Royal Caribbean International Allure of the Seas

Promenade (5.00)

The promenade on the Allure of the Seas is much more narrow than on most ships and primarily serves as the ship’s jogging track. You can access it from the fitness center or from the stairs on deck six. One lap is 2,197 ft long, so one mile is about 2.4 laps. Along the track are motivational signs, to help you run just a little longer.

We found that the narrowness of the promenade causes congestion, with slower walkers and runners often in conflict.

Boardwalk (5.0)

The Boardwalk (deck six aft) is one of the neighborhoods on the Allure of the Seas. Near the rear of the Boardwalk is the Aqua Theater, next to the Boardwalk bar. Both rock climbing walls can be accessed from here. Restaurant choices include Johnny Rockets, Rita’s Cantina, Boardwalk Dog House, Ice Cream Parlor, and Boardwalk Donuts. Shops like Pets at Sea, Pinwheel, Candy Beach, and Star Pier tempt you to spend more money, as does Smile, the costume-y photo booth.

Yes, just like the boardwalk of your youth (or the Hollywood version, anyway) this area is heavy on the tropes: the restaurants, a carousel, and even a Zoltar machine, which tells you the future or grants you a wish, just like in the movie Big. The Boardwalk is very family oriented and keeps everybody entertained. Royal Caribbean sells cabins overlooking the theater or the Boardwalk.

Central Park (8.5)

Central Park is another neighborhood on the Allure of the Seas. Most of the specialty restaurants are located here. We appreciated the real, live plants on this deck, which gave it some vitality that contrasts with the squeaky sterility on too many ships. There’s a total of 97 different plant species from all over the world. It is a wonderful place to relax and maybe have a bite at the Park Café, or just go for a little walk. The effect is marred by a piped-in chorus of bird and cricket sounds but that’s what you get for taking your vacation on a cruise and not the Amazon. On both sides of the neighborhood are cabins with and without balconies.

Royal Promenade (5.75)

The Royal Promenade is on deck five. It looks like a mall, replete with bars and shops. On bad weather days, the crew of the Allure organizes flash mobs and line dances or a live band plays above the cupcake shop. As mentioned earlier in the review, most shops are here, as are most bars, and you can also get some snacks and beverages at Sorrento’s, a pizza place, and the Cafe Promenade.

Sundeck 14 (3.5)

The sundeck is at the very front of the Allure, on deck 14. There are some lounge chairs and two binoculars, as well as a nice view on the helipad.

Deck 16 (4.2)

Deck 16 is the sundeck directly above the pool areas. Sun loungers and chairs are all around this deck, and two small bars are in the middle, so nobody has to go far to get a drink.

The View: Backdeck (3.3)

The View is on the back of the ship, and equipped with sofas, cool looking chairs, and bean bags. This area is reserved for teenagers, and has direct access to the teen lounge Living Room.

Gold Card Member Deck (8.5)

Above the Solarium is a deck area for gold card members only. It’s not a very large area, but has huge beach chairs, sun chairs and lounge chairs, and a bar. It’s very quiet, even on sea days.