cruise critic royal caribbean allure of the seas

• Cruise Podcast

Allure of the Seas 2024 Review + Cruise News [Podcast]

Doug Parker

• March 7, 2024

In this episode of Cruise Radio, Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms discussed the latest cruise news, including a Royal Caribbean incident, ship inaugural changes, a port lawsuit, and a free cruise being offered to rate the casino on the new Princess ship.

Guest Kevin reviews his three-night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, detailing his family’s experience from dining to entertainment and excursions in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Timestamps:

• Disturbing incident on Symphony of the Seas (00:01:16)  Discussion of a disturbing incident involving a stateroom attendant on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas.
• Inaugural sailing changes (00:03:09)  Information about changes to the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas.
• Lawsuit over donkey incident (00:04:40)  A humorous discussion about a lawsuit involving a donkey incident at a cruise port.
• Limitation on cruise passengers in Bar Harbor (00:06:59)  Details about a limitation on cruise passengers in Bar Harbor, Maine, and its potential impact.
• Richard Branson’s surprise announcement (00:09:01)  Discussion of Sir Richard Branson’s surprise announcement of free cruises on the Resilient Lady for passengers on a Delta Airlines flight.
• Sun Princess casino promotion (00:10:29)  Information about a promotion by Casino.org offering a free cruise on the Sun Princess to review the ship’s casino.
• Charter cruise pricing (00:12:35)  Insights into the costs of chartering a cruise ship, including pricing examples for different cruise ships.
• Cruise review of Allure of the Seas (00:17:21)  A cruise review of Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, including pre-cruise thoughts, embarkation process, and boarding experience.
• These are the timestamps and topics covered in the podcast episode transcription segment.
• First Impressions (00:19:45)  Discusses the ship’s appearance and lack of COVID protocols.
• Room Choice (00:20:36)  Their choice of a balcony room and its features.
• Dining Experience (00:21:30)  Discuss the Windjammer buffet and alternative dining options.
• Dynamic Pricing (00:23:01)  Explains how dynamic pricing works on Royal Caribbean cruises.
• Main Dining Room Experience (00:24:19)  Speaker 6 shares their experience with early dining and the service quality.
• Entertainment (00:26:16)  The ship’s entertainment options and weather-dependent shows.
• Port Activities (00:31:00)  Describes their pirate ship excursion in Nassau.
• Perfect Day at Cococay (00:33:10)  Speaker 6 shares their experience at Oasis Lagoon and discusses budget-friendly activities on the island.
• Wi-Fi Experience (00:36:25)  Comparison of Wi-Fi experience on the ship and on the island.
• Disembarkation (00:36:58)  The process of leaving the ship at the end of the cruise.
• Disembarkation process (00:37:03)  Kevin describes the easy disembarkation process, collecting bags, and using facial recognition.
• First-time tips for sailing Allure of the Seas (00:37:44)  Kevin offers tips for first-time cruisers on Allure of the Seas, including entertainment reservations and planning.
• Family highlights on the cruise (00:39:11)  Kevin shares the joy of his son during the pirate adventure and beach day.
• Carousel and zip line (00:39:53)  Kevin discusses the free carousel and potential fees for the zip line on the ship.
• Kevin’s son’s cruise experience (00:40:40)  Kevin mentions his son’s extensive cruise experience at a young age.
• Final thoughts on Allure of the Seas (00:41:19)  Kevin recommends the ship and discusses its future location after leaving Port Canaveral.

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• Royal Caribbean International

Allure of the Seas

By Preziosa , February 3 in Royal Caribbean International

Recommended Posts

Do anyone know what happend with the sailings 11.th of April and 15.th of April 2025

from Barcelona. Now only 20.th of April 2025 show up on their website.

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BirdTravels

Ourusualbeach

15 minutes ago, BirdTravels said: Sold out?

Not for 2025

28 minutes ago, Preziosa said: Do anyone know what happend with the sailings 11.th of April and 15.th of April 2025 from Barcelona. Now only 20.th of April 2025 show up on their website.

Most likely explanation is her drydock has been extended

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LIST-TOPPER SHOWSTOPPER

Allure of the seas.

Explore deck-defying discoveries, world-class dining, and the best cruise entertainment onboard Allure of the Seas® - the most awarded ship in the world.

This Oasis Class favorite brings adventure to soaring new heights. Discover next-level thrills on every deck of Allure of the Seas®, from white-knuckle zip line rides ten decks up to totally splashworthy spaces for kids, like the interactive H20 Zone℠ Water Park. Get down after dark with more bars than any ship out there and savor a world of possibilities right onboard. Recognized for its dazzling onboard entertainment, thrilling attractions and wanderlust-fueled itineraries, this ship has already been named Best Large Cruise Ship, Best for Entertainment, and Best Individual Ship — and it’s just getting started. 

WHERE WILL YOUR WEEKEND GETAWAY TAKE YOU?

There’s an island getaway waiting with your name on it. Browse these cruises now and save big on your next travel adventure.

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LIVE EACH MOMENT TO THE MAX

When you set out on adventure like this, every moment onboard is an opportunity to make brag-worthy memories. Whether you’re fueling up on delicious gourmet hog dogs at Dog House, catching high-flying stunts at the AquaTheater, or practicing your salsa steps on the dance floor at Boleros, this is one thrill-filled getaway you’ll talk about for years to come. 

PLAY WITH YOUR WHOLE FAMILY

Allure of the Seas® offers something for everyone, from down-time done right in the adults-only Solarium to captivating views from the Rock Climbing Wall and hang-ten sessions on the FlowRider®*. Little ones will also find endless ways to have a blast with group activities and games at Adventure Ocean®. No matter what your age, thrills await around every corner.  

EXPLORE ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

LET THE FLAVOR FEST BEGIN

Stunning destinations and scene stealing entertainment aren’t the only things to look forward to on your vacation — there’s an adventure for your taste buds, too. Like mouthwatering Italian dishes at Giovanni’s℠ Table, elegant cuisine made from fresh and flavorful ingredients at 150 Central Park, and tender prime meat served in a classic steakhouse setting at Chops Grille℠. Make sure to bring your appetite. 

EXPLORE ONBOARD DINING

NIGHTS YOU'LL NEVER FORGET

Make it a night out at the theater and jive to all your favorite ABBA hits in Mamma Mia! then belt out everything from show tunes to shower tunes karaoke-style at On Air Club. Craving a date night with your plus-one? Order your favorite glass of wine at Trellis Bar before salsa stepping all night to live Latin bands at Boleros.

EXPLORE BARS & NIGHTLIFE

YOUR NEXT WEEKEND GETAWAY AWAITS

The sun-soaked shores of the Caribbean are closer than ever onboard Allure of the Seas®. Dive into the turquoise waters of the Bahamas while cruising from Florida and you'll have more ways than ever to pack adventure into your days.

SAIL FROM THE SUNSHINE STATE

It's time to win the Weekend! For the first time ever, fill your days on a short escape with Oasis Class thrills — onboard Allure of the Seas® sailing from Port Canaveral or Miami . Kick off your vacay even before you set sail by exploring Orlando’s state parks, emerald golf courses, and one-of-a-kind museums. Or cruise from Miami to enjoy the city's stunning beaches, lively neighborhoods, and melting pot of cultures.

EXPLORE FLORIDA CRUISES

EVERYONE LOVES SUN-DAYS

The weekend calls for your best beach day at the award-winning island Perfect Day at CocoCay. Pick from five stretches of powdery sand. Luxe the day away in an Overwater Cabana at Coco Beach Club® . Or crank up the party at Hideaway Beach , the ultimate adults-only beachfront paradise. Get your fix of non-stop thrills like the tallest waterslide in North America . And refuel over foodie finds from signature wings to all-you-can eat island favorites.

EXPLORE COCOCAY CRUISES

MEET THE WORLD'S BIGGEST, BOLDEST SHIPS

These engineering wonders take home awards every year for their cutting-edge design, first-of-their-kind attractions, world class dining and accommodations, and unforgettable experiences. From the tallest slide at sea, to culinary concepts that take guests from Japan to Italy to Wonderland, the world’s largest cruise ships are full of adventures guaranteed to wow every kind of explorer.

EXPLORE OUR OASIS CLASS SHIPS

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Sailing on Allure of the Seas®? Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Part of the fan-favorite Oasis Class, Allure of the Seas® has long been one of the most popular ships among couples and families. If you’re chasing thrills, try a white-knuckle zip line ride nine stories above the Boardwalk. If you’re looking to jam out with friends and family, hit the stage at On Air Club — you can belt out your favorite hits for the audience solo or croon the chorus line with your sing-along squad. For the ultimate date night, head to Giovanni’s℠ Table, an authentic Old-World experience where every dish tastes just like nonna would’ve intended, and where the wine list spotlights tasty reds and whites from around the world. Traveling with little ones? Allure of the Seas® offers fun-filled thrills for kids at Adventure Ocean®. And parents can kick back and get on island time at the adults-only Solarium, where the views are endless and the atmosphere is always perfect for unwinding. Whatever kind of vibe you’re looking for on your vacation, Allure of the Seas® checks all the boxes.

Your Guide To Dining Onboard Allure Of The Seas Foodies love Allure of the Seas. Here are 10 onboard dining options....

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Ultrawealthy cruising: See inside Royal Caribbean's most extravagant upgrades and a $100,000-a-week cabin on its Icon of the Seas

• Cruise giants are putting more "pay-to-play" amenities on their new ships.
• Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has high-end upcharge options like a $200-per-person dinner. 
• See what a vacation on the world's largest cruise ship is like for affluent travelers.

Are you looking to ball out on your weeklong vacation aboard the world's largest cruise ship ? Get ready to pay $200 for dinner and $100,000 for a cabin.

Vacations-at-sea can be a fairly affordable vacation option. With most cruise lines, your base fare already includes accommodations, unlimited food, endless activities, and the opportunity to see several destinations in one go.

But as more " pay-to-play " amenities show up on board, the more pricey these floating vacations could become. And there's likely no better example of this than Royal Caribbean's new world's largest cruise ship.

Forget tiny interior cabins and dinners at the buffet. On the 9,950-person Icon of the Seas, affluent travelers could have a vacation that rivals even the most luxurious small-ship cruise .

Guests interested in luxuriating in one of Icon’s 179 suites will be paying a minimum of $4,614 per person for a weeklong sailing.

The mega-ship's high-end suites range from 402 to 2,523 square feet, balconies included.

Some come with sweeping views of the AquaTheater . No need to scramble for the best seats when you can watch the show's divers, synchronized swimmers, and aerialists from your couch.

Others, like the floor-to-ceiling window-lined Icon Loft, are spread across two floors.

Guests in the most luxurious suites also get Starlink WiFi, laundry services, the best seats for on board shows, and a "Royal Genie" to help plan their trip.

But few compare to Icon’s most expensive cabin, the 2,523-square-foot Ultimate Family Townhouse.

Guests in the three-floor floating mansion get to wake up to sweeping ocean views and coffee on one of the three balconies.

The bottom floor has an open-air patio that opens into Icon's Surfside neighborhood.

The two bedrooms — one with a bunk bed — are back inside on the top floor.

Looking to watch a movie or flex your karaoke skills? Slide down to the second floor, where you can do just that at one of the several lounges.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean told Business Insider that travelers have been 'quickly' reserving the giant cabin for an average of $100,000 a week.

But a cruise ship worker stationed at the Ultimate Family Townhouse in January told BI that some guests have been snatching up the multilevel townhouse for a whopping $200,000 a week, noting that the playground-like cabin was mostly booked for 2024.

The keycards to these plush suites also open up another exclusive side of the ship: the Suite Neighborhood.

Only guests staying in suites can access the 60,924-square-foot retreat and its two restaurants, sundeck, hot tub, pool, and bar.

The list of exclusive restaurants doesn’t end there, of course.

More than half of the Icon of the Seas' 28 eateries come at an extra cost.

Some are more affordable, like Izumi at the Park's grab-and-go sushi window. For $10, hungry travelers can pick between seaweed salad and edamame, plus two choices of sashimi, nigiri, and rolls.

Cruisers craving a formal, upscale dinner could instead reserve the rabbit-slinging $200-per-person Empire Supper Club.

The price is comparable to high-end, on-land Michelin-starred restaurants.

Empire Supper Club's American fare dinner flexes eight courses, a cocktail pairing, and live jazz. Appetizer options include butter-poached langoustine with Osetra caviar. For the main course, the aforementioned rabbit leg and loin could be a bun-tastic choice.

The latter will be paired with a New York Sour — not a hoppy beer.

There are 18 other places to drink on the ship. As usual, none are complimentary.

Expect to front New York City prices without a beverage package: The popular Rye and Bean bar serves coffee and tea-infused cocktails ranging from $12 to $14.

Looking for a pampering? Like alcohol, spa treatments are rarely complimentary on cruise ships.

Vacationing can be stressful. At the mega-ship's spa, guests can unwind with an almost $150 25-minute facial or a nearly $180 50-minute Swedish massage.

Or, book one of the exclusive casitas to relax with unobstructed ocean views.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to BI's request for casita pricing on Icon of the Seas. But for context, a casita on the cruise line's older Symphony of the Seas mega-ship can cost about $360 per day during a sea day.

Amenities like the six-slide waterpark and mini-golf course are complimentary to all guests.

But the same can't be said for Crown's Edge , one of the ship's most distinctive amenities.

Travelers must don a bulky jumpsuit and harness before they face their fear of heights at the thrilling agility course.

The half-walking, half-ziplining route, which leaves its sweaty-palmed participants dangling 154 feet above the ocean, could be completed in a minute or so.

That's $49 down the drain in one minute.

And why stop there when you can splurge during port days too?

Icon of the Seas will dock at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay private island for all 2024 sailings.

As expected, the Caribbean getaway is full of upcharged activities.

Travelers with young children might want to drop $100 per head for an afternoon at the waterpark.

Meanwhile, those without kids can pay between $39 to $89 per person for a boozy day at the adult-only Hideaway Beach .

Nearby, the more exclusive beach club could be almost triple that cost.

A weeklong trip on the new world's largest cruise ship could quickly become an ultra-luxurious vacation.

But even travelers looking to spend modestly might be shocked by the new ship's prices.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, told investors in 2023 that Icon's inaugural season had commanded more bookings at "materially higher rates" than any of its previous ship launches.

Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure research analyst at Truist Securities, told BI in late 2023 that new cruise liners generally command a 20% to 50% pricing premium.

Three months before Icon of the Seas' launch , he estimated the new vessel was priced at a premium of "at least 50% if not more."

At the time, the least expensive 2024 itinerary had started at $1,820 per person for an interior cabin.

Pricing has since increased by $17. That's $262 per person, per day, for a windowless stateroom.

And no, it doesn't come with access to the Suite Neighborhood.

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