Quite disappointed that our itinerary changed due to hurricanes. We would've had a totally different experience had we been to the ports where we intended to go at the time of purchase.
While the ship itself (and staff) was amazing, Royal Caribbean was less than great when we expressed we had an issue with them changing up itineraries and not compensating us in any way for selling something we didn't buy into.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was smooth, lines weren't too bad. Everything moved quickly and staff seemed very organized throughout the process.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The food was great, it catered to all preferences. Windjammer was the best buffet, plenty of options. Dining rooms with anytime dining have waiting lines if you don't get there right by the time they open.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There was plenty of things to do - for all ages. We felt really busy trying to see it all. Obviously, pools are always crowded though.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Amazing shows! There was something to do every night.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone treated us like royalty. We were amazed by the treatment, considering the staff works every day for several months, no days off.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Allure of the Seas is huge. I got lost so many times, thinking I was somewhere else - even though there are maps everywhere on the ship. Be prepared for lots of walking!!!
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Cabin is spacious and the balcony adds a nice touch. I used the balcony to dry out swimsuit and towels.
Room service kept things clean and our bed was made every day - with a towel animal ready to greet us upon our return to cabin at night.
Ship tip
Be prepared to walk. Don't bother with uncomfortable shoes. Expect to take at least 3 full days in order to have a chance to see the entire ship and enjoy all the venues, before you feel like you've seen it all.
There was plenty to do around the port area. Shopping within walking distance.
LOTS of cab drivers trying to get you as you walk out. Expect to pay a lot for cabs - at least 20 bucks for 2 people - and they were not flexible on their prices.
We had a day pass to Atlantis Aquaventure, and had lots of fun. Lots of walking to get to the pools lockers and slides, but was well worth it. The beach was amazing. We'll be back some day.
We didn't expect to like this port. Honestly, we were quite upset that our St Thomas/St Maarten ports were substituted by Cozumel and Costa Maya - but Cozumel didn't disappoint.
Cabs were well organized outside the cruise port, and the cab ride to Mr Sanchos Beach Club was a breeze (and cheap - 8 dollars for 2 passengers).
Mr Sanchos Beach Club was AMAZING! They kept drinks flowing, staff was super friendly, vendors at the beach are not on your face, establishment was clean, food was great and the best part - food and drinks were ALL INCLUSIVE for less than $60/person. We had a great day there.
Seriously, I wish we stayed on the ship at this port. Honestly, we were quite upset that our St Thomas/St Maarten ports were substituted by Cozumel and Costa Maya. While Cozumel was amazing, Costa Maya was TERRIBLE. Their cruise port wasn't too bad, but if you want to do any excursions, be prepared to walk a lot to get outside the port, and about a block out is where the sketchy cab drivers can be found. The city is not made to cater to tourism, so that was a bit shocking to us. Cab drivers don't speak english, so you better brush up on your spanish!
We booked an all-inclusive beack club called Tipsy Turtle/Barefoot Beach Club, and were totally disappointed! The place was really run down, vendors pushing their stuff, nachos were terrible, drinks weak. We couldn't wait to get back on the ship.
Oh - and take your bug spray. My wife got bug bites at the cruise port!
One of our bags wasn't where the others were. No staff to help us figure out what to do, my husband had to walk around, until he finally noticed an area for luggage issues, where he retrieved the missing bag - which as missing its tag (thankfully it had one of my own tags, so we could confirm it was ours).
We watched the guys offloading luggages from the carts, and most of them were just throwing the bags around, sometimes all bags would just fall of the cart. They just didn't care!
Getting to our shuttle was a nightmare.
Very crowded and crazy at disembarkation day. I would recommend calling an ubber/private driver, as opposed to shuttles. Our shuttle service (All Star) kept taking passengers who arrived after us first, just because of where they were going. We had to wait for 3 shuttles, before they let us in, and still we were the last ones being dropped off - a total of 3 hours between the time we arrived at the shuttle pickup area, to the time we got dropped off at our hotel (Best Western). Not taking shuttles again.
This is what happens in hurricane season if you read all the fine print they can change your ports at any time best thing to do is don’t book during hurricane season all cruise lines are the same about changing your ports for the safety of the passengers
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