---

November 24, 2025

When Royal Caribbean announced the modernization of Allure of the Seas, many expected a dramatic transformation.

Expectations were high, especially given the prestige of the Oasis Class and the ship’s reputation, having won over a large community of enthusiasts since its debut. After visiting the ship both before and after the refurbishment, the conclusion is clear: the vessel has been refreshed, enhanced, and energized… but not radically reinvented. It’s an evolution rather than a revolution — and that’s part of its charm. Its original spirit remains intact, yet it now feels noticeably fresher and more contemporary.

What has really changed thanks to an investment of more than $100 million is immediately noticeable throughout the ship. Guests can enjoy new dining venues, several redesigned bars, a resort-style revamped pool deck, and updated public areas. The result is a ship that feels livelier and more comfortable than ever, while still preserving the charm and character that made it a favorite from the very beginning. It is clear that the goal was not to transform, but to enhance what already worked.

Inside, the changes are more subtle. Central Park, the Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade keep their iconic feel — slightly refreshed, but very familiar. The overall impression is that of a rejuvenated ship rather than a completely reimagined one, a place where regular passengers happily rediscover beloved spaces while also noticing subtle, widespread improvements.

The Real Highlight: The New Sports Bar on the Royal Promenade

The most impactful addition is undeniably the Sports Bar, now perfectly integrated into the Royal Promenade. With its energetic atmosphere, giant screens, and lively crowd, it quickly becomes one of the ship’s central gathering points. Not only does it enhance the offering, but it also fills a gap that many guests had long wished for.

A Revamped Bar Scene… While Preserving the Classics

The refurbishment also reshaped the ship’s bar offerings. The Country Bar, a true newcomer, brings a warm and lively atmosphere, complete with fantastic country-style live music. Meanwhile, the Schooner Bar continues to offer its iconic, intimate piano-lounge vibe, a staple of Royal Caribbean. The Irish Pub retains its cozy, authentic charm, with classic wood décor and a convivial mood.

Each venue maintains a strong personality, contributing to the rich character of the Promenade and enhancing the overall experience on board. The variety of spaces allows guests to enjoy ever-changing evenings without straying far from the ship’s heart.

Activities: Still Some of the Best at Sea

If there’s one area where Allure of the Seas continues to shine, it’s in its wide range of complimentary activities. Even after the upgrades, the ship remains a true playground at sea, offering everything from the FlowRider surf simulator and a real ice-skating rink with free skating sessions and incredible shows, to a laser tag arena, a zip line soaring above the Boardwalk, a rock-climbing wall, and a mini-golf course.

These activities make the ship genuinely unique, ensuring that guests never run out of things to do, even during a full day at sea. For many, this is one of the main reasons Allure remains a perfect destination for families and groups of friends.

Entertainment: Still Exceptional

Allure’s entertainment offering continues to impress at an exceptionally high level. Guests can enjoy spectacular performances, from ice-skating shows and the breathtaking AquaTheater water shows to the outstanding Broadway musical Mamma Mia! and a range of polished, professional traditional theater productions.

Even after the refurbishment, Allure remains one of the most impressive entertainment ships in the world, offering experiences that captivate guests of all ages. This is an area where the ship continues to stand out, offering shows comparable to land-based productions.

The 24/7 Spa: A Royal Caribbean Exclusive

Another standout feature is the spa open 24 hours a day, a rare luxury in the cruise industry. Being able to relax at any time — late at night or after a long excursion — adds a sense of freedom to the entire vacation experience.

Complimentary Dining: a solid foundation with room for more variety

The quality of the included restaurants is more than satisfactory and provides a reliable day-to-day culinary offering. On longer sailings, however, some menu items tend to repeat a bit too often. Adding a touch more variety and creativity could make the overall dining experience even more enjoyable and well-rounded.

Nightlife: pleasant, but with a distinctly American feel

Evenings on board offer a welcoming, well-organized atmosphere, though European guests may notice a stronger leaning toward American tastes—especially in the music selection and the style of themed events. With a slightly more international touch, the nightlife could become even more engaging for a global audience. The foundation is already strong, and precisely because of this, adding more international elements could further elevate the experience.

Following the refurbishment, the ship alternates between Caribbean and European itineraries depending on the season, with stops including CocoCay, St. Maarten, San Juan, Barcelona, and Fort Lauderdale.

 

Allure of the Seas was not transformed from top to bottom, but it has been smartly enhanced: exceptional activities, spectacular shows, a great new Sports Bar, a fun Country Bar, a 24/7 spa, and a generally modernized look.

With a few areas to improve, such as meal variety and nightlife better suited for European guests, it remains one of the world’s most complete, entertaining, and impressive ships. A ship that continues to amaze without losing its identity.

Don’t miss the latest news, updates, and reviews of Royal Caribbean on Cruising Journal, complete with photos, videos, and cruise deals.

Joris Lemesle

Comments