Grand Vacation

Allure of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 81

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5
Allure of the Seas

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 30, 2017

Ship: Allure of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8688

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

WE had a fabulous time, hard not to when you're on a cruise. First time in one of the larger ships and I am trying to only book larger ships from now on. Only drawback is there are not enough elevators for this m any people so you may need to be patient if you need an elevator. I tried to always use stairs.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
We arrived around 11:30am for embarkation and the experience was great. The line to check in was quick and there were special lines for Lattitudes members that were much shorter than the regular lines. Even without Latitudes, the lines ran very smoothly and the employees were very helpful and efficient.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
On the most part the experience was 5 stars, friendly waiters, good food, etc. But there were a few occasions where the service and food fell short. We had My Dining and had reserved dining times for the whole week. Those seating times went smoothly and they were a pleasure. The problem came when for different reasons we had to change the reservation. The lines were endless (staff was friendly though) and on one night we were placed in a table in a hidden corner of the ship and basically forgotten. Food took forever, drinks never came, waiter seemed overwhelmed and cranky. Something I have NEVER experienced in cruising before. Our other problem came when we decided to eat at the Mexican specialty restaurant. Our waiter was great, but the food was awful. I couldn't believe they charge $20 for such terrible food. The chips and guac were fresh and tasty, but everything else was nasty. Even the churros ( how to you mess up churros?) they tasted like they were made two weeks ago and left outside. We did eat at the churrasco steak house and the food was unbelievably delicious! I ate WAY too much but didn't regret it for a minute. Definitely recommend that one!

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
I personally didn't do many of the activities, other than lounge in the overhanging whirlpool (my favorite spot) but my grandson (7 yo)did just about everything on board and loved it all.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Entertainment was top notch for a cruise. Loved watching Mama Mia! onboard!

Children's Programs

no children on board.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Staff was amazing, just what I cruise for! This trip I remembered to get loads of 5 dollar bills to hand out to those who were extra friendly, they deserve it!!!

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Love the open areas! I love cruising but can get a little claustrophobic. Not on this ship! so many opportunities to wander outside. Central Park was my favorite!

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Basic no frills cabin you find on any cruise.

Ship tip

Don'y waste money on the Mexican restaurant. Pre reserve you dining times if you choose the My Dining option.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida Did not visit port

From Miami, just drove here to get on board.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5
Finally fell in love with this Island after visiting for 6 years! I used to dread this port but I had always booked a snorkeling tour of rode a taxi to a beach far off. This time we went to the beach a the end of the water taxi ride and loved it!

San Juan, Puerto Rico

3 out of 5
Not my favorite Port. Like eating locally and walking around looking at the home designs, but would definitley be fine if I never visit again.

Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)

5 out of 5
ALways enjoy the Labadee day. relaxing on the beach while my hubby does his daredevil stunts. I tried the waterslide this time but found it lackluster and not worth the $$$$. Hubby loves doing the zipline! Grandson loved the 'water park and slide"

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
SUPER SMOOTH! I'm used to standing in line forever to pass customs but this time they definitley did something right, we breezed right through!
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2 Comments

TheBuhours    7 years ago

Went on this cruise week ago and Allure was great. But plenty of elevators (12) on each side of ship but the aft are much busier as more things to do that end. I at times too had to wait but 3 to 4 floors aren't bad to walk.

GIL155    7 years ago

Glad you had a great time on your 'big' ship. You are healthier using the stairs, but there are times when a bit of patience is justified, and the elevator is so appreciated. I do both.

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