Have you been on the Allure of the Seas recently?

[Becky]

I am looking for someone who has recently been on the Allure of the Seas to answer some questions we have. There are about 10 cabins going and most have been on some cruises. But no one has been on this large a ship before. I would really appreciate it if someone contacted me or sent me info on someone they know that would do this!

Thanks!!

Becky

[KayakerNC]

I've found Cruise Critic to be usually accurate.
Allure of the Seas Cruise Ship: Expert Review on Cruise Critic (http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=530)

[Becky]

Thank you KayakerNC! I am aware and on their website frequently. I had hoped to find someone who could come and talk to our group. I have been on 45 cruises but feel woefully unprepared for this one!

Becky

[KayakerNC]

Thank you KayakerNC! I am aware and on their website frequently. I had hoped to find someone who could come and talk to our group. I have been on 45 cruises but feel woefully unprepared for this one!

Becky

I understand. Our biggest cruise ship vacation trips have been on RCI's Voyager class ships, about 3K passengers.
We have no desire to cruise on one of those 6K passenger floating cities, unless we win a free cruise (false hope is better than no hope).
I hope when you get back, you can post your likes and dislikes of the mega ships.

[Avista]

We've sailed the Oasis and really enjoyed our cruise . Had a wonderful time. What questions do you have?

[ugotme]

Did not want to post this because I really don't like "down" posts.

PERSONALLY, I do not like crowded anything. This ship was crowded.
Thought we had anytime dining but when we went to the dining room,we were told well you have to have requested a time. Of course my comment was "Well then it isn't anytime dining is it?"
Make sure you book shows way before you go. Very crowded and you will never get in if you are not booked.

Just not my thing - I will stick to the regular size cruise ships.

I really hope you have a great time. A lot of people do.

[kaydee]

Becky, I sent you a private message

[billethkid]

We have been on MCS mega ships (4000+ people) and will not do so again.
The bigger non mega class ships (up to 300 people) are just right....for us anyway.

The megas had to make compromises in many areas to get the density up and it is not for the better (in my opinion).

For folks that have never been on anything but mega ships I am sure they will be quite happy and content.

[vinricci]

Allure sailing was not fun for us at all. 5100 passengers and 2150 crew. We had a balcony overlooking Central Park. The noise was constant not only from the park below, but the two pools above. Have to wait for elevators to go anywhere. We stayed away from the 4th deck because it had the casino and reeked of smoke. We didn't get to see any shows despite booking weeks in advance, they were all full. Sorry to sound negative, but Celebrity Solstice ships spoiled us and we will never do Oasis or Allure again.

[Mimivillager]

We love the Allure and the Oasis. We are already booked on the Harmony in 2017. There is so much to do on the big ships that people spread out. We really did not feel crowded. Yes, it is true-you need to book your shows online before you go and you will enjoy the trip so much more with less frustration. It is also good to set up a time each day (we did it the night before as we were leaving after dinner) for your anytime dining. We actually found a waiter we liked and reserved his table for each night.
The comedy show, the ice show and the water acrobats show are spectacular.
Comedy show is a small room and you definitely need to book ahead if you want to get in. The comedians are wonderful.
We have cruised 23 times with RCI and love the loyalty program as well as the ships.

[Jima64]

I believe I would give the larger ships one shot to see if I adjusted to the ship and crowds. I love my Holland America cruise on the Zaandam but it was so long ago and they have added much larger ships.

[Bonny]

We have been on 58 cruises. 8 of them have been on the Allure. We will be on her again next January. It's our favorite ship. Never find it crowded. Lots of things to do or not do. LOL There are so many places to go on the ship.
We always take an ocean view balcony.
There are a couple of changes on her. They added 2 more restaurants. They are doing away with the Viking Crown Lounge on top and will be adding a few suites and a private restaurant for people in the suites. Looking forward to seeing the changes.

[simpkinp]

I sailed Allure as a solo and loved it. A beautiful ship with lots to do. I had a balcony overlooking Central Park. I enjoyed the classical concerts in the park in the evening from the privacy of my balcony. The big negative is the smoking on the casino. This is only an issue for the smoke that escapes the casino, since I don't gamble. I know it bothered others I spoke with, and even drove them out of there. I hope RCCL finally wakes up and figures out few people want to smell that. Aside from that, I thought it was a great ship, particularly for children. They have ice skating, wave boarding, nice clubs, good shows. I am taking my sons, their wives and my grandchildren on Oasis next month. I know they will love it. Then I am back to the grown up cruise line, Celebrity, and am taking my companion on Equinox for his birthday. No smoking inside anywhere! It depend what you are looking for, but Oasis is moving to Port Canaveral next November and it is only 2 hours away from The Villages. I know I will sail this class of ship again. You sure get your exercise walking to the various venues.

[Becky]

Thank you very much to everyone that replied. Sorry, I had a minor problem and have been unable to get on TOTV for a few days. I have talked to quite a few people who love it. And only 2 that didn't like it. Said it was too big. Guess we will have to see. I agree with some posters- love Celebrity best. But this to take my daughter and SIL on and they chose a ship with the most to do, so this is it! They are in their 30's and love to rock climb and all the other things.

I have found out about quite a few changes that have been made recently. Ex- restaurants and such. Guess we will all go with the flo. We have one new cruiser going but the rest are experienced to some degree. Thank you again for all those that answered. Will let you know what we thought after Nov cruise!!

Becky

[kgentile1010]

We were on allure of the seas last year and loved it. We had an ocean view mini suite. I never felt crowded. I think the crowd management was awesome.

You do have to plan though and get your show tickets ahead of time. We love it so much we are going on it again Sept 6th medetaranian cruise.

It depends what you like. each ships has plus and minus

[Skip2MySue]

Would go on Allure or Oasis in a heartbeat. We've been on both and there was no question of those ships being our favorite cruises. You have to prepare ahead of time with dinner and show reservations but that's part of the fun in the planning.
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