CARIBBEAN CRUISE - ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTL.

I was very lucky to be part of the winning team and fly out to the Caribbean to spend 7 nights aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas! I had always admired the amazing amount of activities on board Royal Caribbean ships and know how fabulous they are for the younger generation. But I was delighted to find out that they really are fun for all the family! There is so much to see and do and the design of the ship is breath taking and innovative. I loved the inside balconies that overlooked the Boardwalk, where I looked out across the children’s area, with a carousel, candyfloss and fast food. I watched daring acrobats and divers put on an amazing Aqua show, diving into pools, all beautifully synchronised to music. I loved the FlowRider and had a go at body boarding, whilst the more daring sped past me on zip wires!

My favourite place was Central Park, with real trees and designed so that the whole of the area is open to the sky. A lot of the speciality restaurants were in this area and after enjoying an amazing meal at Chops and Giovanni’s table I stepped out into the Park for a cocktail at the bar. I felt I was in the middle of a quaint little street.

The entertainment on the ship is very varied and the standard is exceptional. I watched a fabulous Broadway production of “Chicago” and then the next night was entertained by an amazing ice show. As well as all that I was able to wander around the bars, which always had a variety of top class singers, jazz bands or piano players. However, my all-time favourite bar was the unbelievable Rising Tide bar that actually moved up and down the middle of the ship!

I was spoilt for choice when it came to meal times! The main dining room was on three floors and was silver service. However, for more informal meals I really loved being able to take breakfast and lunch at several other venues around the ship. As well as the main buffet area, I often ate breakfast in the solarium, with breath taking views out to sea or at my favourite Central Park.

I had a tour of the “Adventure Zone” the kids clubs for aged 3-17 years. Designed so that there is something for every age group. But best of all, parents can leave the kids to play whilst they leave the ship and go out for an excursion, very useful if the children don’t want to walk around in the heat looking at ancient monuments!

I went up to the Bridge and met the Captain, Johnny Faevelen, who rides a motorcycle around the ship and has his own parrot on board! I also visited the kitchens and saw just how big a pan you need to cook a stew for 1000 people. Every day they cook around 800 eggs!

Every evening to help me choose what I was going to do the next day, the ship Cruise Compass is delivered with details of all the entertainment on board and information regarding the next Port of call.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the destinations! I had a great day at Labadee Royal Caribbean’s very own private cove on Haiti, I went snorkelling in Cozumel and sunbathed in Jamaica.

So if you think this is the cruise for you - give me a call.