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After cruisung on all Royal Caribbean classes we thought it's time to book Allure or Oasis. We were aware that it is very big, but still thought difference to Freedom Class might not be too big. Wrong - we really felt the difference. Ship: Allure is really impressive. From the moment you board you feel the "WOW" effect. Of course everything is brand new. The negative. During the first days we did not get a cruise feeling, we felt like in a huge shopping mall. Especially before dinner the mall and all public areas are really packed. There are three big pools and the kids area. During Sea days all pools were really packed and there was a huge noise on pool deck. We always left aroud 3pm since we could not stand the noise anymore and went to our balcony. Unfortunately there is no real pool in the solarium area, only two huge whirlpools and one small, round pool. Sports deck is very nice but also very crowded. Cabin: We had an outside cabin with balcony and liked it. Be careful ,cabins with connecting doors dont have a sofa, only a chair. Would not recommend to book a room towards Boardwalk. We met a couple and they complained, that it gets really loud in there because of noise from outside. Embarkation and disembarcation: Embarcation in Fort Lauderdale was smooth and in 20 minutes we were on the ship. At disembarkation customs was obviously not ready to handle such a big crowd and there were long waiting lines. To get back on the ship in ports was not an issue for us since we did not get back at the last minute. But we saw, that towards the end the lines got really long and there were huge waiting times to get back on the ship. Food: We always had breakfast in Windjammer and dinner in the main dining room at "My time dining". Typical RCCL food, no positive or negative surprise. At some nights waiting lines got long, even for people who reserved tables. Would highly recommend to do do. At lobster night it was crazy. Loooong waiting lines, chaotic service. Obvioulsy staff is not able to handle large number of dining guests. Shows: Also highly recommend to book shows in advance. There were huge waiting lines for standby guests and we met people who have never sen a show since they did not reserve. Shows were nice, we loved AquaArena Show in the outside theatre, really impressive. Overall: We enjoyed the Cruise and Allure is really an impresive ship. But we woul not book it again. Too many people and you can alwys feel the crowd. Booked Celebrity Equinox for our next cruise and will not go over 3000 passengers.
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