Allure of the Seas just completed her $100M+ amplification, and I’m onboard to check out all of the latest upgrades and enhancements.
Let’s take a look inside the ship to see what has changed!
After 2 months, Allure of the Seas has completed her long-awaited renovation
For years, Allure had been considered the most outdated of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class cruise ships. Having launched in 2009, the ship had yet to receive any major upgrades to onboard venues and activities.
There were no waterslides, for instance, and several of the ship’s restaurants, like Sabor Modern Mexican, have largely been retired from Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
Allure of the Seas was set to receive her amplification in 2020, but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Five years later, however, she has finally received her much-anticipated amplification. Here’s everything that has changed on the vessel, both the minor upgrades and major renovations.
The pool deck has completely changed, both in decor and amenities
One of the most notable changes to Allure of the Seas is the Caribbean-style pool deck; it has been totally transformed.
The ship now has three waterslides: the Perfect Storm racing slides and the Supercell, a champagne bowl slide.
These waterslides are a welcome change to the ship, which was the only vessel in the Oasis Class without them.
In addition, Splashaway Bay has replaced the H2O Zone. This aqua park features splash areas, a water dump bucket, and a small slide designed for younger children.
There is no pool nor are there hot tubs in this area—these were removed during the switch to Splashaway Bay.
As a result, two hot tubs were added to the upper pool deck on deck 16, fitting the resort-style vibe.
All bars on Allure of the Seas’ pool deck have been remodeled to The Lime and Coconut. This Caribbean bar features vibrant decor and a selection of fruity, tropical drinks.
Aside from The Lime and Coconut, Caribbean-themed decor is found elsewhere on the pool deck. Colorful seating is placed around the deck, and there are also private cabanas available to rent.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade can be found in the Boardwalk Neighborhood
Royal Caribbean’s beloved sports bar has finally launched on Allure of the Seas.
Replacing Sabor Modern Mexican, Playmakers offers a variety of casual bar food with an extra cost, à la carte menu. Passengers can indulge in fan-favorites like the Pile On Nachos, Buffalo Chicken Crunch Roll, and Truffle Burger.
Read more: Guide to Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
Of course, you can’t forget to order the Campfire Cookie, a skillet-baked chocolate chip cookie topped with toasted marshmallows and Nutella.
Royal Caribbean’s all-new tiki bar, Pesky Parrot, is now on the Royal Promenade
When Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, launched last summer, the cruise line premiered an all-new bar concept for the line: Pesky Parrot.
This bar is designed to transport guests straight to a Caribbean resort. Pesky Parrot combines beach-themed decor with tropical cocktails, whether the Peanut Butter Piña Colada or Tiki ‘Mosa.
Given the success on Utopia of the Seas, it’s no surprise to see Pesky Parrot added to Allure of the Seas on the Royal Promenade. This venue replaces the Champagne Bar, and it was jam-packed on embarkation day.
The Mason Jar offers southern-inspired cuisine, a live country trio, and inventive cocktails
Allure of the Seas is the third Royal Caribbean ship to feature The Mason Jar, and given the venue’s beloved reputation, it’s sure to be a busy spot onboard.
The Mason Jar is divided into two sections: a southern restaurant and a country bar with live music.
The restaurant serves southern favorites for brunch and dinner, whether the Stuffed French Toast or Lobster n’ Crawfish Gumbo, and comes with a cover charge.
The bar is open to all guests regardless of whether or not they dine in the restaurant.
While you can find a variety of drinks available, the menu shines in its bourbon cocktails, such as the Mint Julep and PB&J Old Fashioned.
Read more: Royal Caribbean's best bar scene is at The Mason Jar
On most evenings, a country trio performs in the bar, which absolutely can’t be missed.
Compared to the venue on Wonder and Utopia of the Seas, the bar space on Allure has more seating.
El Loco Fresh serves up Mexican favorites on the pool deck
Although Allure of the Seas removed Sabor Modern Mexican from the Boardwalk Neighborhood, passengers can still find Mexican favorites at El Loco Fresh, Royal Caribbean’s complimentary, grab-and-go Mexican restaurant.
Prior to her amplification, the ship was retrofitted with a temporary El Loco Fresh in the Wipe Out Café. Now, though, the venue has officially changed to El Loco Fresh and is complete with the restaurant’s branding and decor.
The AquaTheater show has been upgraded
With high divers, aerialists, and slackliners, production shows in the AquaTheater are a highlight of any Oasis Class cruise. Royal Caribbean has retired OceanAria, Allure’s old AquaTheater show, for a new one: Aqua80Too.
Also available on Utopia of the Seas, Aqua80Too is the sequel to Aqua80 found on Oasis of the Seas. The show features classic AquaTheater stunts set to the tune of the biggest hits of the 1980s.
Adventure Ocean has been revamped with upgraded kids and teens clubs
Families boarding the amplified Allure of the Seas can look forward to new and improved youth programming facilities in Adventure Ocean.
Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean provides childcare for passengers aged 0 to 17, and offers specific venues for each age group. Allure’s existing Adventure Ocean has been retrofitted with the cruise line’s more modern take on the facilities.
Read more: Ultimate Guide to Adventure Ocean
New additions include:
- Adventure Ocean Theater, offering movies and a small space for performances and shows
- The Workshop, offering craft and science experiments
- Play Place, an unsupervised play area for young cruisers (parents must be present)
- The Arena, designed for sports and physical activity
Teens have access to an enhanced hangout space, Social298, which offers activities like video games, movies, and music for guests aged 13-17.
The Crown Lounge is now on deck 15
Royal Caribbean’s exclusive lounge for Diamond members and above in the Crown & Anchor Society has been moved to a new location on Allure of the Seas.
Prior to her amplification, Allure’s Crown Lounge was located on decks 11 and 12, and it was one of the biggest locations in the fleet, offering views of the Boardwalk Neighborhood below.
Now, the Crown Lounge is located on deck 15 next to The Mason Jar. The lounge has ample natural light, differentiating itself from the interior, windowless Crown Lounge on most other Oasis Class ships.
Cabins were added to the ship, too
Over 100 new cabins have been added to Allure of the Seas during her amplification.
By moving the Crown Lounge, a large space became available for additional interior cabins on decks 11 and 12. Aside from these rooms, Royal Caribbean added Ultimate Panoramic Suites above the ship’s bridge. These cabins provide 200-degree ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows and come with exclusive Star Class perks.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Luxury Star Class Suite Review
As far as existing cabins go, no major renovations were made. In my interior cabin, furnishings like the couch did not get replaced or reupholstered, and no new outlets or USB ports were added to the room.
There are three new activities passengers can try
As if there wasn’t enough to do on Allure of the Seas before her amplification, now passengers can try even more activities.
First, the Ultimate Abyss has been added to the ship’s aft. Like with waterslides, Allure of the Seas was previously the only Oasis Class ship without The Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide taking guests from the Sports Deck to the Boardwalk.
This slide is complimentary for guests, and it’s undoubtedly the most thrilling way to get from one place to another onboard.
An escape room was added to the vessel, too. Passengers can test their wits at Mission Control: The Lunar Landing, where they’ll navigate a series of puzzles and clues to “escape” the room before time runs out.
This activity costs $44 per passenger for the 30-minute experience.
Finally, laser tag is now available, and it’s included in guests’ cruise fares.
Vitality Café has been removed from the spa
A change some cruisers may be surprised to see is the removal of Vitality Café.
Prior to amplification, Vitality Café served juices, smoothies, protein shakes, and snacks in the ship’s spa. Aside from a few food items, the venue came with an extra cost.
Now, the area is used for additional seating. Based on deck plans, it appears additional cabins were added behind this area.
The good news is the Vitality Café menu is still available!
You can find it at Sorrento's.
Photo area has been converted
The photo gallery is now fully digital.
Instead of printed photos to peruse, any photos that the ship's photographers take are now easily viewable from a kiosk.
Likewise, the Shore Excursion desk is now digital too and has a refreshed look.
Shaved Ice Bar added
Royal Caribbean added another feature from Utopia of the Seas, with the Shaved Ice Bar.
Located at Wipeout Cafe near the entrance to the Ultimate Abyss, you can purchase flavored shave ice here, including adult beverages that come with alcohol.
New location for Chef's Table
Chef's Table has been moved to deck 4.
It's located in the same area as Izumi, but on the other side.
