Royal Caribbean Honors Fifteen Years of the Allure of the Seas as a Ship that Set a New Standard for Luxury Cruises with Extraordinary Features and Experiences

Published on December 28, 2025

Royal Caribbean is proudly celebrating the Fifteen anniversary of the Allure of the Seas, a ship that has fundamentally transformed the luxury cruise industry. Since its debut in 2010, the Allure of the Seas has set a new standard for what a cruise can offer, blending groundbreaking design, innovative features, and exceptional service. The ship’s extraordinary size, cutting-edge amenities, and wide range of entertainment options have redefined luxury cruising. With innovations like the Ultimate Abyss, one of the tallest dry slides at sea, and a variety of world-class dining venues, the Allure of the Seas continues to set itself apart from other ships in the industry. Its ability to provide a blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury has not only redefined the cruising experience but also established the ship as a favorite among travelers looking for an unparalleled voyage.

Constructed at the STX Europe Shipyard in Turku, Finland, the Allure of the Seas was designed to push the boundaries of cruise ship technology and design. As a sister ship to the Oasis of the Seas, it immediately made waves in the cruise industry. Weighing in at 220,000 tons, it briefly held the title of the world’s largest cruise ship, surpassing the Oasis of the Seas by a small margin. Upon its debut, the Allure offered the cruising world a game-changing experience, setting a new standard for ocean travel.

The Allure of the Seas set sail on its maiden voyage to the Caribbean and Bahamas, offering seven-night cruises from the new Royal Caribbean terminal in Fort Lauderdale. One of the highlights of the inaugural season was the visit to Labadee, a private island destination on the northern coast of Haiti, which has since become one of the most iconic stops on its itineraries. The debut marked the start of the ship’s dominant presence in the Caribbean market.

Over the years, the Allure of the Seas expanded its reach beyond Fort Lauderdale. The ship began to sail from other key homeports, including Galveston, Port Canaveral, and Miami. This strategic move allowed the ship to attract a diverse group of passengers, offering a variety of itineraries and experiences. The ship’s flexibility in homeports was one of the factors that contributed to its enduring popularity.

In 2015, the Allure ventured across the Atlantic for a summer season in the Western Mediterranean. Departing from Spain and Italy, the ship offered guests a chance to experience Europe’s most renowned destinations, including Barcelona, Rome, and Naples. The Mediterranean season was a resounding success, further solidifying the Allure’s reputation as one of the most versatile ships in the world.

However, like many ships in the industry, the Allure’s plans were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, leading to the cancellation of its Mediterranean season that year. But the Allure made a strong return to Europe in 2023, offering exciting Mediterranean cruises that once again showcased the ship’s ability to deliver unforgettable experiences. Its itineraries, which included stops in France, Italy, and Spain, provided travelers with a mix of history, culture, and relaxation.

Before resuming its European voyages, the Allure underwent a remarkable $100 million refurbishment, which included extensive upgrades to several public spaces and the addition of new amenities. One of the standout features of the refurbishment was the introduction of The Perfect Storm, a trio of thrilling waterslides that added a new dimension to the ship’s already impressive array of activities. In addition to the waterslides, the ship’s dining venues and bars were revitalized, bringing fresh dining concepts to its guests.

The Allure’s suites also received a makeover, with new luxurious options created over the ship’s bridge, offering guests a more exclusive experience. The pool deck was enhanced to provide even more space for relaxation, and the Ultimate Abyss, Royal Caribbean’s signature dry slide, was added to the ship’s repertoire of adrenaline-pumping experiences. These updates, alongside the ship’s already renowned features, ensured that the Allure remained at the forefront of cruise ship design.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Allure of the Seas will continue to offer an exciting range of itineraries, departing from three major homeports: Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, and Miami. The year will kick off with weeklong cruises from Port Everglades before the ship repositions to Texas for its spring season starting in mid-March. In late April, the ship will return to Fort Lauderdale, and by October, it will head to Miami for the 2026-27 winter season. These diverse itineraries allow the Allure to cater to a wide range of travelers, whether they’re looking for a relaxing Caribbean escape or an adventurous European cruise.

The ship’s ongoing popularity is a testament to its ability to evolve with the times, offering guests new experiences while maintaining the high standards of luxury and service that Royal Caribbean is known for. Whether it’s enjoying world-class dining, exploring exotic destinations, or relaxing in its state-of-the-art accommodations, the Allure of the Seas continues to be a favorite among cruisers from all walks of life.

Royal Caribbean celebrates 15 years of Allure of the Seas, a ship that has set a new standard for luxury cruises with its groundbreaking design, innovative features, and exceptional experiences, offering travelers an unmatched blend of adventure and relaxation at sea.

As it celebrates 15 years of sailing, the Allure of the Seas stands as a symbol of innovation and excellence in the cruise industry. With its remarkable history, impressive renovations, and exciting future ahead, the Allure remains a cornerstone of Royal Caribbean’s fleet and a favorite for travelers seeking the best in cruising. With its legacy of setting new standards, the Allure of the Seas is sure to continue thrilling guests for many years to come.