Seas the Day: A Royal Caribbean Island-Hopping Adventure

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas: A 7-night Caribbean adventure

Our floating home for seven incredible days: the magnificent Allure of the Seas

Ship experience: Entertainment paradise at sea

The Allure of the Seas transforms sea days into adventures with rock climbing walls, spectacular aqua shows, and vibrant nightlife. The ship offers endless activities, ensuring you never experience a dull moment, while multiple dining venues provide culinary variety throughout the week. It’s a floating resort where the journey becomes as exciting as the destinations.

The Bahamas: Nassau & Atlantis

• Atlantis Resort stands as Nassau’s crown jewel, with its iconic twin towers connected by the Royal Bridge Suite—the exclusive middle section where Michael Jackson famously stayed. The resort provides access to world-class water parks and marine exhibits.

That moment when you see Atlantis from the water and know you’ve arrived in paradise

• Nassau City offers authentic street-side shopping where bartering is expected and welcomed. Vendors set up colorful displays directly on the streets, creating a vibrant marketplace atmosphere. Come prepared with cash for tips, as this forms the primary income for many service workers who are eager to provide excellent hospitality.

• The beaches showcase impossibly turquoise water and pristine sand, living up to every Caribbean fantasy while maintaining a strong service-oriented tourism culture.

From ship to shore: Junkanoo Beach delivering those famous Bahamian turquoise waters

St. Thomas & St. John: The ferry adventure

• The ferry to St. John is absolutely essential. Don’t miss this experience. An open-air bus tour to Trunk Bay treats you to the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon trees while winding through lush landscapes.

• Trunk Bay delivers world-class beauty with water so clear you can see the ocean floor even in deeper areas. The beach pairs perfectly with expertly crafted painkiller cocktails that epitomize the Caribbean experience.

Where the scent of cinnamon trees meets postcard-perfect views: Trunk Bay, St. John

This is what Caribbean dreams look like: Trunk Bay from the sand

St. Martin: Dual culture & guava rum

The perfect spot to sip guava rum and soak in St. Martin’s coastal beauty

• This unique island offers French and Dutch influences in one destination, each side maintaining a distinct cultural identity. The local guava rum drinks here are exceptional, perfectly balancing tropical fruit with premium rum while you enjoy another stunning Caribbean coastline.

Why this cruise works

• The multi-destination format lets you sample three distinct Caribbean personalities without the hassle of multiple flights or hotels. Each island offers something different—from Nassau’s luxury resort culture to St. John’s natural paradise to St. Martin’s European-Caribbean fusion.

• The Allure of the Seas provides luxury accommodations, entertainment, dining, and transportation in one convenient package. You unpack once but experience the diversity of multiple destinations, making it ideal for those wanting variety without complexity.

The famous Atlantis overlooking the turquoise waters of Bahamas

Bottom line

• This cruise successfully combines onboard luxury with authentic destination experiences, creating a well-rounded Caribbean adventure that definitely warrants a return trip.

Evening bliss from our private balcony: watching the sun melt into the Caribbean

Essential cruise tips & recommendations

Pre-cruise planning

Cruise planner app: Download and utilize your cruise line’s app before departure. This powerful tool allows you to:

• Schedule show reservations in advance

• Book specialty dining restaurants

• Reserve spa appointments

• Plan shore excursions

• View daily schedules and ship maps

Gratuities: Pay gratuities ahead of time rather than waiting until the end of your cruise. This approach allows you to:

• Make manageable payments during booking

• Avoid a large lump sum at checkout

• Eliminate end-of-cruise financial stress

Dining strategy

Set dining time vs my-time dining

• Traditional set time: Guarantees the same table and wait staff throughout your cruise, creating a more personalized experience with familiar faces

• My-time dining: Offers flexibility but may result in wait times and different service staff each night

• Pro tip: Choose set dining if you prefer consistency and building relationships with your service team.

Formal night options

Most cruises include a formal night for elegant dining and photos. However, you’re not obligated to participate. Specialty restaurants and casual venues remain available if you prefer to skip the main dining room.

Accommodation insights

• Cabin reality: Cruise ship cabins are compact by design since you’ll primarily use them for sleeping and changing. Pack efficiently and utilize the provided storage creatively.

• Balcony upgrade: Consider a balcony room to combat any feelings of confinement. Having outdoor space to step into makes the cabin feel significantly less cramped and provides a private retreat with ocean views.

Shore excursion strategy

Ship-sponsored excursions

• Guaranteed return: The ship will wait if tours run late

• Pre-vetted vendors and activities

• Travel insurance typically covers these excursions

Independent exploration

• Often more cost-effective and flexible

• Critical rule: Always monitor return times carefully—the ship will not wait

• Allow extra buffer time for unexpected delays

• Research reliable local operators in advance

Essential items for port days

• Passport: Always carry your passport when disembarking, regardless of destination.

• Water bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring, especially in tropical climates.

• Cash: Many vendors prefer cash, and tipping is customary.

• Comfortable walking shoes: Port areas often involve significant walking.

Additional pro tips

Packing essentials

• Power strip (cruise outlets are limited)

• Magnets for metal cabin walls (great for notes and photos)

• Reef-safe sunscreen for Caribbean destinations

• Formal wear for elegant nights (or rent onboard)

• Medications in carry-on bags

Money-saving strategies

• Book shore excursions through the app for potential discounts.

• Take advantage of beverage packages if you plan to drink regularly.

• Specialty dining packages often cost less than individual restaurant visits.

• Onboard credit can be earned through booking with travel agents.

Health & safety

• Bring hand sanitizer and use it frequently.

• Stay hydrated, especially in tropical ports.

• Pace yourself with alcohol consumption in the sun.

• Consider motion sickness remedies even if you’re not usually susceptible.

Social & entertainment

• Check daily schedules delivered to your cabin each evening.

• Arrive early for popular shows and activities.

• Participate in ship activities to meet fellow passengers.

• Take advantage of sea-day activities when ports can be crowded.

Technology tips

Offline maps: essential for port days

• Google Maps: Open the app, tap your profile picture, select “Offline Maps,” then drag the rectangle over your cruise port areas and download before leaving home wifi

• MAPS.ME: Popular offline mapping app trusted by over 140 million travelers. Download specific Caribbean islands.

• Cruise line apps: Some offer offline maps and port guides specifically for Caribbean destinations like Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Martin.

• Pro tip: Some cruise booking sites offer free port maps and coupons when you provide your cruise details

• Take photos of your ship and dock location when disembarking.

• Ship Wi-Fi can be expensive. Consider purchasing packages or waiting for port Wi-Fi.

Final departure

• Pack cruise clothes separately from port-day clothes for easy access.

• Set multiple alarms for disembarkation day.

• Keep important documents easily accessible.

• Take advantage of luggage tags and express departure if eligible.

The bottom line

Successful cruising combines advance planning with flexible expectations. Use the ship’s technology and services to your advantage, respect the schedule, and remember that the goal is relaxation and enjoyment. Most issues can be resolved by the guest services team, so don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.