Trip Talk: ETW Advisor Kathy Sails on Allure of the Seas®
Written on November 21, 2024
Deciding to join friends on a last-minute cruise with Royal Caribbean® on Allure of the Seas®, Encompass the World advisor Kathy and her husband set sail for the sunshine and blue skies of the Bahamas in September.
The 4-night itinerary included stops in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, but this Oasis Class ship shines for endless food and fun!
Get to Know Allure of the Seas®
One of the largest and most amenity-packed ships sailing the world today, Allure of the Seas® is truly a destination. With seven themed neighborhoods, more than twenty dining venues, and world-class entertainment from live music to Broadway shows to ice skating to aquatic shows, cruisers have no problem filling their days with all varieties of vacation delights.
The ship features sixteen passenger decks that accommodate over 6,800 guests. More than 2,000 crew members tend to the ship and its passengers.
Allure of the Seas® is scheduled for amplified additions before its 2025 Europe season.
Checking in With Kathy
What is your favorite thing about the Allure of the Seas®?
The entertainment! The Oasis Class ships of Royal Caribbean® have the best entertainment options of any cruise line and ship, ever! Standouts for us are the productions of Mamma Mia! and Oceanaria, the water show performed at the AquaTheater.
Do you have a favorite hangout spot on this ship?
We love Dazzles Lounge, which overlooks the Boardwalk® neighborhood and is a great place to people-watch.
We also really enjoyed the pools on this ship and never had a problem finding a chair to relax in.
For dining, my favorite place was the breakfast buffet available at the adults-only Solarium Bistro. (For dinner this venue transforms to Samba Grill, a specialty dining option with an additional charge.)
When it comes to cocktails there are plenty of options, as Allure of the Seas® is home to many (nearly 20!) lounges and bars. One of the more unique options, Rising Tide, gently carries passengers between Central Park® and Royal Promenade, offering an elevator-style ride with nice views. Schooner Bar, with its rich woods and warm décor, provides an elegant backdrop for singing along with a talented piano player. Or, passengers can unleash their inner crooner or rock star at On Air, the ship’s karaoke bar.
For adults wanting a peaceful retreat, the Solarium at the front of the ship is covered by a crystal canopy that showcases beautiful views, and houses whirlpools, a swimming pool, and the Solarium Bistro.
Finish this sentence: I am glad…
…I had an oceanview balcony! We loved watching the sunsets. We spent time on the ship while docked in Nassau, so we really enjoyed having our own outdoor space to relax in.
A fun alternative to the traditional oceanview balcony is a neighborhood balcony that overlooks Central Park® or the Boardwalk®!
Finish this sentence: I wish I had…
…experienced the adults-only Hideaway Beach℠ at Perfect Day at CocoCay. We will prioritize that next time!
Perfect Day at CocoCay is the private island destination for Royal Caribbean® ships. This fun port of call boasts seven beaches, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, snack bars and buffet restaurants, and water play areas for children. Amenities with extra costs include upgraded dining venues, Hideaway Beach℠ entry and dining, Coco Beach Club® entry and dining, admission to Thrill Waterpark®, and cabana rentals.
Who do you think this itinerary, ship, and cruise line is a good fit for?
A short itinerary on the Allure of the Seas® is perfect for first-time cruisers. It’s a glitzy ship with a wow factor. It has a large casino, great pools, awesome entertainment, and can price well for these shorter itineraries. It’s just a great starting point for people who are curious about cruises.
Generally speaking, Allure of the Seas® sails Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Bahamas itineraries.
What tip would you offer people for this type of vacation?
Always get into port a day before embarkation! It’s such a stress reliever.
If you’d like to plan your next cruise, contact Kathy or another member of our team to make an appointment!
Featured photo taken by Kathy from her oceanview balcony.
Photos courtesy of Royal Caribbean International®
