Allure of the Seas is significantly larger than Odyssey of the Seas, with 25% more gross tonnage (225,282 GT vs 167,704 GT) and 24% higher passenger capacity (5,718 vs 4,198 at double occupancy). The Oasis-class Allure uses a neighborhood design concept that effectively disperses crowds across seven distinct areas, making it feel less congested despite its larger size. Built in 2010, Allure recently underwent a $100 million renovation in 2025, adding modern water slides, new restaurants, and updated amenities. The ship offers more space per passenger and caters well to families seeking a spacious cruise experience with diverse activities.
Odyssey of the Seas is the newer vessel (2021) from the Quantum Ultra class, featuring cutting-edge technology like skydiving simulators, bumper cars, robotic bartenders, and a robotic-arm viewing pod. However, its smaller size means less space per passenger, which can create crowded conditions, particularly on sea days. Unlike Allure, Odyssey lacks water slides but compensates with innovative high-tech attractions and offers itineraries from both the East Coast US and Europe. The choice between these ships depends on whether you prioritize spaciousness and water features (Allure) or prefer newer technology and compact innovation (Odyssey).
Specialty Dining Options
Allure of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas
Complimentary Dining Options
Allure of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas
Amenities
Allure of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas
Frequenty Asked Questions
Which ship is bigger and holds more passengers?
The Allure of the Seas absolutely dwarfs the Odyssey when it comes to sheer size. We're talking about a massive 225,282 gross tonnage compared to Odyssey's 167,704 GT - that's roughly 25% larger. The length difference isn't as dramatic (about 50 feet), but Allure's width tells the real story at 215 feet versus Odyssey's 135 feet.
Passenger-wise, Allure can pack in around 5,718 people at double occupancy, while Odyssey handles about 4,198. When both ships are maxed out, you're looking at nearly 6,800 people on Allure versus 5,500 on Odyssey.
Here's what's interesting though - despite carrying more people, Allure rarely feels as crowded thanks to its neighborhood design that spreads everyone out naturally.
How do the onboard amenities and features compare?
This is where things get really fascinating because you've got two completely different philosophies at play.
Entertainment and Activities
Allure of the Seas just went through a $100 million renovation in 2025, adding some seriously fun water slides and a dry slide. The ship's Oasis-class DNA means you get that incredible variety - from the Central Park neighborhood with real plants to the Boardwalk with a carousel and hot dog stands.
Odyssey of the Seas takes the high-tech route with some pretty unique attractions you won't find on Allure:
- iFLY skydiving simulator
- Bumper cars
- SeaPlex sports complex
- That wild North Star robotic arm that lifts you 300 feet above sea level
- Robot bartenders (because why not?)
The trade-off? Odyssey doesn't have water slides, which might be a dealbreaker for families with kids who live for pool time.
Dining Options
Both ships offer plenty of specialty dining, but Allure's recent renovation added new restaurants and bars that bring it up to modern standards. Odyssey came out of the gate in 2021 with contemporary dining concepts already baked in.
Which ship feels less crowded?
This might surprise you, but Allure of the Seas typically feels less crowded despite having way more passengers. The secret sauce is Royal Caribbean's neighborhood concept - seven distinct areas that naturally distribute crowds throughout the ship.
Odyssey can feel pretty packed, especially on sea days when everyone's trying to use the same indoor spaces. Multiple travelers have mentioned that the smaller footprint combined with decent passenger loads creates some congestion issues.
What about the age and condition of each ship?
Odyssey of the Seas has the clear advantage here as a 2021 newcomer. Everything feels fresh, modern, and designed with current passenger expectations in mind.
Allure of the Seas launched back in 2010, making it 14 years old. However, that massive 2025 renovation essentially gave it a second life. Royal Caribbean didn't just slap on some fresh paint - they added major attractions and completely updated dining venues.
So while Odyssey wins on pure newness, Allure's recent makeover means you're not getting a tired, outdated experience.
Which itineraries and departure ports do they offer?
Allure of the Seas typically runs Caribbean routes and has the flexibility for worldwide deployment. Royal Caribbean moves their Oasis-class ships around based on demand.
Odyssey of the Seas splits its time between Caribbean and Bahamas cruises departing from New Jersey, plus Mediterranean sailings from Rome during summer months. The East Coast departures from New Jersey make it super convenient for Northeast passengers.
Who should choose which ship?
Choose Allure of the Seas if you:
- Want the absolute largest cruise ship experience
- Have kids who love water slides and pools
- Prefer feeling like you have room to breathe
- Don't mind sailing on a renovated older ship
- Love the variety that comes with massive scale
Choose Odyssey of the Seas if you:
- Want cutting-edge technology and attractions
- Prefer a newer ship with modern design
- Are sailing from the East Coast or want Mediterranean itineraries
- Don't need water slides
- Like the idea of more intimate (relatively speaking) cruise experience
The bottom line? Allure gives you that "floating city" experience with incredible space and variety, while Odyssey delivers a more compact but technologically advanced cruise with some truly unique attractions you won't find anywhere else in the fleet.