A Pool Deck That Finally Feels Complete

Let’s start where most cruise days begin—the pool deck.

For years, Allure was one of the only Oasis-class ships without waterslides. That has officially changed.

Now you’ll find:

• The Perfect Storm: a trio of twisting, high-speed waterslides
• The Supercell: a “toilet bowl” style slide that spins you before dropping you back down

It’s one of the most noticeable upgrades—and one that brings Allure in line with newer ships in the fleet.

For families, the old H2O Zone has been replaced with Splashaway Bay, a much more modern and interactive water play area.

Adults weren’t left out either. The pool deck now features:

• The vibrant Lime & Coconut bar experience
• Colorful cabanas available for rent
• Updated seating that replaces the older, dated loungers

One small change: two hot tubs were relocated to an upper deck. The result actually works well, spreading out crowds and improving the overall flow.

The Solarium: A Quiet but Powerful Upgrade

The adults-only Solarium has been completely reimagined.

The redesign includes:

• A refreshed indoor relaxation space
• A newly added outdoor section
• Updated furniture and a more modern aesthetic

This isn’t the flashiest update—but it’s one of the most impactful. The space feels more open, more relaxing, and much more aligned with Royal Caribbean’s newer ships.

Dining Changes: A Mix of Wins and Trade-Offs

Dining is where opinions may vary.

New Additions:

• Playmakers Sports Bar & Grill replaces Sabor
• The Mason Jar introduces Southern-inspired dining
• Pesky Parrot Bar brings a lively, tropical lounge experience

Playmakers is a big win for many cruisers, offering a fun atmosphere and à la carte menu perfect for game day.

That said, losing Sabor may disappoint guests who enjoyed a more upscale Mexican dining experience.

The good news? El Loco Fresh on the pool deck has been upgraded and is now complimentary, offering a convenient and tasty alternative.

One of the most unique additions is the Pesky Parrot—a vibrant bar featuring creative drinks and even a talking animatronic parrot. It’s quirky, memorable, and definitely a conversation starter.

Meanwhile, The Mason Jar delivers a completely different vibe, with Southern comfort food and a themed atmosphere that stands out from the rest of the ship.

Big Thrills… With a Trade-Off

The addition of the Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story dry slide, is one of the most dramatic changes onboard.

It’s fast, fun, and visually striking—but it does come with a downside. The structure blocks part of the ocean view from the Boardwalk and some balcony cabins.

Entertainment overall has been enhanced with:

• A new aqua show, Aqua 82, featuring an 80s soundtrack and high-energy diving performances
• A new escape room experience
• Added laser tag
• Upgraded Adventure Ocean kids’ spaces

These updates clearly show a stronger focus on family-friendly activities.

The Changes Not Everyone Will Love

To make room for new features, Royal Caribbean also added more cabins—and that required removing or shrinking some existing spaces.

Notable changes include:

• The removal of the Vitality Spa café (smoothies and juices are now served at Sorrento’s)
• A relocated and significantly smaller loyalty lounge

While these changes allow more guests to sail (and increase revenue), they do come at the cost of some quieter, more relaxing areas.

New Panoramic Suites: A Hidden Highlight

One of the most exciting additions is also one of the least talked about.

New panoramic suites have been added above the bridge, offering 270-degree ocean views.

These rooms feature:

• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Views from three sides
• A completely unique perspective at sea

It’s no surprise these cabins are already in high demand.

Was the $100 Million Investment Worth It?

That’s the ultimate question.

In our opinion—yes, with a few trade-offs.

Allure of the Seas still retains the charm that made it special when it launched in 2010, but now it feels:

• More modern
• More competitive
• More in line with today’s cruise expectations

Not every change will appeal to every cruiser. Some beloved spaces are gone, and a few updates come with compromises.

But overall, the ship feels refreshed, relevant, and ready for the future.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re traveling with family, cruising as a couple, or sailing solo, Allure of the Seas offers something for everyone.

Would we sail her again after the upgrade?

Absolutely.

And next time, we might just try to book one of those panoramic suites.