As first-time mega-ship cruisers we were delighted with the Allure experience. Our Port Everglades embark/debark was amazingly quick considering the 6,000+ passengers. We opted for the Park-N-Go lot for our car and I timed under 30 minutes from shuttle bus to arrival on board and same for time from mustering for departure, clearing customs and back in our shuttle bus.

As others have noted, the size of this ship offers an extraordinary array of places to go and things to do. The concept of creating a hollow central core from deck 5 and up, with interior-facing balconies, Central Park, and the Boardwalk area in the stern 1/3 of the ship is genius and gave a sense of open space that carries throughout the ship. The deck space with a 225,000 ton ship also meant a very large pool and water games area for kids separate from the adult pools and whirlpools. We were religious about using the fitness center and found it to be outstanding. Crowds gather mid morning but equipment was still readily available.

We found the food to be average or a bit above. Our service experience was positive, from dining room to cabin steward, and with other crew as well. However, our dinner table companions echoed other reviewers who found this a little less welcoming and friendly ship than other RC ships they had enjoyed. I am glad we did not have that experience. Read more