This cruise line was part of a number of options I had through RCI. We selected Royal Caribbean to experience a different cruise line from past cruises. We found the Allure of the Sea massive as expected. Our Balcony stateroom was similar to any other room we've had in the past. The ships decor and layout was very well designed. The "action" Decks 4, 5, 6, &.8 were superb and spacious with plenty of drink and food options offered in the various watering holes and snack bars. Deck 15 and 16 provide ample opportunities to use the numerous hot tubs and pools and always enough chairs and loungers in the sun or shade in active areas or more laid back an quiet areas This was all excellent.

A big part of cruise promotion is always about the food. This is where we were let down. Breakfasts in the Windjammer lounge was your typical all inclusive buffet you would find at a 4 star resort except, they did not have any egg stations for omelettes of or custom egg requests. There were no toasters so your toast or toasted bagel was dried out and cold. Eggs were cold and everything else was so-so. The fruit, the oatmeal and the yogurt was OK. We tried the dinning room for breakfast and it wasn't much better. Our lunch experience was much the same. Supper in the American Idol Dining room was good because of our waiters Akshay and Ashok. They went out of their way to make our dining experience one to remember. There was a good selection of appetizers, as well as your main dish, to choose from. We tried the Cod, the Salmon, the Manhattan strip steak, the Fillet Mignon, the duck and a couple of chicken dishes and I would rate the as 3.5/5. The duck and the fillet mignon I could say were a 4.5/5. One night was Prime rib of beef and Lobster tails which I am told was fantastic. I missed this meal because of a gastro-intestinal bug I picked up and was quarantined that day. The Medical staff were quick to help and thorough and serious about my problem.

The scheduled entertainment was excellent and the theater was beautiful, spacious and comfortable. The 2 parades were also very enjoyable. There was an abundance of live music throughout the ship at any given time of the day. There were daily sales of watches, duty free liquor, clothing, jewelry, watches and the list goes on. The Casino was spacious with many machines and the card games were reasonable. There are also several swimming pools and hot tubs along with loungers and chairs in the shade or in the sun to accommodate all guests, Because there were over 1400 children on board the kids pool area could be a little overwhelming at times but you could always get away from it. Read more