Allure of the Seas Undergoes Long-Awaited $100M Makeover

The Allure of the Seas cruise ship
Cruise Industry
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Updated Published

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas is finally set to receive a stunning, multimillion-dollar renovation—four years later than planned. Originally scheduled for an overhaul in 2020, the project was postponed due to the pandemic, leaving the ship with only standard maintenance. Now, as part of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified program, a $100 million transformation is officially underway.

The ship will make its final stop in Barcelona on February 22, before entering dry dock in Cádiz for a 42-day renovation. While in dry dock, Allure of the Seas will undergo 14,000 modifications, making it unavailable for 48 days as crews execute extensive upgrades at the Navantia shipyard.

“This is our chance to go big again,” said Kevin Douglas, VP of Engineering and New Builds for Royal Caribbean. “We’ve got thousands of people involved—demolitions, chaos, long hours, and then boom, we sprinkle some fairy dust, and it all comes together.” Renovating a ship mid-operation is no small task, and Douglas’ words capture the ambitious nature of the project.

The overhaul includes a revamped pool deck, brand-new water slides, an upgraded water park, and several fresh dining options. One of the most exciting transformations is the conversion of the ice rink into a laser tag arena, promising a new level of onboard entertainment for guests.

Royal Caribbean’s project team has been on-site since November, meticulously planning each step of the renovation. With twice-daily meetings to ensure smooth execution, the goal is to keep the complex project on track while managing thousands of individual tasks.

Highlighted Additions

  • Expanded Dining and Entertainment Options – New restaurants, attractions, and immersive experiences to elevate the cruise experience.
  • New Cabin Block – Additional staterooms will be built, including two suites above the bridge wings, similar to those found on Oasis of the Seas.
  • Next-Level Water Park – Featuring an advanced filtration and treatment system to enhance guest safety and water quality.

This ambitious upgrade is part of the Royal Amplified initiative, which has been modernizing Voyager, Freedom, and Oasis-class ships since 2018. With this transformation, Allure of the Seas is set to deliver an enhanced, world-class cruise experience for years to come.