My family recently sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of The Seas for a week. I have been cruising my whole life and this was around my 13th Royal trip. Never in my time as a Royal traveler have I been so impressed by a ship! The Allure of The Seas was a spectacular, floating city. I almost didn’t want to get off at our tropical ports because the ship itself is so fantastic.
If you have already or are looking to book Allure of The Seas, my Guide will help you plan the perfect vacation and squeeze every little bit of experience in during your trip. Though the cost may be a bit more pricy for a bigger ship, it is TOTALLY worth it!
Eat:
There is tons of free food on cruise ships but especially on Allure. From pizza to hot dogs, donuts and more, there are SO many eating options!! There are specialty dining options ($$$) on board as well but I am going to focus on the “free food” for now. Starting with my favorite place to grab a bite… Sorrento’s!
Sorrento’s is located on deck 5 in the Royal Promenade. Most ships offer pizza 24/7 but Allure takes the game to the next level! Sorrento’s it’s own free-standing pizza shop with plenty of seating and a charming Italian theme. Pizza is made fresh and dished out by Sorrento’s personal staff. I absolutely love their cheese (a classic) but they also serve up a vegetarian, pepperoni, and meat lovers. This is the perfect spot for lunch on a sea day or a late-night snack.
In the mornings, I need coffee to function as a normal human being. Instead of the Windjammer, I head to the Cafe Promenade for a free cup of java. The Cafe also offers specialty drinks and pastries for a price. However, their self-serve coffee and tea is FREE and delicious!
If you’re a coffee snob… I understand. No judgment! There is a Starbucks onboard.
Head to the boardwalk for some great eats too. The boardwalk is home to The Dog House and Boardwalk Donuts. I hate to admit it but I ate two donuts for breakfast every single day… they are that good!! I’ve loved Royal Caribbean’s donuts since I was ten (my first RC cruise) and Allure did not disappoint. Boardwalk Donuts has all different varieties but I always go for the chocolate frosted. Try them all!
Off The Leash is a great hot dogs buffet with tons of topping options. And If you thought there was only one kind of hot dog… you are very wrong, my friend. Enjoy an Italian sausage or perhaps, The German. Off The Leash brings “dog” fanatics to their knees. Unfortunately, it is not open 24/7 like Sorrento’s so sure to check it out when you get the chance.
At night, my family always gathers and sits together at Silk. Silk is a fine dining restaurant that offers complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We make a point to go at least once a day. You should plan for your dinner at Silk to take about an hour and to wear appropriate clothing obtaining to the dress code. The menu changes each night and offers you an amazing culinary experience. It is not required you go but I never miss Silk for dinner.
Play:
First off, Allure is extremely equipped for kids of all ages and teenagers! I do not have children yet but already know, Allure is the place to take a family vacation. There is plenty to keep them entertained! A sports deck, arcade, splash pool, etc. Additionally, they have great kid and teen programs with highly-rated counselors to watch over and occupy them.
But the adults are the ones who paid and want to know where they get to play!! Well, don’t worry, you have a whole floor called the “Entertainment Place” created for your enjoyment. Deck four is home to your unforgettable night. The Casino (the world largest floating casino) is sprawling with tables and machines, ready to take your donations. You could spend hours just there… but there is also Blaze Nightclub, Studio B Skating Rink, Comedy LIVE!, Jazz, and On-Air Karaoke. You’ll never get bored.
Especially because that’s not all, Royal Carribean also provides a plethora of shows for you to enjoy. During my 7-day sailing, I enjoyed Mama Mia!, a high-diving aqua show, the love and marriage game show, and multiple musical performances. Be sure to reserve your seat at performances before you board though. With 6,000 people on board, not everyone can fit into the Amber Theatre at once.
If you’re looking for more of a low-key night, take a stroll through Central Park. Central Park is an absolutely breath-taking scene for a cruise ship. You no longer feel as though your out at sea… it’s as if you’ve been to transported to NYC! It is filled with greenery, singing of birds, and the twinkling night sky. Grab a glass of wine and kiss goodbye to any worries you may have.
Stay:
Royal Caribbean offers impeccable staterooms and room service to help create your most memorable trip. Rooms on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas cruise ship offer nightly turndown service, 24-hour room service, and a daily stateroom attendant. In the past, I have always gone for an inside cabin (one without a window or balcony) since I’m barely in the room anyway. But as I’ve gotten older, I am willing to pay a little more for a little more room. The lowest prices start at Interior Rooms and go all the way up to Suites.
Allure of The Seas has the best suite in all of the RC fleets though. The Royal Suite offers two floors of fun and unparalleled luxury. By booking a Royal Suite, you’ll receive exclusive accommodations, experiences, and service. Some suites even have a slide for kids to enjoy in the room. Absolutely no detail is left to chance.
Shop:
Honestly, you’ll want to do most of your shopping at ports (that is where you’ll find the best prices) but the Royal Promenade is great for souvenirs. However, I have previously bought bags, make-up, jewelry, and shoes on board. It all depends on what you’re searching for and if there is a good sale going on!
The last couple of days during your sailing, The Royal Promenade will host multiple “blow out” sales where you can get shirts 2 for 20$ and bags 50% off. Some of the shops onboard include Kate Spade, Michael Kors, a watch shop, and Soleros.
Aside from the Promenade, The Boardwalk has a couple of places to spend your money at as well. When I first heard there was a shop onboard called Pets at Sea, I thought I’d be bringing home a new brother or sister for Kona baby. Pets at Sea is like a Build-a-Bear Workshop where you can make and bring your own stuffy home. Then, there is also a wonderful candy shop with tons of your favorite throwback goodies (including saltwater taffy!) and another store to pick up shirts, magnets, hats, etc. for your loved ones back home.
There are so many other fun things on Allure of The Seas that I didn’t even get to mention in this article!! The boat is packed with thrills for the adventure seeker and small oasis’ for those in need of an escape. My week on board was the perfect mixture of both!
I hope you enjoy your travel with Allure or perhaps, I helped you decide upon your next family vacation. There may be 6,000 people on your sailing but your vacation will be one of a kind.
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