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Royal Caribbean is upgrading one of its mega ships with $100M+ improvements

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Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas is scheduled to undergo a $100M+ renovation in early 2025.

One of the largest cruise ships in the world is about to get many of the beloved features that debuted on the later ships, promising future guests an enhanced vacation experience. 

She'll go into dry dock in March 2025 before beginning her season in Europe, a first since 2015. The inaugural cruise for the updated vessel is April 11. Guests can depart from Barcelona and Rome (Civitavecchia) on weeklong cruises to Spain, France, and Italy.

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“From the new Icon and Utopia of the Seas to now the more than $100 million transformation of Allure of the Seas, we’ve upped the ante threefold on the different ways vacationers can get away and make memories with Royal Caribbean,” said Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer, Royal Caribbean International. 

“Allure will be reimagined with the best of Royal Caribbean and what travelers love. Between new favorites, like the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, and experiences that unlock core memories time and time again, from an incredible pool deck to an unmatched combination of thrills and ways to chill, Allure will have even more of everything that makes it a standout favorite.”

Here's everything you can expect to find on the newly renovated Allure of the Seas. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by age — from oldest to newest

Redesigned resort-style pool deck

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"Resort-style pools are at the center of the action on the reimagined Caribbean pool deck, alongside a wider variety of seating and shade across casitas, in-pool loungers, daybeds and more," shares Royal Caribbean. Moreover, adults can expect an enhanced Solarium. 

A brighter and redesigned pool deck has become a staple on newer Royal Caribbean ships, including Icon and Utopia of the Seas. The Caribbean-inspired decor, updated hot tubs, and Lime & Coconut pool bar will allow guests to enjoy Allure's pool deck like never before. 

Speaking of the pool deck, Royal Caribbean is adding Splashaway Bay, a child-friendly water play area, as well as the Perfect Storm waterslides. At Splashaway Bay, younger sailors can keep cool with age-appropriate waterslides, water cannons, fountains, pools, french buckets, and more. Plus, there's a dedicated area reserved for passengers who have yet to graduate from diapers. 

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Older passengers will love the rush of the Perfect Storm waterslides. The trio of slides offers two racer slides and a champagne bowl slide that are included in your cruise fare.

Pesky Parrot Bar

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"Making its way to Allure following a standout debut on the new Utopia of the Seas, the Caribbean tiki bar serves up fruit-based cocktails made with rum, tequila and gin, alongside frozen drinks and surprises," says Royal Caribbean. 

Tiki-inspired bars aren't a new concept for the cruise line, having launched the Bamboo Room on Navigator and Mariner of the Seas. Pesky Parrot, however, stands out with its wide menu of fruit-based cocktails. 

It will, presumably, take the spot of the Champagne Bar in the Royal Promenade, allowing guests a vibrant spot to grab a pre-dinner drink before making their way to the Main Dining Room. 

Read more: 18 Royal Caribbean Drink Package Tips

Three new restaurants 

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Once Allure of the Seas' amplification is complete, passengers can dine at three new restaurants. None, however, are new to the cruise line. Moreover, two aren't included in the cost of the cruise

Guests who want a fast-casual bite by the pool can head over to El Loco Fresh for quesadillas, tacos, nachos, and more. The toppings bar will offer a wide variety of ingredients to customize your meal to your liking. 

Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade and the Mason Jar will be added, too. The former is an à la carte, whereas the Mason Jar has a set cover charge for brunch and dinner. 

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Playmakers on Symphony of the Seas

In total, there will be more than 35 ways to dine and drink, in addition to other beloved favorites already onboard. 

Read more: Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ship Dining Mistakes

Royal Escape Room - Apollo 18: Lunar Landing 

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Escape rooms aren't a new concept for Royal Caribbean. The brand-new Utopia of the Seas, for example, features one that lasts 30 minutes. 

Unfortunately, Allure's escape room won't be included in the cruise fare; however, it's a great activity for passengers who love a good challenge. 

Escape rooms are immersive and interactive games that "lock" participants in a themed room. Everyone must team up to figure out clues to solve a puzzle leading to their "escape." In this case, everyone will work together to help look for clues and solve complex puzzles to land Apollo 18 on the moon. 

Glow-in-the-dark laser tag

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If you're looking to minimize your onboard spending, look no further than the new laser tag game. 

"The Studio B ice rink transforms into a glow-in-the-dark laser tag arena for vacationers to challenge each other and go head-to-head in Battle for Planet Z," explains the cruise line. 

Typically, to participate, you must sign up for a slot on the Royal Caribbean app. It's a great way to escape the afternoon heat and get your heart racing! 

Ultimate Panoramic Suite

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Sorry, guests hoping for an Ultimate Family Suite onboard Allure of the Seas will be disappointed! Instead, Royal Caribbean will be adding a 914-square-foot Ultimate Panoramic Suite above Allure’s bridge. 

The massive Star Class suite will offer sweeping 200-degree ocean views, as well as a walk-in closet and upgraded bathroom with jaw-dropping views of its own. 

As part of the highest tier of suites onboard, those staying in the Ultimate Panoramic Suite will enjoy a host of perks, including priority boarding, complimentary Wi-Fi and drink packages, access to the suite-only Coastal Kitchen, and a Royal Genie. 

Read more: I booked the cheapest Royal Caribbean suite for $4,000 and couldn’t believe how many perks it included

Ultimate Abyss dry slide

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First launched on Harmony of the Seas, the Ultimate Abyss dry slide is confirmed to be on the list of enhancements coming to Allure of the Seas; however, it's unclear how long it will be. Currently, Utopia of the Seas holds the record for the longest dry slide at sea, measuring 259 feet long. 

"The adrenaline-pumping experience brings to the table its memorable 10 stories of twists, turns, lights and sounds. Plus, vacationers can cool off their nerves with shaved ice in a variety of flavors – the latest addition to Wipe Out Bar’s menu," says Royal Caribbean. 

The shaved ice was a new addition onboard Utopia. 

Read more: 19 things to do on a cruise that don't involve eating, drinking, or gambling

New layout for Adventure Ocean

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From the AO theater to the climate creations at Play Place and interactive games at Arena, children will have loads of fun at Adventure Ocean. There will be programs to engage all the senses for babies and younger kids, too. 

Plus, the teen area is getting a 360-degree transformation. Now dubbed "Social298," teenagers will enjoy video games, music, and movies in their own dedicated space. 

Read more: 5 Kids' Cruise Lines the Whole Family Will Love

Allure of the Seas was once the largest cruise ship in the world

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One year after the namesake ship of the Oasis Class made her launch, Allure of the Seas entered service. The 225,282 gross registered ton ship was the second to feature the revolutionizing neighborhood concept. From al fresco dining in Central Park to mesmerizing shows in Entertainment Place, guests can enjoy a diverse range of experiences onboard. 

While Allure of the Seas lacked waterslides and other amenities added to newer ships, the top decks were home to adrenaline-pumping activities, including two FlowRider surf simulators, a zip line that soars over the Boardwalk neighborhood, a sports court, and a miniature golf course. 

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