ROYAL CARIBBEAN ALLURE OF THE SEAS
3-NIGHT BAHAMAS & PERFECT DAY CRUISE
03/08/2024: Port Canaveral, Florida
03/09/2024: Nassau, Bahamas
03/10/2024: Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Bahamas
03/11/2024: Port Canaveral, Florida
MILESTONE CRUISE # 40
PORT CANAVERAL - EMBARKATION
Happy Friday! Time to head to Allure of the Seas and on our milestone 40th cruise!
Got on the road early and to the port before 10am. No more than 20 minutes between checking in and going to sit and wait we were on by 10:15am. Which had to be the earliest we've ever been on. It was great!
We were able to access the app weeks ago to setup shows and last night we were able to setup our schedule of events. This morning at 8am we were able to start our safety drills. Took no time at all.
Back to the ship, 10:15am and a bit too early for lunch. So we headed up to the Solarium area to walk around and check it out. This is our 2nd time on Allure and 4th time on an Oasis class ship, so we know our way around a bit.
After the Solarium we walked the deck and headed over to the Windjammer. Personally this buffet is the absolute worst on all cruises we've been in. Not sure if it's the small size or lack of options. But what we ate wasn't anything to go crazy over. But it wasn't terrible. We sat and ate, then after a bit, once it started to get too packed and too many people coughing we decided to head outdoors.
After Windjammer we swung by Studio B to check in our muster station. Showed them our boarding passes and that was it. Super easy.
Ended up in Central Park at the Park Cafe. Here you'll find salad options, sandwiches and some desserts. We were hoping to escape the noise but the background of birds made it feel like we were in the Hunger Games. Not sure why it felt like that. But we hung out for a bit.
Still with an hour to kill until our rooms were ready we wanted to head to Dazzles. Started off quiet but as we're stilling here group after group came in looking around and taking photos. Guess they were showing wedding venue areas of the ship. Which was one of our options years ago.
Finally headed to our room around 1pm. We booked a guarantee balcony and ended up getting it in the Central Park neighborhood. Room was very spacious. We unpacked and headed back out for more exploring.
Later on we headed back to get ready for dinner at Izumi. Our reservation was for 5:45pm, we came around 5:30pm and had no issues coming early. We prebooked the prefix menu with one starter two large plates and one dessert per person. Came out to about $40 per person.
We went with the below items for dinner.
Pork Gyoza Dumpling - 7/10
Shrimp Firecracker Spring Roll - 6.5/10
Appetizer portions seemed on the smaller side. Flavors were basic, nothing outstanding.
Izumi Ryu Futomaki Roll - 7.5/10
Seared Tuna Tataki Roll - 7/10
Entrees we were a bit disappointed in the size of the rolls. Prefix menu has half rolls which doesn't make sense price wise. Still hungry after eating them. Very small portions.
Chocolate Lava Cake - 6.5/10
Overall service was decent, for the amount of tables to servers it should have been better than what it was. As for food, really good, rolls were all great. However pricing didn't reflect that. Spent around $80 with tip for 2 small apps, 2 desserts and considerably 2 full rolls. Not worth it in our opinion. When we did this on Harmony we felt the value was so much better going a la carte. I think we will reflect on it for a few more days before we say if it's worth it or not. Can say we left hungry, so that was not a good sign at all. Prefix isn't worth the price at all.
Update to this real quick. It's now night two and we're still a bit on the salty side with the portion sizes for the pricing. You're supposed to get two large plates, which is two rolls (8pc), not half portions. When we added up what we got we actually spent more than what we would have if we did it by itself. So we're sticking with prefix is not worth it at all. Don't recommend prebooking either, since you're not given a choice. Thumbs down overall. Food great, service decent, value poor.
Back to our evening...
After dinner we headed to the casino to use up our free play and make a small donation. One of the few times it was a bit too smoky in there for me.
Tonight's show is Mamma Mia. Doors open at 7:15pm for the 8:00pm showing. The show is 2hrs and 30mins. When we did Allure last time we only stayed for about 40 minutes since we were so tired. This time we're going to do our best to stay for the entire show. We'll let you know how it goes.
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Well, we stayed!! So worth it! We'd gladly pay to see that show. Think it may have been our new all time favorite show. If I had to give it one word, it would be fantastic! Start to finish, show was great! Cast was one of the best we've ever had. They were synced so well! 10/10!
It's getting late, so we're going to call it a night! Tomorrow is our Nassau day, which means our ship day!
NASSAU, BAHAMAS
Good morning from Nassau, Bahamas. As we're starting to enter the port around 8am we've already been up for hours and got a lot done. So let's rewind!
We both got up just before 6am. Normal for us, even on vacation. Also the bed was super hard, same with the pillows. Not the best of sleeps. So we got up and ready for our day.
Headed over to the Boardwalk for a donut and promenade for a latte. Then up to the Solarium so I can drop my wife off and off to a ship tour. Started off on the top decks and worked my way down to the different neighborhoods. Lots of walking. Already at 6400 steps and that's before breakfast.
Onto breakfast in the main dining room. Opens at 8am. Other options include Johnny Rockets, Solarium Bistro, Park Cafe and Windjammer. Just to name a couple.
Here is what we ordered;
French Toast - 7.5/10
Breakfast Burrito - 7/10
Service was decent. Nothing outstanding. Took about 30 minutes in total.
Afterwards we headed outside to check out all the ships that were in Nassau today. Many we've been on. Make sure to check out those tours.
10am we went up to the Schooner Bar for some very difficult trivia. Didn't wine but very fun to learn some new things. Such as Buzz Lightyears original name was Lunar Larry.
We did some more roaming around the ship, looking for access to the helipad, so we jumped onto the running track. Never did find it but did some exercise which was good.
In Central Park right outside 150 Central Park was a chess set that you could play.
For lunch today we're trying something different. We headed to El Loco Fresh up near the basketball court. Here you'll find quesadillas, nachos, tacos and some other quick service Mexican foods. My favorite was the rice and nachos. You could tell it was seasoned well. No complaints at all. Great flavors for what it was.
After lunch we went over to the FlowRiders to check out the surfers. Well that was quick. They shut down shortly after we got there.
We then headed down to Central Park because I wanted to try the Kummelweck Sandwich. I had them trim it thin since it was very overdone. It was dry, gravy was very thick. Wouldn't likely go out of my way for it again.
After our food fest we went for a power nap in our rock solid bed. Give us some energy for tonight's festivities.
After our nap we headed to the Bow and Stern Pub, my wife got a drink and I went with a coffee from the Cafe Promenade. We played a few games of Uno and just relaxed.
Out on the pool deck it felt more of a sea day, everywhere was filled with people enjoying the amazing weather in Nassau. Didn't seem like a lot of people got off the ship today at all. Either way it was very breezy and beautiful outside so we stuck around to kill some time before we get ready for dinner at 150 Central Park. Here are some images of the pool areas on a Nassau day.
Dinner is at 150 Central Park. We've been here years ago on Oasis of the Seas and it wasn't a place we'd say we'd rush back to. We'll years later and a new menu later here we are again.
Starting dinner with their bread. My wife seemed to enjoy it a bit more than me. Wasn't anything special in my opinion. Decent though. Looks softer than it actually was. Looking at it I wanted to it to be soft like the rolls at Boathouse over in Disney Springs. This was the total opposite. It's like the precooked them then put them in the oven to rebake. Not a fan.
Here is what we got for dinner;
Caesar Salad - 6.5/10
Seared Honey Glazed Scallops - 7/10
Sunchoke Velouté - 8/10
Lamb Wellington - 8/10
Roasted Tenderloin of Beef - 8.5/10
Fried Cheesecake - 9/10
Peanut Butter Chocolate Tart - 7.5/10
Anniversary Hazelnut Bar - 7/10
Overall dinner was good. Disappointed that they did not have part of the Duck Duo to make the complete dish, hence why we did not go with that. Felt the food was good, flavors were there, some dishes better than others. But overall good. Service was good as well. Would we run back? I'd say it's not a place I'd leave off the list for coming to on our next cruise, but wouldn't put it first.
Onto OceanAria Aqua Show in the Aqua Theater. Showtime is at 8pm and we got here around 7:15pm and people were already sitting. By 7:30pm still around half of the seats were open. Around 10 minutes prior to showtime the standby lines are allowed to come in to grab any remaining seats. At this point it became a full house.
The show was pretty good, lots of high diving and antics. We remember seeing it previously. Felt the show on Harmony of the Seas was better, but this was still very good.
Next up is comedy. It's a full house tonight. Standby opens 10 minutes prior and is very limited since the space is so small.
Both comedians were good, lots of decent material. Weren't too heavy on the crowd with nonsense which was nice. Very enjoyable.
After comedy the original plan was the Quest but decided since we had a time change and early morning to just call it a night.
PERFECT DAY AT COCO CAY - HIDEAWAY BEACH (NEW)
Today were in Perfect Day at Coco Cay. Our excursion brings us to the Hideaway Beach, an adults only section which is only a couple months old. Got off the ship by 8am and here shortly after. No line to get off the ship at all. We're also in Port with Liberty of the Seas.
Once on the island we took a tram from the pier to the first bus stop. Then transferred over to the shuttle for Hideaway Beach. Super quick and easy, a walking path is also available if you wanted. First impressions, wow. It is absolutely stunning.
Step one was to find a chair by the pool, done! Step 2 was the water. A bit warm honestly but the further out you go the better it is. Step 3 tour before everyone got here, done!
Main pool is very large with a pathway going from one end to the other. On one side is the One the Rocks bar and the other are the cabanas. Beach is nice, noticed a bit of foam. Temp for March was a bit chilly but not too bad. As of 9am not too many people in the actual water. Beach chairs are still a plenty. Pool chairs are getting filled up. Earlier the better for sure. Which was our plan. We grabbed one of the beds in the pool, actually a great spot. It's first come, first serve. No additional charge and our stuff did not get wet at all.
By 10am it was getting more crowded at the pool area and a bit more on the beach. Still spots here and there at the pool, more open at the beach. Water in the ocean when we went in was pretty refreshing. Still a chill but fine after a bit.
Also around 10am the pizza place opened up. The pizza place is located to the left of the pool near the cabanas. We tried the cheese, pepperoni and BBQ. Also a beef empanada. Pizza was Sorrento's. Which was fine. Empanada we heard was good and it really was very enjoyable. All food at this location is included. Not sure if the other food spot was opened yet. Might wonder over there later on.
11am and all is still fun. This place is a pool party for sure! Live DJ playing a variety of songs. Very fun atmosphere. Later on they brought out giant inflatable beach balls, oh my that was fun! This was another fun part of our day.
After a bit we headed to get some lunch. Ended up with mozzarella sticks, funnel cake, chicken sandwich and coconut shrimp. Everything was great. Seasoning on the chicken was on point. Really enjoyable. All food on the menu is included. This location is on the opposite side of the pool from the pizza place. Next to On the Rocks Bar.
Back to the pool for a bit and then the ocean. It was incredible.
Also want to mention they offer a few spots to get drinks. Starting off on the far right (nearest to the ships) is the On the Rocks Bar. All drinks are at a extra cost and you will need to use for Sea Pass card to purchase.
The next bar you will come across as we work our way to the other end is actually the first bar you will likely see in the front. This is the main bar. One side is outside of the pool, tons of seating. While the other side is inside the pool.
Finally as you work your way to the beach on the other side of the pool down some steps you will find a little boat filled with drinks. The for me was so cool!
So the big question, was it worth what we paid? Absolutely yes! We paid around $26 per person. Now pricing changes based off the ship, dates and all that. We got it for a steal. Would we pay more? Yes, I'd say up to $50 a person would be worth it. Its adults only and is just so much fun!
Downside I think would have to be the pool temps at time, felt too warm. It got cooler in the shade, but overall a bit too warm at times. The other con would be finding an area to sit if you get there after an hour or so of opening. Other than that this new section was a lot of fun. Food options were great and staff was incredible across the board.
Getting back to the ship was easy. Tram to the pier then onto the ship.
Once we got back we freshened up for the rest of our day, well after a quick nap.
Headed to the Promenade for some Uno and snacks.
Followed by upstairs for some people watching on the Flowriders.
Tonight's dinner was at the Windjammer Buffet. Found it offered a decent amount of options but the space is killing us. So cramped. But we grabbed dinner.
Afterwards we headed to Studio B for Blades. Got here at 6:30pm for the 7pm showing and still a ton of seats available. 10 minutes until showtime still a fee front row seats and maybe 40% full. The show was really good. One of the better ice skating shows we've seen. Very enjoyable.
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Following the show we donated at the casino and I won a whole dollar. So what do you do with your winnings? We put it right back to the account.
As our evening comes to an end we take flight on the Rising Tide Bar up to Central Park. You can ride this for free, no need to purchase a drink.
Then over to the Boardwalk to ride the carousel.
Off to pack up. Tomorrow we're home.
DISEMBARKATION
Our last moments on this wonderful ship.
6:30am and we're already lined up in the promenade to get off the ship. Super easy, should be leaving any minute. On these Oasis class ships they really figured out the process of the embark and debark process. 10/10
6:43am we're heading off the ship.
In car by 6:55am and heading back to Orlando for a 8:00am arrival home!
Overall we had an amazing cruise. Still have to pinch ourselves and reflect that we've now completed 40 cruises. 7 different lines, countless ships and ports of call. From the Caribbean to Alaska. There is no stopping anytime soon, just when we think we're getting brunt out, we find another cruise we have to go on!
Allure of the Seas is a great ship. Don't let the size sway you at all, it really is a great setup. She will be getting updated in early 2025. We felt the ship was great on its own. Has that charm to her. Almost like the Carnival Conquest class, a special place in our heart. Speaking of that, our next cruise is Carnival Glory, so stay tuned for that! Also later this year we will be on Royal Caribbean's NEWEST Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas. So make sure to come back later on this year!
WHAT WE MISSED?!?
We're not done yet, we've taken you day-by-day on what we did, but there were parts of this mega ship we didn't touch on much at all. So here we go!
We're going to start off on deck 4. This will be where you will find entertainment venues such as the Comedy Live, Blaze, Studio B & both smoking and non-smoking Casinos. As well as the Amber Theater.
Comedy Live
Hosted all of the comedy events throughout the cruise, also had a couple shows in the Amber Theater. Very limited seating, make sure you book ahead of time. Standby is even more limited.
Blaze
This was home to at least the Art Auction. Didn't ever see it open at all. Would have to check the daily guides to be sure.
Studio B
Here is where you will find your ice skating shows as well as The Quest and open skating (free).
Casino Royale (Smoking)
This is the smoking section, which is the normal casino. Large and crowded at times. Very heavy on the smoke.
Casino Royale (Non-Smoking)
Next to the Comedy Live is the non-smoking casino. Very small venue, but none of the smoke.
Amber Theater
Here is where they have Mamma Mia, also host to several other things throughout the cruise. Our tip, book ahead of time and get here at the door opening for the show. Best seats are up front since most of the singers and dancers are back on the stage.
Moving up a level on deck 5 is the Royal Promenade. As you first enter this ship you will end up here. You'll find several shopping, dining and entertainment venues here such as Sorrento's Pizza, Cafe Promenade, On-Air & Bolero's. Also home to Starbucks, the Champagne Bar, Bow & Stern Pub & Guest Services. Also if you're interested in booking another Royal Caribbean cruise, you can do that at the Next Cruise office.
Royal Promenade
Call it a shopping mall, call it what you want. I'll call it stunning.
Sorrento's Pizza
They still suck.... but it's free.
Cafe Promenade
Here you can get coffee, free or the upcharge. Also some free sandwiches and desserts.
On-Air Live
This was mainly used for Karaoke and a few trivia games.
Bolero's
This is one of the many areas you can find live music and danicing.
At times the line went all the way past the elevators. Not 100% sure, but I think they serve Starbucks Coffee at the Cafe Promenade. Probably not the fancy one's, but half the line usually.
Focus Photo Gallery
Carousel
Champagne & Martini Bar
Thinking about it now, we really should have came here. Last time they had some really great drinks. Not announced yet, but we have a feeling this venue will be gone with the renovations next year. I wouldn't be surprised if they added on the Pesky Parrot Bar in this location.
Bow & Stern Bar
This has become a favorite for us. Better types of beer and a great area to sit, relax and play cards.
Guest Services
One of the few cruises we've been on that we rarely saw a line.
Next Cruise
Looking to book another cruise? Here you go!
As we continue to roam around the ship, we're going to head up to the Boardwalk neighborhood. Before you step out onto the Boardwalk you have the famous Schooner Bar, along with Focus Photo Gallery next door. Also before heading outside, make sure to look up in between the elevators to see the beautiful dresses hanging in the atrium. Once outside you will come across several wooden carousel horses, showing you the process of how they make them. If you're hungry, then you will find Cups & Scoops, Boardwalk Hot Dogs and for an extra charge Johnny Rockets (free for breakfast) and Sabor. As well as an arcade and shops. Towards the back is the impressive Aqua Theater and Rock Climbing walls.
Schooner Bar
They often had trivia during the day and live piano music at night.
If you took pictures or looking for a camera, they can hook you up. Also the Shore Excursions desk is located here as well.
Atrium Area
My wife loved this area and I wanted to make sure I shared these images with everyone.
Boardwalk Neighborhood
The view is always amazing! Let's head on down!
This is free to ride and open throughout the cruise. We did have a ride. One thing we didn't like, besides them not having a giraffe. Was that adults were not allowed to ride on the animals, only the horses. No idea why. Not the case on any other ship we've been on.
Cups & Scoops
Here you will find some options for ice cream and milk shakes. Also in the mornings the Boardwalk Donuts.
The Boardwalk Dog House
We did not eat here. Main reason being that on a couple previous sailings there was "projected" vomiting on each sailing. We think it was more of the mayo and other condiments sitting out all day, but we weren't going to chance it. Also the dogs don't look that good anyways. But it is free.
Johnny Rockets
At breakfast this is free, except for some items. Lunch and dinner is an upcharge. We did not dine here, but have before and really enjoyed it. Much cheaper than on land.
Sabor
This is the Mexican restaurant on the ship. Likely to be going away next year in place of Playmakers. Again not 100% confirmed, just our guess. We prefer Playmakers to Sabor. Nothing against Sabor, but it's more of the food options.
Sabor Bar
Right across is the bar, you can grab a drink before you head to the AquaTheater.
Candy Beach
If you have that sweet tooth, this place will help that!
Pinwheels
This is a store mainly for the little ones, tons of stuffed animals.
AquaTheater
This is home to the high diving shows as well as a few other events. Or just a place to sit and relax. If you're coming for a show, make sure to get here early. It get's packed. Also make a reservation ahead of time.
150 Central Park
Trellis Bar
Library
Beach Pool
Pool Bar, Sand Bar & Sky Bar
Rock Climbing Wall
This activity is free to do.
As we now head to our next neighborhood, comment below your favorite parts of the ship if you've been on! We're heading up to deck 8 to the beautiful Central Park. Here you have a few specialty dining venues such as, 150 Central Park, Chops Grille, Giovanni's Table & Park Cafe. You can also do some shopping in this area as well, or grab a drink at the Trellis Bar as you sit and relax or listening to music. Or finish off with a glass of wine and tapas in Vintages.
We had dinner here on our second night. It was a good option. Much better than last time.
Chops Grille
You guessed it, this is the steakhouse. They are opened for lunch on certain days as well as dinner.
Giovanni's Table
We did this back on Harmony for lunch, overall not impressed. Would try it again for sure.
Park Cafe
This venue is opened for breakfast and lunch. Free to eat at. They offer up bagels, wraps, premade sandwiches and desserts.
Why not have a bar right in the middle of Central Park?!?
Vintages Wine Bar
Our original plan was to come here on the last night of the cruise for dinner. Never ended up coming. We have been here for a wine tasting on Harmony a few years ago and it was great. Some reason they don't offer those on short cruises.
In between the decks you'll have a few other venues, such as Dazzles where you will find nightly music. Also a bit quieter areas such as the library and the Crown Lounge for select guests.
Dazzles
Mainly open at night with live music, this venue is one of the most stunning views of the Boardwalk the ship offers. During the day this area is generally open for a quiet place to sit and relax.
Here you can sit, relax and play cards or just read a book.
Crown Lounge
This area is for certain guests. Not us!
We're now upstairs on decks 15 and up. First level in the front of the ship will be the Solarium, followed by the two large whirlpools that extend on both sides of the ships. Then you will find the Beach Pool and the Sport's Pool. Followed by the Main Pool & H20 Zone for kids. Also up here are a few of the pool bars. Heading back more you will come across the Windjammer Marketplace and El Loco Fresh. Finally heading to the very back of the ship will be Allure Dunes, Sports Court as well as two FlowRider's, Zip-Line and the Wipe-out Bar.
Solarium
This was the first place we headed to once on board. They offer a large swimming pool, which several other Oasis class ships don't, so that was nice. Also tons of areas to sit and relax. We did not get a chance to use this area much at all. This is also adults only.
Solarium Bistro & Samba Grill
During the morning and lunch the Solarium Bistro is open and free to dine at. Night time there is an upcharge for this Brazilian-style steakhouse.
Whirlpools
Always a relaxing area of the ship.
The ship offer's three large pool areas on the public decks. First being the Beach Pool. Generally the pools were packed as far as seating goes, inside the pools usually had room. Busiest times were in Nassau and up to dinner time. Coco Cay day the pools were basically empty. Nighttime after 5pm they were also less busy.
Sports Pool
Across from the Beach Pool was the Sports Pool. No actual sports, just another pool to enjoy.
Across from the Beach Pool was the Sports Pool. No actual sports, just another pool to enjoy.
Main Pool
The Main Pool was generally the busiest pool since it often hosted events such as the belly flop contest.
The Main Pool was generally the busiest pool since it often hosted events such as the belly flop contest.
H20 Zone
This area is for the kids. Tons of room to play and splash around.
Here is one of the many bars on the pool decks.
El Loco Fresh
Windjammer Marketplace
Worst buffet at sea. Could never understand why the size of this buffet is so small. Largest ships in the world. Makes it very hard to actually enjoy a meal here. Food overall was decent, nothing amazing. Some options, nothing crazy.
Loved it. So much better than we thought. Also free. Lines to build up, so prepare to wait 10 to 20 minutes on average. Worth it.
Allure Dunes
Love the golf courses on these ships. This activity is included.
Sport's Court
Across the way is the basketball court. Looking at the ship from above this is basically looking at earth in the solar system.
FlowRider
On top in the back are two FlowRider's. Free to do. Usually opened a lot. My wife posted a video online of someone doing it, who I guess looked like me, so everyone was saying how good I was. I'll take it!
Zip-Line
Another free activity is the Zip-Line. Spanning several decks above the Boardwalk. For me its a pass.
Wipeout Bar
We end at the Wipeout Bar. They also have bathrooms here as well. Also get some amazing views from back here. One thing I loved was they don't have the Ultimate Abyss slides on this ship, as of now anyways. So that view is wide open and stunning! Likely the last time we'll have that on an Oasis class ship.
We want to thank you for checking out this amazing tour and joining us on this cruise. We had a great time and we hope you enjoyed seeing all the pictures and getting a more detailed review of what we did everyday.
Stay tuned, as of March 2024, we have Carnival Glory & Utopia of the Seas coming up this year. Who knows what else!
In the meantime we welcome you to join us on YouTube and subscribe to our channel, free to do!
We will have all of the tours from some of our past cruises, including Allure of the Seas. As well as videos from Hideaway Beach, Coco Cay's newest excursion!
Make sure to check out the rest of our blogs as well!
Until next time.... CRUISE ON!!!!
Wow. One of the best reviews we've ever seen. So detailed and loved how you go day-by-day on your review. A+++++
ReplyDeleteWhat a great read! You really capture an amazing time and very detailed. Thank you
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