From Galveston on an Oasis class ship

Item: Allure of the Seas
Rating: 4.4
Author: cruisellama

Allure of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

cruisellama

Contributor Level: Captain

132 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 28

Helpful Votes: 420

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 04, 2023

Ship: Allure of the Seas

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 1754

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 11 months ago

Review summary

Itinerary offerings from Galveston tend to be fairly limited to what was offered so this was about sailing an Oasis class ship from the new terminal. We had sailed Allure in the past from Florida and found it a solid experience. However, after sailing the other Oasis class ships, it's obvious Allure is behind the times for on-board offerings in the water and dining venues. Service was great, food was standard new RCL fare. If you've never sailed an Oasis class ship, Allure will still provide you thrills, but if you've sailed the others, you'll find it a little underwhelming. We had about 6700 passengers on-board and it was comfortable. We were amazed at the "lack of pool chair hogs" that stake out a claim in the early day. Just didn't have them on this sailing and it was amazing to see such a cooperative passenger complement. Allure will be rotating back to Florida in the fall to do 3-4 day cruises from Port Canaveral and will be replaced by Harmony in Galveston. Looking forward to improved easter Caribbean itineraries being introduced 1/month from Galveston and the upgraded amenities Harmony brings.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

New terminal is great. We purchased reserved the covered premium parking and it was the shortest walk we've experienced to a ship.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Sailed Sky Suite class so had access to Coastal Kitchen in addition to other venues. Thought the Windjammer was very weak in offerings and quality of food. Service was outstanding.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Being an "original" Oasis class ship, it lacks the toys the upgraded ships have. Also the specialty dining is less attractive to us than others.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Aquatheater and Iceshow were very enjoyable. Stage performances very good, but I don't appreciate the on-board broadway shows - too long.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Fantastic suite steward team and dining service team. Crew all seemed happy and always asked how they could be more helpful.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

We're grateful for an Oasis class ship in Galveston, but Allure really needs an update if its to become a draw for RCL in Galveston. It will be replaced by Hamony in October 23.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Crown loft suite - fantastic. Plenty of room on deck 17 so easy access to the suite lounge and Coastal kitchen. First rate service. Lots of storage and 2 bathrooms which really makes things easy getting ready.