The mega-ships never appealed to me - but I always said if I went on one, I would like to try the Allure of the Seas...based on it's favorable ratings and from having seen it while on other sailings. I was fortunate to have experienced this amazing ship recently, and on my birthday! I heard the ship was sold-out at sailing. Evidently so - there were throngs of people boarding...mainly families with young children. I believe there were a lot of Canadians - as it was their Thanksgiving week. Embarkation was smooth...having arrived into FLL airport early a.m. on departure day, I was at Port Everglades by 9:45am and was on board by 11:45 (they started check-in at 11:30am). My initial response when entering the Royal Promenade was "Wow...this is amazing"! You are immediately greeted by staff offering the various add-ons (beverage, salon/spa, internet, photo, and upscale dining packages). I purchased a week-long pass for the spa's thermal-suites (day-passes were avail. as well)...took lots of photos, then proceeded to explore the ship.

My favorites: The two-level Solarium. Beautiful, and spacious. Nicely landscaped, with soothing water features and soft new-age music. Although enclosed and sometimes too warm, there were windows to let in the sea breeze, and shaded areas to get relief from the sun. It also has it's own bar and café, which is where I had my first meal. It became my favorite place to dine. About mid-way through the sailing, the Solarium and it's café were no longer a quiet oasis - it became loud and crowded at times, once more people discovered it. However it remained my favorite place on the ship for relaxing and for dining. Central Park - another quiet and calm area... again beautifully landscaped and where you could dine peacefully, sample wines at Vintages Wine Bar (they had good Sangria too) and enjoy light evening entertainment. The Vitality Spa is gorgeous and well appointed. Offering everything from salon services, facial filler treatments, cool body sculpting, acupuncture, teeth whitening, and so much more. I must say I was a bit disappointed in the size of the thermal suite...and the fact that there was no ocean view (like on the Radiance of the Seas). The spa was always busy...the staff always trying to get you to purchase other services, but no "hard-sell". The complimentary Ladies Pamper Party was nice and informative. Note: spa specials are offered and get better as towards the end of the cruise. For entertainment - the various themed parties held evenings in the Royal Promenade were lots of fun...do not miss 70's night! Boleros had an amazing Latin dance band, and offered Salsa & Merengue classes each evening... Jazz on 4 in Entertainment Place was a favorite - the Brazilian jazz band was wonderful. Shows: I skipped Mamma Mia having seen it twice on Broadway, in Vegas and the movie. I did enjoy Blue Planet and the OceanAria Aqua show (my reserved night show time was cxld due to high winds, but they added an extra day-time showing that anyone could attend. It's better at night though!). The Headliner's Show this sailing were AGT Winners, The Texas Tenors who put on a great show. The Solarium was turned into an after-hours club with guest DJ's on two evenings...but it was hot - and crowded. The Casino: probably the largest I've seen on a ship...one side smoking/one side not...bar in the middle with TV's for watching sports. Several jackpots were won and announced each evening, lots of promotions (tournaments, raffles, lotteries, and more).

My cabin: a Large Inside on Deck 3 was surprisingly spacious (my first time having an inside cabin). The cabins design was very efficient and well thought out. The bed and pillows were so comfortable. I especially loved having a sofa, and the circular shower with sliding doors, yeah...no shower curtains...was my favorite cabin feature. There was plenty of storage, enough for two people, I think with three or more it would be tight - but another great feature is that suitcases can fit under the bed...creating more storage space. My cabin steward - George - was great! Read more