My 22 year old daughter and I spent Spring Break with 6000 other passengers on an Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard the Allure of the Seas. The ship is beautiful. We had a Central Park balcony room, and I am glad that we chose an interior balcony. The courtyard had recorded sounds: birds, an occasional barking dog, migrating geese, and crickets at night. There was plenty of greenery and comfortable seating that was hooded to prevent wind. There was a no charge eatery that offered made to order salads, great roast beef sandwiches, tasty soups, and other offerings, with good dessert. Some evenings either bagpipes or classical music was live in the courtyard. Our room, on the 10th deck, faced Giovanis, a pay restaurant. Also in the courtyard was an art gallery, 150 Central Park pay restaurant, Coach, a bar (of course), and the Rising Tides bar ascended to this level from the Promenade. I enjoyed the peace of the balcony for our room. There were so many sights and extras that I noticed.
One of the first things we did aboard (after eating, getting into our room and starting the unpacking process) was to take a ride on the Merry Go Round in the Boardwalk area. No wait. My daughter later enjoyed free Coney Island hot dogs and tried a cupcake from the specialty shop. She was not happy that the red velvet was not chocolate dyed red.
Amazingly, although there were 6000 passengers I did not feel the ship was crowded other than at the 70 and 80s dance party.
Great room but distant from either elevator bank. Wonderful view of the courtyard where evening entertainment was sometimes offered.