Training for Allure: 10/15/23-10/22/23

[OCSC Mike]

Having finally booked that last minute Allure cruise that leaves 3 days after you get off (from PC), I'm doubly following now. I'm not sure if there will be room for any actual review of the ship, shows, or food with all the drama going on, but hopefully you can fit it in, lol.

Especially looking forward to your thoughts on Sabor... since it looks like you're just about eating there everyday.

[Vacation Crazy]

We just got off Allure last week.  We had a great sailing.  My husband made prime but we felt like the slots were extra tight.  I hope they are kinder to you.  Have fun!

 

[OCSC Mike]

4 minutes ago, Vacation Crazy said:

We just got off Allure last week.  We had a great sailing.  My husband made prime but we felt like the slots were extra tight.  I hope they are kinder to you.  Have fun!

Any general food thoughts?

[Vacation Crazy]

25 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Any general food thoughts?

We didn't do any specialty dining on this sailing.  We had dinner every night in the main dining room. There are definitely hits and misses.   We are not huge foodies and very easy to please.  If someone else is cooking and cleaning I'm happy.  We don't set foot in Windjammer anymore. We go to the Solarium if we want a buffet.  We also enjoyed breakfast at Johnny Rockets.   

[Ampurp85]

36 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Having finally booked that last minute Allure cruise that leaves 3 days after you get off (from PC), I'm doubly following now. I'm not sure if there will be room for any actual review of the ship, shows, or food with all the drama going on, but hopefully you can fit it in, lol.

Especially looking forward to your thoughts on Sabor... since it looks like you're just about eating there everyday.

I normally put in my food, show and ship reviews but it will be limited because I will be doing specialty mostly. I will be in the DL and I usually take a round around the WJ even though I rarely eat there.  I also plan to only do Sabor 2x, lol, everyone else wants it but none of them have tried it, so who knows. 

[OCSC Mike]

15 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

I normally put in my food, show and ship reviews but it will be limited because I will be doing specialty mostly. I will be in the DL and I usually take a round around the WJ even though I rarely eat there.  I also plan to only do Sabor 2x, lol, everyone else wants it but none of them have tried it, so who knows. 

All reviews are appreciated (as is the drama of course, although I truly feel for you).

If you're ever walking through the WJ during dinner hours, kindly let me know if you see a cook to order station (pasta/wok). That was always picky wife's go to since she eats so few things but someone recently posted that they didn't have it.

We're doing GT but we know we love GT and we may do Sabor once. Oddly, my wife hates Mexican, but we ate there on Harmony as a family and she found something she would eat and liked for every course except the entree (somehow they made a bad plain cheese quesadilla, not sure how you do that, it's melted cheese on a tortilla).

DL info is good too although I'm always there in the morning for coffee and pretty much every night just to check out the snacks whether you tell me they're great or awful.

If you couldn't tell, I just need to make sure my wife finds dinner. I'll stuff myself on any ship no matter what.

[Ampurp85]

@OCSC Mike My brother eats, he always goes to the made to order pasta station. Our last trip on Allure (2021) he went every time it was offered which was twice a day. So, I will check it out. I normally do the DL as a breakfast and then pre-dinner snack. I was only Emerald when I was on Allure, so I am looking forward to the DL. But also given my past experience with grilled cheese and mac and cheese, it is easy for Royal to mess up simple cheese things. 

[OCSC Mike]

4 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

My brother eats, he always goes to the made to order pasta station. Our last trip on Allure (2021) he went every time it was offered which was twice a day. So, I will check it out. I normally do the DL as a breakfast and then pre-dinner snack. I was only Emerald when I was on Allure, so I am looking forward to the DL.

Great, much appreciated!

I'm looking forward to that DL too. We'll be pretty close to it as an added benefit. I'm usually up so early that breakfast isn't out yet so I get something from Park Cafe at 6:30am (at least when it's open that early like it was on Wonder and Harmony) or just grab pastries from the Promenade to go with my DL cappuccino. I get actual breakfast when my wife is done with her morning walk from WJ or wherever. It's still early enough that it's not too bad in there.

I've been lucky and avoided the now standard Oasis class DL's that are in the bowels of the ship on my last several cruises b/c I was either being treated to a GS so I used the SL or we were on Indy where it's still thankfully up in the crown (although the snacks on Indy last year were inedible, including mozzarella sticks, so you might be onto something with the cheese). I'll have to suck it up on Wonder and go down to deck 4 (1st world problems).

 

[Ampurp85]

Day 17

A couple of updates. The website has the cruise completely sold out. However, I continue to receive emails in regard to RUB. But weirdly enough there are still excursions and dining packages to be had. The UDP usually is sold out by now and it is still available, so are some decent dining times for individual restaurants. 

I also have received emails saying to check in for the cruise, even though most of us have been checked in for a while. Speaking of that......the blind gent refuses to check in until we get to the port. He doesn't want to provide any wrong information by doing it beforehand. Also, I just found out that he plans to travel with empty luggage and has been sending packages to my mother so she can pack for him . But she thought my brother was actually going to pack his luggage.........I don't understand the straight up tomfoolery and speaking of that.......

My bff got in a scooter accident and now has a broken knee. He is still going because to quote him "his soul needs this vacation, he couldn't afford Beyonce, but he can afford this" but he may need a wheelchair to get around.  I had told him that scooter was dangerous, and he was trying to be cute.

I officially have one more full week of work after Sunday and I cannot wait for it to be over. I am packed for the most part and all I will need to do is the beautification of vacation regiment. You know pedicures, facials, hair, etc. which normally gets done the week of.

My cat has realized something is up as luggage's and such were out in abundance..........she is mad. She has made her home under a sofa and has only come out to eat these last few days.

[Neesa]

I'm so sorry to hear this about your BFF. This does not sound like any kind of vacation for you. Please RUB for a crown loft, please? At minimum you can escape to the loft for some well deserved solace leaving any visitors downstairs. I'm sorry, this does not sound like a vacation, your job is probably less stressful. I wish I could come to help you, you are so kind to do this for everyone. Enjoy every second of the beautification experience and please please RUB. If anyone deserves it it is you! 

I know the ship is sold out right now but remember plans change so frequently ( remember my Serenade?)

I am over here sending you strength and strong hugs!!!

Poor baby kitty, imagine how she feels right now,

[SweetPea]

37 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Also, I just found out that he plans to travel with empty luggage and has been sending packages to my mother so she can pack for him

I can't! I just can't!!!!!

[asquared17]

every time i think i have my mind wrapped around this trip… something else happens and i am consistently proven wrong.

i’m with @Neesa — ROYAL UP BID THIS NONSENSE. 

[Ampurp85]

I want to RUB so bad, but I can hear all the chit chatter from the vintages. Already my mother is mad we have no plans to help with the blind vintage. I can imagine what I will hear if I get a much nicer room on another floor that has SL/suite deck access. I am okay as my brother is in my room. Allure has that nice DL and there is a non-smoking casino. I am thinking positive. We were able to book 4-wheelers that was cancelled due to bff accident. 

[SweetPea]

I am with you on the RUBbing. (You have to spell it like that or it just writes rude).

We once sailed with Batman's family. We were already booked in the Haven when they decided to join us. But of course they chose not to book the Haven themselves. Their solution was to have us give up our Haven perks so we could be together. I'm still bitter. It'd have been different if we all booked at the same time. I was so angry when my SIL wanted to hang out at Spice H2O (NCL's adults only sundeck) on a sea day. We walked past a glorious Haven Courtyard that wasn't crowded to meet them at the madhouse that was Spice H2O, only not to get a seat. I made Batman book me a make up cruise for that.  

We traveled one time with my parents. They booked a balcony. We booked a GS. Batman and i paid the difference to upgrade them so we could use perks together. Or my parents would've expected the same of us. 

Both situations were soul sucking. 

You're in a no win situation here. 

[SweetPea]

Oh BTW, I'm in the lounge, solo,  having a martini while Batman showers. Thankfully I'm now friends with half the staff here, but i was excited to see updates to your blog so i could sit and read and not look like an alcoholic loner. (i mean of course i do, but at least i look busy!)

[asquared17]

JUST TELL THEM IT WAS A COMPLIMENTARY GLITCH — I MEAN UPGRADE!!!! 

[Neesa]

Earplugs and RUB! Plus what @asquared17 said!

[WAAAYTOOO]

….sending clothes to your mother so she can pack for him ?  Say WHAT ?  …and didn’t you say that he and your mother have never even met ?  …and he expects her to pack his underwear and sh*t ?

This story can’t be real.  I think you’re making it all up…

[Ampurp85]

@WAAAYTOOO I thought she was kidding. He is bringing underwear and pants only. He ordered shirts, shoes and toiletries to her house, well she ordered them from Amazon for him.

[Ampurp85]

Re the blind gent

They have never met in real life but they apparently Skype a lot. Whenever I bring up all of this, she counters that I went on a full cruise with strangers from this blog, so I have to shut up 

[Lovetocruise2002]

3 hours ago, Neesa said:

Please RUB for a crown loft, please? At minimum you can escape to the loft for some well deserved solace leaving any visitors downstairs

This!! That is what I keep telling @Ampurp85. Just bid and if you win, you can escape them for a bit lol

[asquared17]

56 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Just bid and if you win, you can escape them for a bit lol

i have been begging for this from the beginning the way i so badly want PEACE AND QUIET FOR @Ampurp85!!!!

it’s the only justice she might ever have!!!

[OCSC Mike]

On 9/27/2023 at 5:52 PM, Ampurp85 said:

My brother eats, he always goes to the made to order pasta station. Our last trip on Allure (2021) he went every time it was offered which was twice a day. So, I will check it out.

Maybe don't pass this along to him but someone currently on a B2B on Allure told me no cook to order station in the WJ whatsoever now.

My wife isn't happy but she said she'll deal for 5 nights (with 2 in specialty). Maybe it will be different for your sailing.

[SweetPea]

14 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

@WAAAYTOOO I thought she was kidding. He is bringing underwear and pants only. He ordered shirts, shoes and toiletries to her house, well she ordered them from Amazon for him.

I am going to need details on the outfit coordination plan. Like how he puts what shirt with what pants and how will he know not to wear brown shoes with black pants, etc, etc.  

 

[CrimsonCruiser]

On 9/11/2023 at 7:11 PM, Ampurp85 said:

Oh, just an update. One vintage just put in for her vacation and she fears she won't get it. But no biggy because if it doesn't get approved, she will just put in her two-week's notice. Then reapply when she gets back. ........apparently this has been done before. 

I would NEVER play with my money like that! These people are CRAZY!!!!!!!!

On 9/19/2023 at 5:06 PM, Ampurp85 said:

So, even more tomfoolery.

I spoke to the blind gent an hour ago. My mother was not correct in her assessment. He is legit blind.

HOW DID THEY NOT MAKE THIS CLEAR UP FRONT!!!!!! THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR SUCH MASSIVE CHANGES AND UPHEAVALS!!!!!

[Ampurp85]

45 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

I am going to need details on the outfit coordination plan. Like how he puts what shirt with what pants and how will he know not to wear brown shoes with black pants, etc, etc.  

 

It is actually crazy because he ordered the same shirt and shoes........ but in 6 colors of each. I am assuming he is bringing just black and brown pants. I had so many questions but my mother is one of those people who never ask questions, so I only get answers if I go to the source. 

[Ampurp85]

42 minutes ago, CrimsonCruiser said:

I would NEVER play with my money like that! These people are CRAZY!!!!!!!!

HOW DID THEY NOT MAKE THIS CLEAR UP FRONT!!!!!! THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR SUCH MASSIVE CHANGES AND UPHEAVALS!!!!!

Proper use of the GIF.

I was super upset; I could have made better arrangements but at this point I can't do much.  

[Ampurp85]

57 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Maybe don't pass this along to him but someone currently on a B2B on Allure told me no cook to order station in the WJ whatsoever now.

My wife isn't happy but she said she'll deal for 5 nights (with 2 in specialty). Maybe it will be different for your sailing.

I had heard this as well. Since we have the UDP he will be fine with cheese and bread from WJ as well as the ELF at Wipeout Cafe. 

[jbrinkm]

20 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

My bff got in a scooter accident and now has a broken knee. He is still going because to quote him "his soul needs this vacation, he couldn't afford Beyonce, but he can afford this" but he may need a wheelchair to get around.

20 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

We were able to book 4-wheelers that was cancelled due to bff accident. 

I would guess no "snorkel diving" either?

[asquared17]

the way i WHEEZED LAUGHING, @jbrinkm

[Ampurp85]

@jbrinkm no snorkel diving for him and he is quite upset that his shorts need to be at his knees

We stopped by and his house looks like a bear and a moose were fighting over something. Just everything everywhere because he has to change his outfit "game."

Edit

He was super glad his snorkel scuba suit was cancelled by Amazon. 

[Ampurp85]

Day 10

We are technically only about a week away from travel and it cannot come fast enough. Work has really put me in the mood for a vacation........even vintage shenanigans don't seem nearly as bad as coworker shenanigans

My checked luggage is 100% packed and the carry-on just will need to be filled with technology. I am currently in the process of downloading things for the train ride. So far, I have the last two seasons of the Challenge and the second season of Good Omens. My Kindle has yet to be loaded. I am working on that one, finding books to read during a relaxing cruise is easy but during one with 5 spicy vintages........it's a bit of a feat. 

In the beginning of the cruise planning process, I asked everyone how they would like to get to the train station. I asked them if they wanted to all meet at a designated spot and get a private shuttle. They said too expensive, it was $230 being split amongst 8 people.  Most said they would carpool and park the two cars in a garage. I explained it was at least $25/day downtown for this. Making it more than the private shuttle. Still a no. Whatever, I was like I was planning on just doing Lyft anyway. So fast forward to Tues where the new vintage has rented a limo........well from a limo company. It is $175 and can hold 4 people and 4 luggage. Considering she has 3, it isn't feasible. Wed they asked about doing a private shuttle and I checked, its $400. My mother is now upset because they had planned to carpool and now there is no space for her or the blind gent. In her mind the new vintage did this on purpose because they are upset about him coming. Not saying it isn't possible, but this is why I always make backup plans. Now we are using 4 different/modes of transportation, which is going to cost everyone, but me, more than the private shuttle would have. It also means we will be arriving separately and at random times. 

My mother's room has gotten 3 emails this week about RUB. I think they need a 4pax room but none of them want to pay to upgrade. When I printed the luggage tags and setsail pass I noticed a couple of things. The luggage tags revert to the highest-ranking C&A member of the room. I don't know why I thought there were separate luggage tags. Even though all the vintages played in the casino on their last sailing, only the one without a C&A number attached says CHOICE. We booked traditional dining, and it is 7:45, not 8pm. Yesterday I saw a table and today it says look for reservation card in room. I also called the C&A desk to choose my D+ gift. On my sailing in Jan on Oasis the UDP and most reservations were sold out months before the sailing. On this cruise the UDP and a lot of reservations for specialty restaurants are wide open. I know as a party of 8, we will have limitations, but I wonder if more people are booking onboard and paying higher prices, since so many cruisers are newbies.  

I have filled out special need's forms for the new vintage and the blind gent. The last of the Amazon packages will arrive tomorrow. I am now looking forward more to my Jan cruises as packing will be much easier because we fly. 

[OCSC Mike]

I can't take these pre-cruise updates anymore. Can we fast forward to the cruise and learn you are somehow managing to have a good time in the midst of... I don't even know what to call everything you're dealing with.

[FireFishII]

This morning was I going to write "Only 10 days to go - any updates?"  But I did not want to add anymore pressure on you.  I must have known you were going to write something up.  

 

[Lovetocruise2002]

Anyone else wonder if the vintages are in danger of missing the train? oops lol

[SweetPea]

These updates make my day! Although i can't wait for you to get on the ship, i know there will be shenanigans on your way there and i want all the juicy deets!

[Ampurp85]

@Lovetocruise2002 OMG that is such a worry. I wanted us to travel together for that reason.

[Ampurp85]

My plan was to get to the train at noon for a 1:55pm departure (boarding is 30min before departure). But now since everyone is coming separately, and I have the tickets, I will be there at 10:30. I am now sending my brother with my mother and the blind gent. Then bff and bff mom are coming with me and I have the info for the new vintage and my mother's bff private car. So, we are down to just 3 transportation options.

[OCSC Mike]

5 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

So, we are down to just 3 transportation options.

Progress!

[asquared17]

these 10 days cannot end fast enough…

i NEED for you to be on the ship and settled in with your luggage so badly