Allure of the Seas

Winning the title of world's largest cruise ship by a mere two inches, the Allure of the Seas is the newest addition to the Royal Caribbean fleet. With enough space for 5,400 passengers, the vessel towers over the water at a height of 72 metres and is longer than any of the American aircraft carriers currently in operation.

Being such a large vessel, the Allure of the Seas is bound to offer plenty to keep guests busy and whether you're looking for a romantic getaway for two or a fun-filled family holiday, this ship is sure to provide just what you're looking for.

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For more than 40 years, Royal Caribbean International has been offering top-of-the-range cruises to its passengers. During that time, the company has become famous for its world-class service and amazing on-board facilities, making it a favourite choice for cruise enthusiasts around the world.

The Allure of the Seas was built in Finland and launched on its maiden voyage in December 2010. Sailing under the flag of the Bahamas, its home port is in Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale Florida.

It generally embarks on seven-day cruises around the western Caribbean, with ports of call including the Labadee private resort on the northern coast of Haiti, as well as the Georgian town of Falmouth in Jamaica and the Mexican island of Cozumel near the Yucatan Peninsula.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 5,400
Year entered service: 2010
Beam (ship width): 154 feet
Draught (ship depth): 31 feet
Length: 1,181 feet
Tonnage: 225,282
Crew: 2,165
Maximum speed: 22.6 knots
Number of passenger decks: 16
Number of lifts: 12
Number of swimming pools: 6
Number of cabins: 2,700

Food, cuisine and dining

Split into a number of different themed neighbourhoods, the Allure of the Seas offers plenty of choice when it comes to dining. One of the most popular destinations for hungry guests is the Boardwalk, a zone modelled after New York's Coney Island.

Here you'll find the Boardwalk Dog House, which offers various sausages and hotdogs with a huge selection of toppings and styles to try. In addition, there's the Boardwalk Donut Shop and Ice Cream Parlor, a 1950's American-style burger joint called Johnny Rockets, the Seafood Shack and the Boardwalk Bar, which offers free salads and sandwiches.

The most popular place to eat on-board is the Opus dining room, which spans three decks and offers breakfast and lunch, as well as two dinner services.

For more upscale dining, why not head over to the Central Park area for a meal at 150 Central Park, the ship's most exclusive eatery? There's also:
• Chop's Grille
• Giovanni's Table
• Vitality Cafe
• Solarium Bistro
• Wipeout Cafe
• Sorrento's
• Cafe Promenade
• Mondo Coffee Bar
• Windjammer Marketplace Buffet
• Izumi
• Rita's Cantina
Room service is available 24 hours a day and most of the ship's menu items can be brought directly to your door - although do be aware there's an extra fee for orders made between midnight and 5:00 am.

And if you're in need of a morning pick-me-up, then you're in luck! The Allure of the Seas is the world's first cruise ship equipped with a Starbucks, you can get all your favourite drinks and treats from this well-known brand.

On-board entertainment and activities

The Allure of the Seas is the perfect choice for young families and its Youth Zone is the largest area of its type at sea, featuring various kid and teen-friendly activities and play facilities. There's even a fully-staffed nursery where young children can be left in the care of trained professionals, giving parents a chance to enjoy some time to themselves.

Of course, one of the most popular attractions for holidaymakers of any age is the DreamWorks Experience, which offers the chance for the whole family to meet, interact with and get photos of characters from movies like Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragon. There are also 3D films, ice shows and aqua performances based around the DreamWorks theme - and all included at no extra charge.

If you love shopping, you won't need to give up this favourite pastime while on-board the Allure of the Seas. The ship features several market areas offering everything from souvenir shops to up-scale retailers, as well as a GUESS shop and a concept store featuring works by neo-pop artist Romero Britto.

For those who want to take in a show or two during their journey, the Amber Theatre is an ideal option. With 1,380 seats, its two main performances are the Broadway hit musical Chicago and Blue Planet, an aerial acrobatic masterpiece with a set that includes a 22-foot wide tree. The Amber Theatre also has a specialised 3D movie screen - the first of its kind in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

And if that wasn't enough, the ship is also home to a host of night clubs, jazz bars, comedy clubs and dance halls. Or why not try your luck at Casino Royale, with options including slot machines, poker tables and roulette?

Spas and fitness facilities

For a bit of quiet relaxation, consider taking some time out of your schedule for a visit to the Vitality Sea Spa. Choose from a variety of rejuvenating treatments like massages, acupuncture and facials, or enjoy some heat therapy in a steam room or sauna.

And if you're looking for something a bit more energetic, the Allure of the Seas offers plenty of options.

An exercise room with a wide variety of cardio and resistance machines is available and you'll also find two 43-foot tall rock climbing walls, a miniature golf course, a multi-use sports court, surf simulation machines and a zip line across Central Park. There are also six swimming pools available and ten whirlpools.

Cabins

The Allure of the Seas has 2,700 passenger cabins, offering guests a huge range of choice when it comes to the type of room that they can book.

The most opulent of the rooms are the deluxe loft suites, which have two levels and usually measure around 540 square feet. Alternatively, you could opt for the Royal Loft Suite, which is nearly twice the size of the standard staterooms and features special extras like indoor and outdoor dining areas, a private wet bar and even a baby grand piano.

Alternatively, smaller rooms are available for those who are a bit more budget conscious. These are generally around 150 square feet and come with a flat screen television, two twin beds that can be made into a queen-size and a seating area with a sofa bed.

In addition, every stateroom comes equipped with Apple iPod docking stations, so you can keep your device charged, while enjoying your favourite apps and music throughout your voyage.