Allure of the Seas to sail Med cruises in 2015

The world’s largest cruise ship, Allure of the Seas, for the first time will spend a summer in Europe.

Royal Caribbean International said Allure will do week-long Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona starting May 24, 2015.

Except for a brief European deployment this fall, Royal Caribbean’s two Oasis-class ships have been anchored in the Caribbean since Oasis of the Seas started sailing in 2009.

Complementing Allure’s western Mediterranean itinerary, Royal Caribbean said Rhapsody of the Seas will offer three 10- and 11-day Black Sea cruises from Istanbul in summer 2015 and then sail a variety of seven- to 11-day Greek and Turkey itineraries from Rome (Civitavecchia).

Splendour of the Seas will offer seven-day Greek isle and Turkey itineraries from Venice.

Bookings will open to the public on Feb. 18 and a week earlier for Crown Anchor Society members.