This giant Royal Caribbean ship is about to get a massive makeover
One of the biggest Royal Caribbean ships at sea is about to get a major glow-up.
The Miami-based line on Tuesday announced that the massive 225,282-ton Allure of the Seas will head to a shipyard early next year for a $100 million overhaul.
The refurbishment will include the addition of new Ultimate Panoramic Suites above Allure's bridge, which will offer 200-degree ocean views. Other changes will include a vamped-up Caribbean pool deck with upgraded loungers and cabanas, new top-deck attractions, an expansion of the adults-only Solarium area, upgraded kids and teens hangouts, and new dining and bar venues.
Allure's makeover has been a long time coming. Beginning in 2018, the line's "Royal Amplified" program included significant refurbishments for Voyager Class, Freedom Class and Oasis Class ships. Allure was all set to get a big "amplification" in 2020.
However, the update was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It left Allure as the only Oasis Class ship without some of the major new features put on other ships, such as the Ultimate Abyss dry slide. Most notably, Allure is the only Oasis Class ship without waterslides. These missing elements will finally be added during the ship's 2025 overhaul.
Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained
During the update, Royal Caribbean plans to add its popular top-deck attractions to Allure of the Seas, including the waterslide trio The Perfect Storm, a Splashaway Bay watery zone for younger passengers and an expanded version of the poolside bar The Lime and Coconut.
New dining and drink options will include the Caribbean-themed tiki bar Pesky Parrot, which debuted on Utopia of the Seas (it replaces the line's Bionic Bar and robot bartenders). Additionally, the ship will finally get The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant and Bar, which is currently only on Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade will also be added to Allure during the renovation.
Allure of the Seas, the second of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, was launched in 2010. The vessel will enter the shipyard for an overhaul in February 2025 and debut its new look in April 2025.
After that, Allure of the Seas will sail Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona during summer 2025 before heading to Fort Lauderdale in November 2025. The vessel will sail six- to eight-night Caribbean vacations to the Eastern Caribbean and the Bahamas, with stops at Royal Caribbean's private islands Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas (set to open in late 2025).
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