We had the pleasure of visiting the eastern Caribbean the week if December 11 on the Amazing Allure of the Seas. My wife and I and our two active boys, ages 8 and 9. I always wish for more family reviews on these sites, so this review will be family focused and I will try to give as much 'parent friendly' info as I can.

Pre-embarkation: we flew in the night before sailing and stayed at the Hilton Ft. lauderdale airport hotel. I would wholeheartedly recommend this hotel. It was reasonably priced, had good service and a nice pool. A free shuttle from the airport was only 5 minutes wait as well. Most importantly, however, upon returning the following Sunday, we were off the ship and back at the airport by 9:30 in the morning with a flight home not scheduled until 5:30pm! One quick call back to the Hilton and they graciously sent the shuttle for us (better planning would have had us taking a cab straight there from the ship...oops) and we spent the entire day lounging by the pool at the hotel. No charge. No hassle. Free shuttle both ways. Excellent lunch from the restaurant poolside. It truly turned what could have been a nearly unbearable day at the airport with the kids into a great last day of the vacation for all of us, and the kids slept the whole flight home. Thank you Hilton and Rebecca the front desk girl!

Embarkation: I'd read many reviews saying that this was the best embarkation process ever. Despite the 6,000 or so passengers who needed to get on our full sailing, I have to agree. 10 minutes after arriving we has our sea passes in hand and were walking on board, no problem. Read more