Allure of the Seas Amplified: Full Review After $100M Refurbishment

Explore what’s new on the newly amplified Allure of the Seas. From updated venues to modernised decks and fresh dining, here’s our full post-refurbishment review.

Allure of the Seas Amplified: Full Review After $100M Refurbishment

Allure of the Seas Amplified: Is It Worth Sailing After Her $100 Million Makeover?

After years of sailing as one of Royal Caribbean’s most iconic — yet increasingly outdated — ships, Allure of the Seas has finally undergone a $100 million amplification. The result? A refreshed experience that feels far closer to the newer Oasis-class vessels.

In this review, we’ll walk you through what’s changed, what’s been added, and whether the newly revitalised Allure now lives up to her legendary name.

A Ship Reborn: First Impressions

For many cruisers, Allure had become one of the less exciting ships in the fleet. Worn carpets, faded signage, and tired décor meant she was often overshadowed by her newer sisters. But from the moment you step onboard the amplified Allure, it’s clear those days are gone.

Fresh carpets, updated lighting, modern digital displays, and a new coat of paint have transformed the feel of the ship. It no longer feels “behind the times” — in fact, it now holds its own against newer vessels like Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

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New Dining & Venue Highlights

The most visible changes on board come in the form of new venues — many of which are debuting on Allure for the first time.

The Mason Jar

A Southern-inspired restaurant offering comfort food classics like fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, and jalapeño cornbread. There's live music, a charming porch-style design, and cocktails with flair — including an apple pie old fashioned served with a warm empanada.

Playmakers Sports Bar

Replacing the underwhelming Sabor restaurant, Playmakers brings energy to the Boardwalk. Think burgers, wings, and sports on screen — a lively space that finally makes full use of the area.

El Loco Fresh

Ideal for a relaxed lunch or embarkation day bite, this Mexican spot serves tacos, burritos, nachos, and rice bowls — all complimentary. It’s tucked away on deck with open-air seating, avoiding the usual buffet chaos.

Crown Lounge (Diamond Members)

Now relocated and above ground, the new Diamond Lounge is light, modern, and far more welcoming. A definite upgrade.

Pesky Parrot

A new cocktail bar on the Royal Promenade, with tropical drinks and a vibrant atmosphere. Great for a casual evening stop before or after the theatre.

Top Deck Overhaul

The open decks have also seen a dramatic transformation. New flooring, fresh paint, and all-new sun loungers bring the area to life. The Splashaway Bay kids’ zone has been expanded, and new waterslides have been installed — not just repainted, but fully replaced.

Casitas (for rent) have been added to offer shaded loungers, and everything feels brighter and more modern. The ship’s age really disappears out here.

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Samba Grill: A Welcome Surprise

One of the standout meals of the cruise was at Samba Grill, a Brazilian-style steakhouse new to Allure. With a full salad bar and tableside service offering multiple cuts of meat, it’s a feast from start to finish.

The meat quality was excellent, service was exceptional, and the final touch — cinnamon-coated grilled pineapple — was a guest favourite. While there is an additional charge, it’s an experience that’s well worth it.

Entertainment on Board

The Allure still brings Royal Caribbean’s signature entertainment to the table — including:

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It’s worth booking your shows in advance using the Royal Caribbean app or website. Seats do fill up quickly.

Crowds & Comfort: How Does She Handle?

Despite the addition of over 100 new cabins during the refurbishment, crowd flow was surprisingly smooth. Even with a full ship, it didn’t feel overly packed. Dining venues were accessible, entertainment bookings manageable, and the public spaces never felt overwhelmed.

A Few Considerations

There are still a couple of areas that haven’t changed much — namely, the cabins. While clean and functional, the staterooms haven’t seen the same level of upgrade as the public spaces. (We’ll be covering that in a separate review.)

Also, bear in mind that Mediterranean weather in May and early June can be surprisingly chilly and wet. If you're sailing during shoulder season, pack a light jacket and a few layers just in case.

Final Verdict: Has the Amplification Made a Difference?

Without a doubt. The $100 million refurbishment has breathed new life into Allure of the Seas. She now feels polished, modern, and worthy of the Oasis-class legacy.

For anyone who previously avoided the Allure because of her ageing interiors, this is a great time to reconsider. From the restaurants and bars to the entertainment and top-deck features, the experience has been significantly elevated.

Planning Your Cruise?

Before you sail: