Allure of the Seas - My first Royal Caribbean Cruise!

I’ve just returned from my very first cruise – and honestly, I’m still riding the high. Sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas felt like being on a floating resort, a city at sea where every day brought new surprises, unforgettable meals, and entertainment that rivalled the West End. As a newly certified Royal Caribbean expert – after completing over 10 hours of in-depth training – I’m excited to share everything I experienced and learned along the way. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, I hope this gives you a true taste of what life is like onboard.

Day 1: Smooth Sailing from the Start

Arriving at the port, I was blown away by the size of Allure of the Seas. She’s a giant – one of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships – yet within 10 minutes of stepping off the coach, I was onboard and exploring. The embarkation process was seamless: no long queues, no confusion, and our luggage was in our cabin by 2 pm. We boarded onto the Royal Promenade, a lively hub lined with shops, eateries, and bars. First stop? The brand-new Pesky Parrot, a fun tiki-style bar serving frozen cocktails in true island spirit.

Our stateroom – a balcony cabin at the aft on the starboard side – was spacious, cleverly designed with lots of storage, and could easily accommodate a family of four. The balcony became my favourite spot for morning coffee and peaceful sea views. After a quick unpack, we joined the Sail Away party on deck. With live music, pools full of families, kids already flying down waterslides, and cocktails flowing at The Lime & Coconut (highly recommend the frozen mojito!), the energy was electric.

Dinner in the Main Dining Room was delicious. We’ll have the same table and wait staff for the whole cruise – such a nice personal touch. I opted for crab cakes, prime rib, and a slice of key lime pie to finish. Later, we joined the Boardwalk Balloon Drop – a high-spirited but family-friendly celebration. It was heartwarming to see guests of all ages dancing, laughing, and making memories together. We ended the night with a quick visit to the onboard casino – and yes, it truly holds its own compared to Vegas!

Day 2: Expert Training & Hidden Gems

Our first full sea day was packed with learning and relaxing in equal measure. The ship is incredibly stable – you honestly forget you‘re at sea. We kicked things off with several hours of specialist Royal Caribbean training, where I became a certified cruise expert. One of the biggest takeaways? Royal Caribbean ships sail consistently at full capacity, regardless of itinerary or season. So if you see a sailing you love, don’t wait – book early to secure your preferred cabin and dining times.

We also covered innovations like the upcoming Royal Beach Clubs in Nassau and Mexico – all-inclusive-style beach escapes with food and drink included, even if you haven’t purchased a drinks package. The kids’ programming, known as Adventure Ocean, is another standout feature. It caters to babies, children, and teens with age-appropriate activities, flexible sibling options, autism-friendly trained staff, and even a “Family Play Place” for parents who want to stay and play. Parents can also explore ashore with peace of mind knowing their kids are safe and entertained onboard.

After training, we grabbed lunch at El Loco Fresh – perfect poolside Mexican fare – then visited The Mason Jar. This Southern-inspired bar and restaurant has great live music, friendly staff, and standout cocktails. Singh, the bar manager, gave us a tour of the drinks menu and shared his pride in what they create. You can taste the care they put in.

That evening, we dined at Samba Grill, a Brazilian-style specialty restaurant (pre-booking recommended!). The parade of flame-grilled meats and paired cocktails was a feast to remember. We finished the day at Blue Planet, a breathtaking live show blending music, dance, and aerial acrobatics. It was like something straight from the West End – but floating on the ocean!

Day 3: Thrills, Food, and Aqua Stunts

Our third day started with a light breakfast and coffee at Café Promenade, followed by a fascinating Q&A with the ship’s senior officers. It was eye-opening to learn what it takes to run a floating city like Allure. After a quick bite at The Dog House (complimentary gourmet hot dogs!), we explored the charming Boardwalk area – from the vintage carousel to the Johnny Rockets diner where the staff break into 50s dance routines between milkshakes.

We had lunch at Windjammer, the ship’s main buffet, which is far from basic. I built my burger – one of the best I’ve ever had! There’s an enormous variety, catering to all tastes and dietary needs. In the afternoon, I finally braved the Ultimate Abyss – a 10-deck dry slide with epic views from the top and a thrilling ride to the bottom. For adrenaline-seekers, the zip line that stretches across the ship is another must-try. We also made the most of the included activities onboard, all of which are complimentary:

• Mini golf
• Laser tag
• Rock climbing wall
• Zip line
• Sports court Trivia and quizzes
• Dance classes
• Evening shows
• Movies under the stars

Whether you‘re looking for adventure or relaxed family fun, there’s no shortage of free things to do. Evening brought another delicious meal in the Main Dining Room (formal night!), followed by the spectacular Aqua80 show in the AquaTheater. Think Olympic-level diving, synchronised swimming, and high-energy 80s hits all rolled into one – a jaw-dropping experience. And of course, no night is complete without a final slice of late-night pizza from Sorrento’s.

Final Day: Goodbyes and Gratitude

On our final morning, we returned to Park Café in Central Park for breakfast – sitting amongst the real plants and listening to birdsong makes it easy to forget you're on a ship at all. The smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel with apricot spread was the perfect send-off. We wrapped up our official training with a final session, followed by a sunset cocktail party at the stunning Solarium Bar, hosted by the ship’s management team. The golden-hour views, heartfelt toasts, and camaraderie made it a fitting finale to an unforgettable few days.

Dinner was a true showstopper at Izumi Hibachi, another speciality dining experience. The chefs dazzled us with tricks and flair, and every bite was full of flavour and fun.

What I’ve Learned – And Why It Matters.

This cruise wasn’t just a holiday – it was an education. I now have a deep understanding of Royal Caribbean’s offerings, onboard experiences, and what makes each ship special. Whether you're booking a family getaway, romantic escape, or group celebration, I know how to help you get the best value and experience possible. If you're even thinking about a cruise, let me reassure you: the memories made onboard a Royal Caribbean ship – especially one like Allure of the Seas – will stay with you for life.