Editor's Pick: Cruising Tips for Allure of the Seas

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Photo by: Cynthia Psarakis

There I was, standing outside Rita’s Cantina, my blue curacao margarita in hand, when suddenly a roar went up from the crowd milling around behind me on the Boardwalk. I tore my gaze away from the margarita menu (mine was almost gone, and it was after noon … somewhere) and there, on the giant-screen TVs flanking the Aqua Theater, was the reason: Oprah, giving away free cruises on her newly minted Favorite Thing of the Day, the Allure of the Seas. Since I was standing on Deck 6 of the Allure at that very moment it was a little hard to be jealous, but it did get me thinking about what I would absolutely be sure to do the next time I’m on board:
1. Indulge at the spa. There are nearly 30 treatment rooms where you can get massages, wraps, facials or even acupuncture. Plus, the therapists are specially trained in the specific treatments they provide — I’ll try the Thai Hot Poultice Massage or Bamboo Massage. Or both.
2. Have a hot dog. Not just any old hot dog, mind you. Allure’s Boardwalk Dog House features seven varieties, each with a bun specially developed to complement its flavor, baked fresh right on board. (Seven days, seven hot dogs — coincidence? I think not.)
3. Ride the carousel. Located just next to the Dog House, it’s the perfect way to revisit a childhood favorite. Accompanying child not required.
4. Try a different restaurant every night. As a hard-core carnivore, the Samba Grill Brazilian-style steakhouse is at the top of my list, but I’ll also make time for chef Molly Brandt’s gourmet innovations (roasted duck cigars!) at 150 Central Park, sushi at Izumi and risotto at Giovanni’s Table.
5. Sip pre- or post-dinner cocktails at the Rising Tide bar. Why this one as opposed to the many others strategically placed around the ship? Because this is the only one perched on a lift that carries it up and down between the Royal Promenade on Deck 5 and the Central Park area on Deck 8.