Allure of the Seas Review
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Additional details
This was our 20th cruise, 3rd on the Allure, and 9th on Royal Caribbean. We had done this exact same cruise for our 50th anniversary, 4 years prior with our adult children and grandchildren. Our adult daughter had told 2 of her girlfriends (one a coworker, another a mutual friend) about the great cruise experience on the Allure. They had never been on a cruise, and wanted us to plan this one and go with them.
The Allure was put in service in 2010, rehabbed in 2017, and is still in excellent condition considering the thousands of people who have traveled on that ship. There have been some changes in the configuration that I didn't care for, i.e., deck 17 forward is now reserved for sky, pinnacle, and another class of guests. I used to like going to the lounge up there for the outstanding views outside and of the ship.
Embarkation procedures are excellent. It cannot be easy to board 6000+ guests in just a few hours, but RC really does it nicely. We flew nonstop from our home city to Ft. Lauderdale the morning of sailing. We purchased transfers from the airport to the ship from our travel agent, and was greeted at baggage claim by a Royal Caribbean agent and loaded on a bus to the ship. Traffic was very congested and the normally 5-10 minute trip from the airport took more than 25 minutes to the terminal. We boarded the ship about 2:30 p.m., dropped our carry-on baggage in the staterooms and headed for some lunch. The Windjammer buffet was a madhouse, as it always is on sail day, so we went down to the Park Cafe on deck 8 for a salad and sandwich, and even a pastry for dessert. The girls loved exploring the ship and were wowed by its size and all the venues on board.
Cabin Review
Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Cabin was midships, port side, a little closer to the bow than the stern. Was the quietest stateroom we've ever had, on any ship. Bed was large and very comfortable. Cabin attendant was outstanding. We asked for ice for the room when we checked in, and were never without ice. We wanted an extra blanket (like to sleep with a cool room, but warm bed) and it was delivered quickly. This was the attendant's final cruise on his contract, and he was happy to be leaving, but he never slacked in his room service.
A notice was left on the bed saying that the glass on the balcony would be washed the following day, and to remove any items beforehand. The washing never occurred, and not sure why. We enjoyed morning coffee and a pastry on the balcony to start our day.
We missed not having ship's robes in the staterooms, however. I guess that perk is gone for the average traveller.
Port Reviews
Labadee
The girls wanted to go kayaking and really enjoyed that while at Labadee. The beaches were beautiful, and the weather was perfect.