Allure of the Seas offers latest, greatest in cruising

Royal Caribbean's new Allure of the Seas features the first amphitheatre at sea, plus more.

By Kim Windyka

Just when you thought you’d seen it all from Royal Caribbean, the brand-new Allure of the Seas introduces even more exciting innovations to the fleet. Now sharing the title of largest ship at sea with sister ship Oasis of the Seas, the Allure boasts several revolutionary concepts, like the first cruise ship Starbucks as well as The DreamWorks Experience, featuring the How to Train Your Dragon ice show and the Madagascar water show. The AquaTheater is actually the first amphitheatre at sea, and shopaholics will love browsing the only onboard GUESS store and Britto gallery, which includes exclusive pieces by the pop artist created specifically for Royal Caribbean cruisers.

Entertainment options also abound on the Allure. From Tony-winning musical Chicago to the acrobatic wonders of Blue Planet and the amazing musical water production OceanAria, these headliners are just a taste of the ship’s exciting shows. Live jazz, big band performances and comedy shows are all available to enjoy as well.

Convenience is king on Allure of the Seas, with tons of extra touches to enhance the onboard experience. New guest service kiosks make flight check-ins, cruise itinerary printing, and other important tasks easy as can be, and each stateroom comes complete with an Apple iPod dock. Speaking of accommodations, the Allure provides 2,700 staterooms, and those looking for the sleekest can rest their heads in one of 28 contemporary Loft Suites, all with ocean views.

Every traveler on the Allure will find something in the ship’s seven unique neighborhoods, each offering themed activities of all sorts. For active types, the Pool and Sports Zone features a full water park for kids, an adults-only solarium, a zip line, and Royal Caribbean’s signature FlowRiders® which offer the unique chance to surf aboard a cruise ship. If relaxation is a top priority, guests can take a leisurely walk through the Central Park neighborhood that mirrors the NYC landmark, or try a couples massage or pilates class in the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness neighborhood. Parents bringing the little ones along can rejoice in the Allure’s Youth Zone, the high seas’ largest dedicated area for kids. Tots and teens alike can take advantage of the activity areas, craft workshop, and amenities targeted to each age group.

Sailing to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, the Allure started her 4-night inaugural voyage yesterday from Fort Lauderdale to Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island in Haiti.

Kim Windyka is a travel brands copywriter, bona fide Twitter addict and freelance feature writer whose work has appeared in Metro Boston, the New Hampshire Visitors Guide and the Nashua Telegraph. Despite being a Northeast native, she dreams of palm trees daily.

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