If you’re considering a cruise in 2025, chances are Allure of the Seas has caught your eye. Once the largest ship in the world, this Oasis Class favourite is making a big comeback after her much-anticipated refurbishment. Here’s everything you need to know before deciding whether she’s the right ship for you.
When Did Allure of the Seas Launch?
Allure of the Seas first set sail in December 2010. At the time, she was the world’s largest cruise ship and a true game-changer for the industry, following Oasis’ introduction of neighbourhoods at sea, a real Central Park with living trees, the Aquatheater for high-dive shows, and a whole new scale of onboard entertainment. Built in Finland, she remains an iconic member of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at sea.
Has Allure of the Seas Been Refurbished / Amplified?
Yes! And 2025 marks a major turning point. After a $100-million Royal Amplified refurbishment in Cádiz, Spain, Allure re-enters service with a modern glow-up. The upgrade adds the adrenaline-pumping Ultimate Abyss 10-storey slide, the colourful Splashaway Bay water park, an escape room, and laser tag. There’s also the new Pesky Parrot tiki bar, redesigned pool decks with daybeds and live music, and refreshed staterooms, including panoramic Star Class suites perched high above the bridge.
In short, this is more than a facelift. It’s a reinvention that brings Allure up to speed with her Oasis Class sisters and ensures she competes with the newer ships in the fleet.
How Does Allure of the Seas Compare to Odyssey of the Seas?
Odyssey of the Seas, part of the Quantum Ultra Class, is newer and designed with slightly different priorities. Where Allure is all about “bigger is better,” Odyssey leans into high-tech features and a sleeker, more contemporary feel.
On Odyssey, you’ll find the SeaPlex (the largest indoor activity space at sea), bumper cars, and the North Star observation capsule. Allure, on the other hand, offers open-air thrills like zip-lining across the Boardwalk, surfing the FlowRider, and watching jaw-dropping shows in the Aquatheater.
Odyssey is often considered more modern, while Allure feels like a floating city with non-stop entertainment. If you want scale and variety, Allure still wins. If you prefer a slightly smaller ship with futuristic tech, Odyssey might be your match.
How Does Allure of the Seas Compare to the Brand New Star of the Seas?
Here’s where it gets interesting. Star of the Seas, debuting in 2025, is part of Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Icon Class. She’s bigger, greener, and even more advanced than Allure. Expect next-gen attractions like Category 6 (the largest waterpark at sea), the cutting-edge AquaDome entertainment venue, and a ship designed with sustainability in mind, powered partly by LNG.
Star of the Seas will inevitably feel more modern, but that doesn’t mean Allure is outshined. Instead, she offers a more tried-and-true Oasis Class experience, often at a lower price point, while still delivering wow-factor entertainment, Central Park strolls, and more dining venues than most cruisers can cover in a week. For many travellers, Allure strikes the perfect balance between excitement and value.
Is Allure of the Seas Right for Me?
That depends on what you want from your cruise.
Choose Allure if you’re looking for:
- A ship that feels like a floating resort city with seven distinct “neighbourhoods.”
- A mix of brand-new thrills (like Ultimate Abyss and tiki bars) and classic favourites (zip line, FlowRider, ice rink).
- Great value compared to the newer Icon Class ships, without sacrificing entertainment or variety.
If you prefer the absolute latest in cruise innovation, you might gravitate toward Star of the Seas. If high-tech features and a slightly smaller scale appeal, Odyssey could be a better fit. But if you want a proven ship that combines scale, variety, and a brand-new refurbishment, Allure of the Seas is a fantastic choice.
