Just Cruises Plus

A third 250,000 ton behemoth will join the Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas in 2016.  These ships are twice as wide as most passenger ships and therefore they can’t even dream of passing through the Panama Canal.  Royal Caribbean built a superstructure on each side of the ship.   Between the superstructures are “Central Park” (mid ship) and “Boardwalk “(aft).  The superstructures house all of the balconies, most of which face the ocean.  However you can get a balcony overlooking Central Park (quiet and not very interesting) or Boardwalk (where there is lots to see and HEAR).

The ships are truly amazing, which they need to be since the number of ports that they can visit is very limited.  Royal Caribbean built a port facility at Falmouth, Jamaica just to handle these giants.  With a zip line, ice skating rink, rock climbing walls (2) and flowriders (2), the ships are a dream-come-true for young people.  Mature folks are not forgotten either — the very professional broadway shows, water shows and late-night comedy are a must see and are included with your ticket.

With over 5,000 people, one would think that getting aboard the ships would be a nightmare – not true.  We were on the Allure in less than 15 minutes of entering the terminal.  Congratulations to Royal Caribbean on their people moving skills. 

From our viewpoint, they got everything right – almost.  If you like to commune with the sea, be sure to get an oceanview balcony.  There is no “Promenade” and, for the most part, much of the outdoor space is directed inward (between the superstructures).    There are two jogging tracks which face the ocean but without a balcony, you would have to actively search for a spot with a clear view of the ocean.