There's the whole debate on whether bigger is better...well in this case, it's awesome! I've only been on one other cruise and to be honest, I wasn't sold. So when I heard that the TPI conference was going to be held on a cruise this year I was initially skeptical. Then when I heard that I was going to be on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, the LARGEST cruise ship in the WORLD, I was excited more for being able to say "been there, done that." Well...this ship completely sold me on cruising!
I could go on forever talking about this ship but for now, I'm just going to highlight my favourite places on the ship.
1. Central Park
If you are not a morning person or if you don't like to be among the masses in the morning buffet (like moi), the Park Cafe is the perfect spot to get a quiet light breakfast. I stumbled upon it my 2nd or 3rd day on the ship and I went there every morning thereafter to get a bagel and cream cheese or a very yummy breakfast sandwich and of course, my tea. There are Central Park Balcony staterooms which gives yet another type of view to the rooms on the ship. This is a great option if you are not willing to splurge the extra $$ for an ocean view balcony room but would really like to have a balcony. With the Central Park Balcony staterooms, you get your balcony and still a great view! Central Park is also the area where you will find the majority of the specialty restaurants. All in all...my favourite spot on the ship.
2. The Cupcake Cupboard
Who doesn't like cupcakes? Well, my mom thinks they are overrated but what does she know?! (love ya mom!) The ship has it's own cupcake shop...with nothing but cupcakes...um yum! Their cupcakes are wonderful! They come out with a new specialty flavour for every day on the ship so be careful...you may get a cupcake belly by the time you are through with your cruise. Luckily enough, they do have the Vitality menu at the main dining room which gives you lighter, low fat options at dinner. Stick to that in the eve and stock up on cupcakes during the day and you're good to go! Maybe a couple visits to the gym wouldn't hurt as well haha!
3. The Solarium
I may be a little biased since I don't have kids but this area is fantastic! This area is 16 years of age and older so it's definitely one of the more quiet areas on the ship during the day. It's all glass which gives it a wonderful look and feel. You won't find your large pools in this area but there are a good handful of little pools that are perfect for a quick dip and wading. I loved it because it felt like a little oasis of luxury. A great place to get some sun, chillax with a cold drink in one hand with your feet dipped in the pool. Or a place where you can hang out on a lounger and soak in the sun reading a good book (or in my case, fall asleep with a good book).
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| The Boardwalk with the Dog House to the left. |
No...it's not a place where the hubby goes when he has, yet again, driven you crazy. It's all about hot dogs! Yes I know, yet another food place hit my list but I looooove hot dogs. Now, this is not just your regular ballpark franks they have grilled up here...you've got your your choice of sausages and hot dogs from around the world. They even have gourmet hot dogs (I didn't think you could put those two words together, but it's true!) like my favourite "The Big Apple" which is a chicken dog with apple in it. Quite yummy! This is definitely not a ketchup or mustard kind of dog but it was absolutely perfect with a little bit of mayo! Yum!
5. The Whole Ship! - What do I mean by this? The whole ship is great because I felt little to no movement. Therefore...no seasickness! I highly recommend the Allure of the Seas for those who are a little worried about seasickness. It was quite amazing actually. I had to keep reminding myself that I was on a boat. The only time I felt a bit of movement was when we were stopping and pulling into port. I was really impressed.
The other thing that impressed me was that I didn't feel like just a number on the ship. The staff remembered my name and even one of the bartenders remembered what drink I liked to order. You would think that because there are so many people on board you would feel crowded but I think because the ship is so big, there are just that many more places to put people. I never felt that there were too many people on board.
Ok...so I lied. I'm not going to just tell you about my fav spots on the ship. I want to share some useful tips that will help make your stay that more enjoyable.
Karen's Quick Tips for the Allure of the Seas:
1. Book your shows prior to coming on the cruise - These shows are fantastic and get booked up quite quickly. If you'd like a guaranteed spot and not have to wait in the line, pre-book your shows! Ocean Aria and Blue Planet are amazing and they are definitely the hot ticket items on the ship. You can do all of your pre-booking through the Royal Caribbean website.
2. Book your speciality dinner reservations prior to coming on the cruise - same as above. Yes these restaurants are additional moola but are very much worth it. Secure your spot prior to getting on the ship or make sure you make your reservations on the first day of your cruise.
3. Get the stateroom you want when you book your cruise - If you are longing for that ocean view balcony room or suite, don't wait to see if you can get upgraded on your first day on the ship. While unpacking my things, there was an announcement on the PA system saying that the ship is completely booked and no upgrades are available. If you want to ensure you are in the room you really want...book it prior to getting on board. This ship doesn't have a problem selling out so don't risk the chance of disappointment, remember this is your vacation, get the room you want when you make your booking.
4. Make sure to bring the items you need/want in a carry on - Remember...this is the largest cruise ship in the world. It holds 5400 passengers so you can imagine how many pieces of luggage that need to be handled and taken to each stateroom. Because of this, don't expect your luggage to show up immediately at your door. They run a pretty tight and efficient ship but make sure you have your prescriptions, bathing suit and change of clothes because it may be the early evening before everything gets to you.
Here are a couple more pics from my experience on board....
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| My Ocean view Balcony Stateroom |
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| Hot Tubs & Pool |
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| Flow Rider - Surfing simulator |
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| Mini Golf |
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| Rock Climbing Wall |
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| The English Pub - The Bull & Stern |
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| The Royal Promenade |
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| Mmm Champagne! Champagne Bar on board. |
Oh and P.S. The Allure of the Seas is the home to the first Starbucks at sea. So for those Starbucks addicts out there...you can get your fix while you're away in the middle of the ocean!
Karen
If My Passport Could Talk...
"Already looking to go on the Allure again!"
