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Independence of the Seas Vs Allure of the Seas: which Royal Caribbean Giant is for you?
Introduction
I will compare the Independence of the Seas Vs Allure of the Seas in this article with detail. Actually more that the problem of paying more, the fear of missing out is worse and most of us do not want to miss anything just for a saving couple of dollars.
So, let us start the comparison of these awesome Royal Caribbean ships for their entertainment, dining and bar activities.
Please also check the following comparison of Royal Caribbean ships.
Independence of the Seas Vs Freedom of the Seas
Entertainment Extravaganza: A Tale of Two Ships
Let me tell you folks, the Independence of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas are entertainment paradise as you may feel like floating Las Vegas resorts! However, there are some minor differences that may make you go one way or the other.
Check out the comparative table of entertainment options available on Independence of the Seas Vs Allure of the Seas.
| Entertainment options on of The Cruise ships | Allure of the Seas | Independence of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Spa & Fitness Center | Yes | Yes |
| Shopping | Yes | Yes |
| Guest Entertainers | Yes | Yes |
| Live Orchestra | Yes | Yes |
| Broadway At Sea | Yes | Yes |
| Grease | Yes | Yes |
| Original Productions | Yes | Yes |
| Invitation To Dance | Yes | Yes |
| Once Upon A Time | Yes | Yes |
| Pub Performances | Yes | Yes |
| Fitness Classes | Yes | Yes |
| Flowrider | Yes | Yes |
| Whirlpools | Yes | Yes |
| Game Shows | Yes | Yes |
| Pool Parties | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor Movie Nights | Yes | Yes |
| Sports Court | Yes | Yes |
| Live Bands | Yes | Yes |
| Arcade | Yes | Yes |
| Theme Nights | Yes | Yes |
| The Perfect Storm | Yes | Yes |
| Solarium | Yes | Yes |
| Pools | Yes | Yes |
| Mini Golf | Yes | Yes |
| Art Collection | Yes | Yes |
| Wine Tasting | Yes | Yes |
| Rock Climbing Wall | Yes | Yes |
| Splashaway Bay | Yes | Yes |
| Parades | Yes | Yes |
| Ice Skating | Yes | Yes |
| Mystery Dinner Theater | Yes | Yes |
| Night Life | Yes | Yes |
| Salsa Dancing | Yes | Yes |
| Shush! Silent Party | Yes | Yes |
| Dance Classes | Yes | Yes |
| Aquanauts | Yes | Yes |
| All Access Tour | Yes | Yes |
| Scrapbooking | Yes | Yes |
| Table Tennis | Yes | Yes |
| Guest Lectures | Yes | Yes |
| Babies And Tots Programs | Yes | Yes |
| Adventure Ocean | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Artistry | Yes | Yes |
| Learn A Language | Yes | Yes |
| Club Djs | Yes | Yes |
| Voyagers | Yes | Yes |
| Piano Sing-Alongs | Yes | Yes |
| Sip, Tour, Brunch | Yes | Yes |
| Typhoon And Cyclone | Yes | Yes |
| Captain’s Welcome Aboard Reception | Yes | Yes |
| Art Auctions | Yes | Yes |
| Dancing Under The Stars | Yes | Yes |
| Laser Tag: Battle For Planet Z | Yes | Yes |
| 70s Disco Party | Yes | Yes |
| Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium | Yes | Yes |
| Pickleball | Yes | Yes |
| Mamma Mia! | Yes | No |
| Oceanaria | Yes | No |
| Ice Games | Yes | No |
| Blue Planet | Yes | No |
| Latin Fiesta | Yes | No |
| Latin Dance Classes | Yes | No |
| Archery | Yes | No |
| Cupcake Class | Yes | No |
| Sushi Making Class | Yes | No |
| Card Room | Yes | No |
| H2o Zonesm Water Park | Yes | No |
| Zip Line | Yes | No |
| Carousel | Yes | No |
| On Air Club | Yes | No |
| Jewelry Making | Yes | No |
| Teen Lounge | Yes | No |
| Adventure Science Lab | Yes | No |
| Imagination Studio | Yes | No |
| Adventure Ocean Theater | Yes | No |
| Away We Go | Yes | No |
| Explorers | Yes | No |
| Scuba Certification | Yes | No |
Excitement Shared Aboard Independence & Allure of the Seas
First off, lets discuss what they have in common.
- Both ships are brimming with iconic Royal Caribbean favorites.
- Both ships feature Broadway-caliber shows, live music, and even a ice skating rink- you read that correctly, ice skating in the Caribbean!
- Both ships have excellent kids’ programs, fitness classes and adult-only zones such as the Solarium.
Allure's Exclusive Offerings
There are certain facilities in which The Allure is ahead of the Independence.
The Allure has obligatory FlowRider surf simulator (I wiped out so spectacularly here once and I think it was captured on someone’s vacation video), rock climbing walls and mini-golf courses.
You know why I said it, The Allure was a floating city? Um, it has some wonderstruck entertainment.
Always Wanted to Fly on A Zipline on A Cruise Ship? Experience a seven-deck-high zip-line high above Allure’s Boardwalk neighborhood. Holy adrenaline!
The Allure also is home to the high-diving shows in AquaTheater. I once watched an entire show called “Oceanaria” there, and it really wonderful.
And a quick aside — if you like “Mamma Mia!” the musical, one thing to note: If you enjoyed sailing on Oasis, then the Allure is a must. It’s one of the offerings that is only available on Allure providing ABBA-tastic spectacle.
Carousel on the Boardwalk, is another Allure exclusive. Sure, it may be a little kitschy, but there is something so enchanting about taking in the sunset while riding along the ocean.
The Allure also offers a few added touches for children, including the H2O Zone water park and Adventure Science Lab.
Special Features of Independence
The Independence of the Seas isn’t exactly dragging. It has some unique selections as well:
It has a few out-of-the-ordinary ones such as the “Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z” and the” Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium.”
I tried the escape room on my last cruise, and let’s just say, I’m glad my survival didn’t actually depend on my puzzle-solving skills!
Verdict about Entertainment Options
In the end, either ship will have you busy from sun-up to beyond sundown. On the variety front the Allure may trump its sister ship, but all that means is it’s a little easier to get in line at establishments aboard Independence — sometimes less is more and you’ll have an easier time seeing everything you want on this vessel.
Dining Delights: A Feast to the Sensory
Dining is another area where both the Independence of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas impress. But of course, each one shines just a little bit brighter due to their differences. Join us as we look at the dining options in store for you on both ships.
Check out the comparative table of dining options available on Independence of the Seas Vs Allure of the Seas.
| Dining options on the Cruise ships | Allure of the Seas | Independence of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Chef's Table | Yes | Yes |
| Windjammer | Yes | Yes |
| Samba Grill | Yes | No |
| Johnny Rockets | Yes | Yes |
| Dog House | Yes | No |
| Sabor | Yes | No |
| Chops Grille | Yes | Yes |
| Solarium Bistro Restaurant | Yes | No |
| Room Service | Yes | Yes |
| Café Promenade | Yes | Yes |
| Starbucks | Yes | No |
| Giovanni's Table | Yes | Yes |
| Sorrento's Pizza | Yes | Yes |
| Coastal Kitchen | Yes | No |
| Park Café | Yes | No |
| Vitality Café | Yes | No |
| 150 Central Park | Yes | No |
| Wipe Out Café Featuring El Loco Fresh | Yes | No |
| Main Dining Room | Yes | Yes |
| Izumi Hibachi & Sushi | Yes | Yes |
| Fish & Ships | No | Yes |
| Sugar Beach | No | Yes |
Classic Dining Options
The Main Dining Room is available on both ships, offering guests a traditional multi-course experience in an elegant environment. Such a great choice for those folks who enjoy the old school sit and eat in style!
Also, the Windjammer Marketplace — a buffet filled with many options — is a favorite stand by. Comes in handy if you like variety or want to eat something quick and casual.
Or, if you would rather dine in the privacy of your stateroom, help yourself to complimentary room service on both ships and never have to leave your cabin for breakfast in bed or a midnight snack.
Onboard Exclusive Restaurants on The Allure of the Seas
The Allure of the Seas provide several dining options that set it apart from its sister ship. 150 Central Park – a Farm to Table restaurant is a romantic, excellent space for a night out.
Those favoring the more refreshing flavors of Mexico over the savory might prefer Sabor Modern Mexican, featuring fresh and flavorful ingredients. Dog House and Park Café are featured in the Allure of the Seas for quick bites.
Allure suite guests have the option of Coastal Kitchen, offering a Mediterranean-California combo cuisine. And coffee lovers will love the fact that there is a Starbucks on board.
Exclusive Restaurants on Independence of the Seas
While Allure offers more dining outlets overall, Independence of the Seas has a couple of unique venues too.
Fish & Ships is a British-style spot for crunchy fish and chips —and Sugar Beach is an old-fashioned sweet shop with ice cream and loads more sugar.
The Chef’s Table Experience
Exclusive multi-course meal allowing guests to learn and interact with a ship’s executive chef; wine pairings for each course are included in the fare on both ships. This is a must thing to do for foodies as it will provide you with more intimate fine dining.
All things considered; the Allure of the Seas does boast more dining venues because it is a larger ship but both ships offer perfectly fine dining experiences that cater to a variety of tastes.
Verdict about Dining Options
All things considered; the Allure of the Seas does boast more dining venues because it is a larger ship but both ships offer perfectly fine dining experiences that cater to a variety of tastes.
Bars & Lounges: Drink and Socialize
The Independence of the Seas and Allure of the Seas also have some great places to grab a drink and relax. And if you’re in the mood for cocktails, beer or wine, there are venues for them as well on the ships.
Check out the comparative table of Bars/Lounges options available on Independence of the Seas Vs Allure of the Seas.
| Bar & Lounge options on ships | Allure of the Seas | Independence of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Schooner Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Boleros | Yes | Yes |
| Solarium Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Suite Lounge | Yes | Yes |
| English Pub | Yes | Yes |
| Pool Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Playmakers Bar & Arcade | No | Yes |
| Viking Crown Lounge | No | Yes |
| Champagne Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Trellis Bar | Yes | No |
| Rising Tide Bar | Yes | No |
| Vintages | Yes | No |
| Wipe Out Bar | Yes | No |
| Dazzles Bar | Yes | No |
Shared Favorites
Each ship offers some Royal Caribbean standbys. You can have lots of fun sing-alongs at the piano in the Schooner Bar or smoldering salsa dances in Boleros which features Latin music.
The cozy English Pub is very popular for the laid-back atmosphere. On both ships you will find Pool bars, one of the things that scream vacation is an umbrella drink by the water.
Suite guests can enjoy the exclusive Suite Lounge on both ships as well.
Allure of the Seas: Unique Bars
The Allure has some very unique Bars. A great engineering feat is the Rising Tide Bar that moves between decks while you enjoy your cocktail.
Vintages is a chic venue which has one of the largest wine varieties on water aimed at wine lovers.
Dazzles provides entertainment on multiple levels, and the Trellis Bar in Central Park is a tranquil area to enjoy a drink while being surrounded by over 12,000 live plants.
Special Bars on Independence of the Seas
Viking Crown Lounge (on the Independence) with 360-degree views, is a great location to take in sunset with a cocktail. For sports fans, head to Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade to watch the big game or challenge your friends at a competing team.
Whether you are on Independence or Allure, there is no way you will go short in best places to raise a toast to a great holiday!
Size Matters: Allure of the Seas vs. Independence of the Seas
In the case of Cruise Ships, size certainly does matter! When I first saw Independence of the Seas and Allure of the Seas together — it was like a high school athlete to Shaquille O’Neal!
Independence of the Seas: Mid-Size Comfort
One of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom class, the Independence of the Seas is not small. She can carry 4,560 guests at double occupancy with a crew of 1,360 and is over 1,112 feet long (337.9 m) and has a width of just over 185 feet (56.5 m).
It is not so large that it feels difficult to navigate, though. A smaller footprint lends itself to easily getting around, and you may find friendly faces again and again on your journey. So, yes there would be some loss of amenities but things could become more intimate for you.
Smaller size also enables the Independence to dock at more Caribbean ports of call, making it easier for passengers to explore off ship.
Allure of the Seas: City you can sail
Boarding one of the biggest ships in the world, like the Oasis class Allure of the Seas is an entirely different matter.
The gigantic ship is so massive it boasts 1,187 feet in length, is 215ft wide and can carry a maximum of 6,780 passengers with 2,200 crew members.
It’s like a floating city. This bigger size does mean more restaurants, entertainment options and things to do on board, so it can be easy to get overwhelmed at first.
I was still getting lost after being on board for a week. That being said, more space equals more walking, at one point my step count reached over 20,000 steps in a day! So, pack your comfy shoes.
Managing Crowds and Space
Managing the crowds is something at which both ships are good. The 15 decks of the Independence keep people spread out well, and we were never cramped.
The Allure goes a step further, with seven different “neighborhoods” across its 18 decks. The grand walks add a vital balance, and on sea days they help spread the passengers so you rarely feel as if trapped inside a sardine tin.
Port Access: A Size Consideration
An important thing to consider is port access. The Independence is smaller than Allure, which enabled us to dock in more ports, such as here in St. Maarten where we pulled right into the action downtown.
Famed for being able to fit under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Allure had no problem offering quick access as we docked right in Darling Harbour, while one of our stops was Grand Cayman where the Allure had to anchor off shore and tender passengers in.
It’s a minor flaw, but if you are into going in and out of ports then it is worth consideration.
Stateroom Choices: Independence of the Seas vs Allure of the Seas
When it comes to staterooms, both Independence of the Seas and Allure of the Seas have great options. Here’s what you can expect:
Accommodations for Independence of the Seas
Independence of the Seas offers usual inside, ocean view and balcony staterooms. The Virtual Balcony in some of the inside rooms is a fun feature, a floor-to-ceiling high-definition screen displays shows exterior views, enhancing the experience of even an interior room.
Allure of the Seas Staterooms
Allure of the Seas has fancy interior room with a view looking over the ship’s Central Park or Boardwalk neighborhoods. These make you feel like you’re in a park or by cafes even though you’re on a ship.
There are fancier options for you on the Allure, like the two-deck-tall Ultimate Family Suite that has a slide!
Family-Friendly Choices
Both ships are family-friendly but the Allure takes it a step further with larger ocean-view cabins that can hold up to six people and sometimes include an extra bathroom.
Options for Couples and Solo Travelers
For couples, a balcony stateroom on either ship is perfect. The Allure Features Studio interior staterooms that are the perfect accommodations for solo travelers.
In Summary: Independence of the Seas Vs Allure of the Seas
Even if you choose any of the two ships, do keep in mind that it’s gonna be a blast.
- The Allure has more dining and entertainment options, but the Independence means you’re always quick walk away from a drink or your next adventure.
- Depending on variety of experiences you want, the Allure may be a safer bet.
- If you like a little more of an intimate experience with still a lot to do, The Independence could be the ship for you.
- Staterooms on both ships are fabulous, but Allure is newer and comes equipped with newer bells and whistles. But anyway your stateroom is where you rest your head at night after a long day of fun!
In the end, both ships deliver an amazing cruise experience. It’s completely your preference which flavor of awesome you prefer!