Finally time to board the Allure of the Seas.
Here's our group, all 25 of us.
My little cousins loved the DreamWorks experience.
It's surfs up for Rob on the FlowRider.
I tried my luck at the slots.
I was supposed to be lounging by the Solarium pool with my family by now, sunbathing, sipping something fruity and sailing to an exotic island. 25 of us, spanning 3 generations, were to meet aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. Instead, I found myself in a rental Ford Escape, somewhere between Georgia and Florida with my fiancé, Rob, navigating through sheets of rain because of Tropical Storm Isaac. My parents and 3 others were already in Fort Lauderdale, a large group was stuck in YYZ and my Uncle Bob’s flight was diverted to Nassau. This was not what I had in mind for my long anticipated summer getaway.
Fortunately, RCI reached us all early Saturday morning. Because of Isaac, the ship had to remain at sea and our trip would not commence until Tuesday, August 28, cutting the cruise short by 2 days. RCI’s notification procedure did not leave anything to chance. The messages and phone calls continued until passengers confirmed that they received the update by clicking a confirmation link in the email.
Not only was the cruise postponed, to add to the chaos, our flight out of YYZ was cancelled just prior to its departure. Thanks again to Isaac. An Air Canada rep directed us to clear Canada customs, retrieve our luggage, and return to the departure level to rebook. I was determined to get down south as quickly as possible, so an agent booked us on the next flight – to Atlanta. That is how Rob and I found ourselves driving through treacherous conditions down the I-75.
What a relief it was to finally pull up to Fort Lauderdale’s Hyatt Pier 66 on Monday evening. The storm subsided and glimpses of the sun’s rays peaked through the overcast skies. After the 10 hour, knuckle gripping drive, I was looking forward to a family reunion.
For multi-generational travel, the Allure of the Seas has plenty of activities and attractions that appeal to every age group. My youngest cousins, ages 2 and 6, loved interacting with the DreamWorks characters. Rob tested out his skills on the FlowRider surf simulator. My dad and uncles put on their best poker faces at the casino. And my grandmother really enjoyed the premium shows and performing acts.
I’m thankful to say that Isaac didn’t ruin the entire trip. Once everyone was finally together, safe and dry, onboard the Allure of the Seas, the 2 days of stress and uncertainty made for great family memories. All we could do was laugh at the entire, hopeless situation. It also helped that RCI offered compensation by covering certain expenses for hotel, food and transportation and by offering a generous onboard credit.
With a toot of the ship’s horn, the vessel carefully sailed away from Port Everglades. Our long awaited family vacation had finally begun. As we cruised steadily into the dusk, with the sun setting behind the Miami skyline, we bid farewell to Florida (and Isaac).
