👨‍✈️Captain’s Log - Allure of the Seas January 3–11, 2026 First Mate’s Note - 30 Years Married and Still Afloat ⚓️

[InmyElement]

Day 2 sea day..WOW. You were not exaggerating about the meat sweats after Samba Grill aka the meat train  I knew what we were walking into…the rest were clueless, which made it pure entertainment 

Waiter spoke in riddles long enough for them to believe you order one app and one meat. Then the carving chef cleared the salads and asked if we were ready…and unleashed chaos  Absolute excitement in their eyes...we laughed so much as it kept coming and coming..the carving chef didn't stop smiling as he piled it on..

pics not so good..hands were permanently occupied defending plates. B-man went full carnivore, C-man announced “this is great!" 

B-man even pregamed at the WJ for eggplant parm definitely a one-and-done experience, zero regrets. Afterward, the boys took off, we walked around..no shows. 

This morning we hit the pools before chaos fully set in..partly cloudy and being an hour ahead meant way more humans roaming early. Still meat-filled, but I managed a solid waddle-run on the Love Track on Deck 5 (one of my favorite Oasis-class perks).

Then ELF for nachos and margaritas at the Wipeout Bar...no regrets. After that, it was a jungle out there, so I escaped to CL for some peace, coffee, and cookies 

Dinner at MJ at 6...woohoo! Still haven’t seen B-man. Also…I cannot believe what they did to the room. Beds split to opposite ends, couch barricaded in the middle like a demilitarized zone. The cabin attendant just shook his head. I told him at least they didn’t drag a mattress onto the balcony...and promised it would all be put back. 

Oh..and last night I ran a little surveillance mission and bet the rest of them I’d get into the CL for happy hour  Walked right in, empty chairs scattered, zero card check. Didn’t even get the “are you lost?” look.

Felt like a full-blown rebel… basically 18 again sneaking into a bar. Mission accomplished!! 

[InmyElement]

oh and they had a blast at candy sushi making...Trisha got accused of stealing pop rocks from children..  the boys set her up..

 

[InmyElement]

peace be with me...

[asquared17]

3 hours ago, InmyElement said:

Also…I cannot believe what they did to the room. Beds split to opposite ends, couch barricaded in the middle like a demilitarized zone. The cabin attendant just shook his head.

what on EARTH

[Jamesszy94]

3 hours ago, InmyElement said:

oh and they had a blast at candy sushi making...Trisha got accused of stealing pop rocks from children..  the boys set her up.

 

Is that a Raffaello chocolate?!??!?! I love those!!!

[InmyElement]

12 hours ago, Jamesszy94 said:

Is that a Raffaello chocolate?!??!?! I love those!!!

I don’t know I’ll find out…

[InmyElement]

St Thomas today looks beautiful so far…

oh @asquared17any leads on a travel foldable drink carrier from Bezos?  I was not worthy this am to witness a gentleman with some sorts of travel drink carrier…do you know how much hand burning that will save me in the am…. I would have chased him down but I was waiting for my order. 

[ScottD]

9 minutes ago, InmyElement said:

St Thomas today looks beautiful so far…

oh @asquared17any leads on a travel foldable drink carrier from Bezos?  I was not worthy this am to witness a gentleman with some sorts of travel drink carrier…do you know how much hand burning that will save me in the am…. I would have chased him down but I was waiting for my order. 

I've also seen people with little drink carriers... great idea.  St Thomas is so nice. What side do you dock on?  My last (unexpected) visit there last year we ended up on the Havensight area and it was really nice, like a little downtown\port area. 

[InmyElement]

Charlotte Amalie…we are port side aft facing out so I can’t see the dock or town we backed in quite a bit…

[OCSC Mike]

1 hour ago, InmyElement said:

a travel foldable drink carrier from Bezos

Did a very quick search... looks like there are lots of options.

I think I need something more like a cafeteria tray. Wife doesn't drink coffee but I often bring back some pastries for both of us (some may go in a ziploc or container for later, some obviously go in my belly). I'm fairly good at the juggling act but with at least one to-go cup of coffee, the small plates can be problematic, especially since I now walk the length of the ship to get to the CL and back to our cabin.

Depending on timing, with the new CL and windows, I've been trying to actually drink more coffee in the CL if I'm up especially early. Super peaceful and I often catch up on my blog there. When I was using the old dungeon CL that was just an elevator ride straight down, I often stacked multiple to-go cups in one hand and had a plate in the other. It was still a juggling act but it was more elevator ride than long walk so I managed.

[JohnK6404]

4 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Depending on timing, with the new CL and windows, I've been trying to actually drink more coffee in the CL if I'm up especially early. Super peaceful and I often catch up on my blog there. 

Me too! I've only been able to enter the CL on Allure since it was our first sailing as Diamond, but we tended to go when it wasn't busy (very early or late). Hopefully, any C&A level restrictions on Odyssey will not impact us.

I actually like having the CL to myself especially late at night after Christine goes to sleep. I used to sit out on our balcony to catch up with everything, but the CL is much more civilized!  

On Icon, I climbed up into one of the pods in the Overlook, but people kept coming up (since you cannot tell from below if anyone is up there)! 

[OCSC Mike]

14 minutes ago, JohnK6404 said:

Me too! I've only been able to enter the CL on Allure since it was our first sailing as Diamond, but we tended to go when it wasn't busy (very early or late). Hopefully, any C&A level restrictions on Odyssey will not impact us.

Don't worry a ton about the restriction, it would only affect the nightly happy hour when the snacks are out (5-8pm or so). Very early or late should be fine. I like the late night use idea, BTW. If I stayed up much later than my wife I'd consider that. She may crash before me but I'm not usually up super late unless I just can't sleep so I'm content to just sit on the couch for a bit (no balcony in our caves, lol).

14 minutes ago, JohnK6404 said:

we tended to go when it wasn't busy

Most people dread sailing when we do (school break with tons of kids and inflated prices) but there are some small benefits. I haven't seen a crowded CL, even during happy hour, in forever. The top tier numbers are always low and families with kids don't frequent the CL. The Solarium can also wind up on the peaceful side b/c of the kids but it can get crowded at times, though that's not a big deal. Basically, to anyone who avoids kid-heavy cruises (which I totally get, for the prices too), I do like to mention that they're really not bad b/c I don't spend time where the kids do... main pools, water slides, etc. Sure they're going to be in the common areas, food venues, etc. but we don't mind unless they're really acting horribly.

We got friendly with the CL concierge last cruise and it was so dead around 5-6pm that he was thanking us for coming up to chat each night (we usually check the snacks anyway). He kept telling us how bored he was on Utopia on the summer b/c the CL was never busy.

[asquared17]

6 hours ago, InmyElement said:

oh @asquared17any leads on a travel foldable drink carrier from Bezos?  I was not worthy this am to witness a gentleman with some sorts of travel drink carrier…do you know how much hand burning that will save me in the am….

i’m thinking this one could be a good option?

https://a.co/d/0Ox1qm7

there are some that seem heavy and unweildy; this one at least packs down from what i can tell.  

[lovetheplaya]

A youtuber I watch loves this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V5CRLR1?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzbrit0866-20&creativeASIN=B07V5CRLR1&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2O3Z0WHHBA2CD&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin&th=1

 

they are all inclusive goers, but same idea!

[InmyElement]

15 minutes ago, lovetheplaya said:

A youtuber I watch loves this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V5CRLR1?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzbrit0866-20&creativeASIN=B07V5CRLR1&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2O3Z0WHHBA2CD&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin&th=1

 

they are all inclusive goers, but same idea!

Thanks..when I first looked I thought it said caddy daddy..which kind of describes me

[ScottD]

1 hour ago, lovetheplaya said:

A youtuber I watch loves this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V5CRLR1?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzbrit0866-20&creativeASIN=B07V5CRLR1&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2O3Z0WHHBA2CD&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin&th=1

 

they are all inclusive goers, but same idea!

I was wondering the other day if their were bloggers for resorts like there are for cruises... I guess so! 

[InmyElement]

On 1/1/2026 at 8:39 AM, SweetPea said:

Hey! Happy Anniversary! Jan 6 is Batman's birthday.

@SweetPea Happy Birthday to Batman!!! Hope you guys had a great day!!

[InmyElement]

11 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

Did a very quick search... looks like there are lots of options.

I think I need something more like a cafeteria tray. Wife doesn't drink coffee but I often bring back some pastries for both of us (some may go in a ziploc or container for later, some obviously go in my belly). I'm fairly good at the juggling act but with at least one to-go cup of coffee, the small plates can be problematic, especially since I now walk the length of the ship to get to the CL and back to our cabin.

Depending on timing, with the new CL and windows, I've been trying to actually drink more coffee in the CL if I'm up especially early. Super peaceful and I often catch up on my blog there. When I was using the old dungeon CL that was just an elevator ride straight down, I often stacked multiple to-go cups in one hand and had a plate in the other. It was still a juggling act but it was more elevator ride than long walk so I managed.

Is Utopia in the same spot..or at least similar to Allure?
I’ve been hitting it around 5:30–6am and loving Deck 15. The windows are great, it’s super peaceful, and that’s where I usually do my typing. its pretty peaceful all day..i even got in during happy hour and it was fine..i tried the swedish meatballs..ughh. 

I have my one cup while typing, then grab two more for Trisha before she wakes up. If I remember, I bring the insulated mugs…but let’s be honest, most days I forget and end up juggling everything all the way back..especially if I add a Berliner to the mix. 

[asquared17]

20 minutes ago, InmyElement said:

especially if I add a Berliner to the mix.

a worthy reason, if there ever was one!!!!

[OCSC Mike]

40 minutes ago, InmyElement said:

Is Utopia in the same spot..or at least similar to Allure?

Similar but not quite. Decks 15 and 16 are somewhat swapped on Utopia (and Wonder) compared to the older Oasis class ships. The CL is on deck 16 along with ELF and some other stuff while the WJ is on 15.

After multiple Wonder cruises we took a last minute Allure cruise a few years ago and got really confused at first, lol.

[InmyElement]

Mason Jar last night..just like y'all recommended..scrumptious.
Trisha had the brisket, I went with the shrimp & grits, B-man crushed the pot pie and a fried chicken sandwich (commitment), and C-man had the fried chicken.

Drinks were a full-on showdown:
Bman had the Apple pie and Mississippi Moonlight,
Cman went Creamsicle and Mississippi Moonlight.

So…we’re officially at 2 who love Mason Jar and 2 who love Samba. Tie game.

Mid-dinner, the manager comes over and says the MDR is on the phone looking for us and asks if we want them to hold our table.
Uhhh… no, we’re already here.  They should be able to see it on our calendar. And clearly they found us, didn’t they? 

Then they asked if we planned on dining there the rest of the week.
Translation in my head: “So… you can we give away our table?” 

Either way...worth it. Mason Jar definitely earned its spot in the rotation.

St. Thomas today: Coral World Ocean Park at 9:15am on the pier..couldn’t have been more disorganized…and it was only our ship. 
But it got better: only six of us total for the swim with sea lions. 

Short open-bus ride to the park, quick briefing, then we wandered past the birds, dolphins, turtles, etc. It turned into a full behind the scenes tour..almost like a mini mini SeaWorld backstage experience. We walked through employee locker rooms, chemistry labs, fish freezers..lol 

Then they suited us up with life jackets and marched us into a pretty intimidating 9-foot-deep saltwater tank with a 400-lb sea lion already in it.  Surprised faces all around.

Meet Remo, a South African retired lifeguard sea lion..our new best friend.
We swam with him, hugged him, and yes… even got a kiss on the cheek.  Absolutely awesome. I recommend it! 

Hit the gift shop for some hats and headed back on the bus around 12:30pm. They do have a nice beach and snorkel area, but nobody was feeling it.

We did walk past a shark tank where people were swimming with the sharks using weighted dive belts to stay down with them.
Yeah… nope. I’m a diver, but that ain’t for me. 

Tonight MDR..I was waiting for the scolding, but nothing but smiles. We had a great dinner..think it was American Fare?? Beautiful sail away and St. Marten tomorrow..nothing planned yet..

B-man is in the middle w/ long hair..

[OCSC Mike]

20 minutes ago, InmyElement said:

Mid-dinner, the manager comes over and says the MDR is on the phone looking for us and asks if we want them to hold our table.

We had the same thing happen last cruise except some sort of MDR manager or assistant manager found us in person while having dinner in MJ just like you.

20 minutes ago, InmyElement said:

Uhhh… no, we’re already here.  They should be able to see it on our calendar. And clearly they found us, didn’t they? 

EXACTLY THIS! 

[asquared17]

THE SEA LION KISS!!!!!!!

IM MELTING 

SO CUTE!!!!!!!

[Jamesszy94]

30 minutes ago, InmyElement said:

Mason Jar last night..just like y'all recommended..scrumptious.
Trisha had the brisket, I went with the shrimp & grits, B-man crushed the pot pie and a fried chicken sandwich (commitment), and C-man had the fried chicken.

Drinks were a full-on showdown:
Bman had the Apple pie and Mississippi Moonlight,
Cman went Creamsicle and Mississippi Moonlight.

So…we’re officially at 2 who love Mason Jar and 2 who love Samba. Tie game.

Mid-dinner, the manager comes over and says the MDR is on the phone looking for us and asks if we want them to hold our table.
Uhhh… no, we’re already here.  They should be able to see it on our calendar. And clearly they found us, didn’t they? 

Then they asked if we planned on dining there the rest of the week.
Translation in my head: “So… you can we give away our table?” 

Either way...worth it. Mason Jar definitely earned its spot in the rotation.

St. Thomas today: Coral World Ocean Park at 9:15am on the pier..couldn’t have been more disorganized…and it was only our ship. 
But it got better: only six of us total for the swim with sea lions. 

Short open-bus ride to the park, quick briefing, then we wandered past the birds, dolphins, turtles, etc. It turned into a full behind the scenes tour..almost like a mini mini SeaWorld backstage experience. We walked through employee locker rooms, chemistry labs, fish freezers..lol 

Then they suited us up with life jackets and marched us into a pretty intimidating 9-foot-deep saltwater tank with a 400-lb sea lion already in it.  Surprised faces all around.

Meet Remo, a South African retired lifeguard sea lion..our new best friend.
We swam with him, hugged him, and yes… even got a kiss on the cheek.  Absolutely awesome. I recommend it! 

Hit the gift shop for some hats and headed back on the bus around 12:30pm. They do have a nice beach and snorkel area, but nobody was feeling it.

We did walk past a shark tank where people were swimming with the sharks using weighted dive belts to stay down with them.
Yeah… nope. I’m a diver, but that ain’t for me. 

Tonight MDR..I was waiting for the scolding, but nothing but smiles. We had a great dinner..think it was American Fare?? Beautiful sail away and St. Marten tomorrow..nothing planned yet..

B-man is in the middle w/ long hair..

Is Royal becoming Princess where they can track where you are on the ship through your Seapass Card??

Pretty creepy how they knew where you were on a ship that holds 6500+...

[Ampurp85]

Omg I love sea lions but them kissing people with fish breathe  

[WAAAYTOOO]

MDR sleuths hunting you down ?  Wow….never heard of that before -ever.  Were they trying to snack-shame you ?

[Southern Dan]

The MDR called our cabin when we were on Odyssey back in September on day 4 asking what was wrong.  I said nothing, we just aren’t MDR types and we prefer WJ.  They sounded sad, and I had to tell them “it’s not a you thing, it’s an us thing”.  

[OCSC Mike]

6 hours ago, Southern Dan said:

The MDR called our cabin when we were on Odyssey back in September on day 4 asking what was wrong.  I said nothing, we just aren’t MDR types and we prefer WJ.  They sounded sad, and I had to tell them “it’s not a you thing, it’s an us thing”.  

I’ve gotten that call as well.

[InmyElement]

9 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

The CL is on deck 16 along with ELF and some other stuff while the WJ is on 15.

I think i would like that..the closer the WJ is to me the better..

[InmyElement]

7 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

MDR sleuths hunting you down ?  Wow….never heard of that before -ever.  Were they trying to snack-shame you ?

Meal Shaming...

[Jamesszy94]

7 hours ago, Southern Dan said:

The MDR called our cabin when we were on Odyssey back in September on day 4 asking what was wrong.  I said nothing, we just aren’t MDR types and we prefer WJ.  They sounded sad, and I had to tell them “it’s not a you thing, it’s an us thing”.  

On my last sailing, we skipped a night in the MDR for Izumi's and then the next night we went into the MDR, the waiter was like "We didn't see you last night, how come you didn't come" 

[InmyElement]

After the fake pleasantries fade, they roll out the very special, totally not a sales pitch offer..$55 pp for a galley tour + MDR “special” dinner on the last night.  We said no. Then no again. Then got hit with “just think about it…”
Oh trust me..I thought about it. And the answer is still No!  Plus I'm not going to tell them, but that's 150 night for us..lol

[Jamesszy94]

5 minutes ago, InmyElement said:

After the fake pleasantries fade, they roll out the very special, totally not a sales pitch offer..$55 pp for a galley tour + MDR “special” dinner on the last night.  We said no. Then no again. Then got hit with “just think about it…”
Oh trust me..I thought about it. And the answer is still No!  Plus I'm not going to tell them, but that's 150 night for us..lol

No means no! That would lowkey annoy me to be quite honest. I don't like that they keep coming back and keep pushing you.

[InmyElement]

2300 hrs: 'Juvenile' crew crashes cabin...Debrief included loud, excited (possibly alcohol induced ) testimony about waterslide shenanigans and a possible verbal warning for loitering in the “toilet bowl” section of Perfect Storm. I was half asleep, questioning my life choices and the engineering logic of connecting balconies. More details expected as the day goes on..liability pending...lol

[InmyElement]

Just now, Jamesszy94 said:

No means no! That would lowkey annoy me to be quite honest. I don't like that they keep coming back and keep pushing you.

I just picture that Bugs Bunny cartoon and my head looks like a lollypop..

[OCSC Mike]

49 minutes ago, InmyElement said:

I think i would like that..the closer the WJ is to me the better..

It’s been a little while but that honestly played a roll in my cabin selection last time we sailed below Oasis class. I was really missing the extra included venues.

[Ampurp85]

We have had the MDR call us a lot. I'm usually not in the cabin so its a message. We have also gotten that little plate of mostly undesirable sweets. I think the worst is them communicating how they haven't seen us when we do dine. We prepaid grats, so technically you got your money so leave me alone

[InmyElement]

Symphony is on the other side and these two are blocking my view…haha and Majestic Princess just showed 

 

[WAAAYTOOO]

3 hours ago, Jamesszy94 said:

On my last sailing, we skipped a night in the MDR for Izumi's and then the next night we went into the MDR, the waiter was like "We didn't see you last night, how come you didn't come" 

Now, this has definitely happened to us...but they've never tracked my a$$ down to another restaurant !

[ScottD]

I just don't get the call thing, we are on the ship, you are basically shoving specialty dining down our throat- don't make us feel bad because we skipped a night of dinner there.