Just off the Allure of the Seas
Jan 31st, 2011, 08:41 AM
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Just off the Allure of the Seas
Absolutely the best ship on the ocean. Did the sister ship, Oasis, last year. Loved it, but the Allure was better. Booking it for next year as well. The entertainment was better than Broadway or Vegas. The technology is incredible. Service (as always) is fabulous. I could never cruise on Carnival again even if you gave me a free cruise. Ghastly. RCCL knows how to run a loyalty program and has the perfect combination of fun, classy and chic. Nobody builds a more beautiful ship than RCCL. All those people on there and you never feel crowded and never have to wait in lines as you do on Princess.
Jan 31st, 2011, 08:57 AM
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Would love to try the Allure sometime. Enjoyed your review.
Just want to say, however, that I took three cruises this past year on three different Princess ships: Caribbean, Crown & Star, and never waited in any lines for anything except at the place to book excursions and, even then, they were very short most of the time.
Just want to say, however, that I took three cruises this past year on three different Princess ships: Caribbean, Crown & Star, and never waited in any lines for anything except at the place to book excursions and, even then, they were very short most of the time.
Feb 1st, 2011, 09:16 AM
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Entertainment better than Broadway and Vegas? I doubt it!
Been on Carnival, RCCL and Princess and like Princess the best of the three.
As a matter of fact, the food on Carnival has been consistently better than RCCL. Just my opinion of course.
Been on Carnival, RCCL and Princess and like Princess the best of the three.
As a matter of fact, the food on Carnival has been consistently better than RCCL. Just my opinion of course.
Feb 1st, 2011, 03:50 PM
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Its nice you were so impressed with the ship. Someday I want to try this class of ship and the Solstice class on Celebrity as well which is also getting great reviews. However food is subjective IMHO and CCL has been on a par w/ RCI for us. The best we've experienced was on the Tahitian Princess which is now the Ocean Princess BTW. Cheers, Larry 
Feb 1st, 2011, 07:30 PM
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thumnper- we had a balcony stateroom. It was nice, on the smallish side, but that doesn't bother me. Beds and linens were comfy. It was Eastern route. We did try Giovanni's table which was excellent and did Rita's Cantina for the Fiesta which was fun, but the food was pretty average. The food in the Solarium for breakfast and lunch and in the Cafe Promenade was always good. There are loads of choices. Besure to see Blue Planet and the Ocean Aria show. Trust me, they are like nothing you've seen on a ship. If you have questions or want to read reviews, go to cruisecritic.com for loads of info. Have a great cruise!
Feb 2nd, 2011, 04:50 PM
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You know - I did the Oasis last year and loved it, loved it, loved it. Those big ships are a different kind of cruise experience.... I want to go on the Allure (you're right - the technology is AMAZING) but this time, I just won't get off the ship..... I still remember sitting in Central park in a comfy chair reading my book, and sipping my latte..... Oh man, I loved that ship.... I've been on some different cruises, but I don't think I can really compare those class ships - they are unique...
Feb 3rd, 2011, 08:44 AM
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exactly debi. We cruised for the ship. I thought the Oasis had amazing shows, the Allure went up 30 per cent! We wish we could do a back to back, because you really can't do enough in one week. Honestly. And for naysayers, do not equate this ship for even somethiong as marvelous as the Voyager Class. There is simply nothing like this experience!
Feb 8th, 2011, 06:22 AM
#11
Still waiting for you to tell us why you think the Allure is so much better than the Oasis; so far you've told us the cabin was on the smallish side; some of the food was "average"..so what was better?
Feb 8th, 2011, 07:55 AM
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Well I think she said the shows were the best she has seen, the technology was the best in her opinion and the food was in some cases excellent and overall the design of the ship is stunning. I think the question been answered. Why are you so befuddled?
Feb 8th, 2011, 08:44 AM
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Views From The Allure, back to back, Jan. 23-Feb. 6, 2011
The Royal Caribbean Oasis class includes two ships, the largest of all cruise ships: Oasis and Allure, both of which hold more than 5,000 guests and more than 2,100 crew and staff. Dan and I were aboard Allure for its inaugural cruise for two weeks, Jan. 23-Feb. 6.
While many refer to cruising as “floating hotels,” The Allure is actually is a “floating city.”
Choosing the Allure, however, means you want to be entertained. Reservations for the free shows are required to guarantee all who want to see them can do so. The physical plan, the exquisite creature comforts, glamorous surroundings and the shows and activities are only possible in a ship this size. So if you want condensed and stylish extravaganza, the Allure (or the Oasis) is for you. However, that comes with a price: there are lines for shows, even for those with reservations, and for eating venues. Overall there is a more crowded feel.
Would I choose the Allure again? You bet, but I love the shows and they are topnotch. My husband would not, preferring a quieter atmosphere and willing to sacrifice the variety of shows, opting for one good show, without reservations, each night.
Aboard the Allure are various “neighborhoods, including:
• A sports zone that includes a zipline, miniature golf, two surfing pools, table tennis, basketball courts, etc., plus Vitality area that includes spas, a running track that circles of the ship and more exercise equipment than you’ll find at your local Y;
• An extensive and expansive suite of rooms and entertainment for children’s care and activity, which includes movies and parades with the contracted DreamWorks;
• “Broadway-type” entertainment region, which includes a tiered auditorium and an ice arena;
• Central Park, brimming with lush vegetation and quiet restaurants and retail stores;
• Boardwalk (think Atlantic City, NJ) for fun, which has candy, popcorn, etc., Johnny Rockets, plus the outdoor water amphitheatre and two rock climbing walls, a carousel, made in Mansfield OH; and the
• Royal Promenade, which has retail stores, customer service, the Focus (photo) store (up one level), bars, etc., and even a bar that floats (rises) from two decks, exposing water falls as it drifts upward; and, of course,
• Pools, separated for your sun-burning pleasure for adults and children, abundant hot tubs and bars, plus a Wipeout Café for snacks and a feng shui-inspired Solarium enclosed by glass for adults with an adjoining healthy alternative buffet; and
• Staterooms equipped with interactive flat-screen TVs that allow you to book shows, check your account and your daily schedule. Balcony staterooms are available with views of the water, port an starboard or inside views overlooking Central Park or Sports Zone, etc.; and, of course,
• The Casino.
Throughout the ship you will find specialty dining areas, other small shops, the library, card room, internet cafes, so many places, in fact, it will take you a week to discover them all. All this is in addition to the three-deck dining areas, plus the numerous buffet areas available for breakfast and lunch, including the Windjammer Marketplace; the medical suite, the lounge to book more cruises, and the technology-driven interactive “Finders” at all the elevator locations.
Other observations:
• There is also an extraordinary congregation of perhaps 200 languages represented in the crew and guests. It all makes for a fascinating international voyage.
• The décor and updated artwork focuses on cultures and families, a bit of a change from classic artwork.
• Babies, toddlers and teens will feel welcome. Strollers are quite visible, as are transportation vehicles for the physically disabled.
• Because cruising is now so affordable, it brings a splendid worldwide atmosphere and relevance to the ship’s guests. But it can also create an awkward meshing of socioeconomic groups from numerous countries, each with its version of what constitutes polite behavior. Such behavior is evident on most cruise lines, no doubt, but it is more prominent on the Allure because of the mere size and number of guests.
The Royal Caribbean Oasis class includes two ships, the largest of all cruise ships: Oasis and Allure, both of which hold more than 5,000 guests and more than 2,100 crew and staff. Dan and I were aboard Allure for its inaugural cruise for two weeks, Jan. 23-Feb. 6.
While many refer to cruising as “floating hotels,” The Allure is actually is a “floating city.”
Choosing the Allure, however, means you want to be entertained. Reservations for the free shows are required to guarantee all who want to see them can do so. The physical plan, the exquisite creature comforts, glamorous surroundings and the shows and activities are only possible in a ship this size. So if you want condensed and stylish extravaganza, the Allure (or the Oasis) is for you. However, that comes with a price: there are lines for shows, even for those with reservations, and for eating venues. Overall there is a more crowded feel.
Would I choose the Allure again? You bet, but I love the shows and they are topnotch. My husband would not, preferring a quieter atmosphere and willing to sacrifice the variety of shows, opting for one good show, without reservations, each night.
Aboard the Allure are various “neighborhoods, including:
• A sports zone that includes a zipline, miniature golf, two surfing pools, table tennis, basketball courts, etc., plus Vitality area that includes spas, a running track that circles of the ship and more exercise equipment than you’ll find at your local Y;
• An extensive and expansive suite of rooms and entertainment for children’s care and activity, which includes movies and parades with the contracted DreamWorks;
• “Broadway-type” entertainment region, which includes a tiered auditorium and an ice arena;
• Central Park, brimming with lush vegetation and quiet restaurants and retail stores;
• Boardwalk (think Atlantic City, NJ) for fun, which has candy, popcorn, etc., Johnny Rockets, plus the outdoor water amphitheatre and two rock climbing walls, a carousel, made in Mansfield OH; and the
• Royal Promenade, which has retail stores, customer service, the Focus (photo) store (up one level), bars, etc., and even a bar that floats (rises) from two decks, exposing water falls as it drifts upward; and, of course,
• Pools, separated for your sun-burning pleasure for adults and children, abundant hot tubs and bars, plus a Wipeout Café for snacks and a feng shui-inspired Solarium enclosed by glass for adults with an adjoining healthy alternative buffet; and
• Staterooms equipped with interactive flat-screen TVs that allow you to book shows, check your account and your daily schedule. Balcony staterooms are available with views of the water, port an starboard or inside views overlooking Central Park or Sports Zone, etc.; and, of course,
• The Casino.
Throughout the ship you will find specialty dining areas, other small shops, the library, card room, internet cafes, so many places, in fact, it will take you a week to discover them all. All this is in addition to the three-deck dining areas, plus the numerous buffet areas available for breakfast and lunch, including the Windjammer Marketplace; the medical suite, the lounge to book more cruises, and the technology-driven interactive “Finders” at all the elevator locations.
Other observations:
• There is also an extraordinary congregation of perhaps 200 languages represented in the crew and guests. It all makes for a fascinating international voyage.
• The décor and updated artwork focuses on cultures and families, a bit of a change from classic artwork.
• Babies, toddlers and teens will feel welcome. Strollers are quite visible, as are transportation vehicles for the physically disabled.
• Because cruising is now so affordable, it brings a splendid worldwide atmosphere and relevance to the ship’s guests. But it can also create an awkward meshing of socioeconomic groups from numerous countries, each with its version of what constitutes polite behavior. Such behavior is evident on most cruise lines, no doubt, but it is more prominent on the Allure because of the mere size and number of guests.
Feb 8th, 2011, 08:56 AM
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Ha ha ...what a nice way to say that in some cultures, pushing to the front of the line is acceptable. Also, an older international crowd will always provide some very bad Speedo moments.
Dukey 1, I liked the shows on the Allure better and I liked the Rita's Cantina better than the seafood shack. I also liked the artwork better. However, there is no reason I wouldn't cruise either again, in fact we will return again to the Allure next January. I have a long review published on the other website under another name, but you'll find plenty of reviews and opinions on cruisecritic. I do, gently, disagree about lines. I think maybe the lines to the shows were because they had to reschedule several shows. When we wereon Caribbean Princess, we missed 2 shows because the theatre was packed 30 min before the show. We also never could find seating in the piano bar. I though Princess ship design was terrible for crowd control.
Dukey 1, I liked the shows on the Allure better and I liked the Rita's Cantina better than the seafood shack. I also liked the artwork better. However, there is no reason I wouldn't cruise either again, in fact we will return again to the Allure next January. I have a long review published on the other website under another name, but you'll find plenty of reviews and opinions on cruisecritic. I do, gently, disagree about lines. I think maybe the lines to the shows were because they had to reschedule several shows. When we wereon Caribbean Princess, we missed 2 shows because the theatre was packed 30 min before the show. We also never could find seating in the piano bar. I though Princess ship design was terrible for crowd control.
Feb 8th, 2011, 09:23 AM
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Just got off the Oasis a couple weeks ago. Great ship, great time. Everything Norie2842 said about the Allure ditto for the Oasis. They must be twins. Sadly, I had only 7 days. I'm not big on the shows but I do like to explore the surroundings and I needed another 7 days. The food was good, (I never got hungry), as were the dining areas. I wish though that on the Captain's formal night the captain would have at least made a token walk through of the dining rooms. I know now not to drag my tux out for my next cruise.
Yes Dorothy, there are lines. We had 6200 passengers on the Oasis and nowhere was that more prevalent than when disembarking at the three ports of call (except maybe when we were trying to get back on the ship). I think it would have gone smoother had both doors been open, just my opinion of course. Great cruise...great cruise especially for me, my first cruise. Even though there was a mixture of those who had to break open the cookie jar to those who are millionaires I felt no awkwardness from the passengers or crew. To me there was a seamless mesh among all of us aboard ship and it was good. The crew treated me (who had to break open the cookie jar) as though I was indeed a royal. It was great to see everyone together regardless of race, religion or socioeconimic affiliation.
Next up: Bring on the ALLURE!!
Yes Dorothy, there are lines. We had 6200 passengers on the Oasis and nowhere was that more prevalent than when disembarking at the three ports of call (except maybe when we were trying to get back on the ship). I think it would have gone smoother had both doors been open, just my opinion of course. Great cruise...great cruise especially for me, my first cruise. Even though there was a mixture of those who had to break open the cookie jar to those who are millionaires I felt no awkwardness from the passengers or crew. To me there was a seamless mesh among all of us aboard ship and it was good. The crew treated me (who had to break open the cookie jar) as though I was indeed a royal. It was great to see everyone together regardless of race, religion or socioeconimic affiliation.
Next up: Bring on the ALLURE!!
