Almost Perfect

Allure of the Seas Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

alxroberts

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 29

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

7 Night Western Mediterranean (Rome Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 09, 2015

Ship: Allure of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 14214

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

Everything with our trip was fantastic... except. Good stuff first. The entire staff was extremely helpful at every turn. We had never cruised before and were apprehensive on many fronts. From the moment we checked in on the dock in Rome, we were put at ease. The multitude of staff looking to assist, with a smile, was remarkable. Our porter, wait staff in EVERY restaurant, crew members in public areas, bartenders, and staff around the pool were simply outstanding.

The Main Dining Room for was very good, but the specialty restaurants (Isumi, Giovanni's Table, and the Chef's Table were simply outstanding. The Chef's Table is arguably the best meal we have ever eaten.

Our only frustration, and it was 6 of the 7 days at sea, was that we pre-booked our specialty restaurants, and the website material clearly stated that we would receive a 20% on board credit on the first day of our cruise. We stopped at guest services 4 times, made at least 8 calls, and even visited the restaurants to get the credit. Each of the restaurants wouldn't give the credit until after we had eaten (again, the website said day 1... with charge-backs if you didn't attend the restaurant). Guest services, though extremely friendly and helpful as far as contacting the restaurants, couldn't solve the problem. I don't understand why the "front desk" can't fix the problem, they said it had to be done through each restaurant.

We seriously stressed about the credit, because it was over $100. They eventually got it right, but there's no way that would have happened without our persistence.

Enough of that. Next time we'll print the web page and bring it with us. The cruise was fantastic, we are trying to figure out how soon we can go again. Allure of the seas is the way to go!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Great room, it spits the middle of the ship. 81 steps from one elevator bank and 82 steps from the other. We'll probably book a room closer to the aft elevator next time... more centrally located to activities.