Sea-ing Stars - Allure OTS April 23 - 30, 2023

[melmar02]

It’s almost here! Our very first Star Class cruise!

We don’t usually do cruise shirts, but DD and I tie died shirts at a scouting campout in October, and somehow that became the plan for these shirts. I’m not sold on the idea, but the kids and DH are all in, so we’ll see how it goes!

This sailing will be myself, DH, DS (11), and DD (14). We typically sail in the 2 BR Grand / 2 BR Owner’s suite, but when Allure moved to Galveston, and the 2 BR Aqua theater suite was the same price as our typical 2 BR on Liberty, it was a done deal! I booked the morning the schedule opened and then emailed Michelle @ MEI to transfer to her. That was March 3, 2021, so we’ve been (not so patiently) watching the countdown clock on this one for over 2 years.

We received the Genie Survey 60 prior to sail date. We didn’t ask for anything crazy, but we did mention this cruise was right between a couple birthdays. A couple weeks after DS’s birthday and a couple weeks before DH’s. Also, we missed a big 15^th anniversary celebration due to covid, so we would like to take part in a wine tasting if possible (we honeymooned in Napa Valley and San Francisco).

Show reservations opened 48 days prior to sail date.

Contact from our Genie 31 days prior to sail date. We have Smitha.

 

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Embarkation @ Galveston

Day 2 – Sea Day

Day 3 – Sea Day

Day 4 – Roatan

Day 5 – Costa Maya

Day 6 – Cozumel

Day 7 – Sea Day

Day 8 – Debarkation @ Galveston

[asquared17]

can't wait to hear all about this!! i love allure, she has her champagne bar still and wide open space in the back without the purple slides.

[SweetPea]

In! Three of my favorite Caribbean ports! So fun!! Can't wait to hear about your Star Class experience!

[melmar02]

A few pre-cruise details – we homeschool and this cruise is the start of our summer break. Our last day of school will be Thursday the 20^th. Our homeschool co-op is Friday the 21^st – I teach 2 baking classes and an elementary science class, plus DH and I teach a high school cooking class there. I also run a home based wedding bakery, and some idiot thought it would be ok to book a wedding on the Saturday we leave. It was me… I’m the idiot. The only reason I booked this wedding is that it is taking place at my favorite venue which is 5 minutes from my house, and it’s just a groom’s cake and a bunch of little desserts that will just go in their fridge when I get there anyway. The venue manager will be there for me at 8am to drop off, but my kitchen will probably be a wreck and what keeps us from getting on the road when we really want. Our plan is to have the car re-loaded and be on the road to Houston by 11am or noon at the latest on the 22^nd. It’s a good thing I thrive on stress!

We live between Dallas and Oklahoma and always make the 4-5 hour drive to the south Houston area a day or two before. We like to stay at the Homewood Suites in Clear Lake for a few reasons. First, we can get a 2 bedroom suite. If you have read my previous blogs, you know DH is a MORNING person. He’s usually up by 4 or 5am without an alarm. The rest of us…not so much. The separate bedrooms give the kids their own beds (two doubles in that second bedroom) and DH his own space in the living room in the morning without waking the rest of us up. Next, free breakfast in the morning, and hotel waffles make my kids happy. Finally, it’s just a short 35 minute drive to our preferred parking lot in Galveston in the morning. 

We like to park at Lighthouse as they have always taken care of us. Uncovered for the week was $95 with a $5 off coupon code found on their website. Parking at the new terminal was quite a bit more than that (almost double for the coveted covered spots), so we decided to save a little and take the few minutes to be shuttled over. I'm sure that money we saved will find its way to the casino though. 

[JohnK6404]

Have an amazing time! We'll be following!

[melmar02]

13 hours ago, asquared17 said:

can't wait to hear all about this!! i love allure, she has her champagne bar still and wide open space in the back without the purple slides.

We're on Harmony next spring, and it will be interesting to compare that back view from the boardwalk and the top deck.

 

13 hours ago, SweetPea said:

In! Three of my favorite Caribbean ports! So fun!! Can't wait to hear about your Star Class experience!

Ours too! These were the ports on the kids' first cruise, so they hold lots of great memories for us all. 

 

28 minutes ago, JohnK6404 said:

Have an amazing time! We'll be following!

Thanks!

[melmar02]

Cruise Planner Purchases

We didn’t buy a lot this time around since most everything was included with Star Class.

100 photo package for $124.99 on Black Friday.

Chef’s Table on night 3 - I know a portion of this will be refunded since we are SC, but I’m not really sure how much. I asked Smitha if she thinks we need to pre-purchase Izumi, and I'm waiting to hear back. 

Chankanaab Day Pass with Lunch and Drinks for $47.99 on Black Friday. When we were in Cozumel last year, we swam with the dolphins at Chankanaab, but we didn’t have time to explore the rest of the park. Usually we book Paradise beach, however, we wanted to see what else Chankanaab had to offer.

We also booked Maya Chan in Costa Maya and the Daniel Johnson Monkey/Sloth Snorkel 2 in Roatan, both of those directly with the companies.

[asquared17]

maya chan!! we had such a great time when we went, not sure if this is your first time or not but i DREAM of those built it yourself tacos

[Ampurp85]

I recall reading another one of your blogs where you went to the sloth/monkey excursion, and I marvel how you can deal with the monkeys because I hate them. It must be great to drive to port and not have to worry what you might need to pack. 

[melmar02]

4 hours ago, asquared17 said:

maya chan!! we had such a great time when we went, not sure if this is your first time or not but i DREAM of those built it yourself tacos

This will be our first time. I may or may not have drooled over a couple youtube videos of those tacos.

 

3 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I recall reading another one of your blogs where you went to the sloth/monkey excursion, and I marvel how you can deal with the monkeys because I hate them. It must be great to drive to port and not have to worry what you might need to pack. 

We haven't done the monkey/sloths yet. The only other time we were in Roatan we did the iguana snorkeling combo. We've also gone through the aviary in Costa Maya. Is it because they crawl all over you? That bothered me about the aviary, but only because some of the birds had really sharp claws and we came out of it all scratched up. We love being able to drive to port, but it does limit us to pretty much this itinerary. We're flying to Ft. Lauderdale in the fall for our next cruise which embarks on Halloween. I'm struggling with the thought of luggage limits and potential costumes.

[MLH]

Looking forward to your review! We are heading out in 8730 in May. Have a geat trip.

[Ampurp85]

33 minutes ago, melmar02 said:

This will be our first time. I may or may not have drooled over a couple youtube videos of those tacos.

 

We haven't done the monkey/sloths yet. The only other time we were in Roatan we did the iguana snorkeling combo. We've also gone through the aviary in Costa Maya. Is it because they crawl all over you? That bothered me about the aviary, but only because some of the birds had really sharp claws and we came out of it all scratched up. We love being able to drive to port, but it does limit us to pretty much this itinerary. We're flying to Ft. Lauderdale in the fall for our next cruise which embarks on Halloween. I'm struggling with the thought of luggage limits and potential costumes.

I might have mixed you up with another family who only does suites lol .

I have monkey trauma, I mentioned it in that blog. I actively avoid them, but I loooooooooooove sloths. I loved sailing on Halloween and hope to do it again. I am looking forward to your blog. We are on the last Allure sailing out of Galveston this Oct. 

[asquared17]

4 hours ago, melmar02 said:

This will be our first time. I may or may not have drooled over a couple youtube videos of those tacos.

you are in for a REAL treat they are phenomenal!! i included some pics of those tacos in my symphony liveblog -- the flavor and spices were just PERFECT. the fresh pickled onions!! i will drool forever over them.

  

4 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I have monkey trauma

i'm sorry but this is making me laugh too hard

[AshleyDillo]

4 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I have monkey trauma

When we visited we didn't go in the money cage, but I watched those little terrorists wreak havoc. One stole this guy's cell phone out of his front pocket and climbed up to the top of the enclosure with it and wouldn't give it back. They told everyone to leave their bags outside of the enclosure and I watched one reach through the enclosure and start unzipping the bags and trying to rummage through them as far as little monkey arms could reach.

The sloth part is great, though! 

[Ampurp85]

I once talked to a person in the casino who went on the monkey/sloth excursion and said not only did the monkey steal his wife's glasses but peed on someone next to them. I knew monkey were always up to no good but they sound crazy.

Enough about crazy monkeys...... there is star class and delicious tacos to think about.

[melmar02]

16 hours ago, MLH said:

Looking forward to your review! We are heading out in 8730 in May. Have a geat trip.

You just reminded me I forgot to list our cabin number. We're in the ATS right above yours 9730.

[melmar02]

16 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I might have mixed you up with another family who only does suites lol .

We're going to try connecting balconies next spring on Harmony. I love the idea of cheaper fare so we can sail more, but we really love the suite lounge, and I think star is going to spoil us rotten. I'm not sure where hubby is going to go in the mornings either without a separate living room - that balcony door better be quiet!

[melmar02]

11 hours ago, AshleyDillo said:

When we visited we didn't go in the money cage, but I watched those little terrorists wreak havoc. One stole this guy's cell phone out of his front pocket and climbed up to the top of the enclosure with it and wouldn't give it back. They told everyone to leave their bags outside of the enclosure and I watched one reach through the enclosure and start unzipping the bags and trying to rummage through them as far as little monkey arms could reach.

 

10 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I once talked to a person in the casino who went on the monkey/sloth excursion and said not only did the monkey steal his wife's glasses but peed on someone next to them. I knew monkey were always up to no good but they sound crazy.

I've seen youtubes with both of these too. I feel a little more prepared than the people in the videos now - I know where to put our bag on the shelf (I think) and to bring wipes and a second shirt at least.

 

I haven't heard back from Smitha yet, but I emailed her on Sunday (Allure's turnover day) and today is her first port day this week. DH and I need to look at the menus together. Since we've only sailed in Freedom class or smaller ships we've been fine with the MDR and an occasional visit to Chops. He said the other day, "You want to eat in all the restaurants? What's wrong with the MDR?" Nothing, but we've paid for them, so we might as well try what looks good! 150CP has my name written all over it, and I would eat there several times. I tentatively asked Smitha to reserve Coastal Kitchen on night 1 (have to try that filet everyone talks about!), and 150CP for night 2. We have Chef's Table on night 3, so I asked for Johnny Rockets to be delivered to the room for the kids so we can make sure the kids eat before they run off to the teen club/AO. I think I will get pushback from the kids if we don't go to the WJ on day 1 for lunch, but I would like to sway us toward Sabor or Giovanni's I think - I hear I need to try the truffle pasta too.  

[asquared17]

TRUFFLE PASTA!!!!

(i swear i was summoned by this )

[calvink669]

Wife and I are in 1758 on June 4th, so we will follow this one closely.  I'm interested to see how star class arrival is at Galveston.  I've been to the new terminal but not for star class yet.

Also looking to book Mayan chan in costa Maya!

Cheers!

Tim

[melmar02]

I received an email back from Smitha this yesterday with a tentative schedule and recommendation to go ahead and book hibachi in the cruise planner. I jumped on the Cruise Planner and our options were 9pm or later every day except for day 7 which also had 5pm. We went ahead and took that one. With the kids' activities during the week, it's not uncommon for us to eat that early. That meal will just be our transition back to normal life.

Her schedule looks pretty good to me - I think we'll probably just make a couple tweaks. We want to see one of the aqua shows from the aqua theater, a couple restaurant changes, and I think we're good. She also has DH and DS birthdays, and our make up anniversary listed too. 

Her email was pretty detailed and included photos of the new terminal - where to drop luggage, what the star banner looks like, suite entrance, security, and suite waiting area were all pictured.

She said there will be a dedicated star class flow rider session at 9am on the second sea day - it's listed as 7:50am on her schedule though, so I need to follow up on that. She has an ice skating session on the schedule as well. I'm not sure if that is dedicated or if she's just going to take us to the front of the line for that one. No dedicated time on rock wall / zip line, but she said we have priority during non-peak hours. I imagine those activities will be a one and done thing for the kids. 

Her email confirmed we can only order food to the room from one restaurant at a time. 

I need to get some info back to her - if we want to participate in the bridge and galley tours (yes!), drinks in the room, etc. Here are the mini-bar options.

As your mini bar is included, please let me know your beverage preferences in advance from the following options: Evian Water | Tonic Water | San Pelegrino sparkling water | Club Soda | Coca-Cola | Diet Coke | Coke Zero | Sprite | Sprite Zero | Fanta | Ginger Ale | Dr Pepper | Minute Maid Juice orange & apple | Beer: Amstel Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, Corona, Guinness, Heineken, Miller Lite, Stella.

 

May I also ask if you prefer to be greeted with one of the following bottles: Champagne Moet Chandon Brut 750ml | Wine Chardonnay Cakebread Napa 750ml | Wine Pinot Noir Belle Glos Las Alturas Monterey 750ml | Wine Sauvignon Blanc Cloudy Bay New Zealand 750ml | Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Sequoia Grove Rutherford 750ml | Wine Merlot Duckhorn Vineyards Napa 750ml 

 

 

[melmar02]

21 hours ago, asquared17 said:

TRUFFLE PASTA!!!!

(i swear i was summoned by this )

Oh my goodness! I just realized the wrong Giovanni's is on this ship - there is no truffle pasta on the Giovanni's Table menu! Guess I'll just have to get the gnocchi...or seafood linguini...or mushroom risotto...or tagliatelle... 

[melmar02]

@calvink669 Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll try to get answers for you. I have been searching for a video of the suite side of the cruise terminal since it opened back in November and finally found one a couple weeks ago.  

If you have not already booked, you may want to reach out to Maya Chan. Shortly after we booked our spots someone on the FB group for our cruise said they were sold out .

[asquared17]

41 minutes ago, melmar02 said:

Oh my goodness! I just realized the wrong Giovanni's is on this ship - there is no truffle pasta on the Giovanni's Table menu! Guess I'll just have to get the gnocchi...or seafood linguini...or mushroom risotto...or tagliatelle... 

FEAR NOT, friend. there is a truffle pasta dish in CK, usually the night before the final. 

i’ll be damned if you don’t get truffle pasta!!!

[WAAAYTOOO]

I love Smitha's color-coded itin.  Very nice !  Looks like you're going to be VERY busy.  LOL

[melmar02]

37 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I love Smitha's color-coded itin.  Very nice !  Looks like you're going to be VERY busy.  LOL

I love a busy schedule! The FOMO is strong with this one.

 

 

2 hours ago, asquared17 said:

FEAR NOT, friend. there is a truffle pasta dish in CK, usually the night before the final. 

i’ll be damned if you don’t get truffle pasta!!!

I'll have to look. If we miss it, I'll have Brandon engineer a recipe for me - he's the chef in the family.

[calvink669]

2 hours ago, melmar02 said:

@calvink669 Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll try to get answers for you. I have been searching for a video of the suite side of the cruise terminal since it opened back in November and finally found one a couple weeks ago.  

If you have not already booked, you may want to reach out to Maya Chan. Shortly after we booked our spots someone on the FB group for our cruise said they were sold out .

Thanks, I actually did send them a mail yesterday and it turns out that they close down from 6/1 to 8/31 for hurricane season.

See email below:

2023/2024 Seasonal Storm Season Pause

June 1-August 31st

We will be pausing our operation during our Hurricane season. We find we end up having to close many days and refund many during that time

We recommend taking a taxi to the end of town. 40 Cannons hotel. The better places are there. Try to ignore the pushy people trying to attract you. The better places don't have to do this.  After youl II off the taxi.  Go to the boardwalk and you will find different places to spend your day.  
We used to recommend places but no good deed goes unpunished.

Thank you for your request and I hope you have a great cruise.
Have a great cruise.

Mark
Maya Chan Beach Resort

[asquared17]

36 minutes ago, melmar02 said:

I'll have to look. If we miss it, I'll have Brandon engineer a recipe for me - he's the chef in the family.

and please share pics with us if he does!! truffle pasta aficionados everywhere (paging @SweetPea) will appreciate this!!

 

@calvink669 it's so nice that mark gave you a recommendation despite their being closed, though i confess i am not totally surprised as the team there is super hospitable and welcoming. if there's ever a chance for you to get back (on a non-hurricane closure time), you'll have a wonderful time!

[Lovetocruise2002]

On 3/27/2023 at 7:06 PM, melmar02 said:

Contact from our Genie 31 days prior to sail date. We have Smitha.

Nothing beats that first star class sailing! How exciting!

We had Smitha on Allure in December 2021. She is really sweet. Be warned. Condition yourselves for eating. She won't let you go hungry! lol

Definitely try all the specialty restaurants, it's included so why not?

@calvink669 we had 1758 on Allure when we had Smitha. I adore that room. It's one of my favourite star class cabins.

[melmar02]

5 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

We had Smitha on Allure in December 2021. She is really sweet. Be warned. Condition yourselves for eating. She won't let you go hungry! lol

I've already got my "end of the week" pants picked out!

[melmar02]

Post-cruise.

I thought we were just driving home after disembarking the ship like we always do, but last night, DH brought up staying in Houston a day after the cruise since we can't go early. Now the plan is to go to Kemah if the weather is nice or The Color Factory if it's raining the day we get off the ship and drive home Monday. We'll most likely stay in the same pre-cruise hotel.

[asquared17]

the color factory looks SO cool!! i hope you guys get to go!!

[FireFishII]

Both of those places look cool!  

[melmar02]

21 hours ago, asquared17 said:

the color factory looks SO cool!! i hope you guys get to go!!

 

1 hour ago, FireFishII said:

Both of those places look cool!  

 

If we can stand not having the genie escort us, we may try to do both. 

[FireFishII]

1 hour ago, melmar02 said:

If we can stand not having the genie escort us, we may try to do both. 

Now don't overdo it and wreck your cruising glow.

 

[kadmgs]

Just a heads up, 4/30 is Blessing of the Fleet at Kemah. The boat parade will be cool to see, but it will be crowded more than likely. 

[melmar02]

1 hour ago, kadmgs said:

Just a heads up, 4/30 is Blessing of the Fleet at Kemah. The boat parade will be cool to see, but it will be crowded more than likely. 

Thank you for the info!

[melmar02]

Our cruise shirts came in, and they are pretty thin. If the tie die doesn't help hide how sheer they are, we're going to scrap that idea. (Insert sarcastic "oh no!" here) I already have an alternate outfit ready to go. 

I've started pre-packing - getting things washed that have been sitting in the closet since our last Caribbean cruise and washing new purchases. Ordered DD a prescription snorkel mask and goggles this morning. Still have a bit to buy though. We will all need new bathing suits, shorts for the growing kids, and formal night clothes for DS. DH needs to go through his clothes and try stuff on. We're going shopping for him on Friday if needed.

DH and I have lost quite a bit of weight since we got back from our Alaskan cruise this summer, and it's been fun to pull out dresses I wore on our second cruise back in 2011 and find that they fit! Not saying I didn't buy anything new though... a girl needs options!

[FireFishII]

Congrats on losing that weight!!  I always think it is fun when you can suddenly pull off your clothes without first unbuttoning or unzipping the article of clothing.

[Ampurp85]

Do you and your family find shopping to be a chore? I hate shopping, I have a system where if I see something I just get it, as opposed to waiting until I have cruise/vacation booked. My brother used to laugh at me because I have specific cruise/vacation clothes, he now understands.

Also...........congrats on your weight loss. I am down quite a bit, and it is great to pull out clothes I wore almost 10 years ago, and they fit again.