Made me happy!
Allure of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern
7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)
Sail date: May 08, 2016
Ship: Allure of the Seas
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 10725
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 8 years ago
Review summary
I am someone who always reads reviews. I have learned that I should take about 50% of what I read. The people who complain about everything on a cruise, from service to food to entertainment, I don't believe are capable of liking anything. There are always bumps with any vacation. If you set your expectations in the realm of "private yacht vacation" then you will be really bummed to go on any large cruise ship.
I went on the Allure of the Seas for Mothers Day 2016. I took my 83 year old mother and 60 year old sister. We had a Boardwalk room #10725. I had a good view of the Aquatheater, Boardwalk and the ocean. Loved this room. Sat out at night and watched movies and people watched with my wine. I actually saw a few large fish jumping next to the ship one afternoon. I'd read complaints about it being noisy. During the diving shows it was loud but they were only a half hour long and I would just go watch it again from my balcony. Room was smaller than a Carnival balcony room but I liked having an entertaining view versus an ocean to stare at. I'd take these inside balconies any day. The Central Park inside balconies had a much quieter less active view.
Entertainment was great. We went to a different show every night. I had to laugh that more and more of the music on ships is 70s and 80s which tells you they are changing with the "new" older crowd. I happen to be in that group. Shows are the best part of your evening I think and you should go even if your think its not for you. Comedians were really funny, ice show, water show, Mamma Mia, Blue Planet and Mo5ic were all different and fun to watch. They have an indoor 3D movie theater and they showed movies outside too. Bars throughout the ship had nightly bands, singers, dancing and karaoke. There was no reason to be in bed before 1am.
Food was really good. I usually go to the buffets for breakfast and lunch and to the dining room for dinner. I had no complaints. So many choices to choose from. Had a wonderful steak dinner in Chops one night. Service was always prompt and friendly everywhere I went. Where else can you go and have 2 appetizers, 2 dinners and 3 desserts if you want. Anything you don't care for you can switch. Servers do everything with a smile. Complain about the food?? Never.
My sister tried the Flowrider. That was fun to watch people of all ages try out. I could watch the rock climbing wall and Zipline from my balcony. I didn't get to try these but I will next time. Daytime pool activities were much quieter than some Carnival cruises. There were the usual bellyflop and sexy man competitions but they were held in the Aqua theater.
Getting on and off the ship was always smooth and didn't take too long for me to complain. I guess the people upset about the "selling" on a ship don't realize that's the way it is on all large cruise ships and a lot of people love it.
This is a ship I would go on again. This is a ship I would recommend. If walking a lot is not for you than this ship is probably too big for you. I did see people with scooters. Remember to have an open mind and a smidge more patience when traveling. Keep expectations realistic and vow to have a fun relaxing day every morning when you wake up. You are on vacation!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ports of call
25 Comments
lenaapple1974 8 years ago
CelticCruise 8 years ago
Great review. It sounds like we have similar attitudes. I generally look for overall patterns in reviews. Like you said some people are hard to please so if there are a small number of bad reviews I tend to ignore them. If there are a large number of complaints then I pay attention. I too love St. Maarten. I am an aviation fan so Maho Beach where the planes come in real low is always something I like to see. And St. Thomas has some beautiful beaches & mountain scenery.
adinamarie13 8 years ago
Windjam064 8 years ago
gefe57 8 years ago
printerguy402 8 years ago
So agree. I've been on the other end also. I've grown so accustomed to the big ships of Royal Caribbean that when we went on the Regal in February we were so bored we had to take another Royal Caribbean ship a month later. I see why people take the same cruise lines. We can't wait for the Harmony next February. Btw we're age 70 and just did our 8th cruise mostly R.C., and besides Princess did one on Noregian Getaway. We'll be sticking to R.C. from now on. I love both the excitement and quiet places on any ship. Just fun to dream and plan for months before each cruise. High points of the year.
sws1776 8 years ago
browncsm 8 years ago