Anthem of the Seas vs Allure of the Seas

Which Ship is Bigger: Anthem of the Seas vs Allure of the Seas?

Allure of the Seas absolutely dwarfs Anthem of the Seas when it comes to size. We're talking about a significant difference here – Allure weighs in at approximately 167,000 gross tons while Anthem sits at around 122,000 gross tons. That makes Allure roughly 25-34% larger than its counterpart.

The physical dimensions tell the same story. Allure stretches about 14 meters longer and spreads 5 meters wider than Anthem. When you're actually walking around these ships, you really feel that difference. Allure's sheer scale can be overwhelming at first, while Anthem feels more manageable yet still impressively large.

What Are the Key Differences in Onboard Activities?

Adventure and Sports Activities

Anthem of the Seas brings some seriously cool tech-forward experiences. The SeaPlex stands out as the largest indoor sports complex you'll find on any cruise ship. Picture this: bumper cars, roller skating, flying trapeze lessons, and even a skydiving simulator called RipCord by iFly. The North Star observation capsule takes you 300 feet above sea level for breathtaking views.

Allure of the Seas takes a different approach with its activity roster. You get the famous zipline stretching across the ship, water slides, an ice skating rink, and the incredible Aqua Theater with jaw-dropping water shows. The variety feels endless, though it's more traditional cruise entertainment scaled up massively.

Pool and Water Features

Anthem keeps things focused with three main pools on Deck 14, including the H2O Zone complete with a lazy river and splash zone. It's well-designed without being chaotic.

Allure goes all-out with its pool deck area. Multiple pools, water slides, and that zipline overhead create a resort-like atmosphere that's buzzing with activity from morning until night.

How Do the Accommodations Compare?

Here's where Anthem really shows off its innovation. Those interior cabins come equipped with massive 80-inch HD screens displaying live exterior views – they call them virtual balconies. Honestly, it's pretty amazing technology that makes windowless rooms feel connected to the ocean.

The cabins on Anthem also feature practical touches like USB charging ports on both sides of the bed, better closet organization, and improved electrical outlet placement. These details matter when you're living in the space for a week.

Allure sticks with more traditional cabin designs. They're comfortable and well-appointed, but you won't find the high-tech virtual balcony concept or some of the modern conveniences that Anthem offers.

What About Dining Options and Atmosphere?

Both ships pack in around 18 dining venues, so you won't go hungry on either one. Anthem features some standout restaurants like Jamie's Italian and the molecular gastronomy experience at Wonderland. The specialty dining feels more intimate, partly because the ship itself isn't quite as massive.

Allure matches the dining variety but serves a much larger crowd. The restaurants can feel busier, though the energy is infectious if you enjoy a lively dining scene.

The Overall Vibe

This might be the most important difference. Anthem attracts families, couples, and solo travelers who appreciate the high-tech amenities and slightly more relaxed pace. You still get plenty of excitement, but it doesn't feel overwhelming.

Allure embraces the "bigger is better" philosophy completely. More people, more parties, more events happening simultaneously. If you thrive in bustling environments and want that classic mega-ship experience, Allure delivers in spades.

Which Weather Features Set Them Apart?

Anthem's fully enclosed Solarium deserves special mention. This glass-enclosed space stays heated and cooled year-round, making it perfect regardless of weather conditions. You can enjoy the pool area even during chilly sea days.

Allure's solarium is nice, but it doesn't match the sophisticated climate control that Anthem offers.

Special Experiences Worth Noting

If you sail from Cape Liberty on Anthem, you'll get an unforgettable experience passing under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The clearance is so tight it creates this dramatic moment that passengers remember long after the cruise ends.

Allure typically doesn't offer this particular sailing experience, though it makes up for it with the sheer variety of onboard entertainment options.

The Bottom Line: Which Ship Should You Choose?

Your choice really depends on what kind of cruise experience speaks to you. Allure of the Seas works beautifully for travelers who want maximum variety, don't mind crowds, and love that classic mega-ship atmosphere with traditional cruise activities scaled up dramatically.

Anthem of the Seas appeals to people who appreciate innovation, prefer slightly smaller crowds while still enjoying extensive amenities, and want those cool high-tech features like virtual balconies and cutting-edge entertainment options.

Both ships deliver incredible vacation experiences – they just do it in distinctly different ways that cater to different preferences and travel styles.