|
 This
past December saw the second, and more than likely, the last Oasis Class ship
from Royal Caribbean enter service. The Captain of the Allure claims his new
ship is slightly bigger than her BIG sister the Oasis. No matter what both of
these ships are now the two biggest ships in the World and true marvels.
Let me dispel a few fears that you
might have about ships this big. First of the purpose built terminal these ships
us have over 90 check-in stations. From several past experiences I can tell you
it only takes about 15 minutes from the time you park your car until you are
standing in The Royal Promenade. You actually never feel like you’re on a ship
that can hold over 6,000 passengers based on full capacity as the ship is
designed to specifically spread people out based on activities and interests.
You enter the ship right in the
middle of the spectacular Royal Promenade with an array of shops, lounges,
eateries, and a floating bar. If you are looking for a WOW factor you have got
the biggest one in industry before your very eyes. The Promenade is the main
entertainment hub of the ship and hosts many activities during the cruise
including street like entertainment and even parades. Not better place to people
watch if that’s your thing.
With over 20 dining options you can
understand why you really don’t have lines like you might imagine. The most
interest area is called Central Park. This open air park like sitting with trees
and gardens hosts some of the ships best restaurants and yes you can take the
area over for cocktails or a dining around. Central Park has Chops Grille (steak
house), 150 Central Park (true gourmet dining), Giovanni’s Table (Italian), Park
Café indoor/outdoor gourmet market open for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the
park and Vintages wine and tapas bar. For fun take the Rising Tide Bar (floating
bar) back down 3 deck levels after dinner to the Promenade deck.
New on the Allure is an Argentinean
Style Steak house and a Mexican Restaurant located on the Boardwalk area with
indoor/outdoor seating. Be aware that many of these restaurants do have
surcharges but are well worth the extra money. Of course you have the huge main
dining room covering 3 deck levels and you have the option of fixed first and
second seating dining or the option of open sitting dining. Need a hamburger
fix? Don’t miss Johnny Rockets at sea.
Entertainment on the ship is almost
unlimited ranging from the Broadway Production Show Chicago to ever popular Ice
Show. Other options are a Comedy Club, the Aqua Theater, On Air Club for
karaoke, Piano Bar, Jazz on 4, Boleros Latin dance club, Dazzles for the big
band experience, Blaze nightclub for the latest disco and dance music just to
name a few. The options are endless.
Service is great and you would
never know you are on such a big ship.
Most of the cabins on this ship
have balconies. Of course you have balcony cabins over looking the ocean but you
also have balcony cabins overlooking the open interiors of the ship including
the Park like sitting of Central Park. For your VIPS and top performers you can
select a Loft Suite that are two story affairs of up to 2,000 sq ft. Another
option is an Aqua Theater Suite on the stern of the ship, that have huge deck
and entertainment areas. All in all there are 37 categories to choose from.
When you need to get down to
business this ship has meeting facilities just like any convention hotel along
with break out rooms board room and view room. Studio B, the ice rink, can be
converted into a private arena style seating multi-media room with over the top
A/V equipment. Needless to say with all of the bars and lounges on this ship you
have numerous venues to choose from for private cocktail receptions and events.
This ship is truly a destination
within itself with the added plus of a few ports of call to visit. It is totally
unlike anything, other than her sister ship the Oasis of the Seas, at sea. If
your group wants to active, entertained, dine in different venues frequently
look no further this is your ship. |
