Allure of the Seas vs Enchantment of the Seas

Allure of the Seas vs Enchantment of the Seas: Which Royal Caribbean Ship is Right for You?

Choosing between these two Royal Caribbean ships feels a bit like deciding between a sprawling Las Vegas resort and a cozy boutique hotel. Both have their charm, but they deliver completely different experiences on the water.

How Do These Ships Compare in Size and Capacity?

The size difference between these two vessels is honestly staggering. Allure of the Seas towers over Enchantment of the Seas – we're talking about a ship that's 172% larger. That's not just a little bigger; that's massive.

Allure stretches 1,187 feet long and 215 feet wide, weighing in at over 225,000 gross tons. She can carry 6,780 passengers when full, plus about 2,350 crew members. Walking from one end to the other feels like a genuine workout.

Enchantment, meanwhile, comes in at 90,090 gross tons and holds around 2,730 guests. She's built for a more intimate experience where you might actually recognize faces by the end of your cruise. The hallways don't stretch on forever, and finding your way back to your cabin doesn't require GPS skills.

What's the Age and Renovation Story?

Here's where things get interesting. Enchantment launched back in 1997 – she's got some history under her belt. But don't let that fool you into thinking she's outdated. Royal Caribbean gave her a solid refresh in 2021, updating key areas while keeping that classic cruise ship character many people love.

Allure is the newer kid, built in 2010. She just wrapped up a whopping $100 million renovation in 2025, adding fresh amenities and modern touches throughout. You can smell the newness when you step aboard.

Which Ship Offers Better Dining and Entertainment?

This comparison really depends on what you're after. Allure's sheer size means more restaurants, more bars, and more entertainment venues. After her recent renovation, she's packed with dining options that range from casual grab-and-go spots to specialty restaurants that require reservations.

The entertainment on Allure runs the gamut – water slides, multiple pools, Broadway-style shows, and attractions you'd expect on a floating city. There's always something happening somewhere on the ship.

Enchantment takes a different approach. She offers the Royal Caribbean classics: rock climbing wall, Broadway-style shows, and that salsa dance lounge that gets surprisingly lively after dinner. The bungee trampolines are a hit with kids, and adults appreciate the Solarium – that adults-only retreat with the retractable roof.

How Do the Pool Areas Compare?

The pool deck experience tells the whole story of these ships' personalities. Enchantment's pool deck feels spacious and relaxed, even when the ship is full. Two major bars serve the area, and there's something peaceful about lounging here. You can actually find a quiet spot to read or take a nap.

Allure's pool area is bigger, sure, but it's also busier. More people, more activities, more energy. Some folks love the resort-style buzz, while others find it overwhelming. The good news? With all that space, you can usually find your preferred vibe somewhere on the ship.

What About the Cruise Experience and Atmosphere?

Enchantment delivers what many consider the "classic" cruise experience. The ship feels manageable – you can explore the whole vessel in a day or two. Passengers tend to be more budget-conscious families and couples who want solid value without breaking the bank.

The atmosphere leans relaxed. People aren't rushing from activity to activity because there aren't quite as many choices. This creates a more laid-back vacation pace that some travelers absolutely crave.

Allure operates more like a floating resort. The variety can be incredible – one day you're zip-lining, the next you're trying a new restaurant. But some passengers report feeling a bit lost in the crowd or overwhelmed by choices.

How Do Prices Compare Between These Ships?

Money talks, and these ships speak different languages. Enchantment typically runs significantly cheaper. We're looking at examples like $997.60 per person for a 5-night cruise – that's solid value for a Royal Caribbean experience.

Allure commands premium pricing, especially after her recent renovation. Spring break weeks in 2026 are running around $2,247.80 per person for seven nights. You're paying for that newer ship experience and all those extra amenities.

Which Ship Should You Choose?

Your choice really comes down to what kind of vacation makes you happy.

Pick Enchantment if you want a relaxed cruise experience without sticker shock. She's perfect for families on a budget, couples seeking a more intimate ship experience, or anyone who prefers smaller crowds and classic cruise ship vibes. The 5-night itineraries work great for testing the waters if you're new to cruising.

Choose Allure if you want the full mega-ship experience with every bell and whistle. She's worth the extra cost if you love having endless dining options, multiple entertainment venues, and that floating city atmosphere. Longer itineraries give you time to actually explore everything she offers.

Both ships deliver the Royal Caribbean experience, just at different scales and price points. Enchantment proves that bigger isn't always better, while Allure shows why some travelers gladly pay premium prices for premium experiences.