HOW TO HAVE THE ULTIMATE FAMILY VACATION ONBOARD ALLURE OF THE SEAS
Published on April 7, 2020
When it comes to delivering unforgettable family vacations, cruises with Royal Caribbean check all the boxes. After all — there’s a reason why Royal Caribbean has been voted the Best Cruise Line for Families year after year. And while every ship in the fleet offers lots of incredible activities and attractions for adventurers of all ages, Allure of the Seas is hands-down one of the best ships for family vacations. From the dazzling onboard entertainment and a wide variety of kids’ and teens’ activities, to all the delicious dining options on deck, there’s tons to see, do, and savor onboard this top-rated Oasis Class ship. In fact, the biggest challenge is usually finding time to squeeze in every experience, which is why we’ve put together a guide on how to enjoy the ultimate family vacation onboard Allure of the Seas. Ready to start making a fun-filled game plan for those sea days? Keep reading to learn more.
PACK IN THE THRILLS
If you have any daredevils in your family, you’re on the right ship — Allure of the Seas is packed with adrenaline-boosting thrills designed to make your heart race. Like a white-knuckle zip line ride ten decks above the open-air Boardwalk, and a wave-shredding surf session on the FlowRider* — try not to wipe out. Cruising with kids? Little ones will enjoy buckets of fun in the H20 Zone, which is brimming with interactive water cannons, fountains, mini waterslides, and whirlpools for tots and tiny explorers. The whole family can tee off during a round of mini golf on the green or get in the game with a basketball match on the Sports Court. And those looking to soak up the sights can brave the 40-foot ascent up the Rock Climbing Wall. It’s a test of endurance, but the panoramic views you’ll score at the top are worth every step.
MAX OUT ON FAMILY MEMORIES
Not everything onboard Allure of the Seas is about upping the thrill factor — though there are plenty of thrills to conquer on every deck. If you’re looking for opportunities to unwind while getting in some quality family time, you’ll find lots of them on this award-winning ship. The sprawling pool deck is a great place to start. Claim a couple of lounge chairs and bask in the sunshine while little ones get drenched in the H20 Zone, or vibe out in one of the ship’s pools, piña colada in hand, while a DJ livens up the atmosphere with the perfect at-sea soundtrack. At night, this sun-soaked spot turns into an outdoor movie theater with a massive screen. It’s the perfect place to cozy up with your loved ones for a family flick under the stars. Craving a little friendly competition? Face off with your relatives at Challenger’s Arcade, home to classic games from the 1980s and 1990s, plus a slew of modern favorites. And if you happen to be island-hopping your way through the tropics while onboard Allure of the Seas, flip the script and wrap up your day with skates and figure eights on the ice rink.
A BETTER WAY TO DO FAMILY DINNER
Royal Caribbean ships are known for their amazing dining, and the options you’ll find onboard Allure of the Seas totally live up to all the hype. The best part? Many of the restaurants onboard offer enough options to please even the pickiest eaters. The most popular spot among families cruising with kids is the Windjammer, which spotlights global cuisine at self-serve stations during breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s casual, complimentary, and well-stocked with all kinds of tasty options, like fresh-pressed paninis, classic spaghetti, juicy burgers, crispy fried chicken, and decadent desserts — plus rotating international fare that will take you from France to the Far East.
If you’re looking to dial up your family dinner in a more elevated setting, head to the Main Dining Room. Like the Windjammer, the menu at this sweeping multi-level restaurant highlights flavors from around the world. Some of the items on the menu are staples, and some change nightly, making it easy to mix and match new flavors with your go-to favorites. For something fast and delicious that you can enjoy on the go, take the family to Sorrento’s, a pizzeria that serves up perfection by the slice. Or try the kid-friendly Boardwalk Dog House, which specializes in gourmet hot dogs inspired by foodie capitals like Chi-Town and the Big Apple.
ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL AGES
Great dining and unforgettable activities aren’t the only things Royal Caribbean is known for. The cruise line also steals the spotlight when it comes to family-friendly shows and entertainment — and Allure of the Seas has some of the best shows on the fleet. Introduce the kids to ABBA classics at a performance of the global smash Broadway hit, Mamma Mia! or dazzle them with awe-inspiring aerial feats in the Royal Caribbean original production, Blue Planet. If acrobatics on ice is more your speed, head to Studio B to see the cruise line’s world class skaters show off their skills in Ice Games. Or feast your eyes on spectacular high-diving action at the AquaTheater during a performance of Oceanaria, which blends theater, dance, synchronized swimming and deck defying acrobatics. Want in on a family cruise tip? All of the shows onboard Allure of the Seas are complimentary, but seating is first-come first-serve. If you’re vacationing with a group, reserve your seats ahead of time via Cruise Planner or the Royal Caribbean app.
Ready for the ultimate family vacation? Remember the best way to take advantage of all the great kids’ and teens’ activities on this ship is to have a game plan for your time onboard. Check your Cruise Compass to see what other fun stuff is happening each day, and give yourself (and your little ones) enough time to explore all of the great experiences that await onboard Allure of the Seas.
