Allure of the Seas significantly outpaces Ovation of the Seas in size and capacity, featuring 34% more gross tonnage (225,000 GT vs 168,666 GT) and 31% higher passenger capacity at double occupancy (5,400+ vs 4,180). The 2010 Oasis Class vessel spans 1,187 feet with 25 dining venues and recently completed a $100M renovation in 2025, adding new slides, restaurants, and upgraded spaces. Despite its larger passenger count, Allure offers more space per passenger through its neighborhood-concept layout, creating a less crowded experience with top-tier entertainment including AquaTheater shows and Broadway-level productions. The ship primarily sails Caribbean and European itineraries with diverse onboard activities suited for travelers seeking maximum variety and spaciousness.
Ovation of the Seas, launched in 2016 as a Quantum Class ship, offers a more compact and modern cruising experience at 1,138 feet with 21 dining venues and advanced technology features. This newer vessel focuses on exotic destinations including Asia, Australia, Alaska, and Baja California, providing niche discovery-driven itineraries with acclaimed dining spots like Wonderland and Vintages Wine Bar. While smaller in scale, Ovation appeals to cruisers preferring contemporary amenities, Asian-themed adventures, and unique destination experiences over sheer size and capacity. The choice ultimately depends on whether travelers prioritize maximum space and entertainment variety (Allure) or modern features with exotic itineraries (Ovation).
Specialty Dining Options
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Complimentary Dining Options
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Amenities
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Frequenty Asked Questions
Allure of the Seas vs Ovation of the Seas
When you're choosing between these two Royal Caribbean ships, you're basically deciding between a massive floating resort and a more intimate modern cruiser. Both have their charm, but they deliver completely different experiences.
Ship Size and Layout
Allure of the Seas absolutely dwarfs Ovation of the Seas. We're talking about 34% more gross tonnage and room for about 1,200 more passengers at double occupancy. Allure stretches nearly 1,200 feet long and 215 feet wide, while Ovation comes in at about 1,138 feet long but significantly narrower.
Here's what's interesting though - despite being bigger, Allure often feels less crowded. The ship uses a brilliant "neighborhood" concept that breaks everything into themed areas. You've got Central Park, the Boardwalk, and other districts that naturally spread people out. Ovation's more compact design can sometimes feel tighter when fully loaded.
Dining Options
Food lovers will find more variety on Allure with 25 dining venues compared to Ovation's 21. After Allure's massive $100 million renovation in 2025, the dining scene got even better with several new restaurants added to the mix.
Allure offers 13 included dining options and 12 specialty restaurants you'll pay extra for. Ovation keeps it simpler with 12 included venues and 9 specialty spots. The newer ship does shine with some standout restaurants like Wonderland and Vintages Wine Bar, plus it caters more to Asian tastes given its typical itineraries.
Entertainment and Activities
Both ships bring the wow factor, but in different ways. Allure's entertainment lineup reads like a theme park directory - Broadway-style productions, AquaTheater shows with high divers, and the iconic zip line. The 2025 renovation added water slides and dry slides, making it even more activity-packed.
Ovation takes a more modern tech approach. You'll find cutting-edge simulators and sleeker entertainment venues, though fewer of them overall. The ship feels more sophisticated but less carnival-like than Allure.
Ship Age and Condition
This creates an interesting dynamic. Ovation launched in 2016, making it six years newer than Allure's 2010 debut. However, Allure just completed a major renovation that basically gave it a fresh start. You're choosing between newer original design versus older ship with brand-new features.
Destinations and Itineraries
Your destination preferences might make this decision for you. Ovation specializes in Asia, Australia, Alaska, and Mexico's Baja California. If you want to explore less common cruise destinations, Ovation's your ship.
Allure sticks to the popular routes - Caribbean and European waters mostly. These itineraries work well with the ship's mega-resort vibe and larger passenger capacity.
Space Per Passenger
Despite carrying more people, Allure provides better space ratios. You get more room to breathe, quite literally. The neighborhood layout helps too - when everyone's not cramming into the same central areas, the ship feels more manageable.
Ovation's smaller size means less absolute space, but also fewer people competing for it. Some travelers prefer this more intimate feeling, especially on sea days.
Which Ship Should You Choose?
Pick Allure of the Seas if you want:
- Maximum variety in dining and activities
- Spacious feel despite high passenger numbers
- Blockbuster entertainment and Broadway shows
- Traditional Caribbean or European itineraries
- That "floating city" experience
Choose Ovation of the Seas if you prefer:
- More modern ship design and technology
- Unique destinations in Asia or Alaska
- Smaller crowd atmosphere
- Contemporary dining focused on international cuisines
- Compact layout that's easier to navigate
Both ships deliver excellent Royal Caribbean experiences - just different flavors of excellence. Your choice really comes down to whether you want the spectacle of the world's largest cruise ships or the refined experience of a smaller, newer vessel exploring more exotic destinations.