Allure of the Seas Review

5.0 / 5.0
3,138 reviews

My Favorite Ship

Review for the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Allure of the Seas
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heartscontent
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
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Entertainment
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Additional details

Sail Date: Jan 2016
Cabin: Central Park View Stateroom with Balcony

We love to sail on Allure of the Seas because it suits our cruising style perfectly. This ship caters to the active and fun-loving but might be overwhelming for the more sedentary. The best part about sailing out of Port Everglades is that it is a very short $15 cab ride away from Fort Lauderdale airport. Normally, embarkation for Oasis/Allure is an absolute breeze, but this was the first time we encountered difficulties. Apparently not enough customs officers showed up to clear disembarking passengers in the usual prompt manner. This caused a delay in boarding so thousands of us were kept in a huge waiting room until well past lunchtime. At least it was air conditioned, and there was ample seating and restrooms.

Once on board, we figured that going to the more obvious choices like Windjammer buffet or Park Cafe with the hungry throngs would be a very bad idea so we headed straight to Sorrento's for pizza. We were happily fed within minutes and well on our way to enjoying our cruise. Once again, the entertainment on Allure was nothing short of spectacular - but please, if you are considering going on Allure you MUST BOOK ALL SHOWS ONLINE AHEAD. Otherwise you will become very unhappy waiting in Stand By lines, hoping for a seat while you watch those with reservations whiz by after having their sea passes scanned. We loved the full length production of Mamma Mia which was identical to the West End London production. The very talented cast then performed at various venues around the ship throughout the week.

In the past we have always had ocean view balcony cabins but decided to try a Central Park balcony cabin this time. If you like privacy and walking around your cabin in the buff with the drapes open, this is not a good choice for you. However, we absolutely loved the live music coming from both Central Park below and the pool deck bridge above. I especially loved early evenings just before dinner, as it was fun to watch all the little wine and cheese parties taking place on the surrounding balconies while everyone was enjoying excellent live jazz music.

Cabin Review

Central Park View Stateroom with Balcony

Cabin C1

Loved the location of this cabin just above Chops Restaurant. Central Park balcony cabins are not for those who desire great privacy, but are perfect for those who enjoy live music from their balcony. Deck 12 affords great views, but without the chair scraping deck noise that comes with Deck 14 cabins.

Port Reviews

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

We love the convenience of flying into Fort Lauderdale airport and only having to spend $15 on a very short cab ride to Port Everglades.

Nassau

Not the greatest port, but not the worst either. Our stroll along the pleasant shops and restaurants of Bay Street was cut short by a wild tropical downpour that left everyone running back to the ships soaked through to the skin. Beats getting caught in a snowstorm!

St. Thomas

We always grab a taxi to take us to one of our favorite beaches. Just remember to leave lots of time to return to the ship as traffic can be very slow.

St. Maarten

Again, it is so easy to enjoy this port without taking a formal excursion. Taxis and the water taxi are easily accessible to take you to any of the island's beaches or sights.

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