Allure of the Seas Caribbean Cruise

Lisa Smith on 29 October 2013
Fort Lauderdale was my choice of pre-cruise stay this year and it was a great change to the usual Miami. The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort was fantastic and in a great location so I can definitely recommend this hotel, whether for a holiday or just a day or two before a cruise.

Driving up to the terminal and seeing Allure of the Seas is simply magical, it is a huge ship and the excitement builds right from getting out of the car! Check in was very smooth which was impressive for so many passengers to get on board.

Walking on, straight onto the Royal Promenade, we took our first wander through the ship and enjoyed lunch in the Windjammer whilst waiting to set sail.

I cannot put into words how brilliant this ship is! The kids loved the clubs, I didn't see my teenager from morning till some nights 1am! And my boy pleased himself from hanging out on the Promenade enjoying unlimited pizza and cookies to checking out the shows on the Boardwalk and having a sneaky ice cream! Needless to say I knew they were safe at all times. I don't have toddlers anymore, but even the youngest passengers are well looked after with a great play room.

The entertainment on this ship was brilliant - West End Shows, DreamWorks Characters, Ice Show and the water fountain show was spectacular. And the parades are not to be missed!

Food on board is so varied, you cannot possibly get bored. The fine dining room where you can still have set dining each night if preferred, or you can choose ‘Anytime’, so you can go anytime you like subject to availability. The speciality restaurants are worth the extra and Jonny Rockets was great (free for breakfast!). Whether you want fast food or a gourmet meal - everything is catered for.

The British Bar had the largest array of beers and ciders I've ever seen! Another great little bar to discover is in Central Park, and you can sit as if really in a park, even birds singing in the bushes! The best one is the Rising Tide Bar - board on one deck and get off three decks up! Or just sit and relax going up and down - great cocktails.

Take a look at my photos as this best shows off the ship!