Fascinating Facts About the World’s Biggest Cruise Ship
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Cruises Editor
Cruise Ships
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With a reputation for creating the biggest, smartest and most innovative cruise ships on the planet, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) delivers the wow factor for cruise customers. The biggest ship in RCI’s portfolio of floating pleasure domes – and the current holder of the title of biggest cruise ship in the world – is Allure of the Seas.
Allure is 362 metres long and sits 62 metres above the water line. She carries 6410 guests, a crew of 2384, has 16 guest decks and a cruising speed of 22.6 knots. She entered service in 2010, and was built at a cost of US$1.5billion. Twin sister of Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas is all of 5cm bigger than her older sibling. Allure is second in the mega-ship Oasis-class vessels and a third – Harmony of the Seas –will debut in May 2016.
When you look at the scale of these blockbuster ships you can but marvel. RCI deserve all the plaudits lavished on them for remarkable marine design and engineering, guest comfort and safety, energy efficiency and enormous entertainment value. Allure is a stunner and has been credited with redefining cruising in the Caribbean. Now, following an extensive revitalisation, she is tackling European destinations and will be home-ported in Barcelona throughout October 2015 – a first for Oasis-class ships.
Royal Loft Suite
The ship is cleverly configured into several different neighbourhoods. Central Park is a green space with live vegetation. Boardwalk is a Coney Island concept complete with carousel. Royal Promenade has a shopping mall and venue for the DreamWorks Animation’s parade of lovable characters, while the Pool and Sports Zone features Flowrider surf simulators, a basketball court and golf facilities. Then there are the Youth Zone, Spa and Fitness, and a Solarium, largely patronised by adults.
But more excitement awaits. There’s a 750-seat AquaTheater where aerialists dazzle spectators with their derring-do at the aft of the ship; an ice-skating rink featuring the fabulous ice show Frozen in Time; and a 1380-seat show lounge spanning three decks for performances of Broadway hit musical Chicago. For more “highbrow” pursuits, there’s a 25-metre zip-line which enables participants to swinging Tarzan-like over the treetops of Central Park; a 13m-high rock-climbing wall and, for a seagull’s-eye view, a cantilevered whirlpool 41 metres above the waterline.
AquaTheater
Allure has 2752 cabins: 1972 balcony, 254 outside, 526 interior, 683 with additional berths and 46 are wheelchair accessible.
From May 2016, RCI will raise the bar even higher with a new range of Exclusive Suite Experiences: two Royal Suites, six Grand Suites, and two Royal Family Suites. All offer stunning views of the ocean, AquaTheater or Boardwalk neighbourhoods. The ship has 18 distinct restaurants. Eight are complimentary while specialty venues require reservations and additional charges.
Newcomers are Izumi Hibachi & Sushi for sashimi and teppanyaki; Sabor Taqueria & Tequila Bar – modern Mexican, and Coastal Kitchen – an exclusive full-service restaurant for suite guests. Meanwhile, 150 Central Park, Chops Grille steakhouse and Giovanni’s Table will still attract their loyal followers.
Need more convincing? How about a 24-carat-gold facial at the spa? Some designer merchandise from Michael Kors? Or, if you’re staying in a Royal Suite, your own Royal Genie butler service?
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