Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Review – Everything You Should Know

Everyone loves a good vacation, and there’s nothing better than cruising on a large ship. We enjoy these types of trips because they’re usually all-inclusive, give you a good ocean view, and make you feel like royalty, even if you’re not holding a first-class ticket.

We just got back from a wedding cruise on this ship.  This is my Allure of the Seas review based on a trip we took in November 2024.  

The Allure of the Seas is 225,282 tons and was the world’s largest cruise vessel for about six years. Other ships kept stealing that title, and the latest is the Wonder of the Seas, which debuted in 2022.

Still, the Allure of the Seas can accommodate 5,492 passengers in double occupancy or 6,452 if every berth is full.

Are you ready to see how wonderful this ship is? Continue reading our Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas review to learn more!

Quick Facts

Here are just a few quick facts about the ship before we get into the nitty-gritty:

Pros

• Caters to all types of cruisers

Cons

• Too much upselling
• Extra fees everywhere

Bottom Line

You can’t beat Allure of the Seas if you want a fun-filled trip with plenty of activities on a cruise ship.

About the Cruise Ship

• 2,384 crew members
• Holds 5,492 passengers
• A 2.3:1 ratio of passengers to crew
• Launched in 2009
• 367 shore excursions available

Where It Sails To

• The Bahamas
• The Western Mediterranean
• The Western Caribbean
• The Eastern Caribbean

Where It Sails From

• Miami
• Fort Lauderdale
• Rome
• Galveston
• Civitavecchia
• Barcelona
• Port Everglades

Deck Plan on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

Allure of the Seas actually shares much of its style with other Oasis-class ship options. For example, it features a neighborhood concept that divides everything into seven specific spaces. There are also inward-facing balcony cabins, an ice rink, surf simulators, an outdoor AquaTheater, a bar that spans three decks, and one of the best kids’ programs.

Overall, Allure of the Seas is breathtaking in ambition and scale, but it won’t feel overwhelming. You can experience the Boardwalk neighborhood, which was inspired by Coney Island. It features a carousel, shops, and the AquaTheater. Plus, there’s a foliage-filled Central Park area that has 60 types of trees and 12,000 plants.

Onboard Allure of the Seas, you’ll also find Deck 6, which houses the Boardwalk Bar. Deck 14 features Adventure Ocean and is all for the kids. Then, there’s Deck 15; it includes the Sports Zone. Basketball courts, ping-pong tables, mini-golf, a zipline, and surf simulators abound here.

Astonishingly, the ship won’t feel crowded. We did sense the total number of people aboard during parade times and on the pool deck, but it never seemed like it was too much.

When you need a little break from all the excitement, you can sit in “Central Park” on the ship. Grab a drink, rest under a tree, and enjoy the piped-in stars above you.

Deck 5 is where it’s at. This is a major hub on the ship and features the Royal Promenade. The shopping mall almost runs the full length. Here, you will find the Champagne Bar, the guest services desk, and a karaoke lounge. Boleros has a dance floor and the On Air Club, which offers many fun activities during the day.

Crown Loft Suites for the Win on This Cruise Line

Each room on Allure of the Seas features a balcony cabin. Ultimately, this can be good or bad, depending on your preferences. Noise problems can happen, especially if you book a two-story option with downstairs living spaces.

Restaurants on the Allure of the Seas Ship

We were surprised at how many restaurants Allure of the Seas offered. While it’s important to have variety, there are countless options. Our standout choices include Sabor for Mexican cuisine, Central Park’s six-course tasting menu, and Chops Grille Steakhouse.

Free and “For-a-Fee” Fun Offerings

If this is your first cruise, you’re in the right place. Whether you have a family, go with your significant other, or grab a group of friends, everyone will experience a fun-filled break from the daily grind.

However, we should warn you: Allure of the Seas is flooded with tons of extra offerings, such as Coach bags, build-your-own stuffed animals, ice cream, and more. In a sense, it’s quite easy to forget what’s included with your ticket, most of which are primarily for the Oasis Class.

You can use the zip line, surf, listen to Broadway show tunes, and ride the carousel. Still, paying for the Lady Gaga dance class might be more fun than visiting the for-fee candy store.

Overall, you can enjoy Allure for the cruise fare price alone. It isn’t easy, though, because there are so many temptations.

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What’s Included in the Cruise Fare?

These things are included in your cruise fare:

• Gratuities, if you booked the cruise in New Zealand or Australia and used those countries’ currencies
• Adventure Ocean Kids programs (available until 10 PM for those aged 6 months to 17 years)
• Use of watersports items, the carousel horse, zip line areas, mini-golf, FlowRider machines, and the sports complex
• Use of the gym (no classes included)
• Most of the daily activities, except those in the Cruise Compass or listed below
• Shows within the main theater, including “Blue Planet”
• Meals and snacks in the Wipeout Cafe, Solarium Bistro, Sorrento’s, Park Cafe, Cafe Promenade, and the Boardwalk Dog House
• Live music in several bars (may have to purchase drinks to stay)
• Snacks and meals in the main dining rooms and the Windjammer Marketplace

What Isn’t Included in the Cruise Fare?

Here are a few things that aren’t included in your cruise fare:

• Artwork and photos
• Wi-Fi
• Shore excursions
• Adventure Ocean babysitting
• Certain activities (sushi-making classes, bingo, wine-tasting events, and art/craft sessions)
• Fitness center training and classes
• Salon and spa services
• Most specialty dining options
• Room service (except the complimentary continental breakfast)
• Drinks (except iced/hot tea, water, select juices, and coffee)
• Gratuities of 18 percent on spa, salon, beverage, and dining purchases
• Crew gratuities ($17.50/person/day in the Grand Suites and $14.50/person/day in the Junior Suites)

Daytime Dress Code on the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Ship

The ship has a casual dress code and vibe during the day, so most people wear pool attire.

Evening Dress Code on the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Ship

During a weeklong cruise, there are five casual nights and two formal ones.

On casual evenings, you will see slacks and jeans in the main dining room and even nice restaurants. T-shirts and shorts are perfect, as well.

For formal evenings, women often don gowns or cocktail dresses, while men wear dark suits and tuxedos.

Tank tops aren’t allowed in the restaurants, though they are permitted in the buffet for dinner. Likewise, you can’t go around in bare feet in any venue. Typically, shorts are discouraged in the main dining room, but people wear them anyway.

Final Thoughts on Royal Caribbean Ships and the Allure of the Seas Cruise Line

If you’re planning your first or next cruise, Allure of the Seas is an excellent choice. We often pick this ship from the Royal Caribbean line because it’s family-friendly, all-inclusive (for the most part), and decently priced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Will the Allure of the Seas Sail To?

Allure of the Seas will cruise to Nassau, Malaga, Alicante, Cartagena (Spain), Falmouth, Labadee, San Juan, St. Maarten, Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, Miami, Roatan, Galveston, Maples, Rome (Civitavecchia), St. Kitts (Port Zante), La Spezia (Cinque Terre), Marseille, Palma de Mallorca (Majorca), Barcelona, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades).

Where Will the Allure of the Seas Sail From?

The Allure of the Seas ship departs from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Rome, and Galveston.

Is the Allure of the Seas One of the Best Cruise Ships to Use?

We think Allure of the Seas is an excellent cruise ship. In fact, it’s won 57 awards throughout the years.

How Much Will It Cost to Cruise on Allure of the Seas?

Cruises on the Allure of the Seas ship start at just $309 per person.