Cruise lines are becoming ever more innovative with larger ships and even more wow factors to create jaw dropping impressions when passengers first board to experience the latest Mega cruise ships. In late Nov 2010 the biggest of them all went into service: Royal Caribbean International Allure of The Seas. Joining ranks with her sister ship Oasis of the Seas and others such as Independence of the Seas, Cunard Queen Mary 2 and Norwegian Cruise Lines Epic.

The Allure of the Seas weighs in at 225,000 gross tonnes, is 1187 feet long and has a beam of 208 feet wide. She is in fact 5cm longer than her sister ship Oasis of the seas. You can see from the table below the relative sizes of these mega ships and which ones have the best space ratio.

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas is certainly an amazing ship with several different entertainment areas. When you board it is not immediately apparent that you are actually on a cruise ship – more like a huge shopping mall. A cruise holiday on board this ship is more of a holiday rather than a cruise. The ship is a true destination in itself and the ports of call are rather irrelevant. Take a look at the many areas listed below and you will understand why you can walk around this ship all day - not actually doing anything and be thoroughly entertained.

A wide indoor avenue several stories high lined with shops, bars and restaurants. The site of street parties, zany parades, and FREE pizzas at Sorrento's and FREE tea & Coffee on tap at the Royal Promenade Cafe. The Rising Tide bar is a particularly quirky feature – a bar gently rises from the Royal Promenade on Deck 5 up to Central Park on deck 8. A fabulous place to people watch on different levels.

The only open air living park at sea featuring 12,175 plants, 62 vines and 56 trees(some over 24 feet in length). Lined with up market A La Carte restaurants such as wonderful 150 Central Park, Free cafes and bars.

Situated at the back of the ship styled in typical seaside pier fashion with a real carousel, ice cream parlour, hot dog stand, Johnny Rockets Burgers, Mexican cantina and much more. Here the open air Aqua theatre provides alternative entertainment to traditional indoor theatres with a wonderful acrobatic display featuring divers, gymnastics and water fountains.

Home to lots of entertainment options such as the Amber theatre. The two signature shows on this ship are: Chicago – very professional and well done. Blue Planet - a clever musical display featuring singers, dancers and revolutionary scenery changes. Studio B is the home to the Ice rink where you can ice skate and watch ice spectaculars featuring Dreamworks characters. There is also a Jazz club, comedy club and the largest casino we have seen afloat.

This fabulous modern and spacious area is a relaxing retreat from the hedonism of other areas of the ship. Gentle fragrances, soothing tones, with bamboo decor in a modern setting gives you an idea of the tranquillity to be found here. The fitness centre is extremely well equipped and very functional. The treatment areas have been well organised with a comprehensive range of services available for both men & women. The thermal relaxation area is an absolute delight with heated sun loungers and a variety of steam rooms and refreshing tropical showers. There is even cafe here serving the freshest of ingredients for the ultimate detox diet.

What can I san – this is unrivalled on any other ship. Pools one of which slopes into the water with sun beds actually sitting in the water. Kids adventure ocean Water Park. Plus a separate adults only area complete with pools streams and Jacuzzis. Plus 2 Flowrider surfing machines, mini golf, basket ball courts and a zip wire adventure.

The biggest difference between the Allure and the Oasis of the Seas is that the Allure of the Seas is the first ship in the fleet to feature Dreamworks cartoon characters such as Shrek & Madagascar. You can book character breakfasts; there are shows and the Characters pop up around the ship in parades etc – perfect for families and kids young and old. In fact for the first time ever the god mother of Allure of the Seas is a cartoon character – Princess Fiona from Shrek! DreamWorks is due to be rolled out on other ships across the fleet such as Oasis, Liberty and Freedom of the Seas. There are no plans to feature Dreamworks on board Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas for cruises from Southampton.

It goes without saying that there are huge variety of restaurants on board plus a large range of shops & bars. There are even two nightclubs and a karaoke lounge. All in all these are cruise holidays in the true sense of the meaning where you will be entertained, amazed, relaxed and excited all in one go !