The Allure of the Seas is the world’s biggest cruise ship, by a mere 5cm. Source: Supplied
IT MAY have something to do with the almost exclusively male domains of naval architecture and marine engineering, but in the world of cruising, size matters.
Just ask Captain Johnny Faevelen, master of Allure of the Seas, the world’s biggest – by 5cm – cruise ship. He’s claimed this title since 2010, when the Allure was found to be oh-so-slightly larger than its predecessor, Oasis of the Seas.
However, these glory days may soon be over, with the arrival of two more Oasis-class vessels. Yet to be named, Oasis III is under construction in Germany, while Oasis IV will be built in France.
The size of the ship – the world’s biggest – becomes apparent. Source: Supplied
When the fourth ship was announced in May by Royal Caribbean International, I was aboard Allure of the Seas sailing towards Jamaica, so I took my chance to ask the captain how he felt about a possible downgrade to third.
Captain Johnny, as he is widely known, had no doubt that Oasis IV would end up bigger than his.
“I will be surprised if she isn’t,” he said.
But he insisted: “It doesn’t matter, it’s just a game – fuel efficiency is what counts.”
It seems the new megaliners will also win on that front, as Royal Caribbean expects them to be 20 per cent more energy-efficient than Allure and Oasis of the Seas, the industry leaders.
The Aquatheatre. Source: Supplied
So, will Australia see these technologically advanced floating giants? At the moment, we have Explorer of the Seas set to join Voyager of the Seas in Sydney, and Legend of the Seas bound for Brisbane next year – the largest, but not the youngest, cruise ships based in our cities.
Meanwhile, before Oasis III and IV, Royal Caribbean plans to debut Quantum of the Seas in New York this year, then move it six months later to China, followed by Anthem of the Seas in the US and UK. A third unnamed, unassigned Quantum-class ship will debut in mid-2016. Simulated skydiving and dodgem cars are just a taste of the “next-generation” innovations.
According to Adam Goldstein, president of Royal Caribbean Cruises, it is “far too soon to say” where Oasis IV will call home.
“With Oasis of the Seas visiting Europe briefly in 2014 and Allure of the Seas sailing a full European season in 2015, there are no meaningful limits on where Oasis-class ships may sail over the years,” he recently wrote in his blog. “Together with the three Quantum-class ships we will have by 2016, it’s clear that our flagships will be visible in many parts of the world much sooner than many might have expected.”
Captain Johnny keeps two Harley Davidson motorcycles onboard the ship. Source: Supplied
Captain Johnny would not rule out the rapidly growing cruise market of Australia as a potential location.
“You have to be careful to not say never because the way the industry is going, you never know.
“A few years ago, we didn’t anticipate that Voyager-class would go to Australia, so who knows if an Oasis-class will go there next,” he said.
Until then, Aussies seem happy to fly to Florida for a week on Allure or Oasis.
It’s this statistic that sparks so much awe: the ship can carry 8460 passengers and crew.
Inside cabins with a view of the Royal Promenade on Allure of the Seas. Source: Supplied
Despite sailing on this record-breaking 16-deck ship a few years ago, I was still taken aback by its size. Strolling down the Royal Promenade, an indoor strip of shops, bars and restaurants, it does feel a bit like walking through Westfield. And on one day at sea, I don’t think I saw the ocean.
These moments didn’t strike me as negatives, as I was happy to forget I was on a cruise. Watching a professional production of Chicago, I could have been in London’s West End. Dining in Chops Grille steakhouse overlooking Central Park (with 12,000 trees and plants), I was indeed reminded of New York.
There is very little queuing, I never waited a minute for an elevator, and we didn’t go to the same place twice. In the evenings, the problem was the opposite of overcrowding: revellers were spread too thin between 20 or 30 venues, leaving the bars and clubs half-empty – but that did mean quick service, plenty of seating and space on the dance floor.
The ship’s dining neighbourhood. Source: Supplied
One of the cool new entertainment options is Mr Gold’s speak-easy jazz club. Guests need to call ahead for the password, then it’s $US35 for drinks until 12.30am. Other theme nights included a glow party, 1980s, and a pyjama party on the last night.
Families will love the high-diving acrobatic shows in the Aquatheatre pool, which are athletically impressive for adults and fast-moving enough for children. Appearances by movie characters from Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda are also a treat.
The surfing and boogie-boarding simulators offer a glimpse of the “Flowriders” due to be installed on Australia’s Voyager and Explorer of the Seas. Then there are several other pools and hot tubs, a zip-line, merry-go-round, a huge gym, day spa, hair salon, indoor running track, sports courts, video arcade, teen and children’s clubs, and 25 places to eat. (Most food is included in the fare).
FlowRiders are set to be installed on Australian ships Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas. Source: Supplied
In some respects, the ports of call were an afterthought. Our first stop was the cruise line’s private island, Labadee, which is fenced off from the less fortunate parts of Haiti.
Royal Caribbean leases the beach resort, pays the Haitian Government a fee for each passenger and employs hundreds of Haitians, who help provide jetskiing, kayaking, zip-lining, live music and a souvenir market.
The next day, in Jamaica’s Falmouth, we booked a tour to climb to the top of Dunn River Falls.
Bobsleighing is another fun add-on, although my friend was not convinced.
A performer takes flight during the Aquatheatre show. Source: Supplied
In Cozumel, Mexico, the shore excursions include snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, or a day trip to see the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.
The writer was a guest of Royal Caribbean Cruises.
GO2 ALLURE OF THE SEAS
Allure of the Seas carries a maximum 6360 passengers in 2700 staterooms.
A seven-night Western Caribbean cruise, from Fort Lauderdale, starts at $807 a person (interior cabin). See royalcaribbean.com.au
Getting there
Qantas, Virgin, United and Delta fly to the US, for domestic connections to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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