Ship Comparison
Allure of the Seas vs Odyssey of the Seas
For vibrant family fun, Allure of the Seas dazzles with its classic mega-ship experience, while Odyssey of the Seas excites with modern, high-tech adventures for all ages.
The verdict
Allure of the Seas, a grand Oasis-class vessel, stands out for its expansive "neighborhood" concept, offering a classic Royal Caribbean family adventure with a wealth of entertainment and dining options. Odyssey of the Seas, a more recent Quantum Ultra Class ship, provides a distinctly tech-forward and action-packed experience, blending innovative thrills with modern sophistication. While both excel in family fun, Allure offers a more traditional mega-ship feel with diverse zones, whereas Odyssey leans into cutting-edge attractions and immersive digital entertainment, making it ideal for those seeking a contemporary and high-tech cruise.
Choose Allure of the Seas if…
Allure of the Seas is ideal for large families and groups who thrive on a high-energy, vibrant atmosphere and desire a vast array of activities and entertainment choices, from Broadway shows to rock climbing, alongside diverse dining. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate dedicated zones for both bustling fun and moments of tranquil escape.
Best for
- Families, celebrating youthful exuberance with surf simulators, rock climbing walls, and extensive children's facilities like the Adventure Ocean program for ages 6 months to 17 years.
- Active couples, mainly in their 30s to 50s, the ship offers numerous physical pursuits including FlowRider surf simulators, a zipline, rock climbing walls, mini-golf, and basketball courts.
- Entertainment enthusiasts, featuring Broadway musicals, acrobatic AquaTheater shows, an ice rink, a casino, numerous bars and lounges, and lively parades in the Royal Promenade.
- Gourmet explorers, with top-notch quality and service across all restaurants, enough diverse dining options, both complimentary and specialty, to sample a different venue every meal for a week.
- Relaxed urbanites, offering tranquil escapes like the foliage-filled Central Park and the 16-and-older glass-covered Solarium with a thalassotherapy pool and cushioned chaises.
Avoid if
- Those who prefer a quiet cruise, as the ship can feel crowded, especially in the Royal Promenade during parades, around the pool deck on sea days, and at prime dining times in the Windjammer Cafe.
- Budget-conscious travelers who are easily tempted by extra-charge offerings, as the ship is flooded with bill-busting options from specialty food to souvenirs.
- Guests expecting all popular shows to be readily available without planning, as many with advance reservations for shows like OceanAria and Mamma Mia do not show up, leading to initial 'sold out' statuses.
- Those seeking guaranteed serenity in the Solarium on sea days, as it can become packed, making it less tranquil than expected.
Choose Odyssey of the Seas if…
Odyssey of the Seas is tailored for families and modern travelers seeking a high-tech, action-packed cruise with innovative attractions like virtual reality experiences and skydiving simulators. It caters to those who enjoy a sophisticated social scene, diverse culinary adventures, and opportunities for rejuvenation in adults-only retreats.
Best for
- Adventure-seeking families, with thrilling activities like FlowRider, rock climbing, bumper cars, VR games, SkyPad, and the Splashaway Bay aqua park.
- Sophisticated socialites who appreciate a chic Royal Promenade, the innovative Two70 venue, and diverse nightlife like the Music Hall and Boleros.
- Culinary explorers, offering a strong selection of high-quality specialty restaurants such as Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, Wonderland, and Teppanyaki.
- Rejuvenation seekers, with a gorgeously designed, adults-only Solarium and the Vitality at Sea Spa for treatments and unwinding.
- Tech-savvy travelers, integrating cutting-edge technology from immersive VR experiences and virtual reality bungee trampolines to the Bionic Bar's robot bartenders.
Avoid if
- Travelers unwilling to pay extra for premium activities like specific times on North Star or Ripcord by iFly, or for renting 'casitas' on the sundeck.
- Those who prefer very quiet evenings, as popular venues like the Music Hall or Two70 during peak showtimes can become quite crowded.
- Budget-conscious culinary travelers, as the most unique and highly-praised dining experiences, such as Giovanni's Kitchen or the Chef's Table, incur additional costs.
- Guests expecting all spa thermal suite access or specialized fitness classes to be included, as these require an additional purchase.
- Those who dislike making reservations for high-demand tech activities, as popular experiences like the VR venue or North Star have limited capacity and specific operating hours.
Overall Vibe
Allure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas, an impressive Oasis-class vessel launched in 2009 and refreshed in 2015, truly lives up to its name with a vibrant and fun-filled atmosphere. Spanning 15 decks, it's designed around seven distinct neighborhoods, creating a sense of intimate discovery within a large ship experience. The overall feel is one of boundless energy, catering to every family member with a diverse array of activities that promise memorable moments, all within its grand scale.
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas, a newer Quantum Ultra Class ship launched in 2021 across 14 decks, presents a modern and sophisticated take on adventure. Its vibe is decidedly action-packed and tech-forward, blending thrilling experiences with rejuvenating spaces. The ship feels contemporary and offers a dynamic environment, appealing to those who appreciate innovative attractions and a seamless integration of technology into their cruise holiday.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Allure of the Seas
With a passenger capacity of 5,492 and a crew of 2,384, Allure of the Seas cultivates a bustling, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a ship that thrives on energy, attracting a diverse crowd from active couples to multi-generational families. While the sheer scale allows for many experiences, popular areas like the Royal Promenade during parades or the pool deck on sea days can feel quite lively, reflecting its vibrant, mega-ship nature.
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas, while still a substantial ship carrying 4,198 passengers with 1,550 crew members, offers an atmosphere that balances high-energy adventure with modern sophistication. It's designed to engage both families and adults, providing a dynamic yet manageable environment. Crowds are present in popular entertainment hubs like the Music Hall and Two70 during peak showtimes, but the overall feeling is one of well-distributed activity across its spaces.
Dining
Allure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas boasts an extensive culinary landscape, ensuring a diverse offering for every palate. Complimentary options range from the globally-inspired Windjammer Marketplace Buffet and the rotating menus of the Main Dining Room (American Icon, Silk, The Grande) to casual bites at Park Cafe, Sorrento's Pizzeria, and the Boardwalk Dog House. For those seeking a special evening, specialty venues like the Japanese Izumi, classic Chops Grille, and the refined 150 Central Park offer distinct experiences, though these come with additional charges.
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas offers a contemporary dining journey, with a focus on both variety and quality. Guests can enjoy complimentary meals in the Main Dining Room, the expansive Windjammer buffet, and fresh Mediterranean fare at Solarium Bistro. For a unique experience, specialty restaurants like Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar are highly praised for their authentic, shareable dishes, while the imaginative Wonderland and interactive Teppanyaki provide memorable culinary adventures, all available for an additional charge.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Allure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas truly shines with its broad spectrum of entertainment. Guests can catch Broadway's "Mamma Mia!" in the Amber Theater, be captivated by acrobatic feats in "OceanAria" at the AquaTheater, or enjoy the dazzling "Ice Games" show in Studio B. Nightlife is equally varied, from the vibrant Dazzles Nightclub and Latin rhythms at Boleros to the unique Rising Tide Bar and lively karaoke at On Air Club. Daytime thrills include the Zip Line, FlowRider surf simulators, and rock climbing walls.
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas elevates entertainment with a blend of innovation and classic thrills. Guests can experience the unique North Star observation capsule for panoramic views or the exhilarating RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator. The transformative Two70 venue offers immersive theatrical productions like "The Effectors" and "Showgirl," blending technology with live performance. Nightlife is lively in the Music Hall and Bionic Bar, while the SeaPlex offers bumper cars and virtual reality games, appealing to a wide range of preferences.
Cabins & Suites
Allure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas offers a substantial 2,859 cabins, including 711 large and 46 wheelchair-accessible options. Standard cabins, around 149 to 193 square feet, feature convertible twin beds, a sitting area, and interactive TVs, though electrical outlets are limited. Suite choices are expansive, from the two-story Royal Loft Suite (1,524 sq ft) with its large balcony to various AquaTheater Suites offering unique views. Guests should note that some interior-facing balconies or AquaTheater Suites might experience noise or exposure from ship activities.
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas provides 2,105 cabins designed with modern comfort and maximized space in mind. Standard cabins are well-appointed with convertible twin beds, ample storage, and numerous USB ports, feeling quite spacious. The suite selection is impressive, featuring luxurious two-story options like the Royal Loft Suite (1,640 sq ft) and Owner's Loft Suite, each with private balconies. Suite guests enjoy enhanced services, including access to the exclusive Coastal Kitchen and Suite Lounge, with Star Class guests receiving a dedicated Royal Genie.
Service & Onboard Style
Allure of the Seas
The service on Allure of the Seas is generally highly regarded, with a dedicated crew of 2,384 attending to guests. From the attentive staff in the main dining rooms to the outstanding service in Coastal Kitchen for suite guests, there's a focus on guest satisfaction. Stateroom attendants ensure daily cleaning, and higher-tier suites benefit from concierge services or a Royal Genie. Onboard, interactive cabin TVs and touch-screen wayfinders assist with navigation and bookings, complemented by super-fast Wi-Fi.
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas, with its 1,550 crew members, delivers a contemporary and efficient service experience. Specialty restaurants like Giovanni's Italian Kitchen are noted for their fantastic service, and the Windjammer buffet features crew-served stations. Suite guests benefit from personalized concierge service or a Royal Genie in Star Class. The ship's style is modern and tech-forward, with amenities like the useful Royal Caribbean app for menu browsing and ubiquitous USB ports in cabins, enhancing the overall convenience.
Best Itineraries
Allure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas primarily sails to the sun-drenched destinations of the Caribbean and Bahamas. Its itineraries frequently feature calls to Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, alongside Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages. Guests can choose from a range of cruise lengths, typically 3, 5, 6, 7, or 8 nights, focusing on vibrant island exploration and relaxing beach days in popular tropical locales.
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas offers a broader range of destinations, including captivating Greek Isles cruises with stops in places like Santorini, as well as Mediterranean sailings to Italy, France, and Spain. During other seasons, it explores the Southern Caribbean and the Bahamas, often including Perfect Day at CocoCay. Guests can also embark on longer Transatlantic journeys, with cruise durations varying from 7 to 15 nights, appealing to those seeking diverse cultural experiences or extended sea voyages.
What reviewers say
Allure of the Seas
5/5If you want a fun-filled cruise with plentiful activities, you can't beat Allure of the Seas. It truly caters to every type of cruiser, offering a diverse range of experiences.
Odyssey of the Seas
5/5Odyssey of the Seas is an action-packed ship designed for families, though adults will enjoy it just as much as the kids do. With a huge variety of activities and venues, it will appeal to all sorts of tastes, whether you're seeking adventure or a bit of rejuvenation.
Itineraries to compare
Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.
Allure of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.
Compare different ships
Swap either side to generate a new side-by-side comparison.
Ship A
Ship B