Boarding Allure of the Seas - IS IT TOO BIG AND TOO BUSY?

[@Cruisewith]

Head to squarespace.com/benanddavid to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code BENANDDAVID

[@patriciakujan]

Hi i just found you last week! AND have to say I am obsessed with you two! ive been watching lots of your videos and it brings me joy. I am SS with anxiety and depression and i live thru your eyes! sending much love from your adopted gram in Ct usa xoxo i hope you are able to read this

[@Divaoftheseas]

Hey guys!! This is just awesome! Thank you soo much for coming to the show and for the kind words about the show! So honored to have you all there in the audience and it was great to get to see you all enjoying the show! Thanks again! ❤ Steph

[@rosemarymccartney7934]

The first large ship I went on held 4000 passengers and it was awful. Never enough seating at the restaurants or cafes. Never enough room on excursions (but this is a problem on all ships). Forget seeing a show. It amazes me that they can pack in so many people but can’t (or won’t) figure out how to accommodate them.

[@X0awsome]

That's a terrible system for show reservations! Early boarders get whatever they want and late boarders get whatever is left.

[@marsha1963]

That’s standard on all ships . Very frustrating.

[@Tom-zc5dp]

You book something that you think that you will get, but if you board late, it might be that you do not get anything 😞

[@danasandoval624]

You used to be able to make reservations online before the cruise.

[@dominiquebrown8790]

I feel.like it should go back to booking before you board!

[@breezy270]

You can make reservations online for shows and main dining room once check in opens up. We’re going in January and we’re booked already.

[@taraoakes6674]

This morning my husband yells “Ben and David just dropped the latest!” I had to run to join him to watch the latest. His biggest concern with your cabin was whether there were outlets by the bed so he would be able to plug in his CPAP machine. (Oh, and I just realized that our Disney Wish cruise is NEXT month! Squee!)

[@aldarys28]

We've sailed on Allure with CPaP, they will provide an extension chord (since you cannot bring your own) to get power over to bedside.

[@rocketbackhander6280]

The first ship I was on was at around 4,000 and it was like being stuck at the mall on a Saturday; I hid in my cabin for the most part. But SIX?? I couldn't. You're very brave souls, and bless you for it. Thank you for the content!

[@gabrielladiaz6933]

When you roasted Emma Watson’s acting in beauty and the beast I was hysterical! 😂😂😂😂

[@billwilliams5889]

After cruising Oasis-class size ships and much smaller ones (100,000-150,00 tons), our final impression is that the larger ships are just too big. They don’t have enough venues to handle 6,000 cruisers.

[@Mikeschmidt61]

We have stayed on both Symphony of the Seas and Allure we always get a cabin on deck 8 which is convenient to Central Park because we can always run to Park Cafe for snacks or coffee in just a couple of minutes. Also being midship makes it easy to go forward or aft. We like to eat breakfast or lunch at solarium because it’s adults only and no long lines.

[@debbiedempsky8160]

You may want to invest a few bucks into a Venty fan. My daughter brought one on our last cruise and it's amazing. Order online. The entire fan folds down nice and compact. Weighs only about 3#. Fan has 4 speeds, a light in the base, USB chargers (DAVID!!!) and can be 3" to 3' tall. It has a battery that can run it for up to 48 hours. We took hers to the beach in Cozumel to have a fan to keep us comfy AND to charge our phones while there. As soon as we got home I ordered a white one for myself and ordered a black one for my husband to take with him on Boy Scout camp-outs. He said it worked awesome! I can't wait to take mine on our next cruise.

[@hamdude2109]

Allure is typical of the Oasis class ships. Just the right size and excellent crowd control. You can always get off by yourself for some peace and quiet or find a rocking party. The world is your oyster.

[@izzyvet]

One thing I like to do on boarding day is book a specialty restaurant for lunch. Very often they offer this at a decent discount. After the stress of flying in and checking in to the ship, it's so nice to just avoid the crowds at the Windjammer.

[@Twilightsofthespring]

I’ve been sick for a while, and listening to your merry banter and imagining your gentle adventures has been such a welcome escape. Thanks ❤

[@lindap.p.1337]

Hoping you feel better soon!

[@FindingHome2024]

I was on the Allure in February. Mama Mia! was great as well as the ice skating and the diving show in the water theater. Book the shows as soon as you can BEFORE you get on the ship. I was with a group of about 25 and our group leader choose the dates/times for the entertainment. We reserved the shows about 3 weeks before embarkation. By the time we were on the ship, all of the show reservations were booked full on the app.

[@JaswantSingh-ym9zo]

Great tip. Thank you

[@annesoper911]

In October I did the repositioning cruise from Southampton to Bayonne, 12 days on the Anthem of the Seas. I had a delightful solo cabin with a large balcony. I had a great time and so enjoyed myself. I was alone but never lonely. Love those thin crust pizzas and my 4 free drinks and the Diamond club extras.

[@heathermurray74]

“The whole of the 90s was orange and yellow”-that is so true. I had never thought of that before but after you said that I had flashbacks to our warm white light bulbs from back in the day. Thanks for the memories

[@fredfolson5355]

I love unpacking on embarkation day too! It's such a comfort to know all the luggage has arrived and have all the excitement of the coming week directly ahead of you. The travel headaches are over, you're on the ship, and life is perfect at that moment.

[@commonsense246]

Allure is fantastic. We've sailed her twice. Love the little babbling brooke in the solarium, I absolutely stayed up there a lot! Birds were living in the bushes...honest! OMG Ben is that blue hair!! LOL

[@taraoakes6674]

Yep, love the blue hair! Mine is purple, so we could be a colorful pair. 😆

[@Mrslovett007]

I went on Allure of the Seas August/Septmber 2018 and had a blast.

[@creakyc]

I cruised on Allure this past March and it was absolutely wonderful. It was at the end of the mask mandates but before the ships returned to full capacity, and it was the best first cruise I could have gone on. I am in love with the Oasis-class ships.

[@judithcatalano9666]

Do yourself a favor and have a Kummelwek roast beef sandwich in the park Cafe. They are famous there and absolutely wonderful. They are small so you won't be filled up. Just give it a try. Thanks for all of your films. Looks like a fabulous time.

[@kathybrem880]

Yes!!

[@richardalers8276]

That's a cool red,white and blue polo shirt Ben

[@danasandoval624]

Love RC we sailed on the Allure before and never felt it was crowded even though it was full. The Oasis class ships are our favorites. Thanks for another interesting video.

[@beverleygrant3355]

You can use hair straighteners as emergency iron. Also bring a washing line from pound shop for bathroom

[@lindabushyager5402]

Going on Allure Jan. 29 and we were shocked to accidentally discover we could book those 3 main shows now (dec 4) on our pcs/ipad, but not on the app yet. The comedy shows were not yet available. On our Symphony of Sea trip last June, another big ship, I tried the comedy shows and found big lines for standby early. Basic problem was they were in spaces too small for demand. They should put late night comedy in the big theater. Despite these ships being so large, they could use one more medium size venue for shows.

[@calebfisher9945]

Guys, you have to remember that the Allure was scheduled for her big renovation re-amplification this past April 2022 but due to the pandemic all refurbished were canceled until further notice.

[@markupham4368]

Always love your videos, it's like watching an up to date Carry On film at times, My wife lives Ben's hair she says it makes you look younger, I prefer David's as much easier to look maintain. What flavours are you releasing in your Ben and David ice cream, is an inside cabin without a window too dark and enclosed. Love how you guys always seem to enjoy your cruises, your one of the reasons we've booked our 1st cruise next year. That window is ideal for people watching

[@JaswantSingh-ym9zo]

My wife and I booked the promenade view cabin when we cruised with Mariner of the Seas twice. Found the lighting ok and on both occasions we took a cabin on the 8th deck so we didn't have a problem with prying eyes.

[@nicolechapman6440]

I am a balcony girl myself but that window seat is quite lovely.

[@mrosenblatt]

I was on the New Build team for Harmony and Symphony. The rooms on those ships are definitely a lot more modern feeling.

[@timothyandkrisriley4676]

Ben, I love the shirt you’re wearing for embarkation!

[@joankane8027]

We did a b2b on the Allure last year!! Loved this ship. We only sail with Royal Caribbean. Diamond plus members!!

[@missmary26]

Only cruise with RCI- Diamond and have sailed many times. First time on The Harmony end of October. Our family did not enjoy sailing with +6000 passengers. Terrible wait for elevators and after sailing 15 times on RCI smaller ships, we could not book reservations in our desired restaurants. Worst embarkation in 5 years- and had nothing to do with Covid documentation. Just too many passengers.

[@wowzieee]

Hey, Park Cafe, my fave. For the shows, you can line up for no shows and maybe get in. Some people over book. For the musical, i have gone once after everyone has entered and watched it evey night. I love the Broadway musicals.

[@emxemxem]

We really enjoyed our trip on Allure in October 2019. First Royal ship we had been on. LOVED the Mexican restaurant (amazing churros, empanadas, and delicious guacamole and punch) and we were happy to splurge on that at times when the buffet was the only thing open, as we did not enjoy that at all. Didn't feel crowded then except for when they had their parties in the atrium.

[@carolinedoucet2100]

Just coming back from Qatar and stayed on the brand new MSC World Europa as a floating hotel for the FIFA world cup… First time on a cruise ship. The ship is beautiful, very modern. I know of your bad experience on MSC but I thought service was amazing, personalised (they always picked up our weird french accent from Quebec 😂), everyone seemed very happy to be there and helpful (I did not try filming on the ship tought 😉). As I said, never actually been on a cruise but I can understand why people love it if that kind of service is the norm. Really enjoy your videos

[@InfinitySike]

I always love your reviews; they are detailed and entertaining!

[@chuckoneill2023]

When we've sailed inside, we usually have been to find a TV channel to an outside camera. Some of the newer vessels have multiple such cameras, it can help if you feel claustrophobic.

[@brendabrinkley5139]

From Norfolk Virginia. Come early tour Williamsburg and Jamestown. Close to Virginia Beach.

[@peterjaro6804]

...also, bring magnet hooks!!! You cannot bring too many magnet hooks. Not the cheap type from the Poundshop, but some with a strong magnet. Apart from plugs that convert US or Europe plug to UK plug, I always make sure I have MAGNET HOOKS with me on cruises.

[@bettygibson634]

I have to have a balcony!!!!! Gotta be able to see the ocean! My favorite time on board.

[@nightview93]

always love watching ben and david's cruise vids

[@tonydiaz4097]

I’m on Wonder in two weeks. I was able to book my shows about a month ago on the app. I love those cabins. Especially if cruising with family or on a budget. And yes don’t forget to close the blinds.

[@Cruisewith]

This is very new, only returned in November - this cruise was early October. But again it sucks if you book your cruise a few weeks before - you will miss out.

[@jackiebyers3424]

@@Cruisewith My experience on Royal is that one can always get into a show even without a reservation. They allow folks without reservations to go in 15 minutes prior to a show. Lots of people sign up and change their minds, or run late, or get sidetracked somewhere else like the casino. Don’t fret!

[@Jaggy92]

We just cruised on Allure and loved it, although you could definitely tell the rooms needed some upgrading! Oasis of the Seas in 5 days so it'll be interesting to see how it compares!

[@geograph-ology4343]

We sailed on the Allure right before the pandemic. The seas were a little stormy and she had to make last minute changes. They did not work out the numbers too well on the first change and everyone was headed for breakfast at the same time (6000 people filling corridors). Luckily, they did not repeat the problem and usually you did not feel just how crowded the ship was because there was so much to do.

[@jbanthony3498]

Haha David I love your sock hanging half off and you discreetly pulled it back on without missing a beat!

[@tomkelly2024]

Royal is the only line you should cruise. The mushroom soup is the best you’ll get anywhere

[@BloggingTrucker]

*AMAZING VIDEO guys...WE are Sailing on the Symphony of the Seas on Jan 21st out of Miami fl...can't wait....*

[@dwallinger9921]

Woohoo, that was fun. You are NEVER too old for a carousel!

[@Patff]

I am heading out on the Harmony of the Seas in a couple of days and looked up Stephanie Davis. She’s performing on my cruise too, so thanks for pointing her out! She actually has a cruising channel on KZbin as well. :)

[@maryanncapece2623]

Hi guy's!! This looks like it's going to be fun. Can't wait to see the rest. Regarding booking thing's only when you get on the ship. Like you had late boarding, then everything is already booked solid. Doesn't seem fair. Regarding the cabin. I think if I was booking an "inside" and this was available that would be way better than just the walls.

[@bellavita3097]

Another tip is to courtesy flush when number two hits the pool flush. And a pop up hamper for the dirty clothes works really well and on Amazon they have clothes lines with clothes pins for travel.

[@amymiyaandariya]

I know new episodes are always in on Sunday but I always look forward on Monday mornings to watch :) You guys are awesome!!

[@kyliebug895]

Please recall that because of Covid, Allure’s update was delayed. The sister ship, Wonder of the Seas is newer and contains all of the upgrades. Nevertheless, Allure of the Seas is a fantastic ship.

[@biknjak]

I was shocked to hear Allure hasn't been re-fitted yet. We were on her last eastbound Transatlantic cruise in March 2020. When we disembarked in Barcelona, she was supposed to head straight to Cadiz for refurbishment. Covid had just exploded, and I guess it never happened. She stayed docked in Southampton for a long time after the cruise industry was shut down. Can't believe she didn't get the work done she needed. We've been on 4 cruises aboard Allure, and she is our favorite.

[@foursheetswind1]

lovely to see your impressions, we were on allure in feb 2022 and, as you said, it looks a little dated, it was very well maintained, very clean and honestly much better than other ships of the same class that came out after her

[@rumenit]

You guys are so fun! Love your videos, it’s like I’m there!

[@zakiyyahali-dancy6894]

Love, love, love, your videos. Your commentary is hilarious. You’re so quick with it. Your content is very necessary and useful. That’s what separates you 2 from the rest. I love your accents, you guys are the best.

[@julesTerrier-j3m]

That cabin looks like a hospital room. A very nice hospital room, but still. Love the window seat.

[@madisonrawls9864]

I literally just got off allure of the seas yesterday!!! Amazing ship first sure needs her a minor refurbishment but over all a great ship!!

[@PurpleReign1401]

I'm getting on Allure of the Seas today, and those are the same shows a year later. We reserved our spots for the shows a while ago on the app.

[@Kayw434]

Sailed on Allure years ago (brand new) twice and had great cruises! Always do a balcony but liked your stateroom!! Love you both! You really do have the best travel cruise channel out there!! Thank you!!! (11-2023) 😊❤

[@juday75]

I'm so jealous to both of you. That's my first cruise 2015 which makes me hook line and sinker and love Royal Caribbean 😘. Enjoy guys!

[@tonytiangco]

Love the free drinks and diamond lounge for Diamond level.

[@ishouldbedoinglaundrykrist3995]

Your efforts in editing for 2days are appreciated. Love the videos! Thanks for all you do!

[@ST-hs7tx]

Very cool to see oasis class ship before its amplification. And your cabin actually looks very nice compared to freedom class ships (mariner of the seas, freedom of the seas, etc.) Cabin looks very spacious, clean, and bright and the color of the curtains look way better than freedom class.. thanks for sharing with us 😊

[@bradcolby3624]

You both are so much fun 😂 thanks for the refresh. We sailed on the Allure in 2012..

[@MeganHitachiin]

I hate the idea of the reservation system so some people just don’t get to see a comedy show. Like the last cruise I went to you just showed up at the scheduled time and grabbed a seat in the comedy club. I agree that if things need to be reserved it needs to open at the same time for everyone. Maybe even the day before would be smart.

[@davidtifft66]

My husband and i sailed a few years ago on Allure. We thought we wouldnt like the size but f ound it to ge so big that you didn't feel crowded. We had fabulous entertainment. Food was ok. Unfortunately we had a very rude server(rare on cruises) and had to ask for to be moved. We had an ocean view room with a huge round window that i could actually sit in. I would probably opt for a smaller ship next time.

[@lindasirmeyer3228]

I was just thinking about your Christmas River cruise blog this am and how much I enjoyed viewing it. Your videos are great!! Love this one too and LOVE the hair

[@tomdiggle1472]

Love watching you guys,just watched the cruise you did with mam, it was lovely to see her reaction, I’m 73 and don’t travel,but love to see your use of the apps,trying to imagine people doing that 40 years ago 😂😂😂

[@jackvanleeuwenkamp4706]

We feel the same as you about the Oasis class ships. You just don’t see the sea enough

[@Jenny_Ss]

Haha love that you won the madonna quiz ❤❤❤ great vid as always

[@lilomlly]

I was just on Allure of the Seas! We loved our cabin with balcony, but the mattress absolutely MURDERED my back. At some point I had to ask for 6 pillows to lie on top of because I was in so much pain.

[@mariareyes-ku6194]

I love the white noise too. I download rain music to my phone and turn it on every night onboard.

[@medwayhistory3101]

Leaving in two weeks! My third cruise but first in nine years; my fathers 51st and his first since the pandemic and the passing of my mom! She had a trip planned on the Allure but unfortunately passed prior. Thanks for the tips!

[@michellemann941]

Another great epsiode looking forward to the next one We always take towel pegs so we can peg our towels onto the lounges.Also in Australia no cruise line will allow power boards they get taken to the naughty table to collect after cruise .

[@Donszee]

The Allure is a great ship and an awesome crew. As always excellent video. 🚢

[@darploin5071]

I love those rainbow Crocs you guys have sitting next to the suitcase

[@margaretatter4743]

I also put a couple of dryer sheets in my luggage. It helps keep my luggage smelling good . Especially when I start putting away my clothes I have already wore. That way my luggage doesn't smell like a clothes hamper. Love your videos. ❤

[@Cruisewith]

That's a great idea!

[@raisafrancisco7323]

OMG, David! I was suffering with you and you jeans!! LOL!! Good thing that they didn't rip off. I haven't been on any of the Royal big ships. I was booked on the Symphony in 2021, but they cancelled my cruise. I must go on it soon. Good job, as usual.

[@vickyburton2434]

I loved, LOVED this ship. In all fairness , the ship was only 60% full and there were very few children aboard. I love it. I am so excited she is in Galveston and we will be back on her in a few weeks! Thank you for your vlogs. I always enjoy your reviews!

[@SandiC518]

I live in Baton Rouge and I am also excited that she is in Galveston. Can’t wait for our cruise in May. It’s our first time on an oasis class ship.

[@vickyburton2434]

@@SandiC518 You will be so excited!

[@vickyburton2434]

@@SandiC518 I have been on both small and large ships and I prefer all the entertainment on the larger ships! I hope you have a wonderful cruise.😍

[@dorothycomerford8732]

Loving your content guys - lol! when you said hair straightners - i ended up using mine to sharpen hubbys shirt crease etc - great just slip what ever through

[@billwilliams5889]

There’s a channel called BBC HD that has some great programming on it, which seems incredible since most of us are used to having access to 100’s of channels at home. We ended up watching it a lot.

[@andrewmathewson441]

Hey guys, thanks as always for sharing your experiences. When we went, we snagged one of the suites at the very end of the ship. OMG talking about hiking... it took 15 minutes or more to get to any destination. So for us, it was a matter of room location that was bothersome as a first issue. Second issue was we did feel that we didn't like sailing with 6000 besties. We are downshifting size and staying midship from here on out.

[@ZootZinBootZ]

The carousel and Madonna quiz 🤗🤣🤣😂then Kiely playing in the background 🤗

[@darploin5071]

I always saw those windows that was just below the balcony cabins on the promenade and I was wondering what the cabins well now you have shown me

[@salisburyveronica]

Hi Ben and David, Love your very enjoyable and informative cruise videos . Congratulations on reaching Diamond Status. Your next Royal cruise you can enjoy access to the Diamond lounge too. I reached Diamond + after last cruise on Anthem. ALWAYS look forward to your videos. Cheers

[@gwcrispi]

We sailed on Oasis over New Years. The crowd for the New Years party was something to behold. It was packed!

[@rebeccalund8743]

We’ve sailed on Allure and just loved it. Wonderful ship! We sailed her before the pandemic, and we booked all the shows prior to our sailing. Sad to see this is no longer the case. Excited to see how your trip went.

[@AnthonyJerome]

It seems that prebooking is being rolled back out. I'm on the Oasis in January and I've already prebooked.

[@rebeccalund8743]

@@AnthonyJerome Great to know, thanks! We are booked on Wonder in May, I’ll have to keep an eye out for when it opens up. Do you recall does it open up once you can complete your set sail docs?

[@Kimbaface]

Yea Arlene!!! How nice of you to give her a shout out.

[@divox9pqr]

No inside cabin for me..Got to have that balcony view with the ocean. The Allure does look dated. A refresh is definitely in order for it. Good note about checking with cruisline regarding the power bank. I know Norwegian will confiscate yours if they see it in your luggage. They grabbed mine and left me a note about it….speaking of lost luggage…Mine disappeared coming back from Thailand in 2017 after a connection in Sweden with SAS Airlines. My Mom’s ashes were packed in the case.

[@seacats3598]

Stephanie Parker is the BOMB. We’re literally going to book a cruise - just to see her! ~ Inge 😺

[@Rhyonized]

Would love to see their takes on more Celebrity cruises. Haven’t really seen many proper tours/reviews on their ships though I do understand they cost a bit more sometimes.

[@jakehoggarth4463]

Hi Ben and David, you two have cemented my love of cruising, and I watch you guys nearly everyday. I am going on a 12 day Australian cruise with my mom in July on the Carnival Splendor. I would love if you guys were able to review that ship at some point in time. Me and my mom will be rocking matching Happy Cruising by Ben and David crewneck sweatshirts anyways!!

[@irenedavo3768]

Have fun!

[@darploin5071]

My guess was just 15 minutes off I said you guys most likely like to eat at 8 p.m. 8:15 alright I guess if I boarded around 1pm and ate lunch around 3 a 5:30 p.m. dinner call would have been all too early for me to there's always specialty dining but with the ship crammed like it is might have to make reservations

[@akaCol1987]

Hey guys, you should review your flights too when you fly out for a cruise!

[@karendeangelis1358]

We were just on Symphony of the Seas earlier in the month and booking was way before the cruise on the app. They closed it a day or two before hand and then re-opened it when boarding started. I wonder if everything was booked out before anyone got on. I know that some shows were like that.....but that was a week before sailing.

[@bbldrizzzzzy]

David I am the same way I always love the unpacking process and it makes me feel like everything is starting

[@barrettpickett5603]

I love the window seat. Just wish it had window tint. And wish they could put some type of greenery on the outside windows. Instead of a slide in the middle. How about two water slides. Yes even though not many people do it. Love the carousel. Should have included watching you two get your exercise climbing the steps. Well good night Ben and Jerry. Ice cream with pizaz.

[@MrJaysVentVideos]

Enjoy it we cruised on her last year we had a balcony overlooking the boardwalk just a few balconies from the water show so we were able to see the show from our balcony the show Mamamia and the Ice show we had front row seats Must say the Ice show was the best of all.

[@MrJaysVentVideos]

we ate breakfast at Johnny Rockets free- the Hot dogs were delish and the donuts were as well also free we rode on the carousel- so much to see and do.

[@milaemouse8442]

i like the pacing on your video and how you bounce back and forth with the narration. nice!

[@Cruisewith]

Yay, thank you!