We chose Allure of the Seas because we wanted to experience the largest ship. It exceeded our hopes in all phases: service, entertainment, accommodations, food and excursions. So much more to see and do on this ship compared to our previous cruises. We feel it will be difficult to go back to the smaller ships. We never felt too crowded.
Our balcony room on the 14th deck worked well for us. It's proximity to the pool deck and Windjammer was nice. One room towards the bow (14692) had a bulkhead view obstruction towards the bow. We certainly preferred our room.
We went to the main dining room three nights (both formal nights plus Friday) and went to four specialty restaurants. Giovanni's food was good but the room was quite noisy and we were seated too close to another couple to hold a decent conversation. We certainly heard theirs. We wish we asked for a table out doors there. Samba's was as advertised....meat, meat, meat. We both agreed there was some that was good and some not so good. We would not go again. Izumu was highly favored by my wife. Neither of us had previous experience with sushi. We both loved Chops steaks and Mud Pie desert. If we could redo it, we'd go twice to Chops and not to Samba's.
I highly recommend this ship and if you can pay the price go to the specialty restaurants as they are better than the main dining room.
