I'm a Royal Caribbean fan, not a Carnival fan. Of course, we're NOT Party People so we don't care about the friendliness of the Cruise Director. We have rarely, on any cruise line, gone to meet the Cruise Director. I think it's an individual thing. We were on one of Royal's ships and the Cruise Director was very personable and friendly at an intimate invitation for some passengers. We don't have any little children any more, so some of the things you mentioned weren't for your family; however, it is for others. We still love Royal, and our favorite ship at this time is the Odyssey of the Seas!
I’m not sure if you wanted the cruise director to break out into a dance for you guys but I see nothing wrong with the interaction. It’s not like he brushed you off completely. He’s only human by the way and doing the same thing day in and out can be tiring.. I really enjoyed the knowledge and detail there was just so many Minute complaints. You’ll even complained about how fast the check in process was which is insane to me🤯😂😂
Yeah ultimately the Cory thing is just not as deep as it sounds. We just expected that anyone that is an entertainer, when told something positive about their brand/craft in comparison to their primary competitor, would be able to churn out an answer better than a mundane-toned "That's nice."
@@NogVlog literally the director planned all the fun I’m pretty sure that’s exhausting. I don’t know. I think it’s odd. I never booked a cruise and said “hey if the director isn’t ecstatic to meet me that’ll ruin my whole vacation”. lol
Are you kidding me with this. Just remember the cruise director has been working non stop. He took a picture and still made small talk. You’re the one on vacation enjoying your day. What did you want him to do a magic show.
I’m a carnival person that has been on Royal. I have noticed the same thing about cruise directors. Royal does not use them for parties like Carnival does. My most recent cruise was on Grandeur of the seas. I can’t remember who the director was. But I could tell my last 3 cruise directors on Carnival. Because they are the life of the party. I use Royal to Chill and Carnival to party. Great list y’all!
Thanks for the input. Yes, it's just different ways to approach the position for the two companies. One thing I absolutely loved was his daily recorded videos on the TV about what's happening. Still think he could wow some more but they were no doubt informative and a great way to get info on the happenings early in the morning or when getting ready in the room.
You didn't mention the 2 things that I am most looking forward to. The first is the full Broadway production of Mama Mia which I saw in Chicago and loved and I am anxious to see again. Second is the fantastic diving and water show. You do have to book both of these as well as the Ice show as soon as you can or you may not get to see them. I've heard that the parade is also a don't miss activity. The comedy show area is very small so if that is something you want to see do book it as soon as you get on the ship.
You guys shouldn't be so hard on Corey he could have had some bad news a death in the family could be dealing with some health issues I mean you just don't know so I wouldn't beat him up too bad because I said hey you know you you don't look too good I hope everything is all right it gets better for you something like that
That's fair, but doubtful, and I hardly say we beat him up here. He simply didn't take advantage of our interaction to sell us more on Royal Caribbean, and in our 10 sailings to date we've never experienced that.
When you have cruised on both Carnival & RC multiple times, you figure out that Carnival & RC’s Cruise Directors have a completely different role & focus than Carnival. Royal does not use them to hype up the crowd as much. Also, with 6500 passengers on the Oasis class ship, wonder how many ask for a picture with him? Other than this comment, you had some good content for 1st time cruisers on Allure. It is important to do the research so you know the ship you want to book has the amenities that are important to you, i.e. the waterslides & kids splash pad are almost deal breakers for families with kids, depending on age. Glad it sounds like you had a great time overall!
We ARE that research haha! We knew the ship hadn't been amplified but others not as in tune might not so it was worthy to include on the list (especially based on Facebook group posts).
Ah, they're Carnival cruisers. I honestly felt some of the negatives were a bit absurd, especially with the cruise directory comment, which is where I stopped watching the video.
Thanks for this informative video! How would you rate/compare this ship to Carnival Celebration? I know you might be somewhat partial to Carnival 😉 but overall, how would y'all rate these 2? It would be interesting to do a side by comparison! Thanks
@@NogVlog we will be on the Jubilee in February and are really looking forward to our first time on an Excel class ship! We have also talked about possibly doing Allure or Harmony at some point. Thanks again.
Looks like lots of small negatives but overall you liked it. No waterslides. Didnt think about that but that would be disappointing. Still looks like a fun ship. Lots of pools to choose from. Sports court and rock wall look fun. Ive done the surf simulator and its hard. I am going in January for the Allure of the Seas. thanks for the video.
Thx for the video. However, commenting on the director with his actual name was kind of rude in my opinion. Imagine receiving the same questions from thousands of different guests every sail. Give him a break. Putting the director's actual name on your video was a total act of Ken and Karen. It felt like it was too personal. Your reason was just because he wasn't very thrilled about your first cruise travel, gosh I don't blame him for being rude. I would've done the same thing.
Thanks for the comment. When it comes to our review of the cruise director, not letting people know a name doesn't do viewers any good when researching what ship and sailing to choose. Many people could care less about the CD on their ships, but for us we have always enjoyed their presence and what they bring to our time on our trips. So that is why his lack of enthusiasm as an entertainer surprised us and made the list 🤙
Always a bunch of things open for port days for folks staying in the ship. Can’t say the hours of the kids pool though as we were in port both stops this trip for most of each day.
Useful video - looking forward to sailing on this ship later in 2023. While it seems more than fair to call out amenities that are lacking and areas that are needing upgrades, I might suggest that calling out individuals by name, whether a cruise director or piano bar musician, feels a bit heavy handed.
Politely disagree. They are entertainers, professionals and adults, they should be able to handle constructive criticism. Cruises are not cheap. So our aim is to make sure future passengers can choose what to do with their short and valuable time on such a large ship, by weighing our fair and honest feedback no matter if negative or positive. Cheers!
@@NogVlog I love how they used names. I just looove their honesty. Your name is your brand, in your private and professional life, but especially for those in a service industry. While many things are transactional, services are just as much about the experience and the feeling you get.
Thanks for the vids but you guys seem far too finicky and I’m glad I will never be providing a service or product to you. I hope you guys enjoy your next cruise!😂
Look at it this way: we had to find 8 negative things for this video format, so if those eight are fairly trivial, then overall the Allure might be a good ship for you to book, right? Thanks for the comment!
I don’t think y’all are being fair to Cory. I think you are forgetting that he is human and is allowed to be tired. He certainly shouldn’t have to live up to somebody’s standards. Maybe you’re standards are too high.
As first time RC cruisers, our standards were that of what we have had on Carnival sailings. Sounding more and more RC just doesn't have their CD's operate the same way. Which is fine, but you can't sell us that it wasn't a miss on his part when we chatted with him, no matter the reason.
After watching your video it appears to me that your more Carnival people and therefore have negative thoughts towards Royal. I think personally that some of your negative comments were uncalled for and harsh. Your review to me was more a personal than reality.
@@NogVlog Wonder is more likely to go on a transatlantic by 2027-28 so I’m thinking Symphony will be next since it’s been to every port that can service an Oasis class except Galveston. Only time will tell tho
Glad I ain’t the only one here who’s absolutely FURIOUS about this decision. It’s probably one of the worst Royal Caribbean has made in for a long time. Yes, it’s going to be amplified, BUT WE STILL HADN’T HAD SHIPS LIKE WONDER OR UTOPIA! Even symphony is in New York and even if we got symphony at least it would be something newer. In my opinion allure should’ve went to NY and we get symphony because it would at least give them a chance of competition against other cruise lines like Carnival who is home porting the Jubilee here, Norwegian Home porting Viva and MSC home porting seascape in Galveston all of which are some of the newest ships in each of their fleet. I was really expecting something awesome from Royal Caribbean for Galveston just for us to get something that’s barely older than carnival dream.
I’m going on my first cruise next month, and watched this video to help myself get informed on the cruise. I’ve never come across such wildly snobby people. Name-dropping the piano guy and the cruise director because Cory was too “melancholy” in your personal interaction with him and presenting it as a negative? The piano man didn’t meet your niche, snobby piano bar tastes? The bar seats were a little too sunken and it’s something you feel the need to publicly complain about? I progressively felt myself growing more insane as the video went on, refusing to believe two people could be so snobby and ridiculous.
@@NogVlog In todays world of fake reviews, I appreciate your raw unfiltered truth. It’s like listening to a friend instead of a marketer paid by the brand whose agenda doesn’t align with that of the viewer. Truth is now shameful unless it’s positive. I’m glad you shared your truth. I got more out of your video than the 7 others I’ve watched!
I don’t think someone should have to live up to your expectations. You can’t meet someone and be upset for how they interact with you. When you have to entertain and meet and greet ppl all day long every single day for months wouldn’t you allow to be a little stand offish sometimes?
Thanks for the input. He is just fine with a mic in his hand but failed to wow us and sell us on RC when given the opportunity. We will sail RC again but as much of our vlog series from this trip was about being first time RC passengers after many Carnival sailings, we had to make sure to mention this for any subscribers and viewers who may be be in the same boat (ship) lol.
They seemed more disappointed than upset. They appeared to have given him grace, but spike their truth about the brand he is. After all, Corey is a brand, per his choice of career. It’s okay if some don’t like the brand. When you don’t like it, but pretend you do and continue to spend your money on that brand out of guilt, you are providing charity. People work hard to take a cruise. Some are looking for truth so they can decide for themselves if the brand is of their liking and worth their dollars.
If you want more entertainment from said entertainer then you probably should TIP this said emtertainer. Understand these people work 12 hours a day for months at a time with limited pay and they go for the tips.
The lack of seating in the kids pool is most likely on purpose. The parents are supposed to stay next to the child.
Makes sense.
@@NogVlog
I'm a Royal Caribbean fan, not a Carnival fan. Of course, we're NOT Party People so we don't care about the friendliness of the Cruise Director. We have rarely, on any cruise line, gone to meet the Cruise Director. I think it's an individual thing. We were on one of Royal's ships and the Cruise Director was very personable and friendly at an intimate invitation for some passengers. We don't have any little children any more, so some of the things you mentioned weren't for your family; however, it is for others. We still love Royal, and our favorite ship at this time is the Odyssey of the Seas!
We are looking to book some more RC soon to have more of a baseline!
I’m not sure if you wanted the cruise director to break out into a dance for you guys but I see nothing wrong with the interaction. It’s not like he brushed you off completely. He’s only human by the way and doing the same thing day in and out can be tiring.. I really enjoyed the knowledge and detail there was just so many Minute complaints. You’ll even complained about how fast the check in process was which is insane to me🤯😂😂
Yeah ultimately the Cory thing is just not as deep as it sounds. We just expected that anyone that is an entertainer, when told something positive about their brand/craft in comparison to their primary competitor, would be able to churn out an answer better than a mundane-toned "That's nice."
@@NogVloglet’s see if youre full of energy every time some customers bug you with questions while working all dang day
@@NogVlog literally the director planned all the fun I’m pretty sure that’s exhausting. I don’t know. I think it’s odd. I never booked a cruise and said “hey if the director isn’t ecstatic to meet me that’ll ruin my whole vacation”. lol
Wow, the cruise director who works long hours wasn’t excited to see you. Imagine how tiring his job is. He’s a human being.
Are you kidding me with this. Just remember the cruise director has been working non stop. He took a picture and still made small talk. You’re the one on vacation enjoying your day. What did you want him to do a magic show.
Magic would be cool!
💯💯💯
I’m a carnival person that has been on Royal. I have noticed the same thing about cruise directors. Royal does not use them for parties like Carnival does. My most recent cruise was on Grandeur of the seas. I can’t remember who the director was. But I could tell my last 3 cruise directors on Carnival. Because they are the life of the party. I use Royal to Chill and Carnival to party. Great list y’all!
Thanks for the input. Yes, it's just different ways to approach the position for the two companies. One thing I absolutely loved was his daily recorded videos on the TV about what's happening. Still think he could wow some more but they were no doubt informative and a great way to get info on the happenings early in the morning or when getting ready in the room.
You didn't mention the 2 things that I am most looking forward to. The first is the full Broadway production of Mama Mia which I saw in Chicago and loved and I am anxious to see again. Second is the fantastic diving and water show. You do have to book both of these as well as the Ice show as soon as you can or you may not get to see them. I've heard that the parade is also a don't miss activity. The comedy show area is very small so if that is something you want to see do book it as soon as you get on the ship.
You guys shouldn't be so hard on Corey he could have had some bad news a death in the family could be dealing with some health issues I mean you just don't know so I wouldn't beat him up too bad because I said hey you know you you don't look too good I hope everything is all right it gets better for you something like that
That's fair, but doubtful, and I hardly say we beat him up here. He simply didn't take advantage of our interaction to sell us more on Royal Caribbean, and in our 10 sailings to date we've never experienced that.
They have a job. To assume everyone is getting back from a funeral is a very low bar for entertainment.
When you have cruised on both Carnival & RC multiple times, you figure out that Carnival & RC’s Cruise Directors have a completely different role & focus than Carnival. Royal does not use them to hype up the crowd as much. Also, with 6500 passengers on the Oasis class ship, wonder how many ask for a picture with him? Other than this comment, you had some good content for 1st time cruisers on Allure. It is important to do the research so you know the ship you want to book has the amenities that are important to you, i.e. the waterslides & kids splash pad are almost deal breakers for families with kids, depending on age.
Glad it sounds like you had a great time overall!
We ARE that research haha! We knew the ship hadn't been amplified but others not as in tune might not so it was worthy to include on the list (especially based on Facebook group posts).
Ah, they're Carnival cruisers. I honestly felt some of the negatives were a bit absurd, especially with the cruise directory comment, which is where I stopped watching the video.
Thanks for this informative video! How would you rate/compare this ship to Carnival Celebration? I know you might be somewhat partial to Carnival 😉 but overall, how would y'all rate these 2? It would be interesting to do a side by comparison! Thanks
Yeah we would pick Celebration 10 out of 10 times over the Allure. We do want to try some other classes of RC though!
@@NogVlog we will be on the Jubilee in February and are really looking forward to our first time on an Excel class ship! We have also talked about possibly doing Allure or Harmony at some point. Thanks again.
Loved the ship been on 4 times in 2022.
We want to try some other Oasis ships that have been amplified to compare!
Thank you for this review my family and me are going in June first time on a ship
Hope you enjoy it!
Looks like lots of small negatives but overall you liked it. No waterslides. Didnt think about that but that would be disappointing. Still looks like a fun ship. Lots of pools to choose from. Sports court and rock wall look fun. Ive done the surf simulator and its hard. I am going in January for the Allure of the Seas. thanks for the video.
Have fun!
It looks like the Allure is going for a amplification in 2025
Very good review, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Thx for the video. However, commenting on the director with his actual name was kind of rude in my opinion. Imagine receiving the same questions from thousands of different guests every sail. Give him a break. Putting the director's actual name on your video was a total act of Ken and Karen. It felt like it was too personal. Your reason was just because he wasn't very thrilled about your first cruise travel, gosh I don't blame him for being rude. I would've done the same thing.
Thanks for the comment. When it comes to our review of the cruise director, not letting people know a name doesn't do viewers any good when researching what ship and sailing to choose. Many people could care less about the CD on their ships, but for us we have always enjoyed their presence and what they bring to our time on our trips. So that is why his lack of enthusiasm as an entertainer surprised us and made the list 🤙
You two are too full of yourselves. I agree that knocking the cruise director was uncalled for.
Very good review. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Symphony cruise director was amazing. We loved M Mercedes.
We need to sail more RC to see what else they have to offer!
Question: was the kids pool open on dock days? Was there stuff to do while docked? Was H2O zone open to babies in diapers?
Always a bunch of things open for port days for folks staying in the ship. Can’t say the hours of the kids pool though as we were in port both stops this trip for most of each day.
Why you need to put Ross on blast 😅!!😆
Thank you!
Useful video - looking forward to sailing on this ship later in 2023. While it seems more than fair to call out amenities that are lacking and areas that are needing upgrades, I might suggest that calling out individuals by name, whether a cruise director or piano bar musician, feels a bit heavy handed.
Politely disagree. They are entertainers, professionals and adults, they should be able to handle constructive criticism. Cruises are not cheap. So our aim is to make sure future passengers can choose what to do with their short and valuable time on such a large ship, by weighing our fair and honest feedback no matter if negative or positive. Cheers!
@@NogVlog I love how they used names. I just looove their honesty. Your name is your brand, in your private and professional life, but especially for those in a service industry. While many things are transactional, services are just as much about the experience and the feeling you get.
Did you say that you had a video on the 👍🏻 and 👎🏻 in the Allure’s MDR?
Just published! th-cam.com/video/Qo4Ud-inT2k/w-d-xo.html
Thank you!
We’re heading out in July. Thank you for all the info on the Allure.
You're very welcome, thanks for watching! We just released our final video, the full ship tour! th-cam.com/video/PzpYVxIlcD8/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the vids but you guys seem far too finicky and I’m glad I will never be providing a service or product to you. I hope you guys enjoy your next cruise!😂
Look at it this way: we had to find 8 negative things for this video format, so if those eight are fairly trivial, then overall the Allure might be a good ship for you to book, right? Thanks for the comment!
I don’t think y’all are being fair to Cory. I think you are forgetting that he is human and is allowed to be tired. He certainly shouldn’t have to live up to somebody’s standards. Maybe you’re standards are too high.
As first time RC cruisers, our standards were that of what we have had on Carnival sailings. Sounding more and more RC just doesn't have their CD's operate the same way. Which is fine, but you can't sell us that it wasn't a miss on his part when we chatted with him, no matter the reason.
After watching your video it appears to me that your more Carnival people and therefore have negative thoughts towards Royal. I think personally that some of your negative comments were uncalled for and harsh. Your review to me was more a personal than reality.
We need to sail more Royal Caribbean to have a larger sample size, and we plan to!
Portion size in the dining room is irrelevant as you can get as many helpings as you want.
Annnnnnnd now Allure is coming back to Galveston in 2026 🤦🏻♂️
Yeah, pretty lame! Lets see if and when Galveston at least gets WOTS...
@@NogVlog It is lame. everyone was expecting something new including me but instead we just got this
@@NogVlog Wonder is more likely to go on a transatlantic by 2027-28 so I’m thinking Symphony will be next since it’s been to every port that can service an Oasis class except Galveston. Only time will tell tho
Glad I ain’t the only one here who’s absolutely FURIOUS about this decision. It’s probably one of the worst Royal Caribbean has made in for a long time. Yes, it’s going to be amplified, BUT WE STILL HADN’T HAD SHIPS LIKE WONDER OR UTOPIA! Even symphony is in New York and even if we got symphony at least it would be something newer. In my opinion allure should’ve went to NY and we get symphony because it would at least give them a chance of competition against other cruise lines like Carnival who is home porting the Jubilee here, Norwegian Home porting Viva and MSC home porting seascape in Galveston all of which are some of the newest ships in each of their fleet. I was really expecting something awesome from Royal Caribbean for Galveston just for us to get something that’s barely older than carnival dream.
And I can’t find any short cruises for Galveston either around the time that allure returns. I think the end is near for Royal Caribbean in Galveston.
I’m going on my first cruise next month, and watched this video to help myself get informed on the cruise. I’ve never come across such wildly snobby people. Name-dropping the piano guy and the cruise director because Cory was too “melancholy” in your personal interaction with him and presenting it as a negative? The piano man didn’t meet your niche, snobby piano bar tastes? The bar seats were a little too sunken and it’s something you feel the need to publicly complain about? I progressively felt myself growing more insane as the video went on, refusing to believe two people could be so snobby and ridiculous.
But you did watch the whole video? ✅ And you left a comment? ✅ Hey, we'll take two out of three! 🤘
Exactly my thoughts!!! There are greater things to worry about.
@@NogVlog In todays world of fake reviews, I appreciate your raw unfiltered truth. It’s like listening to a friend instead of a marketer paid by the brand whose agenda doesn’t align with that of the viewer. Truth is now shameful unless it’s positive. I’m glad you shared your truth. I got more out of your video than the 7 others I’ve watched!
I don’t think someone should have to live up to your expectations. You can’t meet someone and be upset for how they interact with you. When you have to entertain and meet and greet ppl all day long every single day for months wouldn’t you allow to be a little stand offish sometimes?
Thanks for the input. He is just fine with a mic in his hand but failed to wow us and sell us on RC when given the opportunity. We will sail RC again but as much of our vlog series from this trip was about being first time RC passengers after many Carnival sailings, we had to make sure to mention this for any subscribers and viewers who may be be in the same boat (ship) lol.
They seemed more disappointed than upset. They appeared to have given him grace, but spike their truth about the brand he is. After all, Corey is a brand, per his choice of career. It’s okay if some don’t like the brand. When you don’t like it, but pretend you do and continue to spend your money on that brand out of guilt, you are providing charity. People work hard to take a cruise. Some are looking for truth so they can decide for themselves if the brand is of their liking and worth their dollars.
If you want more entertainment from said entertainer then you probably should TIP this said emtertainer. Understand these people work 12 hours a day for months at a time with limited pay and they go for the tips.
Good point for any Piano Bar!
Great review! Thanks!!
Glad it was helpful!