Two furry stowaways made a remarkable journey aboard Allure of the Seas during its recent repositioning voyage, causing quite the stir among passengers.

Guests currently sailing on Allure of the Seas reported that a pair of burrowing owls made themselves at home in the ship’s Central Park neighborhood. The open-aired space became an unlikely sanctuary for the two stowaway owls during the Oasis class ship’s transatlantic voyage from Florida to Spain.

Allure of the Seas is currently sailing a 12-night itinerary from Miami, Florida to Barcelona, Spain. The ship departed from Florida on February 10, 2025 for the ocean crossing. It is assumed the owls made their way onto the ship at this time, likely while the ship was docked in Florida.

After departing from Miami, Allure of the Seas spent ten days crossing the Atlantic with the owls in tow. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Cartagena, Spain on February 20, 2025 for its first port of call. The sailing will conclude in Barcelona, Spain a couple days later on on February 22, 2025. 

Following the transatlantic voyage, Allure of the Seas will begin her extensive renovation over the next two months. The vessel will undergo a $100 million amplification before resuming sailings for the summer in Europe. The ship will be in Spain throughout the spring and is scheduled to depart on her next itinerary on April 11, 2025. 

Guests shared the stowaways on social media

(Owl on Allure of the Seas, shared on Reddit)

Multiple posts online have chronicled the adventures of the two owls on Allure of the Seas, much to the delight of online followers. Many guests shared photos and stories of the burrowing owls on the ship, including updates on the situation for the owl’s safe handling.

One user on Reddit shared, “My parents are currently cruising on Allure [of the Seas] on the transoceanic voyage. Two burrowing owls have stowed away on the cruise to Spain and have caused quite a ruckus.” 

The poster shared, “Unfortunately, the owls have drawn so much attention that they now need to be caught and won't be allowed into Spain until [they're] quarantined and then... Deported?”

According to the user, the two owls made themselves at home in Central Park among the many real-life trees in the neighborhood. However, the owls were apparently exploring other spaces onboard the ship too.

(Owl on Allure of the Seas, shared on Reddit)

“One of the owls has also explored the Solarium and miniature golf course. It's been exciting!” explained the user. 

Another cruiser shared on Reddit about the burrowing owls, “[These fellas] got quite the fanbase on Allure [of the Seas] at the moment. Folks taking pictures while staying at as much of a distance as one can in Central Park. It definitely doesn’t seem to mind the masses of people around.”

The user shared additional updates regarding the owls’ journey across the Atlantic

(Owl on Allure of the Seas, shared on Reddit)

Many online commenters were invested in the owl stowaways and enjoyed the updates from those aboard. The two threads on Reddit received nearly 100 comments and 1,000 upvotes! In one of the threads, the Redditor continuously shared updates on the burrowing owls’ adventures.

“As of midday today, the famed owl of Central Park has been captured and is being fed steak and water. The exact plan is to be determined at the discretion of Spain. Burrowing owls are endangered, which will likely guide his safe future,” they shared.

“This photo was just provided by the hotel director at the coffee chat just now, with the request to forward this message,” reads the image on Reddit.

(Photo shared on Reddit, showing owl in temporary cage on Allure of the Seas)

Indeed, burrowing owls are considered an endangered and threatened species in North America. According to the Burrowing Owl Conservation Network, burrowing owls are considered endangered in Canada and threatened in Mexico. The owls are classified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as birds of conservation concern at a national level. In the state of Florida specifically, burrowing owls are considered a threatened species.

Cruiser says wildlife specialists helped determine what to do with the stowaways

(Owl seen onboard Symphony of the Seas in March 2023. Shared on Reddit)

In the most recent update regarding the owls, the user shared that Royal Caribbean reportedly consulted with an owl specialist about carefully and safely handling the owls.

The Redditor shared the following update from a guest onboard Allure of the Seas. "After consultations with an owl specialist, a game plan has been crafted. The 2 owls have been collected. As of this afternoon, one of the 2 captured ones escaped and flew back to [Central Park] and is still evading staff.”

The other captured owl was placed in temporary cages/boxes for its safety. “It was stressful for them and less safe to be in Central Park as much as we enjoyed looking at them. They are now being fed and watered and cared for according to the animal experts’ guidelines,” shared the passenger.

(Photo shared on Reddit from Oasis of the Seas in February 2022)

In addition, the burrowing owls will apparently be offloaded in Spain to be handled by local authorities. Because burrowing owls are not native to Europe, the birds would not be safely relocated in this region of the world.

The passenger shared, “[The owls] will be offloaded in Cartagena where management and the local authorities will process the paperwork. They will then be flown back to Miami where they can safely be released in their native habitat. Owls well that ends well.”

In a recent update on Reddit, another passenger on the ship reported one of the owls is still lingering in Central Park and continues to evade the crew members trying to safely capture the owl.

(Owl on Allure of the Seas, shared on Reddit)

“Your update of this moment is that a crew member with a net is standing very patiently in Central Park hoping the park owl will come into reach. The owl, currently located about 10 feet from my balcony, is not having it.”

This isn’t the first time that owls have found solace in Central Park on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships

(Crew members working to capture owl on Symphony of the Seas in March 2023, shared on Facebook by Florida Fish and Wildlife)

Surprisingly, this wasn’t the first time an owl has made its way onto an Oasis-class ship to cruise. Several passengers shared similar encounters online, suggesting that Allure of the Seas isn’t the only vessel to have hosted a feathered stowaway.

Because Central Park is an open-aired neighborhood on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships, the foliage naturally attracts wildlife. While a cruise ship may seem like an unusual home for an owl, the burrowing owl species typically prefers open, sparsely vegetated areas - a stark contrast to the middle of the ocean!

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, “Burrowing owls are small, unusual owls that nest in underground burrows instead of trees. They live in wide-open, sparsely vegetated areas like prairies, deserts, grasslands and agricultural fields.”

(Owly pictured on Oasis of the Seas. Shared on Reddit)

Despite their preference for dry land, these owls have occasionally taken a liking to Royal Caribbean’s ships. One user shared, “We had an owl stowaway on our Oasis cruise back in 2022. Here he is hanging out on a light in Central Park. The crew apparently looked after him. They called him Owly and made sure he had food.”

“He was just traveling the Caribbean so never really attracted that level of attention, but had apparently been on the ship for some time by our cruise. Looks like he could be the same breed at that. Wonder if something about Central Park attracts them?” continued the commenter.

(Owl safely captured by biologist on Symphony of the Seas, shared on Facebook by Florida Fish and Wildlife)

Several other cruisers shared their owl encounters aboard Symphony of the Seas, including sightings from sailings in September 2021 and January 2023. One passenger recalled, “We had an owl on Symphony too! I’m sure it’s a great life for the owls. He did throw up on a lady as she walked underneath him, which led to a lot of shrieking, but it was still cool to see him.”

In March 2023, Royal Caribbean sought assistance from local wildlife authorities to safely remove an owl that had taken up residence in Symphony of the Seas’ Central Park. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Royal Caribbean brought a biologist onboard in Florida on disembarkation day to safely capture the owl with the help of crew members.

(Owl in Central Park on Symphony of the Seas, shared on Facebook by Florida Fish and Wildlife)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife posted on Facebook, "With some of the crew’s help, [the biologist] placed mist nets around the owl’s perch of choice, the exit signs by the door. Two unsuccessful attempts later, the owl was now sitting on the balcony of a 10th story cabin."

"The crew stood below making noise to distract the owl as [our biologist] snuck up and safely netted the owl from the railing! After the amazing rescue, the cute little stowaway was safely assisted with the disembarkation process. He had nothing to claim in customs. Although seemingly in good health even after two weeks at sea, the bird was transported to South Florida Wildlife Center as a precautionary measure," continued the post. 

Despite having been on 13 Royal Caribbean cruises, I didn’t try the Chef’s Table until my recent sailing on Allure of the Seas.

The Chef’s Table is the ultimate specialty restaurant for foodies. The 6-course meal includes a wine pairing and serves up delicious cuisine that puts the Main Dining Room to shame.

It’s usually pretty expensive, costing around $100 per person. However, my dad and I found a great Black Friday Deal on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner ahead of our last-minute voyage on Allure.

The meal was $165.16 with gratuities, but we applied our $50 onboard credit to lower the price even more. The total per person ended up being $57.58 each!

Part of the appeal of the Chef’s Table is that it is more than just a meal. The experience lasts over two hours and lets you mingle with fellow passengers in an intimate setting.

Read more: I spent four days eating on a mega cruise ship. Here's everything I ate, including some dishes I'd skip

Our evening began in the Library on Deck 11. Our host, Alan, greeted us with champagne while we waited for the other parties to arrive. One couple was late, so rather than holding us hostage in the Library, Alan escorted the arrived parties through the Crown Lounge to a private dining area on Deck 12.

The table was elegantly set with charger plates and beautiful glassware for the wine pairings. The ambiance was sophisticated yet comfortable. There wasn’t a white tablecloth, and the quirky chandelier was made entirely of cutlery—forks, knives, and spoons.

To kick things off, Alan presented each person with drool-worthy bread that he argued was the best bread onboard, beating out 150 Central Park. 

Melted truffle oil butter perfectly accompanied the thyme and lemon bread loaf. Each bite had a burst of flavor, with the herbaceous thyme balancing out the truffle's richness. It had the right hint of saltiness, too. Although I didn’t sample every type of bread on Allure of the Seas, I’d be shocked if anything else on the ship surpassed it.

Then it was time for the real fun as we moved into the actual courses. The first was scallop carpaccio. The thinly sliced scallops were marinated for 24 hours before being served and plated with a delicate yuzu vinaigrette made with honey mustard and ginger.

The vinaigrette stood out the most. The scallops were a little bland, but when paired with the vinaigrette, the flavor of the otherwise mild scallops came out, and I thought the light, citrusy notes of the Pinot Grigio from Italy complemented the freshness of the scallops. 

The second course was one of my favorites. The roasted tomato soup had a smokey depth and was velvety smooth. Topped with a drizzle of crème fraîche, I wish I could have asked for a second bowl! In fact, one of our tablemates begged the chef for the recipe. 

The crispy garlic focaccia "croutons" were more like a side of bread than a traditional crouton. Still, it was perfect for dipping into the rich soup, and I appreciated how they weren't left in the liquid to get soggy. Paired with the soup was a California four-blend wine, which had notes of vanilla and pineapple to help offset the smokiness of the tomatoes. 

The Maine lobster salad fell short of my expectations. Though the fresh, sweet flavors of the wine-poached lobster were on full display, I didn't love the combination of vanilla dressing and hearts of palm. 

That said, I loved enhancing the flavor of the lobster with the provided pesto and citrus sauces. Additionally, Sauvignon Blanc isn't my favorite wine, but I could see why the more earthy wine was chosen to pair with the lobster.

Wanting to try something new, I approached the branzino with an open mind. While I am a seafood lover, I stray away from fish in favor of shrimp, calamari, scallops, and lobster. 

However, as someone who doesn't eat fish, I thought the skin easily peeled away to reveal moist and flaky meat.  Still, though, I couldn't get past the distinct flavor of the branzino, which was too "fishy" for my taste buds. 

If I had to pick two courses to eat on repeat, they'd be the roasted tomato soup and filet mignon. The filet was cooked to a perfect medium, served with creamy truffle potato purée, and drizzled with a rich bordelaise sauce.

I'm not a fan of red wine, so while I tried the Cabernet Sauvignon, I only took a sip. I much prefer light and refreshing white wines to full-bodied reds.

The dessert reminded me of The World served at Wonderland. It's a chocolate lover's heaven, with layers of rich chocolate mousse, silky ganache, and salted caramel ice cream encased in a dark chocolate shell.

The ice cream added a salty contrast to the otherwise chocolate-heavy dessert and paired perfectly with the salted caramel espresso martini. I don't think anyone at the table was disappointed with the dessert. 

The Chef's Table isn't cheap; however, if you're a foodie looking for an unforgettable culinary adventure, it's worth every penny, especially considering the price includes a wine paring. 

The intimate, multi-course dining experience is about more than food; it's also about the artist and craftsmanship behind each dish, with the chef personally guiding you through the process and explaining the work that went into each course. 

A yacht accidentally ran into a Royal Caribbean cruise ship on Wednesday.

Cruisers on Allure of the Seas witnessed the moment a boat slowly hit the port side of Allure of the Seas.

The Royal Caribbean ship was in Nassau, Bahamas at the time of the incident.

Videos of the incident circulated on social media in the aftermath, as multiple passengers filmed the moment the ship collided with the yacht.

Dayanni Devi Bhagwandin posted the video to Facebook of the incident with the caption, "Yacht just crashed into us!".

Vanessa Walden took video immediately after the incident.

"This boat apparently lost power, or something, and drifted into the back of our ship," she said in her video. 

She also pointed out the impact damaged the top portion of the yacht.

Royal Caribbean has not issued a comment on the incident.

Allure of the Seas is one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, with a length of 1,187 feet and gross tonnage of 225,282.

Allure of the Seas has a capacity of 6,780 guests and 2,200 crew, bringing her total capacity to 8,930 passengers!

The impact did not appear to do much damage to the ship, and some passengers noted they had no idea anything had happened.

"Didn't feel a thing," wrote Frank Burton in response to the video. 

Keisha Lipford added, "We didn’t either and my son was standing up surfing."

Nassau is a major port of call for craft of all kind, including cruise ships and pleasure craft. It's not unusual to see vessels in close proximity as they navigate the waters.

Incidents of small craft hitting cruise ships is quite rare. There's sophisticated navigational equipment to warn of other craft in the vicinity.

In this case, Allure of the Seas appeared to have been docked while it occurred.

The most recent incident involving a vessel hitting another Royal Caribbean ship occurred in 2022 when a cargo ship hit Mariner of the Seas while docked in Freeport.

It was another slow speed impact, as the cruise ship's stern was contacted by the slow-speed navigating cargo ship Tropic Freedom.

No injuries and only "minimal damage" were reported.

Technically not a collision

If you want to get technical, the impact to Allure of the Seas was not a collision, but an allision.

Commander Don Goldstein, Retired United States Coast Guard, pointed out when one ship is moored and is hit by another vessel, it's considered an allision.

"Only the Coast Guard investigators and lawyers use that word, but it means a moving vessel hits a stationary vessel, dock, etc."

Cruise passengers on one Royal Caribbean ship ran into a deluge of water on one coming out of the ceiling.

A guest on Allure of the Seas shared video from this weekend's sailing of water pouring out of the ceiling on one deck.

TikTok user joshuaofrichardson posted a 30 second video of water flooding the hallway, pooling outside stateroom doors.

No explanation was given in the video, but it looks like a water pipe likely burst above one of the ceiling panels, leading to water flowing unabated below.

Just like your house or a hotel, pipes can burst for any number of reasons and without warning.

Every cruise ship has a team of mechanics and maintenance crew members that live onboard the ship to deal with issues like this at any time of day or night.

The video appears to have been taken just minutes after the leak began. There was no mention of which deck this incident occurred on.

In the comments, the video author wrote, "update pipe stopped and leak being fixed and people moved right away to other rooms. RC does things right when nature rumbles."

In a follow-up video, joshuaofrichardson said crew members cleaned up the mess that evening, saying "everything's fine."

He also said any guests that had a cabin affected by the water were moved to another cabin.

He went on to commend Royal Caribbean for taking quick action and helping their customers out, "No loss or damage or anything like that to the people, so that's really great about Royal Caribbean, they do take care of you right away."

Allure of the Seas is sailing a 3-night Bahamas cruise that departed Miami on December 6, with visits scheduled to Nassau, Bahamas and Royal Caribbean's private island.

The 225,282 gross ton ship is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, and despite the leak, the sailing continued on without delay.

Internet reacts to the video

Since the video was posted, there have been over 320,000 views and plenty of comments.

As is such with viral videos of something going wrong, you get all sorts of hot takes from people across the internet.

"I’ve seen this in a movie before didn’t end well," Yodaj6 wrote.

"This is why I’ll NEVER go on a cruise," wrote Gwyn Wolters-Smith.

"omg the way I would be freaking out thinking we were sinking," was posted by Author Katherine Bryant.

Someone who is also sailing on Allure noted the issue wasn't affecting their deck, "I'm on this ship right now and didn't experience this. it must be below us."

Personally, I enjoy the creative comments that some people had to make a joke. Here are the top ones:

• "Why is the carpet all wet Todd? I don’t know Margo!"
• "All I know is Rose better move over this time! There was plenty of room for Jack"
• "on the upside the rugs are clean"

Other recent water incidents

Accidents involving water leaks and sprays occur from time to time, but they're quite rare.

Recently there's been a couple of notable incidents involving sprinkler system malfunctions on Royal Caribbean ships that soaked guests, but did not result in any significant damage to anyone.

During a Halloween sailing on Symphony of the Seas, the ship's sprinkler system went off on the Royal Promenade during a party.

A fog machine was the culprit in activating the sprinklers, and that's because smoke detectors measure the density of particles in the air, fog effects (especially dense fog effects) can 'fool' the detectors and trigger a fire alarm.

On the inaugural sailing of Wonder of the Seas in March 2022, a sprinkler malfunction on the ship’s Royal Promenade also flooded the area.

Once again, the water was contained and cleaned up, but caused a stir among passengers.

The reality is while these incidents are incredible to witness when they happen, they don't put the ship or passengers in any direct harm and it's more of a large nuisance and "oopsie" that gets taken care of quickly.

There's nothing better than securing a great cruise fare, even if staying in an interior cabin. 

I recently returned from a 4-night cruise on Allure of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to CocoCay and Nassau. 

Booking just two weeks in advance as part of a "Going, Going, Gone" sale, the fare was $834.36 for two people in a guaranteed interior stateroom. This breaks down to around $104 per person, per night, including gratuities and port fees. 

I could have reserved a neighborhood balcony for less than $100 more. However, having just returned from an expensive 3-night Disney cruise, I wanted to keep my costs as low as possible.

My dad and I were assigned cabin 8133 in the ship's forward. I appreciated the location, as it was close to Central Park. Even so, I prefer mid-ship staterooms on vessels as large as Allure of the Seas. Still, the location wasn't a deal-breaker by any means—it was nice to step outside and take in the greenery while at sea without wandering far from our "home away from home." 

Typically, cabins in the front of the ship tend to feel more movement. I'm thankful we didn't experience significant motion during our voyage, even though we were near the bow. However, we weren't going far on our short cruise to the Bahamas from Florida. 

The cabin was spacious enough for the two of us, and I liked how the layout maximized every inch of space. My dad remarked how roomy it felt compared to our inside stateroom on Quantum of the Seas earlier this year. 

With Allure approaching her 14th birthday, she isn't the newest ship in the fleet. As such, a few elements felt outdated, such as the radio with two 30-pin dock connectors. Apple replaced these chargers in 2012 with the lightning connector. 

Moreover, I wish there would have been at least one bedside outlet. I had to rely on my portable charger each night, as the other charging options were found exclusively near the vanity. 

Read more: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

Speaking of outlets, there were far fewer available than on newer ships, with just one European and four standard American plugs. 

There’s usually more flexibility when it comes to charging on newer vessels; however, with my dad just needing to charge his phone, it wasn't an issue. In fact, we never even used the outlets underneath the vanity.

We didn't bring any bottles of wine onboard, but we used the mini-fridge to keep our four complimentary bottles of water cool. I appreciated how the fridge's door was bolted to the cabinet, a feature not found in all cabins. 

As far as the cabin itself, it had everything we needed for a short cruise. The bed was comfortable enough for the 4-night stay, and there was ample closet space to hang our clothes. My dad even overpacked, easily bringing enough clothes for a weeklong sailing. 

Read more: 115-item Ultimate Cruise Packing List

While there were just two empty vanity drawers, the closet's built-in cubbies allowed for additional storage to place things like folded t-shirts, shoes, and jeans. 

The spacious vanity was great for getting ready after spending the day at Thrill Waterpark or Blue Lagoon Island. I could spread out my makeup products and easily locate my mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow brushes that often play hide-and-seek in my bag.

We also loved the full-sized couch as opposed to our single chair on Quantum. Though we both unpacked for the 4-night cruise, the couch quickly became our catch-all spot where we'd throw everything from beach bags to towels. 

It was much more comfortable than the chair on Quantum of the Seas, too. Even with all our miscellaneous stuff on the couch, it was a nice area for the dad to relax and wait while I finished getting ready without having to awkwardly stand around or sit on the bed. 

When we arrived, the beds were placed together, despite our request to have them separated. However, it wasn't an issue. Our cabin steward quickly took care of the situation and separated them as soon as we pointed out the mix-up. 

This made the room feel even more spacious, giving us a dedicated walkway between the beds. It also helped create a sense of personal space.

The bathroom, though compact, was functional. Like the closet, there was built-in shelving to store toiletries. 

However, I didn't use any since I brought my hanging toiletry organizer, keeping everything from hair cream to moisturizer and deodorant organized and easily accessible. It's my favorite travel product and has been used over 13 times since I received it for Christmas last year! 

Whenever I sail on a Royal Caribbean ship, I hope the shower will have two shelves, allowing families additional space to store their toiletries—from different shampoos and conditioners to face washes—and keep them organized. This, however, wasn't the case on Allure of the Seas. 

It's a minor detail, but one that can make a big difference when you're sharing a small space with another person, especially if you travel with full-sized products. 

Staying in a standard cabin meant we weren't provided with upgraded toiletries. Instead, we were provided with a single bar of soap and a shampoo-body wash hybrid in the shower. 

Having recently cruised on ships like Disney Magic and Sun Princess, I've become accustomed to liquid hand soap in the bathroom and regretted not bringing one of my travel-sized goat's milk soap bars, which I bought purposefully for ships like this!

The shower had great water pressure, and I had no issues adjusting the temperature to my liking. There was even a small ledge to make shaving easier. 

Typically, I never use my stateroom's telephone; however, one afternoon, the Chef's Table was calling to provide details about where to meet for our 6:30pm reservation. 

When I picked up, I could hear the crew member speaking, but he couldn't hear me. He hung up and called back, but the issue wasn't fixed. The next time, I decided to let the phone ring and simply listened to the voicemail instead. 

Despite this small inconvenience, our cabin provided everything needed for a comfortable and relaxing cruise. 

Although we spent just $830 on our cruise fare, we splurged on other add-ons to enhance our experience, such as admission to the Thrill Waterpark, a Blue Lagoon Island excursion, two specialty meals, and Wi-Fi—all of which made an otherwise ordinary cruise especially memorable. 

Of course, booking a cruise at the last minute comes with risks. For example, last-minute airfare can be costly, negating the cost savings of the cheaper fare. 

Not only that but some experiences can sell out in advance, so if you are hoping to book a certain excursion or specialty restaurant, you may find that availability is limited or even completely booked by the time you get on board.

Thankfully, we utilized credit card points to save money on airfare and the pre-cruise hotel. If we had paid for them out-of-pocket, our flights from Charlotte to Fort Lauderdale would have totaled over $1,000. 

Moreover, we scored a great discount on our Chef's Table dinner thanks to a Cruise Planner sale the week before our departure. The onboard price is advertised at around $99/person; however, after applying our onboard credit, we only paid $57 each for the 6-course meal, which included wine and espresso martinis with dessert. 

Would I book a last-minute cruise fare again? Absolutely. Because of my job, I can leave home at a moment's notice, and when the opportunity arises to snag such a great deal, I’m all in—even if it's in an inside cabin. 

Recently, I sailed aboard Allure of the Seas on a short 4-night cruise to the Bahamas and enjoyed dining at restaurants like Samba Grill, the Main Dining Room, and even the Chef’s Table for the first time.

I had a great experience dining on Vision of the Seas earlier this year and was curious to see how the food on a ship as large as Allure of the Seas would compare.

Moreover, having branched out to other lines like Celebrity and Princess, I wondered whether Allure would change my opinion on the quality of Royal’s dining. 

Even better, I brought my dad along, who sailed on Allure in 2014. He had memories of the food being amazing, so he was eager to see if it lived up to his recollection.

Overall, the food on Allure of the Seas was pretty good! Some meals were far better than others, with some being mediocre. Here's a breakdown of everything I ate during my 4-night cruise aboard Allure, including a few dishes I'd skip next time.

Of note, I'm not a food critic and am not classically trained in anything cuisine-related. Others may come to their own conclusions, as everyone has different taste buds and preferences.

Embarkation Day Lunch

One of my favorite places to kickstart a cruise is the Park Cafe. Usually, it’s far less overwhelming than the Windjammer, and it’s nice to get a made-to-order salad while relaxing in Central Park ahead of a busy schedule.

I have a tried-and-true salad order that never disappoints: mixed greens with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, boiled egg, croutons, and honey mustard dressing. Whenever I have a salad from Park Cafe, I’m reminded of how much I enjoy honey mustard dressing but somehow fail to forget the second I disembark.

I also had the signature Kummelweck sandwich with spicy mustard and horseradish. However, the roast beef was too rare for my liking.

Embarkation Day Dinner

Though this was my third time on Allure of the Seas, I had never tried Samba Grill. When strolling around the ship on embarkation day, my dad and I were offered a deal too good to pass up: dinner for two for just $70, or $35 each.

We were thankful we had a lighter lunch since we had an unexpectedly large meal planned for dinner. It was truly a meat overload. However, we definitely felt as though we got our money’s worth.

My favorite meats were the filet mignon, beef ribs, and sirloin. Each was tender and cooked to perfection, and I loved the various sauces—namely the chimichurri—provided to enhance the flavor of the meats. 

The stars of the show, though, were the desserts. The caramel flan and chocolate rum cake were both delicious. My dad even debated asking if we could take an extra rum cake to the room.

If you’re too full to enjoy the heavier desserts, I recommend at least trying the grilled pineapple. It’s a simple yet refreshing way to cleanse your palate after all that meat.

Sorrento’s

Later that night, we snacked on pizza from Sorrento’s, despite saying I wouldn’t eat again until breakfast. Sorrento’s is my least favorite cruise ship pizza; however, it’s hard to resist late-night pizza when the smell fills the Royal Promenade.

That said, after trying Princess Cruises’ pizza last month, Sorrento’s seemed far more mediocre than I remembered. In my opinion, the dough was way too chewy.

Breakfast Day 2

We woke up early on our only sea day, arriving at Johnny Rocket’s about fifteen minutes before it opened at 8:00am. We enjoyed prompt service after being seated. The coffee was piping hot—almost too hot to drink! However, it’s better than the lukewarm alternative.

I ordered the Veggie Lover's scramble without mushrooms. There aren’t a lot of things that I refuse to eat, but mushrooms are one of them. My only complaint is that I wish it had been served with extra cheese. Once I mixed the scramble up, the cheese flavor wasn't as prevalent as I hoped. 

That said, it had a good egg-to-veggie ratio. I didn’t want to feel like I was just eating bell peppers and onions early in the morning!

The environment was perhaps the best part of breakfast. It was peaceful, and dining outside on the Boardwalk before it got hot and crowded was a nice way to start our day at sea.

Lunch Day 2

My dad and I returned to Park Cafe for lunch, wanting to avoid the crowds at the Windjammer. I initially ordered the jerk pork wrap before noticing a Cuban sandwich in the display case after the Kummelweck carving station.

Not wanting to waste food, I tried the wrap before realizing it wasn’t all that good. The rice-to-meat ratio was off, with way too much rice and not enough of the juicy pork I expected.

I also noticed the Poblano pepper soup when I returned to order a Cuban sandwich. Being a fan of the soup served on Mexican night in the Main Dining Room, I gave it a try, and it was the best thing I ate in the Park Cafe while on Allure of the Seas!

The Cuban sandwich was much better than the jerk pork wrap. For a casual lunch on a cruise, it was satisfying.

Sabor

Later that afternoon, we were craving chips and salsa. This isn’t out of the ordinary, as my dad and I are huge fans of spicy foods and love adding different hot sauces to our salsa.

After I finished up some work, he decided he wanted to ask the wait staff at Sabor if we could enjoy chips and salsa without paying the cover charge for the entire meal. They had no issues accommodating our request and even brought freshly chopped habanero peppers to spice up the guacamole and salsa.

This was a highlight of our vacation, as we got to enjoy one of our favorite activities together while sitting on the Boardwalk and taking in the sights of an Oasis Class ship. 

Dinner Day 2

It's practically impossible to go wrong with Royal Caribbean's French Onion Soup. This year, I've had it on Quantum, Vision, and Allure of the Seas, and it has been delicious each time!

The broth is rich and savory; the onions are perfectly caramelized; and the melted cheese topping adds just the right amount of indulgence. Seriously, if you've never tried Royal's French Onion Soup, I beg you to order it on your next cruise. 

Read more: I spent a week on a cruise ship to Alaska, and while the Main Dining Room was disappointing, the specialty restaurants really impressed me

While I thought I was done eating meat, the other entrées didn't sound too appealing. I've tried the seafood linguine twice this year and have been disappointed both times. 

Rather than risking another letdown, I ordered the beef tenderloin, which was cooked to a perfect medium. Not only did I enjoy the cut of meat itself, but the peppercorn sauce added just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the dish. 

Finally, I had the warm apple cobbler for dessert. This is one of my favorite treats, and I never pass up the opportunity to have it when it's on the menu. 

However, I almost decided to mix things up and order the toasted almond cream puffs, but I couldn’t resist the familiar comfort of the apple cobbler.

Read more: Royal Caribbean menus: Main dining room, specialty restaurants & more

Breakfast Day 3

Whenever my dad and I cruise together, we limit our time in the Windjammer. Not only do we find the food to hit or miss, but we aren't fans of the hectic environment. It makes for a less-than-ideal dining experience for us. 

As such, we didn't step foot in the Windjammer while on Allure of the Seas. Instead, we enjoyed breakfast at Johnny Rocket's, the Solarium Bistro, and the Main Dining Room. While the Solarium Bistro's food quality is similar, it's much more relaxed than the Windjammer. 

On the morning we arrived in CocoCay, we wanted something quick, so we could head to Thrill Waterpark and knock off as many rides as possible before the crowds built up. 

Typically, I have a lighter breakfast in favor of heavier lunches and dinners; however, I wanted to fuel up for our day in the sun, so I added a waffle to my usual go-to order of eggs, fruit, and a hashbrown patty. 

Lunch Day 3

Though my dad's last visit to CocoCay was in 2010, he spoke about how much he enjoyed the beachside BBQ lunch buffet, so, initially, our plan was to leave Thrill Waterpark and enjoy the offerings at the Chill Grill. However, after walking past Captain Jack's, my dad decided he'd rather try the mango habanero chicken wings. 

While the wings aren't included—priced at $9.95 for ten—we found the extra cost worth it. The wings were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Plus, the mango habanero sauce added the perfect amount of heat and sweetness. We also ordered steak fries for an additional $3. 

Pro tip: try the TLC (tequila, lime, and chipotle) sauce. The chipotle flavor added a smokey richness that paired well with the tangy lime, making for a great dipping sauce that wasn't your average honey mustard or ketchup. 

Dinner Day 3

After a long day of climbing countless flights of stairs, we freshened up and returned to the Main Dining Room for dinner. Tonight's theme was Caribbean—one of my favorites because of the crispy coconut shrimp on the menu. 

That said, I've found that sometimes, they aren't the most generous with the sweet chili dipping sauce. However, I ordered extra, which made a huge difference. 

I tried something new for my entrée: the Caribbean chicken. I was surprised by the portion of juicy chicken breast, ensuring that even the most ravenous guests wouldn't leave hungry.  

The entire dish was flavorful, except for the dry Jamaican fried dumpling. Everything else, from the pineapple and black bean salsa to the rice and sweet plantains, was satisfying. 

The blueberry cobbler wasn't as memorable as the apple cobbler the night before. Still, it was a great sweet treat to wrap up the meal. 

Breakfast Day 4

Our meeting time for our excursion to Blue Lagoon Island wasn't until 10:30am, so we had a leisurely breakfast in the Main Dining Room. While I prefer savory breakfasts, I thought I'd try the French Toast.

It was tasty with a soft, fluffy interior and generously dusted with powdered sugar. However, I still prefer my go-to of eggs. I'm just not a huge fan of sweets in the morning. 

Lunch Day 4

Our 5-hour tour to Blue Lagoon Island included lunch. It was a standard beachside cookout, with burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, and veggie patties. 

I preferred the burger to the BBQ chicken and found the green bean salad pretty tasty! It was served cold with a strong vinegary taste, which everyone might not enjoy. 

Still, when it comes to island meals, it's hard to compete with Perfect Day at CocoCay! From tacos to burgers and plenty of desserts, there's a wider variety available, and you can get as much food as you want! 

Dinner Day 4

While I've been on over 20 cruises, I had never tried the Chef's Table before sailing on Allure of the Seas. In the days leading up to our cruise, I noticed a great deal on the 6-course meal on the Cruise Planner. 

The specialty meal cost $165.16 for two people; however, after applying our $50 in onboard credit, the price per person decreased to just $57 each. 

The thyme and lemon bread was complete with melted truffle oil butter and, as our waiter Allen said, was the best bread on the ship. 

After bread, we dove into the main courses, starting with scallop carpaccio. The thinly sliced scallops were pretty flavorless; however, they allowed the yuzu vinaigrette to shine through. 

To me, the smoked tomato soup was the star of the show. 

It was robust, with a smoky depth that incorporated a whole new dimension to the classic dish, and the drizzle of crème fraîche added a creamy contrast.

Read more: I take over 10 cruises a year as a cruise reporter. I always book a specialty restaurant — even though it costs extra money

The Maine lobster salad brought the fresh, sweet flavors of the lobster front and center. 

I wasn't a huge fan of the vanilla dressing or the hearts of palm, but the tender lobster was far better than any I've ever had in the Main Dining Room. 

My least favorite course was the roasted branzino. Fish isn't something I typically enjoy; however, I was willing to try it during our Chef's Table experience. 

The fish itself was cooked well, being moist and flaky. That said, I couldn't get past the distinct flavor of the branzino, which was too fishy for my liking. One of our table companions suggested I try it with one of the orange slices on the plate, which helped balance the flavor a bit. Still, it wasn’t enough to completely change my opinion of the dish. 

Others who enjoy fish said it was delicious, so I would take my words with a grain of salt. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to food! 

Compartively, the filet mignon was a favorite. The steak was tender and perfectly seared on the outside while juicy and pink in the center. Each bite melted in my mouth and was complemented by the bearnaise sauce! 

I also loved the accompanying truffle mashed potatoes. The potatoes had a smooth texture, with just the right amount of seasoning to balance out the richness of the steak. 

Chocolate lovers will adore The World, featuring layers of rich, chocolate mousse, silky ganache, and a crisp, dark chocolate shell that encases it all. 

Inside the sphere, the salted caramel ice cream adds a salty contrast to the otherwise chocolate-heavy dessert. Even better? It pairs well with the included salted caramel espresso martini! 

Disembarkation Breakfast

We weren't in a rush to get off the ship on disembarkation morning, so we headed to the Main Dining Room for one final meal in the three-story restaurant around 7:40am. 

As expected, I went with eggs and fruit, rather than loading up on sugar before going to the airport. The eggs were far better than those in the Solarium Bistro a few mornings prior, and I was surprised by how fresh the fruit was on the last day of the cruise. 

A 66-year-old woman went overboard from a cruise ship late Tuesday night, and it's being reported she jumped.

Search efforts were made quickly to try to find the woman who was sailing on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas.

TMZ reports that the, "woman jumped from the 14th floor of the cruise ship."

Both the U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Bahamas Defense Force conducted searches, along with Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

Search efforts proved unsuccessful and the operation was called off on Wednesday.

The woman went overboard at 9:40 PM on Tuesday.

Earlier, Royal Caribbean issued a statement, "Our crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort and is working with local authorities. We are also providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time. To respect the privacy of our guest’s family, we have no additional details to share."

Jump, not fall

A representative for the Royal Bahamas Defense Force made the distinction that the woman jumped from the ship, which is important understanding what happened.

News of someone going overboard into the ocean is enough to scare a lot of people that are unaware of how safe cruise ships really are.

Unfortunately, media reports tend to use the word "fall" to describe the action, which conjures up imagery of a passenger minding their own business when they fall unexpectedly over the side of a cruise ship.

"I'll stress that people don't just fall over the side," said Brian Salerno, senior vice president of global maritime policy at Cruise Lines International Association (now retired). 

"There are railings and they're pretty high. It's almost always the result of an intentional act."

Cruise ships have railings that are around chest height to ensure passenger safety and to prevent someone from slipping and falling overboard.

The situation is either the result of someone intentionally jumping, or being somewhere they shouldn't be and then falling.  As an example, climbing on the railing or standing on a deck chair.

Royal Caribbean's guest-conduct policy says, "Sitting, standing, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers, or tampering with ship's equipment, facilities or systems designed for guest safety is not permitted." 

Breaking the rules can result in being kicked off the ship at the next port.

In past similar incidents, guests have not only been kicked off the ship but also banned for life from the cruise line.

A woman that stood on her balcony railing in 2019 was banned for life.

What happens when someone is overboard?

As is the case with the incident this week on Spectrum of the Seas, the first thing the ship's crew will do is attempt to ascertain when the man overboard situation occurred.

The ship will also contact local authorities to help conduct a search.

In the United States, the Coast Guard is contact, but since this occurred in Asia, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Singapore was the agency Royal Caribbean contacted to assist in the search.

The ship and local authorities will attempt to search an area based on where the person likely hit the water, and where they are likely to be.

A cruise ship passenger may have gone overboard from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the U.S. Coast Guard says.

The U.S. Coast Guard said a search is underway for a a 66-year-old woman that somehow went into the ocean while sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas.

The report of the passenger overboard occurred at 9:40pm on Tuesday evening, roughly 17 miles north of Nassau, Bahamas.

Allure of the Seas is sailing a 4-night Bahamas cruise that departed Miami.

Search efforts by the Coast Guard include a plane and a helicopter dispatched from Miami.

Royal Caribbean also brought Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas to assist in the search.

Photo by X user @Navaleye1

Royal Caribbean confirmed the incident in a statement, "Our crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort and is working with local authorities. We are also providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. 

"To respect the privacy of our guest’s family, we have no additional details to share."

"Hoping for a miracle"

Passengers sailing on Allure of the Seas posted on social media their account of what happened last night.

"Allure of the seas. Code Oscar," wrote Reddit user Kaylaaa002.  Oscar is a maritime code for someone that has gone overboard.

"Heart goes out to the family."

Suspicious-Visit8634 added, "That is terrible, hoping for a miracle".

One user tracked the search efforts of the Coast Guard airplane, noting the pattern the plane took to try to locate the woman.

Onboard safety precautions

The chances of falling overboard on a cruise ship are extremely low.

Deck railings on Royal Caribbean cruise ships are at least 42-inches high, which comply Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010.

In addition, there are thick metal or Plexiglas panels or metal bars are positioned under the railings to prevent people from slipping through. 

When a man overboard situation occurs, the media usually reports on it and it leads some to wonder how it could happen in the first place.

An article from The Points Guy points out cruise ships have railings that are around chest height to ensure passenger safety and to prevent someone from slipping and falling overboard.

"The only way you risk a fall is if you're standing on furniture to peer over the side or climbing somewhere you're not supposed to. It's not possible for you to trip over a door frame or slip on a wet deck and fall off of a vessel."

Passengers going overboard are rare

The chances of a cruise ship passenger going overboard are quite low, but it does occasionally happen.

In a report from Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), there were 212 identified overboard incidents from cruise ships for either crew members or passengers between 2009 to 2019. 

Of these overboard incidents, only 48 (or 28.2%) individuals were successfully rescued. Around 71.8% of people who go overboard from cruise ships are sadly never recovered or located. 

The CLIA report also shows an overall decline in overboard incidents throughout the 10-year period. The overboard incident rate decreased 64% from 2009 to 2019, with an incidence rate of 0.00004 overboard reports per active lower berth in 2019.

The report states, “When compared with the growth in capacity in the industry over the study years, man overboard incidents continue on a downward trend.” 

A group of Taylor Swift fans embarked on the cruise of their Wildest Dreams. 

Marvelous Mouse Travels organized a 4-night group cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas following Swift's visit to Miami, Florida, on the Eras Tour. 

Though not a full-ship charter, the travel agency reserved 199 staterooms onboard the 225,282 gross registered ton vessel. According to a TikTok shared by travel agent and co-organizer Jessica Malerman, 400 people registered for the Swiftie sailing. 

"Join us as we celebrate all things Taylor, make new friends, dress up in our favorite eras, trade friendship bracelets, and enjoy everything this amazing ship has to offer!" the website states. The Taylor-themed events are exclusively available to guests who booked through Marvelous Mouse Travels and are included in the cruise fare. 

That said, Marvelous Mouse Travels is neither affiliated nor endorsed by TASRM or Taylor Swift. Moreover, Taylor Swift is not on the sailing. Instead, she's gearing up for her shows in New Orleans, Louisiana scheduled for October 25, 26, and 27. The group cruise is simply a place for Swifties to celebrate their love for the iconic pop star. 

The sailing departed from Miami, Florida, on October 21, 2024, with scheduled ports of call in Nassau, Bahamas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

A TikTok shared by @ashleytravels715 reveals attendees varying in age, from children to young adults and even parents who grew up listening to Swift's earlier albums. Most passengers were sporting, "In my cruise era" t-shirts, which cleverly nods to Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour. 

Read more: I'm a new cruiser and tried a weekend cruise on one of the biggest cruise ships

The concert runs over 3.5 hours, with a setlist of over 40 songs from all of Swift's studio albums, ranging from Fearless to The Tortured Poets Department. 

The tour began on March 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, and is scheduled to conclude on December 8, 2024, in Toronto, Canada, after over 120 performances. 

While re-sale ticket prices for the tour have soared into the tens of thousands, the 4-night Swiftie group cruise was much more affordable, with double occupancy cabins starting at around $1,573. Considering the price includes unlimited food in complimentary venues, transportation to two ports in The Bahamas, and Taylor-themed events, it's a much better value for fans looking to mingle in a unique setting. 

That said, add-ons—including but not limited to—drink packages, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, specialty restaurants, and shore excursions were extra. 

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Freebies on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Taylor Swift performed on Allure of the Seas in 2011

"...the hands of fate" played perfectly into this cruise, with Allure of the Seas setting sail the day after Swift finished her 3-night stint in Miami. Not only did the date align, but what better place to host a Swiftie cruise than onboard a ship that Taylor herself has performed on? 

When Swift performed on Allure of the Seas, the ship was the world's newest and largest. The concert, which was held at the AquaTheater, had about 735 attendees.

However, during a later interview, Swift remarked that the AquaTheater was a unique venue to perform at, allowing her to see fans not only in the amphitheater but also from their Boardwalk balcony cabins. 

Allure of the Seas to undergo a $100 million-plus renovation in early 2025

During her Royal Amplification in March 2025, Allure will be outfitted with new restaurants, updates, and concepts. 

First, the pool deck will be refreshed and receive Royal Caribbean's relatively new Caribbean-inspired decor. There will be more seating and shade, from casitas to in-pool lounges, daybeds, and more. 

Additionally, children can stay cool at Splashway Bay, a kid-friendly water play area, or rush down the Perfect Storm waterslides. Not only that, but adults will appreciate the enhanced adults-only Solarium. The top deck will also receive El Loco Fresh, a fast-casual Mexican-inspired joint included in the cost of the cruise. 

Inside, passengers can grab a pre-dinner drink at the tropical Pesky Parrot Bar, which made its grand debut on Utopia of the Seas, before dining at one of two new specialty restaurants: Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade or The Mason Jar. 

In terms of activities, guests can expect a new Royal Escape Room, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, an Ultimate Abyss dry slide, and even a new layout for the Adventure Ocean. 

Finally, Allure will be outfitted with a massive 914-square-foot Ultimate Panoramic Suite above the ship's bridge. 

The amplified Allure of the Seas will begin sailing on April 11, 2025. After a stint in Europe, the Oasis Class vessel will make her way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and sail alternating 6- and 8-night itineraries to the Western and Eastern Caribbean.