Family Cruises: The Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

One of the nice things about taking a family cruise is that there is something for everyone. Even teenagers and tweens will find activities created especially for them - no parents included. And parents will have adults-only activities as well.

If you are planning a family cruise below is a Question and Answer list about traveling on the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas - the world's largest cruise liner offering 7 neighborhoods, an open-to-the-sky park and much more.

First, just how big is this ship?

The Allure of the Seas has a guest capacity of 5,400 double occupancy with a maximum capacity of 6,360. It has 2,700 state rooms and the decks are 16 high. The ship is 1185 feet long, weights 225,000 tons and has a staff of 2,176. A huge ship, a lot of people, but you never feel crowded.

And what's included?

In the price of your cruise ticket is entertainment, most meals - which includes the main dining, buffet dining and room service, your selected accommodations, the fitness center, entertainment and their youth program. You are expected to tip but that can be purchased in advance.

And extra costs?

That would be shore excursions, certain specialty dining venues, casinos and of course shopping. Some drinks are extra too such as alcohol and soda but beverage packages are available.

About shore excursions - if I book on my own, it may be cheaper than through the ship, yes?

One important thing to remember - is that if you book on your own and you return late to the ship - it may be gone. The ship will not wait for random late arrivals. However, if you are on one of the ship's shore excursions they will wait if there is a delay. My cousins are seasoned cruisers so they usually plan all their own shore excursions (and have a number of videos of people arriving late to the ship, while it has already left the dock - it will not come back for you). For a first timer cruiser it may be wisest to travel with the ship's shore excursions or just stay nearby. Often there is much to explore within walking distance.

Where does this ship leave from?

The ship leaves from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Leaving from Florida means year round cruising without the concerns of say - a winter - at the New York City piers.

Where does it sail to?

Nassau, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, or Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico and the private island of Labadee.

What's for parents?

There are spas with solo and couples massage suites and the serene Solarium with a freshwater pool and 4 hot tubs. Take a stroll through Central Park and enjoy cocktails at the Rising Tide Bar - which moves vertically and transports you from Central Park to the Royal Promenade above. For fitness there is yoga, pilates, kickboxing and spinning classes. If you prefer, there are 158 state-of-the-art cardio and resistance machines, 4 swimming pools and 10 whirlpools.

Entertainment places include Casino Royal, Jazz on 4, Comedy Live and the Blaze Nightclub. There is much more such as a casino, wine tastings, tournaments and Wi-Fi service. Of course relaxing on deck and watching the sea is a recommended way to relax and enjoy the cruise.

And for kids, tweens and teens?

There are 3 VIP lounges with specific time schedules based on age. In the Living Room, children will find big screen video games and a music studio with Fender guitars and drum kits. The back deck has pool parties. At the Fuel Disco there is dancing, DJ lessons and open-mike nights. There is also a youth spa and a H20 Zone aqua park, the Science Lab and the Adventure Ocean Theater. Workshops include jewelry making, and there is nursery service.

What about for babies?

Ages 6 to 36 months are also included. Fisher-Price has developed programs for Royal Caribbean called the Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots programs. This is for parents and tots and includes activities ranging from musical classes to physical activities and games.

What about family activities?

In the Pool and Sports Zone you can have extreme fun flying across the ship on the 9-story zip line. At the FlowRider you can catch waves and try the surf simulator (big fun). On the Boardwalk enjoy the carousel and then visit the large 1,380 seat Opal theater to catch Broadway-style shows. Studio B features ice shows. You can also scale the 30 foot rock climbing wall.

Is there a Starbucks?

Of course.

What about food? (see what's included above)

There is always plenty of food and a large variety. When you plan your package you can select eating in the main dining room, specialty dining, family and casual dining, wine and beverage packages and room service. There are endless places to eat as well as ice cream parlors, coffee shops and of course you can find a slice of pizza.

What is the price?

What I am showing right now is for a 7 day cruise at the cost of $729. per person and $399 for each 3rd and 4th person in the cabin. Prices are always subject to change.

For more family cruising information, it pays to do as much research as possible, as far in advance as possible. Then you can relax enjoy your cruise.

For more family cruises and travel destinations, see the links below.