Live Trip Report from the Allure of the Seas!

Great report so far! This is really making me want to check out the Allure or the Oasis.

One quick question. You said "Also at various times popcorn and cotton candy were being sold." Were they actually being sold (ie, you had to pay for them) or were they being "given out"?

Sayhello

are you coming on the oasis with us on the dis cruise??

great opportunity to check it all out!!
 
are you coming on the oasis with us on the dis cruise??

great opportunity to check it all out!!
I've been toying with the idea. :) It's not a good time of the year for me, but I really do want to check the Oasis out, and as you say, it's a good opportunity to do that.

Sayhello
 
One of the things that impressed me the most on the Allure was the use of technology in improving the cruising experience. I noticed when I first stepped aboard near the guest srevices area that there were information kiosks set up. These could be used for a variety of things such as looking at your account statement, there were also several stations set up where you could check in for your flight and print boarding passes.

Near each elevator bank was large interactive screens, these proved to be invaluable to me more than once as I attempted to find my away around the ship. They were touch screen and allowed me to look up venues, restaurants, shops, bars and get directions from where I was at the time. I could click on restaurant availability and find out what location was full and who still had lots of space. I could pull up the compass (Royal's version of the Navigator) on the screen as well.

In my cabin (more on the actual cabin later) waiting for me, was the ultimate in cruise line technology. A large flat screen TV (I believe 32"), with some TV channels, pay per view movies (10.99-13.99 each) and an interactive area called RCTV. EVERYTHING I needed to know I could find here. There was information on each restaurant (complete with menus), entertainment details, how to videos, shore excursion details, live updates on things such as weather, a mailbox where I would receive notices on specials in the spa and stores, and so much more. I could book dining and reserve show tickets right from my own cabin! My favorite feature was the ability to see my stateroom account and check for accuracy. There was also a keyboard available which would allow internet access on the TV if you didn't bring your own device. Internet here, as well as on RCL computers and personal devices was subject to a fee.

The first thing I had to do to get internet was create an account. This had to be done in one of their computer locations (although I did discover later I could have done it in my cabin on that awesome TV!). Once I set an account I could then sign in using my personal devices. The rates were .65/minute (.30/minute in Teen Zone) or you could buy a package. $35 for 60 minutes, $55 for 100 minutes, $75 for 150 minutes, $100 for 250 minutes and $150 for 500 minutes.

While setting up my account I witnessed people getting iphone's. Upon further investigation I learned of the Royal Connect Phones. The phones were $30 each and looked like a great way to keep in touch with family and friends on the ship with you. You would rent as many phones as needed for your group and then they would be linked. You could then call any stateroom or any linked phone, you could text between linked phones, you could view the location of any linked phone and access a mobile version of the Cruise Compass.

I also noticed at the entrance to shows the cruise staff had scanners to scan your seapass card to check you in. This technology was also used to scan in and out pool towels, which could also be taken ashore for port days.

Casino Royale (where I spent more than my fair share of time!) provided up to date technoloy with modern machines, and the ticket in and out system. You used cash in the machines and winnings could be taken on a voucher that is then paid out from a cash machine.
 
One of the things that impressed me the most on the Allure was the use of technology in improving the cruising experience. I noticed when I first stepped aboard near the guest srevices area that there were information kiosks set up. These could be used for a variety of things such as looking at your account statement, there were also several stations set up where you could check in for your flight and print boarding passes.

Near each elevator bank was large interactive screens, these proved to be invaluable to me more than once as I attempted to find my away around the ship. They were touch screen and allowed me to look up venues, restaurants, shops, bars and get directions from where I was at the time. I could click on restaurant availability and find out what location was full and who still had lots of space. I could pull up the compass (Royal's version of the Navigator) on the screen as well.

In my cabin (more on the actual cabin later) waiting for me, was the ultimate in cruise line technology. A large flat screen TV (I believe 32"), with some TV channels, pay per view movies (10.99-13.99 each) and an interactive area called RCTV. EVERYTHING I needed to know I could find here. There was information on each restaurant (complete with menus), entertainment details, how to videos, shore excursion details, live updates on things such as weather, a mailbox where I would receive notices on specials in the spa and stores, and so much more. I could book dining and reserve show tickets right from my own cabin! My favorite feature was the ability to see my stateroom account and check for accuracy. There was also a keyboard available which would allow internet access on the TV if you didn't bring your own device. Internet here, as well as on RCL computers and personal devices was subject to a fee.

The first thing I had to do to get internet was create an account. This had to be done in one of their computer locations (although I did discover later I could have done it in my cabin on that awesome TV!). Once I set an account I could then sign in using my personal devices. The rates were .65/minute (.30/minute in Teen Zone) or you could buy a package. $35 for 60 minutes, $55 for 100 minutes, $75 for 150 minutes, $100 for 250 minutes and $150 for 500 minutes.

While setting up my account I witnessed people getting iphone's. Upon further investigation I learned of the Royal Connect Phones. The phones were $30 each and looked like a great way to keep in touch with family and friends on the ship with you. You would rent as many phones as needed for your group and then they would be linked. You could then call any stateroom or any linked phone, you could text between linked phones, you could view the location of any linked phone and access a mobile version of the Cruise Compass.

I also noticed at the entrance to shows the cruise staff had scanners to scan your seapass card to check you in. This technology was also used to scan in and out pool towels, which could also be taken ashore for port days.

Casino Royale (where I spent more than my fair share of time!) provided up to date technoloy with modern machines, and the ticket in and out system. You used cash in the machines and winnings could be taken on a voucher that is then paid out from a cash machine.

sounds like a really great use of technology to enhance the cruising experience!!!!

thanks Tracey for taking the time to write about the ship - it sounds absolutely amazing and i'm now even more excited to be going on the dis cruise!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup2
 


This is an area where DCL has certainly spoiled us. The cabins on Disney ships were designed with families in mind and are considerably larger than industry standard. As my last several cruises have been with DCL, I sort of forgot that this isn't the norm.

When I first walked into my category I ocean view cabin on deck 3, I thought oh my, this is small. It was well decorated and pleasant, very clean and inviting. The first thing I noticed was the lack of drawer space. There were 3 drawers in the cabin aside from the small night side table drawer. There was a shelving unit that housed the dressing table area, mirror, TV, 3 drawers, several shelves and mini bar. This was along one wall, opposite the sofa. The cabin is 178 sq ft as opposed to the 204 sq feet of a ocean view on the Dream/Fantasy, for reference a category 11 on the Dream/Fantasy is 169 sq ft.

The closet was beside the sofa and was double door. It had a row of larger shelves, suitable for folded clothes and shoes, as well as a small safe. The safe would fit cash, ID, jewellery etc but was too small for my ipad. There were plenty of hangers and an area to hang longer dresses etc and double poles to hang sorter hanging clothes.

The bathroom (no splits here!) was actually quite comfortable and I enjoyed the round shower stall (no tubs) with doors instead of doing the shower curtain dance. There were enough shelves in the bathroom to accommodate my things with room to spare. Toiletries were almost nonexistent (small soap bar and a shampoo dispenser in the shower).

Once all of my things were packed and put in their place, I looked around again. I still had plenty of space that would accommodate my husband’s things, thought when Ben is with us it will be a little tight, but overall I could make it work to be able to sail this ship again.

I will say this cabin was larger than some others I have experienced on other cruise lines.

The original plan was for me to tour other cabins prior to sailing. That wasn't possible due to the circumstances of the sailing. I will say, however, that upgrading to a balcony cabin will not get you a whole lot more interior space. The actual cabin size for most is listed at 182 sq ft plus balcony space. There are a few family size cabins but they sell out very quickly and already are gone for our Oasis cruise.

When booking a cabin on this ship, there are an incredible amount of choices that honestly can be very overwhelming. Your first decision is inside, ocean view or balcony. Within the stateroom type will be categories based on location and in some cases size. A standard inside is around 153 sq ft, and a large inside is 176 sq ft. If you decide you want a window (oceanview) they are basically all one size. There may also be options for windowed cabins that face central park or the Boardwalk, these can be slighter larger than the ocean view.

For the verandah cabins you can choose from Ocean view, boardwalk view and central park view. They are all basically the same size as my ocean view cabin with a balcony of around 50sq ft. The next level up are the suites, Junior suites, owners suites, aquatheater suites....all with varying sizes and amenities. They are more suites on these ships than with DCL, therefore typically pricing will usually be better than on the Disney ships.

Overall, a seasoned Disney cruiser will have to be prepared for the living space. It is smaller, there is less storage, and in my cabin no dividing curtain. All things I will miss, but I truly found the benefits of this ship far outweighed the cabin space limitations.
 
Hi Tracy, I'm a lurker not a poster but I really need to know this for my sanity: Can you bring a hair straightener and curling iron onto the Oasis or Allure ships? I remember from the podcast that Kevin was on, he mentioned that you could not and no uproar was heard. I've gotta say, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Now I realize many people are not going to understand my sheer panic but they probably don't use these item so they just don't get it. How am I going to leave the stateroom everyday?:sad::confused3:blush:
 
You can defintiley bring a hair straightener and curling iron....if you couldn't this little experiment would have never happened!!! I am so attached to my straightener I actually carry it in my carry on in case my luggage was to get lost!

You are not allowed to bring clothes irons, or anything that could be perceived as something to assist with ironing!
 


Hi Tracy, I'm a lurker not a poster but I really need to know this for my sanity: Can you bring a hair straightener and curling iron onto the Oasis or Allure ships? I remember from the podcast that Kevin was on, he mentioned that you could not and no uproar was heard. I've gotta say, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Now I realize many people are not going to understand my sheer panic but they probably don't use these item so they just don't get it. How am I going to leave the stateroom everyday?:sad::confused3:blush:
Thanks for asking this! I was wondering, too. I totally, completely understand your panic, and would join you in a scream of primal terror before fainting dead away if we really weren't able to bring a straightener!!! :faint:

You can defintiley bring a hair straightener and curling iron....if you couldn't this little experiment would have never happened!!! I am so attached to my straightener I actually carry it in my carry on in case my luggage was to get lost!

You are not allowed to bring clothes irons, or anything that could be perceived as something to assist with ironing!
Thanks, Tracey! Wrinkled clothing I can definitely live with. Un-straightened hair just isn't going to happen! :eek: I carry mine in my carry-on, too! Some things are just more important than others!

Sayhello
 
:lmao: Haha, thanks so much guys for the quick reply, maybe I should post more often with this kind of service!
I listened to that part of that particular podcast over and over and was saying to myself "no way; that can't be right; what, I'll
have to make an appointment in the salon everyday, once in morning and once in evening, yikes!!! It's good to know I'm not alone in my worries (albeit not life threatening, but hey.
 
If you are considering joining us on the Oasis next summer, we have received word from RCL that the prices will increase on October 4th.

If you are on the fence--now is the time!!!
 
I think one of my favorite things on this ship was the dining. There were so many choices that I found I could really eat or snack on my schedule. My biggest complaint about DCL is that there are such limited options for food outside of set dining hours.

There are 3 options for dinner in the Main Dining Room, an early seating around 6pm a later seating around 8:30 and My Time Dining. The last option was my choice for this cruise and my first experience outside of traditional cruise dining. There is one level of the MDR dedicated to My Time, I could make reservations for my preferred time online prior to sailing, on the ship or I could just walk up. Each night I walked up with no reservation and never waited longer than 5 minutes. I was also seated in the same area and had the same servers. I really enjoyed the flexibility of eating on my schedule and for me saw no downside. The menu is the same, service was great and overall it was a very positive experience. I found the food to be a little more generic than DCL and other cruise lines, but as my tastes lean towards the boring it suited me just fine.

For a more first class dining experience you would want to try one of the many specialty restaurants onboard. Each has an additional charge but the menus look incredible. I will post more details later.

I utilized the buffet on a couple of occassions, I found it quite hectic at times. But really enjoyed the other more casual dining locations such as the Park Cafe and and the Promenade cafe. I did indulge in some treats that required an additionalk charge, an ice cream was $4 (incredible!), a cupcake that I believe was $2, lunch at Johnny Rockets for an extra $5 and lunch at Rita's Cantina. This is not on the Oasis but was a great option, for $5 I enjoyed great tacos with fresh chips and salsa.

My last couple of DCL cruises I have been really unhappy with the food. This was a great change!!
 
Thanks for the awesome review! Here are a few random questions:

Do you pay extra for room service, the hot dog place, the carousel?

Also as anyone cruised with kids? Did you put them in any of the programs?
 
Thanks for the awesome review! Here are a few random questions:

Do you pay extra for room service, the hot dog place, the carousel?

Also as anyone cruised with kids? Did you put them in any of the programs?

Room service is free 'most' of the time - I think there is a service charge after 1 or 2 AM (sorry not 100% sure). Tipping for room service would be appropriate any time as it is on the Disney ships.

The hot dog place is free.

I am 99% sure the carousel was also free but since we didn't have any little ones I did not actually check.

If you would like to read some food reviews from when Kevin and I did the Allure at Christmas check out these links:

http://foodietales.com/2013/01/royal-caribbean-cruise-line-allure-of-the-seas-free-eats/

http://foodietales.com/2013/01/royal-caribbean-cruise-line-allure-of-the-seas-extra-cost-eats/

http://foodietales.com/2013/01/royal-caribbean-cruise-line-allure-of-the-seas-giovannis-table/

http://foodietales.com/2013/01/royal-caribbean-cruise-line-allure-of-the-seas-chops-grille/

http://foodietales.com/2013/01/royal-caribbean-cruise-line-allure-of-the-seas-150-central-park/
 
Room service is free 'most' of the time - I think there is a service charge after 1 or 2 AM (sorry not 100% sure). Tipping for room service would be appropriate any time as it is on the Disney ships.

The hot dog place is free.

I am 99% sure the carousel was also free but since we didn't have any little ones I did not actually check.

If you would like to read some food reviews from when Kevin and I did the Allure at Christmas check out these links:

http://foodietales.com/2013/01/royal-caribbean-cruise-line-allure-of-the-seas-free-eats/

http://foodietales.com/2013/01/royal-caribbean-cruise-line-allure-of-the-seas-extra-cost-eats/

http://foodietales.com/2013/01/royal-caribbean-cruise-line-allure-of-the-seas-giovannis-table/

http://foodietales.com/2013/01/royal-caribbean-cruise-line-allure-of-the-seas-chops-grille/

http://foodietales.com/2013/01/royal-caribbean-cruise-line-allure-of-the-seas-150-central-park/

Thanks for the great info!
 

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