Forth Time on Allure

Allure of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 24
Helpful Votes: 452

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Allure of the Seas

7 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 05, 2017

Ship: Allure of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 12172

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Overall it was a great relaxing cruise.  As I've been on this ship three other times I can see some wear and tear which can be expected considering the ship is seven years old.  What I didn't expect to see was over 1/2 the seat cushions missing in the Adult Solarium.  I noticed a few missing last year and figured they were being repaired or cleaned.  I asked where all the cushions were to three different officers and got three different answers, being cleaned, being repaired, all will be back tomorrow.  Then I asked a crew member and he said as they wear and tear they are thrown out and RC hasn't replaced them yet.  He said it's been a year and he didn't think they would be replaced until the ship went back into dry dock.  Shame on you RC, this is a billion dollar ship and you must be making money because you have three in service and another coming.  It's supposed to be about the passenger's comfort, not your bottom line.  Also, drinks have sky rocketed and gratuity has increased from 15% to 18%, so two drinks cost around $23.00.  Even the drink package was not worth the money.  So instead of having 4-5 drinks during the day I had three for the entire cruise.  As the price increases the demand decreases.  Don't think they get that.  Lastly, I'm still pissed about changing the Crown Lounge at the top of the ship into a restaurant and lounge for SUITE members only.  That was the signature lounge of RC and they took it away from the public in order to squeeze out a few more dollars.  You are going to reach that point where your loyalty customers start seeking other cruises.  I have just cruised on Princess and am trying Norwegian in May, that's $10k that RC lost out on.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Had a Handicap room as I was recovering from an operation. It was very nice, liked the extra big bathroom

Ship tip

When leaving the ship, they promote a new APP to clear customs faster. Don't bother with it, I showed them my clearance on my phone and the customs guy said they would rather see my passport and paperwork than use the app.

Traveler Photos

Shower 12172 Closet 12172 Balcony 12172 Room 12172
Was this review helpful? 50

13 Comments

gregandmyra    7 years ago

Bring on the Pina Coladas!!

DottieDiehl    7 years ago

👍 works for me

gregandmyra    7 years ago

I've been doing some researching and I read somewhere that on Oasis class ships the drink package covers cocktails up to 13.00.

DottieDiehl    7 years ago

Gratuity is prepaid...can they add it to $1. Overage? Anyone know? How much are the Pina Coladas?

ladywraith24    7 years ago

yes you lay the difference u fortunately and hope they dont add gratuity to it

gregandmyra    7 years ago

Does the drink package not sufficiently cover the drink prices? I paid for the package which says cocktails up to 12.00 but I reading that cocktails are 13 and up. So does that mean I pay the difference?

jasonsb71    7 years ago

I do agree with you Ted1955. We did love the ship. But they need to take care of the ships they have in service, and slow down on building bigger and bigger ships. We were surprised by the condition of some of their furniture. Holes in various chair fabric throughout the ship. First impressions go a long way. We have only cruised on RCCL. Some things have been lost since we started cruising. We are seven points away from Diamond, so I hope things don't change farther away from our previous cruises.

DottieDiehl    7 years ago

Did RC provide shampoo & soap...I don't see dispensers

DottieDiehl    7 years ago

So, with seat cushions missing...are the chairs useable? Wow...I'm shocked that RC would allow their image to go downhill. What area takes the place of the Crown Lounge?

TERRI1962    7 years ago

Solid review Thanks ...

RandieW    7 years ago

I agree with the crown lounge. that was my favorite spot and I felt a signature of royal Caribbean. I was sad to see its not available anymore.

capttrips    7 years ago

Ted, it's a business and it is about their bottom line, all cruise lines. I agree they seem to be getting greedy and at some point they will have to cut back, but for now business is booming, ships sailing at capacity. As a diamond plus member, having spent tens of thousands with royal, I appreciate the added perks for my loyalty, and while booking a suite is a special treat for us, we will to book one occasionally. We love the coastal kitchen.

subfixer    7 years ago

I don't like ships that pander to elitism. If I wanted that kind of atmosphere I'd cruise on the QE2.

Other reviews of this sailing