I have been sailing, on multiple cruise lines, for the past 30 years. In August 2011, my family and I sailed on the Oasis of the Seas and had an absolutely amazing time. The ship was new, large, had great amenities, and was a positive representation of Royal Caribbean International.

5 years later, my friends and I returned and sailed on the Allure of the Seas, expecting a similarly amazing experience. I honestly do not know what has happened to Royal Caribbean in the past 5 years but the quality of this cruise has been absolutely terrible! The food in the various dining rooms, both complementary and paid, is about par for mediocre cafeteria fare. The beds, stiff as boards, are covered in stained egg crate mattress toppers. The staff seems tired and completely uninterested in interacting with the guests. Above all else, I have never seen so many morbidly obese people riding electric scooters from buffet to buffet! The quality of the ship has declined as much as the quality of passengers, which is alarming!

I met a Diamond Plus Crown and Anchor member during the trip and he too mentioned how the quality of the cruise line has declined over the years. Congratulations, Royal Caribbean International, for becoming the new Carnival Cruise Lines of cruising. My family and I are now considering either Regent or possibly Celebrity for our future vacations as we have heard the experiences onboard their ships are of higher quality.