Allure of the Seas Review
shrinkrap
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s
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Additional details
Sail Date: Sep 2015
Cabin: Royal Family Suite with Balcony
It is 5 AM, and I am in California, but still on Europe time. About 72 hours back, but still can't sleep much past 3:30 AM, so I decided to do this review.
Keep that in mind.
This was my third cruise; second on Royal Caribbean, both to the Mediterranean. I will start by saying my first cruise was about fifty years ago, and such a disaster (think Titanic; I didn't drown, but that was sort of the down side) , I waited 40 years for the next. The second was so good I started planning the next one right away. This time I took my husband, and adult children ( 22 and 25) and it was even better, but it made me wonder about the possibility of better ports with a smaller ship. I believe ports were Barcelona, Mallorca, Marseille, La Spezia (I think it was Livorno last time), Civitavecchia, and Naples.
Cabin Review
Royal Family Suite with Balcony
Cabin FS
Plenty of space for our family of four, way more than enough storage. Two bathrooms were a definite plus, and having a bath tub was an interesting option. We were designated "port side", but were rarely facing the port. The ports were not all that picturesque.
Port Reviews
Barcelona
We stayed three days before the cruise. I love Barcelona. We ate at Paco Meralgo, El Quim De La Boqueria, and El Xiringuito d'Escribà
Marseille
We did use the $23.00 round trip shuttle, then on our own by bust to Notre Dame, and lunch at L'Aromat. Loved it.
Palma de Mallorca (Majorca)
We did use the $5.00 round trip shuttle, and went to the church on our own. We tried to eat nearby, but with no success.
La Spezia (Cinque Terre)
Cinque Terra on our own. Monterosso al Mare was amazing. Our kids paid for a beach spot and loved it. Wanted to eat in Vernazza, but it was a madhouse. We got there around 2:00 and most were "closed; finished". Did get some good frito mare. Stopped in Manarola with a plan to walk to Riomaggiore, but the trail was closed. Manarola was really nice, and we should have eaten there.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Took the express Vatican train, and booked a small group skip the line tour. Of course there was "that family" we always had to wait for, but loved our guide.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Small group skip the line tour taking advantage of the "tour door" a la Rick Steves. Missed the door the first time I did this cruise, and so glad I didn't this time.
1 Helpful Vote
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