Our family cruise consisted of the three of us - two parents with one 12 year old child (girl) and "Grandma" We cruised on the Oasis of the Seas two years ago right about the exact same time - shortly after that ship launched. So for the three of us it was like a return to a grand old friend. For our newbie (grandma) who had been on just one other cruise when we got married years ago (the 'tiny' Nordic Empress) it was an experience that blew her away given who grand this ship really is.

For weeks leading up to the cruise people would ask us what ports we're visiting. And while the ports were fine we always tried to explain that we're really going for the ship. The ship is the destination in this case. And the Allure did not disappoint there.

Having cruised quite a few times on RCL and Celebrity, and also others on Princess, NCL and Disney we have a lot to compare it to - and have never had a "bad" cruise vacation. Sure, there are always little issues and things you can pick apart. But we go with the right attitude, a little flexibility and always know what we're getting into. Read more