We sailed July 9-16 on Royal Caribbean's(RCCL) Allure of the Seas. Having read other reviews, I know that low ratings are often due to individual circumstances, so my "Poor" rating might not be considered poor by others. My primary complaints are based on two issues: reduced options for travelers embarking in Rome and what I consider unfair treatment by the excursions staff.

Several other reviewers have mentioned that Rome, being a "secondary" embarkation point, had fewer options than were available to passengers who begin the cruise in Barcelona. Of course, they don't mention this when selling the cruise. After purchasing the cruise, I found that RCCL does not help with pre or post hotel arrangements if you start in Rome. Additionally, there are fewer excursions offered on the Barcelona day (in fact, for a long time, they had none listed- the phone support person told me we could always do a Hop-on, Hop-off) because only about 25% of passengers start in Rome. Our final day was hard to plan because they didn't support post-cruise arrangements (other than airport shuttle). We did, however, find an excursion with a City Center transfer. Great! More than acceptable! Canceled several months before the cruise. Bad luck, but OK. Then we signed up for a different excursion with a City Center transfer. Great! Canceled TWO DAYS prior, WHILE WE ARE AT SEA!!!!!! I take a cruise to avoid stress, and RCCL proved a stressor for me. We finally took a shuttle they offered to continuing passengers and then a taxi to the hotel. I know excursions have to make money, but I find it disturbing they would cancel someone's plans while at sea.

So, those are my two primary reasons for a low rating. The ship itself is amazing offering plentiful pools and activities for 6000 people. You never feel crowded. Individual items: Read more