The Amazing Allure of the Seas

Things have finally settled down after our week long trip on the unbelievable Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas.  The Allure certainly lives up to all the hype!  The week was busy with our sea days filled with our National Conference activities.  This was the first trip that our boys were able to have a little freedom going to see a 3D movie, the Dreamworks Parade, activities in the kids club, or the attending the How to Train Your Dragon ice show.  I thought I would highlight some of the things we loved and a the few drawbacks of the largest ship at sea. Also check out our pictures to the right under 'Photo Albums'.

* Entertainment - One word .... Unbelievable.  If you love great entertainment this ship is for you.  The full Broadway presentation of Chicago was one of the best shows we have seen on sea or land.  The AquaTheater show rivaled 'O' in Vegas. The boys loved the 3D movies and Ice Shows.  The Comedy Club had two great comedians. And to top it off the live bands were also some of the best at sea.

* Ship Design - Yes she holds 6000 passengers ... but with all of the different neighborhoods and small spaces we never felt like we were on a large ship.  We LOVED Central Park with the trees and mood lighting in the evening.  Our balcony stateroom was a bit on the small size for four .... or it could be that as our boys get older it is time to get two staterooms!

* Dining - Chops Steakhouse was great as usual and the new setting in Central Park just adds to the experience. Giovanni's Table was new for us and well worth the small surcharge. Our oldest son fell in love with the seafood soup which came with full size shell fish in a bowl with creamy broth to pour over it.  He now expects this for dinner at home!  The main dining room was also very good.  It does appear they have reduced the selections just a bit but there were still 6 - 7 nightly selections to choose from.  The Beef Tenderloin dish was one of the best dishes we had during the trip.

* Activities - So much to do ... so little time.  Rock wall, zip line, Flowrider, parades, shows, mini golf, ice skating, and the list goes on.  The boys LOVED the Flowrider (surfing simulator) which they were finally able to do as they were tall enough.  Ok - I loved it as well (there will be NO pictures of me on the Flowrider!).

* Big Ship Disadvantages - All the advantages of the largest most innovative ship at sea certainly outweigh any disadvantages.  But for me there were a few disadvantages and might be a consideration in choosing your cruise vacation.   Since the ship is so large some of the personalized items we are used to were missing. For example there are no made to order stations in the buffet.  Also it is hard for the staff to recognize you and give you that personalized service.  For example on Celebrity last year we sat in the same spot for all the shows and every night we ordered a soda and smoothies for the kids.  By the end of the week we did not even have to ask for the drinks as our 'favorite' waitstaff in the theater knew what we wanted. 

* Are we at Sea?  The Allure is a first class resort at sea.  One of the reasons I love to cruise is the feeling of being away from it all and being at sea in the middle of the ocean.  With the Allure you can go almost a whole day with out even realizing you are on a ship!  For some that might be great ... others might miss that 'at sea' feeling.

SUMMARY:  We loved the Allure and are planning a time when we can sail on her sister the Oasis of the Seas.  The Allure and Oasis are perfect for anyone looking for an active vacation, great dining, family activities, and Broadway caliber entertainment.   The ship itself is certainly a destination.  Well done Royal! We can not wait to see what you do with the new "Project Sunshine" ships now in development !!   

Happy Cruising!!