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Allure of the Seas Vs Symphony of the Seas: My Personal Cruise Adventure (2024)
Introduction: Setting Sail on Two Titans of the Sea
While I sit here in my living room, drinking hot chocolate and looking at the dismal view of my backyard, wandering back to two dream-like experiences on some of Royal Caribbean’s most magnificent cruise ships—Symphony of the Seas Vs Allure of the Seas.
It’s been a couple of months since it happened but boy I do remember it like if it was yesterday. I can still feel the rocking of the ship beneath my feet, hear laughter from over on deck at by the pool and taste some outstanding flavors in all number or restaurants that I was able to dine.
I invite you to experience my tales of wonder on these floating palaces and reveal all the nitty-gritties I wish someone had given me a heads up for when first walking onto one.
If you have been cruising once or twice, or this is your first cruise ever – there should be something here for everyone.
First Impressions: A Tale of Two Giants
Symphony of the Seas: Updated Old Wonder
I’ll never forget the moment I first laid eyes on the Symphony of the Seas. My mouth was open as our taxi arrived to the port in Miami.
Its immensity consumed my mind – 1,188 feet long and 215.5 feet wide It turned out it was $1.35 billion spent to build her, and let me tell you — that money wasn’t just in doing the repairs needed lol.
My first thought, What the hell is going on,how can this thing even float? Was quickly followed by, “I cannot wait to run all around it!” I was giddy and wide-eyed with excitement.
On our way to checking in, everything about the ship mesmerized me and I kept craning my neck looking at its huge hull and imagining all possible adventures waiting inside.
| Activity/Entertainment | Symphony of the Seas | Allure of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Spa & Fitness Center | Yes | Yes |
| Shopping | Yes | Yes |
| Live Orchestra | Yes | Yes |
| FlowRider® | Yes | Yes |
| Zip Line | Yes | Yes |
| Rock Climbing Wall | Yes | Yes |
| Ice Skating | Yes | Yes |
| Carousel | Yes | Yes |
| Mini Golf | Yes | Yes |
| Arcade | Yes | Yes |
| Sports Court | Yes | Yes |
| Ultimate Abyss℠ | Yes | No |
| The Perfect Storm℠ | Yes | No |
| Hairspray | Yes | No |
| Aqua Nation | Yes | No |
| HiRO | Yes | No |
| 1977 | Yes | No |
| Flight | Yes | No |
| Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠ | Yes | No |
| Supercell℠ | Yes | No |
| Escape the Rubicon | Yes | No |
| Splashaway Bay℠ | Yes | No |
| Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z℠ | Yes | No |
| Mamma Mia! | No | Yes |
| Oceanaria | No | Yes |
| Ice Games | No | Yes |
| Blue Planet | No | Yes |
| H2O ZoneSM Water Park | No | Yes |
| Pool Parties | No | Yes |
| Art Collection | No | Yes |
| Latin Fiesta | No | Yes |
| Archery | No | Yes |
| 70s Disco Party | No | Yes |
| Away We Go | No | Yes |
| Guest Entertainers | No | Yes |
| Common Activities Below (Present in Both Ships) | ||
| Sip, Tour, Brunch | Yes | Yes |
| Pickleball | Yes | Yes |
| Captain's Welcome Reception | Yes | Yes |
| SHUSH! Silent Party | Yes | Yes |
| Fitness Classes | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor Movie Nights | Yes | Yes |
| Live Bands | Yes | Yes |
| Solarium | Yes | Yes |
| Wine Tasting | Yes | Yes |
| Parades | Yes | Yes |
| Night Life | Yes | Yes |
| Salsa Dancing | Yes | Yes |
| Latin Dance Classes | Yes | Yes |
| Cupcake Class | Yes | Yes |
| Art Auctions | Yes | Yes |
| Sushi Making Class | Yes | Yes |
| Adventure Science Lab | Yes | Yes |
| Dance Classes | Yes | Yes |
| Aquanauts | Yes | Yes |
| Pub Performances | Yes | Yes |
| Imagination Studio | Yes | Yes |
| All Access Tour | Yes | Yes |
| Scrapbooking | Yes | Yes |
| Table Tennis | Yes | Yes |
| Whirlpools | Yes | Yes |
| Game Shows | Yes | Yes |
| Babies and Tots Programs | Yes | Yes |
| Adventure Ocean® | Yes | Yes |
| Theme Nights | Yes | Yes |
| Voyagers | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Artistry | Yes | Yes |
| Pools | Yes | Yes |
| Explorers | Yes | Yes |
| On Air Club | Yes | Yes |
| Jewelry Making | Yes | Yes |
| Club DJs | Yes | Yes |
| Scuba Certification | Yes | Yes |
| Teen Lounge | Yes | Yes |
| Adventure Ocean Theater | Yes | Yes |
| Away We Go | No | Yes |
| Adventure Art | Yes | No |
| Piano Sing-Alongs | Yes | No |
| Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z℠ | Yes | No |
The Classy Classic: Allure of the Seas
Fast forward to my sailing on the Allure of The Seas, I could not shake a strange feeling of deja vu although everything was so new and different.
A little smaller than Symphony, Allure makes an impressive ship in itself. The most striking aspect, however, was her fresh facelift following a $165 million renovation.
The ship had managed a more refined, almost classic cruise atmosphere as opposed to Symphony’s ultra-modern sensation of cruising. I had one thought running through my head — this was going to be a completely different experience, and trust me I wasn’t wrong!
Entertainment Extravaganza: Shows That made me Speechless
The Symphony of Spectacular Performances
Hairspray: Broadway at Sea
On the first night aboard Symphony, I found my way to an assigned seat in The Royal Theater for a performance of “Hairspray.” I was all over it the second that curtain went up.
The energy of the cast was palpable, the costumes vibrant and beautiful as always, set design fresh as ever utilizing its unique theater-on-a-ship to maximum comic effect.
I caught myself tapping my feet and singing along to “Good Morning Baltimore” as well as the closing number, “You Can’t Stop The Beat.”
Flight, Dare To Dream: A History Of Aviation
As good as “Hairspray” was, “Flight: Dare to Dream” for blowing me away. This series traces the history of aircraft from Orville and Wilbur Wright to modern-going-through-space travel as well as other topics.
The full-size replica of the Wright brothers’ plane that soared over audience … I remember it like yesterday. It was so realistic that I actually ducked in my seat! The mix of slides, acrobats and live shows was just too good for words.
Allure's Amazing Acts
Mamma Mia! A Musical Party at Sea
Allure has the headline show “Mamma Mia! , which has full party atmosphere from entry to exit. Usually I am not the type for audience mingling with other participants, but something about being in the midst of vacation and 100 cruisers ready to be active gets you on your feet.
Oceanaria: A Marvel of at Sunset
The actual news from Allure is “Oceanaria” in the AquaTheater. The experience of carnival is itself an open-air amphitheatre at the stern, but factor in top-notch divers and acrobats combined with synchronized swimmers—trust us—it’ll dazzle.
Best advice: See a magical Oceanaria show as the sun goes down. I bought Row 6 (5 to 7 are also the sweet spots) for an evening show.
Death-defying aerial acts, the most graceful aquatic performance you have ever seen in your life and all with a sunset as the backdrop, you will wonder, Is this a real life?
Adventures on the High Seas: Thrills and Spills
Unique Features of Symphony
The Most Adventurous Feature: A 10-Story Drop
However, Symphony’s crowning jewel was the Ultimate Abyss — a 10-story-tall slide that transports passengers from high above deck to down at Boardwalk. I shall not lie to you I hesitated, attempting to look into the abyss that reminded me of some huge anglerfish.
Admittedly, having a morals dilemma in my mind with myself for at least five minutes (with some fast kicking from number two and three) I caved in.
The descent was a white-knuckle whirl of light and sound, punctuated by my unmanly cries for joy (and terror).
| Dining Option | Symphony of the Seas (20 items) | Allure of the Seas (20 items) |
|---|---|---|
| Windjammer | Yes | Yes |
| Johnny Rockets® | Yes | Yes |
| Dog House | Yes | Yes |
| Wonderland | Yes | No |
| Chops Grille℠ | Yes | Yes |
| Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver | Yes | No |
| Solarium Bistro Restaurant | Yes | Yes |
| Room Service | Yes | Yes |
| Café Promenade | Yes | Yes |
| Starbucks® | Yes | Yes |
| Sorrento's Pizza | Yes | Yes |
| Coastal Kitchen | Yes | Yes |
| Park Cafe | Yes | Yes |
| Vitality Café | Yes | Yes |
| 150 Central Park | Yes | Yes |
| El Loco Fresh® | Yes | Yes |
| Hooked Seafood℠ | Yes | No |
| Sugar Beach℠ | Yes | No |
| Main Dining Room | Yes | Yes |
| Izumi Hibachi & Sushi | Yes | Yes |
| Chef's Table | No | Yes |
| Samba Grill | No | Yes |
| Wipe Out Café | No | Yes |
| Sabor | No | Yes |
| Giovanni's Table | No | Yes |
The Perfect Storm: A Trio of Twisting Waterslides
The ship also boasts The Perfect Storm, a trio of waterslides that weave their way around the outside edge of the ship. Of the 3, Cyclone℠ is my favorite. A champagne bowl section of the rollercoaster had me giddy with laughter like a child.
Thrills on Both Ships
FlowRider®: Surfing at Sea
On both Symphony and Allure is the FlowRider®, which gives you a chance to test your skills on one of these surf simulators (which may look easy when watching others, but isn’t).
The first time I had a go, all that happened was me flapping around for two seconds before being chucked to the back of the simulator. My family and another small crowd who’d gathered there found the seen hilarious.
Zip Line at the Top of the Boardwalk
Allure does not host some of the newer attractions but compensates with its own thrills.
It was probably one of the shorter zip lines that I have ever experienced, but it is not every day you get to soar 9 decks over a cruise ship around the Boardwalk neighborhood.
My Culinary Journey (Symphony vs Allure )
Oh boy, where do I start? I had dinner in every restaurant on the 2 ships (we all need to go at them right?)
Specialty Dining Adventures
Wonderland on Symphony was one of the most unforgettable memories for as long as I can remember. The plates shift colors and the desserts disappear in smoke, a meal with all the fun of an edible lab experiment.
Jamie’s Italian soon became my favourite for lunch – the truffle arancini are reason enough to pay the cover charge.
On Allure –Giovanni´s Table took my heart. So to say their classic Italian dishes have become a well-worn standby would be an understatement. And Sabor? The tableside guacamole preparation is dinner and a show rolled into one!
Hidden Dining Gem
But I’ll let you in on a little secret —on both ships, Park Cafe in Central Park serves the most amazing roast beef sandwiches. I discovered this on my second-to-last day on Symphony and ended up having it twice in 24 hours!
| Bar & Lounges Option | Symphony of the Seas (12 options) | Allure of the Seas (12 options) |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Tide Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Solarium Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Suite Lounge | Yes | Yes |
| Bionic Bar® | Yes | No |
| Schooner Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Trellis Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade | Yes | No |
| Boleros | Yes | Yes |
| Pool Bar & Sand Bar | Yes | Yes |
| English Pub | Yes | Yes |
| Dazzles | Yes | Yes |
| Wipe Out Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Champagne Bar | No | Yes |
| Vintages | No | Yes |
Bars & Night Experiences
Symphony's Unique Spots
For me, the Bionic Bar on Symphony (for conversation with strangers) was my favorite. I had a great time watching the robot arms mix drinks, but here is something even better — Boleros human bartenders!
I remember Playmakers℠ quickly becoming my favorite place to watch sports and eat some of the best wings ever.
Allure's Special Places
I felt so underdressed; The Champagne Bar on the Allure was far to elegant for my usual biking around clothing.
Sure, their champagne flight is ultra-pricy but for a top-dollar night out it easily justifies itself. Vintages wine bar has been my go to spot for pre-dinner — the sommelier there is rock solid by the way!
Best Bar Spots on Both Ships
The bar to which I was closest on both ships is Rising Tide Bar. Crossing three decks with the drink in our hand, totally magical.
Pro Tip: Review the schedule in your Royal Caribbean app, and show up 5 minutes before to get best seats possible.
Money-Saving Tips from a Seasoned Cruiser
- Purchase your dining packages before you board — I purchased a package for specialty restaurants and saved about 30% off each cover charge.
- Consider booking drink packages if you enjoy about 5-6 drinks a day (including specialty coffees and bottled water)
- Take advantage of first-night discounts at specialty restaurants.
- For suite guests, make use of the Coastal Kitchen access – it’s a huge perk with excellent food and a more intimate atmosphere.
My Last Words for Making Your Choice (Allure of the seas vs Symphony of the Seas
If you are looking forward to the latest and greatest…and big crowds don’t bother you… Symphony of The Seas is perfect.
I enjoyed the contemporary touches and more adventurous activities. On the flip side, Allure feels more polished following her sprucing up (with a slightly more intimate atmosphere that I really appreciated).
You will have a great time on either ship, but if I were to pick? Symphony: So there’s Symphony for the wow factor of your first cruise.
If you are looking for an even more laid back sail with amazing entertainment, Allure is the ship for you. Side note—as always, bring the Royal Caribbean app downloaded before you sail. I know, Trust me, I learned this one the hard way!
Whether you choose Symphony or Allure, pack your sense of adventure and an empty stomach – you’re in for an incredible journey.