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12 Awesome Things You Can Do For Free on Allure of the Seas

2/16/2023

Allure of the Seas, left, is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. It's able to carry 5,400 passengers. Here, it's docked next to Celebrity Beyond in Cozumel.

By John Roberts
Allure of the Seas is one of the throwback mega-ships that once held the catchy designation "Largest Cruise Ship in the World."
First, there was Oasis of the Seas, and then sister ship Allure. Royal Caribbean has been masterful in designing each new ship in the class that is a little bit bigger so that it grabs that Biggest Cruise Ship title and the accompanying article headlines that help in the cruise line's brand-awareness efforts. (The current largest is Wonder of the Seas, as of 2023.)
I have sailed on a couple of these world-class ships -- Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas -- but those represent newer iterations of the Oasis Class ships. Allure of the Seas had its first sailing in 2010. It carries up to 5,400 passengers and relocated to its new home port in Galveston, Texas. This is where I hopped onboard with my friend Kevin to check out the largest cruise ship ever to sail from Texas.
We discovered the best things that you can do for free on Allure of the Seas.

The zipline on Allure of the Seas gives you a short but scenic ride high above the Boardwalk.

1. The Zipline
Allure of the Seas has a number of fun activities and attractions that cruisers can enjoy during their cruises. There is creative use of space on this massive ship. At the very top, cruisers can latch into a harness and take a zipline ride that crosses over the top of The Boardwalk neighborhood that is located on Deck 6 -- some 10 decks below.
The line is more than 80 feet long, and the ride is over quickly but it's a thrill to blast across a few times for a thrilling look at the ship from a bird's-eye view.

Allure of the Seas has two Flowriders, and cruisers can try to boogie board or surf.

2. The Flowrider
You can go surfing and boogie boarding on a cruise ship. Allure of the Seas features two Flowrider simulated surf areas at the back of the ship up on Deck 16. The ship's daily program offers times when cruisers can try the boogie board option or hop on for a little surfing. Members of the sports team help you get set up and give you tips so that you can be riding like an expert by the end of your cruise.

Allure of the Seas offers a few pool areas for cruisers to choose from.

3. Splash Around in the Pools and Solarium
Cruisers will be happy to find plenty of options for pools on Allure of the Seas. While many big ships offer one main pool, Allure of the Seas has three large pools at the resort area on Deck 15. The Sports Pool, Beach Pool and Main Pool are complemented by a fun H2O Zone kids and family splash area.
There is also a serene adults-only Solarium pool area, which is connected to a bar above and a pair of hot tubs that flank the enclosed all-weather space. This is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy a refreshing dip.

Sorrento's pizza is open almost all the time and is one of several eateries that you can enjoy at no extra cost.

4. Fill Up On Food
The restaurants on Allure of the Seas include a number of eateries included in your cruise fare. My favorites are Wipeout Cafe, which was set up as a fantastic taco bar during lunchtime on my cruise, and Johnny Rockets. Note: Johnny Rockets is complimentary only at breakfast time (a flat-fee cover charge for lunches and dinners), but I loved having a hot made-to-order hearty breakfast that I could enjoy while seated outdoors on the Boardwalk.
Sorrento's is the delicious and convenient pizza place on the Royal Promenade, and it also features tasty antipasto items like meats, cheese, olives and marinated peppers. It's open all day until late, and offers a wide variety of pizzas. The Windjammer Marketplace is the buffet restaurant on Allure of the Seas, and you can also find a wide range of foods on the menu at the Main Dining Room on the ship. This is a multi-level grand space where you can get a more-formal dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Wait there's a lot more!
Included meals are available at the Solarium Bistro -- a scaled-down version of the Windjammer buffet that's open for breakfast and lunch and often features a few more healthy items.
Park Cafe (open for breakfast time and all afternoon) is located in the Central Park neighborhood and offers fast-casual food like hot and cold sandwiches, hearty salads, cookies, coffees and more. This is where you can find Royal Caribbean's legendary Kummelweck hot roast beef sandwich.
Vitality Spa Cafe located just outside the fitness center and spa offers a small selection of light bites like fruit, yogurt and sandwiches with an emphasis on healthy fare.
Cafe Promenade on the ship's Royal Promenade is the bustling coffee shop that also serves up sweet treats like cookies, cakes, and brownies and small specialty sammies.
For some snack food to feed your cravings, head to the Boardwalk for the Boardwalk Donut Shop and Boardwalk Dog House, where you can get a classic Coney Island-style hot dog or even a savory chicken sausage on a parmesan and cheddar baguette.

Aqua Theater on Allure of the Seas is the place to see high-flying water shows.

5. See the Shows
Entertainment is a centerpiece of a sailing on one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, of course. Allure of the Seas offers a nice range of high-quality shows. The Broadway smash hit "Mamma Mia" is the featured production in the ship's Amber Theater, with matinee and evening shows. You can also find live music and comedy performances here in the ship's main theater. The ship also features a Comedy Club where comics roam the stage late-night and have the audience cracking up.
The high-energy high-dive and aqua show "OceanAria" takes places at the Aqua Theater on Allure of the Seas. This is a spectacularly energetic performance with music, tumbling, comedy and jaw-dropping high dives incorporated into the action.
The ship has an ice-skating theater down in Studio B, and this is the venue for athletic ice shows. We saw a production called "Ice Games" during our sailing. These shows are performed by an international cast of world-class skaters.
You can also find a number of fun shows and live music performances at the bars and lounges on Allure of the Seas. During my cruise, the program offered an a cappella group MOSAIC, a Caribbean-themed band poolside daily, a country music trio, a group playing Latin hits, a guitarist, a piano player, a Michael Jackson tribute show and plenty of jazz music in the intimate venue Jazz on 4.

You can always find live music around the cruise ship. A Caribbean music band keeps the fun vibe going poolside every day.

6. Keep Fit
The fitness center and spa on Allure of the Seas is a huge facility that rivals any place you might find at a resort or health club on land. The ship's Vitality Fitness Center includes dozens of treadmills, bikes and elliptical machines.
Plus, you have all kinds of space for stretching and individual workouts, with weight machine stations and a large mat area and benches with dumbbells and other free weights. There also is a half-mile-long enclosed jogging and walking track on Alure of the Seas. This track is fantastic for avid runners and walkers. It gets you out into the fresh air but keeps you protected from harsh sun. Plus, it's located down on Deck 5 away from the busy lido deck areas and all the people hanging out by the pool and in sun loungers. (The pool deck is where you will typically find the jogging track on most cruise ships.)

7. Party on the Promenade
The Royal Promenade on Allure of the Seas is kind of like the town square on the ship. In addition to being a great place for people watching, the promenade, which runs through most of the length of the ship on Deck 5, puts you close to a variety of bars, lounges and eateries.
This is also where you can take part in sailaway parties and themed parades. These shows are fantastic spectacles.

8. Dive-In Movies and More
The ship shows recent releases and other popular movies outside on the pool deck. You can relax in a lounger, bask in the warm ocean breezes under the stars and watch a flick or live sporting event on a 220-foot hi-def screen.

9. Ride the Rising Tide
The Rising Tide bar is a cool attraction, though perhaps a bit gimmicky. You can settle in for a drink and some live music at the elliptical-shaped venue. Walk into the place on Deck 5 from the Royal Promenade and ride the bar up to Deck 8 to hang out at Central Park -- or vice-versa. Or just stay there for hours and ride it up and down a few times. The Rising Tide lists its schedule at the entrance, so you know when it will be on the move.
It's a fun perch from which to people watch during your ride.

10. Enjoy a Spin on the Carousel
The Boardwalk on Allure of the Seas is located at the back of the ship in an open-air space on Deck 6. Walk outside to go past an art installation showing the process of carving large wooden carousel horses. Then, pass by Boardwalk Donuts and Boardwalk Dogs before you reach the lovely vintage-looking carousel.
We always see adults hopping on the horses with or without kids in tow. And all have smiles on their faces because the ride brings back fun memories of younger days at carnivals and amusement parks.

Allure of the Seas has a skating rink where you can watch a show or enjoy a little skating time yourself on the cruise.

11. Blades of Glory
We mentioned that Allure of the Seas has a skating rink. Not only can you watch spectacular professional skating shows here, but you also can strap on the blades yourself. The program offers plenty of open skate times for cruisers who want to take a few spins around the rink. The sessions run for about 45 minutes, and it's neat to be able to cool off with some ice skating when you're sailing in a hot spot like the Caribbean.

12. Take Your Best Shot
The sports courts on Allure of the Seas are huge. The daily program offers times to play sports like basketball (with open play or 3-point or free-throw shooting contests in the mix), pickleball and soccer.
Nearby, you'll also find a fun mini-golf course and ping-pong tables. So, you have plenty of ways to get in some exercise and enjoy a little friendly competition with fellow cruisers out in the fresh air.

Have fun on your next trip!
Thanks for reading,
JR

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My Best Tips and Tricks for Packing for an Antarctica Cruise

1/19/2023

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Your cruise line will often provide a parka for you to keep. But some days are warm enough that you might not even need it. Colleen decided to shed hers during a hike at Neko Harbor.

By John Roberts
A small-ship expedition cruise to Antarctica is undoubtedly the best way to see this incredible destination.
With my latest trip to Antarctica, I've now been there three times and weathered all kinds of conditions. I also learned how to refine my packing for this type of expedition. Antarctica is becoming more and more accessible to adventurous travelers because of the growing number of cruise ships that are visiting this remote place. So, people want to know exactly what to bring along when they prepare for their trips.
With that in mind, this is your definitive guide for packing for a cruise to Antarctica -- tried and tested during my visits to the White Continent.

You'll be outside a lot during your expedition, either on the ship or on an excursion such as kayaking, so you have to be ready for all conditions.

Dealing with Seasickness
This is a tricky subject in my opinion. Your ship crosses the Drake Passage, one of the roughest stretches of ocean on the planet. It certainly can be fairly mild if you're fortunate. But the passage takes about two days to cross, and cruisers could find themselves getting tossed around in incredibly turbulent conditions with waves measuring more than 20 feet high.
Even in the milder conditions, you will feel a lot of movement on the ship. So, if you tend to suffer from seasickness, you'll want to take a motion-sickness prevention medicine such as Bonine or Dramamine to help. If you are generally pretty good at sea, even in rough conditions, you might want to hold off on the meds to take a chance (because the medications can make you feel very lethargic or sleepy).
Some best practices are to make sure you can look out a window to a horizon, consume some ginger chews (candies) and try focused breathing to help you relax. Also, make your way to the middle part and lower decks of the ship to minimize the movement that you feel.

Your Clothes
You'll be outside in the elements a lot, and the weather can be mild and sunny. It's austral summer from mid-October until February in Antarctica, and you might see temps in the mid-40s with calm or no winds. But it can also be quite cold, windy, rainy and snowy.
So, the best practice is to layer up!
What you need: Bring thermal base layers. Long underwear and shirts of lightweight or midweight synthetic material work well as the first thing you put on.
Then, add (in this order) a wicking athletic shirt, a sweater or sweatshirt and a fleece before putting on your parka (parkas are typically provided by your cruise line; see more on that in section below). Pack a light rain jacket for any time you have to explore in port before heading to your cruise ship.
For your bottom half, you can add sweatpants, jeans or stretchy travel pants on top of your thermal base layer before topping off with a pair of waterproof pants. Waterproof pants are required by many outfitters for landings. The pants keep you dry during Zodiac rides and must be big enough to fit over your rubber boots. (Note that boots are also provided by your expedition team on the cruise ship.)
For time before or after your cruise (usually in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile), consider comfortable walking/hiking shoes for any activities that you will be enjoying.
Other warm gear: Bring good quality gloves, a wool cap, beanie hat, scarves, neck gaiters and disposable heating packets (optional, but they might come in handy if your hands or feet tend to get cold.) Pack a few pair of good-quality wool or thermal socks.
You'll also need comfy clothing for your time on the ship. The environment will be casual, so you don't need to pack formal wear. However, you will want a nice selection of comfortable athletic T-shirts if you plan to use the gym. Long-sleeve shirts, comfortable sweaters and nice jeans or khaki-style pants work nicely for your time in the lounges and restaurants. I also bring a pair of stylish boat shoes and sneakers (for the gym).
These ships typically feature hot tubs and some have pools, and you might want to take part in the polar plunge event, so bring a swimsuit for these activities.
When you're enjoying your time on the ship while it's at anchor or sailing, you want to be ready to move easily to the outer decks in comfort in case there are any good sightings of whales or seabirds, for example. So, keep your parka or other warm jacket and your hat and gloves at hand.
Now, the number of each of these items you want to bring depends. Does your cruise line offer laundry service or will you do your own laundry in the cabin if items get a little sweaty, stinky, muddy, etc.? You can get by with one pair of waterproof pants because they can easily be rinsed clean.
Socks, underwear and other items like your scarf, hat and neck/face gaiters can also be washed up the sink or shower. Pack enough of the other items to account for your laundry plans and length of cruise.
Be sure to bring sunglasses. The sun can be intense (even when it doesn't appear overly sunny) because the white snow reflects the rays all around you, and you are really close to the "ozone hole" that far into the southern hemisphere. I've seen so many cruisers here get nasty sunburns on their faces.

Layer up for your adventures. From left to right: base layer, mid layer and outer layer (shell).

This is everything I packed for my latest cruise. I was able to do carry-on only for my flight, too.

Your Equipment
Antarctica is a great place for landscape and wildlife photography, so you want to bring along the right cameras and equipment to help you reach your goals. You might at least want a nice long lens and midrange DSLR camera for taking photos of the whales and albatrosses and other birds that you will see from the viewing platforms and outer decks on your cruise ship.
You also will have the chance to get really nice shots of the penguins and seals and sea lions that you will encounter on shore and floating on the icebergs in the region.
However, even if you aren't a huge shutterbug (like I'm not), you can get outstanding photos with your cellphone or a basic digital camera. Except for the whales, you will get plenty close enough to wildlife to get stunning shots to show off to friends and family back home.
I travel only with a GoPro action camera (to take out on kayaking excursions and to use ashore and on the ship for vlogging) and my cellphone. These have been plenty to create the content that I need.
I recommend a hard disk and computer, as well, so you can offload and back up your photos and videos at the end of each day. (You don't want to lose those precious photos if your disk gets corrupted or you lose your phone or camera.)
Other items that can be helpful: If you create videos, you can consider whether you want use a selfie stick, small tripod like a Gorilla pod, microphone equipment and head or chest straps to hold your GoPro in position (for when you kayak or do the Polar Plunge, for examples).
You also might want to bring along your favorite walking poles. The terrain is highly uneven and rocky at many of the landings. But your cruise ship will also be able to provide hiking poles for your use during the voyage. Also, check whether your ship will have binoculars available in the rooms or in the public areas, and bring your own if the line won't have them and binoculars are something you like to use for spotting wildlife.

What the Cruise Line Provides
You can really keep your packing load fairly light, especially when your ship offers laundry service and because these expedition cruises almost always will include a parka that is yours to keep as a memento of your trip. (This, obviously, can add a little more bulk when you try to get the parka back home; you'll see many people wearing them on the flights back from Ushuaia and Buenos Aires).
Your ship will also loan you boots to use during the cruise, as well as other items like special gloves and dry suits for kayaking and hiking poles. If you forget to pack a seasickness medication, you can usually ask for some tablets onboard, too.
Expect a hair dryer to be available in your cabin. These are great for hair care, of course (not an issue for me), and used to dry out wet clothing items.

Video Feature: Packing for Your Antarctica Cruise

Other Sundry Items
You also can consider . . .
Lip balm (highly recommended for the dry conditions) and hand and body lotions (although, your ship might offer some).
Books or tablet loaded with books, magazines, movies, TV shows and games that you might like to have for your leisure time on the ship. Pack of cards. Many of the ships offer books, magazines, puzzles, games and cards available in the library onboard.
You might get a nice metal water bottle with the logo of your cruise in or expedition company to use at water-bottle-filling stations on the ship. I always travel with my own in case. I also bring along a concentrated flavor to add to the water to give it a nice taste. I use the Mio brand energy drink flavoring and powdered single-serving packets from Built Boost. These offer zero calories, vitamins and immunity-boosting supplements.
Take any other toiletries that you would bring on any trip, such as toothpaste and toothbrush, combs, brushes, etc.

There's your list of all you'll need to pack for your Antarctica expedition cruise.
OK, I'm sure that there is something I have not considered, but this is where you come in. Please comment below with any great tips, tricks and items you think cruisers should bring on their voyages to Antarctica.

Thanks for reading,
JR

Your ship might offer hot tubs, a swimming pool and the polar plunge. So, be sure to pack your swimsuit.

Video Library: My Cruises to Antarctica

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Silversea's Silver Nova Offers Next-Level Luxury Cruising

1/17/2023

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Silver Nova rendering courtesy of Silversea

By John Roberts
Silver Nova is scheduled to debut in August 2023, and the new 728-passenger luxury ship will feature a range of bars, lounges, and restaurants that cruisers will love. This is an enhanced level of travel -- even for a cruise line long known for its spectacular brand or intimate and immersive all-inclusive experiences.
Silver Nova will be one of the most environmentally conscious ships built, and it will offer travelers the next iteration of Silversea's popular style of luxury cruising as one of the world's most spacious ships.
It offers 10 bars and lounges, eight restaurants and an array of enticing public venues. Silversea will enhance Silver Nova with a new design approach -- an asymmetrical design, as well as a horizontal layout that heightens the ship's sense of spaciousness and provides a natural flow between venues on entire decks.
"In addition to her pioneering sustainability credentials, Silver Nova will unlock a new luxury experience for our guests, offering an industry-leading variety of bars, lounges and restaurants with an entirely new design approach for Silversea," said Barbara Muckermann, president and CEO of Silversea. "Silver Nova represents a milestone in our strategy to build the perfect ship for every itinerary, with her array of venues enhancing the guest experience to a new level."
More Places to Enjoy Onboard Silver Nova
Silver Nova features Silversea's signature venues with enhanced designs, but it also introduces all-new public areas -- positioned mainly on Decks 3, 4 and 5, as well as outside on Deck 10. The horizontal layout allows for a stronger connection to the destination.

The pool deck on Silver Nova

Silver Nova's public spaces include:
Dolce Vita Lounge
Silversea's signature pre- and post-dinner drinks venue, Dolce Vita lounge will represent the heart of Silver Nova -- located on Deck 5 with capacity for up to 120 people. Open from early in the morning until late in the evening, Dolce Vita will provide an elegant setting throughout the day, a place where cruisers can gather for leisurely drinks and enrichment activities. The lounge then transforms into a sophisticated piano bar at night.
Venetian Lounge
Silver Nova's two-deck-high Venetian Lounge has capacity for 370 on Decks 4 and 5. The lower level measures 5,920 square feet and the upper tier at 2,045 square feet. This venue is the heart of the enrichment and entertainment offerings on Silver Nova. The Venetian Lounge will be home to live theatrical and musical performances, film screenings and other evening events, as well as informative lectures and seminars during immersive days onboard. The lounge will have state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, including a large HD screen; cabaret-style seating with small tables and balconies for an intimate viewing experience.
The Shelter
This is a new venue for Silversea. The Shelter is a sophisticated bar open during the evening that accommodates just 32 cruisers in a chic setting. The bar sits adjacent to Atlantide and S.A.L.T. Kitchen on Deck 3 and will be a hot spot for pre-dinner aperitifs and post-dinner cocktails. The stylish and modern interior employs a neutral color palette, illuminated by tasteful lighting. The Shelter's bar offers a wraparound bottle display with strips of lighting for a cool sleek look.
The Connoisseur's Corner
This is the spot for premium cigars and liquors on Deck 5. Silver Nova's Connoisseur's Corner can hold up to 35 people. The cigar bar features a large, modern interior space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious outdoor area, as well as comfortable Chesterfield armchairs.
The Observation Lounge
Offering travelers panoramic, 270-degree views of the destinations where Silva Nova cruisers, the Observation Lounge on Deck 10 provides a vantage point from the top of the ship. The attractive space has floor-to-ceiling windows and a soothing color palette inspired by the sea. Enlarged to 2,761 square feet, the venue can accommodate up to 115 from early in the morning until late at night. The lounge will house Silver Nova's library, offering travelers an intimate space for reading or having relaxing chats with new friends.
The Panorama Lounge
A peaceful lounge by day and a lively bar by night, Panorama Lounge is a large hub of activity, measuring almost 5,900 square feet on Deck 5. The space is surrounded by large windows offering a scenic view of the ocean at the ship's aft area. Aboard Silver Nova, the Panorama Lounge features a new layout when compared with Silversea's Muse-class ships, as well as a new design and color palette.
S.A.L.T. Bar
The popular S.A.L.T. Bar has been relocated to Deck 10 and is more spacious than ever, with capacity for 42 people. In addition to a larger bar area, it offers views through floor-to-ceiling windows and a new outdoor area. S.A.L.T. Bar will serve regionally inspired drinks in warm, elegant interiors, with a dark color palette and comfortable armchairs for an intimate atmosphere.
S.A.L.T. Lab
Also relocated to Deck 10 for select views of your destinations and with a new outdoor area, S.A.L.T. Lab has a fresh layout. The test kitchen enables cruisers to travel deeper into each region using food and drink. The lab provides the opportunity to get hands on with regional ingredients under the guidance of regional food experts and Silver Nova's S.A.L.T. host. S.A.L.T. Lab offers cooking stations and a larger, redesigned central workstation aboard Silver Nova.
Otium Spa
The Otium Spa is located at Silver Nova's bow on Deck 5 and is open throughout the day as the home of Silversea's Roman-inspired Otium wellness program. The 3,640-square-foot space incorporates an indoor swimming pool, spa with eight treatment rooms and a tranquil relaxation area, fitness center and beauty salon.
Inspired by the design of Ancient Roman baths, the Otium Spa has an open design in which your wellness journey flows seamlessly between interconnecting areas. The thermal area features a steam room, sauna and a pool, complete with travertine water fountain and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The S.A.L.T. Kitchen restaurant

Enhanced Restaurants
Silver Nova features eight signature restaurants, with a great variety of cuisine. The eateries range from spacious, open-seated venues to intimate dining options, serving a diverse range of high-quality fare. Decks 3, 4 and 5 is where you'll find Silver Nova's indoor restaurants -- La Terrazza, Atlantide, S.A.L.T. Kitchen, La Dame, Silver Note and Kaiseki. Additionally, the Marquee on Deck 10 is home to two outdoor dining options, Spaccanapoli and the Grill.
In addition to eight restaurants, Silver Nova has the vibrant Arts Cafe, a casual spot for snacks, coffee and other drinks. Additional public spaces on the ship include a three-storied atrium, casino and boutique, as well as two outdoor bars, a Pool Bar and the Dusk Bar.
For staterooms, Silver Nova features 364 spacious suites across 13 categoriesâ€”the most suite categories in Silversea's history -- including a new generation of premium suites on the ship's aft.
Exciting design features also allow Silver Nova to push boundaries in ultra-luxury cruise travel with pioneering sustainability measures. The ship will become the world's first low-emissions cruise ship with advanced hybrid technology that utilizes fuel cells so that it emits no local emissions while in port.
Thanks for reading,
JR

Video Feature: Silver Moon Cruise Ship Tour

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12 Awesome Things You Can Do For Free on Allure of the Seas

My Best Tips and Tricks for Packing for an Antarctica Cruise

Video Feature: Packing for Your Antarctica Cruise

Video Library: My Cruises to Antarctica

Silversea's Silver Nova Offers Next-Level Luxury Cruising

Video Feature: Silver Moon Cruise Ship Tour

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