size ships.

 

 

If all goes as expected, we will be paying top spring break dollar on April 2nd.

 

I really enjoy the Oasis class.  I got engaged on the Harmony, which was my wife's first cruise, and then we had our honeymoon on the Allure.  Right before COVID, we told my parents she was pregnant on the Oasis.  Now I cannot convince her that it might be OK to cruise on a ship without a Central Park (though she is resigned to not have one when we eventually decide to go to Alaska).

[Coralc]

7 hours ago, silentbob007 said:

Good to hear positive things about Allure. Unexpectedly planning an April trip now with family who have never cruised. My first time out of Galveston and first time cruising with a toddler … feels like I suddenly have a lot to learn again. 

Family & toddler now, Bob? Congratulations! We haven't seen you for a long time. ☺️

[jbrinkm]

16 minutes ago, silentbob007 said:

If all goes as expected, we will be paying top spring break dollar on April 2nd.

 

I'm on the April 2 Allure cruise out of Galveston too! Check in on our roll call if you have time, once you book. I'd also highly recommend a knowledgeable TA - we got a great deal for this cruise by using a reputable company with actual people (not allowed to recommend specific companies on this board but I wish I could...). The group we used had blocks of rooms that they got for a discounted price. 

 

My family was on Allure last year for Spring Break from Ft. Lauderdale and we loved it so much that we're doing an almost identical cruise again this year, just one extra night. She's a great ship! I can also answer questions (not about Galveston because we're figuring that our ourselves, but about the ship and the ports). 

[jbrinkm]

9 hours ago, jmalsa said:

Quest is back and was super fun. My kids first time and it was their favorite from the whole cruise. 

 

Ports of call.

Cozumel we did ATV and Jade cavern excursion by Wildtours. We have been on two other ATV excursions before. This was the best one yet! Jade caverns were alright but the ATVing was awesome. Bring crocs or water shoes or rent crocs from Wildtours. You will get wet if it has rained a bit sometime before you go. Went through a lot of puddles and even a small pond. Guides were friendly and helpful. 

 

Hi @jmalsa! Two questions - first, was Quest appropriate for your 15 year old? I've heard how funny it is, but also that some versions can get more risqué than others...

 

And second, you mention your shoes but not clothing for ATVs. We're doing our first ATV adventure in April on Cozumel and have no idea what to expect. Should we wear long pants (googling says engines could be hot)? Is there flying debris? Lots of mud? Should we wear goggles and long sleeves? And just confirming that you think water shoes and/or crocs would be fine for the ATV, as opposed to something sturdier? 

 

Thanks!

[brillohead]

1 minute ago, jbrinkm said:

Two questions - first, was Quest appropriate for your 15 year old? I've heard how funny it is, but also that some versions can get more risqué than others...

That is going to vary depending on your interpretation of "appropriate".  

I would have had no problem taking my son to it at 12yo, some grown adults find it offensive.

There shouldn't be any actual nudity, but you will see women's undergarments and references to birth control (and oral acts that can be used to substitute for birth control).

Only you can decide if your 15yo is mature enough to handle things like that.

[Ret MP]

It is hard to offend me!  I totally and completely enjoy the Quest and so does my wife.  However, we would not bring our less than 16 year old grandkids into the Quest.  That's not a judgement of others that do, unless there are rules against it and I don't know if there is or isn't.  Then it's a rule following issue, if there is.  That's just how I/we feel about it with our own gkids.  

 

I also think that the maturity level of the person is a consideration.  Hell, I've seen some seniors that shouldn't be allowed to experience the Quest, LOL.    

 

NOTE:  This has nothing to do with the Quest, but I guess it could.  But, I find it very funny and idiotic at the same time when people go into an "Adult" comedy show, one that is very well advertised and has several signs going in stating that it is an "Adult" comedy show AND then come out complaining about the language used by the comedian and/or that they were picked on by the comedian.  PLEASE!

[ssb]

14 hours ago, CleverFirst said:

Had the main dining room converted to the new menus for your cruise? 

Supposedly starting on January 15 cruise 

[not-enough-cruising]

10 hours ago, brillohead said:

That is going to vary depending on your interpretation of "appropriate".  

I would have had no problem taking my son to it at 12yo, some grown adults find it offensive.

There shouldn't be any actual nudity, but you will see women's undergarments and references to birth control (and oral acts that can be used to substitute for birth control).

Only you can decide if your 15yo is mature enough to handle things like that.

We have seen staff removing younger cruisers from the venue every time we have gone to The Quest. 
It’s an 18 and over activity. 

[not-enough-cruising]

6 minutes ago, ssb said:

Supposedly starting on January 15 cruise 

Vickie Freed stated last week that the new menus were still being tweaked, and would not roll out to the fleet before late to mid February. 
It appears  this is still a very fluid situation. 

[ssb]

58 minutes ago, not-enough-cruising said:

Vickie Freed stated last week that the new menus were still being tweaked, and would not roll out to the fleet before late to mid February. 
It appears  this is still a very fluid situation. 

I agree but saw it listed somewhere today in social media . We will find out for we are on that cruise . 

[not-enough-cruising]

21 minutes ago, ssb said:

I agree but saw it listed somewhere today in social media . We will find out for we are on that cruise . 

Please let us know; I am boarding Feb 12

[jmalsa]

12 hours ago, jbrinkm said:

 

Hi @jmalsa! Two questions - first, was Quest appropriate for your 15 year old? I've heard how funny it is, but also that some versions can get more risqué than others...

 

And second, you mention your shoes but not clothing for ATVs. We're doing our first ATV adventure in April on Cozumel and have no idea what to expect. Should we wear long pants (googling says engines could be hot)? Is there flying debris? Lots of mud? Should we wear goggles and long sleeves? And just confirming that you think water shoes and/or crocs would be fine for the ATV, as opposed to something sturdier? 

 

Thanks!

Again my daughter is in high school a sophomore. Royal states 18+. The last cruise we were on before Covid there was a 12 year old there. I would not recommend it for anyone under high school age. Technically Royal could kick you out if they wanted to. 
During the show they asked for underwear or thongs. Condoms or female toys. Again how worldly are your high schoolers. My family is pretty open and have open discussions with our now growing children a lot of the time. We had been to quest many times and knowing our daughter figured she could handle it. And she did.