Our family of 9 (52yrs-10yrs) enjoys a Christmas cruise every year instead of gifts. We chose Allure because of its amenities, and I'm afraid Allure's size was detrimental to our
Ft. Lauderdale airport (FLL) is minutes away from the port ($15 taxi/3 people). Embarkation was very quick and efficient.
We were not greeted by our cabin steward until late the first night. He offered no help in locating a outlet or obtaining distilled water for DH's CPAP, services other cruise stewards have done previously without request. Overall, I got the sense our steward was overwhelmed, tired, and cranky. He appeared to REALLY want out of his contract with RC. Throughout the week, when we would see him, it was us who greeted him, not the other way around.
We did not enjoy the layout of our cabin (11429). The double bed is right up next to the closet which prohibits any walkway. Our daughter's room (11431) was worse, as the sofa bed when folded out is only 12" away from the desk area. Our son's room (7439) had the same sofa bed arrangement.
Airport extremely close to port.
Great day at the beach.
Comfortable transportation, easy walking, relaxing beach.