British passengers booking cruises on Allure of the Seas are not afraid to splash out on their holidays – most of them are paying at least £30 a night on top of the basic fare in order to travel in a balcony cabin.
In fact two-thirds of those flying from the UK to Florida during the next few weeks to join the ship in Fort Lauderdale for week-long cruises to the Caribbean are choosing to travel in cabins with a balcony, or in de luxe and suite staterooms, say Royal Caribbean.
The most expensive suites can cost as much as £115 per person per night more – and every one of the ship’s two-level loft suites is booked for the New Year cruise sailing on Boxing Day.
Not all the balcony cabins have sea views. Like sister ship Oasis of the Seas, Allure has “inside” balconies which look down on either the lively Boardwalk neighbourhood or on Central Park, the peaceful midships haven which is home to some of the vessel’s most exclusive restaurants.
I shall be sailing in one of the Central Park balcony cabins next week, and although I’ll miss my sea view, I’m intrigued to find out what the experience will be like. Must remember to close my curtains in the evening, because passengers in the cabins across the other side will be able to see straight into mine.
They will be disappointed if, like many of you, they are hoping to see me in fishnet tights. If that’s going to happen – and it’s still a big ‘if’ – only a limited number of tickets will be available !
US travel agents and media are on the ship this weekend; I board on Tuesday and will be joining thousands of Americans celebrating Thanksgiving on board.
At 1,187ft (260.05m) long, Allure of the Seas steals the title as the world’s largest cruise ship from sister-ship Oasis of the Seas by just two inches (50mm). The two ships are seen together in my picture above.
It has more than 20 different cafes and restaurants from Starbucks to steak houses, 17 bars and lounges including the Rising Tide Bar which moves up and down between three decks, 25 shops and sports facilities ranging from surfing, ice skaiting, rock climbing, water polo and kick boxing.
UK and Ireland vice president and managing director Dominic Paul said: “Allure of the Seas has to be seen to be believed – the diversity of activity and entertainment is phenomenal and Royal Caribbean International has created a ship with a truly amazing guest experience.”
“We are really pleased by the continued growth of the UK and Irish cruise market, and even during these tough economic times we see our guests return time and again. We are confident that the launch of Allure of the Seas will continue to stimulate further interest in cruise holidays, simply because we offer great ships with an incredible experience on-board”.
Prices for a nine-night holiday on board Allure of the Seas start from £1,402 per person including return flights from Heathrow, one night’s pre-cruise hotel accommodation, and a seven-night cruise calling at Labadee (Haiti), Costa Maya (Mexico) and Cozumel (Mexico), before arriving back in Fort Lauderdale. Price is based on 27 February 2011 departure.
To book, go to www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or call 0844 493 2061
About the Author: John Honeywell
John Honeywell is a travel writer specialising in cruise ships and cruise travel. Winner of CLIA UK's Contribution to Cruise award 2017.
Please give us a DETAILED report because we leave on 5 Dec for the cruise to Mexico. As you mentioned, we have an interior balcony facing the stern of the ship, Boardwalk Park. Smooth sailings.