Allure of the seas

Setting Sail on Allure of the Seas

Our journey began with a smooth and speedy two-hour flight from Manchester to the vibrant city of Barcelona. The excitement kicked in the moment we touched down, where we were warmly welcomed by Royal Caribbean staff for our pre-arranged transfer. The drive from the airport to the port took just 20 minutes—barely enough time to process the fact that we were about to board one of the world’s most iconic cruise ships.

Check-in at the port was a breeze.

In less than 10 minutes, we had our SeaPass cards in hand and were stepping onto the majestic Allure of the Seas. And what a ship she is 🤍 Following her recent refurbishment, Allure of the Seas is looking better than ever. The upgrades are instantly noticeable—from sleek stateroom enhancements to revamped public spaces that feel both modern and inviting. New dining options, updated lounges, and tech-savvy additions (like faster internet and interactive wayfinders) make exploring the ship feel even more exciting. This floating city at sea offers something for everyone—seven distinct neighbourhoods, including the leafy serenity of Central Park, adrenaline-pumping waterslides, jaw-dropping entertainment, and endless dining choices, most of which are included in your fare.

First Stop: Central Park’s Iconic Beef Sandwich

Naturally, our first destination on board was Central Park—a peaceful oasis filled with real trees and the soft hum of live music. We couldn’t resist diving straight into one of Royal Caribbean’s cult-favourite eats: the hot roast beef sandwich from Park Café. Served with mustard mayo and a rich drizzle of gravy, it hit all the right notes and officially marked the start of our holiday indulgence.

Sail Away in Style

At 5:30 pm, it was time to head up on deck for the legendary sail-away party. The sun was shining, the Caribbean band had everyone dancing, and frozen mojitos flowed freely. It was the perfect kickoff vibe—tropical tunes, sea breeze, and pure excitement in the air.

Dinner at The Grande

Dinner took us to Deck 4’s elegant Grande Restaurant, where the service was impeccable and the menu was full of tempting choices. I opted for a delicious crab cake to start, followed by a comforting chicken and leek pie, and finished with a dreamy chocolate custard for dessert. Every bite was perfection.

Ending the Night with a Bang (Literally)

Although we had an early start to the day, the evening energy was too good to miss. We found ourselves on the Royal Promenade, swept up in a lively street party that brought everyone together in true holiday spirit. As the clock struck midnight, a massive balloon drop filled the air with colour and celebration—a truly magical way to begin our adventure at sea.

And that was just day one.