RCCL: Allure of the Seas (December 2014)

FAm Report by Robin Paul

Allure of the Seas/Checca Lodge Islamorada, FL

I went to Florida a few days before my cruise and stayed in the keys. I went to Islamorada and stayed at the Cheeca Lodge. This is a 5 star full service Resort Hotel .My stay was for 4 nights and while I was there I did a site inspection. I stayed in a 1 bedroom suite w/ a full kitchen. The suite was immaculate. The design style was Tommy Bahama, rich cherry wood furniture and tones of beige and green. (Pictures of palm trees and parrots everywhere). The kitchen was state of the art w/ stainless steel appliances and brand new granite countertops. There was complementary coffee and tea issued daily. The suite had a wonderful screened in balcony and the view was of the adult only pool and spa. All of the suites are resort vies and pool view. This resort is right on the water and had ocean front bungalows with Jacuzzis on the deck and privacy curtains. Here are some of the specs. The resort has: 214 rooms 1 Family pool 1 Adult only pool 3 first class on site restaurants Jack Nicklaus designed 9 hole par 3 golf course Unlimited use of fishing equipment, sea kayaks, bicycles, and tennis equipment Camp Cheeca program for children Amazing spa and fitness studio Oceanfront Tiki bar Full service water sport facility This was a wonderful resort with some of the most beautiful landscape I had ever seen. If you’re looking for a beautiful 5 star resort in the keys, the Cheeca Lodge won’t disappoint. Before I start to talk about the “Allure of the Seas”, I would like to share my thoughts before the cruise with you. About 3 days before the cruise, I thought “What the heck are you doing? There are 5400 people on this ship; I’m going to be around nothing but crowds of senior citizens and small children. I’m going to be in lines for 8 days. What was I thinking???” I couldn’t have been more wrong… Embarking on the ship was smooth, no crowds no lines. The dining venues were all spread out and there were never any lines or crowds no waiting. I dined at 3 specialty restaurants, all were amazing. The service was impeccable. Advanced reservations were not necessary. The main dining room was run very professionally. The service and food were very good. I did 3 shore excursions, and once again disembarkation and embarkation were not an issue. There were 3 days at sea,. I thought the pool area was going to be a nightmare., once again I was proven wrong.. There were plenty of lounge chairs and beach towels, the wait staff was constantly coming around. There is an adult only area called “ The Solarium”. This is an area where adults can kick back and lay in the sun, go into a hot tub or just play cards around one of the many comfy tables and chairs. .This area is large and very spread out., and well monitored,. Royal Caribbean makes sure that the solarium is adults only. The shows were amazing,. There was a broadway production of “ Chicago”, WONDERFUL !!! I saw a comedy show and laughed for two hours. You do need to make advanced reservations for the shows, they do sell out. I had a junior suite and the balcony was 80 square feet. There was plenty of room in the cabin. The cabin steward was great and remembered everyone’s name. . This 225,282 ton, 5400 passenger ship was amazing. This was my first Royal Caribbean cruise ( I’ve been on Holland America, Disney and Celebrity).This was the best cruise I’ve been on.. Beautiful boat, lots of fun things to do for all ages. Please contact me if you have any questions. Robin Paul