ALLURE OF THE SEAS
INAUGURAL - NOV 2010
by Patricia Figg
pat@ReachfarTravel.com
Just back from a 2-day pre-inaugural ship inspection cruise on the Allure of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world! Wow they keep getting bigger and better. 2 days was not enough to see all that this magnificent ship has to offer and somehow I don’t think 7 nights will be either. Talking of neighborhoods, Royal Caribbean has divided public spaces on the Allure into 7 different regions which will appeal to all moods and ages. The ship is easy to navigate with giant touchscreen information boards located at strategic points that will help you find your way to your cabin with directional maps or to any other location on the ship. These screens also provide up to the minute information on current activities or let you know how busy a particular restaurant is at that moment. You never will get lost on this mega ship.
The Adventure Ocean provides spacious age appropriate areas for children with a wide variety of exciting activities including the DreamWorks experience to keep the little ones busy all day plus optional babysitting after hours, fun projects and activities for the bigger kids. Also introducing the Royal Babies program for babies from 6 months to 3 years, parents will certainly be able to get some quality time on this cruise. This area also includes a Workshop where you may test your scrapbooking skills or create personalized jewelry plus other hobbies for adults.The Vitality Spa and Fitness Center has an amazing array of health and wellness opportunities with extensive spa menu, fitness classes and workout equipment to please the most dedicated fitness guru, not forgetting the Vitality Café for healthy juices and snacks.
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For some real R & R, adults will find a sanctuary in the Solarium with refreshing water features, pool and whirlpools intermingled with sun loungers and the Solarium Bistro for lighter casual fare.
Plus plenty of loungers to catch the rays or the rythms of the calypso band.
The Central Park neighborhood offers lush tropical grounds spanning more than a length of a football field with multiple dining venues and boutique shopping. Central Park balcony staterooms look down on this peaceful park setting. 
Although we didn’t get the opportunity to eat in any of the specialty restaurants (and there are many) food and service in the main dining room was excellent with menus changing daily and the buffet, Windjammer Marketplace, had a real mix of food types from Indian, Asian, Italian, deli, salad bar plus the usual carvery and hamburgers and fries to suit every palate. Everywhere throughout the ship are bars to quench your thirst ranging from an English pub to a wine or champagne bar. The bars on the sun decks have plenty of frozen drinks to keep you cool.
The Entertainment Place includes the Amber theatre with shows such as Blue Planet an exceptional dance and aerial production show and Chicago. Studio B which features “How to Train Your Dragon” ice show. In this area other options includes Blaze nightclub, Jazz on 4 and Comedy Live. The Casino Royale has a non smoking side with plenty of gaming tables and slots throughout.
If you a looking for a really cool place to get married, the Wedding chapel on the Allure is just the place for an intimate wedding for just the two of you, or bring the whole family, they will all talk about what fun they had for years to come.
