WOW! It's all in the name, Allure means to attract through personal charm and all I can say is I am Allured. I will walk you through three unforgettable days onboard the brand new addition to Royal Caribbean's Oasis class ships, Allure of the Seas.
Day 1
Transfer from Miami airport takes only 40 minutes to Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale and check in was smooth and fast. When I embarked the ship, it felt like I walked into a different world! My balcony stateroom was located on deck 9 mid ship and was a decent size. I was impressed by the flat screen TV, especially the way you can send emails from your stateroom with no need for a laptop - you have a wireless keyboard and you just sit back, sign up and connect. Very simple.
Being on such an innovative ship for such a short time meant planning was essential. I highly recommend you book all your shows and speciality restaurants on day one to avoid disappointment. The amazing ship carries 6,296 guests so move fast to see it all. I booked for the Blue Planet Show and for the one and only seagoing production show Chicago: The Musical. There was also the choice of several DreamWorks Animations productions, from Shrek 3D in the Amber Theatre to How to Train your Dragon on Ice in Studio B.
After booking our shows and restaurants we had our mandatory boat drill followed by a late afternoon snack at Central Park Cafe on Deck 8, it felt like I was in a real park with the 12,175 plants and 56 trees that make up the backdrop - I recommend the toasted panini's. After I had to experience the Rising Tide Bar, which moves slowly up and down between decks five and eight, while you enjoy a nice cocktail. It's a fun experience.
I visited the Vitality at Sea spa for a look around and took advantage of a quick pedicure, it took only 20 minutes and very affordable. My dinner reservation was the second seating (8:45pm) at Adagio Dining room on deck 4, where the service was fast and food was tasty. After Dinner there was a '70s Disco street party on the Royal Promenade to get the nightlife started. I spent the night on my private balcony enjoying the silence with a bottle of wine - one of the joys of staying in a balcony stateroom.
Day 2
We went for breakfast in the Windjammer marketplace on deck 12, where there was great variety and lovely omelettes. At 10:30 I watched the "Move it! Move it!" parade on the Royal Promenade, that featured the likes of Shrek & Kung-Fu Panda, the kids loved it. I then went to "the first Starbucks at sea" on the Royal Promenade on my way to the Royal Caribbean business catch up.
We had a quick lunch at the Boardwalk Dog house, there were a variety of different delicious hot dogs on offer. Of course I needed dessert and recommend the chocolate brownies at Cafe Promenade on deck 5. We then headed straight for the zip line on deck 15, where you zip line 10 decks above the Boardwalk and across the interior of the ship, very scary. The crew talk you through it and it's very safe and fun to try, though it's very quick! I wanted more adrenaline so I headed off to the rock-wall on deck 7, though I didn't make it to the top.
After all this action I finally relaxed in the adults only Solarium on deck 15. I enjoyed a soak in the indoor Jacuzzi while watching the sunset, what more can u ask for? It was then time to get ready for a cocktail in the Dazzles nightclub on deck 8, where I enjoyed nice snacks & champagne before moving on to yet another stunning dinner in the Adagio Restaurant.
After dinner we took a stroll to the Aqua theatre and watched a fountain show at on Deck 6, which is a selection of lights & music all outdoors. This was lovely to watch before we moved onto the Blue Planet show in the Amber Theatre. The dancers were very talented. The only way to end this fun packed day was to dance it away in the Blaze Night Club on deck 4.
Day 3
I woke up to a beautiful hot day and ordered room service, again it exceeded my expectations. We took a walk around the ship as there was still so much to see and I had to try the Flow Rider surf simulator. This was loads of fun, the first attempt was really hard but the second time round I was much better. If this sounds too much you can try the miniature golf course right next door. With time to relax and soak up the sun there were lots of deck chairs around and crew looking after our every need.
With it being Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to see the Turkey Pardon on Deck 5, and at that moment I was giving thanks that I was lucky to be on such a fantastic ship.
I was excited to See Chicago: the Musical which started at 5pm and I kept thinking I was in London's West End. After the show we had dinner in Central Park at Giovanni's Table, one of the five specialty restaurants onboard. The menu was superb, we couldn't decide so the waitress brought us all her recommendations and she was spot on. It was the best Italian cuisine I have ever tasted!
After dinner we went next door to Vintages for a nice glass of Pinot Noir. There is more... we went to the Aqua theatre to watch the Oceanaria Aqua show - this one is not to be missed. Matt Yee's Dive Live was next in the Scooter bar on deck 6, if you want to laugh your socks off go see him. Such a treat after an action packed day. Once again we had the choice of dancing the night away at the Dazzles night club or adult karaoke live on deck 5.
Overall all I can say is that three days was not enough to experience this unique, one of a kind, ship. It's great for families, with all the youth activities, has enough romantic escapes for couples and enough entertainment for groups of adults. All in all perfect for everyone.
Written by Claire Ignatiou