Allure was built in 2008 and launched in 2009. The original iPhone had just launched a couple of years prior. Phones weren't a big deal. If you need plugs you needed to charge a camera battery, a cpap machine, a hair dryer, etc. So you maybe need 2-3 charging ports and it wasn't a big deal. So ships weren't built with USB ports and phones in mind. Getting upset at it on ships older than say 10-15 years ago is silly and shows a lack of understanding of the cruise industry and how ships develop over time. We took a EU adapter, a 6 port hub, and a 10 ft non-surge protected USB extension cable on Adventure OTS. Did everything we needed and more. Allure is over 15 years old. The average cruise ship's life is 30 years. Would you pour possibly millions into a 15 year old ship just to change the electrical or put that money towards other upgrades/a new ship? The later Oasis class and Icon class going forward include USB ports. The other problem is with how USB ports change. A decade ago you'd have put USB-A to suffice for everyone. Nowadays USB-C is becoming prevalent, but people still use USB-A and USB micro. The technology changes fast enough that it's hard of the ship building industry to keep up.
What with people not showing the effing balcony!!!? This is the 3rd video I’ve watched that captions balcony but doesn’t show the actually balcony. I don’t need to see the coffee maker and ice bucket!!! 😤
Good review!! I would also like to hear the sound of the vacuum because I have mine now for a day and I thought I hear another sound than the first time using it.. But I’m not sure. ❤️
Yes, as in other videos from Virgin cruisers, a tram takes you and brings you back and also Bimini is beautiful but the questionable part could be the food wise because it’s not like what’s on the Ship…
In my opinion, Clare's big mistake was that she continued to wear the Sailing Club (or Touch of Romance) ribbon bracelet. These are not needed once you are on the ship, and they are icky--they get wet and stay wet, they get into food when you are eating, and are just a pain. You have 2 choices; either ask that they be applied loosely so you can remove it and put it back on or cut it off and tuck it into your pocket for the rare time you need it. Every place you go has your info coded on the red wearable bracelet, so there is no need to have the ribbon one on... On our cruise, they ran out of hammocks for sale but provided us with the Yellow Leaf info so we were able to order one when we got home. So the big mistake that it took 20 minutes to get to was forgetting to add husband to reservation for Dual Reality? Most of the time, standby people do get in. The fact that you booked 2 seats for the 7pm show and didn't go meant that 2 atandbys could get in. You other mistake was not canceling your 7pm reservation when you decided to not go...so that others could get a reservation.
Let's correct a couple things. You weren't able to pick your room because you booked on line. Had you booked thru a travel agent or by calling VV, you could have selected from any available room in the category you wanted. Especially if you use a 'Gold Tier First Mate" (VV's top designation) they can find out what you want and make it happen if available. MOST balconies have hammocks--there are a few at the very ends of the ship that due to installation issues, have a swing chair. Again, you can be sure you have a hammock by avoiding the ends of the ship or by choosing your own cabin number. You were in a room the sleeps 2. VV has rooms that sleep 3 or 4, but that is not what you booked. Did you notify your room host about the drain issue? Perhaps it is something as simple as the drain needing to be "snaked," We've never had that problem on VV. Your room is NOT 105 sq ft. The smallest balcony rooms are 185 sq. ft. Only a "solo insider" is 105 sq ft. DO note that the measurements include the balcony on VV as on most other ships. If you were "a little warm" did you adjust the thermostat???? There is no cruise director....each member of the Happenings Cast is responsible for a particular area. The crew on VV gets a lot more perks than on other lines (free wifi, can eat free in guest areas during limited hours depending on how full the ship is, one crew member told me that she earns 3 times as much on VV as on her previous line where she did get tips, etc.). As you noted, the uniforms are more casual. THere is only one crew mess (officers and the lowest crew member on board eat at the same location). I really think the biggest thing for them is the free wifi as this lets them keep in touch with family and friends at home without spending a ton of money. And not only are the "standard" tips included on VV--ALL tips are included. THat means tips in the spa, the bars, etc. The price on the menu is the price you pay. We've had crew members refuse tips, telling us that they are included. When you do the pre-cruise sign in on the app, if you check the box that says the lead name will be responsible for all charges in the cabin, it doesn't matter which wrist band you use for drinks, shopping, or anything else. THey link your bands together.....So if you have $100 on your bar tab and your partner has $300, it is suddenly that you can each use the total of $400 till it is gone. If you do not want this, you simply don't tick the box. If you are not sure of the way you are set up, go to Sailor Services on deck 5 and they can fix it to whichever way you want it. NOT intended as big criticism, but if you were either more organized about what you wanted to say or edited your video before posting, you could have eliminated at least 5 minutes of "ho hum, what else do we want to say about this topic" or the back and forth between you not saying anything.
Our carnival sunrise room looked even more roomier - and no pushed beds- it was a full queen - newly remodeled and we were on Lido deck … thanks for sharing the video!
You guys are so chill, but fun at the same time, I enjoy watching your adventures. Also, my daughter and I have a gluten allergy also, so I love seeing the options that Claire finds!
And don't forget, with VV on disembarkation day you can stay in the ship until 10:45 am, where as other cruise lines you need to leave really early. With VV you can have breakfast very relaxed without having to rush it
We cruise her in 5 days...we booked the Chops lunch for boarding day so we'll be heading to the restaurant. We've been on Voyager more than all the other RCCL's ships, 8 times...but haven't been on her since her dry dock. Can't wait to see all the new stuff.
We were able to status match for our cruise in February 2024. You are correct that they are currently advertising for the status match to end December 31, 2024.
We were informed that Razzle Dazzle will prepare their fried chicken GF in a dedicated frier! Also, Gumbae was very accommodating. The only protein that could not be served to Claire was the marinated beef. They prepared plain beef at the table prior to preparing the marinated beef. The Wake was also very accommodating.
@@ClaireandMichael That's fantastic! Thanks so much for your reply. This will be our 20th cruise and sixth cruise line sailed. We are definitely looking forward to this adults only cruise experience.
I love watching people’s first impressions of Virgin - they’ve got so many things right here - I’m so excited to see what happens to them over the next few years…!