We felt that the main focus of the staff's efforts centered on up-selling rather than providing a wonderful value for the money already spent. I attended a "mandatory meeting" when we arrived on ship, only to be trapped in a thinly veiled sales presentation. Everywhere we turned, we were enthusiastically encouraged to purchase the very expensive beverage packages, the VOOM internet connection, the more expensive meals and specialty restaurants, the tanzanite jewelry, and on and on.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
We stopped eating in the dining room because the wait was so long, spending almost every meal at the self-serve Windjammer buffet, which offered tasty food. A single regular-sized alcoholic drink such as a pina colada or glass of wine costs $12.
Our daughter has a severe tree nut allergy and carries an Epi Pen. We contacted RC when we originally made our booking to be sure that this information was noted in our file, but no-one seemed aware of or especially comfortable with feeding a person with an allergy once we got on board. Different staff gave us different answers on whether a particular food would be safe, the chef seemed a bit confused about the difference between a nut allergy and a seed allergy, and we never felt totally comfortable that we were in capable hands allergy-wise. She ended up eating fruits and vegetables and pre-packaged boxes of cereal almost exclusively for a week.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
The ship did have activities for teens (the flow rider, zip line, rock wall, a teen lounge, an expensive arcade). We played Bingo for a short time but it cost $29 per person (there were other even more expensive Bingo options). I participated in a dance class in the pool that was fun.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Elements that were included and featured in our cruise package - such as the performances - were difficult to reserve and 'sold out' faster than we could reserve. The Ocean Aria show was good.
Children's Programs
3 out of 5
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
Some of the staff were not particularly friendly, accommodating or kind. I went to Guest Services on the ship to ask a question about an off-ship excursion and the staff member seemed disgusted that I had erroneously come to her rather than going to the excursions counter. Another day, when they showed a movie that they had told me minutes earlier was definitely canceled, the staff person couldn’t be bothered, explaining that it was a last-minute decision so they couldn’t possibly make an announcement of the change in plans.
Our housekeeping person was kind and attentive. One of our waiters at dinner in the main dining room was energetic and engaging.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Ship tip
Book EVERYTHING in advance - anything and everything you'd want to do on board or at the ports, book immediately and very far in advance. Pick a meal time or make meal reservations so you don't wait in long lines for the dining room. Bring a bottle of wine with you if you wish because any alcoholic drink you buy is $12 (or more) and the beverage packages are crazy-expensive.
I went on line to book excursions well in advance. The ‘swimming with Sea Lions’ trip at St. Thomas was nearly full, so we took the remaining three openings even though there are four of us. We were instructed to ask once we got on board if there was any way the fourth member of our party could join in. I did, and was told to go to the port once we arrived on the island and ask there instead. I did so, and to my delight, they sold me the additional ticket so that our whole family could participate together. I got in the van and drove for some time to the destination, only to get out and learn that they would not allow me to join in – or even watch - and that they had made a mistake when they sold me the extra ticket. I waited outside in the rain for my family to participate, then got back in the van and drove the nearly one hour back to the ship. Had I known that I couldn’t be included (which I always knew might be the case), I could’ve at least spent the day in St. Thomas rather than wasting the whole day in a van. My husband said there would’ve been plenty of room for me in the water with the sea lions, and more than enough room to at least watch had they been willing.
The actual excursion itself: my family loved it.
I have been on 11 cruises and never heard of a mandatory meeting the only one is the muster drill prior to sailing if they try to sell you something just say no and walk away
Thank you for your comments, THKS we sail in 13 days. I honestly have felt the money upgrading since we have booked. I did make all our dining and entertainment ahead of time. But the upcharge for everything is ridiculous and we haven't even sailed yet. I think the cruise industry has changed a lot since we sailed with the Disney cruise 5 yrs ago, and we loved the Disney ship by the way. I don't buy the drinks on ship, I buy them at port or bring my own. I'm not paying for internet or pop. Or extra for food that I have already paid for. I don't attend mandatory meetings. I would try an all inclusive resort.
If you didn’t eat in the restaurant, how would people at the buffet know about someones food allergies. Show reservations can be made far in advance of your sailing. To try to book shows once you’re on board, is on you.
I agree with cyndimom75...we booked our shows in advance and were seated promptly at 5:30pm for dinner each night so dinner didn’t interfere with the entertainment. We never attended a mandatory sales meeting either. Other than a baby crying all night in the cabin next to ours...we loved the Allure.
My experience on Allure was completely different. I’m sorry yours was not. We did book all of our shows ahead of time and schedule my time dining via out cruise planner. Did not worry about drink prices as we had the drink package. Truthfully our cruise on Allure was our best one so far!
This was mandatory sure hope this has changed did not pay for some sales pitch if I wanted to buy them I would of. Who cares in reality too many of the restaurants are a cash grab should have at least one nice restaurant that was not additional charge besides tge buffet and the cafe and hotdog hut in all honesty charging extra at Johnny Rockets kind of ridiculous that would be like Carnival charging extra for Guy's burgers. I think the price your paying already they should not be pushing stuff on their guests. Just being honest. Cannot wait for my Allure Cruise on the 18th of this month😀⚓🚢👍🍹🍸🍻🍷🍦🍩🍣🌴
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