I can't say enough about this awesome ship! Our vacation aboard the Allure of the Seas was wonderful from start to finish. Reviewers are correct when they say that a ship that holds more than 6000 passengers can feel less crowded than the smaller ships! We have sailed many cruise lines, but have fallen in love with RCCL for family activities. I won't write the book that I could easily do but will hit the highlights for you.
We traveled to Fort Lauderdale a day early and stayed at the Candlewood Suites, a good no-frills choice during the hectic Spring Break season. Great service and clean hotel. Took taxi to Port, $20 for 5 of us, so very good deal! Arrived at 11am and were honestly on the ship with drink-in-hand 30 minutes later! The check in was extremely efficient and everyone was very helpful and friendly. We toured about the ship and were "wowed" at every turn. Beautifully decorated and furnished, clean, and so much to see and do! Wow!
Our room was ready by 1:20 and we were met by our friendly cabin attendant, Rowena, who was extremely helpful and went above and beyond all week long (with teen in tow, that means keeping up with his quirks!). The room was perfect, large enough for our needs, and the bathroom was updated and nicely sized. We really like the rounded showers with doors. Plenty of storage space in closet, drawers and cubbies galore! We had a D1 cabin with larger balcony, which we loved but wish they would put a least one lounger as it would fit nicely. Our room was adjoining since we were traveling with another couple so they unlocked the connecting door and our balcony connection, too for the entire week. It was great and we had absolutely no problem with sound disturbances. Our son loved the Ipod docking station and the TV was great for checking on ports, your account, and watching shows.
This room is a connecting room and perfect for our party of 5. We never had a noise issue with the door closed, or from the hallway. The balcony is a nice size although we wish they would put a least one lounger since it would fit. Since it is a connecting room, you can also have the divider pushed back on the balcony, too. Double space all around! The room was adequate size for us even with the sofa bed open at night for our teen son. (The beds seem huge! King plus for mom and dad and queen plus on the sofa bed!) Beds were quite comfortable, too. There is plenty of storage space in closets (many hangers), drawers, cubbies, and under bed. Ipod and phone docking station with nice flat screen TV and light up vanity mirror. Nicely decorated and clean. (Thanks, Rowena!) Bathroom looked brand new with pretty glass tile backsplash. Plenty of storage and well configured for a cruise ship bathroom. I feel spoiled after staying in this room.