Work is underway on making major upgrades to Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas.
The second-ever Oasis Class ship is currently in Cádiz, Spain, undergoing an extensive $100 million-plus dry dock to enhance its amenities and overall guest experience.
Allure was initially on the schedule for Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified program. However, the pandemic had other plans, and her dry dock was indefinitely postponed.
Years later, she's finally receiving the enhancements she deserves, boosting her onboard offerings to be more consistent with newer ships in the fleet.
“Allure will be reimagined with the best of Royal Caribbean and what travelers love. Between new favorites, like the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, and experiences that unlock core memories time and time again, from an incredible pool deck to an unmatched combination of thrills and ways to chill, Allure will have even more of everything that makes it a standout favorite," said Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer, Royal Caribbean International.
Following Allure's season in Europe, a first since 2015, she'll reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November 2025, where she will remain through October 2026, excluding a short stint in Galveston, Texas, in March and April 2026.
One TikTok user on-site during the dry dock, @evasion_20s, has taken to social media to share exclusive content about Allure's refurbishment.
The short videos range from showing cabins to Adventure Ocean, the brand-new Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade, and the pool deck, all in anticipation of Allure of the Seas welcoming guests onboard in Spain on April 11.
Refreshed staterooms
It's rare for Royal Caribbean to completely redesign cabins during dry docks. However, it's usual for them to be updated and refreshed, ensuring they last for many, many more years.
For example, @evasion_20s shows staterooms with torn-out carpets. With the furniture and carpet removed, it's a great time to replace the bedding and other worn-out furnishings, which is difficult when Allure is in regular service.
However, Allure is receiving new suites above the bridge. The "Ultimate Panoramic Suites" will provide guests with 200-degree ocean views from the comfort of their cabins. Plus, passengers will enjoy the slew of perks that come with staying in a Star Class suite.
Revamped Adventure Ocean
Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean's award-winning youth program. While adults can spend the day in the Solarium, Adventure Ocean spaces are exclusively for kids and teens.
Younger cruisers sailing on Allure of the Seas can expect exciting new Adventure Ocean areas, including Play Place, the AO Theater; hands-on art, science, and tech events at the Workshop; interactive games at the Arena; and even a brand-new Social298 venue with video games, music, movies, and more just for teens.
The programming is included in your cruise fare, so families with children of all ages, including babies, can rest assured knowing there are dedicated activities for everyone onboard.
Resort-style pools
The reimagined Caribbean pool deck will teleport guests to the tropics even if they're on a port-intensive European getaway. In addition to the new color scheme, guests can look forward to casitas, in-pool loungers, daybeds, and more.
Additionally, the pool deck will finally receive what it has lacked compared to other Oasis Class ships: the Perfect Storm water slides.
The Cyclone, Typhoon, and SuperCell champagne bowl will bring another layer of thrills to cruises aboard Allure of the Seas.
Younger kids and tweens will enjoy Splashaway Bay, featuring slides, water cannons, fountains, pools and whirlpools, and two drench buckets, while adults can lounge in the Solarium complete with new touches and the fan-favorite Samba Grill.
New restaurants
While Samba Grill might not be a new addition, Allure of the Seas is introducing exciting dining options that cater to various tastes, including The Mason Jar and Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade.
Both are specialty restaurants that aren't included in your cruise fare. Playmaker's is à la carte, meaning you only pay for what you order, while The Mason Jar has a set cover charge.
The Mason Jar is a relatively new concept that debuted on Wonder of the Seas in 2022 and was added to Utopia of the Seas in 2024. Once Allure returns to service in April, The Mason Jar will be found on three ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet.
Read more: The best bar scene is only on two of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships
The Southern-inspired restaurant offers classic comfort food like fried chicken and waffles, buttermilk biscuits, deviled eggs, gumbo, chicken pot pie, coleslaw, collard greens, and more.
Playmaker's is like your favorite sports bar back home. The no-frills joint is a great place to stop for a drink before an AquaTheater show, grab a low-key dinner on the Boardwalk, or catch the latest sports game. Note that it's replacing Sabor, the Mexican restaurant that was previously available.
Don't worry, though. You can still get your Mexican fix while sailing on Allure. For a while, the Oasis Class ship had a "knock-off" El Loco Fresh at the Wipe Out Café.
Now, she'll finally have the proper complimentary Mexican restaurant where guests can grab yummy quesadillas and build their own nachos.
El Loco Fresh will be on Deck 15 near the Sports Court.
Ultimate Abyss
Allure of the Seas is also receiving the Ultimate Abyss dry slide.
First launched on Harmony of the Seas, the Ultimate Abyss has quickly become an Oasis Class staple and was even added to Oasis of the Seas during her Royal Amplification.
The slide is included in your cruise fare and takes you from the aft of Deck 16 to the Boardwalk on Deck 6, spitting riders out beside Playmaker's. This means that, along with Sabor, the Sabor Bar is also being removed to make way for the end of the Ultimate Abyss slide.
New bars
The Pesky Parrot is perhaps one of the most unique additions to Allure of the Seas. The brand-new bar launched on Utopia of the Seas in July 2024.
It's a lively, tropical-themed bar that brings a vibrant atmosphere to the Royal Promenade. Unfortunately, the relaxed Champagne Bar will be removed and replaced by the Pesky Parrot tiki bar.
The Lime and Coconut is another new bar coming to Allure of the Seas, though it isn't new to the fleet. The popular pool bar offers guests the perfect spot to unwind with tropical drinks on a sea day. And yes, you can use your drink package at both!
Royal Escape Room and Laser Tag
If slides aren't your thing, whether wet or dry, Allure has plenty of other activities to keep you busy, from an ice skating rink to the zip line, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, and mini-golf course.
Allure of the Seas will receive a new themed escape room and laser tag course while in dry dock, adding to the fun available onboard.
The Royal Escape Room — Apollo 18: Lunar Landing is the latest in the cruise line's escape room lineup. Participants will be transported to 1973 as they hunt for clues to help Apollo 18 successfully land on the moon. Note, however, that this experience isn't included in your cruise fare.
Conversely, Battle for Planet Z, Royal Caribbean's glow-in-the-dark laser tag course that takes over the Studio B ice skating rink, doesn't cost extra.
Read more: What are the Oasis Class Ships?
