It's eye-opening to think Allure of the Seas is almost 15 years old now, but she still delivers great cruises. Like any ship, there are a few things I liked and didn't like about it.

Built in 2010, Allure of the Seas stands apart from the other Oasis Class ships in that it never got the upgrades and new features that other ships received due to the global industry shutdown in 2020.

There are talks that the cruise line plans to schedule amplification for early 2025, but as of now, Allure of the Seas is the only Oasis Class ship with its original design.

Because of this, some people have called her the worst of the large Oasis Class ships. Other cruisers really love the untouched aspect of the ship.

No matter which side of the argument you prefer, there’s still a lot to love.

Allure of the Seas offers a destination onboard the ship, with boundless entertainment, world-class cuisine, and adrenaline-filled activities like surfing, ziplining, and ice skating.

As a cruise enthusiast—and a big fan of the Oasis Class—I looked forward to experiencing a 3-night cruise on Allure of the Seas.

I loved my cruise for the most part, and after disembarking, I would definitely call Allure one of my favorite cruise ships.

However, like any experience, there were both highs and lows.

Let’s delve into the four things that I enjoyed and the four aspects that left me wanting more.

I loved how many friendly people I met

There’s something magical about Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships.

Every time I’m on one, I seem to meet a selection of the most fun, welcoming people possible.

Surprisingly, I make actual friendships when I have conversations with people on these ships.

I’m not sure if it’s the size, the newness of the cruise ship, or the relatively expensive price that makes people open up more, but it always seems to happen when I get on an Oasis Class ship.

I love chatting with others in the elevators or having conversations with crew members at the bar.

I have a theory that larger ships make for even friendlier crew members. I spoke to one bartender who shared that a bigger ship makes it harder for crew members to stay around and connect with one another, so it makes sense that they would make conversation with the guests instead.

I hated that there were no plug-ins by the beds 

It’s typical on Royal Caribbean ships, but I’d hoped that Allure would be different, especially since I stayed in a Grand Suite.

However, there were no plug-ins by the beds, only at the desk and beside the couch.

This forced me to leave my phone and other devices across the room to change.

Especially when you’re going to bed, it’s definitely an inconvenience.

And if you’re traveling with a large group—or bringing a lot of devices—you might find yourself fighting over charging space.

I loved the innovative neighborhoods, especially Central Park

Allure of the Seas is home to 7 innovative neighborhoods: the Boardwalk, the Pool and Sports Zone, the Royal Promenade, Entertainment Place, the Youth Zone, Vitality Spa and Fitness, and Central Park.

I love that each neighborhood has a distinct theme, with its own ambiance. 

This also makes it less likely for you to get lost on such a large ship: you can easily remember which activity might occur where.

The neighborhoods provide an immersive, exciting environment, and my favorite of all is Central Park.

Modeled after the well-known location in New York City, with lush greenery and a serene atmosphere, this is my favorite place to get away for a quiet moment or to peacefully enjoy live music.

At night, jazz bands and singers come and play here, while stars light the sky above you.

During the day, it really feels like you are inside a natural park—they even pipe in bird sounds through speakers around you!

I hated the lukewarm hot tubs

On previous cruises, I have loved spending time in the hot tubs. When we finish dinner and other evening entertainment, I usually race to grab my swimsuit and hop into one of the hot tubs still open.

I love ordering a drink and soaking in the hot tubs late into the night, preparing myself for a relaxing evening. 

Usually, Royal Caribbean’s hot tubs run very warm. On Freedom of the Seas, for example, I could barely sit in one for more than 20 minutes—it was so hot I had to take frequent breaks!

But Allure’s hot tubs felt lukewarm, almost cold. I consulted with other cruisers while we sat in there, and they agreed that the hot tubs were unusually chilly.

We even asked a crew member if the temperature could be adjusted, but he told us it wasn’t able to be changed.

It was a shame that the hot tubs were so chilly, especially when I wanted to lounge there late at night. 

I loved all the seating and bars by the pool area and Solarium

After sailing on the Oasis-class Wonder of the Seas, I expected that I might have to scramble for seating on Allure of the Seas.

But this wasn’t the case!

Especially when it came to the pool area, I could always find somewhere to relax: whether at the pool, sitting by the bar, or inside the adults-only Solarium.

I felt like Allure had enough bars and pools on the deck for everyone to have a spot.

Maybe my cruise on Wonder was more crowded, or Allure is less popular.

Either way, I enjoyed not having to fight to find a seat.

Read more: I tried some of the best strategies to beat the chair hogs on my cruise. Here's how it went

I hated all the crowds, especially on the Boardwalk and Royal Promenade

It makes sense that such a large ship would attract a considerable amount of passengers.

However, I really disliked the flow of crowds in long spaces like the Boardwalk and the Royal Promenade. Especially during peak times, the two areas serve as funnels to cram everyone together. 

I think that the design of having shops, events, and venues branching off these hallway shapes creates even more crowds.

Whenever I had to get through the Boardwalk and Royal Promenade, I had to prepare myself to weave around an overwhelming amount of people.

This also held up for lines at the Windjammer, and—of course—crowds around the elevators.

I hate standing shoulder-to-shoulder with large groups of strangers, so this was a major disadvantage for me.

I loved the fast and friendly service at the bars onboard

Allure of the Seas had some of my favorite bars and drinks I’ve experienced on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Despite the large crowds of people, the service was very quick, and the drinks tasted amazing!

I’m used to the drinks on cruise ships being poured very lightly, tasting just a smidge watered-down. But this wasn’t the case on Allure.

The drinks tasted just right.

In addition, so many of the bartenders were happy to make conversation with me or recommend drinks I might enjoy. They helped me have an awesome experience.

I hated the tasteless food in the Windjammer

I cannot explain why, but Allure’s was one of the worst Windjammers I’ve experienced.

While I usually love most of the food served at this complimentary buffet, the options on Allure of the Seas fell flat.

For example, my sister and I are huge fans of the beef stew found in the Windjammer. But when we tried it on our Allure of the Seas cruise, it was more chewy and tasteless than usual. Maybe we just had bad luck on this sailing.

Overall, the food tasted less seasoned and ran more cold than other cruises I’d been on. 

Even the hashbrowns I usually enjoy for breakfast were cold and too crunchy.

The only foods I still enjoyed were the more ethnic food, like the Indian options. Most of those were still flavorful and amazing.

Would you sail on an Oasis Class ship for just 3 nights?

As a new cruiser, I’ve only taken a weekend cruise once before on the smaller Freedom of the Seas.

However, I wanted to find out if a weekend cruise was worth it on a larger ship.

In late October of 2023, Allure of the Seas started offering short cruises with 3 and 4-night sailing from Port Canaveral. She is the first Oasis Class ship to sail short cruises regularly.

Royal Caribbean designed the Oasis Class ships with an endless array of entertainment and activities, as evidenced by their large size.

Read more: All about Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class cruise ships

Allure is 1,187 feet long and 18 decks tall.

She has 2,742 staterooms, 24 guest elevators, four swimming pools, six hot tubs, a carousel, a casino, an ice rink, two rock climbing walls, a zip line, and a total of 34 bars and restaurants.

With all of these options, is 3 nights enough time to experience everything Allure has to offer? 

Here’s what it was like to take a weekend cruise on one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Allure of the Seas became my new favorite cruise ship

Built in 2010, Allure of the Seas was set to undergo a Royal amplification project in 2020. 

The project was canceled due to the cruise industry shutdown in 2020 and Allure still has yet to undergo a refurbishment. 

There are talks that the cruise line plans to schedule amplification for early 2025, but as of now, Allure of the Seas is the only Oasis Class ship with its original design.

Because of this, she has been called the "worst" of the large Oasis Class ships. However, she still has a lot to offer.

Allure of the Seas offers a destination onboard the ship, with boundless entertainment, world-class cuisine, and adrenaline-filled activities like surfing, ziplining, and ice skating.

As a cruise enthusiast—and a big fan of the Oasis Class—I looked forward to experiencing a 3-night cruise on Allure of the Seas.

I loved my cruise, and after disembarking, I would definitely call Allure one of my favorite cruise ships.

Read more: Is a short cruise on one of the biggest cruise ships in the world a crazy idea?

Seven innovative neighborhoods make the ship feel like a small city

Are cruise ships just walkable cities?

A cruise ship feels like a navigable home for the night: your own little New York City or Chicago.

After sailing on a gargantuan ship like Allure of the Seas, I have to agree that is part of the appeal.

Allure of the Seas is home to 7 innovative neighborhoods: the Boardwalk, the Pool and Sports Zone, the Royal Promenade, Entertainment Place, the Youth Zone, Vitality Spa and Fitness, and Central Park.

I love that each neighborhood has a distinct theme, with its own ambiance. 

This also makes it less likely for you to get lost on such a large ship: you can easily remember which activity might take place where.

The neighborhoods provide an immersive, exciting environment, with an overwhelming amount of activities to choose from.

Although the short cruise didn't give us enough time to try everything, I liked that we had more options available.

With our limited amount of days onboard, it was helpful to be able to pick and choose our favorite activities.

For example, my favorite neighborhood to spend time in was Central Park.

Modeled after the well-known location in New York City, with lush greenery and a serene atmosphere, this is my favorite place to get away for a quiet moment or to peacefully enjoy live music.

At night, jazz bands and singers come and play here, while stars light the sky above you.

During the day, it really feels like you are inside a natural park—they even pipe bird sounds through speakers around you!

A great chance to try a more expensive room, like our Grand Suite

The overall price was also an appeal when it came to a shorter cruise on Allure of the Seas.

A 3 or 4-night cruise typically costs less than a 7-night cruise, ensuring that the out-the-door price is usually cheaper overall.

This was a draw, as well as a chance to splurge more than I might have on a longer cruise.

I went ahead and booked a Grand Suite, excited to try a more expensive stateroom for the first time.

Not only is the suite program better on Oasis Class ships, but it also allowed me to maximize the Crown and Anchor points I earned on the cruise.

Typically, you earn one point for every night you sail. But staying in a suite, you earn double points per night. Ultimately, I earned almost the same amount of points I would have on a longer cruise.

Read more: The Crown and Anchor perks you should use on every Royal Caribbean cruise

I loved staying in a suite—it felt like I was taking a completely different type of cruise.

It came with additional perks that made me feel in the lap of luxury. 

Having free WiFi for the length of the voyage, the in-suite coffee machine, and the Plush bathrobes were some of my favorite included perks.

I also loved exploring Allure’s suite lounge, which was located up on Deck 17. Sitting beside the Coastal Kitchen restaurant, it was an expansive, quiet lounge decorated in deep purples and blues.

Not only that, but the suite benefits also include free wine and beers from the bar, so I took advantage of a glass of white wine almost every night. It all felt very opulent. 

I did regret that we were taking a shorter cruise on a larger ship because I tried to spend my time exploring the activities onboard.

I wished that I was also able to spend time in our beautiful stateroom. 

But, again, it was a trade-off for the lower overall price.

It was enough time to try all the food and drinks onboard

Royal Caribbean makes it easy to prioritize food onboard.

I discovered that a weekend cruise is the perfect opportunity to try various food venues.

Whereas I had to scramble to try all the activities I wanted, a weekend cruise felt like just enough time to try all the meals on my bucket list.

When eating 3-4 meals a day, 3 days is just enough time to try all the venues I wanted to. We had lots of variety, while still having time to go back for seconds at the best spots.

For example, on Night 1 we ate dinner at the Main Dining Room and were served a lovely steak meal.

On Night 2, we decided to splurge at the classic specialty venue Chops Grille. 

And on Night 3, we took advantage of the suite benefits to order Main Dining Room dinner delivered straight to our room.

It was enough time to try all the food venues I wanted to—a different option for every meal. 

Allure of the Seas also had some of my favorite bars and drinks I’ve experienced on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Despite the large crowds of people, the service was speedy, and the drinks tasted amazing!

I’m used to the drinks on cruise ships being poured very lightly, tasting just a smidge watered-down. But this wasn’t the case on Allure—the drinks tasted just right.

In addition, so many of the bartenders were happy to make conversation with me or recommend drinks I might enjoy. They helped me have an awesome experience.

Suites on a cruise are expensive, but many seek them out for a luxurious, upgraded experience.

As a new cruiser, staying in a suite cabin was an experience on my bucket list because I wanted to see how different a suite is from an inside or balcony cabin. Is the luxury worth the huge jump in price?

I decided to sail on a 3-night cruise on Allure of the Seas, a large Oasis Class ship.

Among all the options available in the first half of 2024, this sailing was one of the cheapest suites I found. 

I booked a 1-bedroom Grand Suite stateroom, the middle ground between the Star and Sea levels.

Read more: 8 advantages of booking a suite on your next cruise

The total price came to $3952.06 with gratuities. For a sailing of two people, this divides out to $1317 per night.

Even before the cruise began, I could tell this would be a completely new experience

Compared to the guarantee and inside cabins I’d stayed in before, the suite life was much more luxurious.

Six days before the cruise, I received an email from our suite concierges explaining how we could check in online and prepare for our cruise. 

They also listed the amenities that would come with the suite and said that they would assist us with making any show or dining reservations.

On embarkation day, the upgraded treatment began. We were able to go into express lines for suite and Pinnacle  Club members.

On a large ship like Allure of the Seas sailing out of the long Port Canaveral terminal, getting onboard typically would have taken 30-40 minutes. But with our VIP access, it took me less than twenty!

Our stateroom was located on the 10th floor, between the middle and the back of the ship.

The location was close enough to the middle that I didn’t feel any seasickness inside the cabin—which I usually do if I’m located too far front or back on the ship.

The suite was much larger than I expected, with ample storage space

When we first opened the door, I was struck by how large and open the floor plan was.

The entrance faced a small alcove. 

Inside this alcove, I found a shelf with complimentary water and an ice bucket. 

This was a lovely aspect of staying in a suite because usually, I have to plan far in advance to find complimentary water.

Typically, I take a reusable water bottle up to the Windjammer or the water fountains at the gym and fill it up there. But with a suite, I had free water exactly where I needed it.

Below the shelf sat drawers with plenty of storage space, and above it was the safe that is inside all Royal Caribbean staterooms.

Beside this shelf faced a large closet with full-length mirrors. Not only was there ample closet space for all our clothes and suitcases, but later on in the cruise our stateroom attendant also left complimentary robes inside.

Next to the closet, I also found our complimentary coffee maker, which was another huge bonus. Much like the drinking water, I usually have to plan or make a small trek up to the Windjammer to find complimentary coffee. 

Instead, free coffee pods, sugar, and creamer showed up daily in our suite. It was so convenient to have in the stateroom that I made at least three cups of coffee a day.

Below the coffee maker and counter, I opened a door to find the mini-fridge hidden away.

And beside the fridge were more shelves—there was more than enough storage space all over the cabin.

On the right side of the door—directly opposite the closet—I found the huge bathroom.

Inside Royal Caribbean’s small cabins, the bathrooms are tiny tubes, almost similar to an airplane bathroom. But this suite’s bathroom was more like that of a luxurious hotel.

Read more: Photos Show Why Booking a Suite Cruise Cabin Is Worth It

There was a huge bathtub and a warm shower with natural, scented soaps.

A large counter stretched over the toilet, leaving me plenty of space to spread out my jewelry and toiletries.

The dark, marbled vanity held two sinks, with a proportional amount of water glasses to brush our teeth with.

I also found free soap and body moisturizer. These products had such a pleasant smell and texture that I took them both home with me.

We always had ample towels, and I noticed that they were made from Egyptian cotton.

Outside the bathroom, I moved onto the living area. This was one of the main differences in our suite: a large, separated living area with a lengthy couch.

Beside the couch, there were also two thick armchairs. The size of this room felt like more than enough for two people: I thought that we could have fit four in this stateroom.

The TV next to the living area had an adjustable arm, so that we could completely turn it to face the couch or the beds. However, it was not a Smart TV, and only had a few free channels, so I never used it.

In between the living room and the bedroom, there was a large blackout curtain—a huge help for people traveling together who might want to take naps or go to bed at different times. It also helped make up for the large windows, which would otherwise let light in in the mornings and wake me up.

We requested to separate the two beds on a form emailed out before the cruise. 

The Grand Suite lists “​​Luxury Pillow Top Mattress” as one of its amenities, and while the bed was comfortable, I don’t think I would have noticed a difference if I hadn’t been told about it.

Each bed had its own lamp and bedside table next to it. However—as is usually the case in Royal Caribbean staterooms—there were no ports beside the beds, so I had to charge my phone at the desk.

I usually love the desks/vanities on Royal Caribbean ships, but this suite had an upgraded version. It was longer than others I’ve seen, with even more mirror and shelf space.

The room had so much storage space. Since we were only two people staying for 3 days, we didn't even get close to using all of it.

Lastly, we opened the double-sliding doors to find the balcony. I’ve stayed in a balcony stateroom before, but this one was almost twice the size, with a total of four chairs (two were reclining lounge chairs).

It was a large, gorgeous balcony. I wanted to spend every minute sunning myself on it.

One amenity that came with the suite was the ability to order Main Dining Room dinner for room service, so my sister and I did that on night two. We ordered an hour ahead, and had the entire meal delivered to our door!

Eating outside on the balcony, with a view of the wide ocean, will always be a treasured memory of mine from this cruise.

My favorite aspect of staying in a suite was the additional perks

The large stateroom and balcony were a huge change from the small inside cabin I've stayed in before. It felt like I was taking a completely different type of cruise.

But one of the things I loved most about staying in a suite was just all the additional perks.

The Grand Suite on Allure of the Seas includes all the following:

• Concierge Service
• All-Day Access to Coastal Kitchen
• Specialty Bottled Water (upon arrival)
• VOOM, The Fastest Internet at Sea
• Flexible Arrival Boarding & Priority Departure
• Priority Dining Reservations
• Reserved seating section in select entertainment venues (reservations required)
• Suite Lounge Access (with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails each evening)
• Royal Caribbean Plush Bathrobes for Use Onboard
• Luxury Pillow Top Mattress
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine

Having free WiFi for the length of the voyage, the coffee machine, and the Plush bathrobes were some of my favorite luxuries included.

I also loved exploring the suite lounge, which was located up on Deck 17. Sitting beside the Coastal Kitchen restaurant, it was an expansive, quiet lounge decorated in deep purples and blues.

It featured a lot of seating but was very spread out, so I didn’t have to speak to anyone around me. 

It also had complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, like this plate of chocolate-covered strawberries, olives, and crab cake.

Not only that, but the suite benefits also include free wine and beers from the bar, so I took advantage of a glass of white wine almost every night. It all felt very opulent. 

On the first day of the cruise, a crew member brought us complimentary champagne and fruit.

Through the cruise, we received other special goodies, like lip balms, aloe vera, and lavender spray for better sleep.

On departure day, we also received priority disembarkation through designated lines, and we left still feeling like royalty.

Big Royal Caribbean ships may seem similar, but there are a lot of differences you should know about.

Among the six Oasis Class cruise ships, Harmony of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are popular choices that offer so much to do onboard.

Harmony was built after Allure, and she represents the evolution of the Oasis Class. Having sailed on both ships, it becomes clear quite early there are lots of changes between the two ships.

While the layout and overall feel of the ships are similar, there are noticeable changes between the two ships that could change your decision of which to book.

Here are the key differences between them both.

Ship size

Harmony of the Seas is slightly bigger than Allure of the Seas in order to market the ship as the "biggest cruise ship in the world" when she debuted in May 2016.

That isn't to say it's a big difference, as Harmony is a few feet longer and has a bit more gross tonnage.

Here's a look at each ship's size:

Dining

You will find complimentary dining restaurants that are included in your cruise fare, along with the choice of specialty dining restaurants that cost extra.

The core dining experience is the same on both ships, with the Main Dining Room offering traditional and My Time Dining for dinner.  It's also open for breakfast every day and lunch on sea days.

The Main Dining Room on Allure of the Seas looks like it's split up among three restaurants (it even has a different name based on which deck you're on), but it's the same menu across all three areas.

The Windjammer buffet is open every day for all three meals, although the venue on Harmony is a bit wider to help with crowds.

If you're staying in a suite, there is a complimentary restaurant exclusively for you at Coastal Kitchen.  This is available on both ships.

The specialty restaurant choices are where you'll notice the biggest difference among the two ships.  There are different restaurant choices you can eat at on both.

Here are the differences among the specialty restaurants on Harmony and Allure:

The biggest difference is Samba Grill on Allure or Wonderland on Harmony.

In terms of bars, there are minor differences between the two ships.

Cabins

The cabin selection on both Harmony and Allure should be just about the same.

You will find plenty of inside, oceanview, balcony, and suite cabins across either ship. 

Being that both are an Oasis Class ship, these vessels have balcony cabins that face inwards instead of the ocean. The Central Park and Boardwalk balcony cabins are an interesting alternative to ocean balconies, and you can book them on either ship.

If you're a solo traveler, only Harmony of the Seas has cabins specifically designed (and priced) for you.  There are 12 Studio Ocean View cabins and 3 Studio Interior rooms.

Read more: Guide to Royal Caribbean's Single and Studio staterooms

You may also notice the cabin aesthetic is different between the ships.  Harmony of the Seas is newer and adopted a new look for cabins that was first introduced with Quantum of the Seas in 2014.

Inside cabin on Harmony of the Seas

Inside cabin on Allure of the Seas

The rooms on Harmony generally have more storage space, darker woods, and a more modern feel to the cabin.

You'll also find USB outlets in a room on Harmony.

Entertainment

An area you'll notice differences between the two ships are the featured shows onboard.

Royal Caribbean has a well-deserved reputation for its entertainment, and nearly every ship has different shows onboard.

Both ships feature a Broadway show, along with original Royal Caribbean productions.

Royal Theater

• Allure
  • Mamma Mia
  • Blue Planet
• Harmony
  • Grease
  • Columbus, The Musical

AquaTheater

• Allure
  • Oceanaria
• Harmony
  • Hideaway Heist
  • The Fine Line

Studio B

• Allure
  • Blades! Ice Spectacular
• Harmony
  • 1887: A Journey in Time
  • iSkate

You will notice that there is an extra show in Studio B and AquaTheater on Harmony, which is nice to have additional variety. 

Activities

You won't have any shortage of things to do on any Oasis Class ship. These ships were designed to offer more than you can experience in just a week.

One big difference between the Allure and Harmony is only Harmony of the Seas has waterslides.  Harmony was built with the slides, while Allure has yet to have them added.

The Perfect Storm slides are comprised of two racer slides and one champagne bowl slide. The slides descend three decks through a series of twists and turns over the ship’s tree-lined Central Park neighborhood 10 decks below.

Speaking of slides, Harmony of the Seas has the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, which is a 10-story slide that descends from the Sports Deck down to the Boardwalk. Allure does not have an Ultimate Abyss slide.

Both the water slides and Ultimate Abyss are complimentary.

For younger kids, there are different splash areas on both ships. 

Harmony of the Seas has Splashaway Bay where kids can play among the water slides, water cannons, fountains, pools and whirlpools.

Allure of the Seas has the H2O Zone, which was the precursor to Splashaway Bay. It has water geysers, a small whirlpool, and hot tubs.

Harmony of the Seas has a dedicated escape room onboard, which has an extra cost. Allure of the Seas does not have an escape room. The goal of an escape room is for the guests to work together to find clues needed to solve various puzzles in 60 minutes or less.

Both ships have twin Flowrider surf simulators, twin climbing walls, a zip line, outdoor mini-golf and a basketball court.

While both ships have pools and hot tubs, there is one significant difference between Allure and Harmony in the adults-only area.

The Solarium on Harmony of the Seas does not have a pool. Instead, it has a walk-through mister meant to cool people off.  Allure of the Seas has a pool in its Solarium.

Bottom line

As the only "un-upgraded" Oasis Class ship, Allure of the Seas sometimes gets overlooked because it doesn't have waterslides or some of the newer dining venues.

If you have children that absolutely need waterslides, then the choice between the two is obvious. Otherwise, you're balancing the virtues of each ship.

The different Broadway shows may sway you in one direction, or you may feel strongly about a certain specialty restaurant. 

The most notable difference are the lack of slides on Allure of the Seas.

Depending on when you are looking to cruise, the home port and itineraries may be different too.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class cruise ships are among the biggest in the world, but is a 3-night cruise worth it?

When these mega ships were designed, Royal Caribbean wanted to pack them with more to see and do than any other ship before it.  To the point, they offer a floating array of choices and activities.

In late October, Allure of the Seas became the first Oasis Class ship to begin offering regular short cruises, with 3- and 4-night sailings from Port Canaveral.

Next year, Utopia of the Seas will enter service and will begin by offering 3- and 4-night cruises, which is equally unheard of because traditionally new cruise ships start off with 7-night cruises.

This change lead to a lot of questions about what it's like to sail on an Oasis Class ship for just the weekend, and is it worthwhile to do so.

Read more: Guide to weekend cruises

I went on the first 3-night sailing of Allure of the Seas, which began on November 3, to see for myself.

More activities packed into the sailing

One of the top questions people have about going on a short Oasis Class cruise is if all the shows are still available.

Like her sister ships, Allure of the Seas has three primary theaters onboard: the Royal Theater, the AquaTheater, and Studio B ice rink. There's shows in each venue, along with comedy shows, live music, and more.

Royal Caribbean's entertainment team consolidated the show schedule to fit into a 3-night cruise, but the difference between a 3- and 7-night cruise schedule is there will be more than one show each evening.

On a longer cruise, you can afford to skip the first show time and catch it later. With the short cruises, there may be just one evening to see it.  Luckily, there are still multiple show times for each of the shows.

Like other short cruises that Royal Caribbean has offered on other ship classes, you'll find lots of activities throughout the day. The difference is that Allure has more venues than smaller ships, so there's more competing choices.

Read more: How different is a 3-night vs 4-night cruise?

A short cruise is like a trip to a city

At first I also struggled with how to best see everything on such a short cruise, but then I questioned why I had to in the first place.

When I take a trip to New York City, I don't aspire to see every major attraction in Manhattan, let alone the surrounding boroughs. I prioritize a few very important attractions, hope on seeing a couple of others, and understand that I need to come back to do more.

In the same vein, why should we feel compelled to try to see everything on a cruise ship?

If you talk to someone that has taken a 7-night cruise on an Oasis Class ship, they'll probably admit a week wasn't long enough to "do it all", but that didn't stop them from trying it.

A short cruise is fleeting, but this is true on Grandeur of the Seas as much as Allure of the Seas.

It reminded me a lot of going to Walt Disney World, because you could spend a week in that resort and never come close to seeing every ride.  

Wanting to return to have the chance to sail again on cruise isn't a downside, it's an indication that you had a really good time and want more.

Once I came to this realization, I felt much better about going on a ship as big as Allure for just 3-nights.

Where to eat?

Arguably the most difficult choice may be where to eat dinner on a short Allure of the Seas cruise.

Oasis Class ships redefined the cruise experience in so many ways, including how many restaurants could be on one ship. Before Oasis of the Seas was built, if a cruise ship had two specialty restaurants, that was a big deal.  Today, a ship with two specialty restaurants is disappointing.

Negotiating with my family which three meals we would have may have been the toughest aspect of such a short cruise.

Specialty dining has become extremely popular, and when we sail on an Oasis Class ship, we'll lean heavily into the extra cost restaurants because of the sheer variety.

Even though I'm lucky enough to cruise a lot, it wasn't easy being limited to just a few restaurants. Ultimately, we narrowed it down to 150 Central Park, Izumi, and Samba Grill.

I think we made a good choice overall, and when we return again next year for a 3-night cruise, we'll change up which restaurants we visit.

Having too many choice is still better than not enough.

Cheaper out the door price

Something else that jumped out at me with a 3-night cruise on Allure of the Seas was the price.

On average, a 3- or 4-night cruise will cost less than a 7-night cruise overall.  Longer sailings may cost less per night, but the "out the door price" is usually cheaper.

This is a really attractive prospect, and it actually lead me to upgrade my cabin choice and try a suite because the cost was a lot less than I was used to.

The suite program on Oasis and Quantum Class ship is significantly better than the rest of the fleet.  By booking a suite on a weekend cruise, I could afford to splurge.

We booked the Royal Loft Suite, which had two levels to it, a giant wrap-around balcony with jacuzzi, and access to the services of the Royal Genie.

We never booked such an opulent suite before this because longer sailings made the price difficult to reach. But with a short cruise, it made more sense.

Even if you don't jump at a suite, it's quite likely you will find lower prices for a cabin on a 3-night Allure of the Seas compared to a 7-night cruise on Oasis of the Seas.

This means more people can try an Oasis Class without the premium price tag associated with a longer cruise.

Short cruises are aimed at new cruisers

Something else to think about is the strategy behind offering short cruises on Royal Caribbean's biggest ships.

Allure of the Seas' debut in this role, followed up by the brand new Utopia of the Seas undertaking it in 2024, is about attracting first-time cruisers.

All cruise lines covet new cruisers, because they are the single largest source of new customers and growth in the cruise industry. It's because the majority of the public has never cruised before, that's who Royal Caribbean wants to attract.

The problem is someone that has never cruised before may be leery of spending a week on any ship, even the brand new Icon of the Seas. So they tend to gravitate towards short cruises to give it a try.

So by offering cruises on their best cruise ships, Royal Caribbean is hoping to convert them into cruise fans with vessels that have all the latest and greatest features.

Read more: Royal Caribbean's plan to dominate short cruises with a new ship and private destinations

Was a 3-night cruise on Allure of the Seas worth it?

Without a doubt, I was glad to go on Allure of the Seas for just the weekend.

I would have certainly preferred to have more time and go on a longer sailing, but that isn't always in the cards. The school calendar and work obligations curtail most people's ability to cruise, and a short cruise is better than no cruise at all.

I like to work in weekend sailings as a way to augment my longer cruises. I don't plan weekend cruises as our primary family vacations, but they are great for "let's get out of the house for a few days".

Going into the cruise, I knew I wasn't going to try everything, and I found myself liberated without that burden. Plus, it gave me a good reason to come back and do it again. I'm never one to shy away from a compelling reason to book another cruise.

We had a really nice time on Allure of the Seas for just 3-nights, and I think this will introduce the Oasis Class ships to a lot more people who will fall in love with cruising.

We love taking the family on weekend cruises as a quick escape, and when we got the chance to try the Royal Loft Suite on Allure of the Seas, it seemed like a great opportunity.

This is one of the biggest suites on Allure of the Seas and a cabin that has Star Class benefits, which means it has some of the best perks on the ship.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Suites Guide & Review

Ordinarily, a suite of this size would command a gargantuan price, but Allure of the Seas just shifted to doing short weekend cruises from Port Canaveral and that brought the overall price down to something more affordable.  For my family of 4, the price came out to $7,388.32 for the 3-night cruise.

I booked this cruise right when the itineraries were announced back in March of 2022, and that proved to be a good decision as the prices then were much lower than they later became.

Take a tour of spacious my hotel room at sea complete with two bedrooms, a jacuzzi on the balcony, and some of the best views from any cabin.

My suite was located on deck seventeen, which is deck reserved exclusively for suite cabins.

On this deck there are many other suites, along with the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen, an exclusive restaurant for guests staying in a suite (and Pinnacles too).

The layout of this deck is a "U-shape", and we were located on the aft facing port side.

When I tapped my room key card and opened the door, I walked into the living room.

The Royal Loft Suite has two bedrooms, a dining room, and large living room.  Let's start with the master bedroom.

Given that this suite has a loft configuration, there are two levels, with the master bedroom and bathroom being entirely located on the upper floor.  A staircase is how you access the second floor.

There is a king size bed, tv projector, and more closet space than you can possibly use.

There is no door to the master bedroom, but there is a remote controlled curtain that completely encompasses the upper bedroom to provide privacy and darkness.

The one noticeable feature missing compared to a newer cruise ship are power or USB outlets near the bed. The closest outlets were by the office desk closer to the staircase.

The office desk has a chair, and faces the balcony so you can have a view to enjoy.

Behind the bed is where all the storage space is located.  There are drawers and closets, and there seemed to be much more space than I could possibly fill.

The safe is also located in this area, long with a seating area with mirror.

The master bathroom is also enormous, with a toilet, bidet, two sinks, two showers, and a jacuzzi tub.

The showers have two adjustable heads, along with a rainforest shower.  All three can be used at the same time, or one at a time.

The second bedroom is located on the main floor, near the entrance to the suite.  It can sleep two people, and the beds can be separated if needed.

The second bedroom has its own door, which makes for better privacy for anyone sleeping here.

It also has its own television, along with desk and mirror.

Adjacent to the second bedroom is a full bathroom.

Each shower has upgraded shower toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

In the foyer is a piano, which you can play on your own or use an autoplayer feature.

There's also a library of books you can borrow for the duration of your sailing.

In the living room, you will find chairs, ottomans, sofas, and comfortable seating.

There is also a large television in the living room.

Behind the living room is the dining room, which is a very large table to enjoy meals delivered by room service.

The in-room coffee maker can make a quick cup of coffee anytime you want.

Stepping onto the balcony, there are three doors you can use: two from the living room, and one from the second bedroom.

The Royal Loft Suite has a wrap-around balcony that provides views of the ocean and Sports Deck below.

There is a wet bar outside that you can use, along with another dining table with lots of seats. When having food delivered to the suite, you have the choice of dining indoors or outdoors.

There are two giant loungers on the balcony that face the sports deck.

There are also comfortable loungers that face the ocean.

The "pièce de résistance" of the Royal Loft Suite is the private jacuzzi hot tub on the balcony, which faces the ocean.

The hot tub is available day and night, and is one of very few suites to have this feature.

Another compelling feature of this suite is the Royal Genie services, which provides VIP privileges to everyone staying in the cabin.

Of course, the Royal Loft Suite was far from cheap, but it's designed to offer one of the most luxurious accommodations you can find on Allure of the Seas.

I felt the suite delivered on the promise of a luxurious cabin for our family to enjoy on a short cruise.  We prioritized spending more time in the cabin and taking advantage of what the in-room amenities, along with the Royal Genie services.

If your family wants a lot of space, the absolute best perks, and are willing to spend a lot for it, then the Royal Loft Suite is a great choice for you.

More information:

• My advice for someone using a Royal Genie on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• What is the difference between suite concierge and a Royal Genie?
• A beginner's guide to sailing in Star Class
• What is the most expensive suite on Royal Caribbean?
• How to maximize the value of a cruise ship suite

Allure of the Seas was the world's largest cruise ship at one point, and she remains one of the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships you can pick to sail!

Allure of the Seas is a destination within itself that offers more than enough to do, experience, and eat for guests of all ages. From adrenaline-filled activities like surfing and zip lining to enjoying world class, diverse cuisine, there’s no shortage of ways to keep busy onboard.

If you’re considering a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, be sure to read through this planning guide to ensure your cruise vacation is off to a great start. Let’s jump in!

Allure of the Seas overview

Allure of the Seas is the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, and her inaugural sailing was on December 1, 2010.

She is currently the fifth largest cruise ship in the world, with a length of 1,187 feet and gross tonnage of 225,282. Allure of the Seas has a capacity of 6,780 guests and 2,200 crew, bringing her total capacity to 8,930 passengers!

Allure of the Seas neighborhoods

Like all Oasis Class ships, Allure of the Seas is split into neighborhoods, each with their own activities and amenities. These neighborhoods help spread out crowds and provide unique experiences around the ship.

Here are the neighborhoods found on Allure of the Seas:

1. The Boardwalk, an outdoor neighborhood with a carousel, arcade, candy and ice cream shop, hot dogs, Johnny Rockets, and Mexican restaurant
2. Pool & Sports Zone, the top decks of Allure of the Seas with pools, hot tubs, and signature activities on the Sports Court
3. Central Park, a quieter, outdoor oasis with plants, trees, and flowers. Central Park is also home to three specialty restaurants, retail stores, and bars
4. The Royal Promenade, the main indoor thoroughfare on Allure of the Seas with bars, lounges, shopping, and dining venues
5. Entertainment Place, the hub of entertainment venues with an ice skating rink, theater, casino, comedy club, jazz club, and nightclub
6. Youth Zone, home to Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean kids programming
7. Vitality Spa & Fitness, a spa, salon, and fitness center

The distinct neighborhoods on Allure of the Seas mean there is something for everyone onboard, whether you're looking to relax at Central Park or get your adrenaline pumping on the Sports Court.

What makes Allure of the Seas different from other Oasis Class ships?

Allure of the Seas is the only “original” Oasis Class cruise ship left, meaning she has not received her amplification and therefore does not have several features and activities found on other ships in the class.

Other Oasis Class cruise ships have features like water slides, the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Royal Caribbean’s newest restaurants, and escape rooms.

While Allure of the Seas may not have these activities and amenities, she offers plenty of unique opportunities not found on other Oasis Class ships, including a Brazilian steakhouse, champagne bar, Sabor Mexican restaurant, and more.

Related: The Oasis Class features that are only left on Allure of the Seas

Allure of the Seas dining & beverage

Like all Oasis Class cruise ships, there is no shortage of places to eat on Allure of the Seas. Everything from hot dogs to hibachi and tacos are available, and you’re sure to find something to please everyone in your travel party.

Complimentary restaurants are available onboard, but there are also several options for specialty restaurants. Specialty restaurants come at an extra charge, but they offer cuisines and cooking styles not found elsewhere on the ship, and can offer a more upscale dining experience than the complimentary venues.

Allure of the Seas complimentary dining options:

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Cafe
• Solarium Bistro
• Park Cafe
• Cafe Promenade
• Sorrento’s Pizza
• Boardwalk Dog House
• Wipeout Cafe
• Vitality Cafe
• Coastal Kitchen (suites only)
• Room service (continental breakfast only)
• Johnny Rockets (breakfast only)

Allure of the Seas specialty dining options:

• Chops Grille
• Giovanni’s Table
• Izumi Hibachi & SUshi
• 150 Central Park
• Sabor
• Samba Grill
• Vintages Wine Bar
• Cups & Scoops (cupcakes and ice cream)
• Starbucks
• Johnny Rockets (lunch and dinner)
• Chef’s Table

You may want to consider purchasing a dining package if you plan to eat at specialty restaurants on Allure of the Seas.

Related: How to know if you should buy a Royal Caribbean dining package

Allure of the Seas has two restaurants found on just a few Royal Caribbean cruise ships: Samba Grill and Sabor. Because these restaurants are only found on one or two other cruise ships, they can offer a unique dining experience for those who cruise frequently with Royal Caribbean.

Related: I tried Royal Caribbean’s least well-known specialty restaurant: here’s what I thought

Allure of the Seas Bars & Lounges

Just like dining venues, there’s no shortage of places to find a refreshing drink on Allure of the Seas. Whether you’re in the mood for a soda, cocktail, smoothie, or glass of wine, you’ll find plenty of places to get a drink onboard.

One unique feature on Allure of the Seas is the Champagne Bar, which offers a selection of martinis. One of the most popular is the Cucumber Martini, made with cucumber, basil, Monin lemongrass syrup, Sweet and Sour, and Grey Goose vodka.

Another classic bar on Allure of the Seas and other Oasis Class ships is the Rising Tide Bar. This bar travels up and down 3 stories from the Royal Promenade to Central Park, making for a unique drinking experience.

Other bars on Allure of the Seas include:

• Pool & Solarium bars
• Wipeout Bar
• Trellis Bar
• Vintages Wine Bar
• Dazzles Lounge
• Schooner Bar
• On Air Club
• Bow & Stern English Pub
• Sabor Bar

If you plan to enjoy several drinks every day of the cruise, it may be worth purchasing a beverage package. Royal Caribbean’s drink packages are unlimited, so you can enjoy as many drinks as you’d like without worrying about the cost per beverage.

Related: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Info, Tips, Pros & Cons

Shows & Entertainment

All Royal Caribbean cruise ships are known for offering top-notch, complimentary entertainment, but Oasis Class ships take entertainment to the next level. With diving performances, ice-skating, a Broadway show, and endless live music choices, there’s plenty of ways to keep busy on Allure of the Seas.

In the AquaTheater guests can enjoy Oceanaria, an undersea-themed production combining aerialists, acrobats, and high divers. From acrobats standing on each other’s heads to jumping off a diving platform 30 feet in the air, the show is sure to impress all guests.

One of the best entertainment features on Allure of the Seas is the full-length Broadway musical, Mamma Mia. This 2.5 hour production is included in your cruise fare and is a highlight of the cruise for many passengers.

There’s also Ice Games, the signature ice-skating show in Studio B, which features a talented international ice cast who spin, dance, jump, and flip on the ice. The show is inspired by Monopoly and is a “game” in which cast members roll a dice, taking them to different areas onboard Allure of the Seas.

Outside of signature production shows, you’ll find live music and other events happening throughout the cruise, including:

• Guitar music at the English pub
• Piano music at Schooner Bar
• Jazz band at Jazz of 4
• Live music in Central Park
• Game shows
• Trivia
• Karaoke

To find out more about what is happening onboard each day of the cruise, be sure to download the Royal Caribbean app and check the daily schedule. Making reservations to signature production shows is important, too, and it’s recommended that you do so as soon as you get onboard on embarkation day.

Related: 30 Do’s and Don’ts for the first day of your cruise

Pool deck

With a capacity of nearly 7,000 guests, it’s important to have plenty of pool space on Allure of the Seas, and you’ll find several areas to keep cool on warm Caribbean days.

The pool deck on Allure of the Seas has three main pools, one pool area for kids, and several jacuzzis.

Parents with young children will enjoy the H20 Zone, a splash park featuring water geysers, a small whirlpool, and hot tubs.

The main pool areas are open every day of the cruise, although they may occasionally be used for activities like the belly flop competition, pool volleyball, fitness classes, swimming laps, etc.

Related: Everything you wanted to know about Royal Caribbean’s pools

Also on the pool deck are four bars, a suites-only sun deck, and an area for live bands to play reggae, rock, and contemporary hits throughout the day.

Solarium

In addition to the main pool deck is an adults-only Solarium for guests aged 16 and above. Inside the Solarium is one pool and four hot tubs, two of which cantilever over the side of Allure of the Seas. Padded lounge chairs and other comfortable seating are also available.

Related: Everything about Royal Caribbean’s Solarium

The Solarium is also home to the Solarium Bistro, a complimentary dining venue open for breakfast and lunch, and Samba Grill Brazilian steakhouse in the evenings.

Signature activities on Allure of the Seas

Oasis Class ships offer fun for all ages, and there are a variety of signature activities included in your cruise fare, including:

• The FlowRider, a surfing simulator for boogie boarding and standup surfing
• The zip line, soaring guests over the ship’s Boardwalk neighborhood
• Allure Dunes mini golf
• Sports Court for activities like soccer, basketball, pickleball, etc.
• Ping pong tables
• Ice skating in Studio B
• Carousel

There are also two arcades located on Allure of the Seas, but these come at an extra cost.

In addition, you’ll find a variety of activities throughout the day such as scavenger hunts, pool games, Boardwalk carnival, Royal Promenade parades, and more.

Adventure Ocean

Allure of the Seas offers Adventure Ocean programming for kids aged 6 months to 17 years. Kids are split into the following age groups:

• Royal Babies & Tots (6-36 months)
• Aquanauts (3-5)
• Explorers (6-8)
• Voyagers (9-11)
• Teen club (12-17)

Adventure Ocean programming is complimentary with the exception of Royal Babies & Tots, which has an hourly fee, and childcare after 10 PM.

Each age group has their own room for activities, and there is also an Imagination Studio for arts and crafts and a science lab for educational experiments. In addition, child-friendly movies are shown throughout the cruise at the Adventure Ocean Theater.

Teens have access to their own private lounge, The Living Room, and the Fuel Teen nightclub. There is also a private outdoor deck space for teenagers to enjoy.

Allure of the Seas staterooms

Allure of the Seas offers both traditional cruise ship cabins and a few alternatives only available on Oasis Class cruise ships. Each category offers a different layout, size, and experience, and there’s a stateroom to fit any budget.

Before picking a stateroom category for your cruise on Allure of the Seas, it’s important to consider your budget, what you’re looking for in a cruise experience, and which cabin will fit your family best.

Take a look at a few of our tips & tricks on picking the best stateroom for your cruise:

• What’s the best cruise ship cabin for my family?
• What is the best room on a cruise ship?
• Avoid these mistakes when picking a cruise ship cabin

On Allure of the Seas you’ll find interior staterooms, oceanview rooms, balcony cabins, and suites.

Interior cabins are the most budget-friendly option, meaning you can save money on the cruise fare and put it toward excursions, drink packages, dining packages, spa treatments, and other pre-cruise add-ons.

Related: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

Oceanview cabins have a porthole looking out toward the ocean, and they can be another budget-friendly option while having the benefit of a window view.

Balcony cabins are the most common choice for cruisers, and Allure of the Seas has three types of balcony cabins:

• Ocean View Balcony cabins
• Central Park Balcony cabins
• Boardwalk Balcony cabins

Central Park and Boardwalk Balcony cabins are unique to Oasis Class cruise ships. Unlike an ocean view balcony, they don’t offer a full ocean view, but they look out into their respective neighborhoods.

Central Park balconies allow guests to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the ship’s park and listen to live music in the evenings. Boardwalk balconies, on the other hand, offer a more lively atmosphere and come with a partial ocean view.

Related: Are Boardwalk balcony cabins too loud?

A variety of suites are also available on Allure of the Seas, from a basic Junior Suite to lavish AquaTheater and Loft Suites.

Allure of the Seas offers the Royal Suite Class, an upgraded suite experience featuring a suites-only restaurant, Coastal Kitchen, suite sun deck with daybeds, suite lounge, and access to a Royal Genie (in select cabins).

Related: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Allure of the Seas itineraries

Allure of the Seas sails from Port Canaveral until until July 2024, where she will offer 3 and 4-night cruises to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Oasis Class cruise ships rarely sail itineraries shorter than 6 or 7 nights, so having regularly scheduled short cruises on Allure of the Seas makes for an excellent getaway on one of Royal Caribbean’s most impressive cruise ships.

What’s “missing” on Allure of the Seas?

Most comparisons of Allure of the Seas to other ships in the Oasis Class revolve around the fact that the ship is “missing” several activities, bars, and dining venues found on other ships. These include:

• The Ultimate Abyss, Royal Caribbean’s dry slide which plummets guests 100 feet from the Sports Court down to the Boardwalk neighborhood
• Waterslides
• Bionic Bar, the futuristic bar serving cocktails made by robotic bartenders
• Escape Room
• Laser Tag
• Wonderland, an eclectic specialty restaurant
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

Personally, having these features missing does not make Allure of the Seas any less desirable to me. I rarely use the onboard waterslides or Ultimate Abyss, and while an escape room is fun, I can keep busy with other activities onboard. Plus, you can still find a zip line, sports court, 2 FlowRiders, Adventure Ocean programming, a carousel, and other kid-friendly activities on the ship.

That being said, not having waterslides could be considered a downside of Allure of the Seas for some passengers. Whereas other Oasis Class ships have three waterslides in addition to small slides at Splashaway Bay, Allure of the Seas does not have even one.

While there is more than enough to keep kids entertained on Allure, if your kids can’t wait to check out the waterslides onboard a cruise ship, it’s probably best to pick another ship in the Oasis Class or spend the day at Thrill Waterpark if your Allure cruise visits Perfect Day at CocoCay.

As far as dining and lounge venues are concerned, I did not have any complaints with what was available on Allure of the Seas. Being an Oasis Class ship, Allure of the Seas has a ton of places to eat and drink onboard even if she hasn’t been amplified.

Related: The Oasis Class features that are only left on Allure of the Seas

As someone who cruises frequently, it was refreshing to see a range of dining options on Allure of the Seas not found as commonly on other Royal Caribbean ships. I preferred my meals at Samba Grill and Sabor on Allure of the Seas much more than my dining experience at Wonderland (which can be found on other Oasis Class ships).

Related: I tried Royal Caribbean's least well-known specialty restaurant: here's what I thought

So perhaps we shouldn’t look at Allure of the Seas in the context of what’s missing, but what makes the ship unique.

What I loved about Allure of the Seas

Diamond Lounge location

One of the best perks of being a Diamond member in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society is access to the Diamond Lounge.

Related: Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program info, tips & secrets

On every other Oasis Class ship, the Diamond Lounge is tucked into a room on Deck 4 with no windows. It’s not somewhere I enjoy spending time, as I’d rather be hanging out somewhere with an outside view.

On Allure of the Seas, however, this space has massive windows overlooking the Boardwalk neighborhood and ocean. 

Sabor Mexican restaurant

Something else I loved on Allure of the Seas was Sabor, Royal Caribbean’s Mexican specialty restaurant.

I didn’t have the highest expectations when I made a reservation at Sabor. Not only do I live in an area of the US with wonderful, authentic Mexican food, but I was on a cruise visiting Mexico. Surely the food at Sabor couldn’t compete with the food I enjoyed in port, right?

In reality, Sabor exceeded my expectations and I was kicking myself for waiting until the last day of the cruise to dine there.

We savored a meal of guacamole (customized to your spice preference!), pico de gallo, quesadillas, fish and chicken tacos, and queso fundido.

Despite feeling completely stuffed after way too much guacamole, I made room for a mouthwatering dessert of cinnamon churros, banana and chocolate chimichanga, flan, and cafe con leche.

Endless guacamole, tacos, and churros? Yes, please!

Entertainment options

The ship’s AquaTheater show, OceanAria, may have been the best AquaTheater show I’ve seen yet. It had a huge focus on acrobatics, including an insanely impressive acro yoga performance. I wish I had seen the show more than once! While all AquaTheater shows on Oasis Class ships are entertaining, I enjoyed OceanAria the most.

Additionally, the ship’s Studio B show, Ice Games, was one of my favorite ice skating shows to date. I have a hard time understanding the plot of most ice skating shows, but Ice Games was easy to follow. The show revolved around a Monopoly game in which the cast members (or guests!) rolled a die that would transport the set to an area of Allure of the Seas.

The ice skating rink changed from Giovanni’s Table to the Boardwalk and Arcade, and the whole show was beyond fun to watch!

Central Park

Something I love about sailing on the “older” ships in the Oasis Class (Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas) is that the plants and trees in Central Park have had over ten years to grow. The park is full of tall, lush trees and massive plant walls that are much more impressive than on the newer Oasis Class ships.

As someone who loves spending time in Central Park, I liked how the space felt more integrated with nature on Allure of the Seas compared to the newer ships.

Related: Top 10 Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas insider tips & secrets

Cheaper pricing

Perhaps the best benefit of cruising on Allure of the Seas is that prices are often the lowest of any Oasis Class ship. Because she has not been amplified and thus lacks activities like waterslides and new dining venues, Royal Caribbean prices her itineraries at a reasonable cost.

My 6-night cruise, for example, was $1152 for two guests in a Boardwalk balcony cabin including gratuities. At $192 per night ($96 per person, per night), I felt it was a great deal for sailing on one of Royal Caribbean’s biggest cruise ships.

Considering a cruise on Allure of the Seas? Check out more of our advice for planning the best cruise vacation:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas offers passengers nearly endless activities to choose from onboard. As one of the largest cruise ships in the world, it’s easy to overlook some of the ship’s features and amenities.

Knowing the “hidden” spots to discover on Allure of the Seas can make your cruise more enjoyable, whether it means skipping crowds at the Windjammer or relaxing in a quiet spot with an ocean view.

Here’s our list of the top 10 hidden secrets (and one bonus) on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas.

Secret sun deck

While the Solarium is located on deck 15 of Allure of the Seas, a secret outdoor sundeck can be accessed from deck 14.

If you take the forward elevators to deck 14 and walk all the way forward through the hallways, you’ll reach a large, outdoor sun deck that not many passengers know about.

In addition to the large deck space are two bridge wings that jet off the sides of Allure of the Seas. This might just be the best place to watch sailaway and sunsets onboard. Beware of the wind, however, as this part of the ship can get extremely windy!

Small wonders

Hidden all over Allure of the Seas are small wonders, small art pieces that are easily overlooked by those who don’t know they exist.

Small wonders look like a periscope/telescope and rise from the ground to eye-level. If you look through the “eyes” of the sculpture, you’ll find tiny, cool art inside to enjoy.

Finding small wonders is a lot of fun for kids and adults, and there are over twenty of them all over Allure of the Seas.

Hint: If you give up and cannot find them all, Guest Services can provide you with a list of them to help!

Central Park secret deck

Just outside the elevator lobbies on deck 9, aft of Allure of the Seas are two small balconies overlooking Central Park.

Each of these balconies has a table and two chairs, and it’s a relaxing spot to enjoy a drink, play cards, or simply relax with a view. It’s also one of the best spots to get your photo taken with Central Park in the background.

Carnival games

Cruising with kids? Open your Royal Caribbean app, click on the “Games” tab at the bottom of the screen next to the Excursions button, and head to the Boardwalk.

Located across from Sabor Bar on the Boardwalk are three posters that, at first glance, appear to be solely for decoration.

These posters actually lead you to a game within Royal Caribbean’s app, and can be a fun activity for kids to try while onboard.

There are three games to play: Splish Splash Soak, Duck Duck Bear, and Go-Go Gopher. You can activate the game by first selecting the game on Royal Caribbean's app and then pointing your phone at the poster on the Boardwalk.

Shuffleboard and viewing area

Walking all the way through the Boardwalk will lead you to the AquaTheater. If you circle around the AquaTheater, you’ll find a path along the aft of Allure of the Seas.

This viewing area offers not only phenomenal views of the ship’s wake, but you can also play shuffleboard here and look in the ship’s direction for a unique viewpoint of the Boardwalk neighborhood.

If you’re looking for one of the best selfie spots on Allure of the Seas, this is it.

Adirondack chairs

Allure of the Seas has a jogging/running track outdoors that wraps around deck 5 of the ship, but did you know there are seating areas on this deck offering unbeatable views of the ship’s wake?

If you walk all the way to the back of the ship on the running track, you’ll run into several comfortable Adirondack chairs near the railing. This makes for a quiet, peaceful spot to enjoy an ocean view without the crowds you’ll find on the pool deck or in the Solarium.

Aquatheater show viewing area

Did you forget to make reservations for the AquaTheater show and your showtime of choice is fully booked? If so, there’s still a way you can enjoy the show without a reservation.

Deck 7, aft on both the port and starboard sides of the ship is used for rock climbing during the day. At night, however, these decks can be one of the best places to watch AquaTheater shows in the evening, and you won’t need a reservation to watch the show from there.

You can access these decks by walking to the AquaTheater on the Boardwalk and up a flight of stairs (follow the signs for “Rock Climbing Wall”). If you don’t have a reservation, walk all the way aft through the hallways on deck 7. A door is found at the end of the hallway that will take you to the outdoor deck.

Best breakfast spot: Johnny Rockets

If you want one of the best breakfast spots on Allure of the Seas that will not be nearly as crowded as the Windjammer, head to Johnny Rockets on the Boardwalk.

On Allure of the Seas, Johnny Rockets is open for breakfast and offers some great traditional breakfast items, such as pancakes, omelettes, French toast, and more.

The best part? It’s free! Johnny Rockets is complimentary for breakfast on Allure of the Seas (lunch and dinner still cost extra).

Embarkation day lunch spots

The Windjammer buffet can get pretty busy on embarkation day since so many guests head there for lunch immediately after boarding Allure of the Seas. Instead of the Windjammer, there are some good alternatives to consider that will be far less crowded.

Sabor, Park Cafe, Boardwalk Dog House, Wipe Out Cafe, and Johnny Rockets are all open on embarkation day on Allure of the Seas and you will find great food without the crowds.

Exit the Amber Theater on deck 5

Whether you’re watching Mamma Mia or the Love & Marriage Game Show, you’ll probably find yourself in the Amber Theater at one point or another on Allure of the Seas.

Imagine this: you just finished seeing another great show in the theater and it’s time to leave. The problem? There’s a huge crowd of people all trying to exit the theater at once and the line doesn’t seem to be moving.

Your best bet is to head up to deck 5 (the upper level of the Amber Theater) and exit on that deck.

Why? Deck 4 (the main entrance) empties into a narrow elevator lobby and the casino, whereas deck 5 opens up into the Royal Promenade. There is physically far more space for guests to exit on deck 5.

BONUS: the best drink you don’t know about: Cucumber Martini

There are so many drinks to try on any Royal Caribbean cruise, but if you are on Allure of the Seas, you should go out of your way to try a drink unique to this class of ships: the Cucumber Martini.

The cucumber martini has reached cult status with many Royal Caribbean fans and is available at two bars onboard: 150 Central Park and the Champagne Bar.

This drink is light, very refreshing, and is also quite tasty!

Planning a cruise on Allure of the Seas? Check out more of our best tips & tricks:

• The Oasis Class features that are only left on Allure of the Seas
• All about Oasis Class cruise ships
• Top 25 free things you can do on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has steadily updated each of its Oasis Class cruise ships, but Allure of the Seas is the last ship that has features from the original design.

When Oasis of the Seas started sailing in December, 2009 it was the largest, most innovative cruise ship in the world. Thirteen years later it is still a marvel in the industry.

Four other Oasis class ships have come along with different features including new restaurants, dry slides, water slides and escape rooms.

Read more: What was added to each Royal Caribbean ship during its Royal Amplified refurbishment

Due to the global pandemic, Allure of the Seas has had her scheduled upgrades suspended for at least the next three years (according to the current Hotel Manager).

While I’m here on my favorite Oasis class ship for the next eight days, I thought I’d share some classic features of the ship you either can’t find on the others or are slowly being phased out.

Royal Promenade

One of my favorite venues is the Champagne Bar. I’m always looking for a good martini and the Champagne Bar consistently delivers with my classic favorites. The bar staff also is great at coming up with new flavors I’ve never thought to try.

That space has been replaced with the Bionic Bar on the other Oasis Class ships. This is where you can get your drinks made for you by the robotic bartenders. I, myself am not a fan of the Bionic Bar which obviously puts me in the minority or Royal wouldn’t keep adding them to their ships. I miss the personal connection to the bar staff and the inviting ambiance of the Champagne bar. The Bionic Bar always seems to be very bright and stark in contrast.

Deck 5 is also where you’ll find the On-Air Club. It’s here that karaoke and some visual trivia takes place. While it still exists on other ships, Oasis and Wonder have re-named it “Spotlight Karaoke” and it is now a designated karaoke bar.

Pool Deck

The biggest difference between Allure and the other Oasis class ships is the absence of the water slides.

The other four ships have “The Perfect Storm.” They consist of two twisting slides, The Typhoon and The Cyclone along with a separate bowl-style slide named Supercell. In this area on Allure you’ll find three hot tubs.

Another missing feature is the Lime and Coconut bars that are found on Oasis and Wonder. The Sand Bar and Pool Bar are in these locations but they don’t deliver the Caribbean theming that the Lime and Coconut brings to those ships.

The Solarium Bistro is available on all ships for breakfast and lunch however, Allure is the only one that turns the restaurant into the Samba Grill in the evenings. Samba Grill is Royal’s take on the Brazilian Steakhouse, with gauchos serving meats tableside.

Deck 15 on Allure is also where you’ll find the last of the Wipe Out Café’s. This outdoor restaurant serves breakfast daily. You can find hamburgers and sandwiches during lunch hours. It has been replaced by El Loco Fresh on Oasis and Symphony.

The Living Room is the onboard club for teens. I wouldn’t say it’s being phased out, as there will always be an area for the younger cruises, however, that space on Oasis has been replaced by Port Side BBQ and on Wonder by their expanded Windjammer Café.

Deck 14: No Escape!

The card room on Deck 14 (named Seven Hearts) has board games and computers; along with plenty of tables.

This area on Oasis and Wonder has been replaced by Escape rooms Apollo 18 and The Observatorium, respectively.

Diamond Lounge

Allure is the only ship that still has their Diamond Lounge on Deck 11, overlooking the Boardwalk. It is, by far, my favorite location in the fleet. The lounge is for Crown and Anchor members, Diamond and above.

Here, you have access to a specialty coffee machine. Food includes continental breakfast in the morning, some snacks during the day (cookies, fruit etc.) and hors d’oeuvres in the evening, with cocktail service.

There is also a dedicated concierge to help you with things like dining and show reservations.

There are stairs leading up to Deck 12 that used to be part of the lounge but is now reserved for Chef’s Table dinner.

On the other Oasis class ships, the Diamond Lounge (and the Library next door) has been replaced with the Wonderland specialty restaurant or in Oasis’ case, additional staterooms.

Boardwalk

The other major difference between Allure and the others is the absence of The Abyss, the dry slide. You will not find the two purple tubes at the end of the Boardwalk blocking your view to the ocean. I happen to love that, especially if you have Boardwalk balcony room.

Sabor, the Mexican specialty dining venue has been replaced on Oasis, Symphony and Wonder with Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.

Allure’s Boardwalk Donuts, Cups & Scoops ice cream parlor and the Arcade also occupy the space that has been taken over by Playmakers on the other ships.

In addition, Sabor has a separate bar in the center of the Boardwalk that on the other ships is the landing area of The Abyss slide.

Comedy Club

Deck 4 is where you’ll find the dedicated comedy club on Allure.

On her sister ships, that has been turned into the Diamond Club lounge.

No need to fear, comedy lovers. You can still find the comedians in Blaze, The Attic or even in the main theater.

Specialty Suites

Allure and Oasis are the only ships in the class that feature the Owner’s and Grand Panoramic Suites.

These suites are pretty much the same layout with the Owner’s being approximately 160 square feet larger. They are on opposite sides of deck 17 (1701 and 1758).

What makes them particularly unique is the private hot tub on their balconies.

Final thoughts

There hasn’t been an official date for Allure’s amplification beyond a vague three year timeline. No word on what she will receive but you can pretty much bet it will include the Abyss and Perfect Storm slides. In fact, I noticed that in the gift shop, the ship ornament for Allure already has the addition of the Abyss.

This winter Allure will be leaving Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale and moving on to Galveston, Texas. In the fall of 2023, she’ll be back in Florida doing three and four night sailings from Port Canaveral. I look forward to sailing on her many more times in these next three years to enjoy the venues I love before they’re gone forever.

For the first time ever, an Oasis Class cruise ship will offer regular 3- and 4-night cruises.

Royal Caribbean unveiled its 2023-2024 Short Caribbean cruises on Tuesday, and Allure of the Seas will begin offering short sailings in late 2023.

Traditionally, Oasis Class ships sail 7-night cruises.  These are the biggest cruise ships in the world, and by offering so much to see and do onboard, Royal Caribbean always sailed them on the longer sailings.

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has steadily improved the vessels offering weekend cruises from Florida, beginning with amplified Voyager Class ships, and more recently the slightly larger Freedom Class ships.

Allure of the Seas transitioning to short Caribbean voyages will open up a new enticing option to the getaway cruise market.

Allure of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida beginning on October 31, 2023 and alternate between 3- and 4-night cruises that visit Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The new short sailings run through at least April 15, 2024.

Allure of the Seas had been deployed to Galveston, Texas since late 2022, but Harmony of the Seas will take over so that Allure can move to Florida.

In an interview with Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider, he indicated the idea of having short cruises on an Oasis Class ship is an exciting new plan, "We've loved our our three or four short program. It's been tremendously successful.

"We've never piloted that with an Oasis class ship before. So Allure of the Seas will be the first pilot of a three or four night short program."

Other short Caribbean sailings

In addition to the Allure change, Royal Caribbean released 7 other ship deployments.

Adventure of the Seas will sail from Galveston and offer 4-, 5- and 6-night Western Caribbean cruises.

Freedom of the Seas will continue to offer 3- and 4- night cruises from Miami that visit CocoCay & Nassau.

Grandeur of the Seas will also sail from Miami, and run primarily Southern Caribbean voyages that are as long as 12 nights in some cases. She will also offer 4- and 5- cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean.

Independence of the Seas will sail 3-, 4-, and 5- night cruises from Miami to CocoCay & Nassau.

Liberty of the Seas will call Fort Lauderdale home, and offer 3-6 night cruises around the Caribbean and Bahamas.

Mariner of the Seas will also sail from Port Canaveral with more varied 4- and 5-night Caribbean cruises.

Radiance of the Seas will move from Vancouver, and initially offer one west coast cruise down to San Diego, before embarking on a Panama Canal cruise to Tampa, where she will sail 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean cruises.

Next deployments

More cruises will be announced over the course of the next few weeks.

Royal Caribbean's deployment schedule is as follows:

• Week of March 14: Los Angeles
• Week of March 28: Barbados & Panama
• Week of April 4: Australia
• Week of April 11: China
• Week of April 18: 7-night Caribbean
• Week of June 6: Singapore

Keep in mind that the deployment schedule is subject to change.

Planning on booking a 2023 cruise? These stories will help:

• 5 things to look for before you book a cruise
• What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?
• Should I take a short or a long cruise?
• Why you shouldn't book the cheapest cruise you can find