We chose this cruise to research a 6,000 passenger ship, wondering if it was really possible to receive the level of service we expect on cruises. Well, Allure of the Seas exceeded all expectations.
Check-in: From the cab to the bar on the 16th deck (too early to go to our cabin) took 25 minutes!! Easiest check-in we've ever had. Although it's not mentioned, you can board as early as 11:00am although you can't get into your cabin until 1pm. So we packed a bathing suit in a tote bag and enjoyed lunch before seeing our cabin.
Food: excellent. We ate at the main dining room, Chops, Samba, and Giovanni's Table.
Our cabin was nice. Spotlessly clean. Not huge, but adequate. Bathroom was adequate.
TIP: in this cabin the only shampoo comes out of a dispenser in the shower. We ended up buying shampoo in the store because we didn't like the quality. No hair conditioner or body lotion is provided. There is bar soap. That was a disappointment.
The old part of San Juan had a fort and cathedral, both of which are about a 20 minute walk from the ship. Lots of restaurants and shops. I really liked it. The biggest disappointment was that the ship was only in San Juan until 3pm so we had to be back by 2pm. I still can't figure out why it was such a short port of call. It would have been nice to be there later in the day to do some more exploring.