Allure of the Seas inaugural voyage

Just to get you started, a few ship stats; 1,187ft long;  208ft wide; 225,000 gross tons; 24 guest elevators; 22 knots cruising speed; max pax capacity 6,296; crew, 2,165.

Is it a ship or a theme park or a shopping mall or a gigantic film set? Six hours after boarding, I’m not sure – all of the above. It’s impressive, overwhelming and “totally awesome” – the most overheard comment so far. Sixteen passenger decks, a Central park complete with live trees and plants, a Boardwalk (which our cabin overlooks), two decks of pools and more bars and restaurants than you can count – it’s utterly mind-blowing. We will set sail at 9pm, by which time we’ll be tucking into dinner in the three-deck Adagio restaurant, beneath what must be the biggest chandelier in any ship (or public space anywhere, come to that) in the world. Stay tuned …