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Google Street View gives immersive look at Allure of the Seas

Anne Kalosh
'Walking' through Allure of the Seas, Google Street View users can see everything, including the ship's zip line
Royal Caribbean International became the first cruise line to show off a ship using Google’s Street View.

The technology provides users with an immersive and interactive experience as they look around Allure of the Seas.

'Business View allows people all over the world to explore a range of businesses and organizations in great detail in just a few clicks,' said Deborah Schenker, program manager at Google UK. 'You can check out anything from restaurants to aircraft in Google Maps, and now for the first time you can sail the seas, too, with the first cruise ship coming on board.'

With just a few clicks, users can virtually walk through the various decks of Allure of the Seas including the Royal Promenade, Central Park, AquaTheater, Entertainment Place, and the pool and sports deck featuring a zip line, twin FlowRider surf simulators, basketball/sports court and more.

Vacationers can access the technology at www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/royalview or via Google Search results, Google Maps and Google+ whether they’re using their computers, smartphones or tablets.

More than 20,000 images were taken over 60 man-hours and eight days to complete the virtual representation of the ship.

The images were shot with a basic DSLR camera using a fisheye lens and a panoramic head resting on a tripod. This method takes 12 photographs at each point and uses high-dynamic-range imaging to ensure the best exposure for areas of different light.