Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Review

At 220,000 ton, and carrying 5400 passengers, the Allure is the largest cruise ship afloat. Thanksgiving 2010 I had the pleasure to experience her many wonders first hand and I assure you I wasn’t disappointed.

With her many neighborhoods, 26 dining options, more bars, lounges and nightclubs than a small city, a fitness center bigger than the one I belong to, and complete with zip line, rock climbing wall, and two flowriders, there is something for everyone.  In order to see and experience it all, one must have a plan of attack, and when you have accomplished this, getting to know your way around couldn’t be easier.  There are interactive screens throughout the ship to map your way to virtually anywhere you want to go.

I had the opportunity to inspect almost all cabin categories including the Loft Suites.  Being a new ship of course everything was in great condition, the décor was fine and the cabin sizes were adequate with inside cabins starting at 172 sq ft to a two story Aqua Theater Suite at 823 sq ft.  She has 2700 staterooms in all and rises sixteen decks.  While I didn’t get to experience all the dining options, what I did sample was fine.  Johnny Rockets’ has one of the best burgers at sea!

The Allure of the Seas is sailing in the Caribbean, alternating 7-day Eastern & Western itineraries’ starting at $963.00 per person. 

Dana Gaston

Expedia CruiseShipCenters

herm@cableone.net

Cruising in 2011

As a travel agent who specializes in cruises, I follow the news and trends in this niche closely, and the future is bright for 2011.  Cruise Lines International Association, Inc. (CLIA) predicts a 6.6% increase in cruise passengers in 2011, and with about 15 million folks cruising in 2010 that is a nice increase.  Fourteen new ships will be launched in 2011 with over half heading to the rivers of the world.

River cruising has become very popular not only because of the wonderful experience, but the product upgrade from years past as well.  The new ships coming online in 2011 are amazing.  Uniworld River Cruises’ “River Antoinette” will launch in March on the Rhine and feature a 20-by-13 foot heated swimming pool.  Viking River Cruises new “Viking Emerald” will launch in March on China’s Yangtze River boasting two Presidential Suites that measure 840 Square feet.  Russia will see a needed improvement with the launch of the 206-passenger refurbished “River Victoria” on the Volga River along with AMA Waterways “Amakatarina” which is also a rebuild.

Who knows maybe this is your year to experience that vacation of a lifetime, Cruising!

Dana Gaston

Expedia CruiseShipCenters

www.cruiseshipcenters.com/DanaGaston

WHAT'S ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST

Most people have a Travel Bucket List so Princess Cruises decided to conduct a poll to learn what destinations and travel experiences were on the top of the list for 2011.  Over 25% of the folks responding said Alaska was their #1 destination followed by the Caribbean at 15% and Europe #3 at 14%.  As a qualified expert selling Alaska, and having experienced a great deal of what Alaska has to offer, I’m not surprised.

In my opinion the best way to experience Alaska is by ship.  Experiencing the Inside Passage on a 7-day cruise from Seattle is awesome with port calls in Juneau, the capital of Alaska; Ketchikan, with its quaint waterfront and fishing culture; Skagway, a once bustling Gold Rush town, and a day cruise in Glacier Bay National Park.  For the folks that want more, a Cruisetour may be in order by extending the experience with a land package.  Take in the beauty of Mt McKinley, the wildlife in Denali National Park, experience the Kenai Peninsula or maybe a trip to Fairbanks and take a cruise on the Chena River aboard a Sternwheeler Riverboat.  If it is wildlife, gold mines, glaciers, or just to take in some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet, there is something for everyone! 

Dana Gaston

www.cruiseshipcenters.com/DanaGaston

Why I got involved in the cruise industry

After completing over 40 years in the travel industry, and working in most aspects of travel I decided to get involved in a segment that was new to me.  The cruise industry had always been of interest to me after taking a three day Alaska cruise in the 70’s, I had a burning desire to cruise again.  Three years ago I was able to satisfy that desire experiencing why cruising is such an attractive way to vacation.  The value is great, the fact that you only have to pack and unpack once and the pampering alone got me hooked!

Cruising has something for everyone offering a huge variety of events, activities, and meals fit for a king.  You may choose to take a shore excursion or just snooze by the pool; there is something for all ages and life styles, and what a perfect vacation to share with the entire family.

Dana Gaston

Expedia CruiseShipCenters

www.cruiseshipcenters.com/DanaGaston