United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
World’s largest ships can also be among most expensive for options
The 225,282-ton, 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas — the world's largest cruise ship – was named one of last year’s 11 most popular ships by Cruise Critic. It has a lot of amenities but extra costs can be pricy.
In the food department, the ship has the cruise industry’s first Starbucks and includes a hot dog joint and Mexican cantina among its casual eateries.
“It also has a famous near-twin, Oasis of the Seas, with which it shares roughly 95 percent of its DNA — including a novel neighborhood concept, which divides the ship into seven distinct spaces that range from the foliage-filled Central Park to the Boardwalk, with its handmade wooden carousel, burger joint and candy shop,” says Cruise Critic.
Like its sister, Allure also boasts the best kids program in cruising.
Another of Allure’s lures are new retail options that include a Guess store.
The line has also added 3D viewing capabilities to its movie offerings, iPod docks in every cabin and guest kiosks where passengers can print boarding passes and keep tabs on escalating onboard bills.
“While Allure certainly has enough distinctions to differentiate it from Oasis, there's one point where the sisters couldn't be more alike: They could easily be the most expensive mainstream ships in the world — if you let them,” writes Cruise Critic.
Allure and Oasis are flooded with optional offerings — extra-charge Mexican food, ice cream, build-your-own pets, Coach bags and fortunes from Zoltar
Passengers can surf or zip-line, ride a carousel or watch a first-run DreamWorks movie in 3D. They can also tap along to some Broadway show tunes.
By David Wilkening
David
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak