Allure of the Seas Review
Great Ship; Not Too Crowded Considering the Size
Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Allure of the Seas
foxtraveler
10+ Cruises • Age 60s
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Additional details
Sail Date: Aug 2015
Cabin: Boardwalk View Stateroom with Balcony
We have sailed on RC many times, and Barcelona was the easiest port ever in terms of embarkation. Upon arrival at the ship, porters met us at the taxi and took our luggage immediately, so we didn't have to drag bags at all. Check in began at 11, and obviously most people waited until later, because we had no wait at all and were heading onboard within about 15 minutes. NOTE: There is a duty free store after you go through security, so you can wait to buy your 2 bottles of wine to take onboard at the port. Some varieties were offered in a 2 for 1 sale! Our bags were not checked again after the initial security screening.
This particular itinerary has 2 embarkation ports – of the 6400 passengers, approx. 4000 got onboard in Barcelona and the other 2400 on day 5 in Rome (Civitavecchia). We didn't find this a problem at all, except that this meant "turnaround" days twice during the week for the cabin stewards, and so the hallways were a bit crowded the day we were in Rome. There were separate muster drills for each set of passengers, which was a welcome relief that we didn’t have to do that twice.
We had sailed on the Oasis before, so exploring the Allure was easy...there are several dining venues, and one of the best features are the interactive screens near each elevator which show you how crowded each one is. That can save time and frustration.
Cabin Review
Boardwalk View Stateroom with Balcony
Cabin B2
We had an inside balcony cabin overlooking the Boardwalk (11727). This gave us an awesome view of the Aqua Theater, zip line, Boardwalk, and ports as we sailed away. On this ship, I would recommend these cabins over outside balconies. Because this ship has to dock in the industrial ports, there was never a breathtaking view sailing into and out of the ports. Those with outside balconies were faced with cranes and shipping containers if their side of the ship was facing the port.
With the refurbishment, the cabins have been changed a bit with less drawers around the vanity (was 6; now only 3, with the hair dryer in the top, so only 2 available). There was one set of small cabinets on one side of the vanity (used to be on both sides) and another below it. I thought these changes would be troublesome, but they were not – I got used to it. The US/European power outlets have been changed to a 3-plug “strip” which we only used with 110v. It was ball-shaped and possibly could have been rotated to reveal European outlets. Hair dryer is provided, but always the type where you have to hold down a button to keep it on. I don’t like those, so I always bring my own small travel hair dryer.
Another down side of refurbishment is that they narrowed the sink and counter space in the bathroom; now the sink is so small, it is difficult to wash your face without making a mess. A plus, however, is the addition of a small bar in the corner of the shower – great for ladies to set a foot on to shave legs! Yea RC!
Port Reviews
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Civitavecchia – Because we had all been to Rome before and were not excited about a 1-1/2 hour bus or train ride there and back, we decided to have a leisurely day in Civitavecchia and onboard while everyone else was in Rome. We checked online for recommended restaurants and found PaneAmore & Fantasia – wonderful, fresh-caught seafood. It’s a 20-25 minute walk from the port gate but well worth it. Again, get away from the touristy areas and explore this gem of a city.
Marseille
Marseilles, France – We took a taxi up to the Cathedral of Notre Dame – highly recommend doing so, as you can ride uphill then walk downhill; otherwise would have been quite a hike! The view from up top is amazing, with the city on one side and Chateau d’If on the other. We explored the harbor area of the city, enjoying some French pastries and baguettes, cold beer (again) and shopping. Be sure to get off of the main street a few blocks to get a more local feel – you might find a farmers market with fresh local goods. Be leary of pickpockets – we had read about this online and met at least one passenger who was pickpocketed in Marseilles.
Palma de Mallorca (Majorca)
Mallorca, Spain – beautiful city. We took the shuttle in ($) and explored on our own: visited the cathedral, shopped for Majorica pearls, and stopped for a much needed cold Spanish beer. There were long lines of passengers waiting to get back on the shuttle buses to return to the ship, and the process was not well organized. Some passengers (& crew members) got a little cranky in the heat! Don’t wait until the last minute to return to the ship
Barcelona
Huge city -- lots to see. We walked La Ramblas, explored the Gothic Quarter, did a Hop On Hop Off Bus, saw La Sagrada Familia, and ate tapas.
2 Helpful Votes
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